Thursday, May 04, 2017

Vino el Amor #139 (Univision #128); Wednesday, May 3, 2017: One Very Happy Couple



Repeated scene: Miguel apologizes to Luciana for his previous possessive behavior. She says he does have a point and he says it was just not the way to do things. He feels badly about the way he treated her. Then Luciana says she needs him to help her completely forget David.

“So what can I do to help you forget about David”, says Miguel
“Oh I don’t know.”
“Well, I am going to have to get you to think about something else. Hey I have an idea. How about if I organize a trip for us to present this wine in other countries?”
“I love the idea”, says Luciana. “You always know how to make me feel good.”
“And other times, we can just work in the vineyard, with the soil and tending the vines, just like you love to do. In fact, why don’t we go outside and start now?”

Sonia and León share a kiss and León asks if she is ready to sign the book contract. Then Sonia say, “I don’t know, Sra. Lilian says that I shouldn’t be writing such foolishness because real love does not exist.” Leon then says, “Oh that woman is just full of bitterness.” “Yes that is true, but it is also true that there are a lot of people who feel that way”, says Sonia. Leon counters, “But that’s why it’s so important to have someone like you who can give other people hope that they can be happy and have love.” Then Sonia, looking at León full of love says, “You are so right! Give me that pen so I can sign.”


Later that day, Sonia walks into the kitchen where Carito is working. As Sonia is putting on her apron, she says, “Hey Sonia, I’m glad you are here. Somebody who said he was your agent came here looking for you. It has to do with your book.” Sonia, looking puzzled, then said, “Well that’s strange. I didn’t call for any representative or agent.” Carito then tells her that León already talked to him and set this up.” “Oh that León, so he’s the one who set this up. What did you tell him?” Carito then says, “Well, since you weren’t here, I told him to take a walk around the vineyard and then go meet you in the Cava. I thought by that time, you’d be around and ready.” Sonia looks at Carito very puzzled and then asks, “But why did you tell him to do that?” “I don’t know”, says Carito, “That’s just the first thing that occurred to me to say. Let’s go and I’ll accompany you.”

David and Susan are in his office and David explains to her that this is a very important contract for a very important client in Las Vegas. David is just thrilled that this restaurant in Las Vegas wants his wine. Susan says, “We do owe this to Luciana, because if it weren’t for her, we would not be getting these opportunities.” David says, “Yes, I do know that.” Susan then tells him, “The only thing that worries me is that I now have to give the presentation. I’m just not as good at speaking the way Luciana does it.” Dave tells her that he is sure that she too, can do it very well too. “I don’t know, David”, says Susan. “She had this very personal way of saying things, as if she were talking about her own life. Maybe you can listen to me as I practice.” “Sure”, says David, “I’ll listen to you.”

As Susan begins to recite the words that Luciana wrote about the wine and all the romance that goes with it, David regresses into daydreaming about Luciana when she was reciting the presentation to him. He sees Lu’s face and hears Lu’s words and relapses into the day she read the words to him, feeling the love that they shared. After she finishes the speech, she asks, “Well how did I do?” Not really paying much attention, he said, “Oh you did just fine. Just fine.” “Really David? Are you okay?” Dave answers, “I’m fine. I just really miss Luciana very much.” (Carla Morrison sings in the background.)



David admits to Susan that he can’t stop thinking of Luciana and is always missing her. Susan lets him know, “I know with assurance that she still loves you.” David turns around looking surprised and says, “Do you really think so? Has she told you anything?” Susan says, “No she hasn’t but to me it’s just very obvious.” Dave says, “But I know I’ve hurt her very much.” He sighs. Susan says, “Then talk to her. It won’t hurt to talk to her and try to make up with her.” David’s lightbulb finally lights up slightly and he realizes that the only way to start is by having a conversation with Luciana.

Sonia and Carito arrive in the distillery and Tano greets them. “Are you the famous writer, Sonia Ortiz?” Sonia answers, “Stop being a clown, Tano and don’t bother me.” “No”, says Tano, “What I’m trying to do is very serious.” “Where is the person who was looking for me?” Tano says, “You mean your representative?” He’s in the cava waiting for you.” But first, Carito says to fix up her hair and look nice because this is very important. Then she sends Sonia off to the Cava. Of course Tano and Carito are up to something because then as soon as Sonia left, they give each other a high five.


Sonia enters the cava and finds a bunch of lit candles, wine bottles, and goblets. She looks very puzzled. “Good afternoon! Hello!” Then León comes out. “Sonia!” “Leoni, what is all this? I was told that an agent came looking for me. Can you please explain? Where is he?” León says, “He’s right in front of you.” “Leoni, please don’t play games now.” León say, “I’m not playing a game, this is more serious than you realize. I need to talk to you about something very, very, important. I need to talk to you about the prologue to your book. I wrote one for you so that read and approve so it can be published.” Sonia says, “Oh please show it to me.” Leon opens the book and shows her the page. Sonia first picks up the rose and smells it. León then directs her to the page in the book that is supposed to be the “prologue.”  On it is a hand drawn heart that says, “Will you marry me? Will you accept my proposal and become my wife?” Sonia sighs and says, “Oh León. You are the most romantic guy in the world.“ Leon says, “It’s because you deserve this and much more.” Sonia goes into this detailed description about what a great guy León is, but then he stops her and says, “Will you marry me or not?”

She says, “Oh Leoni, of course I will”. She moves inward to start kissing him, but León stops her saying, “There is one more thing. Open the book and look at the bookmark.” So she finds that bookmark, pulls it out and finds a diamond ring hanging on the ribbon. León unties the ring and puts it on Sonia’s hand. They kiss and Sonia says she is the happiest woman in the world. Then she realizes that the whole setup was right out of some of their favorite novels. Carito and Tano, who were in on the plan, come in to congratulate the happy couple.


Lil and DisGrace enter DisGrace’s room and she asks her mother for money.
“Mom, I need to talk to you.”
“What’s the matter?”
“I need for you to help me with money.”
“Me?”
“Yes, I need everything you have.”
Lil laughs and says, “Are you crazy? Anything I have, I’m using it for my retirement. This is why I want you to marry David, as insurance for my own life.”
“No I’m not crazy. It’s urgent! I need you to support me in this.”
“What do you need the money for? Did you ask David for the money?”
“Yes I did, but all he did was offer me his credit card to pay the wedding expenses. What I really need is CASH. Mom, how about if you sell your apartment in San Diego?”
“But Grace, that is the only thing I have.”
DisGrace promises that she will start painting again and will pay her back. But Lilian is not buying that excuse and angrily asks why is she being like this? She finally tells Lil it’s because of Juan. Lil answers, “And you think I would sell my apartment just for him? No way!”
“Mom, I need the money because he is blackmailing me. I need to give it to him so he can stop bothering me and go far, far, away.”
“Okay, then how much does he want?”
“A million dollars!”
“What?” Says Lil. She can hardly believe it and leaves the room in anger.



David decides to drop by the SB Vineyard. He comes to the MPR where Miggy is sitting at the desk and announces that he is there to see Luciana. Of course, Mig is not too pleased to see David and puts on his alpha male attitude by telling David, “I’m sorry, but I’m not going to let you see her.” The two get into an argument with Miguel pretty much saying that no way he is ever going to allow David to see Luciana. David tries to say he will go out and find her himself, but they nearly get into a fist fight and Miguel tells him to just leave.

Cesar comes to see Susan at her office. She tells him that David went to go find Luciana. Cesar hopes too that the both of them get back together.

DisGrace is on the phone trying to find more money and talking to possibly a lender. But it will take more than 24 hours to get cash (it must have been that Cash Call place!), so frustrated, she hangs up.

At the employees’ house, everyone is celebrating León and Sonia’s engagement. Ramón wishes them much happiness. Finally León calls Luciana on the phone to give her the good news. She gives them her congratulations and says that their love is proof that true love does exist. He invites her to celebrate in town later.

As Susan and Cesar are still talking, David comes back in. Susan says, “How did it all go, David?”
“I wasn’t able to talk to her.” He is angry and doesn’t want to go back there. He raises his voice at her and Cesar tries to calm him down.
David says, “Is there anything else pending?”
“No, not really, everyone has already left.”
“Why?”
“Because they all went to town to celebrate León and Sonia’s engagement.”
“Oh I didn’t know that. Well at least someone is going to get to be happy.” Then he storms out.

Miguel is working on a glass of wine and angry. Luciana walks in and asks where her mother is. She is giving him the good news about León and notices that Miguel is upset. She presses him for what is wrong and he finally admits that David was there to find her. Luciana gets very angry at Miguel and tells him that it’s just not his place to step in and stop David for seeing her. They start arguing and she tells him that he is not supposed to be making those kinds of decisions on her behalf! Their argument becomes very heated and Mig tells her not to be stupid and not to ever ask him to help her out again.


Susan calls and wants to know what happened and Lu shares that Miguel didn’t allow David come see her. Susan is going to devise a plan so that they can see each other. Susan goes over to the SB Vineyard and tells Lu what happened when she read the presentation that Lu wrote for the El Romance Wine and that he admitted that he missed Luciana very much. Lu gets some crazy idea to break up the wedding tomorrow but Susan says that is the wrong thing to do. Susan gets out her phone and calls David with a request that will get David back into his office. She says she needs David to sign a document having to do with the Las Vegas contract. The plan is to get Luciana to go meet David at his office

Juan decides to give DisGrace another call. She answers and he tells her, “Time is running out! How much do you have now?” She tells him she is working on it, but doesn’t have it all.” Juan says, “Well I guess you really don’t have the desire to get married, then.” She promises to get the money and he says he wants ALL OF IT.


Fernanda asks David if he is ready for the wedding. She is excited because she has a very pretty dress. She asks if he needs any help with anything. They also mention that their Tía was locked up in her room, so Dave says he will check on her.

DisGrace is in her room crying when Dave comes in. She wants him to hold her and to promise that he will never think about anyone else. Dave’s phone starts ringing (it’s Luciana) and she begs him not to answer it. She’s having another meltdown and he promise that everything will be alright. He says, “I know you are very stressed about the wedding. Look tomorrow we are getting married and everything will be fine.” He suggests that they go down and spend some time with the children and relax.

Miguel joins the crowd in town to celebrate the engagement. They all want to know where Luciana is and Miguel tells them they had a big argument. Miguel gives his side of the story.

While sitting with DisGrace and the children, David announces that he needs to walk back over to his office to take care of something. It will be short and he will not be late.

Susan and Luciana, still talking in the SB Vineyard, say their goodbyes and Susan advises her to really talk to David and tell him exactly how she feels about him.

Lilian goes over to the SB Vineyard to see Adolfo. She apologizes for the last time they were together and she misbehaved by acting badly. She gets right to the point. She needs money for Grace. As collateral, she offers him the ownership documents for her San Diego apartment. Adolfo asks, “How much do you need?” Lil finally tells him: “I need one million dollars.” Adolfo looks shocked.


Luciana arrives in front of David’s office ready to have a conversation with him. She stops short of going in because she sees through the glass windows who is there with him. DisGrace apparently insisted on following him to his office, so when Luciana arrived, she saw David and DisGrace locked in embrace, kissing each other.  


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Comments:
I don't know what else to say but that I admire your commitment, making sense from the absurd. Thank you Cynthia

"Adolfo looks shocked"

I'm gonna forget for awhile Lilian actually took seriously a million dollar blackmail by a man wanted for murder and other mayhem and will allow she really is mother of the year, willing to sacrifice anything for her remaining child, but Adolfo?

Yeah, give me one of those missing Luciana kisses. Maybe I shouldn't be so hard on David. He is after all marrying on the morrow, Graciela does turn him on and missing you applies to dogs and friends too.

For once I think Miguel was right to protect his friend from herself. Only thing I would tell him is you cannot save someone hell bent on running into a ditch.

 

Thank you, Cynthia, for that detailed recap.

Am I supposed to hate the leads as much as the villains?

I cannot believe that Lilian asked Adolfo for a million dollars. Geez. He is just an acquaintance. What nerve !

Grace is decomposing before our very eyes, and her nose is still running . It looked like she wiped it on Dave's shirt while she was grasping him.

No vests for quite a !Ong time now what could that mean?
 

Great work, Cynthia. While this is not the worst novela this blog has ever dealt with you show tremendous intestinal fortitude.

Isn't it always a TN truism that once a declaration is made something comes up to destroy its credibility? That certainly applied to this situation.

Is Lillian losing her marbles making such a request of Adolfo when he has seen her ugliest side? I can't believe he didn't toss her out of his study, but I guess that's because he's a gentleman, which is why we like him.

Lillian is clearly desperate. She has embezzled from David by way of Juan and should be wondering why Juan is blackmailing DisGrace instead of herself.
 

Utterly divine Cynthia.

Your screen shots were superb - all. Thank you for all your conversation translations. Written with heart and soul. What an outstanding recapper you have been!

"puts on his alpha male attitude" was excellent.

"David’s lightbulb finally lights up slightly and he realizes that the only way to start is by having a conversation with Luciana" was my favorite line and captured our frustrations perfectly.

"Mig tells her not to be stupid and not to ever ask him to help her out again.
Am I supposed to hate the leads as much as the villains?" Ack. tofie, I agree Miguel was trying to protect Luci but I still see the green eyed possessiveness he harbors toward Luci.

A ring on a bookmark? Love that Leoni.

Were clandestine contracts drawn up that prohibited real romance, that limited eagerly anticipated kisses to a few measly ones? Was it purposeful intent to see the only possibility of our main couple uniting (but three episodes prior to the finale) dashed on the rocks of crushed expectations? These star crossed lovers have but a few scant hours to reunite, if indeed that is what will occur.

"Am I supposed to hate the leads as much as the villains?" Wow Susanlynn :) I don't think that was exactly what the writers had in mind but I love the way you called the question.

Cynthia, thank you again for your hard work and dedication.

Diana
 

I repeated "Am I supposed to hate the leads as much as the villains?" twice. Credit to Susanlynn for that line. My "ack" was meant to follow Cynthia's
"Mig tells her not to be stupid and not to ever ask him to help her out again".

Trying to rush to get to the dozens of work e-mails awaiting. Sorry!

Diana
 

Diana...work...it can really harsh your vibe, verdad?

So..the wedding from hell is almost here? Satan will be officiating ! Will it actually happen? The previews were odd and confusing.
 

Shirts can be laundered, Vests go to the dry cleaners.
 

Diana, don't get me wrong I don't find anything enduring about Miguel's obsessive possessiveness, nor his boast of being a big wig now on the back of a dead fiancee, however, Luciana had just asked him to help her remove David from her heart and mind. We see that a simple visit by David lead to further humiliation. "I miss her" doesn't mean he was willing to ditch Graciela at the altar but that he wanted somehow to have her endorsement so he could stop feeling bad. To be fair, Susan interpreted David's acknowledgement Luciana had his vineyard dirt under her nails as something personal. At university I missed one of our male cheerleader squad members when he had shoulder surgery not because I wanted to sleep with him but because I trusted he would catch me during a toss.
 

Thank you Cynthia!

I am reminded that Uni cut the scene a couple of weeks ago where Marta and Luciana told Adolfo all about Lilian's dirty deeds. I'll be interested to see his response to Lilian's request.

LOL Susanlynn, I don't think you are supposed to do that but I know for sure I prefer all the villains in this show.

So glad to see Sonia and Leon engaged. They really are the couple to root for on this show.
 

Thank you so much, Cynthia! Can't read the recap/comments or play on the Patio until later. Just wanted to thank you and say thank goodness for Lion Cub and the Tigress. That was a sweet proposal though Leo has to work hard to keep her nerdiness in check!.

Dud = useless, lying, dumb-assed POS

Luci = converted into a neurotic twit by the writers for wanting the jerk

Thanks, Cynthia!
 

tofie, I totally agree that David's actions "doesn't mean he was willing to ditch Graciela at the altar". He was just wounding her further.

It hurt my heart to see Luci so overjoyed he had shown minimal interest when all his words did was to further muddy the waters.

His kissing Graciela immediately afterward shows he SO does not deserve her. If it weren't for the children, at this point I would say go ahead and marry Graciela. You made your bed, now lie in it.

dy77, I'm also cheering for sweet Sonia and her cub.

Diana
 

Gracias, Cynthia. We're almost out of this pit...

Best Couple Sonia and Leon almost literally ran off with this episode. Particularly in light of Leon's early comment about Sonia needing to show through her writing that there's still love in the world--which I can't help thinking was a faintly backhanded wink-and-nod from the writers, who have arranged things so that the closer you get to the central characters the less love there actually is. And considering their efficiency about this, I'd almost consider nominating them to take over a US English-language soap opera for a year just to see all the heads explode...

Lilian actually hitting up Adolfo for that million dollars was at least a surprise (and, God bless the big lug, he managed to suppress his WTF face about it), though I suppose it continues setting Lil up for that epic karma backlash. And Miguel's freakout about Luciana not really wanting to move on from David was probably overdue, all things considered, as overprotective as he is.

OTOH, assuming it wasn't snipped out of the US airing, why couldn't we see Graciela showing up in David's office before Luciana got there? Why am I even surprised at this point? (Insert epic Cesar I-just-can't-even shrug here.)
 

Cynthia--Thank you ever so much for being a recapper for Vino and getting this action-packed episode.

More later....However....did we all notice this was a Marta-free episode (congratulations again)? No shoes, no m'hija, no turtleneck, long-sleeved dress in hot, sunny (presumably--based on what everyone else is wearing) Sonoma.

Kirby--I went right out and filled up my bird bath. The squirrels use mine.

Finally, some happiness, done right. What's wrong with romance anyway? Even here the writers have tried to smear it by making romance novels sound like low-level intellectual schlock for real-life-impaired people to read.
 

Okay, there was a time when even though Dave was a vestwearing , despressed,depressing, lazy, sadfaced dumbbunny, I was going to feel sorry for him when he discovered that the woman he was going to wed killed his wife in addition to his best friend and mother-in-law defrauding him. Lovely fammmiillyy. However, that kiss he laid on Grace last night made me know that I am not going to feel sorry for him when he finds out all these dreadful secrets. You were totally into that makeout session, you old dog. All these months ,you have kept LU on a string ,and you keep whining to Cesar and SUsan about how much you love her! Boohoo, so sad for you...Loser. Yeah, vestboy, you are sacrificing your happiness and are so valiant marrying your sister-in-law because she is your kids' surogate mommy\savior. Liar. You are loving the loving you get from Grasping Grace. She strokes your ego , you conceited, whiny, wimpy , little hipocrete. Dave , you are dead to me. Suffer with the news you will be getting soon. I don't feel sorry for you at all. Okay, I feel better now that I got that off my chest. P.s. I hate you , Dave..a lot. maybe more than the villains who surround you.
 

Anita, the unfortunate truth is that many otherwise intelligent people truly believe that romance novels are read by trailer trash and other people who didn't make it past freshman year of high school. Often men who come out with statements like this are intimidated by images of the heroes of these books whose physical attributes are echoed in the leading men of telenovelas and who are also intelligent, resourceful, and great lovers. They fear an inability to measure up to that.

Women who hold this opinion are either ones who settled for so much less or ones who don't believe that love exists.

Once upon a time I was a panelist on a Sally Jesse Raphael show on this subject. I was sitting with editors of Romantic Times and authors of recent books. I was the Spin Doctor and told the audience that the average reader is likely to have at least some college education, be white-collar employed, and either married or cohabiting. I also pointed out that the heroes of these books are more intimidating to men than the photoshopped, siliconed female models in Playboy are to women because the heroes are not only physically perfect, they're intelligent. Most of them are also wealthy and/or in positions of authority. Even when there's no cover illustration.
 

How do we know that that final scene of David kissing Grace wasn't stage managed by Grace?
Knowing that Luci was coming to his office, she might have hurried down there and grabbed Dave by the collar and started in with the kiss..although it didn't look like he was resisting the kiss.

I can only hope that the writers finally decide which woman Dave should be with. The endgame is probably with Luciana, but the way there is tortuous and not simple.

 

Urban..That sounds like a very interesting panel discussion. It is true , I think, that women want more than a guy with a handsome face and a good body. Those attributes are great, but I think, many women need someone with a sense of humor, a good heart, and intelligence.

I guess that many young people are cynical and no longer believe in love and romance anymore. Many people have trouble commiting to one person forever these days. I guess that they are always on the lookout for a better partner or a new experience. I wonder if this isgoing to be a trend in telenovelas. No more onetrueloves.
 

I have problems with the One True Love concept when it excludes the possibility of someone in David's position finding love again. Or Camila and Daniel in Amor Bravio.

BTW, that program also featured some male cover models, one of whom was the spitting image of Adrian Paul. The all-female audience went wild. ;)
 

Urban...I am a fan of Adrian Paul. Loved him in Highlander, the tv series. It's too bad we don't see him on tv anymore. I bet that was a fun day !!!

Maybe Dave had his onetruelove in Lisa, and now, he is just done. He certainly wasn't the galan in this show...so ineffectual , humorless, and indecisive. I thought that galans were supposed to be proactive and
intelligent and that they pick themselves up and move forward and fight when they get knocked down. Dave is a big disappointment if he is supposed to be the galan.

I need someone to translate into Spanish what I want Adolfo to say to Lilian concerning her cool request for one million dollars...Are you freaking kidding me¿??????" She asks this from a guy she had like three dates with and refused to accompany on a cruise . Geez. Really, Lilian? Woman has nerve!!
 

Bill, I think that as the episodes went by the writers themselves realized they had messed things up with the main couple, so they tried to somehow make up for it through Sonia and Leon's storyline. It's like they were trying to say to the viewers: "Hey, we didn't mean to show true love doesn't exist, we just didn't manage to get things right with Luciana and David (for whatever reason)". Luciana's remark to Leon "you two are the proof that real love does exist" had the same intention.

Lion cub's sweet proposal to an overjoyed Sonia was by far the most romantic moment in this TN. These two characters are very likeable, together and separately.

I also agree with Urban that the writers' intention was not to make romance novels come across as "cheap entertainmrnt", but just to show a reality-that many people do see them as trash without it being necessarily true.
 

Thanks, Cynthia. I felt as though not much really happened, but the performances were very angsty and fun. Thank you for the screencaps that illustrate the hiiiigh drama!

Miguel: "we can just work in the vineyard, with the soil and tending the vines, just like you love to do. In fact, why don’t we go outside and start now?" THIS may be the approach to take if there is any hope for Miguel and Luciana to be together at all. She needs quiet, drama-free time.

As for Miguel playing doorman to keep David away from Luciana, I have mixed feelings. My instinct is that if she cries every time she sees him, and has told me that she wants to forget him, then I should keep him away from her, at least on my own property. But when Miguel did it, it still annoyed me, maybe because I felt that it was more about Mig's resentment towards David, and less about respecting Luciana's wishes.

Probably in Mig's situation I would call Luci and ask if she's available to meet with David for an unscheduled appointment. ("Luci would like to know what this in reference to.") And will she need a chaperone/bouncer.

(Kinda funny when David pushed Miguel down, then Mig sprang up from the ugly couch and threatened David, "don't make me do this!" Do what!? Fall down again!?)

I liked the pointed looks Mig got from his friends at the bar when he told them he didn't think he'd done anything wrong.

I don't think Susan is doing Luciana (or David) any favors by encouraging him to go see her, or her to see him, or by telling each one what the other has been saying or how she thinks they feel. I appreciate the good intention, but I don't think it's realistic. (Oh, it's realistic in the sense that people do this. I mean it's not realistic in terms of expecting it to work out as intended.)

Funny that Grace started panicking to Dave about Luciana. Did she overhear or see something to make her worry about that? Luciana's been gone from the vineyard for months and David hasn't even mentioned her.
 

Cynthia. great recap and awesome screenshots! I so look forward to reading the recaps and the comments. BTW, everyone's comments/discussions are super-impressive!!

I am pretty much fed up with this TN. Like so many here, ITA that the writers have made the leads as despicable as the villains. It's getting more difficult to watch and the thought of Damned-Vid and Lu ending up together turns my stomach--I think I'll skip the last half hour or so of the finale.

SusanLynn at 10:46: DITTTOOOO!! I thought Marcelo on ECDLP was bad, but this one took the cake and ate it too...hoping it's got some cyanide in it. at 10:49--I would add respect to the list of qualities. What good is handsome face and a good body if the truly important qualities that make a woman feel desired (and not only physically) AND appreciated are lacking? If I wanted just a handsome face and a good body (without the other qualities), I just might consider one of those blow-up dolls or a mannequin--why put up with the rest of the crap. at 11:27--that would be: "Estas jodidamente bromeando?" but I would just stop at "estas jodida?" or "estas chisquiada"? (are you crazy)

Urban-very impressive info and discussion!

RC
 

Regarding the romance novels, I thought that by having Sonia author one and depicting Leon as a fan as well, they were showing that the genre's fans and authors are intelligent, well-rounded, down-to-earth people who crave quality entertainment.

People who think romance and other genre novels are "cheap" probably haven't read many. I'm sure some of them are cheap, but romances, mysteries, fantasies, westerns, comics, sci-fi, and all the other genres attract intelligent, well-rounded, down-to-earth people who crave quality entertainment.

And the most successful products of those genres also tend to be intelligent and well-rounded. (Not necessarily down-to-earth, because that might not be what we're looking for!)

Lilian in particular has no business criticizing anyone else's literary tastes. She'll read anything.


Tofie: "At university I missed one of our male cheerleader squad members when he had shoulder surgery not because I wanted to sleep with him but because I trusted he would catch me during a toss." That should be on a pillow! (A big one.)
 

I noticed that Juan slapped himself the other night. Lil slapped herself a few weeks ago. Do the writers have a thing about self-slapping? I've never slapped myself, and I don't think I've seen anyone do it in a TN before. Now I've seen it twice. Weird?
 

I believe in romance and love but don't think proof is found by TN displays of possessiveness, jealously and how much pain and humiliation you can endure.
 

Anita, loved your comment "Finally, some happiness, done right".

Susanlynn, I read your rant on "Grasping Grace", mesmerized. Hear, hear.

Last night, David stepped beyond the boundaries of redemption for me as well. I'm grappling in trying to accept the reality that he is likely Luci's endgame. There would have to be a helluva good writing team to accomplish that in 3 episodes. And with the mess these writers have made of everything thus far, there is no way in the world they are going to be able to pull this off.

What an interesting experience you had Urban! I think romance novels are written for anyone who has imagination. And heart.

Gobluefan, whether Graciela initiated the kiss that Luci saw is a moot point. He was kissing her back. So much for the great "love" he has for Luciana.

Julie, I don't know if Grace overheard anything but because she is in such panic mode, I am wondering if she is just bringing everything into the fray, including her insecurities about Luci.

Is Adolfo so fluid he actually HAS a million dollars? I can't believe he will actually give Gracie the money but just because I said that, it will surely happen.

Diana
 

Thanks everyone. Tonight will be my last time recapping for this novela, but I have enjoyed it immensely, even though the story has been kind of frustrating at times. I think the writers could have done a lot better with the storyline between David and Luciana and should have written it in such a way so that you would be rooting for them as a couple, instead of being disappointed most of the time. The best thing they did was the romance between Sonia and León. The two actors are fantastic together, you can really see the chemistry between them and I think that José Eduardo Derbez has inherited a lot of talent from his parents, especially the comedic abilities from his father.

I featured Sonia’s and León’s story in my recap last night because they are the best thing about this novela right now. At this point, we should be looking forward to seeing the main couple getting together for good, but as of last night, it still looks “iffy”. I guess we have to hang on to the bitter end to find out if David ever does find out about DisGrace and her murderous ways.

As for Miguel, Luciana asked him to help her forget David. He made some good suggestions, like going on business trips to other countries to promote their wine, working “hands on” in the vineyard, and things like that. As a friend, he can offer up distractions and not become a barrier to the process of allowing her to heal from the hurts she is feeling. He should never, under any circumstances, prevent her from talking to David or stand in the way of Luciana and David having a conversation. Miguel should have left that up to Luciana and Luciana alone. But instead, he puts on his alpha male attitude and nearly has a fistfight with David. No wonder Luciana was angry, I would have been too! A good friend allows for a friend to make her own decisions, right or wrong. You can advise, give your opinion, but for heaven sakes, never stand in the way as a “protector.” Luciana does NOT need a protector. She needs a supportive friend who will walk with her through her healing process, not protect her from it.

Boy oh boy, Lilian has some nerve! How does ANYONE go to ANY FRIEND and ask for a million $$$???? He isn’t even her lover and she has rebuffed him several times already.

We have to tune in tonight to see what his reaction is. If I were Adolfo, I’d be saying, “Are you Effen kidding me???” However, Adolfo will probably be very polite about it all if we know him. Lilian doesn’t deserve to have him as a friend, he’s way too nice.

 

Some of the great classics we read today are genre fiction, so I don't see what the issue is. Think about Wuthering Heights, Price and Prejudice, The Time Machine, and a whole list of others that were the "pulp fiction" of their days.

What I really wanted to say during that show was that with so many easier ways people have today to entertain themselves it's educated people who read for pleasure.
 

Hey, I have nothing against romance novel readers and authors, per se. It's just that in this tn, they gave those roles to two people who at the beginning were two who were in low-level, dead-end jobs. Leon, the shy, twerpy, nerdy guy who couldn't land a girlfriend and an awkward, eager to please, servant at the beck and call of an overbearing patrona. Someone who had a hard time relating to any of the other people around her, especially the kids, while she harbored fantasies about her Patron. She seemed to come across to me as a spinster (of yore) yearning to have a guy of her own.

They came together through their love for romance novels and all of a sudden, their personalities started to change, each discovering a kindred spirit. Leon came out of his shell, so to speak, but resisted role playing. Sonia realized she didn't have to dream and fantasize about men, she could have a real one, even though he looks like a moon-faced kewpie doll. She finally got off the pedestal of her own making to rub shoulders with ordinary folks. Remember how all the characters hated her when she first came to work at the ranch with her air of superiority and authority?

Even Tano made fun of Leo's addiction early on.

To me, something still smelled of social superiority on the part of the writers against them, making them more laughable than providing comic relief. Late, they realized they had something special in these two actors and decided to give them endearing personalities and legitimate voices.

I agree that these two offered us the only real romance of this whole run. In my opinion, still, too little, too late.
 

I agree, Anita. BTW, most romance authors are happily married women. I guess that's part of what disqualified me. They're not spinsters with cats.
 

Ms Hampton, you have a way with words.
Gracie is on a roll with the crazy eyes. The actress should get an award for that alone.
So do ya'll think Dave will get a clue tonite? I think......not yet. I will be surprised if he does. The boy is dence. He's still being manipulated by
The succubus. Even in her mental state

Now tell me, what the crazy hell is lil retireing from? Scaming her dumb
Son In Law and grandkids? And what she
Has, she stole from them.Grace is nuts
Because she is. I think in her twisted
Way she loves Gracie. She's the one that screwed her up.

Cutest couple ever indeed: Leone and Sonia. The one and only happiest couple on this show. Tano and the brat
They do nothing for me.Marta and ramon
Well, they're ok. I guess.

Well lucy, girl whatcha gonna do.David
Is just dumb.Miguel is dumb in thinkin he can get you to forget the love of your life. Move on mig. We'll all be a
Movin on after 8:00 monday.

Later peeps. Thank Cynthia.
 

Urban, you do not fit any niche category. Notice I used spinsters (of yore). I don't think single women over 30 or 40 use that word to describe themselves any more since Hector was a Pup. Single women these days, and I include myself, since my children both live at an inconvenient distance from me, form their own circle of family from good friends, work, get out, go to operas, concerts, art galleries, engage in book clubs, co-op housing board of directors, museum docents, volunteer in libraries and food pantries, traveling, etc. Married women and widows also are actively engaged, so in this day and age we are all WOMEN, some have cats, some have dogs. Some are on one side of the fence, some are on the other, still we come together as WOMEN when called on to protect our rights.
 

Nina you said: “Now tell me, what the crazy hell is Lil retiring from? Scamming her dumb
Son in Law and grandkids?”

Right! If you are already not working and are not looking for a job ever, how is it that you can “retire?” I suppose she could collect on Fernando’s social security or something like that, but unless you have been holding down a real JOB, what is there to retire from?


 

Some people retire from life itself. A friend of mine tells the story of a great-aunt who just decided one day when she was about 60 that she was just going to take to her bed. There was no medical problem, but she had had enough of cooking, cleaning, and other responsibilities. She died ten years later.

However, I don't think that is Lillian's intention.
 

Urban, that is a very sad story! There had to have been something very wrong in that person's life to "retire" from life itself. I could not imagine that, when there is so much to do and so much to learn, and so many people to love and share life with.
 

Sue said ".Are you freaking kidding me¿??????" She asks this from a guy she had like three dates with and refused to accompany on a cruise . Geez. Really, Lilian?"

Remember Sue their last chat was when Lillian asked Adolf to throw Martrya out on the street and that conversation turned quite frosty.
 

Anita: On behalf of Critterdom everywhere, Thank You.
 

My friends, y'all are covering every facet of this rock of a show and making it shine like a gem. I'm just going to enjoy these wonderful comments.

Anita at 1:45:00 PM EDT You almost made me cry! Bless you, honey! Now, if we could get rid of the umpteen other labels we affix to ourselves for the games we play!

:)

 

I think the problem [that some people seem to have] with genre fiction is the association with certain stereotypes. (E.g. sci-fi/fantasy/comic book fans are social misfits who live in their parents' basement and drool on themselves. Romance novel fans are spinsters with cats?)

Since this is idiocy, I don't let it affect what I read/watch/enjoy. But I am sad that it might deter some self-conscious people from stuff they might really like.

I didn't see anything negative depicted about romance novels in VEA at all. I saw two people (who didn't get along at first) bonding over something they had in common, and eventually fell in love. Their love deepened along with their involvement in romance novels (eventually getting into the business). That doesn't seem negative to me.

Is there a difference between a spinster and an old maid? I should find out which one I am. And possibly get a cat.
 

Urban, I read a lecture about Florence Nightingale for my speaking class for them to practice notetaking. I was surprised to discover that despite her fame as a nurse, she took to her bed and remained there for many, many years , and she died at 90. I think she also had a whole lot of cats. Emily Dickinson also became a recluse according to the lecture on her.
 

Let's face it, labels are always bad. We are what we are and should be free to just be that ..whatever it is.
 

We ARE all women Anita. Strong and supportive.

I love Madeline Albright's quote to the effect that there is a special place in hell for women who don't support/help other women.

Urban, single or not. It doesn't matter.

Julie, I don't know if there is a difference between a spinster and an old maid. But I advocate for getting a cat. My children all have paws...:)

Diana
 

Kirby, I can't take it any more.

If I give you my e-mail, can you send me that adorable bird in the bird bath? Also that beautiful multi colored bird flying over a body of water you posted about 2 days ago???

If you can't that's fine!

Diana
 

I am surprised that it took Urban's friend's great-aunt ten years to die after taking to her bed. I realize that we're exposed to far fewer hazards when we don't get out much, but you'd think that some kind of physical deterioration would occur as a result of disuse. I guess it just takes a really long time.
 

I forget who commented here that the infamous brown sofa in the MPR was also in Grace's bedroom or maybe a twin. Last night while Grace was frantically petting Dave as her panic swirled, I finally noticed it. Ha.

I am starting to soften toward Carito. She has had a hard life, and Per!a was a very bad influence in her from a very young age. Also, the writers are trying to redeem her. She worried about and tried to help the immigrants, grieved for her cousin, sent money home to her family in Mexico, and now she seems to be a part of the happy employee family.Therefore, I give my blessing to a matchup between Miguel and Carito. She has always had a crush on him. He is protective, and she seems like she would like some protection. Maybe doing some bunnyhopping with Miguel will infuse her with some zazz. It couldn't hurt, right? Erica looked pretty zazzy after those sofa sessions....just sayin'.
 

Diana so everyone does not see yours, my commercial email is kirby@kirbyjohnson.com. Mail me and I will get you the full resolution ones ASAP

And anything else you want. I put the duck flying over the water up on my Google but to share it you have to tell Google the emails of who you give access to.

Kirbo
 

Kirby: Carito better get Miguel to calm down & forget about Luciana SOON!

Susanlynn: Not surprised that Miguel became quickly unhinged & lashed out at Luciana. I'm surprised he didn't slap her & did violent things to her.

Julie: The countdown to Graciela's anvil continues! Plus, Karma is clearing her throat & getting ready to strike FerBrat & Bobby!


 

"The best thing they did was the romance between Sonia and León. The two actors are fantastic together, you can really see the chemistry between them and I think that José Eduardo Derbez has inherited a lot of talent from his parents, especially the comedic abilities from his father."

Yes, Cynthia! I'm glad the writers didn't waste José Eduardo´s talent by trying to pair him up with the dull girl playing Carito. When he was after her early on his character just seemed so... insignificant. After he was paired up with Verónica, instead, it´s as if all of his spark and charisma started to shine. These two actors were just marvelous together. It was obvious they were comfortable around each other and had real fun playing Sonia and León.

León never came across as twerpy to me, but yes, in the beginning his character was boring. Sonia, on the other hand, I just couldn´t stand having her on my screen, and her obsession with "mi señor" was anything but funny to me. But I think the writers had a plan for her character from very early on, since they were certainly familiar with Verónica´s warmth and comedic talent.
 

Grace's frantic petting of David is really funny. It doesn't seem to bother him, though. Well, except for him noticing that she's upset, and then he nicely offers to postpone the wedding... LOL, nice try

Erika was already zazzy before Miguel got to her. Assertive, ambitious, outgoing, etc. But whatever. I don't want Mig to be with Luci, so if he has to be with someone, I guess it's Carito. Maybe zazz can be acquired.

(I remember at the beginning of this TN I thought Mig might end up with Soosan. And I was thinking Cesar and Sonia. Leon and Carito. But no one asked me. Pbthththt!)

I don't want Luci to end up with Mig and I don't want her to be with David, so here is my alternate ending for just this one tiny part of it:

Luci goes to a brewers' convention to get wine out of her head for a couple of days. She finds it intoxicating, so to speak. There, she meets a brewer (who looks like Sebastian Rulli) who's interested in wine. The two of them collaborate to create a beer/wine hybrid (I just found out that this exists) that isn't totally gross, and the product line becomes immensely successful, eclipsing the popularity of traditional wine. Luci never goes back to Sonoma. She marries the brewer and they name their kids Sam Adams and Merlot. Sometimes they order grapes from Miguel/Adolfo or David for their beerwine, and when they pay the bill, they always write "you're welcome!" on the memo line.

(Note that I don't know that this isn't the real ending, since I haven't seen it yet, but I kinda think it's not the real ending.)
 

One thing that will stay with me is Leon's hair..that little flip in the front. Is that a thing?

Only a few hours away from the continuing madness. I still do not have a bottle of vino. Maybe I will pick one up tomorrow for the big finale.

Regarding romance novels, I only enjoy historical romances. I used to like Kathleen Woodiwiss . Now, I only read Diana Gabaldon. Does anyone have a favorite historical romance author to recommend? Between teaching and family and home responsibilities, I have not had much spare time. My last class was today, so after I give finals next week, I will have more free time to read .
 

Irina is on "La Gorda y La Flaca" right now...she seems to have a much better personality that Luci :-)
 

Wow, Julie. You should be writing telenovelas..or romance novels. I did not know that there was beerwine hybrid. I don't usually drink either, but I would give beerwine (weer??? Bine??) A try. I do like asti spumante. I heard on the news that there is now a clear coffee. I wonder what that is like.

I do not want Dave with Lulu, but we seem to be headed there. Anyone but Dave, please Lu..the beer guy ..a coffee guy...a cop..a teacher...a doctor..a lawyer...a dairy farmer..a truck driver...a pharmacist...a romance novelist...any guy but that guy Dave.

Dave...talk about a zazzy deficit.
 

Susanlynn, I think that's a cowlick in Leon's hair. If your hair insists on doing something, you might as well roll with it.

I don't read much any more, unfortunately. I started reading book 7 of Harry Potter (I'm behind the times) back in January, but I didn't finish it and haven't touched it in weeks. :-(

When I was in high school, there was an author named Jean Plaidy who did historical romance, very heavy on the history, concentrating on real historical figures. Nowhere near as colorful as Woodiwiss, but as I recall she brought these real people to life. The only one I remember was about... um...

Ah, the Internet tells me the author's real name was Eleanor Hibbert and she wrote under a lot of different names for different genres and subgenres. Interesting. And the book I remember was The Spanish Bridegroom. It was about King Philip II of Spain. Talk about your terrible marriages. It was quite the story, and even included a false pregnancy.
 

Susanlynn: Leon's hair is basically an economy-sized cowlick. It weirdly may be the one thing keeping him from wrestling the galan title away from everybody else at this point, however.

Julie: honestly, right this second Luciana doesn't deserve to be saddled with anybody. Cynically, I'd rather see something like this:
1. Luciana goes into town to drown her sorrows after seeing Graciela sucking David's life-force again. She runs into the owner of Sunny Fields (yup, Eugenia Cauduro--or Katie Barberi!), they get to talking, etc.
2. Luci subsequently gets offered a premium job at Sunny Fields, which she reluctantly takes in order to get away from both Miguel and David. Zip through the next few years where she's working, traveling the world, maybe a quick fling with someone who does indeed look like Sebastian Rulli or Aaron Diaz, until the owner kicks off--and leaves her all of Sunny Fields.
3. Miguel by this point is dating and/or married to Carito. Zazz still optional.
4. David indeed has married Graciela, but somehow made it...oh, let's call it a year...before her misdeeds all came out. Gracie flipped the fork out and is in the nearest prison's psych wing; Lilian flipped out in her own way and left to travel the world. His hangdog face is on full blast whenever he appears at this point.
 

I like that, Julie. That's very nice.

Also, I've never had a problem of Carito with Miguel because she is so gone for him and she's been respectful of his continuing hankering for Luci and hasn't whined about how she luuurrrves and wants him. Of course, she's been tied up with fear, anguish and regret over being involved in the human trafficking and after that anger and anxiety over Perla's continued involvement. There hasn't been much time for her to think about her love life: she didn't even know if she'd have a life! She is redeemed and if she wants Migster, let her have him. I'm sure he will see she has her own wonderful qualities which he couldn't see for baying after Luci. It'll be good though we'll get what, 10 minutes of them together, if that.

Interesting discussion about personality stereotypes and intellectual profiling done on people related to the genre of entertainment they like. I'm sure there are probably English- and Spanish-speaking people out there who don't think we're very bright for watching novelas. [And, er, this masterwork doesn't help our rep out very much]. If the critics could read just these recaps and comments, they'd have to modify their views. Articulate, erudite, stimulating, funny, sometimes earthy and raunchy, and MORE all at the same time!

Gracie rocks? WE ROCK!
 

Gosh, I like that too, Bill!
 

I like the idea of bringing the mysterious Sunny Fields into it, because it seems as though it will take a third party to rescue these people!
 

Is that apartment lil has even worth a
Million dollars? Did she buy it with the money she stole from dave and the grandbrats? And what will adolfo say to the crazy loco frizzy haired lady
That wants to borrow 1,000,000.00 with
The apartment that may or may not be worth $1,000,000.00 as collateral? In about 3 hours We shall find out.
 

Bill C. Maybe you should consider writing telenovelas , too. You seem to have a plethora of ideas , whereas these writers had. ...like maybe three ideas. P.s. OT..Where is Ridge?

Lila....people just do not use "hankerng" as much as they should. I usually have at least one guy in a telenovela that I have a hankering for ..in the purest form, mind you..but in this one..maybe Tano and Miguel if he could dial his zazzy back just a scoch.

"The White queen" and "The White Princess" on Starz are based on novels by Phillipa Gregory , a very famous historical romance novelist. The first was better than the second..so far. Starz seems to be adapting a lot of novels lately and doing it well.
 

Nina..Lilian 's hubby Fernando bought that apartment and put it in Grace's name for some reason. Since it is in her name, I am surprised that Grace did not sell it behind Mommy's back.
 

I don't get it. No Dogs no horses, NO SQUIRRELS, no birds, and NO Ghosts.
I willingly believe a man as stooooopid as Dave Bedded Hot Luci.
I believe that NutJob#1, wanted for murder etc. is extorting NutJob#2, soon to be wanted for murder
I believe a prominent local Wine Mker's wife drowned in 6 inches of water in the local creek and was not investigated.

AND DAMMIT! If you'd give me a good scarey Ghost I'd believe in ghosts too.

I'm not too hard to please, your choice:

Lisa
Fernandog
Marco
GutBrain
Perla.....................anybody, come on.
Dr Anderson, OK you'd have ta killim first...

 

Yeah but is it worth 1,000,000.00? Well at this point it don't really matter. He probably won't give it to her anyway. And they are on their way out.
They might as well hang. it. up. After
This horror show, somebody should get
Some happiness "somewhere on the vineyard".That sounds liks a soapopera
 

Thanks, Cynthia. Wanted to send my appreciation for your recap before the next episode but won't be able to read it and the comments till later. I loved that you included Leon's note cause I didn't get a chance to see it very well.

David is way too into his sister-in-law physically. First time I've watched a TN where I'll be thinking "she could've done so much better," if Lu heads to the altar with Duhvid. She'll be getting a bozo husband and a "me me me!" stepdaugher.
 

How in Blue Blazes is Dud going to find out about Dr Evil and his fake diagnosis, the unneeded pills for FerBrat, and all these other lunacies which he has participated in over the course of this show?

Will it be Like other TNs I have watched recently where they think we are so INTO the current happenings at the end that they just plain ignore many of these things they wasted our time on?

Dud finally found out about the Succinic acid in the wine and the pesticides which poisoned his staff and yard crew. But the embezzeling of which Lil and Grace were a part needs to be aired out. The time when DisGrace altered the "guest list" to prevent LuLu entering and giving her presentation.

I'm gettin pissed already.
 

I feel you, Kirby! This is why some people think we're dumb as Dud for watching these things and you're right: the first ones in line thinking we're dumb are the writers. I am afraid that they're going to gloss over or ignore those issues you raised as well.

:/

 

Kirby..I have a funny feeling that some or , perhaps, all of the dirty dealings that you have listed will not be revealed. Messy writing. Maybe nobody has planned this whole plotline out very well. We probably have better memories than the writers.
 

Julie and Bill , you've both mentioned a perfect character for Luci . I can easily see Sebastion Rulli as a smart and intuitive wine or beer expert meeting her at an important event. Or maybe he could be a doctor at the DisGrace crazy place! Anyone would be good, except Grandpa Idiot Dave.
I say to celebrate the finale we should all get the ten dollar Sonoma wine advertised this week at Trader Joes. The finale could be worth celebrating for many reasons!

L Linda
 

David has probably always been into his Sister in Law, but never had the nerve to do anything about it.

Lisa must have always wondered why she and Dud had such hot sheets after a visit from the Sis.
 

L Linda..tragically, there is no Trader Joe's near me. I have heard about it , and I am very curious. Good deals? Quirky items?

Regarding historical romance novels,I googled the history teacher I used to teach with. She wrote two novels set in the Caribbean because she and her husband used to vacation there..Lucetta and Tamara. I only read the second. As I recall, it wasn't bad...a bit racy. Shocked her fellow teachers a bit because she was a pretty quiet, staid person.
 

Susanlynn, yes they have good deals a AND some quirky items. It is an interesting store when it's not crowded.

L Linda
 

Oh well, no Trader Joe's , so I will have to stop in at one of the many small vineyards around here for my bottle of vino for the finale.
 

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