Caray, Caray!

MIRADA #101 ANOTHER STOMACH CHURNER

Part 1

Wow. Another episode where everyone was pretty much their worst selves--but especially don Luis, Chooch, Doc Sotero and Lucreepy. Baby Rafa, on the other hand, kept his calm and sunny disposition throughout a kidnapping, stash in a dirty cardboard box, and being passed around from hand to hand like small change. What a trooper. Beginning to wonder if they're slipping oxycontin into his formula. Kid's a champ.

And let's all give thanks that this is Ultimas Semanas, 'cause the Patio can't take much more of this horrendous drama. Me especially.

Here's how our three-ring circus began today. Alberto has learned from Erick about Doc Sotero making off with the baby for parts unknown. He's ready to fly over there but Lucreepy is sticking to him like a burr, and for the life of him he can't pry her loose. "I'm a psychotherapist! I can help Marina!" Might as well be gum on his shoe. So off they go.

The family room at the big house is looking pretty grim. And the prissy little lawyer Bazán hired isn't much help. Evidently DocUgly still has a window of time to return Rafa before he has broken the law. Not much comfort for a naturally frantic mom. But of course Lucreepy would like to remedy that by drugging Marina. Check that formula Mar, I think there's something in it that would calm you right down.

Sour Apple Anita calls to tell Lino his song is on the radio. He's not showing enough enthusiasm for her, but when he explains about the kidnapping, her first question is "Is Vanessa there?" And she doesn't like the answer. She even proposes to Mama Chole that they both go over to help hold vigil also, but Mom is wise to her. "Mucho ayuda él que no estorba" [the person who doesn't disturb (horn in) is a great help] So instead we switch to Vanessa's room where Yola is finding out how noble our wee Vane has become, renouncing her great love for Paulino so he can marry the mother of his putative baby. You know, the one who was conceived a couple of days ago and has already blown two home pregnancy tests out of the water.

DocUgh phones Marina. Tells her to act like it's a work call. Then tells her to meet him ALONE at a cafeteria in front of such and such a park. Yola overhears, figures out what's up and insists on going along. But she'll wait outside while Marina looks for DocScumbucket.

Meanwhile, the requisite antler-bashing between Ricardo and Beto. RickyTickyToo wants Beto to leave. He's not needed. Beto marvels at how comfortable Ricky feels in HIS home and he has no intention of scooting off. He's going to be here to support Marina! Lucreepy throws in her two pesos with "Respect me as your girlfriend and leave with me now,". I'm needing some pepto-bismol right now.

So let's see what DocNauseous is up to. He's not in the park but when Marina goes into the cafeteria the manager tells her he's out back. You go down the stairs and you'll find him. And she does.

Hola Bonita.

-Give me my baby!

-I will. But you're going to give me something first.
And a wild, sexual struggle ensues. Marina's hair flies around around wildly as she tussles with her vile predator.

Whew. The ads are a welcome break.
 

MIRADA #101 ANOTHER STOMACH CHURNER

Part 2

Marina appears to knee him, although he doesn't seem to double over in unbearable pain like I wanted him to. And she finds little Rafa, very nonchalant in a perky sort of way, tucked in a nasty cardboard box. As I said, quite the trooper. Clutching her little bundle, face out, Marina tears into Sotero calling him a monster who has done nothing but harm her and earn her lifelong hatred and disdain. She'll get some psych studies to show he's a crackpot and can only see Rafa under supervision in the judge's quarters. And I'll never forgive you. So there vile creep!

Doc VileCreep's feelings are hurt. So while Marina flounces off with the baby, he slips down the wall to huddle in a woe-is-me puddle of boo-hoo self-pity. Let's leave him there and hope a rat bites him.

Meanwhile, Damiana has raised the alert that Marina (and Yola) have vanished. Bazan has phoned the latter and knows where they are; Yola has paid off the patient taxi driver; and Ricky Tin Tin is coming to the rescue. The rest of the family waits in the dark family room. Looking worried.

In the meantime, ChoochMooch has teleported to the ranch. We know she no longer has a car and presumably there's some distance between Mexico City and the hinterlands, but she zips back and forth in a nanosecond. Another miracle like Anita's baby. She and Zackrat are haggling over her buyer for the avocados who's proposing some kind of money laundering. She's arguing they'll make more profit that way. He's worrying Luis will notice the books are cooked. She says Luis is too distracted right now to notice anything.

Back to Lucrecia and Beto. They seem to be back at her place. Or maybe his. She's now offering him wine and trying to persuade him to go out to dinner. He doesn't want the wine, the dinner, or her. When she grouses some more about him seeming to give more importance to Marina then to his fab novia, he tries to gently disengage. -I may be making a terrible mistake. You're a wonderful woman. But it seems better to just end this.

Wow Alberto. We couldn't agree more!
 

MIRADA #101 ANOTHER STOMACH CHURNER

Part 3

Marina arrives back at the Big House, baby facing front. Yep. It's Rafa. Smiling and perky like it was all just another day at the office. Damiana whisks him off for bath, bed and bottle. And Luis storms around, vowing that Old Charred 'n Broiled will never get his hands and Baby Rafita again. And Marina tells Pops she's now ready to accept the Ocaranza name as hers. Anything to have more power to oppose DocScarface and his nefarious plans. Great joy and a big sandwich hug with Luis and Prudencia. Joy, joy, joy. Yola wonders how Damiana will feel but Marina assures her Dam will always be her mom and she'll also always be a Rios.

Back to Beto and Velcro Lucrecia. She's wailing No no no no no...how can you forget all my support!? You're never going to find anybody who loves you like I do. You keep going after Marina but she keeps rejecting you!

I'll wait for her, announces Beto. And drops his final bomb. Te quiero. But amo a Marina. So there it is Lucrecia. Now unwind yourself and leave! (Sorry, that's me talking. Beto was a lot nicer.)

DocPsychopath is back in his apartment feelin' the blues and remembering Marina's words. I saw you as a father. But all you did with your sick love was harm me.

Well, speaking of fathers...don Luis is proud as punch of his little gal. Sure it was wrong of you to go off on your own, but you got Rafa back! And tomorrow I'll see my lawyer and this fine little grandson will be an OCARANZA!!!!!
 

MIRADA #101 ANOTHER STOMACH CHURNER

Part 4

Ugh. More DocUgly, wallowing in his den of darkness and slurping whisky. Doorbell rings. He thinks it's his lawyer come back once more to chew him out. (Earlier he got a verbal roasting about breaking the rules of visitation. So fix it! That's what I'm paying you for!) Ah, but this time it's Alberto--come to punch him out and tell him that the next time he tries to take Baby Rafa he'll kill him.

Get in line, snarls Sotero. Take a ticket. There's a lot of people who want to do that. (He must know about Nina and our rabid Patio)

Let's teleport to the bar where Erick is serving drinks and letting Lino knows his intentions with Yola are honorable and leading to marriage. And yes, he'll support her studies to be a lawyer. He loves independent women! But he's surprised Paulino is not more excited about his own upcoming wedding. Yeah, well, long story. Gotta get to work.

Vane is at work also. But quitting. And telling Luis a few fibs about needing to go to Guadalajara to advance in her newfound administrative career. He thinks it might be just to get away from Mom. Nopis. And not even the offer of doubling her salary will change her mind.

Well, speaking of changing minds, Papa Zamudio is still plenty riled about Sotero's mind changing. And leaves DocPsycho with Lucrecia to work things out on whether or not Dad will agree to admit the difficult patient again and operate. Lucrecia is snippy as well. What! Now you want to do surgery!? After wimping out before!? Why don't you just kidnap Marina and the baby together.

Well, she hates me right now, admits Sotero. So I have to become that new man, Aaron Servera, with a new face. And then convince "Sotero" to give up his parental rights. Marina will admire the "new me" and become mine. I'll win her love.

Okay. Totally crazy plan. But he's on board and evidently our desperate Lucreepy thinks it will work also. Folie a deux. So she agrees to persuade her dad to operate. But no more crappy surprises or changes of plans! He agrees.

Folie a deux. It's going on at the Big House too. Bazan is cozying up to Marina and telling her he's glad she's taking the Ocaranza name. But it's not enough to protect Baby Rafa. She agrees. She needs a stable home and a stable relationship. He'd love to provide it. So....

So....Ohmygawd! She asks him to marry her.

Team Beto! Team Beto!
Meeting immediately! Bring booze. Bring ice cream. Bring reinforcements! Bring Dwayne Johnson! (that's for me, sorry)

Meanwhile Marina and Ricardo kiss. Repeatedly. Looks uncomfortable. His nose is smashing into her cheek. But when they break apart momentarily they both look giddy and blissful.

Ugh.

Andy, I hope you're happy dude. I blame you. Just so you know.
 

MIRADA #101 ANOTHER STOMACH CHURNER

Part 5

They're giggling now. Well that's better than the kissing. Marina's dazzling him with faint praise...te quiero, te admiro..Wow. Totally hawt. He understands though. Yes, a first love is difficult to forget (WE HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN, RICKY!)but he'll try and be all that she needs him to be...for her and for Baby Rafa.

Enough of that. I'm almost relieved to see the vile ChoochMooch barge into Luis' home office. That's Vanessa's cue to scoot off, handily avoiding her mom's attempted cheek kiss. Luis notices and chuckles that living under the same roof hasn't seemed to improve their relationship. Susana plays Martyred Mom and says she's done all she can.

The scene switches to Angy and Pru playing with baby. Hortensia dashes in and whispers to Angy that Chooch is in the house, and in the office. Angustias, ever sly, says to Pru. "Your husband wants to see you in his office."

Uh oh.

Meanwhile, Luis is suggesting Chooch head off to Guadalajara with daughter. -Trying to get rid of me? -No. I'll come down from time to time. But this arrangement isn't good. Vete, vete. But instead, Chooch slithers down on his lap and proposes discussing this further in a hotel room.

And Prudencia walks in. Luis freezes. So does she. And then her mouth droops sadly down.

Here we go. Luis--It's not what it appears.

-Do you think I'm stupid? And wallops him a good one. Yay Prudencia!

Susana--It is what it appears. But it's my fault. I fell in love with him. And of course with your new "closeness" with Fernando, you surely understand.

-I have self-respect, snaps Pru. The two of us only have a friendship.

And wallops Chooch too. The latter clenches a fist like she's ready to tear Pru a new one, but holds back. And darts out.

Luis still thinks he holds all the cards. -I'll forgive your coziness with Fernando if you forgive my dalliance with Chucha. I mean, she kept coming on to me. I'm flesh and blood, not made of wood! (no pun intended)

-Your shamelessness and cynicism, your stupid macho excuses astound me. I want a divorce! Now get out!

-Well, divorce is not in my plans, snarls Luis. It's MY house. And I'm in charge of all your money, inheritance and property. If you divorce me, I'll leave you in the street without a penny!

See what I mean about "worst self"? Will Prudencia cave? Or head for the streets?

Off to take a tranquilizer while you all in the Patio sort this out.
 

MIRADA

AAAACKKK! I'll supply the nerf bats...can we hit Andy now?? Did you all hear my "NO!NO!NO!NO!" resonating across the country? Bad Marina, very, very,very bad! BOOHOO!

The only good thing about this episode was Pru catching the Louse and Chooch. And absolutely LOOOVED the wallops! Go, Pru!! Did you all hear her take in a deep breath before she wallopped the Louse? nice touch!
 

MIRADA

Thank you, Judy, for another snarktastic recap.

Little Rafa is the best!!!

It was very satisfying to see Pru's slapapalooza.

I had the chin strap engaged on my beanie hat while watching the Miranda/Doc Kidnapper scene. How stupid is she to go alone??? I thought he was going to kidnap her today.

I am so sick of Doc Nauseous and Lucreepy. I have a CrockPot Theory that he will have the surgery and die during or shortly after. That heart problem thing, ya know. It is the only way to get rid of this wacko for good.

Oh Marina, you te quiero Ricky and will marry him, but you don't te amo him. Why on earth do you think this is a good idea???


 

MIRADA

I must be watching a different telenovela. How did this happen?! As far as I’m concerned there have been zero defining moments in Marina and Ric’s relationship. She didn’t even say “te amo” when she proposed. Role reversal proposals are just weird to me.

Bad timing for Beto when he essentially broke up with Lucrecia. Now I hate to admit that Lucrecia is probably right that Beto is chasing an impossible BUT on the other hand if he can’t have Marina, he’s better off alone. I love how he confronted Doc Chamuscado and grabbed him by the collar etc. What’s up with DocUgly (lol) calling Beto “niño lindo”? OMG

Finally Luis and Chooch got what was coming to them. Loved the slaps. I rolled my eyes when Luis was trying to turn things around and accuse Pru of being too close to Fernando.

I still don’t think Marina changing her last name is a good idea.

I loved Doña Chole’s “eating for two” line.


 

MIRADA

I was so distraught that I forgot to thank our marvelous JudyB...THANK YOU!! Oh how I pity you having to recount such horrid events, but you did it like the pro that you are and, again, made it bearable and quite fun for us to read.

"Doc VileCreep's feelings are hurt. So while Marina flounces off with the baby, he slips down the wall to huddle in a woe-is-me puddle of boo-hoo self-pity. Let's leave him there and hope a rat bites him. " Can the rat be rabid...please?

One more good thing about the episode--Beto dumping Lucreepy, but that only makes her more dangerous...YIKES!

"Will Prudencia cave? Or head for the streets?" Not so sure either of those two will happen. Pru had this little smirk at the very end. Don Louse had told her some time back that he had control of her money. Could she have done something to change that without his knowledge.

Me thinks my drinking wll start PRIOR to the episode as this thing winds down...

Have a good evening, everyone!


 

MIRADA

Judy, there seems to be little doubt that this TN has spiraled out of control and has now (or will shortly) hit rock bottom. Dreadful.

Yet, you refused to let this mire in the muck. You made putrid palatable with: "Meeting immediately! Bring booze. Bring ice cream. Bring reinforcements! Bring Dwayne Johnson! (that's for me, sorry)" which had me laughing out loud. Wonderful!

I also loved "Marina's hair flies around around wildly as she tussles with her vile predator" which was perfectly descriptive. I enjoyed and applauded all your comments on Rafa, particularly "little Rafa, very nonchalant in a perky sort of way, tucked in a nasty cardboard box".

"Lucreepy is sticking to him like a burr" was another favorite and although I smiled at all your names for the despised Doc, "Old Charred 'n Broiled" was my hands down favorite.

I have no hope for this storyline but I have the utmost confidence you will vanquish this story with your always in evidence wit, wisdom and humor.

Thank you amiga.

Diana
 

O judy judy Judy, this one was fun.
Bout time too girl.

Did y'all see the look lucreepy was a
Givin marina when everybody was upset?
If daggers was comin outta her eyes marina would be dead now. She really hates her. Owell tough doodoo. The man is not into you girl, move on. Iam so
Proud of beto, he dumped the dog. Sorry Andy, like Judy said you had hopes. Even if he don't end up with marina, at least he's Gotten rid of the lying garbage."Iam freakin psycho psychotherapist I can help Marina" lol. She didn't say that but I just added it for fun. Cuz she is ya know!
She need to help that psycho she's partenerd with, O that's right she's a
Psycho too. She offering to give Mari
Something to calm her? Really?Her babe
Has been kidnapped, she don't need to be calm she needs her baby num-nut! And Rickypoo tryin to give her pills. He is No help. I'm sorry but he is no help. At. All. And that kiss leaves a lot to Be desired. Marina is just settling. I like beto's nose better.
She said it herself she needs a stable
Relationship for herself and rafi. No
One mentioned love. Like "te amo" or I
Love you".

The slaps that was heard around the patio. Lol. He didn't try much to defend his Ferlandering with the mooch, and how is it she can't control her own money? That needs to change.
And How did he get a hold of her money inheritance?

Why is vanesa going to Guadalajara? Do
She even know anybody there? She should keep her little hips there til
Lino get outta that web of anitafobia.
She's not a bad girl,she just hurt cuz hes not into her the way he is into van-nesa. Get over it girl that nail has been hammered.

Doc vilecreeps feelings are hurt so while marina flounces off with the baby he slips down the wall to huddle in a woe-is-me puddle of self-pity. let's leave him there and hope a rat bites him". I think a rat would take one look of that nasty skin on his neck and run the other way. Yuck!

I'll see my lawyer and this fine little grandson will be an OCARANZA!!
The louse says that like he's present-ing something as big as he is. He has
Said if so much it's not even funny no
More.

JudyB this was great. Let's hope it gets better as the days come.



 

Thank you JudyB. Fun recap.
 

Hi Crazy Patio. I have such fun reading your comments. And I see the riptide of passion is still running wild here.

Yes, Rgv Chick...I DID hear you screaming all the way from Texas. I think earth tremors were recorded all around as a number of us were screaming Noooooo. And while I didn't notice Prudencia's deep breath before she started whalin' on Luis and Chooch, thanks for mentioning it. That's a nice, realistic touch. And I also like your idea of a rabid rat. Great addition to our Wish List.

Doris...Liking the way you think also. Yesssss, DocSotero dies on the operating table. His crappy depraved heart decides to stop beating. Works for me. And loved your word "slapapalooza". Not one but two slapapaloozas. Sooooo satisfying to watch.
And hear.

TF...I'm thinking I heard you yell NOOOOOOOOOOOO also during that "weird reverse proposal" as you put it. In real life, I suspect that there are a lot of women who bring up marriage before the guy does. But I sure wasn't expecting it from Marina. That's quite a quick turnaround of husbands. I imagine Sotero using "niño lindo" was just a put-down of "pretty boy Alberto", spoiled scion of don Luis. Another way to put the knife in. DocMask was actually rather amusing as he said "get in line, take a number dude."

Diana...Well I'll treasure that compliment...I "made the putrid palatable". It WAS a stinkin' no-good episode. That's for sure. So I did my best to have a little fun with it. Humor helps numb the pain for me. And ultimas semanas are always horror fests. So it's much better to share it with a great patio like you all.

Nina...I bow to your word power--as in talking about Vanessa keeping "her little hips" here, 'cause "that nail has been hammered". Yes, Lino is a goner for her. We'll just have to wait for Anita to accept the inevitable. Up 'till now she's been a reasonably decent gal, and has a great mom in Doña Toolbelt, so I'm hoping she'll do the right thing and bow out.

Okay y'all. Open up the freezer and get out some comfort food. I'm heading for the showers and maybe to read something that will distract me from the Mirada Mess.

Nina
 

MIRADA

"We'll just have to wait for Anita to accept the inevitable."
We just have to wait for Anita to ask Doña Toolbar to make an emergency run to the store for her, for super plus Tampax in a few days. Busted!!!
 

MIRADA

JudyB -- I did get a kick out of Sotero saying "Get in line. The tickets are outside."

And yes I pretty much wanted to scream and throw something at my TV when Marina chose Ric. Beto will be heartbroken when he finds out. I'm hoping someone finds out about the DNA switch. That'll be the only positive thing for Beto, finding out that Rafa is really his
 

Thank you JudyB! And thank you for doing such a good job of caring for and feeding us recappers. You are so responsive to all of us and it has led to this patio becoming full of fun! We were pretty weak sauce at first and you brought us along with your enthusiasm and attention,

Poor Anita is looking pale and wan these days. Deception does not become her,

Parallel scenes with Doc Mask and LoopyLu. Both swearing that “No one else will love you like I do”

Doc Mask softly stroking his mask as he remembered Marina’s angry words. Speaking of those words, I couldn’t really appreciate the wonderful acting by Marina I was so anxious about her hanging around in that alley with Doc Mask and Rafa. What mother would slooowly pick her baby up out of a box in an alley and then use him as a shield while she berated his kidnapper? It’s only a story. It’s only a story!

Well, it may be stressful, but I prefer it to the doldrums.
Mely
 

Ay yi yi, Doris! bringing it down to reality level. Yep, can't hide the arrival of one's "little friend" in a small space like the vecindad rooms. In past telenovelas, they have also shown common sinks where people did their washing, and common bathrooms for showers and toilets. Reminds me of the maid's rooms where students often live in France. There's a sink in the room, and a hot plate. No bathing facilities at all. And a bathroom down the hall that's shared by many. And when you're young, no big deal. At my age, I just shudder.

TF...As you said, the bright side is that Beto will one day know that wonderful little baby boy is his. The dark side will be that another man will be raising him. However, this is happening to countless people all over the world and besides IT'S JUST A STORY JUST A STORY. (Trying to disengage my emotions here)

Mely...Love that turn of phrase..."weak sauce". No way kiddoo. You guys were always hot tamales. I just gave you a place to show your spicy selves. And share that spice with me. All good.

And sometimes we do have to wonder about Marina's so-called mothering skills. In addition to holding her baby like a shield while she screamed hostile words to the madman who attacked her moments ago--let's not forget that she handed over her newborn the day after giving birth so she could have risky eye surgery. And then sallied forth to her surgeon's home to recuperate, leaving little newborn in the care of the Amoeba Clan in the vecindad. And took on a full-time job to pay for surgery, again leaving newborn behind, even though the benevolent surgeon was not going to charge her for anything. An odd maternal response but certainly a plot propeller.

And that is why we have our telenovela beanies, virtual or otherwise (I will always treasure the one Emilia knit for me)as we rollick through this crazy story.

Beats the doldrums and certainly beats thinking too much about real life problems which are as much out of our hands as these crazy plot twists are.
 

MIRADA

I notice there are some odd final phrases that have popped up in my response to comments last night. The internet remains a mystery to me. I'll leave it at that.
 

MIRADA

Also, before I forget (because my own mind is as much a mystery as the internet) there will be no Mirada on Wednesday. Evidently soccer matches are going on all afternoon and evening. (Don't these athletes realize it's "ultimas semanas" and the Patio is all on tenterhooks?)

Of course the Patio will be open anyway if any one has any further opinions to share between Tuesday's episode and Thursday's.
 

"MIRADA":

Doris: I agree with you on Marina. Deep down, she still loves Beto!
 

MIRADA

Judy, thanks for the heads up about no show tomorrow. I'll just have to watch a Hallmark movie, instead. LOL
 

MIRADA

Doris...At least those get all wrapped up in 60 minutes, no? And the right gal with the right galan. Would that Life were a Hallmark Special!
 

Judy, I agree.nobody is kidnapped, murdered, raped, nor dies, they are so G rated it is ridiculous, and always wrap up with the HEA is the final ten minutes (ultimos minutosj). 😇
 

One final comment

I don’t understand how Doc Mask’s new face is supposed to work. Marina will fall In love with the handsome new guy and they will live happily ever after. But what if she doesn’t. He will have lost his rights to Rafa. Doc Mask is the one who has visitation rights not Doc Handsome. He can’t prove he is entitled because he is Doc Mask because it’s unlikely he can arrange the same DNA trick again

And of course, she should recognize his voice immediately

Mely
 

MIRADA

Ah Mely, I'm afraid Doc Mask's cockeyed plan is doomed to fail. But thank goodness.

You have indeed pointed out all the pitfalls. Aren't we lucky that LoopyLucrecia did not alert him to all the ways it could go awry. Equally happy he did not follow HER suggestion to just kidnap Marina and Baby Rafa and head for faraway places.

I don't have any fingernails left to chew, nor much more hair to pull out...So wrap this up STAT!
 

JudyB--You rise to each and every occasion having to deal with all these misfits. Perfect phrase: Your care and feeding of us Patio gluttons. Kudos and more. I agree I'm tired of all the shenanigans and let's put this telenovela to RIP (as in rest in pieces). We on the Crazy Patio rise with you to cheer in concert with your "cheery" words, or throw NOOOOOOOes and nerfazos when the action turns daft.

I wish the volume in the "Llamada de la Sangre" tune were on Extra Loud, ringing in Beto's head. He should just redo the test between himself and Rafa. I don't think they have to prick Rafa again or Marina will know, but maybe she'll go for it in light of the Doc's behavior.

I'll bet a quart of salted caramel ice cream (I'll throw in a bit of crème de cacao for good measure), that Beto assists Dr. Pompousness with the facial surgery on Doc ShameFace. He recognizes him and he loses it right there in the OR and instead of calling the police and fixing his face, he leaves the good half more wrinkled than the first half, THEN calls the police to come and get this nutjob. Oh, and the hospital loses Doc NoFace's personal effects, so he has no glasses or mask in jail. (I so hopeo.)

As for the Luis/Pru/Choochie "unmasking" (punned on purpose). Yep, they both deserve it. Susana is the real culprit, or better said, Preying Mantiss, and she deserves to be thrown out. Luis? Well I don't think he and Pru will still be a married couple at the end, but he still has some redeeming to go--Choochie and Zack cooking the books, making amends for the fake birth certificates.

Speaking of official documents, I've never understood why a mistake in spelling a name invalidates a marriage certificate so completely they are not considered married at all. My beanie got S-T-R-E-T-C-H-E-D all out of shape on that on. I'm still waiting for it to get straightened out--something to the effect that Marina can't marry Shazaam Bazaaam because she's already married to Beto. They never got a formal divorce as I recall.

All in all, terrific interpretations and analysies by Judy and the Patio.
 

MIRADA

Wow Anita...salted caramel with crime de cacao sounds marvelous. I like the way your mind works. Ditto for your diabolical surgery scenario. We can only hope. And gosh, pretty soon it will be time for more Mirada madness and mayhem. Stay strong everybody.
 

MIRADA

JudyB, thanks a million for your great recap. As always, great fun to read. Thank you also for the heads-up about Wednesday. It saves me from being shocked when I go to view the episode.

Judy, did you happen to hear the swelling music when Marina asked Ricky to marry her?
:-)

Unlikely. You were probably screaming too loudly to hear anything. I hope you didn't throw anything hard at the screen.

If it's any consolation to you, we are not yet to the end of this novela, so anything could happen. And, just for the record, I'm not dyed-in-the-wool Ricky supporter. I'm more an anybody-but-Beto-(except for Doc Mask) supporter. Marina deserves better than Beto. All he and his three day old beard do is walk around scowling. I haven't seen so much scowling since Ben Casey, and that's a long time.

Exactly how close are we to the end of this TN? I'm going to miss it, I have enjoyed this one immensely.

andy
 

"Shazaam Bazaaam ". LOL!!!

Andy, we have maybe ten or eleven capítulos left, by my count.
 

MIRADA

Ah Ben Casey. Great recall Andy...maybe that’s who the actor playing Alberto is shooting for. All I can think of when I see him is razor burn. There are 112 episodes in this, so assuming there’s no splicing and dicing, their travails and ours will soon be over. Gosh, what will we wring our hands about then!?
 

MIRADA
JudyB--Where do I get "crime de cacao?" Sounds wicked.
While you guys were watching Ben Casey, I was watching Dr. Kildare y PUNTO. Somewhere along the way I stopped salivating over blondes and went for brunettes (or whatever you call men with brown hair). That is until Michel Brown showed up in Amar a Muerte.
 

With all those medical people around Marina, I'm surprised no one has suggested another DNA test because the first one just "no piece ser!" All they have to do (Alberto, this means you!) is swab the inside of the baby's cheek, take it and Beto to the nearest DNA lab and retest. Don't announce it, just Nike it! +Just do it!) Visit a lab in one of those telenovelas where you get instant results, then file an appeal and get rid of Doc Charbroiled for good.
 

No PUEDE ser!
 

MIRADA

Oh boy Anita "crime de cacao" Thank you auto-correct! It does sound wicked...and wicked fun.

Anonymous 4:12...You must have auto correct as well "no PIECE se". instead of no puede ser. Well, like today's episode..Crazy!
 

MIRADA #102 THE CARNAGE CONTINUES

Part 1

Another tumultuous episode and some interesting developments. Who knew Susana could be so refreshingly honest when her back was to the wall? I rather enjoyed her cheerful assertion to Vanessa that she wanted Prudencia's husband so she could have the Ocaranza name and the Ocaranza money.

Well, actually just the name and the money.

When Prudencia assured her she was welcome to her trashy husband, Chooch snapped that she didn't want Pru's "garbage". Wow. Harsh. But then our Choochy has always played hardball.

What other horrors went on? Lots, it seemed. I'm still reeling. There was even an AARP Antler-Bashing twixt Luis and Fernando. You don't get to see that everyday!

There's a theory in marital counseling that we all have a Love Bank. When we're kind and thoughtful (like in the courtship period) we making deposits like mad. When we later start to act in selfish and unkind ways (don't say you don't know what I'm talking about, Patio) then withdrawals are made. I think we can pretty much surmise that don Luis' Love Bank is completely empty at this point. And maybe his real bank account as well if Chooch Mooch has her way.

Everyone is on Prudencia's side. Vanessa, Angustias, Hortensia, Marina and of course "el niño baboso Alberto. He's so disappointed in Dad that at one point they end up nose to nose arguing the point. (I agree with Nina..Beto's nose is quite nice in an aquiline kind of way.) Alberto offers Prudencia refuge in his apartment (where? Erick is already on the couch) and when Angustias insists on coming along, Pru finally loses her cool, saying she really doubts if there's room. Well, there's no room in the vecindad either but that's where most of them are converging. Doña Toolbelt, forget those wedding plans! Order more cots for the bedrooms!

Meanwhile, the plans for DocMask's surgery continue. Zambudio, still cranky and out of sorts, tells Sotero he's only agreed to the surgery for his daughter's sake. And Sotero, all Humble Pie, thanks him nicely, vows to pay whatever he wants and gosh, sorry for the inconvenience. That done, Dr. Zam then devotes himself to chewing out Beto (who's back momentarily at the hospital) for not getting a report completed in time. Well, Beto had family problems. And thinks Zam is just pissy because he broke up with Lovely Lucrecia. Indeed Papa is hoping for a reconciliation. But thing is...Beto has been darned distracted lately.

Prudencia is also at the hospital with Marina, who's still holding a delightfully cheerful Baby Rafa like a sack of potatoes. Let's face it, Bambino Rafael was the only bright spot in this horror today. Ric is looking concerned about the divorce news but hoping Pru can join them this evening for a celebration dinner. Celebration? Yes! Our engagement.

Pru has this What Fresh Hell is This? look on her face.

Let's zip back to the Big House to see how things are going there. Luis is looking at a picture of himself with Baby Rafa, already nicely framed. And explaining to Vanessa how his little "amorio" with her mama was no big deal. Pru is just making a fuss over nothing. The waters will calm down soon and everything will be back to normal. No need for you to leave sweetie. And even though you're young, surely you can understand that a Man Has Needs.

Well gosh, even though Vane is very fond of Luis, she's on Prudencia's side in this one. Next! Still, she does rattle Luis' nonchalance when she opines that probably Marina and Rafa will leave the Big House too. For the first time, our don Luis truly looks concerned.

Prudencia's horror at Marina and Ricardo's wedding plans is interrupted by the arrival of Sotero Sleazy Lawyer who tells them DocMask had to leave on an unexpected trip. So they'll be dealing with him and the legal requirements until Doc's return. Caras impactadas. And not for the last time either.
 

MIRADA #102 THE CARNAGE CONTINUES

Part 2

There's a brief scene in the corridors of Luis' business establishment where Paulino arrives to find Vane on the verge of leaving. It's definitely a Nose to Nose kind of day in Mirada land. He's drawn to her. She's drawn to him. Their noses touch. But not their lips. It's Love in Eskimo Land. And then she leaves. For a new life in Guadalajara we assume. (Are we giving up on Lino and Vanessa? Hell no! Something has to work out in this mess. Hang tight Patio.)

Back to the hospital. Almond Milk Fernando is offering a kind of "told you so" sympathy to Prudencia. She wonders what happened to the man she fell in love with. He tells her Luis was always that way, she just didn't see it. Well, she's darned mad at herself now for being so naive and trying to patch the marriage together year after year with pins [alfileres]. Well, good ol' Fernando understands. She was brought up to take those lifetime marital promises seriously. But it takes two. (Guess who's ready to be her Consolation Prize). Prudencia wisely edges out of this thinly veiled come-on, but thanks him for listening.

So let's tear ourselves away from the hospital and check in on the vecindad. Mama Chole is on fire. No slipshod-only-a-civil marriage for her baby girl! She's going to keep on calling until she can find a church available for a quickie but fully sacramental ceremony. With a white dress and veil to boot. Anita smiles mysteriously and finally let's Mom have her way.

Back in the hospital folks. Vanessa, fresh from nose-rubbing with Lino is chatting with bestie Beto and getting permission to temporarily lodge in his apartment. Again, I have to point out that Erick is on the couch. Will Vane and Beto share a bed? Will Lucrecia like it when she finds out. Do we even have the strength to care? I don't.

Okay. Gird your loins. The AARP ANTLER BASH is beginning.

Big Brown Bear Luis barges in to Fernando's office. Fer is surprised to see him. -Well, get used to it! Evidently your prior relationship with MY wife has been reborn like a Phoenix from the Ashes and I am about to set you straight buddy! Tell her that:
1. She needs to get her hormones calmed down.
2. There will be no divorce
3. She needs to forget everything
4. And return to her husband!

Quite a grocery list.

Fernando is all huffy and dignified and tells Luis he's not his Messenger Boy. I'd be more on Fer's side if he hadn't been gleefully viewing Luis' infidelity as a wedge to get in closer with Prudencia. Matter of fact, I'm feeling as cranky as Zambudio right now. I don't like any of these folks, except for sunny little Rafa.

Well, Luis gets in the last word. As always. Don't mess with me, Fernando or the Devil might appear! (Yeah, we've been seeing a lot of Him lately)
 

MIRADA #102 THE CARNAGE CONTINUES

Part 3

Chooch has teleported to the ranch. I finally realized how she does it. Must be the broomstick thing. Anyway, she's telling little Zackrat that the jig is up and they need to grab the money and run. He can't believe Pru would leave her husband, but Chooch assures him the divorce is soon to be in the works. And when the lawyers start looking at the books, they will discover the fraud she and Zack have been pulling. Zack panics. He has no papers. She doesn't care. -Well, if she doesn't help him, he's going to call Luis and tell him about the fraud she engineered right now! Chooch looks mighty annoyed but agrees to find Zack some nearby countries that won't require a visa. Sweet.

Big Bear Luis is still roaming the hospital halls strewing excuses and threats wherever he goes. He ends up in Ricardo's office. Who clearly knows about the marital mess. -Well Prudencia should be a little more discreet about personal matters" sez Luis. "And you should be more faithful" replies Ricardo.

Oh my. Is it my imagination or is our wee Ricky Tin Tin looking more attractive? I swear he is.

Back to the vecindad. (Anyone else getting whiplash?)Prudencia, sitting with Marina and Baby and various members of the Amoeba Clan, is trying to persuade daughter to still accept the Ocaranza family name, since it will help in the legal maneuvering and also provide an inheritance for the baby, even if Marina wants no part of the money herself.

Suddenly there's a loud KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK at the door. Terrified looks. Is it don Luis, bent on more carnage? No, it's Doña Encarnacion, crazy happy Walt Disney princess style and ready to organize the wedding! Tomorrow if you want.

What Fresh Hell is This? looks from both Toribio and Damiana. Evidently Marina's marriage proposal is a surprise to them also. And everybody seems agreed (except Dona Encarnacion and her whelp) that it's way too rushed. Even if it's not tomorrow.

The writers decide to show us some mercy. How about some happy love scenes with Yola and Erick? They're walking, talking and kissing. And Love has turned him into an Overachiever. He's got a day job as a waiter in addition to his night job as a bartender. Yola pulls a 180 and tells him he needs to relax more and just enjoy the moment. He can't believe his Killer Girlfriend is suddenly advising him to stop and smell the roses. Just shows you what Love can do. Erick also shares that Beto needs Yola's understanding right now, because our lad has broken up with Lucrecia. He can't forget Marina, even if she seems ready to forget him. Yola receives this bombshell with appropriate thoughtfulness.




 

MIRADA #102 THE CARNAGE CONTINUES

Part 4

Zip zip. Back in the vecindad with the Clan. The door opens. Lino comes in. Followed closely by don Luis, who comes bearing gifts for the baby. And wanting to talk to Prudencia. Who doesn't want to talk to him. Okay. Next up. He want to talk to Marina. She agrees but they have to take it outside to the patio.

What follows is some wonderful nonsensical self-justification and verbiage from Luis. I'm not going to give you all of it. These people exhaust me. But here's a little taste. He advises his daughter that she needs to be able to "separate things"... like for instance...

Milk and Milk of Magnesia. There's a difference, y'know!

Whatever the morality lesson was there, Marina isn't getting it.

HOW COULD YOU TREAT MOM THIS WAY?

Well, hey, I blew it. I'm a man. What can I say? But I love your mom with all my heart.

This falls on deaf ears and Mar tells him that neither she nor Baby Rafa will be an Ocaranza! Never ever!

-Ay yi yi, my daughter is giving me Life Lessons! Thank you so much!

-That's right! And if you want my son's love, you'll have to earn it with your love. NOT with presents or money. And furthermore, if you want access to your grandson, you need to give Prudencia a divorce and all the financial support that she deserves.

You can bet Luis is not going to let a little snippet of a gal tell him what to do.

Another respite as we now find ourselves in the airport. Wee Zackrat is shadowing ChoochMooch like a pet dog. She can't shake him loose and he's going wherever she's going. What a delicious prospect. Methinks Zackrat's days are numbered. Couldn't happen to a nicer guy.
 

MIRADA #102 THE CARNAGE CONTINUES

Final part (and boy am I glad!)

Prudencia has now come to join the enlightening Milk of Magnesia confab. Luis is still begging forgiveness....and expecting it.

-C'mon! You know you love me. And sure, I didn't know how to appreciate it. But I will! I'm going to change.

No Te Amo. It's over.

Unlike Luis, Prudencia is a woman of few words.

Out comes Marina again, with adorable Rafa facing front, ready to say Goodbye to his grandfather. Most of the time Rafa is looking off-stage wherever his loving real-life mom seems to be. But Luis pulls such a clownish choochoochoochoowho's my sweet baby! number that the baby actually looks right at him and laughs. It's a dear, real life moment in an otherwise miserable episode.

So let's get back to the Misery, shall we? Doc Zam is looking at the studies on Doc Mask and showing serious concern about the heart arrhythmia. Lucrecia panics and tries to reassure Dad that the surgery should still go ahead post-haste. You can make sure it's dealt with! -Well, I don't want to fill the surgery room with specialists, grumbles Papa. Lucrecia has other concerns though. For instance, she doesn't want Beto to know about the surgery. Her reason? He told her not to have anything more to do with this patient. And she's still hoping to reconcile with Alberto.

Dad is disappointed that she seems so hellbent on pleasing this turkey. He's not worth it. He's never at the hospital. Always involved with family problems, he grouses.

Well Lucrecia wants what she wants. And one thing she wants is to find out about those so-called "family problems". Does it involve Marina, perchance?

So when she calls Beto and gets no answer, she calls the Big House instead. And learns from Hortensia that Prudencia is going to file for divorce from Luis.

And give the Lucrecia actress credit. She pulls the biggest Cara Impactada I have ever seen. Looks so gobsmacked I even got worried about her.

And there we end. Uuuuuf. Looking forward to my day off tomorrow. Never thought I'd be so enthused about soccer matches.
 

Ringo starts Tuesday, September 3 at 3p/2c.
 

Thanks Alexander. Do you know anything about it? I haven't heard a peep.
 

Thanks JudyB! A witty recap of a tough episode. I wasn’t sure if I knew where to start but you actually summed up my thoughts perfectly: what fresh hell is this?”

Damiana seemed slightly more open to the idea of Marina marrying Ric than Prudencia, but I don’t blame anyone for being shocked. And it wasn’t even a happy shocked, it was just shocked. No shocker though that Doña Encarnación is happy. She’s always been happy go lucky. If the joyride many episodes back was any indication.

Ric wins a few points with me for his “And you should be more faithful” quip to Luis. And the AARP Antler Bash was also fun to watch. Team Fernando all the way!

I’m surprised Sour Apples isn’t pushing for a church wedding. What’s her strategy here?

So Doc Z has been telling Beto not to break Lucrecia’s heart but now he’s telling Lucrecia to forget Beto. Okay......?

Hortensia shouldn’t have spilled the beans to Lucrecia about Luis and Pru. Ugh.
 

MIRADA

Judy, this storyline sounds like dreadful dreck. Yet, you continue to persevere, refusing to let this sordid storyline get the best of us by keeping spirits lifted employing your amazing wit and humor.

Many gems strewn throughout including “Gird your loins. The AARP ANTLER BASH is beginning” which made me laugh out loud.

“No slipshod-only-a-civil marriage for her baby girl!” Atta girl! “What Fresh Hell is This?” was a great line.

“Love Bank” was a new concept to me but I think it’s spot on…

“Uuuuuf. Looking forward to my day off tomorrow. Never thought I'd be so enthused about soccer matches” said it all.

Oh and Judy, Ringo is a prizefighter TN with Jose Ron in the title role. It has a great cast including Pierre Louis from Reina. So disappointed this will be on during the day but this is great news for those for whom this is a good time to watch.

Thank you, thank you!

Diana
 

MIRADA

Thanks TF and Diana.

TF...Yes indeed, What Fresh Hell is This? could have been the title of the whole episode. And thanks for reminding us of Doña Encarnacion's wild joyride in the red sports car. I'd completely forgotten about that. Another bright spot in a telenovela that has been rather dark lately. As befits Ultimas Semanas, but still....

Diana...The Love Bank theory is actually a very useful one. If we always asked ourselves, "Is this remark...or action..going to be a deposit in my Love Bank or a withdrawal?" we might be a little more thoughtful and kind in the way we live our lives. Or as one wag said, "Don't just admire the Golden Rule. PRACTICE it!"

Ah well, easier said than done.

As for me, I intend to file Luis' Milk of Magnesia vs. Milk wisdom in my spiritual notebook. So I can have a good laugh every once in a while!

Thanks for the info on Ringo. When I looked up the title, all I found was stuff about Ringo Starr.
 

MIRADA

Thank you Judy for another great and snarky recap. Power went out three hours ago from a storm so I might not get to watch this episode until tomorrow.

I just love Luis’ reason/justification/excuse for his adultery —- because I’m a man! Such a standard line in telenovelas. 😛
 

JudyB this was such a disgusting epi,
But funny. You my dear lady brought the fun. Thank you so much for Givin me something to laugh about. No matter
How screwed up life Gets there is a
Reason to laugh.

As long as there are stupid people like Don-stupid-lousey, we gonna laugh in the midst of all the dumbery Of people like this self righteous lolife
Who thinks hes above everybody. I hope
They don't get back together, she need
Somebody who won't consider her a mere side piece. "he advises his daughter that she needs to be able to separate things....like for instance....

Milk and Milk of Magnesia. There's a difference y know!

whatever the morality lesson was there Marina isn't getting it. Niether Does the patio. Does milk of magnesia even have milk in it? Never mind I don't
Care. The mans a ginormorus ass.

Here's something else I found funny.
When carnations lady came in with the
Joyjoy happy news of marina and little
Wee Ricky bout to git hitched. In the
Wee wedding chapel up the street. Dami
Looked like she took caster oil for dinner and desert was codliver oil. It
Was a joyous time in the neighborhood.
NOT!!!.

Van is gonna stay with beto. Nobody in
This story is where they are suppose to be. At least not non of the main
Characters. Please More cots staging department.

Beto really gonna cut on wrinkles?
I don't think so. One look and he'll
Hi-tail it outta there. Maybe. I might
Care a little. Doc pompus aas thinks
He n lucreepshow will reconcile, no I
Don't think so.

Tori was gonna fight the beast with the Blue broom, bless his heart. Or was it Red? Whatever, he was gonna protect his Friends.With that blue/red broom. The Sweetheart that he is.

That was a cute cat fight that louy and fernny Almost had in his doctor office.They looked like 2 cats swiping
At each other over the female.

This was fun JudyB. We'll have to wait
Til Thursday to see what this ragtag
Comedy troop has in store for this dog
Days of summer patio.



 

"MIRADA":

Doris: If I know Telenovelas over the years, the Body Count will increase again by the time we get to the Gran Final.

Part of me wished this had been in Primetime in weeknights.
 

MIRADA

Just now had time to read you snarktastic recap, JudyB...top-notch as always. THANK YOU! I'll comment on the episode tomorrow when I have more time, but I did notice in the comments that "Ringo" was mentioned and will start soon (thank you, Alexander!). Diana has already given you some info, but if you want more details, you can find it here--

http://caraycaray.blogspot.com/2019/04/coming-to-screen-near-you-april-7-2109.html

NudyB, you should take a look...you'll love the poster :-)
 

You are a trooper JudyB! And thank you for telling such an entertaining tale I forget how grim things were!

I had to watch the first 10 minutes 3 times. Now I enjoyed that a lot!

Laughed at Pru whispering her ultimatum to Luis in total Luis style. She had it down pat

Vanessa telling Chooch “I hope you receive punishment for all the damage you caused” gave me a little chill. Foreshadowing?

So how much did a doc Mask sell his house for, anyway? Going to cover living expenses, new face, college for Marina and kid? Things sure are different in Mexico!

I think all Beto has to do is retest his DNA. He has Doc Masks results and Doc has his. Right? A retest would be different from the results he received

Don’t know what to make of Encarnacion’s hair. Looked like she stuck her finger in a socket Looney Tunes style

Mely

 

MIRADA

JudyB, many thanks for another stellar recap and for soldiering through the awful territory that was this episode.

I had to laugh when Marina suggested Prude stay with her in the vecindad. Quite aside from the fact that Prude is not at all used to living like that this must be the "loaves and fishes" vecindad. Even so, it must be close to bursting by now.

Then the scene there with doña Encarnación -- and the Amoeba Clan's reaction to the Marina & Ricky wedding news. I looked to see if Rgv Chickie was in the background handing out Nerf bats.
Not a lot of enthusiasm there. I think it's just me and doña Encarnación on Team Ricky. I'm not even sure about Marina.

Judy, rest up tomorrow. We are probably going to have some very rough últimos días ahead.

:-)

andy
 

"MIRADA":

Mely: I agree with you on Vanessa putting Suzy from HoVille in her place. You're probably right about something foreshadowing Suzy's downfall soon.

I'm interested to see what anvil the Cooch gets.

Andy: Don Jackass justifying his womanizing. Really dude ? I see prison or death in his future.

RGV Chick: Wake me up when Marina comes to her senses & goes back to Beto.

Plus #FREERAFA
 

Good morning Passionate, Opinionated Patio. And thank goodness you all have a great sense of humor. We're going to need it to wade through Ultimas Semanas together.

Doris...Hope your power is back on and the air conditioner is functioning. You'll enjoy certain moments of the episode and no doubt tear your hair out over others.

Nina...How right you are. "Damiana looked like she had caster oil for dinner and dessert was cod liver oil." And thanks for mentioning brave little Toribio and his broom. That was a sweet moment indeed.

Rgv Chick...Thanks for the NudyB alert. I did scope out José Ron's numerous six-pack pictures. Looked like the make-up artists shaded those muscle lines to make them look more ripped, but who cares? Might give my man Dwayne Johnson a run for his money.

Mely...Ah, foreshadowing...Well, can't say I'm overly worried about Susana. She strikes me as someone who will always manage to surface from whatever disaster she's in. Or maybe Dame Karma has just been biding her time. As for Doc Sotero's infinite riches from selling his house...Good question! That house didn't look like much to begin with. And I doubt that they're getting Manhattan or Georgetown prices for those small town hovels. But juarever.

Andy...My goodness you made me laugh wondering if even Marina is on Team Ricky. And couldn't agree more about the incongruity of Pru and Angustias choosing to bunk in the already overcrowded (and no doubt aromatic) vecindad room. The Big House is pretty big. And has Hortensia! I could certainly manage to keep on living there while negotiating a divorce from Big Bear Luis. Preferable by far to another cot wedged against the wall, some street corner tacos-- and a long bathroom wait!

Steve...Hard to know what will happen with any of these characters but I think we all agree that Susana and Luis both deserve anvils of some sort.
 

MIRADA
Seems we have a new moniker for you, oh ye of the great big word dictionary, thanks to RGV--"NudyB" Hmm. Our minds do wander at times like these.

So, NudyB, you have bred, brushed to a shine and put at the starting gate a winner of the tri-fecta, or maybe this should be called the five-fecta. How you can keep this up is miraculous. Enjoy your day off.

Andy--I just spied Doctor Ricky Ticky Tavey on Preso No.1. He looks exactly the same, except his hair was not falling in his eyes. He seems to be a minor character in a media conglomerate--he was sitting around a conference table with bigger fish. Maybe that signals things didn't go well for him with Marina and he escaped to another telenovela toute de suite.

Mely and NudyB--MoochieChoochie had better not go up in an airplane just to go down in flames, like Dona Bernarda Iturbe did in TdA. WE WILL REVOLT if we can't watch her comeuppance.

As far as Luis and Pru go, wouldn't it be sad AND funny if the Louse finds out he and Pru have no money left in their accounts and the house has been mortgaged. Well, I guess they'll always have the Avocado Farm. Maybe Lino and Vane will move back to the rancho. He takes over as head capataz while Vane straightens out the books.
 

MIRADA

Judy, sending you waves of love and prayers. If they give you but a small amount of the peace and comfort you have given many of us over the years, may it be a soothing balm at the very least.

Had posted this on the evening page in error).

Diana
 

MIRADA

Ah Anita...the "NudyB" moniker has a rather innocent beginning. Susanlynn once miss-typed my name on a comment (or it was her Diabolical Spellcorrect which has always had it in for her). Anyway, it promptly became my alter-ego when "wise church-lady" morphed into "teenaged ogler" (yes, she still lives on deep inside of me)Actually, I think it was Goethe who wrote "Whoever said there were two different people wrestling inside of us underestimated by a great amount."

And I certainly do hope that Luis and Prudencia have SOMETHING to fall back on, even if separately. I just don't think Pru is cut out for vecindad living or for being an assistant to Doña Toolbelt. But who knows? We have a few more episodes to go.

Thanks for stopping by sweet lady.

And Diana, thanks for those waves of love and prayers. I'm going to spread them all over this lovely, lively Patio which has given me so much joy these past few weeks. And keep a couple for myself. Feels wonderful.
 

So.much to take in....thnk for recap. Favorite..The Amobae Clan and Encarnacion a d her whelp!!!
 

MIRADA

Thanks Anonymous 3:59. We're so glad you're joining our Patio for this last wild gallop. If you want to put a name to your post (it does not have to be your real name...just some short moniker) then it's a little easier to address you when you comment and I reply. But that is up to you. All are welcome and we're glad you're here with us. And glad you enjoyed "amoeba clan and "whelp" When the group (or "tribu" as don Luis called them)first arrived in Mexico City, they seemed to ooze all over the city together in one gooey puddle. So that's when we christened them the Amoeba Clan. Quite a group. Like our Patio!
 

I don't think he deserves death Steve.
Maybe a good dousing with honey and stinging antz.I watched him walkin away from marina in His "nobody is as good as Iam" attitude. The man is his
Own worst enemy, he just don't know it
Yet.
This is why a wife should have her own money especially when she's married to a pompus jackass like this jackass.
He made sure she cant survive without him, and thats just wrong. Momas should always teach their daughters survival skills in case situations such as this comes up. But at least she's not afraid of the big oufe. She gets right in his face. I wish she'd get control of her own wealth. I hate
Seeing a wife in that situation.
 

MIRADA

I just now finished watching this episode. Judy, this show is working you hard, and you just keep cranking out these great recaps. Thank you again. ❤️❤️❤️

Oh dear me, Encarnacion's hair was a hybrid between Bozo and Ronald McDonald. Wowzers. Or like Mely said, finger in the electrical socket.

Prudencia is the epitome of class, even in the worst time of her life. Recently, hubby was waking thru the room, a few episodes ago, he watched for 2 or 3 minutes, and announced that he really likes our Prudencia.

Luis . . . What can I say that hasn't already been said. Pompous egotistical jerk in complete denial.

Nina, I agree with everything you said ^ especially about the money.

Doc Mask's scar tissue looked like they didn't glue it in very well today. He is so going to die during that surgery. Too much is being discussed about that heart problem. Writers dropping clues. Marina would know his voice afterwards, anyway. He might look different on the outside, but he will still be the same sick nut job murderer on the inside.
 

"MIRADA":

Anita: I busted out laughing when you mentioned Moochie Coochie ROFLOL. Looking forward to seeing her BIGLY anvil.

Vanessa straightening out the books ? Hmm. I can see that. Is she a Mathematics major ?

Doris: Creepy Doc & LuCrazy still wreaking havoc ? OMG! They need to go away.


 

Doris...so glad you were finally able to see this. And that your husband likes Prudencia! This show has been so well cast and the actress playing Pru exudes class

. Now I’m going to say something controversial—I Like Dona Encarnacion’s hair! Seriously...it suits her over the top ole ole personality. Makes a statement—as does everything else about her. Her previous hairdo was too subdued...for her new pizzazz character anyway.

And I hope you are 100 percent right and Doc Mask dies on the operating table. We need to cut down on the number of villains wreaking havoc in this story. Let’s just see lots more of happy little Baby Rafa. I’m getting quite fond of the little guy
 

"MIRADA":

Judy: I also hope LuCrazy gets fired for framing Marina on the illegal DNA sabotage at the hospital.

I also hope the EVIL doctors get exposed for their complicity as well.

Yes #FREERAFA
 

MIRADA
JudyB--You are the ever hopeful one for the well-being of our good-guy characters. We, on the other hand, know only too well that the villains have some sort of survival instinct that telenovela writers exploit. They keep their villains at it until the last few minutes of the last few scenes to keep the audience from drifting away before El Fin.

Doc Ricky is not malicious, but he sure knows how to keep his hand on a girl's knee and attached to him. He just needs to go away. I feel sorry for Dona Encarnacion. She has such high hopes for Marina as a DIL.

I think Doc NewMask will be the last one to go. He won't expire on the operating table, unless, of course, the operation is in the final scenes.

Lucreepy will get her expose sooner, maybe in the penultimate episode.

Hoochie Moochie and Zack are already on the run. They will get caught (or not). Certainly the stolen money needs to be recovered. Poor Vane--what a mother to have had. It was a good thing for her to have Pru, Angsty and Hildy come into her life so she could see what motherly love could be.

Don Luis has wreaked havoc wherever he went, but he never killed anybody--he was just a coward and a bully and that has also been exposed (although not the fake birth certificate, yet). He will probably end up a broken man with only memories of Rafi to brighten his days. He'll lose his money, his wife, his son, his DIL, his grandson. I still have a soft spot in my heart for the big brown bear, but at this age, can he be reformed? Hmmm. If he needs money desperately, maybe Toribio will give him back the vecindad and he takes an apartment near the Amoeba Clan to get close to Rafi and behaves admirably, making sure light bulbs are in stock and old stoves are replaced.

Ana will be exposed when she gets her monthly (I ferverenly hope so. It is one of the few normal "woman" things that don't get discussed in telenovelas. At the most we hear about a "retraso," which Anita claimed, miraculously, two days after congress with Lino. Let's see where this one goes. To save face, she HAS to "lose" the baby, but will it be after she's safely married to Lino? I wonder who will win the proposed wedding site, Lino/Civil, Dona Toolbelt/Church? Or will the expose come in time for Lino and Vane to reunite. Ana is such a timid person, but she may all of a sudden realize that being married to a man who doesn't love her isn't going to be the happy playground she imagined and she can't force him to be her playmate. Lino already told Vane he would wait until after the baby is born and divorce Ana. Vane wouldn't hear of it. We know that can't happen, especially if there is no baby bump after 5 months. I wonder what Lino would do.

Can you all tell I'm missing Mirada already?
 

MIRADA

Isn’t it crazy how we get hooked on these stories Anita. All your predictions sound savvy and reasonable. Only a few more hours to go!
 

"MIRADA":

Anita: I believe we will agree with Creepy Doc will be the last to get his anvil, but it could be Don Jackass, whose downfall is inevitable at some point: it's just a matter of when...

Judy: I want Clingy Anita to GO AWAY. She's too clingy when it comes to Lino.

I'm also looking forward to seeing the downfall of Suzy from HoVille & LuCrazy as well as the EVIL Doctors, who conspired to destroy Marina.