Caray, Caray!

reina-sur2

I will do a short recap of tonight's episode. Novelera will do tomorrow's.
 

thanks Juanita, well for doing all the wonderful things you do, but this week for sorting out the schedule. I made a little chart if the blog doesn't scramble it,

M- X B R
T- P B R
W- X X P
T- X X P
F- X B R

I also noticed for the following week, the 4th of July one, there will be NO novelas, what?

 

oops, I guess Poquito will air at their regular time Wednesday and Thursday on the east coast.

 

reina-sur2
La Reina del Sur 2 - Lunes - Parte 1 de 2

Teresa is staring out into space, clearly depressed. She remembers playing and dancing with her daughter. She calls Francesco (FLEM) and leaves him a message thanking him for rescuing her from the Turks and saving her life. By doing so, he also saved Sofia's life.

We then see FLEM carry the seemingly asleep Sofia and gently put her to bed. He then plays Teresa's message. An awake Sofia asks him whether he saved her mother from the Turks. FLEM replies that he helped her escape. Sofia says this may help him when her mother finds out that he's the one who kidnapped her. FLEM 1, Teresa 0. FLEM says he knows that Sofia is still angry with her mother, but would she like to make another video for her? FLEM 2, Teresa 0. Sofia makes the video, telling her mother she had a good birthday and that she promises that next year they'll be together at the sea. Teresa sees the video and cries.

In Mexico City, Danilo is busy chopping food in preparing for dinner. Alejandro arrives. Danilo is unhappy that he's been away all day without saying a word to Danilo. Alejandro explains that he was in highly confidential meetings. Moreover, he won't be able to stay for dinner. Epifanio needs him.

Batman and Sheila are enjoying each other a lot. They're about to have sex when both their phones ring. Both have to leave.

Zurdo's wife has told him about the psychologist's assessment of Renate and her imaginary friend. Zurdo tells his wife that he doesn't believe what the psychologist is saying. "Since when is being mischievous and clever a sign of mental illness?" He takes the note that Sofia had placed in the bottle, crumples it somewhat, and walks off with it.

Cayetana asks Charo whether she has a copy of the judge's order that she can bring to the embassy. Charo assures her that she has it. They leave El Submarino.

The wedding of Epifanio and Bebeta is about to take place. Epifanio tells Alejandro that he really thinks highly of Danilo, and that he should give him a raise.

Carmen, all dressed up in her Sunday best, tries to sneak out of the house without Virginia seeing her. However, she finds all the doors are stuck shut. Virginia asks her what she's doing. Carmen accuses her of preventing the doors from opening. A surprised Virginia tries the doors for herself and sees that they really are blocked. Moreover, the phone doesn't work, and there's no Internet. Carmen observes, "He knew that I'd try to go to the wedding."

Jonathan is in his car parked near Carmen's house. He sees Manuela doing in the phone and Internet. After she leaaves, he gets into the house apparently via an upstairs window and explains to an astonished Carmen and Virginia that the person who did this is very dangerous, an expert assassin. He asks them whether they have some place they can stay far from the city. Something very important is going to happen and the two of them are caught in the crossfire. Virginia says that they have a house in Culiacán where her daughter is staying. They agree to accompany Jonathan, who is on his way to Culiacán.

Teresa is with Zurdo. He introduces her to Mariano Bravo, the presidential candidate he is supporting financially. Bravo says he's honored to be in the presence of The Queen of the South. Teresa wishes him good luck. He replies that elections aren't won with luck but rather with money. Teresa assures him that in a month, he'll have enough to secure the way to Los Pinos. They briefly discuss Epifanio, and we learn that Alejandro was largely responsible for getting Epifanio released from prison.
 

reina-sur2
La Reina del Sur 2 - Lunes - Parte 2 de 2

Cayetana and Charo get into a cab to go to the airport. Soon Cayetana tells the driver this doesn't look like the way to the airport. Oleg reveals himself as the cab driver, and he tells Cayetana they need to talk. She starts hitting him on the head with her pocketbook, and then she tries strangling him with the straps (all of this while he's driving). He cuts the straps with a knife, grabs his gun, and fires a shot the goes between Charo and Cayetana and out the cab's back window.

Sofia continues bonding with FLEM. She makes smoothies, gives one to him, and says "To Lupo, superhero. I'm going to miss you." Lupo says he'll miss her too. Sofia says it makes sense: "you don't have a daughter, and I don't have a father."

Epifanio and Bebeta are married. Her father tells Epifanio that "in spite of all our differences, we're family now." Epifanio declares his love for Bebeta and his determination to end corruption. Bebeta in turn says how much she admires, respects, and loves Epi. She's about to say more when suddenly she faints. [This being a telenovela, this must mean she's pregnant, right?]

Ray tries to explain to Jimena that Paloma and he were involved, but that's over. "I like you a lot, and I'm serious," he tells Jimena. She's not impressed.

Oleg has brought Cayetana and Charo back to the building that includes El Submarino. He takes their pocketbooks and document cases and informs them that he can't let them bring the judge's order to the embassy. "It would jeopardize your granddaughter's rescue." They're going to have to stay in this building until Sofia is back. Cayetana accuses him of kidnapping them. He says no, it's "preventive detention." They'll have everything they need, but they'll be watched 24/7. Think of it as a vacation, he tells Cayetana. It will do wonders for your mental health.

After Mariano Bravo leaves, Teresa asks Zurdo "Is that teto (fool, idiot, loser) really going to beat Epifanio?" Zurdo replies, "If we help him. He's got 45% in the polls right now." Zurdo puts his glass down on Sofia's note. Teresa doesn't notice this but does say she'd like to see Renate again. "Whenever you'd like," replies Zurdo. He then tells her he wants to show her his secret things. He takes her to his "bat cave," a very large, elaborate, hidden bunker filled with several men monitoring very advanced technology that enables him to stay ahead of the police and the DEA. He can track all his shipments in minute detail. And if anyone managed to find the bat cave, everything would self-destruct. Teresa tells him, "You have a kingdom here, but I can give you an empire." Zurdo makes it clear that he'd like their relationship to go beyond business. "When you get tired of the Italian...."

Oleg very sternly tells the crew that Cayetana and Charo will be staying in another part of the building. No one can give them anything. Rocio and Paloma may visit, but anyone aiding them in any way to escape will be viewed as betraying Teresa.

Away from the others, Teresa tells Oleg that they have underestimated Zurdo, they have to be very careful. "Our technology is nothing compared to his." She also admits that she feels terrible. "He doesn't deserve my betrayal." Oleg tells her to get those thoughts out of her head and remember what's at stake. Teresa finally agrees that it's Zurdo or her daughter. Oleg tells her that the final stage of the mission has just begun. And the episode comes to an end.
 

Juanita: Teresa better rescue her kid.
 

Deb, thanks for the scheduling info. After this week there will be only 16 capítulos left so it looks like we are right on target.
 

Juanita, thank you for the wonderful recap. You captured it all.

I wonder how Manuela was planning on killing Carmen and Virginia. Setting the house on fire? Blowing it up? Coming back later to knife them in their sleep?

Why would Carmen and company flee to their OWN property in Culiacán? Manuela is not stupid.

Eduardo Santamarina does so well portraying the slimy politician, just like Humberto Zurita.

The best part was seeing Oleg driving that cab. I had to laugh when he told the gang that Cayetana would be treated with the same respect she doesn’t give to them.

Maybe Batman and Sheila will drive off into the sunset together at the end of all of this . . .

I loved Zurdo’s “baticueva.” I would like to see Teresa and Zurdo allied to crush Epifanio once and for all. That could be satisfying all the way around.
 

La Reina 2

thanks Juanita! another great recap!

it's really neat watching Lupo and Sofia interact, they really connect on so many different levels.

and Sofia is so good at turning the wrench on his heart.

after Oleg gets things straighten out with Cayetana and speeds off, is that a rat that comes out of the storm drain and crosses the road just in front of the car.

I thought maybe Bebita was poisoned, but they hadn't drunk the champagne yet, and they are officially married now right?, hmm, I hadn't thought about pregnant, but I have been wondering earlier about Alejandro sacrificing his sister to accomplish his goal, and then there is papa Alcalá giving everyone his best wishes which is scary.

I think we pretty much knew Alejandro had sprung Epi and set him up to be president, but this was news to Teresa, who hadn't heard the name before.

yep, Zurdo's high tech bunker self destructs but essential data is backed up in a separate computer, Oleg and Teresa seem to click on that.

 

Reina-sur2

Thanks so much, Juanita. Fantastic recap!

I don’t have too much to say. When you’re late to the party, most of the good insights are already up! I do get a kick out of how often Batman and Sheila get stopped from consummation.

So we assume Manuela put whatever prevented Carmen from leaving on each of the doors? I hadn’t thought about Manuela being able to find them wherever they go, but that’s probably true. Jonathan says she’s dangerous, but I think it’s more likely Manuela’s mission was preventing Carmen from disturbing the wedding. I don’t think there’s anything to be gained by killing her. It would represent a scandal in the middle of Epi’s campaign.

I can’t imagine where they’re going with Sofía’s growing love for Lupo. They now “get” each other and love each other. It makes the tension interesting, but it’s kind of a shame that they went with Teresa AGAIN being betrayed by someone she’s fallen (or falling) in love with.

I was surprised Teresa feels any sympathy toward Zurdo. Clearly she hasn’t witnessed a bare feet on glass scene!

BTW, deb, I loved your idea of having Cayetana do a broken glass walk. I’d even include Zurdo’s whipping her along. I can’t stand the old bat. If either of those granddaughters is stupid enough to help her get away, I won’t be happy. They SHOULD have learned that she’s written them off. Rocío certainly figured that out when the witch wanted her to appear in court about the custody thing when Rocío is wanted for murder.
 

reina-sur2

Many thanks Jarifa, deb, and novelera, for your terrific comments.

Jarifa, I too would love to see Zurdo and Teresa join forces to bring down Epifanio once and for all. But then what? Even though Teresa is feeling badly about betraying Zurdo, I'm sure she doesn't want him hanging around her permanently.

deb, thanks for mentioning the arrangement for saving the data even if the computers self-destruct. I thought I had mentioned that, but I see I hadn't. Also, I don't recall seeing a rat run across the road, but that doesn't mean it didn't happen. :-)

novelera, I'm not all that surprised that Teresa is feeling sympathy for Zurdo. He has been very good to her, and frankly I too found myself beginning to feel some sympathy for him, creepy and vicious though he is.

As for FLEM and Teresa, other than kidnapping Sofia, has he done anything awful to Teresa? (Yes, I know that sounds like an "other than that, Mrs. Kennedy" statement, but I think there's a good deal mitigating what he did to Sofia, and Sofia might be the first to make the case for him). But then again, I'm reminded of the stereotypical story of the hero who does great things and then rides off into the sunset, at times leaving behind a woman who has fallen in love with him. Part of his strength was seen as coming from his not getting tied down. ("The Lone Ranger" comes to mind, but there were also lots of novels that followed that pattern, as well as some films.) So perhaps Teresa has to be a strong woman without a man, in a 21st-century turning-upside-down of the stereotype. I dunno.
 

Reina-sur-2

Thanks, Juanita. I can't predict what will happen next and I like it. Never imagined that Oleg would sequestered Cayetana or that she would try to strangle him with her purse.

Deb, I did see something scurry and assumed it was a cat, but a rat is probably right.

I vote Epi's bride is pregnant. I think Manuela only intended to block Carmen from being a wedding crasher, this time.

Too bad Teresa hasn't seen Zurdo's cruel sick side.
 

Sorry, all. My son needed to spend the night so as to put in 2 12 hour days. I am closer to his job. The computer I use is in the bedroom where he is asleep. I can type this but not a whole recap on a tablet.
 

I went to a neighborhood assn board meeting until almost 9:00. El hijo was fast asleep when I got back so I didn't even turn on the TV to watch the novela. So, radio silence from me tomorrow; I hate reading stuff until I've seen the episode.
 

Jarifa: Let me guess. We got BPN 2.0 murdering people ?
 

novelera, no problem. I have a few minutes this a.m.

LA REINA DEL SUR #43 Tuesday 6/25/19 Part 1

Yes, Vevita is pregnant.

Sofía finds a cellphone in the un locked “arms room”. She calls Cayetana but a guard answers. Lupo suspects Sofía has been up to no good.

The mission is in full swing with drugs and money on the move all over the world. Zurdo is one happy camper and makes sure candidate Bravo gets his money. Teresa makes sure her people get a monetary “advance”, too. Teresa sees the end in sight.

Two months pass. Oleg reminds Teresa that in a marathon the last steps can be the most dangerous. Teresa is confident.

Lupo is preparing Sofía to see her mother soon. She is going to miss him.

Teresa is getting a tracking device implanted on the side of her heel. She is worried about Zurdo detecting it. Jonathan tells her no worries. Tersa asks about Manuela. Nobody has seen her.

At his grandmother’s (Angelina Beltrán) grave, Manuela tells Sergio that he has to disappear. Sheila spies on Batman, caring for his family’s grave. After a round of sex, Batman tells Sheila he knows she has been looking to get info from him but it is not going to happen.

Vevita is worried about her high risk pregnancy.

The elections are not far off. Mariano is leading in the polls. Alejandro assures Epifanio a big donation is coming in. Teresa wants Epifanio to some see her.

Ray is back with Paloma. Rocío wants Godoy to convince Teresa to send granny back to Spain. Lupo has spent time with Teresa.

Lupo tells Sofía to pack up. Teresa’s mission to get her back is almost done. It is time to go to Culiacán. Sofía doesn’t want to be separated from Lupo. He is sad, too.

The granddaughters tell Cayetana that tomorrow Oleg is sending her back to Spain. No, the girls will not be going back to Spain. Cayetana ‘s message for Teresa: she hasn’t given up trying to get custody of Sofía.
 

REINA 2 Part 2

A huge shipment of money arrives for Teresa. Ray and Teresa’s Moroccan friend help unload it at the warehouse. When alone, Ray opens a package and takes some money out and then puts it back in. Manuela is spying on them as they leave.

Teresa is with Zurdo. They both seem happy about the money that keeps rolling in but Zurdo is starting to wonder where the hitch is because things are going way too smoothly. Teresa suggests they take a break from “business” for themselves. Maybe someday they will wake up in the same bed together . . . Zurdo is flabbergasted. Teresa wants to go out with him. He serenades her. She puts a bug in his cellphone. The seduction is underway.

Sofía is ready to leave.

Manuela is in the warehouse. She calls Alejandro to tell him they have the money. Alejamdro tells Epifanio the campaign donation just arrived. Teresa meets with Epifanio. She tells him that tomorrow is the day. She gives him the name of a hotel where the army can capture Zurdo Villa at 1:00 p.m. She si expecting her daughter to be given to her at the same time.

Batman tells Sofía Lupo will see her in Culiacán. Batman will also miss Sofía. She made him a drawing of him with his children so he doesn’t forget her. Sofía leaves.

Oleg and Jonathan monitor Zurdo’s conversations. Zurdo tells Godoy he is all excited about a date with Teresa. Zurdo suspects nothing. They have him where they want him.

FIN
 

Oh, no! There are too many episodes left for this to go easily.
 

La Reina 2

ah Jarifa, you do this so well, thank you ever so much!

an interesting story as we cruise through time, with little details, but what do they mean.

Sheila keeps pouring it on for Batman, but he seems to be tiring, knowing all along what she really wants, I wrote down a comment he made to her but now I don't remember the exact circumstances but it seems to reverberate throughout the story with all the characters, about "a dog with two bones".

strange scene with Sofia in the lock room, it was unlocked, right? would Lupo make that mistake, or was it a test, loved Sofia's guilty look as she scurried up the stairs.

did they mention earlier about Bebita's previous marriage, but now we learn that they tried for a baby but it was determined that she was infertile, their separation left her to drive her career, now without trying, she is pregnant with Epi, of course his chest hairs are growing with the pride of a Vargas, but she is worried.

Shiela follows Batman to the graves of his sons (and wife), which reminds me he has something stashed in there.

I wasn't sure who Ray was with in the flashbacks, but there was a scene looking at Paloma's sonogram, but she probably hasn't decided yet whether to keep the baby.

so who in our story won't be betrayed?

 

La Reina 2

ah yes, Sofia suggested she not till her mom about Lupo, then he could marry Teresa, he reminded her that the first time they fought, she would spill, it's not good to keep secrets from your parents.

 

reina-sur2

Wow, many thanks, Jarifa, for your excellent recap, and thanks too to deb for important additions.

I didn't get home last night until close to midnight, so I didn't watch the episode or go to the Caray website until this morning (Pacific Time). Here are a few bits I can add to the discussion.

I think now I understand why Bebita looked less than pleased at first when she was told she was pregnant. She probably was stunned, and perhaps worried even then, given her history with her ex. But she quickly gets excited, or at least acts excited. Several months later her anxiety increases. At first I thought she was annoyed when Ale said she was beginning to show. But then it became clear that she was worried that she really wasn't beginning to show, and that she wasn't really pregnant, as in the nightmare she'd had that night.

deb, I don't think the guns, phone,etc were in a locked room, just in a locked cabinet in an unlocked room. The ever-resourceful Sofia picked the lock on the cabinet. And then, after she leaves, FLEM realizes that the lock had been opened.

I was surprised that two more months pass. That seemed a long time to keep Cayetana and Charo locked up in one room, and longer than it had seemed it would take to free Sofia.

When Oleg warned Teresa that the last stage of a marathon is the most dangerous, Teresa says something like "I'll run faster than anyone else." Wasn't it soon after than that she has that transmitter or whatever implanted in her foot? All I could think of was that she now wouldn't be able to run so fast.

At one point, soon before Sofia actually leaves with Batman, we see FLEM standing in a room with a sleeping woman. I have no idea who she is.

Since Zurdo knows so much about Teresa's past with el Güero, I was surprised that he sang to her the song "Si nos dejan" that's associated with Güero. He sees that she looks unhappy, but apparently doesn't know why. And she denies she's unhappy, but Viewerville knows better.

Wow, I'd almost forgotten about Manuela. Big mistake!

I found the scenes between Sofia and FLEM moving, even heartbreaking.
 

Reina-sur-2

Thanks, Jarifa.

Sheila was full of compliments, "ooh the best ___ I've ever had," and spoiled Batman's mood. I'm guessing her over the top acting post-coitus reminded him of all he'd lost, genuine feelings from his wife and kids.

Bebita's dad looked like he wanted to hurl when the doc, actually Alejandro, announced she was pregnant. Since when does a doctor give the big news to the brother first, instead of to the mother-to-be?

I got the feeling a new director took over last night. Can't explain it, but the scenes were shot differently than from before. More back angles, or something.
 

Interesting comments as always on the patio. Gives me a lot to think about.

deb, the Vevita backstory was surprising. I wonder if her father has kept his hands clean in Sinaloa considering how critical of Epifanio.

Juanita, I thought the woman with FLEM was Teresa but then again I don’t watch too closely sometimes.

Niecie, they have done a good job of fleshing out Batman’s character. I like him.


 

La Reina 2

great comments all!

so what do we know,

Teresa gives Zurdo an opening, they could spend a couple of days together, she has him ask her out.

Teresa gives a date/location to Epi where he can have the army go after Zurdo, she wants an exchange of Sofia at the same time.

Cayetana is to leave for Spain.

Batman is bringing Sofia to Culiacan, Lupo went on ahead.

Manuela has grabbed Teresa's money stash (for a campaign contribution) and is headed back to D.C., wait, Alejandro wants her in Mexico.

what do we suspect,

Teresa and Oleg have a "mission impossible" plan in the works to ensure Sofia's recovery, to acquire possesion of Zurdo's backup computer, and possibly to take down Epi.

commando Lupo will be keeping an eye on his girls.

Alejandro will give Manuela the green light to take out Teresa and Sofia.

 

reina-sur2

Jarifa, thanks for your response. I'm terrible with faces, but the woman apparently asleep in bed while FLEM was standing in the room some distance away didn't look at all like Teresa to me. IIRC, she had short hair. Today I won't have time to go back and look at the recording (if it's still there), but I may try tomorrow.
 

reina-sur2

deb, thanks very much for the very useful summation and speculation. I fear you may be right about Alejandro's giving Manuela the green light re Teresa and Sofia. If so, will FLEM be able to pull off another miraculous rescue, or will the writers have Manuela (or perhaps Zurdo?) get rid of him? Arrgh.
 

Yes! Batman would have red underwear. LOL

deb, ITA about Teresa and Sofía being totally expendable and preferably so. Alejandro is running the show.

Juanita, my interest was piqued since MANUELA has short hair so I had to check it out. Anyway, It is Teresa. Her hair was pulled back from her face and she is sleeping on her side so it does look short.

I know Zurdo is a crazy dangerous killer but I still hope he is spared in the end and lives on to wreak havoc on those worst than he. Come to think of it, they are all killers. It is just degrees of “justification” they feed themselves that separate them.

Only one more episode until our week long break. ☹️


 

reina-sur2

What, a whole week with no Reina del Sur? I don't know if I can stand it!

We got a little confused during this episode. So Ray is back with Paloma? And the sonigram was a flashback? Hmmm. The bit with Lupo in bed with Teresa went by so fast I didn't recognize her either, glad to have that cleared up.

I for one really hope that Sophia herself somehow saves the day -- maybe with some help from Danilo! I want the good guys to score!

As for the bad guys -- I agree, it's easy to forget just how bad they are. The scene of all those drugs being moved and distributed reminded me that all of these people are making money off the misery of others, destroying people's lives. The show ought to throw in a few shots of desperate junkies whose lives have been ruined by drugs once in a while, and the junkies' children and families. The show is kind of glamorizing the drug trade and making it all look too clean -- tidy wrapped packages that move around like FedEx deliveries of books or shoes. But those packages are filled with death and misery. It's hard to reconcile that with the characters I love, like Teresa, or have a fondness for, like Zurdo!

Lynne