Monday, April 10, 2017

Vino el Amor, Lunes 4/10/17 Chapters 116 & 117


Chapter 116: Sometimes Love is Not Enough, Part II

Back to where we left off, David is pleased with Luciana's reading of the Romance ad copy. He embraces her and she in return. Her expression is bittersweet while his is more like regret and possible sadness at a decision contrary to his own best interests.

Gracie and her egg donor are in the main house kitchen having a disagreement about what Gracie's life will be like going forward. Gracie is wanting to have more alone time with David while Lillian thinks that taking care of his children will score more points. This is so not what Gracie want because she was looking forward to proving to him that she is The Ultimate Woman and The Ultimate Bedmate. Lillian pointed out that this did not work the last time she tried it. They seemed to settle on first ousting Marta and any influence she ever had over David's [soon-to-be-shipped-off] children.

David said that his vineyard could not be in better hands than Luciana's and he was sure they would win. Both looked sad despite this pronouncement.

Juan paid off someone who seems to be in charge of the workers in his olive grove. They also talked about rose bushes [which must be some creepy tribute to Lisa].

David told Luciana and Susan that he had spoken with Gutiérrez about Juan and got bad news. Both are surprised and annoyed that while false-friend Juan had the motive to ruin the wine he comes up as apparently innocent. There is no material proof. Susan was outraged that Juan could get away with this. David said that the least that should come out of this is to make Juan pay for the ruined wine. No progress made in this discussion because Gracie swanned into the room without knocking on the closed door, asking if she could do anything for David. Without looking at her he told her he was working. She sat on the desk in front of him and made comments about he's been working sooooooooooooo hard would he like to eat lunch en famille. She then deliberately took his head in her hands to kiss him in front of Luciana and Susan. Luciana then excused herself to get back to work and Susan followed her out the door. Gracie smiled to herself in nasty satisfaction as she heard the door close and turned back to look at David, who looked decidedly uncomfortable.

Perla asked about the man Juan talked to before. He told her that the man was the new gardener and he had been giving him instructions. He asked her about Carito. He had to find out everything that was happening there because he was planning to hit David with a nasty surprise. Perla looked worried.

At lunch (or was it dinner?) when David asked Bobby how school was he told him that the kids' parents were being asked to come in to talk about their work. He had told the class that his dad made wine and he was to come in the next morning. Which, por supuesto, is the morning of the competition that David needed to appear for. David told him he could not come for that. Lillian said “This does not have to be a tragedy,” and suggested to Gracie that she go instead and talk about her art career. Gracie was less than pleased with this but recovered quickly enough to ask Bobby whether he would like that. Bobby was fine with it, especially since she had famous acquaintances to mention. She said “I'd love to but I need to accompany your Papa to his wine competition,” putting her hand on David's as though she had already married him. David extricated his hand and told her “Really, if you go with Bobby tomorrow you have no idea how helpful you'd be to me.”
Gracie recovered just enough to suggest that she bring a video of Christiano to impress Bobby's school friends, which pleased the boy. He got up and hugged her. She looked helplessly at Lillian who tipped her glass toward her and gave her an “I told you so” look.

Adolfo asked Ericka whether she was ready for the competition and she said she was. However, she although she did not say so she was less confident about Miguel, who had gone out without saying anything to her. Adolfo tried to reassure her, but she could not get over Miguel's apparent reluctance to look at apartments. She changed the subject and suggested they look over the artwork.

David asked Gracie if she was alright with going to school with David and she pretended to be. Lillian went on about how great a help this was to the family and how great it was for the children to meet the parents of their friends, yadda yadda yadda. David told Bobby he'd love to go but the competition was very important. [Why the hell isn't he explaining why this is important? Bobby should be old enough to get it.] Gracie continued to butter up her nephew for the sacrifice later and when he hugged her again her bored distaste was visible only to Lillian, the only person who saw her facial expression.

Ericka was annoyed that she had been unable to reach Miguel, who had not been answering his cell all day. Adolfo tried to get her to calm down. Miguel returned and Adolfo left them alone in the study. Ericka came on like a nagging wife, demanding to know where Miguel had been. She asked whether he wanted to live with her. He told her “Yes, but not like this.” and continued by saying that he wanted to give her everything she deserved. Then he took out a little square jeweler's box and opened it as he knelt in front of her and proposed. For a second she looked as though she had no clue how to react, then she seemed to cry. [Adolfo should call Dr Ramos if Ericka refuses.]

Luciana and Susan were behind a closed door when Luciana vented about how she couldn't tolerate Gracie. Susan tried to get her to calm down, saying that anger was a losing proposition. She was sure that David still loved Luciana but had to hide it in front of Graciela and that this was hurting him [which means she might have a better sense of vibes than we do, fellow flies on the wall]. She told Luciana – in contrast to previous comments that reflected her own angst – that she had to fight for David's love. “You can't let Graciela win!”
Luciana looked doubtful.

No need for a shrink at the Ballesteros house; Ericka accepted. Miguel put the ring on her finger and they kissed.

Susan became more adamant that Luciana should not give up. Luciana said that no matter how she felt about David he would always put his children first. Susan told her that should not stop her. Luciana finally said that if they can win the competition together they should be able to win anything together [including the hearts of his children before Gracie turned them into spoiled brats]. She also speculated that they would have to spend even more time together after a win because of client meetings, tours, etc. It looks like Susan decided to coach her into the confidence she needed for this so that all would go swimmingly the next day [like FerBrat's exam finally did]. They shook hands.

Miguel declared that she will be the most beautiful wife ever. Adolfo returned, the perfect picture of a happy father who approved his daughter's choice of husband. He said he was sure they would have a happy life together. Erika hugged both men, saying she had the two best men at her side. [Does anyone else have a terrible sense of foreboding?]

Gutiérrez stopped over the main house that evening to ask Marta to join him for coffee on Sunday so they could talk. She told him he should meet with Lillian instead; “Ramón and I are in a relationship,” she added.” An awkward moment.

Awkward but for different reasons was León's assignation with Sonia in the distillery. They couldn't get started because of the workers walking through so she told León that she had been thinking all morning about how to end her novel and then realized the answer. She wasn't about to tell him at the moment, but he seemed hot to trot. He kissed her and was mock-reproached by a worker who said “Until tomorrow, little León!”
León told everyone to go home and sleep, then noticed that Luciana and Susan were in the office. He and Sonia then left so as not to be caught by them.

Gutiérrez couldn't believe it, but Marta told him it was true. Further, she told him not to mess with Ramon again. “You lost me when you broke up my family,” she told him. She told him to stay with Lillian and good luck. He told her that she should come to him if Ramon ever hurt her. She left him alone in the patio. [Brian, what the hell are you waiting for? Why haven't you told her that Lillian coerced you into deporting Marcos and Luciana? This is beyond overdue.]

Luciana practiced her speech in front of Susan, Sonia, and León one last time. All applauded. Sonia said that it sounded like Luciana was talking about something much more important than wine; she was speaking of the heart. Luciana agreed, saying that the wine was a love story.

The next morning Miguel and Erika dressed for the competition, he in a white shirt and a dark grey suit and she in a dark pink dress with sheer sleeves with appliques on them. He was pleased at her attire and both confident in their chances at winning and thereby fulfilling their dreams. Adolfo came in to get them and they were on their way.

Luciana waited on the patio in a black dress with a mermaid-flared skirt and her hair elegantly upswept into a near-cascade. David came out, dressed in a manner similar to Miguel, and told her she looked beautiful. She thanked him and said she was a little nervous. He was sure they would win. Of course we all predicted that Gracie would arrive right on cue to spoil this moment when she came out to wish David luck. He took a step back as he thanked her and she went on about taking Bobby to school and yadda-yadda-yadda as Luciana rolled her eyes behind Gracie's back. Gracie went on about appreciating the responsibility for handling this “so that the children can meet their friends' parents and their companions.”
David thanked her without emotion, keeping his hands firmly at his sides. Gracie then touched David's shirt where it opened and looked back at Luciana for a reaction. Luciana didn't take the bait as Gracie went back inside the house. David said “Let's go” and she went toward the car without a word.

Marta started making a sandwich for Lillian at the usual hour she demanded them, but Lillian told her not to this time. She was to clean all the crystal and clean out all the closets. She was assigning tasks Sonia normally performed. Marta asked why and got no answer other than Lillian's insistence that Marta not waste time. Marta left the kitchen without a word and Lillian picked up a knife to continue making the sandwich, but seemed not to know how.

Tano and León talked in the kitchen at the employees' quarters. Both were hoping for a win at the wine competition and opportunities to make more money. León was eager to open a taco stand or restaurant making tacos like the ones Luciana introduced his palate to in Mexico.

David, Luciana, and Susan (better dressed than the last time) arrived at the competition. Luciana felt better that David was there and he was very confident in her capabilities. Susan checked on something and came back to tell them that they will be the last to present. David barely had a moment to take this in when Adolfo arrived with Erika and Miguel. David shook hands with Adolfo and after a little obligatory bragging Adolfo went inside. David and Luciana clasped hands and looked at each other. No ambiguity in David's expression; he was happy.

Sonia saw Marta with an armful of what looked like tablecloths and dinner napkins that she had been ordered to wash and iron. They talked about Lillian's latest demands. Sonia felt that Marta was overburdened and said she would help her. She was sincere to the mother of her lion cub.

Erika presented at the podium and the judges sampled La Frontera. They were poker-faced through the presentation and the tasting. Then Luciana came to the podium as Susan put the bottle on the table. Luciana talked about how wine was not merely a product but the result of all the emotions of its makers. Its red-fruit notes and its ability to awaken the palate and leave a beautiful aftertaste were key points being made as the judges tasted the wine. Erika began looking a little insecure as she noticed Miguel's rapt attention to Luciana's words. David was pleased with her presentation.

Carito was heating some food and was looking depressed. León noticed this change and expressed his concern. She hesitated at first but finally asked whether he ever felt the weight of something he couldn't unburden himself of.

Luciana finished her presentation and was applauded. The judges continued to sample the wine. David said encouraging words. When the applause finished a female judge rose to declare the competition completed and to request some time for the judges to deliberate because it was a very close competition this time. They left the room. Erika commented to her father and her novio that Luciana's speech was very good, much better than last time. Adolfo was happy to have been in the competition, win or lose. He emphasized that the most important thing would be her happiness. [Everyone should have a father like him.]

León said not really and Carito told him that this was because he was “good.” He did talk about bottled-up feelings he didn't reveal and this was similar enough that Carito asked him what he does about it. He told her it was to confront it. Talk about it with someone who would understand.
That is the problem. Nobody understands me.” [Get over yourself, little girl; you are not that special.]

The judging was over. The younger female judge took the podium, thanked the owner of the restaurant for hosting the event, and thanked all the competitors. Fronteras was declared the gold medal winner. Adolfo stepped up to receive it. Erika and Miguel were ecstatic.
Luciana started to cry. She apologized to David. He told her that judgments on wine were very subjective. This did not make her feel any better. Susan said she would get the car and left them alone. Luciana said she thought that winning this would help them recover what they lost in their relationship but now felt all was lost. Their wine is very good but it wasn't enough. Their love wasn't enough to defeat the other forces in their lives.
He told her not to say those things but that did not stop her. She did not want to fight anymore. David said that next year would be another chance to win, but Luciana was finished.

Marta went back to the employees' quarters and told León what was going on. León told her not to get upset and he would make something good for her to eat. He is hoping to have a food truck someday. She was grateful but asked him to massage her feet instead. Like a good son, he complied.

Miguel and Erika were over the moon. Adolfo told her that he was proud of her and this was one of the best moments in his life. She was glad he believed in her.
Susan collected the glasses from the table, telling Luciana she would take care of things. David saw that Luciana was sad and said he didn't like to see her that way. Luciana told David not to say anything. She saw this as her last chance to rescue their love.


Chapter 117: Insecurity

David said, “Very well, as you wish. I'll see this as a great day to share a great job we did together.” Erika and Miguel came over to shake hands and pay compliments. Erika said they would like to make a Grand Reserve like David's. David congratulated them graciously. Luciana was equally gracious to them, then suggested they leave. She and David left.

Bobby was happy with Gracie's performance at the school event. When David arrived he talked about how impressed the other kids were about her famous friends, etc. Especially because she didn't have a boring 9-5 office job like most of the other kids' parents. Gracie grinned with a satisfaction that she had scored yet more points with the smart but naïve boy and with perfect false modesty said that she was “just different.”. She was thrilled to pieces when he said that if he didn't become a famous fútbol star he wanted to be a painter, like her. David looked a little grim as Gracie hugged Bobby.

In the employees' kitchen everyone waited, checking their watches. When Luciana and Susan arrived they didn't need to ask what happened; Luciana told them they had lost. She felt like a fraud. They tried to reassure her, each in their way, but she was too upset.

David said that he was pleased something good had happened that day. Gracie asked what happened [as if she couldn't figure it out] he told her they had lost. Bobby reminded him that he had always told them that competing was the thing, not the win. Gracie tried to embrace David who did not look or behave in a manner that welcomed it. She backed off, still grinning. She knew that at first opportunity she would not hesitate to needle Luciana about this. She was one more step – and a big one – closer to running her off.
David thanked Bobby. He promised to play with him all afternoon. He told Gracie that the dinner she had planned would have to wait to another day.

The employees had bought a cake to celebrate a win. Marta suggested they have it anyway.

Adolfo, Erika, and Miguel celebrated in the study.

Luciana should have installed a security camera in the distillery office because – as predicted above – Gracie showed up later to gloat at her loss. Luciana told her to leave her alone for her own good. For all the bleached hair, blood-red lipstick, and silicone Gracie showed herself to be of the Mean Girl mentality that Fernanda was too old for when she told her that she had outlived her usefulness to David and she would be very happy to see her thrown out into the street.

David and Bobby were watching a movie when Ramon, León, and Tano stopped in to express their condolences at the loss. David said that one needs to accept defeat once in a while, but everyone had done a good job and there was always next year. He said he would address everyone the next day. He was spending the rest of the say with his children. He said he particularly liked how Luciana gave everyone credit for their hard work. Ramon, León, and Tano left and Bobby hugged his dad.

That is not going to happen,” Luciana said.
Well, you'll either do it yourself or with a little help,” said Gracie.
Graciela, you just don't get it. David will not terminate me. “Besides, he and I share something you will never understand.”
Don't tell me, Luciana: 'The love of the land.'”
Exactly.”
Well, you're right. But he and I share something much more profound. The love for his children.”
I see. Well, I don't want any more problems with you, but if you persist in provoking me it won't go well for you.”
Ay, Luciana,” she said with mock pity. “I understand your frustration but you had better think of your future.”
Listen well. Whatever happens, David is not going to fire me.”
Yes, I can't convince him to, but when he sells the land, I will go with him and his children.”
What? Are you crazy?”
It will be for the best, Luciana. David was defeated by those lands.”
I will convince him not to sell. This is his place. These are his lands and his passion.”
Gracie laughed.
Are you sure? We'll see about this.”
She sashayed out of the office.

León and Tano visited Miguel to congratulate him. Miguel told them that their wine was great and that Santa Barbara's win was because of Erika. He also announced their engagement and they man-hugged in celebration.

Bobby was playing on the porch and was happy when Luciana came to see him. He told her he was sorry about the competition; his dad had told him about it. She asked about his school event and he told her it went well. She sat down on the floor to play with him and his toy cars.

León and Tano congratulated Miguel, who then talked about what a great woman Erika was and how he felt complete with her. They mock-insisted on being in the wedding party.

César came to see David and they talked on the porch. The loss of the competition made David think that perhaps Luciana was right in thinking that they were not meant to be together.

Gracie was doing her claws nails and crowing her victory to Lillian. She tried to convince Lillian to get more involved with Bobby. Lillian was somewhat incredulous. She could not stand the idea or Bobby himself; it was hard to know. She had no idea what to do.

César tried to convince David that he and Luciana could be spending more time together but David was seeing the competition as a date that had gone bad. He had been looking forward to traveling with Luciana afterward. César told him he still could. The medallion didn't matter to David, even winning the contract with the San Francisco restaurant wasn't enough.

León visited Luciana in the office and asked how she was. She said she was well. He then told her about Miguel and Erika.

César tried to convince David not to give up. David said that everyone was telling him that his life would be hell with Luciana and when he broke up with her the kids did well and were happy. César told him that one had nothing to do with the other, that his kids were happy because he was spending more time with them. David said that Gracie was helping.
What about Gracie?” César asked.
We started to date.”
Seriously?”
Yes. I decided to begin dating her; I hope I'm not making a mistake. César, I have to be with Graciela for my children's good. Although I don't love her I will do it. The best thing I can do is free Luciana and be with Graciela.”
Are you sure?”
Graciela is important to my family. When she is with my children, things are different. Bobby is happy and Fernanda is getting better.”
David, I think you're confused.”
I just want a stable family for my children. Graciela loves them. I want to recover the family I lost when Lisa died.”
I mostly agree with you, but what you feel for her is gratitude, not love.”
Perhaps I don't love her but neither am I indifferent. Of course I won't come to feel love for her as I do Luciana, nor could I feel for her what I felt for Lisa.”
I think you need to give yourself time, David. You're confused. I agree that no woman is like any other, but it's evident that you are in love with Luciana.”
Of course. I love Luciana and I always will. But I have to accept that I can't be with her.”
Calm down. Ask yourself this question: Could you deal with a future for five years – or the rest of your life – with Graciela at your side?” He watched David's face and saw that he did not look happy. “Therefore, relax. Think this over. Think this through very well.”
You're right, César.”
Very well. Enjoy your stable family and think about what you want because your children have the right to be happy, but you do, too.”
César's phone rang. There was an emergency at the hospital so he took his leave.

León explained that he hadn't expected this and couldn't be sure of her reaction. She told him she always appreciated her friendship with Miguel and didn't want to lose it over lovers' quarrels. León wondered whether he should have told her but she said she was happy for Miguel because Erika was a great woman. She said it was good for Miguel to find love rather than wait for what could not be. She thanked him for telling her and he said that everything would work out for her soon. She was not so sure.

Lillian went into the TV room where Bobby was enjoying his video game. She was out of her depth with those and asked if he'd rather watch a movie. [Sure, Lillian; you won't have to talk to him during a movie.] He said he couldn't pause the game, so maybe later. She asked him what the game was about and he described an alien space war. She said it sounded violent and did his father approve? Bobby answered that he played the game with his father and he was good at it. He suggested that she look for Fernanda and she lost her patience with him. She said that since he didn't show her any affection she wouldn't bother him. She then opened her book and ignored him.

Erika wanted to travel but she was not allowed to at the moment because of her health. She tried to deny this to Adolfo and Miguel but they insisted she had to take care of herself. She also had a lot to celebrate. Miguel told her he wanted to make her the happiest woman in the world.

Susan heard about this at the office and talked to Luciana about it. Luciana said that it was weird because although she was happy for Miguel this was going to change things and she would have to get used to it.
David came in with some dead roses and told the ladies that there was a plague in the vineyard. Susan looked at the roses and said they were completely dried out. David was sure it was phylloxera. Luciana could not believe this, as this was the worst thing that could happen. David knew that and said that if they didn't act quickly they would lose the entire vineyard.

Bobby apologized to Lillian; he didn't want her to be sad. She closed her book and said that what hurt her the most was that he preferred Marta to her. She asked why.
She takes care of me, listens to me, and worries about me.”
I worry about you. I try to comfort you but I don't know how.”
He started listing the things that Marta did for him.
Well, I do, too,” said Lillian. “I try to talk to you but you don't talk to me about anything.”
You're always busy, annoyed, or scolding someone.” [Touché, Bobby!]
That's not true!” she almost yelled.
That's why I'm afraid to talk to you about my stuff. And don't talk that way to me about Marta.”
I only want to help your father keep this house in order.”
I don't like the way you always want things,” he said, followed by how she always ordered things to be done for her or brought to her.
She said he was right and she would try to be less annoyed with the help. She wanted to get on better with him. He handed her the other remote for the video game and she tried to play it with him.

Susan confirmed David's suspicion. They couldn't understand how this had happened, but knew they had to take action. They all left the office.

The perpetrator of this was in his apartment on his computer while his arm candy surfed the internet on her cell phone. She told him that David had lost the competition. He read the headline on her phone and laughed. He insisted she call Carito for a field report. Perla didn't want to but eventually complied. Carito didn't have much to say and tried cutting the call short, saying she had a lot of work to do. Perla suggested they go to the movies but Carito said she had no time. She also said that she knew that Juan had made her call, which she then ended.
Juan became angry and said he would talk to Carito himself. He was not going to let this go.

Susan continued looking into the microscope while Luciana and David talked about what action to take.

Perla did not want Juan to do this. He finally got her to say she would go over there to see Carito. Her obedience pleased him. “Everything I do is for us,” he said. However, she looked like she was beginning to doubt this.

The plague had not yet reached the grapes but Susan said they had to act quickly. David said they would fumigate the entire vineyard. They also had to determine where it came from and talk to Adolfo. David called Ramon and told him to gather the employees as the two women left the office.

Marta brought Bobby's afternoon snack. Lillian took it from her just outside the room and told her she was not needed. When she handed it to Bobby he asked why Marta hadn't brought it and she told him that Marta had to work.
Why do all adults always have to work?” he asked.
Because that's how it is and you have to understand.”
You're an adult. Why don't you work?” [Not the most polite, but very succinct, my boy!]
Because I worked before. I worked before so I can be here with you. Come on, eat your sandwich.”

Perla went to the Los Angeles employees' building “to put things right” with Carito, who knew better than to believe that. She knew that Juan had sent her to spy. Perla said she was just curious about how everyone had taken the news about the competition. Carito didn't believe her and beyond that had nothing else to say. This just got worse from there.

Luciana and Susan went to see Erika to tell her about the phylloxera. She asked whether they had fumigated. They had, but this had just happened and they came to warn her.

The men told David that they had taken precautions. He instructed them that they were to fumigate line by line. [Wasn't that the gardener that Juan bribed 5 episodes ago standing behind David?] Carito entered and León told her what was up. The look on her face was of realization. This was what Juan and Perla wanted to hear about.

Erika was nervous as Susan and Luciana returned with samples for examination. Luciana noticed the bridal magazines on the desk and wished her well.

Carito told Perla off on the phone, saying that she and Juan were dirtbags for what they had just done. Perla did not believe that Juan had anything to do with the plants. She remembered Juan talking with a gardener. Carito told her that she was going to tell David.


Susan told Erika that her plants were affected. Both vineyards were now in danger.

Labels:


Comments:
The scene snippets in recent episodes are so short many are less than a minute long. Is everyone else as tired of this as I am?
 

Thank You Urban. Yeah it is hard to keep up with the switcheroos going a mile a minute.

So Erika reads Miggy the riot act because he didn't ask permission to be out of her sight for a hour or two? And he didn't answer his Forking Fone. What a bitch. Yeah put a ring on it you needy little sniveling turd. You two deserve each other. Any self respecting man would not loan his car to someone who talked to him like that, let alone sign up for that shit for the rest of his (miserable to be) life.

I must say Luci is far more attractive dolled up for the competition than in her normal working makeup. Erika, Meh...not much better.

My take on the roses is they are the coal mine canaries of the vineyard. I have not deciphered yet exactly what NoJuan had the fellow do. There was discussion about "You put it on his roses " or something like that. I thought NoJuan had his fellow do something to the roses to simulate a problem, like spray the roses with roundup to make DudBrain think there was a problem. But later SooSan's analysis showed there really was a plant disease in both vineyards. I don't know.

How does DisGhost manage to have anything which is important to BooBeeee coincident with anything DudVeed can not miss? Is the little witch just that lucky?
 

I followed your link Urban to Phylloxera, and see that it is actually a microscopic insect. How in the devil would NoJuan get some of these to put out? And if he introduced a crop pathogen which was heretofore considered eradicated, he could be in big big trouble with FDA. You know, like re-introducing polio.
 

Thank you very much Urban, boy you sure did cover a lot of ground. I went back over that scene with Juan and that gardener. I have the impression now that Juan had the gardener plant infected roses that contained that parasite which would infect the grape vineyards. But how he got a hold of infected roses, I have no idea. It's not like you can go to the local parasite store and buy these little buggers, which are probably smaller than lice.

I think this would be considered a federal crime, introducing an infestation similar to a "black plague" for vineyards. I believe that sabotaging what would turn into interstate commerce is a federal crime. David needs to call the FBI!
 

Thank you, URban. We are at the point in the telenovio when the frustration just keeps growing as the baddies seem to be getting exactly what they want.

Gracie has been amazingly patient in her slow dance to take over Dave through his love for his children. Looking at his face makes me feel depressed. I cannot stand watching GRace rubbing BobbyBoobee's head and twirling his hair. Ugh. And her possessive grabbing and kissing of DAve. Don't touch me.
 

It might be possible to get things like that if you are a qualified researcher or work at an agricultural educational facility. A dirtbag like Juan is certainly motivated to find a way.

Since I don't have a working TV at the moment I've not watched any of the Law & Order programs in years, but I can remember one in which a man obtained a very nasty virus that he used to kill his own son. Said virus was injected or it would have caused an epidemic. He obtained the virus by creating a fake letterhead for a research lab. I suspect it's probably more difficult to do such things now than 20 years ago. While that series played fast and loose with a number of things I suspect it has influenced a few preventive measures.

This does sound like a federal offense, which would get Juan into the slammer for the rest of his life along with his other offenses. There will be more to come, I'm sure.

BTW, I have been grabbing photos from searches because my photobucket account is too full to add anything to without incurring costs. I ran into two major spoilers so be careful when doing searches. Google's tendency to bring up irrelevant results in addition to things not being labeled correctly makes this a frustrating exercise.
 

Graciela should wear a Luciana skin body suit to distract Dave.

When he wakes up from the sex escapade, there's a naked Graciela beside him in bed.

 

Good one Steve. Us guys think alike.
 

Sue: And with DisGrace what is maddening if twirling BooBeee's hair was not enough, is we see glimpses of the real her when she is with the Succ#2. And we see that she does not even like BooBeee or FerBrat and wants them GONE. Or Dead. She could care less. Just NOT WITH HER. Witch. And I hope that doesn't offend witchdom and make them come after me.
 

Thank you for double trouble again UA.

Without running down a rabbit hole since there is very little we know, the California Dept of Agriculture is where David goes first.

David makes me madder and madder. He used Luciana's commitment to the vineyard and delusional hope to be together and doesn't have the guts to tell her he has moved on. Cesar had to point out the happiness of his children is not tied to Luciana or Graciela but to his own active involvement in their lives.
 

Tofie I agree again. David deserves whatever befalls him now at the hands of the Succubi and NoJuan. I am not sure it is a common phrase, but I am calling him Criminally Dumb. The kids did not bargain for any of this though, as , sadly, is usually the case.

Cesar tries to help and Dumbass tells Siezeher that he will be with someJuan he does not love and Jettison the one he DOES love for the Faaammmmiiiiilllllyyyy.

Urban I am so glad you catch all the details, as I can't make myself pay attention and although sitting in front of the show, distracted myself installing an app on my phone rather than pay attention.

GS does have that whipped puppy look down. I have seen happier looks at the dog pound
 

Was it always Gracie's plan to have Dave give up the vineyard, or is this a new plan? Dave will never do that. Landowners have a very strong , emotional connection to their land. My father loved our farm and worked hard to keep it. My sister and I couldn't bring ourselves to sell it when our parents died, so we rent the land out to two neighbors who farm it. MOst of the guys I went to school with left their family farms, but two of them stayed to farm , one of them after getting a degree in chemistry. I have another friend who became an agriculture professor . Dave will never leave that vineyard.

I know that karma is coming, but this part of a telenovela is always the hardest to watch. Lilian and Gracie are loving their power. When are things going to turn around?
 

This is the first I have heard of Dave selling the vineyard. That is a hollow victory, if it is because of NoJuan's schemes, as his plan is to ruin Dave and buy the farm at a fire sale dirt cheap from a pennyless Dave.

Something is rotten in Denmark.
 

Urban, thank you for all your work in providing this most excellent recap of two episodes. Your wry humor, keen eye for detail and carefully written narrative were a delight here.

Loved "swanned into the room".

I think the competition has put Luci at rock bottom. Am I wrong? I can't think of anything else that could possibly go wrong. She and David are as done as the competition. Although Luci looked lovely and the words were beautiful, I kept wondering...if the speech had been given by the eloquent, emotional Sonia, might they have won?

Erica. Sigh. "However, she although she did not say so she was less confident about Miguel, who had gone out without saying anything to her". Her nervous demeanor because Miguel was not keeping her informed of his every single move and the surreptitious glances she threw his way to see if he was watching Luci do not bode well. Nothing can detract from a beautiful man or woman more than green eyed jealousy.

Cesar’s look of absolute incredulity at David’s revelation he is going to be with Graciela was priceless. I hope he was able to talk some sense into his friend. The thought even entering David’s mind goes beyond illogical. It’s simply stupid.

"She could not stand the idea or Bobby himself; it was hard to know. She had no idea what to do". I don't believe Lili loves Bobby. Perhaps she does have a heart, but the Grinch had a tiny shriveled up heart as well, but it served no useful purpose.

"Marta left the kitchen without a word and Lillian picked up a knife to continue making the sandwich, but seemed not to know how". Great line Urban.

I'm afraid Carito's death warrant has been signed. We are just awaiting delivery.

Juan is on top of his game and David is out of the game.

Susanlynn, things are being sliced and diced at such a rapid rate, the tide has to start turning relatively quickly.

Urban, sensational. Thank you.

Diana
 

Is her scheme to "run away" with Dave after he comes to his senses (she thinks) and sells the vineyard? Who pays for Fer's college and Bobby's boarding school?

Where will Lillian and her bottle be?

Bottles.

This is the dumbest oversight yet in this show, unless I totally missed something. DisGrab's talk until now has been as the future woman of the house, kicking Marta and Luci off the property with the neverending reminder from Succ#2 to remember dear old Mom.
 

Thank You Diana how could I have missed that? DisGrinch !
 

Kirby, yes, Graciela's plan for David to sell the vineyard is ridiculous (has she ever spoken to the man??) and has as many holes as those infected roses.

What is your avatar today? I enjoy all winged things (except I must admit bats)...

tofie, yes, when was David going to tell Luci he'd decided to date Grace? I prefer my galans big and strong. Stupid is not attractive.

Diana
 

Muchisimas Gracias, Urbanita! Gotta run to work, hope to play on the patio a little bit.

César, I have to be with Graciela for my children's good. Although I don't love her I will do it. The best thing I can do is free Luciana and be with Graciela.”


This is why, when I look at David, I see a giant sucker and hear the sound effect "wonk, wonk, wonk, WONK! Juuust like on the cartoons when a character did something stoopid.

“Why do all adults always have to work?” he asked.

This is why Bowbee is going to end up being a dunder-headed chick puppet if somebody doesn't break some things down for him, like yesterday!

See some good comments. Later!


 

I somehow recall Graciela and Lilian and Juan were always at odds over the success or failure of David and the vineyard. Graciela didn't care about anything but having David and if the vineyard ultimately failed after she won him fine. Juan wanted to destroy David and Lilian wanted David and the vineyard to survive so she could keep her free ride.

Why doesn't Luciana just leave? David always said the vineyard and everything he did to make it a success was for his children to inherit. Even if Luciana and David married and she literally worked her fingers to the bone the land and vineyard is not and never will be hers.

Miguel on the other hand better marry Erika quick before she dies. She's grateful enough to set him up for life.

Nothing Erika has done comes close to how Miguel possessively smothered Luciana and I betcha if Erika had an orbiting hottie he'd have a leash on her too.

 

When celebrating with his friends Tano and Leon, did Miguel actually say he loved Erica? I thought I heard a lot of praise, including her being a great woman, but did he actually say those words, to them or to Erica herself?

tofie, I agree that Miguel was extraordinarily possessive with Luci. What goes around...

Diana
 

Diana just a common Dragonfly. Wings but no feathers. Try sneaking up on that thing with those huge compound eyes. A Scarlett Skimmer. Mosguito eater.
 

"I have to be with Graciela for my children's good"

There are worse reasons like middle age fleeting lust. David was the beggar until he wooed Luciana into bed and then the fever broke.
 

Thank you UA. Yes, I am very tired of the cuts. I don't see the need for them.

David and Luciana wear me out more though. Worst couple ever. And of course Luciana made Miguel's getting engaged all about her during one of her whinefests.

I do have a bad foreboding about Erika. I like that vineyard so much more and I was happy they won the award over David's raisin wine of romance.

Looks like we start with Mexican episode 118 tonight. Avances for my recap - I'm super busy and my recap will be shorter and will have to fill in deleted scenes later.
 

To answer some of the issues raised:

In the very beginning Lillian was almost hell-bent on stealing the lands from David while Lisa was still alive. She was skimming money from his profits along with Juan, but we don't know what her percentage cut was.

After Lisa's murder when Juan really began taking advantage of David, Lillian and DisGrace fought with him over his own ambition to eventually steal the land. DisGrace could only say so much because Juan knows she murdered Lisa even in absence of material evidence of the murder.

She is either bluffing at this point in an effort to run Luciana off or she is not thinking far enough ahead, which she is guilty of on general principles. If anyone were to pose the same question to her that Cesar did to David about imagining herself five years from now, her mind would hit the same blank beyond the point of Fernanda leaving for college and Bobby being shipped off to a boarding school in Spain.

If that were to happen she would be bored to tears. David would need to supervise the work being done in the vineyards or there would be no income. Would she paint? Maybe. The paintings she would produce at that point would reflect her boredom and a sense of claustrophobia at being tied to the vineyards. She mocked Luciana's and David's love of the land because she truly doesn't get it. I am reminded about this passage in Chapter XXV of Gone With the Wind:

The trampled acres of Tara were all that was left to her, now that Mother and Ashley were gone, now that Gerald was senile from shock, and money and darkies and security and
position had vanished overnight. As from another world she remembered a conversation with her father about the land and wondered how she could have been so young, so ignorant, as not to understand what he meant when he said that the land was the one thing in the world worth fighting for.

"For 'tis the only thing in the world that lasts . . . and to anyone with a drop of Irish blood in them the land they live on is like their mother. . . . 'Tis the only thing worth working for, fighting for, dying for."


David isn't Irish, but he's a third-generation vintner. It's in his blood and losing his lands would kill him. DisGrace can't conceive of this.
 

Another thing: Luciana is taking this "defeat" waaaaaaaaaaaaaay too hard. She should be thrilled to pieces that she got into this competition in the first place when this is her first real job out of agricultural college. David isn't even taking this "defeat" seriously with regard to the wine. He knows that judging is subjective and his vineyard has had many wins in the past so the odds were that he would eventually lose a win somewhere down the line.

He needs to listen to Cesar and to his own heart.
 

This comment has been removed by the author.
 

I have never heard of DUHveed selling the vineyard, either. DiseGregious flinging that in Luci's face makes her look crazy and that's just what Luciana retorted. DisGlassy-eyed IS crazy but Dudveed is stoopid enough to let her talk him into selling it. . .and she hasn't even had to give up any leg yet! She's got his number, allright: -7.

Cesar DID look absolutely gobsmacked when DOH-veed told him he was dating DisGory! An unintentionally hilarious moment! Yah, Dopeveed is pitiful. Just frickin' pitiful. Why doesn't Luci leave, indeed! Do you really want a man with no spine, no balls and terminally stoopid?
 

Urban, I wonder if this latest vineyard crisis isn't just playing into Graciela's plans perfectly.

She had no hand in it, but really, what a stroke of luck.

Juan is getting no pressure from Brian, so he is going to keep it up until David has nothing left. Graciela will play yet another card - let's leave before total ruination hits.

As you and others have noted, the land means nothing to her.

Diana
 

"Dopeveed is pitiful".

Ahhh. And there you have it Lila!

Diana (still smiling)
 

DisGrace doesn't know about this crisis yet; I suspect she will find out about it tonight. When she went to the distillery to bully Luciana nobody knew yet.

I think you're right about her using this to try to push David into selling the land. The problem with that is that it won't be worth much after the plague.

Since the phylloxera is not native to California it should be easy to determine that this was sabotage. Since Mark is now dead that leaves only one suspect: Juan. He has it in for both David and Miguel.

Another point on this: Once a forensic accountant enters the picture it will be revealed that Juan bought the olive grove with money stolen from David. Just as Gonzalo of AQNMD got back everything Lionel stole, David will get the olive grove. With both properties he can have an olive oil company and at some point maybe someone will get the idea to open a wine bar where the olives and olive oil are on the appetizer menu along with lovely crusty bread to dip into the latter.
 

Yum, Urban! That sounds delish! Do you think these people are going to bother with a forensic accountant in the plot? Now, THAT, would be shocking!
 

Why not? These writers copied this revenge motive and scheme from LQNPA so what's another steal? If Antonio Salieri can copy the form and mood of the overture to Mozart's Le Nozze di Figaro for his opera about Falstaff how is this any different?
 

And the general public (NoJuans Henchboy) come and go as they please on your property?
No fences, no cameras, no restrictions of any kind. So you could have a homeless camp in the far corner and you might not notice it till they had a few houses built David.

You have a your people roaming the grounds continuously tending the grapes it seems. SooSane is constantly checking something on the microscope and I'd bet it aint her manicure. David you need a Drone and a brain.
 

Urban, I know NoJuan stole money from David for years, did he not also get a pile of money from SkidMark or in conjunction with his Personnel business with him to buy the Olive Garden?
 

I'm not talking from the standpoint of whether the writers are so ethically compromised as to steal plot points, they just seem too lazy and a forensic accountant seems to logical for this crew. If they'd done that earlier, Juan wouldn't have had to scream in DUHveeds face that he was his enemy and was going to bring him down. Of course logic and common sense on Dudveed's part would've shut the whole novela down!
 

I'd love to see a Forensic Accountant, if you will, go back through Dave's books and
1). Uncover NoJuan's embezzlement
2). See that Lillian was in on it the whole time

I'm tired of seeing unpunished wrongs. How much longer do we have to wait for another anvil?
And Skid's was more like a euthanasia than an anvil. Quick and painless.
 

Urban...I just had breakfast, but your suggestion sounded delicious and clever...Combining the olives to the wine tasting.

Many vineyards have popped up around here in recent years. I think that it is because farmers whose sons or daughters did not want to continue farming sold their farms into land preservation. That means that they could sell the farms but not for development. If my sister and I would have sold our farm for development (as our lawyer suggested) , my father would be rolling in his grave.

Disingenuous is clever and patient. She is slowly spinning her web for DIsmal DAve, who is the most negative, joyless, and least proactive galan I have ever seen.

Juan's most fervent desire is not his novia or money. It is destroying DAve and making him suffer, and what would make Dave suffer more than the discovery that the woman he has gradually let control his children and his life is the person who killed his beloved LIsa. Juan will be in rapture when he finally delivers this final , fatal wound. It will be epic.
 

Diana: roseate spoonbill
 

And the general public (NoJuans Henchboy) come and go as they please on your property?
No fences, no cameras, no restrictions of any kind.


THIS is the kind of stupidity that makes a forensic accountant look farfetched. This place is La Bodega de Green Acres!
 

Kirby..Yes, those accountants are like dogs with bones. They eventually track down where the money went.

I am doing a chapter in speaking class today about the common themes in tv. Here's the list : money, danger, respect, business, fantasy, self interest. I think that this show pretty much covers all the themes.

Well, it is a gorgeous morning here..Sunny, clear,and going up to 80. My forsythia bush is a cloud of bright yellow flowers. The daffodils and iris's are up. The birds are singing and busily building nests. Yesterday I after work, I cleaned off the patio and picked up dead branches from the yard.Spring days are the reason people still love living in the Northeast despite the cold , snowy winters.
 

He definitely should have surveillance cameras, but 24/7 security guards for something as large as a vineyard would be very expensive. I recommend electric fences.

DisGrace would definitely not like the fact that any money David would (theoretically) get for the lands would be gone as fast as she could spend it.

As for Lillian, I think we can get the implication from a scene between them last week. She is looking to somehow cut her off. Many disfavored children do that once they know it is a legitimate way to go on with life. However, since DisGrace is a bigger narcissist than Lillian, she might try an exit line she can't take back.
 

Dave should have had an audit done as soon as he fired JUan. Despierta, Dave. At this point, I am amazed that Dave has figured out how to button those tricky vests.
 

Yeah Sue a few of those have T H R E E buttons, Could get corn-fuzin to EinDave.

I would think DisGlom would not be interested in sharing what she has glommed onto with DisMom if she wants the kids out of the way.

Unless we have a really DisAppointing ending, at some point Dave has to awake, have an epiphany, brain transplant, something. Do they have a believable plan for that?

Are we going to be treated to another W T F ? ? ? moment where Dave just suddenly sees that something just doesn't smell right in his life ? (Shhhh aren't you tired of Doritos by now?)

Does some even larger upheaval remove his blindfold? Once there is a leak does the dam finally break?
Do we wait until the Lisa/Rock reveal to start the machinery in motion? That should be the culmination, rather than the catalyst.

A "ROCK" she can't take back? That would be cool. Kill her sister then the egg donor. I loved it in TVA with the mirror and lipstick. I felt so healthy and Normal. :-)


 

Dave should have had an audit done as soon as he fired JUan. Despierta, Dave

He should have been neutered after Bobby too,
 

Susanlynn, Spring IS grand in a gentle kind of way, ain't it? Our winter was mild but it's still lovely to see!

You know what? Maybe David's supposed to be a deeply sensitive and loving man who cares so much for others that he puts their needs above his own and he's just incapable of imagining that anyone would set out to manipulate and hurt others for their own gain. Lisa was a similarly loving soul, lived by the Golden Rule and treated everyone with dignity and respect. In other words, the opposite of DisGregarious and Lil. So, being such a kind soul, if DisRobed says she loves Dudveeds kids, by Jove, she must love them because she said so and everyone's words and actions must match, like his own!

Maybe this is our Dave and maybe he's not a stupid, spineless, easily-manipulated dolt!
 

Lila..You have a good point. If you do not lie or cheat or deceive , you do not expect others to do those things to you. So true. Even so, I like my galans to be a little more intuitive and discerning.
 

Kirby..I think that you are on to something. Maybe the reason that we watch these shows is because they do make us feel healthy, normal, and in control as compared to the characters.

After watching The WHite QUeen marathon this weekend, I realize that these themes are timeless! Every one was fighting for the English throne in the 15th century . The three York brothers sometimes fought with and sometimes against each other. The brothers hated the queen , their sister in law. The king and queen were at first a love match, but as time passed the king had mistresses. People are people are people. Same emotions, same motivations throughout time and place.
 

Now that Grandpa Dave has been diagnosed terminally dumb, and DisDrace is out to hurt Luci, shall we place our bets on how many episodes until Dave is set up to get drunk? We all know he will wake up with naked DisGrace. I'm thinking fake pregnancy, the bad girl's TN desperate manipulation. That would be a sure fire way to get rid of the competition.

L Linda
 

I will be DIsencouraged until the anvils start to fall.
 

Diana: I hope Carito doesn't get whacked.


 

Rule number 4 in "The Bachelor's Standard Road Map to San Francisco"

4.) Never Ever under any circumstances drink more than the intended travel partner.
Carry mouthwash, as a last resort, go to the men's room and throw up.

I don't know Steve, NoJuan was carrying around a Whack ! and I saw 'Car... ' something on it. Maybe he was going to kill a Toyota, but you usually just turn the key off.

Lurker: If DisGhastly pulls that stunt, Dave has my permission for another TN staple, a nice push down those B I G stairs in his house. There you are DisGorged.
 

Thanks, Urban. YES I am tired of these super-short scenes. It is harder to watch, harder to recap, harder to follow. I guess you were right; they must make it easier to condense the episodes because there are multiple scenes to a conversation. Keep one scene, delete the rest, maybe half the conversation is good enough because it's so repetitive?

Except not in this episode, apparently, because the deleted scenes filled in a lot of blanks. It's VERY funny that Gracie thought it appropriate to bring a video of Cristiano to Career Day.

Extra funny was when David and Luci were on the patio and Gracie came out with Boby. She had her arm around Bobby's shoulders until it was time to approach David. Then she sort of grabbed the back of the neck of Bobby's shirt and yanked him aside. Right in front of David, but he didn't notice.

I know why it doesn't bother Miguel that his future wife is so insecure and possessive. If anyone can relate to that, it would be him.

Very funny that Lil couldn't figure out how to use the knife. Thanks for including that in the recap. I was confused by her confusion.

Also funny how a great speech isn't enough to win a wine competition. Good thing David was able to take the loss philosophically this time. Very odd, Luciana's attitude that losing the contest means it's the end of their relationship for real.

Nice of Erika not to wave her new ring in Luci's face at the competition.

Anyway, I'm glad the gold medal went to the competent vineyard. But I'm sorry Luciana didn't punch Graciela when they were together in the office afterwards. Gracie may need to get used to being punched in prison.

So now Grace is plotting to get him to sell? (I do think this is a new plan.) What is he going to do for a living?? I hope she's not planning to retire on the proceeds.

"She said that since he didn't show her any affection she wouldn't bother him." Poor Lil, she has no game. "And don't talk that way to me about Marta." I love Bobby. "Why don't you work?" Hahahaha. At least he got her to try to play the VG. Those things can be addictive... and not as bad for her liver as wine.

"David said they would fumigate the entire vineyard." Based on what I just read, I don't think that will help. :-(

I don't know if an audit was possible when Juan was fired - I thought he got rid of the books or destroyed them. I remember David saying he didn't have much to work with.
 

Steve, if I were a betting woman, I would wager Carito will not survive. If she does, she will likely survive some type of murder attempt. Juan is completely out of patience with her.

I've speculated that Mark was right when he said Perla would be Juan's downfall. If Juan does hurt or kill Carito, Perla will turn on him. I'm sure the writers had her find Lisa's phone for some reason. I hope she has her wits about her and takes it even though she doesn't know whose it is.

Diana
 

L. Linda, how about DG get's Dave nekkid and in bed by, say, Friday the 14!
 

Julie, thank you for mentioning the shirt grabbing scene between Graciela and Bobby. That was the highlight of the night.

If he were lighter, she would have picked him up and dropped him like a sack of potatoes.

Diana
 

Linda, I'm sort of surprised the faux seduction scene hasn't been used yet.

But then, there are still approximately a dozen plus episodes to go so there is plenty of time for at least a shred of that to play out.

Susanlynn, glad your garden is showing signs of life. A bit too cold here but I am looking forward to greenery and bursts of color.

Diana
 

I think Lil was trying to decide if she should cut the crusts off or not. ;)
 

I have never understood that unless it was done to make all the sandwiches on a plate look identical. With good bread the crust is always the best part!

I need to update the Karmageddon page because it will have to be posted next weekend.
 

"I think Lil was trying to decide if she should cut the crusts off or not. ;)"

OMG Lila, that was it! She had the knife in hand with a puzzled frown.

Urban, I'm with you on crusts. What is better than bread crust? Toasted bread crust. Totally OT but I love my toast really really brown, just a shade or two away from burned. And as it turns out, I read not too long ago that burned toast is bad - it should be a golden color only. Geez, couldn't even have that.

Diana
 

Oh yes, Urban. I've been looking forward to the Karmageddon discussion. I hope we have enough material by this weekend.

So, was Fernanda not around at all last night? Maybe she's doing her community service. Maybe helping people will help her grow up a little.

I couldn't figure out whether Lil was puzzled by the sandwich or the knife. I looked up "orilla" and all I got was "edge" or "shore." So it either had to be the edges of the bread or the edges of the knife. I didn't think it would be so hard to decide whether to cut off the crusts or not, but if the sandwich was for Bobby I guess she wouldn't know.

I can tell it's springtime here because the office is crawling with ladybugs.
 

And/or Lila, she might have been debating HOW to cut the crusts.

That was a big sammie...:) and I don't think Lili has much hands on carving or cutting experience.

Diana
 

No bread crust for me, thanks. I'll eat it because I hate to throw away food, but if it were to mysteriously disappear, that'd be fine with me.
 

She was asking herself whether he preferred his crust on or off, it being telling that she didn't even know such a crucial piece of information.

Like not knowing how old the Grandkids are.
 

Easy fix. Cut off the crusts and serve them "on the side" with a dipping sauce.
 

Thank you as always, UA. And after AQNMD and ECDLP I'm picturing you working on That's Karmageddon! (about 90% SFW) for this show and after thirty minutes going "...wait, that's it? What a gyp!"

Yet again, they edit out the best Best Couple bits. No surprise, really, but grrrr.

As for David suddenly dating Graciela: on the one hand this is the culmination of all of Graciela's manipulations, as well as Fernanda's needy but somewhat accidental ones and Juan's overtly evil ones, and his last great sacrifice for his kids. And he's admittedly a reactionary idiot. We get it. But coming when it does, so close to the end of the show, makes it even more frustrating than it already is. It's basically "So how low does this go before Graciela gets found out?"

And, weirdly, I can't help thinking that Lilian vs. sandwich and Gracie vs. Luci Round MCMVIII highlighted how both Lil and her daughter tend to not think more than a few moves ahead--if that. It's probably more pronounced with Lil, since it almost always results in her bitchfacing or looking confused at something or someone--like that poor sandwich--but both of them tend to be so very convinced that they're smarter than everybody around them and can control everything. (Again, more pronounced with Lil. Graciela actually has enough of a track record between Joselo, David, and Fernanda to back it all up.)
 

Well, Bill, if Grace is expecting David to sell his land, then she's REALLY failed to think ahead - because he wouldn't get much from that land if his grapes are ruined. I hhope she doesn't mind living in a walk-up.
 

Thanks UA, again I commend your commitment to churning out such detailed and enjoyable recaps. I'm so frustrated, I find myself doing other things while I attempt to watch. Add to that, my growing distaste for the turn of events with David and Grace.

I could tolerate this, IF we had been given some grand love story between Dud and Luci and the writers had been generous with the romance and love scenes..if we had been teased and kept satisfied with stolen kisses here and there. Instead this couple has been tortured and tormented and never allowed anything from the beginning. It was like pulling teeth to even get Dud to melt that ice around his heart. Finally he does and what do we get? One stinking roll in the sheets that was chopped up by UNI!

I had to endure Smug and his sloppy rag kisses with Luciana and now he's even getting more love scenes and kisses with his new gal Erick? What does team David/Luciana get? More kicking in the gut.

We've been forced to watch NoJuan and Perla suck face and get it on in his office. WTF do I care about those two gross maggots?

Even Lilian and Brian had more icky sex scenes.


This show has been a lopsided mess when it comes to the main couple and now when they should be together, we have to be tortured more with Dud and Grace. It's not over either, because you just know she's going to get him back in the sheets.


As for the characters...what does Miguel see in Ericka? In the beginning she was smart, confident and secure. Now she's become a whiny, insecure, nervous mess. I guess that's what Miguel wanted all along...a needy dragging chick who would make him feel like a real man. The constant reassuring and coddling of her is sickening.

Could it be that Lilian is actually softening? Maybe there's a little hope for her?

I hope NoJuan and DisGrace die painful miserable deaths.
 

Delilah, I think that's exactly what Miguel sees in Erika. Someone who's needy that he can take care of.
 

Erika's insecurity speaks of limited experience with men. She was good at hiding it in the beginning but her health status is probably high in her mind as a negative.

She goes into denial about it, which is why she doesn't keep up her meds without Miguel or Adolfo keeping tabs on it. I hope she survives the story.
 

Well, just back home and reading the new comments.

I noticed the perplexed look on Lillian's face as she gazed at the sandwich that Marta had started to make. It looked as though she has not made many sandwiches lately. I , like Marta, have made many, many in my lifetime and could probably make one in my sleep. Peanut better and jelly sandwiches were in my younger daughter's school lunch every day..picky eater. My kids did not like crusts.

Diana, I hope the warmth cones to you soon. My spirits are always lifted by the sunshine and warm weather.

 

" I guess that's what Miguel wanted all along...a needy dragging chick who would make him feel like a real man" Couldn't have said it better Delilah!

It turns me off when the lead couple fall for tricks and manipulation and at the end it takes someone to uncover the monster to bust them up and only then a reconciliation. I don't buy it. Here David took the path of least resistance, so what it was planned and Graciela relentless.

I always think of Art in Por Siempre Mi Amor and how much he mistreated Isabel and at the end when Fernando/Javier was exposed she went back to the asshole.
 

Julie that has to be it...Smug needs to be a hero to a weak woman. He has that savior mentality and we saw it with Luciana. He was always trying to protect her, save her and be her guard. It's one reason I never liked him. He was too smothering for me and Erika it seems is perfect because she's too clingy and needy.
 

Delilah at 2:43!

Preach, Sister!


 

This comment has been removed by the author.
 

DeLilah, ToFie, LiLa, Jewels, That is what I thought 397 comments back. Those two clingy needy smotherers are made for each other. Get a place, move in together, and we will never see either of those insignificant insects again. Neither one will let the other one leave the apt. Were it not for order in they would starve to death, unless Smuguel has a two seat bicycle.
 

Yah, Kirb, I think you're right. These writers have done a good job of wimping out a couple of initially strong women, first Susan and then Erica. And I don't mean because Susan was abused by Mark but rather that silly little fling with Tano complete with their breaking down the bunk bed in the boys dormitory. Jeez, I took her down several notches with that. That was just trifling. And now Erica in a situation which you described so well in your first comment and as Delilah described above.

ALL the couples in this piece have been a study in frustration except Leon and Sonia. And why couldn't they let them get a room instead of having hurried, stinky little trysts in the vineyard offices. Yuck.

Maybe it's good they're doubling up. They've frustrated the hell out of us. I'll miss you guys but I'll be glad to be rid of Vino el blue-balled puppet!
 

Lila..."blueballed puppet" ...yikes and ha. Folks here are wanting to know why I am laughing.
 

Don't be mean, Kirby. Miguel and Erika can leave the apartment... they just have to enable location tracking, and text a ping every five minutes.
 

No shit. My neighbor worked for a cellular carrier and got the whole family phones, including her newly acquired hubba dubba number three. Numbers 1 and 2 it turns out had caught her being naughty and divorced her.


So what does she do? Of course thinking she has picked someone like herself, puts tracking on the phone she lovingly 'Gave' him. He was not very tech savy. When he found out he was gone too, for that and other good reasons.
 

Yeah Julie text a selfie every five minutes with an identifiable landmark in the background.
 

Good recap Urban.Some parts of it seem
Hopeless,but others....well,stuff will
Happen.
I like bobby's persistence and honsety
"You're an adult,why you not working?"
Her answer should have been"cuz I want
To sit on my a$$ all day and be queen
Of the castle". But the writers will
Not give us that pleasure. Instead they give us dead dried roses. A good thing did happen, Cesar the lovely man That he is and the best friend David has ever
Ever had gives out wonderful advice to
His friend about his dying lovelife. I
Love Cesar. SusyQ you better hold on to him, they don't grow much in these parts Anymore.
I don't recall Dave ever puttin lil in charge of the running of his house.
When did this most unfortunate thing happen? O wait,when he was in a state
Of grief. He ain't to right in the head
His bottom feedin in-laws got him so
Hoodwinked he don't know which end is
Up. He's a sad man. I wish the writers
Would do something to cheer him up. I
Liked him better in"I'll never trust a
Man again". I forgot how to spell the Spanish title,so no abbreviations either Hopefully in the coming weeks a biggO
Light bulb will go off in his confused
Vine bottle head, and he will see the
Light. Hopefully.

Juan is just pitifully stupid.
Pearla....is she really that dumb? The
Switch he uses to get her to believe the lies is "I'm doing this for us"and she
Just eats it up everytime. Stupid girl.
I don't know if she's older than carito and it really doesn't matter because in this instance wisdom does not come with age.
I hope erika can make it to the alter.
I fear the health thing could get worse,
I hope it wont, but it's a soap. And at
Times there is sadness.O well hap happy
Thoughts Patio pals.

Thank you Urban.
 

And that landmark had better not be Bodega de Los Angeles.
 

I sure would like to see "happily ever after" coming. But I sure don't see it with anyone. Even if David marries DisGrace, he won't be happy with her, he will only be going through the motions. He will be totally miserable.

With Miggy and Erica engaged, who knows what will happen next? They are making such a big deal about this lung illness, who knows if her next attack will kill or or what?

Poor Luciana will end up with nobody.

At least Susan and Cesar look like they are on the right track, but I don't see any passion there.

Perla and Juan is a partnership that is doomed, because Juan will probably end up dead or in prison.

Marta and Ramon look kind of comfortable/happy. But I don't see any really hot passion.

The only happy and passionate couple on this show is Leon and Sonia. They are fun to watch. Hopefully we might see a wedding with them if things continue going right.
 

I still think Luci ends up with David. I just don't know how. I hope David is still... usable... after Grace is finished with him.
 

Thank you UA for making sense out of this mess which is giving me a headache.

"Carito told her [Perla] that she was going to tell David" about Juan and the "gardener" This strikes me as unwise given the murderous tendencies of Juan, Hope Perla does not tell Juan about Carito's threat.

David is a sad sack. Gracie makes one want to strangle her. She could end up as David's tormentor (or going to jail/getting killed).
I'm hoping for a terminal solution.
 

Julie and Cynthia, I agree with both of your observations. When will the evil fall and the happy start? This has been a depressing show. It has been harshing my mellow since it started. However, as Kirby has noted, it does make you feel healthy and normal..relatively.

Kirby, I love the colors in your last avatar. Thanks for providing us with some beautiful photos to take our minds off these people.

Lila....your description of Dave left out his signature vest..so that's a blueballed puppet in a vest to be completely accurate.

It seems that telenovelas are no longer about romance and love. Maybe heroes and heroines are out of style. Que lastima.
 

Susanlynn, we need Carla Estrada.
 

Yah, blue-balled, slack-jawed and vacant-eyed puppet in a vest! There ya go! ;D
 

Someone needs to get David a crucifix and a wreath of garlic.

Marta and Ramon might be alright as a comfortable couple with affection rather than passion. It's been a long time for her since Marcos died in exile and she has probably put Brian in the past as a delusion or a hallucination of passion.

Erika appears passionately in love with Miguel and I hope she survives this tale. I will be profoundly disappointed if she doesn't. Miguel would get over it eventually, but Adolfo doesn't deserve to lose her.
 

Marta and Ramon...another stupid mess of a couple. I don't even like Marta but her being with Ramon now is so ridiculous and unbelievable. Ramon is a nice man..but that's about it. He's largely just been like a bowl of fruit on the counter. Nice, fresh and something nice to look at or nibble on here and there, but beyond that still just a boring bowl of fruit. One of the things I absolutely hate in TN's is the notion that everyone must be paired up or that the nice guy has to get the girl in the end. Life isn't like that, we don't always get who we want or long for. Ramon is a nice man, but it's obvious that he never did it for Marta, there were no sparks, no passion. So now suddenly she notices him? She's in to him? BULL!

Sonia and Leon were the only bright spot in this TN and while they were passionate and fun, they've grown tiresome for me.

Cesar and SooSun = Zzzzzzzz.

I'm sure DudVid and Luciana will be together in the end, but in my finale this is how it goes.

Luciana realizes that the best thing is for her to finally put HERSELF first. She tells her family that she realizes she needs to be away to grow and pursue her love of wine and so she is going to travel through Europe and taste wine, maybe work at a vineyard. It's heartbreaking for David especially who begs her not to leave, but alas she does anyway vowing to always love him. We fast forward two years and we see Luciana running through a beautiful vineyard toward a strapping man whose face is blocked by the glare of the sun. Her hair is flowing, she is barefoot and wearing a beautiful knee length sundress. He sweeps her up into his arms and twirls her around and finally we see that it is David, they kiss passionately and he tells her how much he loves her and that following her was the best decision he ever made. He couldn't live without her and that's why he sold part of his lands to Miguel who as a partner vowed to keep on the workers and oversee the running of things. David in turn bought this smaller vineyard in Spain that he and Luciana have begun to build into one of the most prominent in the area. It's named Bodega Luciana, after the woman who opened his heart again and saved him. He wants it to be a testimony of his love for her. Bobby who is a bit older joins them, happily accompanied by Marta who is carrying a baby, David and Luciana's. It's a little boy named after Lucia's father. We learn that Tano and Fer who have both finished college are engaged to be married and will be flying out to Spain soon for a visit along with Sonia and Leon who have already married. Everyone is excited about the visit and the wedding that is being planned for Tano and Fer. It's time for dinner and they all walk back toward the house. David takes his son as Luciana wraps her arms around her husband. Marta and Bobby walk hand in hand.

The camera pans out and we see the expanse of the small vineyard and the workers as the family walks back toward their beautiful spanish style home which sits high on a hill in the distance.

That's the happily ever after I WANT to see.
 

Delilah - I could live with that!
 

Julie for once I want to see David fight for Luciana. She has always threatened to leave and she never gets further than the road and then BAM she's dragged back again. This time I want her to actually do it..to leave the place that caused her so much pain and begin a new life on HER terms. I want Dave to prove that he is willing to sacrifice it all for her..to follow her to where ever and mean it. So that is my perfect ending...Luciana gets her man,, but on HER terms. Away from the crap of that dreaded vineyard and away from the awful memories. A new life for her the way she has always deserved.
 

Delilah: I love your version. :)
 

And the plane carrying Tano and Fer crashes into the middle of the vineyard.



Sorry.

Really a beautiful ending Delilah
 

Paint brush in hand, Graciela's ample breast burst from an orange jumpsuit, she finishes all but the last few details. She's excited, it's visiting day and can't wait to see them, needing another glimpse before finishing the family portrait. David the man she loves and the child, along with guilt, binds them forever.
 

Thanks Sue, those are pretty common around here. Everyone mistakes them for flamingos but they are not even close.
They are spoonbills. Impressive in flight where you can appreciate their colors.
 

Tofie, what is she painting?
The bathroom wall?
 

Those gals in Orange is the New Black would Luuuurrvvve Fresh Meat Gracie.

Especially that crazy chick with the braided pigtails looking hair.
 

Delilah..that sounds like a nice happy ending. My favorite telenovela ending was Alborado..lots of happy marriages and babies and a big outdoor celebration and all of the villains dead.

Tofie...ah...no...In the finale, I do not want to see Gracie's breast, her brush, or.....yikes , her baby by Dave. Nightmare.
 

Kirby..I have never seen Orange. A few years ago, I was asked to teach at the county jail, I declined. The sound of a door locking behind me would have been unnerving because I am a bit claustrophobic.
 

Julie..I guess that Carla has retired from telenovelas. She was great. I also miss her director Monica. I also miss Christina who used to interview all the actors and actresses after the finales.
 

Delilah, that is absolutely lovely! Ah, would that we could have such an ending! *Sigh*
 

Oh yeah, Cristina. I miss the entire old Uni lineup - TNs from 7 to 10, then Cristina. The current lineup is a dissonant mess.
 

Julie..I do not like change if it is not for the better. If it isn't broken, why try to "fix" it? However, people like to tinker with things, especially if they are new and want to put their own stamp on something. There have been changes at the college where I teach whenever the administration changes, and those changes have not always been positive just like at Uni.

Lila..hey, let's all believe in our own happy beginnings, middles, and endings.
 

Delilah, dreamy ending. If only!

Whatever this ends up being, I'm going to keep your version fresh in my mind.

thank you.

I believe we all needed that.

Diana
 

Okay, everyone raise your right hand, and let's make a pact. No matter how the writers end this telenovela, our caraycaray official finale will be Delilah's! Are you in?
 

Yes! I'm in, te lo juro!

;D
 

Ah thank you ladies! Don't we watch for romance and passion? Don't we want to see the profession of love and see it demonstrated and fought for? I have seen Dave profess his love but he has NOT shown any fight in him. I need this man to throw down for Luciana..to chase her to the ends of the earth if need be to woo and win her! The last thing I want is for Luciana to give up her life and her dreams for this man. After all she has been through from being deported as a child and coming back to be abused by David, DisGrace and further judged by her trifling mother, this girl deserves to have the rest of her life on HER terms.

 

Delilah-that is a very beautiful happy ending. I'd Love it but.....I hate to be the gigantic monsoon. You know how they are, we the public almost never get what we want. But I loves that happy ending. Girl you need to call them folks and Tell em how it's done.
 

Delilah, have you imagined endings for Lilian, Gracie, and Juan?
 

Yes, hear, hear to Delilah's ending.

Delilah, "Don't we want to see the profession of love and see it demonstrated and fought for?" Yes. Exactly!! That is why this has been utterly disappointing on every level.

Living life on her terms. Yes!

Diana
 

Im in
 

If Luci would wear that little red dress I'd bet those roses would come back to life.
 

Delilah at 7:32, Girl, I'm bout to get the spirit up in here! YES, this is what we watch novelas for, not lukewarm "committment" that's easily distracted by a plastic face and painted on smile!

Do y'all remember the tv show "Rhoda"? Well, that's what Gracie is, but she's evil! She's as cold as a robot, freaking animated killer blow up doll!

Ok, ok, I got carried away....this is supposed to be about the ROMANCE and Gallant Galan WE DESERVE!!!!

YAAAAAH!
 

My ending for Juan would probably be death. He's eaten up with hatred, that almost always means death.
Grace: a mental hospital. Constantly painting David's portrait. Because she still believes they're going to be together, in her twisted sick reality.
Lilian: she'll become a bag lady, who
Wont Allow anyone around her grocery cart because all the money she stole from David while he was zoned out, she had to give it all back and the honestly earned money that Discrazy had is paying for her stay in the mental hospital. But it'll run out cuz
She's there for the rest of her sorry
Life.

Ok that's mine,but come on delilah,
Give us a good one.
 

I'm in Del!��
 

Nina...those are just rewards for the evil doers . ...good job. I especially like Grace painting endless portraits of the guy who got away from her grasp. Does she pout him in a vest in every portrait, or does she paint some in the nude?
 

Talk about a Hoppy Ending! Maybe for Marta it would be seeing Sheriff Brain Guterless putting Lillian the embezzler in cuffs and then in the back seat of a patrol car. NOT Cozy Cuffs.

Marta: "Goodbye ya old Bag, who is laughing now? Ha and while ya are riding in there with Brian ask him who put some lipstick on his dipstick last night,!"

Now THAT'S a Hoppy Ending.
 

I'm in!

(Gracie - Rhoda??)

Nina's stuff for Lil and Grace is good too. :o)
 

All he's wearing is the vest. Hah hah hah hah!!!!!
 

Nina! Those ARE great! I really like the never-ending portrait-painting of David. That is eerily creepy! Good job, Girl!
 

Yeah and as she is non stop painting David she signs her paintings 'Lisa' in red lipstick , now that would be perfect.
 

Julie, the show was "My Living Doll" and the robot's name was Rhoda, not Rhoda Morgenstern!

My Living Doll https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Living_Doll was a robot and Bob Cummings was her owner. I can see all kind of kinky possibilities with that show now but I was just a kid when it came out. I think maybe it competed with "I Dream of Jeannie."

So Gracie can now be seen as the evil robot. . .not from space but EEEvil anyway!
 

I want NoJuan to do himself in. Like trying to poison the grapes and monkeys it up to somehow poison himself and wither away in pain with that maniacal hyena laugh.
 

Wow, thanks everyone, how kind of you!

Thanks Nina, and I agree we will never get that ending.

Susanlynn, I have not imagined endings for those characters other than gtfo off my screen and get away from David and Luciana.

But okay here we go. After learning that DG killed her beloved Lisa, Lil is heartbroken and repentant. DG is carted off to prison of course. Two years later Lil has softened and become a doting grand mother and beloved doting wife to Adolfo of all people who has helped her to mend her ways. He of course spoils her as she always wanted but she is now a woman who gives back to her community and has become involved with helping the immigrants and those less fortunate.

Juan dies a violent miserable death. Let your imaginations go with that one.

Perla has done a short stint in jail for her part in Mark's immigration trafficking. She works with Lil as an assistant at the Vino Bodega and it's also part of her probation terms that she stay very involved in the charity work in the community.
 

Of course the show also speaks volumes about sexual politics in the mid sixties, etc., etc., anyway, it was the robot part I was going for. Can't remember if Bob Cummings eventually "made her a woman" with real feelings in stuff.

Good one, Kirby, let Juan live with horribly scarred lungs and terminally chapped and bleeding lips from the accidental pesticide ingestion and let him cough and cough and cough for the rest of his miserable life!
 

Oh! Thanks for explaining about Rhoda, Lila. That makes MUCH more sense!


 

Nina..I like it; I love it; I want some more of it..crazy Grace painting Dave wearing just the vest. Perfection. Thanks for that mental image.
 

Thanks for letting me know, Julie. Lots of folk were prolly out there like, "whaaat?"

;D
 

Hey, I am watching tonight's episode, and is it wrong of me to be laughing at Luci and Dave having a serious conversation about important stuff while wearing those goggles and masks? #sorrynotsorry
 

Jeez, Lila, that was Julie Newmar! That's the Catwoman! Why didn't you say so??
 

Yeah, I was thinking about Mary's friend Rhoda Morgenstern who I thought was supposed to be a good person. Thanks for clearing that up. I do not remember the show about the robot, but I agree that Grace might, in fact, be an evil space robot.
 

Julie Newmar, Catwoman? Ooooh! I guess I'm out of the loop! This actress will forever be Rhoda the Robot to me! Oooops!
 

And you know Delilah while lil is now
A normal person,why don't we have her and Marta be friends? Hey weirder stuff has happened. And Marta is step
Granny to fer & beaubee. And what do you think? Is Brian redeemable? I just
Don't know what to do with Marta and
Ramon. They'd make a great couple but
I'm just not feelin it with these two.
I'd like to see her with Brian. Maybe
Ramon's wife comes back all is maybe forgiven? Maaaaaybe? Ooooo whatever the writers come up with. Happyendings
Come on.
 

Damn, Delilah. That ending you came up with would be glorious for a far better show than this, let alone this fakakta hot mess. The one and only addition I would make would be this:

Juan, realizing that Carito is pretty much over him and Perla thanks to Erika's death, starts planning an "accident" for her. Perla somehow finds out about it and confronts him about it, finally choosing friends over fiends; she gets sidetracked by Juan somehow, but manages to escape at about the same time that Juan's plan somehow implodes and he decides to just forking shoot Carito. Perla blabs to Miguel and/or David about it, and shows up just in time to take the bullet for Carito. Juan, trying to escape the police and maybe a furious Miguel or David, runs out onto a street and is actually hit by a bus. Perla goes ahead and apologizes to Carito for being a lousy friend and such before passing...

That is, passing out. We catch up to her and Carito, who are working respectively at Vinedo Santa Barbara and Bodega de Los Angeles respectively (yes, Carito is now Miguel's assistant and possibly paramour), a year or two later; Perla did a short stint in prison after being revived by paramedics after being shot, whereupon she confessed everything to Gutierrez except Carito's involvement. Perla is now the Sonia of VSB.
 

Post a Comment



<< Home

Newer›  ‹Older

© Caray, Caray! 2006-2022. Duplication of this material for use on any other site is strictly prohibited.

Protected by Copyscape Online Plagiarism Finder