Caray, Caray!

MIRADA #108 ANOTHER CASCADE OF CATASTROPHE

Part 1

What a wretched episode! Took me half a bag of Fritos just to get through it. And not only were there heartwrenching developments, there were also two gross-out scenes--Sotero revealing his surgery mega-scar, and a prolonged look at Ramona's corpse retrieved from the lake. Granted, Ramona was never that great-looking--but a few weeks underwater did not improve things. Have a feeling I'm going to regret those Fritos later on tonight.

But chin up, let's get this over with Patio. It's another Big Bummer.

Luis is his usual cavalier self with the Senior Judge, dismissing the arrest threat with a "Don't make me laugh! You don't know who you're dealing with!" He even has the nerve to threaten the judge with "abuse of authority". Lawyer quickly intervenes to keep Luis from landing not just in jail, but prison. And offers to pay whatever hefty bail the judge requires as long as Luis can be under house arrest. As for the false baby registration, er, it was just a technical error. Or as Luis says dismissively, a "cortina de humo" [smoke screen]. Ah Luis...he has his own view of life and it all goes his way. Up till now, anyway. There's some more tedious detail on how to proceed. The ranch will be put up as bail guarantee since it will not be part of the divorce proceedings. To top off his day, Luis learns that Zackrat is in the Dominican Republic at a 5-star beach hotel living like a king on Luis' money.

Much more fun to dwell on the rambunctious romance of Toolbelt and Baldo. She's all gulp, forgive me for that impetuous smooch and he's like "au contraire baby", so glad you did. And throws her back in a rambunctious kiss of his own like a sailor on leave. Another AARP smokin' hot romance. Certainly better than the grim picnic in the country we saw yesterday. Damiana's appeal remains mysterious.

Ah, but some people's appeal is just so obvious. Our lovely Vanessa for example. Cranky manager is noticing her skills (ahem) and wants to talk to her. "Oh dear, what did I do now?" she asks. "Nopis. No criticism. Wanted to know if you could cover for another employee." She does. She needs the extra money. "What, trying to bug your millionaire parents?" -I have no parents. My dad died years ago and let's just say that my mom and I have no contact. -Do you have a boyfriend? Cause you sure aren't ugly. -No, nobody.

Uh oh. Always better to say you have one Vane. This guy is going to come on to you for sure.

But what about that former novio? He's in the recording studio singing a duet with Figueroa. Lots of Body English going on and it sounds like the same old dirge until they harmonize on "me regaló". Sweet sound. And sweeter future. Figueroa will use two more of his songs on his next CD and wants him to appear on stage with him at his next concert. All good.

Vecindad:
Marg and Damiana (who's actually smiling) announce their boda plans for the same day as Paulino and Anita. Yola and Marina are thrilled to be sisters. And TF, TF! alert! Ricardo is holding a sleeping Rafa very tenderly. Team Beto is touched but also depressed. Clearly our broad-shouldered, lookin'good in blue sweater galan is losing ground. And wee Ricky in, oh my word, is that a pale lavender shirt!? is gaining fast. You can see why I needed some Fritos.

Luis is back home plotting strategy with el commandante. The latter is worried they will lose track of Susana in the Dominican Republic but Luis knows her well. She'll head to the spot where millionaires gather and hop on the first one she sees like a ti-tsi fly.


 

Alberto is telling his mom he plans to apply for a scholarship to study further abroad. Putting distance is working for Vanessa; maybe it will help him. And he's definitely shedding the Ocaranza name. He wants his work and his reputation to speak for him; not the apellido. But no, he's not taking his birth parents' name...he never knew them. He'd like to take Pru's family name if she's agreeable. Which she is, of course.

And gives her the go-ahead to begin a relationship with Fernando Muñoz if she wishes. But Pru's an old-fashioned gal. Not ready. And besides, she's still a married woman, even if a divorce is in the works. Well, good. With Toolbelt and Baldo, Marg and Damiana, I think we have all the mid-life romance we can handle.

One other bit: Lawyer informs Marina that the Family Court judge has scheduled a hearing for first thing Monday morning. That does not sound good. And it wasn't.

Santo Domingo
We see Luis in a hotel rooms whose wallpaper seems to be borrowed from the Boogie Nights office of Hilda. Bring back Hilda! We need some laughs here!

Streets of Mexico City
Yola has led Dr. Muñoz to behold a big white truck. He's baffled. She explains--paint it up, fix it up and it can be a Food Truck. Erick's a gourmet cook and he can prepare fabulous tacos as street food. The doc is on board and agrees to buy it.

Family Court Judge's Chambers
Bad news starts here. Judge requests Marina and Sotero to come in solo, without lawyers. Orders them to register baby under name of biological parents. Marina objects loudly. Sotero whines: "-Do you hate me so much?" You deserve it! [ganado a pulso] she shrieks. More yelling about how the one time he visited, he kidnapped the baby. The judge is increasingly hostile and grants provisional custody to Sotero. Now Marina is really hysterical. "Judge, you can't do this. The baby has only known me, been with me all this time! And he can't care for him. He's in the hospital!" Sotero uses this to gain more sympathy with the judge. He explains how he underwent risky surgery to try and be more attractive to Marina and baby. And look what happened! Off comes the gauze and we get to contemplate a Frankenstein-like scar. Marina is still yelling that Sotero cares nothing for the baby and the judge is incensed. "Watch your tone, Señora!" You need to turn over the baby to its father as soon as possible. And as for psych evaluations, I'm going to order them for BOTH of you.
 

MIRADA #108 ANOTHER CASCADE OF CATASTROPHE

Part 3

Paulino's home hearing about the Dam-Marg wedding. Very happy. Dad notices that it's for the first time. What's up with Paulino's own lack of enthusiasm about his boda? Lino fibs that it's just nerves. And says he hopes to be a good dad. Marg is sure he will be. Well Paulino hopes to give his child all the love he holds in his heart. Now if Marg were really sharp, he'd notice that there was no mention of Anita in all this. Maybe he's just being tactfully silent.

Not so Sotero. While Marina weeps and hugs Ricardo, Doc Mask sneers that he'll be by this very afternoon to pick up HIS son.

Prudencia is as stunned as we are learning that Sotero has been granted provisional custody and of course Beto is all NO PUEDE SER. (Time out while Doris checks another square on her Bingo card). As usual, Velcro Lucreepy is just around the corner listening in on this news and promptly pops up with her usual "Qué pasa?" No empathy from our Lucrecia. She calmly observes that Marina will have to give the baby to Sotero and Beto promptly brushes her off with a "Need to check on one of my patients" line.

So with a gleeful smile, she phones Sotero to gloat together over the wretched news. Meanwhile, Marina is packing a bag with one hand and hoisting Baby Rafa with another as she plans to run far, far away where no one can find them.

And far far away, we see Susana once again in her weird schoolmarm hairdo and glasses, considering Denture Man's offer to join him on his yacht for a long, leisurely journey to Brazil, with various ports of call in between. -In what capacity? asks our maidenly Chooch. -Mmmm...as a friend, but perhaps more.

Let's not even think about it.

Sotero has appeared in the vecindad in his really scary full mask and is demanding the baby. She says he'll have to kill her first to get him. Baby Rafa seems unruffled by Sotero's gruesome appearance, thank God.
 

MIRADA #108 ANOTHER CASCADE OF CATASTROPHE

Part 4

Sotero, who has his own warped view of reality, is assuring Marina that he's the only one in the world who can make her happy. Marina is so incensed that she's shaking the baby like he's a Mixmaster, but Rafa seems delightfully unperturbed by all this jouncing and yelling. A real Dalai Lama of a baby.

Ricardo dashes over to help protect Marina while Sotero still sneers that he can take the baby whenever he wants. However, he proposes now that Marina come along with the baby if she's so worried about the care he will receive. Beto shows up as well and leans against a wall, arms folded, suffering partly over the baby fight, but mostly over the fact that Ricardo gets to hug and comfort Marina, not him. Quite a scene.

Later, the execrable Lucreepy is on the phone again with Sotero, wondering how he can possibly care for the baby. He explains the arrangements with an in-home nurse and Lu chortles "Just remember who helped you in all this." -Yep. And now I've got Marina and you'll get Alberto.

Some more brief scenes.
Marina announces to Amoeba Clan that she's going to live with Sotero while he has baby. Dam fears that she's going into the "boca de lobo" [wolf's mouth] but she says she'll do whatever she has to for protection of Rafa.

Luis is chatting with el Commandante and saying that Zackrat will lead them to Susana.

Pru visits Sotero and tries to persuade him to visit them at the Big house in order to see baby. He refuses.

Zack, in hotel room, hears a knock at door. Reluctantly answering, he finds Rizzo (from Reina) there as a police officer to arrest him. Brief escape attempt that fails.

Sotero opens apartment door to find Marina waiting with baby. Delighted. Until Damiana's face also appears. She's pushing a stroller like a Viking shield and announcing that if Marina is here, SO IS SHE. And gives Sotero a killer look.
 

MIRADA #108 ANOTHER CASCADE OF CATASTROPHE

Part 5

Sotero is mumbling that he just invited Marina, not Dam. But Dam ripostes that maybe they should talk to the Judge then. That shuts him up. Okay, he'll do whatever it takes to regain Marina's affection. Baby Rafa has heard more than enough and starts fussing.

Beto, back at hospital, is hiring guards to watch Sotero's apartment 24/7 and alert him if there is any trouble, yelling or fracas. Lurking Lucreepy overhears all this.

Zackrat is trying to wiggle out of the charges but is not doing well. Agents are not impressed with his claim of "just being here for a vacation". Officers offer him a deal. We're also arresting your accomplice Susana and whoever talks first gets sprung. The other one will face full charges for the money laundering scheme. Zack demands to talk to one of their superior officers to make sure the offer is legit.

Damiana notices the nurse but wonders why lovesick Ramona, his trusted accomplice, is not here to help Sotero out. He fibs that Ramona was so annoyed by his decision to have surgery and win back Marina that she decamped for Valle de Bravo. Dam looks skeptical. "Well, my love for Marina has no boundaries. I love her with all my heart and soul", he protests.

YOU HAVE NEITHER HEART NOR SOUL! answers Marina.

Let's look elsewhere. Oh dear! let's not. Next scene is of a forensic pathologist unzipping a black plastic bag containing what's left of Ramona. It's not pretty. And it's not quick either. Camera lingers while pathologist talks about strangulation marks around her throat and the need to take finger prints for an identity. So back to Sotero's grim apartment.

Wee Rick arrives in high dudgeon as usual, vowing that he'll visit his fiancée whenever he wants, Sotero be damned, and further will move "cielo, mar y tierra" [heaven, sea and earth] to get her and Rafa out of there.

And then gives Sotero the LOOK. There were a lot of those in this episode. But fat lot of good it did.

So Patio. Put down those chips and guacamole and tell me what you thought about this one. I always love your observations. They're a whole lot better than the storyline right now.
 

MIRADA

Judy, I am nominating you for sainthood on grounds that you recapped these last few episodes, on top of most of this entire telenovela. Thank you for your loyalty to our Patio and today’s recap!!!

And thank you for the update on RgvChick’s little goats.

RgvChick Oh, this is tragic and my heart goes out to you. And to lose two in the same day. No puede ser. (((Hugs))) I’ve lost dogs and know the grief.

” What a wretched episode! Took me half a bag of Fritos just to get through it.” Indeed. Same old, same old. Fritos sounds like a good idea!
This *was* a very distressing episode. Lather, rinse, repeat.

”No Puede Ser” - LOL Judy. That one was crossed off weeks ago. ;-) And I crossed off “protagonist engaged to someone other than galán. Still no bingo.

"Okay, he'll do whatever it takes to regain Marina's affection.” This is just getting old. His demise better be satisfying. Eh, probably jail for Ramona's murder and nothing else.

Confession time …. after a while, I had to FFWD-> thru that court hearing scene. Ya basta! And why didn’t they have counsel with them? QTH?

How on earth did Sotero’s scar get that big? The incision was not that large. Where is my beanie hat???

I loved how Rafa was fussy the whole time he was in the presence of evil; Dr. Evil a/k/a Sotero. Marina was also holding him in a facing-her position. That probably ensured the fussing; he couldn’t see his real life momma.

Yayyy! Ramona’s body was found!
 

JudyB, thanks for making this recap enjoyable despite the episode itself being wretched as you so perfectly put.

And thanks for the shoutout! During that scene I was like "Finally!" Too funny that I just happened to mention that yesterday. Ric gets a few points lol but as I am still Team Beto it looks a lot cuter when Beto is holding Rafa. Speaking of Team Beto though it seems like he has made a decision about his future. That leaves his love life in question. As far as I'm concerned, he's now single and so far seems to be successfully brushing off any attempt Lucrecia makes to be all lovey dovey with him. But a potential rekindling with Marina hangs in the balance.

I really enjoyed the conversation between Beto and Pru. I'm glad he's decided to drop Ocaranza and just be Arzuaga. I can just imagine Luis' reaction when he hears about this. And I liked Pru's reaction when Beto told her that he approved of her potentially having a relationship with Fernando. Imagine not only Marina and Yola essentially becoming sisters but Beto and Erick becoming brothers lol

I like what Yola has planned for Erick and that Fernando approves. It seems a lot easier for Erick to adjust to a more simple life than it is for Vanessa. Hopefully Erick will like the surprise. Vanessa is a work in progress though. Is her boss gonna go from hating her to liking her? Hmmmm.....

Something is up with that judge. Is he really that harsh or is there more to this? If he's ordering a psych evaluation then why not order another DNA test? Wishful thinking. Hopefully Marina, Rafa and Damiana won't have to stay with Sotero for long. So finally Ramona's body was found. Hopefully it's still identifiable.

One domino has fallen (Zack) so that means the next one will fall soon. Luis has his own crime to pay but he's probably satisfied that those who betrayed him will go down too.


 

MIRADA

"Cascade of Catastrophe" was marvelous Judy.

I loved “usual cavalier self”, “Another AARP smokin' hot romance” and of course “ high dudgeon”.

"cielo, mar y tierra" [heaven, sea and earth] “ was wonderful.

“Off comes the gauze and we get to contemplate a Frankenstein-like scar”. Oh my.
I imagine it is difficult enough watching this, knowing the characters. But trust me, not watching or knowing the characters might be harder.

Judy, Doris has nominated you for sainthood and I suggest a medal for diligence and perseverance.

Either way, you are my hero!

Gracias amiga.

Diana
 

MIRADA

JudyB, thank you for another excellent recap. I was saddened to hear about Oreo's passing and then Jackie. A lot of us here have, or have had, furry family members and it is a true loss when they die. Not everybody understands how real the loss can be.


Well, on a lighter note, I was both amused and aghast at that theatrical kiss of Baldo and Chole on the stairs. Did they think WWII had just ended? She was so bent over backwards that I was sure they were going to wind up in a heap at the bottom of the stairs. Or did they manage to splice in a mannequin for Chole somehow?
In any event, definitely "Another AARP smokin hot romance."

"Damiana's appeal remains mysterious." Oh, you got that so right!

"Uh oh. Always better to say you have one [a novio] Vane. This guy is going to come on to you for sure." And who could blame him? But he better work fast because this little make-believe world ends soon.

Not really important, but that judge who wants to give custody of Rafa to Sotero is awfully annoying.

andy

 

Yuck,what a mess JudyB, not your recap but the episode. But your recapin made
It bearable. You my dear put the fun in the Ugly. Y'all know the Joy is a
Coming anytime they sink waaay down in
The cesspool the way they have withthe last 2 episodes. It's all insane when
Wrinkle puss think hes Gonna win love
Let alone anything else. He can't even
Stand his self. And that scar probly smells. At this point the actors are
Just havin a rip roaring good time. I Just will be so happy when The good guys hit a Few homeruns, and Velcro Lu
Lu gets surgically removed permanantly
like a hemorrhoid, cuz she is very truely a pain in the ass. Amen? Amen!

Anita could steal somebody's baby womb
Picture and pass it off as hers. I want all the bad people to go away)))) ))))). NOW)))))))))).

Vanes boss will probly have a crush on her and get his heart broken like wee ricky Is about to get. Hes kind of lile an Annoying relative that won't go away. And Take his momma with him.

Thank you JudyB, wake me up when the good guys start to look like they're
Winning. Cuz right now they are battin
0+0+0+0+0=0.

 

MIRADA

Doris...Don't blame you at all for fast-forwarding through the courtroom scene. Wish I could have. Too easy to imagine how I would feel were someone evil about to take my baby away from me. Just too terrible for words.

TF...You certainly deserved a shoutout. It was like the writers heard you. Except that this scene was already written months ago when it was shown in Mexico. And I hadn't even thought about the fact that Erick and Beto would be brothers, if Pru and Fernando got together. And Erick with Yola...almost beginning to seem incestuous all these connections with the vecindad and the hospital.

Diana...Thanks as always for the recap appreciation. I'm no saint. By the time I've finished this and some other recapping duties I'm tired and cranky. But gracias anyway. I'll try to live up to that a bit better some day!

Andy...Yes, indeed that back-bending kiss was just like the World War II photo that we all know and love. Most of these actors also have dance training, so probably that really was Dona Chole. I hope they had fun filming that scene.

Nina...Yikes, you were on a roll tonight. Cesspool, smelly scar, remove Lu surgically like a hemorrhoid, cause she's a pain in the ass. Have you done nursing work, amiga? You sure are tellin' it like it is.

Amigos, this has been a tough episode and also just a tough time, with Rgv Chick losing both Oreo and Jackie. A reminder perhaps that this really is "just a story." But sometimes these silly telenovelas can distract us from our own private griefs. And that is a good thing.

Plus I always love "chatting" with you and hearing your wild and woolly opinions. Buenas Noches everybody.
 

RGV my sympathies. This is the price we pay for the joy and love our little creatures bring to us. How dull and colorless
Life would be without them. And some are most special to us

JudyB. I am putting you up for at special award for exceptional valor. You have earned it

That was a quick resolution to the Chole Baldo story line! Fun too!

The look on Rafa’s face when Doc Mask showed up in his sock was priceless. He is a hardy little fellow. He narrowed his eyes and gave him the “stare”. Nothing seems to daunt him

I loved the detective negotiating with Zac. He was giving this small part his all!

Mely
 

Good morning Mely...I too loved that scene of Zack with the detective. I wasn't sure if he was really from the Dominican Republic or just imitating the accent, but I loved it. Back when I was teaching, one of the maintenance gals at the school was from the D.R. and it reminded me of her accent. But if he's a bit player, I'm sure he was auditioning for a bigger role next time!

Baby Rafa is a trooper. Just hope he doesn't end up on a therapist's couch one day with nightmare memories of Doc Sotero.

Hoping for a happier episode tonight. We could certainly use a break from all this horror.
 

MIRADA

Looks like there is nothing special scheduled after Mirada for the rest of August. Univision will run Como Dice el Dicho during the afternoon hours.

After Labor Day, they will start showing Y Mañana será otro Dia...Mejor. Angelica Vale (La Fea Más Bella) and Diego Olivera (Triunfo de Amor) will be the stars. Could be good. It's an adaptation of a Chilean telenovela.

We might have to just hunker down and do yard work during the rest of these August afternoons. Gah!
 

"MIRADA":

Judy: Good Morning. Who found Ramona's body ?
 

JudyB- thank you fir the info on Y Mañana, this gives me something to look forward to, so I am in! Watching daytime telenovelas really works better with my schedule, especially during hockey season.
 

MIRADA

Steve, they never showed exactly how or who Found Ramona. All they showed was her in a body bag at the morgue.
 

MIRADA

Doris...Afternoons work better for me too. Football season is coming up. But for those with DVR capability, I recommend recording Destilando Amor (2 am) and re-watching it. I like to hear some Spanish everyday and this story is a ripsnorter. Plus you get to see Sergio Sendel hurling cellphones and "Doc Sotero" playing a dopey, well-meaning Londoner in tequila country with a hilarious gringo accent. Lots of stormy drama, but also beautiful vistas of the country around Guadalajara and interesting info on tequila manufacturing. I don't mind re-watching good telenovelas. There are always things I missed the first time around, and other details I have simply forgotten.
 

Judy - thank you for the recommendation of Destilando. I saw it in the schedule and didn't know if it was worth watching. Two telenovelas is a heavy load for me, but I will give it a try. Thank you!
 

MIRADA #109 THREE PEOPLE ARRESTED AND MORE TO COME...IT'S ULTIMOS CAPITULOS!

Part 1

Yes, ChoochMooch has joined Zackrat in the hoosegow, and now that Luis has broken the terms of his house arrest by flying to Santo Domingo, he's about to go to prison too.
It's a big comedown for King of the Hill. And we can only hope that Doc Sotero and Lucreepy will soon be joining the others in prison. But for now, those last two are skating free and clinging to their romantic obsessions.

Just another humdrum day in Telenovelaland.

We begin with Lucreepy (who seems to do nothing these days but trail the hospital hallways shadowing Alberto) on the phone to Sotero, warning him about the guards Beto has stationed outside the apartment. But as befits sleazy accomplices, they discuss DocMask's latest vile strategy. Sotero will convince Marina that he wants to change; get rid of the "partera" (midwife mom Damiana) and then, hopefully, have his wicked way with her.

In the meantime, their actual relationship is not going so well. He demands to hold Rafa. She reluctantly gives him up. But after a moment of "come to Papi" the baby starts to wail and Marina demands him back. Fortunately, she has a list of supplies she needs and sends Sotero off to fetch them. (Once he learns how often he has to go out for more diapers and formula, he may re-think this whole custody thing.) Still, he has the nerve the complain about all her friends and family stopping by. Too bad. Lots of people are fond of Rafa, and they WILL visit, she insists. Checkmate buddy.

Luis is storming around Santo Domingo like the Lone Ranger and has to be persuaded by the Commandante to cooperate with the local authorities. Let's stay with that scene for a moment because it's fun. Chooch is packing her bags--presumably to hop aboard Denture Man's yacht. She calls for a bellhop. Knock knock almost immediately. Wow! what great service! Except it's Luis. And he's loaded for bear. But jocular to begin with. What brings you here, darlin?'. -Trying to recover from a bad experience. You treated me like a slut. -But that's what you are, sweetheart. And not only did you screw me out of a lot of my money, you also caused me to lose something even more precious--Mi Prude.
"And oh my, Zack invented the tale of that diseased avocado crop," he continues "there was cash deposited in order to money launder, and no way did Zack have the smarts, or the password, to pull off that kind of scheme. You're the one who did it! And guess what, the police here now have Zacarias in custody."

Let's leave them for a moment and return to the dark, dim apartment of Sotero. He's arrived back home, laden with plastic bags, to find grumpy Damiana waiting for him on the couch. Marina is sleeping with baby. She had a bad night. But Dam is ready to read him the riot act.

If you want my daughter to forgive you, you need to give up all parental rights. Because if you're actually the father, it's because you committed an atrocity on my daughter. You don't deserve her or to be a father.

At that point Ricardo arrives with take-out lasagna. Marina comes out of the bedroom and they hug. Sotero, lurking in the background, watches helplessly. So far, his dastardly plan isn't going so well.




 

MIRADA #109 THREE PEOPLE ARRESTED AND MORE TO COME...IT'S ULTIMOS CAPITULOS

Part 2

Back to our gruesome twosome: Luis is musing Yeah, I'm an old sea dog (lobo de mar) but I figured out what you did and why you put Zack up to it. -Alright, yes, I did. You're a rat and a womanizer! And I'm delighted to show the world that Luis Ocaranza is just a common criminal involved with rotten business. You threw me away like a dirty rag {trapo sucio}. -Well, you're a tramp [cascos flojos} and you're going to jail. -Oh yeah, it's your word against mine.

Well, no. It's YOUR word. Because it's all recorded on this hidden microphone. The door pops open, the officer steps in and our Schoolmarm Susana is hauled off to the police station...after a sentimental good-bye from Luis "Rot in prison Chucha!"

Well, Chooch gets her revenge. Under the guise of calling her lawyer, she alerts her friend in the Mexican press about Luis' criminal case and his presence in the Dominican Republic. Checkmate Luis.

Back to our other drama. Sotero has decided to ratchet up the pressure on Marina by demanding she break up with Ricardo. Bazán, when told, does the usual cara impactada for several dramatic moments and then warns Marina that this will just be the first of many demands Sotero puts on her. And pleads that she and Rafita are the most important things in his life. So, just pretend to break up with me. But don't really do it! She smiles and agrees.

(Team Beto, I'm sorry. But it's not looking good.)

Ricardo and Sotero nearly comes to blow as little Ricky then raises his wee arm to paste the guy a good one. But Marina jumps over the couch and puts an end to that.

Oh my. But there's a bright spot in this segment. Yola takes Erick to see the "camion" she's purchased for him and he's overjoyed at the idea of having his own Food Truck business. Joy joy joy.
 

MIRADA #109 THREE ARRESTS AND MORE TO COME...IT'S ULTIMOS CAPITULOS!

Part 3

Alas, Marina's peacemaking efforts fell short. Ricardo and Sotero are still butting heads, with the former yelling that Doc Mask should be dead! He's contemptible! Sotero obliges by coughing, clutching his chest and seeming to have a cardiac episode.

(Is it wrong to hope he expires right on the spot?)

Well, he doesn't. So the scene switches to the barrio neighborhood.

Lino and Sour Apple Anita are trailing along the street and as usual she's whining. Why do we have to be buying baby stuff? Anything could happen. Let's wait. I want you to be thinking about our wedding. I wants us to be a couple! He obligingly hugs her close, but still looks conflicted.

And the source of that conflict shows up next. Little Vanessa, shiny ponytail perky and bouncy, has just been given the top award for flawless technical advice and super ratings from the Call Center clients. Applause all around.

Back to the murky forensics lab where the docs are still trying to gather more information about the deceased. The main dude holds up a ziplock bag holding something small and black (I have no idea what it is, anybody remember?) but says this may give them a clue.

And now the hospital where--guess what?--Lucreepy is still trailing Alberto. He's leaning half asleep on the counter, having spent the night in the hospital. (avoiding Lucreepy methinks) And even if home, he couldn't have slept because he's too worried about Marina. What's more, his mom just told him Sotero forced Marina to break up with Doc Bazán. Lu tries to look empathetic but instead suggests dinner. -Don't think so, too busy, Beto replies, but I'll let you know.

He's still just not into you, Lucreepy!

So instead she calls Sotero to gloat over his latest wretched move to ruin Marina's life.

Elsewhere in the hospital, Erick has arrived to tell his dad the great news about his Food Truck. Dad effectively pretends to be surprised. And when Erick apologizes for not really being into medicine, Dad reminds him he can at least fix healthy food. Indeed! His plan is for vegan, fusion, Mediterranean etc. All good.

But the segment ends with more drama. There's a police chief at the Sotero apartment door. There to announce he's investigating the murder of Ramona Lopez.

 

MIRADA #109 THREE ARRESTS AND MORE TO COME...IT'S ULTIMOS CAPITULOS!

Part 4

Luis has arrived back in Mexico and is striding around the airport like he owns the place. Until he's accosted by a reporter who wants to know all about the money laundering and "narcotrafficante" accusations. His lawyer whisks him away, while also berating him for leaving the country and flouting the restrictions of his house arrest.

Well, if Luis is having a bad day, Sotero is having a worse one. He's really coughing and doubling over now, though pretending it's all a result of his deep affection for long-time servant Ramona and distress at her death. The detective decides to leave any interrogation for a later time, but leaves his card. And informs them that the good servant was strangled to death. More drama as the annoying home nurse rushes in, tells Marina to call an ambulance and generally makes her self a nuisance.

Back to Luis whose bad day continues when his lawyer shares that a colleague is handling Alberto's petition to have his last name changed.

At the hospital, guess who will be in charge of Sotero, arriving by ambulance? His old pal Alberto! Nothin' doing. Doc Mask demands somebody...anybody else! Not surprising since Beto is muttering "I should have let you die". Muñoz shows up and takes over. After informing Sotero he MUST stay in the hospital this time. Well, at least that puts the custody question on hold for a while.

Before leaving the hospital for home, Marina thanks Beto for what he did with the apartment guard detail, and Ricardo manages to be decent about it. Alberto wistully adds "Cuidate". And off he goes.
 

MIRADA #109 THREE ARRESTS AND MORE TO COME...IT'S ULTIMOS CAPITULOS!

Part 5

But wait! Lucreepy now slithers up pretending false friendship and sympathy for the forced co-habitation with Sotero. And Ricardo manages to slip in "Oh Marina. I forgot to tell you she and Beto have reconciled." "Yes," smiles our Lu,"he's been such a comfort to me after the loss of my dad." Marina replies that she's glad they're back together.

Team Beto, it's looking darker than dark. Abandon ship now or prepare to be disappointed. Just sayin'. It's not just the Lucreepy factor. All this episode, Ricardo has either been massaging Marina's shoulders, hugging her, wrapping his arm around her and cradling Rafa's little hand, holding Rafa...I mean he's come from the back of the pack and is about to cross the finish line ahead of our nag. I'm really bummed.

Back in the vecindad, the Amoeba Clan is discussing the events and Baldo is frankly dubious that Sotero's physical reaction was due to grief. That guy has never cared for anybody but himself. And they all also agree that it doesn't make sense that Ramona would ever voluntarily leave his employ.

Ricardo's lawyer is there to tell them the psych evaluations will be postponed until Sotero feels better. And Sotero's lawyer arrives to say that if Marina wants to keep her son with her for now, she needs to visit DocMask in the hospital daily. Ugh.

So, let's leave them and revisit our embattled Luis. He's wasted no time coming to the hospital to try and convince Beto to change his mind about the name change. The reception was really harsh.

Tú! Qué quieres?

Wow. Tough greeting. And it gets worse. Beto has good memories of early childhood, but after that, his father's arrogance, cruelty and his treatment of Marina have soured him completely. He wants nothing to do with his dad or his name. Period.

Ah, names.... Luis is now back in his dark, empty home and hears knocking at the door. He calls for the servant...Genova!... Jacoba!... oh what the hell, I'll answer it myself!

It's yet another Commandante with two other cops, here to arrest him for leaving the country while under house arrest. So come quietly, sir. Don't make us use these handcuffs.

Oh how low the mighty have fallen.

Weigh in now Patio. I know you always have a lot of juicy opinions on our crew. And only four more days to express them.
 

"MARINA":

Judy: I hope you didn't have those Fritos watching today's episode LOL. Anyway, your recap was awesome & hilarious.

1.) Don Jackass has nobody to yell at ROFLOL. "Oh what the Hell, I'll answer it myself" ROFLOL.

2.) Beto telling Don Jackass where to shove it wasn't surprising.

3.) OMG! Can somebody please kill Creepy Doc ?

4.) Wake me up when Ricardo gets his heart broken once Marina comes to her senses. Why is he massaging her shoulders & other areas of her body ?

5.) More LuCrazy ? GO AWAY.

6.) I'm assuming the law enforcement authorities had Ramona's decomposing body cremated ?

7.) This episode should've been called "Welcome to Don Jackass' No Good, Dreadful, Awful, Pathetic, Karma, No Lucky, Terrible Bad Day!"

8.) LuCrazy & Creepy Doc still plotting more evil ? Makes me want to get my hands into the TV & break their necks.

9.) I see the Dominican authorities FINALLY busted Suzy from HoVille: HORRAY :)

10.) Bad News for Don Jackass is that Suzy from HoVille exposed all of your crimes to the law enforcement authorities.

11.) I agree with you Judy that Don Jackass violating the terms of his agreement by flying to the DR was a big mistake on his part.

12.) Something tells me both Creepy Doc & LuCrazy will NOT be going to prison or taken down alive... just a Jesse Stone hunch.
 

MIRADA #109 THREE ARRESTS AND MORE TO COME...IT'S ULTIMOS CAPITULOS

Final Part:

Forgot a key scene Patio and it was a doozy. At the hospital, Beto is telling Velcro Lucreepy that he's planning to get a scholarship to study abroad. She says she's going with him. Nothing for her here now with Dad gone. And she's found a buyer for his house.

He's scrambling to get out of her clutches. But what will you do for work?

Well I suppose my work will be to keep you happy.

Hey, what happened to the independent, strong, capable woman I knew?

Sigh, I don't know Alberto. Help me find her again. I love you.

Oh dear oh dear. Not only is Ricardo gaining, but our Beto appears to be going under the quicksand that is Lucrecia. Sure hope the writers have something planned to save our weary galan.
 

MIRADA
Thank you for another snarktastic recap, Judy.

--- ”And not only did you screw me out of a lot of my money, you also caused me to lose something even more precious--Mi Prude.”
Luis just will not take any responsibility for that affair. Not his fault he couldn’t keep his zipper closed. He has learned nothing. Probably never will. Gah!

--- ”(Is it wrong to hope he expires right on the spot?)”
No, not at all. I kept yelling at him to go ahead and die. Okay…. deep breath….it’s just a story. It’s just a story. Maybe he will strangle Lucreepy before he dies. A viewer can hope …

I had to laugh when Luis told the police he keeps a judge on retainer to keep him out of jail, or STTE. LOL

What on earth is that thing they found in Ramona’s hand??? I couldn’t figure it out. And she was dead, so how was she gripping something when she was strangled and then tossed into the water? Beanie hat time???

Bazan said Beto & Lucreepy reconciled. Whaaa??? Was I not paying attention and missed that? I'm so ready for this show to be over.
 

MIRADA

Thanks a ton, JudyB! These last episodes have been a roller coaster. Only a few more to go!

Somehow I missed when Ric told Marina that Lu and Beto were back together. I didn’t think he’d stoop that low and practically praise Lucrecia. And it’s not even true. He should see how Beto has been rejecting Lucrecia left and right.

Hopefully Sotero doesn’t leave/escape the hospital again. I honestly couldn’t tell what the object was that was recovered along with Ramona’s body. Something of hers maybe or something that was inside the car...?? No idea. Hopefully we’ll get the answer in the next episode.

Sometimes Luis actually seems smart but then other times he does something dumb. His participation in the wild goose chase doesn’t make him look like a hero. Guess he will be joining Zack and Chucha in the big house.

I don’t know if there was really ever any hope for Luis but in the end he’s proven that he wasn’t gonna change. People have been telling Beto to move on from Marina etc but Beto will never forget who is responsible for making him lose her. Anyway all Luis cared about was his name and status so I’m glad Beto finally told him that that’s over. I thought was funny how Beto imitated/mocked Luis in that scene and called him “señor Ocaranza”. Neither Beto nor Marina nor Pru need a selfish person like Luis in their lives.
 

MIRADA

Excellent Judy.

"Lucreepy (who seems to do nothing these days but trail the hospital hallways shadowing Alberto)" brought back memories of Dark Shadows and made me smile.

It was a three way tie for my favorite line "(Once he learns how often he has to go out for more diapers and formula, he may re-think this whole custody thing)", "old sea dog (lobo de mar)" and "he's come from the back of the pack and is about to cross the finish line ahead of our nag".

"have his wicked way with her" was great.

This TN sounds exhausting all the way around. Yet, you continue to find the humor and patience to soldier on. And so expertly too.

There are times when the recap is far, far superior to the show and I am completely sure that is definitely true here.

Thank you Judy!

Diana
 

MIRADA

JudyB, thank you from the bottom of my still hopeful heart! Team Ricky! (OK, as mentioned previously, it's actually Team Anybody_but_Beto)

Lots and lots of stuff happened in this episode! The police are closing in on all the bad guys.

"The Ice Queen from Hell" quickly figured out that Sotero killed Ramona. She seemed all torn up about it and conflicted. Oh, yeah, she did.
Practice your knot tying, Beto. Just sayin'
You know, it's a real shame Sotero and the Spider Woman did not fall for each other, they would be a good match.

I have no idea what's in the ziplock bag they found with Ramona, but seeing we only have a few days to go we should find out fairly soon.


By the way, guys, did you notice Ricky wearing a blue shirt today? And he gives back and shoulder massages. Things are looking okay for Team Ricky. Now if only Marina would show a little more warmth toward him; so far it's been underwhelming.

What gives with Vane in Puebla? Her supervisor is understandably smitten, but we are down to just a few hours to go, so who cares about him? Does he even have a name? If so, I missed it. She either needs to get back to CDMX or Lino needs to get to Puebla. Hmmm... when does Lino go on tour with Big Time Singer? Within the next few days? Something needs to happen, and quickly.
And poor Anita is realizing that Lino is not that enthused about their upcoming marriage.

I expect that much of the remaining time for this TN will be resolving issues and dropping anvils. OK, but I would also love to see a decent amount of time spent on Vane/Lino reconciling and lip locking again; a little lip locking for Baldo and Chole, but more carefully this time to avoid back problems, remember your age; but most of all I want to see Marina wrap herself around Ricky until smoke comes out of his ears. It's been a long time coming.

:-)

andy

 

MIRADA

Ah! Yes, I would very much like to see some hugging and kissing in these last hours, but not Damiana. I wish her and Margo well, but spare us from having to see someone kissing her.

Eeeuuuwwww!

andy

 

MIrada

I have to agree that things are not looking good for team Beto. If he ends up with Marina, that will probably be a record breaking about-face for a telenovela. And Ricky is clinging to her ad much as Lucreepy is clinging to Beto. But Marina just does not TE AMO Ricky and that is the fly in the ointment. They're all idiots and I am beyond caring about who ends up with whom. Well, that's not quite true . . . I want to see Vane and Lino together.
 

You sparkle JudyB! Thank you again

So Anita wants to wait to see la doctors because “accidents happen”. Better hurry up with that accident! It did catch Lino’s attention

So Yola wanted Erick to take day off. Novelaland has very low sense of responsibility when it comes to jobs. Could have shown him before or after work. Casual attachment to work responsibilities has been a theme in this novela. Erick accepted without question that Yola bought the truck. Must be ultimos Dias

Loved Luis’s hat. He was in vacation mode! Also loved his shutting door on Commandante, then remembering he was there. Luis makes me laugh every day!

Mely


 

Hey guys, Great recap JudyB. From what I saw creepshow lulu figured out that
Wrinkle puss offed his house momma rayray. I cannot stand that stick with
Hair. And she hates marina. They need to come up with something quick, cuz this cannot end with marina and beto with the wrong person. I really need these two pepple to end up together. It iz just wrong for creepshow lulu to
End up with beto, he's to good for her
And she looks like a witch, all she needs is a broom.

Now as For that object in the Ziploc baggy, looks like a button off of
Wrinkle puss' sleeve. When He was doin
The murder she could have grabbed it
And died with it in her hand. When a person dies fighting the way she did the muscles tighten up. And you gotta force the hands open. Thats why it didn't come out of her hand when he buried her and he didnt notice cuz he was just gettin rid of anyone that could ruin his plan. Now that's what I
Think it was, but we'll see on Monday maybe.

Rafita,the smartest one on The show.
What a sweety he is. When momy n daddy
Get back together, uncle Ricky will be ok. Creepshow lulu can go straight to
Hell. Which is probly where she will
End up. Or prison, same place.


It's good seeing vanesa so happy as an adult out from under sudoodoo's evil
Thumb. It's been a long time coming.
Congrats vane. Now lino come on and make your escape, your lady awaits.Iam
Not talkin bout Ms pissy pants and her
Invisible baby.

Thank you JudyB, your recapping makes this show better.
 

MIRADA

Nina - A button! That is a great theory! I'm going to watch it again to see if it looks like a button to moi.
 

Steve...thanks for checking in. There's been nothing mentioned about cremating Ramona's body. But we'd all like to see Lucrecia and Sotero get their anvils.

Doris...Yes, how could that black thingamigig be found in Ramona's hand? It would have floated out long ago. On your other question,Ricardo got the feeling Lucreepy and Beto were back together, because she came up recently, kissed Alberto's cheek etc. Once Beto walked off, she told Ricardo they were back together. Then he briefly mentioned it to Marina today. All Lucreepy's doing. Beto doesn't realize he's being portrayed that way.

TF...Yes, Luis' arrogance is what ultimately does him in. He wasn't content to let the commandante and the local police round up Zack and Chucha. He wanted to lay his hands on Susana personally. And it's going to get him in a heap of trouble. Just like the affair did. But oh well, people don't usually change. And when they do, it's not in a direction that you want!

Diana...Ah, I don't know if the recap was better than the episode. I'm so darned tired by the time Friday rolls around, I can't see straight. The storyline today was actually pretty satisfying. Sotero got sick, Lucreepy keeps getting brushed off, and Erick and Yola had a pretty sweet kiss. After the misery of the last two episodes, this one was pretty nice.

Andy...I certainly liked this:
. OK, but I would also love to see a decent amount of time spent on Vane/Lino reconciling and lip locking again; a little lip locking for Baldo and Chole, but more carefully this time to avoid back problems, remember your age; but most of all I want to see Marina wrap herself around Ricky until smoke comes out of his ears. It's been a long time coming.

I'll vote for the first two. Can't really get on board for the third. But yes, I did notice the blue shirt. And all the shoulder massaging. And wanted to say JUST. GET. YOUR. HANDS. OFF. HER. Sorry old buddy. We're definitely on different teams. Maybe even different ballparks!

Doris...Yes. I'm sick of most of these people, but I think we can all agree that Vane and Lino should end up together.

Mely...I loved all the little scenes you mentioned. Yola has indeed done a strange about-face. From super responsible to Oh just blow off that job. Stop and smell the roses. And the door slam scene with el commandante was hilarious. Sacate! And then, ooopsie, no, not you. And that abashed look. Eduardo Santamarina is is making this villain absolutely adorable in so many ways. I'm conflicted. Evidently so are you.

Okay Patio. Heading for the shower and some boring book. These telenovelas are waaay too exciting for this old soldier. Need to calm myself down.




 

Nina...Whoops, can't head for the showers without addressing your comment. You smart thing, I swear you must have nursing training or medical training of some sort. Your theory on Ramona tugging the button off his jacket and the hand tightening up in rigor mortis works for me. Zounds. We need to put you on the local police force. Well done, Sleuth.

Okay...really really really heading for the shower.
 

MIRADA

After watching again the morgue scene, Nina's theory that it is a button seems spot on. It definitely looks like it could be a button. It looked large, so maybe the front of Sotero's coat, but it might be from a sleeve. But how would they trace that back to him???
 

MIRADA

Ah well, we'll just have to wait until Monday to find out Doris. But I'm certainly impressed with our Nina's acumen, sharp lady that she is, I hope she's either in the medical field or with law enforcement.
 

They might find a fingerprint on it.
No JudyB I'm not in law enforcement. More like a CNA. But that button looks like a button I saw on a coat in my brothers close.

So what do we got...One more week?
 

MIRADA

Nina, maybe less than a week. I believe it ends Wednesday. There's a lot to wrap up in just three days.

andy

 

That's right Andy. The gran final is Wednesday. But Nina you nailed it I think. Well, anyway Monday we will find out.
 

Nina...and I always learn something from the Patio. Had to google CNA but that explains your medical knowledge. And the work you do is very important. Glad to know that you are out there helping folks who need it.

Can't wait 'till Monday! Once we get near the end, it's hair-raising, but also exciting.
 

Thank you JudyB. Thank goodness for on
Demand,Cuz If I miss any of the 3 epis
Thats left I can tell my remote to put
It there so I can see the frantic race
To get our two lovers back together.
Yaaaaah team beto.

 

MIRADA

Good (Late) Morning, Patio.

First of all, I would like to thank everyone for their kind thoughts and prayers for Oreo. She fought hard until she couldn't anymore; and I just couldn't bear seeing her so frustrated and weak. She is now frolicking and grazing in kid heaven with Jackie who followed her soon after.

I popped into Caray frequently just to read your comments; it was my much needed distraction and I appreciated your concern about my animalitos. Now about the story...

JudyB, I marvel at your tenacity and determination to bring such exceptional and witty recaps despite the frustrating and humdrum events that have transpired on this TN. You brightened the gloomiest scenarios with your humor and snark; this made watching this TN to the end so much bearable...along with everyone else's sharp-witted remarks.

Doris, ITA with you...I.Just.Don't.Care.Anymore. I don't even care to see Vanessa and Lino in a lip lock as Andy and others do. The writers made it too obvious in keeping these two apart; and it was ridiculous to see one finally give in to their feelings and emotions just to have the other clam up and turn their back on the other...SO MANY TIMES!

I am somewhat rooting for Erick and Yola, but as Mely and JudyB mentioned, Yola has lost herself now that she is in luurve. so MEEHH!

Marina and RickyTickyTooSticky--I just can't feel happy for them. He is too clingy and if someone ALWAYS rubbed my shoulders, I'd slap their hands off and tell them to STOP IT! I am certainly not buying the "Oh, I'll learn to love him eventually" line; that's a marriage doomed for failure. Maybe they'll have a second season where Marina and RickySticky will break up and Beto will return...NAAHHH Strike that! I've had enough of these people.

Nina, great observation and comment regarding the alleged button!

Have a wonderful day, Patio! Looking forward to seeing this MESS end.
 

So many good posts about this deliciously wonderful novela. Two people mentioned the scene when Luis shook out Susana in cuffs.” Sacate” and the slams door ONLY to have him reopen to detective. The looks. .......Eduardo SM is killing it in this role! Thanks all the recappers. Besos to all.
 

Rgv Chick sorry for the loss of you little lambs. One thing that brings the Heart peace is knowing that the loved one(s)are not suffering anymore.
Just imagine them frolicking and just
Being painfree. What a gigantic love
Filled relief. :-) Maybe the last 3 episodes of this tn will make us all
Happy. Hopefully.