Caray, Caray!

MAÑANA –

This mini-recap has some scenes combined and probably lots of mistakes because my Spanish is not that great. Please(!) feel free to correct errors. These are just the highlights, thus it is a mini-cap.

Rafa's lipstick is pale pink today, looking more normal.

We open with the family at Di & Cam’s (minus Cam) sitting around. Rafa asks Cris about his music, Cris makes a smart-alec reply. Nothing new there. Nico keeps saying he wants to tell his mom what he saw Rafa & Laura doing (kissing).

Tita arrives with Paloma, her hot pants, and her two large hot pink suitcases in tow, and tells everyone exactly why Paloma may not stay with her any more. Tita takes no prisoners.

In the meantime, Camilo is at Moni & Xi’s place, hanging out.
Cam asks Moni “why haven’t we ever become friends?”
Moni says “well, you’re my boss and I keep my distance.” (smart employee!)
Cam says (and this is where I’m not sure I understood the conversation) one of them has some fear, maybe he needs to start going back to see his therapist. (Eh, whatevs.)
Moni slowly gets in his face like she is going in for a kiss. "Besus interruptus"(I made that up) when Ximena barges onto the scene. (Thank goodness!The "ick factor" with all this is just grossing me out.)

Maggi dutifully calls over to Di’s house, asks someone to tell her that Regi is spending the night with them. Maggi talks to Manuel, saying ‘what if Regina could come live with us? Obsessed much, Maggi? (um, I don’t think that would work because Regi is still a minor and her parents would have to approve)

Barbi now has to share her room with Paloma and not really happy about it. Then Paloma is shocked to find out Barbi and Mau have not “done it”, asks Barbi “why???”and tells Barbi that’s not normal.
Then Paloma goes downstairs and finds Mau at the bottom of the stairs. Some convo and then kisses Mau on the lips. Right there in the middle of the living room. Nervy hussy.

When Camilo gets home, he finds Di in bed. Tells her he is glad she is there. Diana is worried that surgery & treatment will change her. Camilo reminds her that they married for “in sickness and in health, till death do us part, and tells her to trust him.
Di then asks ‘where where did you go last night? What did you do?
Cam says he went out to dinner with some people from work.

Next morning--- Diana calls Moni to confirm Camilo was at her place. Monica tells her the truth --- yes he was. Diana cries after ending the phone call.

Camilo brings a USB stick to work and gives it to Monica, tells her it is the music they were talking about last night. Monica thanks him, says she will return it after she listens to it. Cam says No, it’s a gift. When Monica gets back to her desk, she does a giddy happy dance. (still a high ick factor here for this viewer...I really just want to delete at this point but am taking one for the team ... er ... Patio today)

Manuel & Magi bring Regis to school and even made a lunch for her---she has to eat healthy, ya know.
They leave, Regi turns around to walk in, and there is Diana. Some more of the usual conversation but Diana asks Regi to make no decisions until the baby is born.

CUNA DE LOBOS promo --- Gran Estreno el 21 de October. Lady with the eye patch, Catalina Creel, is younger and much prettier than the original.

Diana tells Chabela that she is worried that the cancer might be all over her body.
Then Diana goes to Barbi’s bedroom. Barbi seems to be having an emotional crisis. Yep, she is upset because Mau does not want to get married with all the drama at the office re: Rafa. Diana tells her he is just looking for an excuse, and to give him some time. (this sounds like bad advice to me, but what do I know? Maybe I misunderstood?)
 

Will thank Doris tomorrow, as well as comment when I'm back on my PC.

I can do a recap on Wednesday this week.
 

Doris, thank you for biting the bullet and recapping this sad show. Uff

These people are all so unlikable, but I really, really hate Camilo and Moni. It is unbelievable that neither is supporting Diana at this awful time in her life. Ugh ugh ugh

And those young folks...all rude, egotistical, and shallow .

What message is this show supposed to be sending us ? Maybe it is supposed to make us feel glad that these people are not in our lives.
 

doris, this was just great.

Despite the overwhelming "ick" factor, you came up with some fantastic lines.

"Tita arrives with Paloma, her hot pants, and her two large hot pink suitcases...",
"Besus interruptus"(I made that up)" (my favorite) and of course "Nervy hussy" were sublime.

Susanlynn, yes, I feel the same about Camilo and Moni (sight unseen for me) :)

Who on earth could even think about kissing another when their terminally ill wife is still breathing, blood coursing through her veins. And who would want to be the recipient of that kiss? Blech. Time for the old beanie on the plot, but the recaps rock.

Diana
 

Hi DORIS...You may know by now that Diana and I share a brain, because she loved the same lines that I did (and this happens on other telenovelas also).


"Tita arrives with Paloma, her hot pants, and her two large hot pink suitcases...",
"Besus interruptus"(I made that up)" (my favorite) and of course "Nervy hussy"

And honestly, I think you and I share a brain too because I was offended by the very same scenes. Paloma is just WEIRD. Aside from kissing Mauricio right in her cousin's home, this deal with always moving in close to Camilo and sniffing his aftershave is also very troubling. She's like a sexual time bomb about to go off with any and every male in the vicinity.

And I'm really put off by Monica and Ximena's reaction to the inappropriate closeness with Camilo. And that adolescent uproar over the music thing he gave her. (In our day we gave each other "mixed tapes".) Just UGH TO THE NTH DEGREE! Wherever this is going, I don't like it one bit.

Nico was cute in school. Other than that, the whole episode was uncomfortable and unpleasant. Oh, one other thing, I did like the outrageous orange shoes Diana was wearing. If only the plot were as engaging and interesting as the color palette.

But it's not. It's ICKY. As you said.

The whole time I watched this evening, I kept thinking..."Poor Doris. But Oh I'm so glad she's doing this one and not me!"

Is that wrong? Guess so. But thanks again for being a great pinch hitter. Let's all cross our fingers that the medical report tomorrow will be good and Diana can quit trying to hand off her husband on a silver platter, and then weeping when he seems to be okay with it.

SUSANLYNN...What message indeed? I'm sure glad that they're not part of our lives. Except maybe Nico. He's a cutie.
 

MAÑANA

I've been trying hard to come up with something to say, but it's not easy.

The scene with the "ideal couple" tucking in Regina was very cute, and I guess Nico in school...

I am generally extremely impressed with most TNs. They are very, very well done, and the acting is usually first rate. I am lost in this TN, I don't see what they are trying to do here.

How did they expect to keep an audience with this dark and off-putting story?

I don't think I find it quite as bad as some here do, but still it mystifies me what they are doing. We watch these things for fun, and there's no fun.

andy
 

Judy, we do share a brain amiga - doris' lines were just great.

Andy, of course you are so right! We watch these for fun and laughter and this seems truly devoid of both. Ack.

Diana
 

ANDY...Well my shared brain Diana got there first. But I could just echo every word you said and she said. This TN is baffling. And very off-putting.

I believe we are supposed to find the wacky, hysterical reactions of Monica and Ximena to the first sniffs of romance as funny and entertaining. But they are not. I am tired of Monica's eye rolls, duh moments and icky excited mannerisms. If she's the star, I need to like her and be rooting for her. But I'm not. And there's no one else in the office that's endearing either.

As for the home front...well, yes, there's Nico. And Regina is endearing when she's asleep. When she's up and talking...no.

Strangely, even though there are lots of bad folks in la Usurpadora, I'm enjoying that a great deal more and look forward to each episode. This one is like homework.
 

MAÑANA

"If she's the star, I need to like her and be rooting for her. But I'm not."
Well said, Judy, and ITA. There are many troubling aspects of this whole story. It would not be so distasteful if Camilo was more resistant to Monica. Does. Not. Compute.
I could buy in to that storyline if a year or more had passed after Diana's demise. But while she is still alive? No. Just no. And I still think she will live.
I'll give it through the end of next week, and if I find nothing redeemable about this telenovela, then I'm done with it.
 

MAÑANA
Good Morning, Patio Pals!

Doris, you must have really strong teeth to be biting this bullet. While I can't stand all the ickiness of this TN, I do enjoy reading your recaps.

JudyB, I think several of us share the same brain. I agree with everyone's sentiments regarding Cami and Monica; and all the "ICK" scenes Doris pointed out were spot on.

"These people are all so unlikable, but I really, really hate Camilo and Moni." (Susanlynn)

"Who on earth could even think about kissing another when their terminally ill wife is still breathing, blood coursing through her veins. And who would want to be the recipient of that kiss?" (Diana) Well stated, Diana; I can see this being done if Monica had been made out to be the back-stabbing antagonist that DisGrace was in Vino El Amor, but she is supposed to be the protag!

"I'm really put off by Monica and Ximena's reaction to the inappropriate closeness with Camilo." (JudyB) It was really irritating to see their little victory dance after Cami gave Moni the kiss on the cheek.

"She's (Paloma) like a sexual time bomb about to go off with any and every male in the vicinity." (JudyB) My thoughts exactly! She's a tease and sees no boundaries. BIG ICK!

"I've been trying hard to come up with something to say, but it's not easy." I hear ya!

JudyB, "And Regina is endearing when she's asleep. When she's up and talking...no." This reminds me of what I tell Starsky (one of my male dogs)-- "You're such a good dog when you're asleep!"

Doris, "There are many troubling aspects of this whole story. It would not be so distasteful if Camilo was more resistant to Monica. Does. Not. Compute. Nope, it doesn't...no matter how many times or ways we try to see this, it will never compute! I've already have a sore spot on my head with all the scratching.

 

Doris--You certainly did take one for the Patio. The words you used to describe the action were 1st class, what you had to describe was below low.

The Patio all seem to be sharing the same brain. I was ready to weigh in with my own comments today to find that something had tapped into the area of the brain reserved for telenovelas and found it mirrored in all the comments, Andy's included. You all pulled out the lowlights of this episode perfectly. RGV repeated the best of the lot.

It seems to me that Ximena is acting as the catalyst for the "protagonists" (and I use that term lightly), egging Monica on. Can she really believe that Monica's role to seduce Cam is going to result in a lasting relationship?

Y Manana Sera: Colorful? (Glad you mentioned the orange shoes, JudyB) YES; Rafa in pink? OK (toned down for good?); Nico adorable? DEFINITELY. As for the rest? PAINFUL TO WATCH. I'm having more fun over on Usurpadora.

Yes, Susanlynn--"What message is this show supposed to be sending us? Maybe it is supposed to make us feel glad that these people are not in our lives?"

 

MAÑANA #14 CLIFFNOTES UGH! EVEN NICO HAS A DARK SIDE

1. Camilo looks at a picture of him and Diana, remembering her words "Tengo cancer" and cries.
2. Pablo apologizes for getting Paloma kicked out of Granny's house. Paloma says she's delighted to be out of there. Mauricio spots them talking and appears to be gnashing his teeth.
3. Nora is snooping on Luis in the office computer. Luis catches her.
4. Mau gives Rafa the doctored financial report and says next time, don't rat me out to Camilo.
5. Rafa's mysterious buddy calls. Among other things, Rafa tells him he's quitting his U.S. job and joining MediaLink full time. Buddy looks horrified.
6. Mannny and Maggie bring Eugenia a cake and dash into her home to try and talk her into supporting their plan to have Regina live with them. As a way of lightening the load on Diana. Eugenia says "no" in the cruelest possible way by stating "Clearly you're not a mother, if you were, you'd understand that even in the worst circumstances you want your children close." Ugh. I really dislike Eugenia.
7. Monica, in her sweater that fits like a bodysuit gives herself a pep talk in the bathroom mirror. Evidently she's planning to "declare herself " to Camilo. Ugh.
8. Diana is on the phone to her editor, asking for extra time to finish her current book. Promises that it will be fantastic.
9. Nico comes in with a homemade necklace for Mommy. Diana loves it. Then opens her magic trunk and takes out a colorful butterfly for him. Nico asks if she will come visit him as a butterfly when she dies.
10. Monica comes in the office only to hear that Camilo wants her to book him two tickets next week to New York City. He's planning a second honeymoon to celebrate his and Diana's 25th wedding anniversary. They need to re-discover themselves as a couple.
11. We see an ad for "ultimos deseos". There will be another one later on. Not only is this story a downer-- the ads are too.
12. Stalker Manny and Maggie wait for Regina after school and soccer practice. Maggie is horrified to find out she's a goalie (portera)and insists that she stop. Regina replies that she's pregnant, not sick.
13. Monica, all broken-hearted to learn Camilo still loves his cancer stricken wife, calls her buddy Ximena to come back to office so she can cry on her shoulder.
14. Laura and Diana are talking. Diana suggests if Laura wants a job she should ask Monica for some contacts. Laura doesn't like Monica (sees her as rival for Rafa...who of course sees both of them as simply friends).
15. Ximena proceeds to unload a lot of crappy lovelorn advice to Monica. As in, if he's planning something nice for his wife, that really means he's hot for you and feeling guilty about it. That's how men are. Ugh. Ends up inviting her to accompany her and Rafa to the Salsa lesson.
 

MAÑANA #14 CLIFFNOTES: UGH! EVEN NICO HAS A DARK SIDE

Part 2

16. Nico blackmails Laura into doing his math and Spanish homework.
17. Camilo tries to invite himself over for another dinner and pleasant evening at Ximena and Monica's apartment. Monica, smarting from the second honeymoon plan debacle, informs her curtly that they're busy tonight. Going out dancing.
18. Stalker Manny and Maggie are still pitching how great it would be to have Regina live at their house. Maggie insists on "mi beso" when Regina heads for home. Then our stalkers head off to the mall to get more furnishings for "Regina's room" [Really all these characters are so over the top it makes your head spin. And not in a good way.]
19. Mauricio shows up in Barbi's bedroom to cash in on some smooches. A barely dressed Paloma interrupts them. Then bends over so Mau can get a gander at her barely covered "trasero". He notices. And so does Barbi.
20. Eugenia enlists Adrian's help in finding out who's the baby dad of Regina's kid.
21. Paloma bounds down the stairs when she hears that Pablo is in the house. Big embrace and seductive invitation to stay for dinner and a movie when she finds out he's got her an "in" with the Commercial Fair to sell her jewelry on consignment. Mau tries to put himself forward as a better helper in this regard. And Barbi notices that as well.
22. Regina, who appeared to be very intrigued by Pablo's appearance, now is miffed that he seems to already be claimed by Bombshell Paloma.
23. Camilo, finally leaving office at 7 pm, asks Nora where Monica is. Nora assumes there's something going on between the two.
24. Monica comes late to salsa dance lesson. Teacher puts her with Rafa, takes Ximena for himself. Ximena sends killer-I-hate-you looks to Monica. Who's totally awkward at first but finally loosens up and she and Rafa have a great time dancing. Ximena stalks off in a snit. [Honestly, all these people are ridiculously immature. I need a character I can like and respect. "Rolling stone Adrien" seems the closest to mature, but then he has no challenges in his life right now.]
25. Adrian brings Diana some dark [amargo] chocolates and tells her the Aztecs saw chocolate as sacred food that could cure all ills. She confesses that knowing her days are numbered as made her treasure every taste, every aroma, every moment of Life.
26. Adrian asks if everything is alright in Diana's marriage. And asks the obvious question "Where is your husband?"
27. Well, turns out said husband is sitting on the steps of Monica's apartment house waiting for her to come home. Ugh.
28. Diana warns Adrian to not give her cheap assurances [no me vendas esperanzas] that all will be well since every woman in her family who had cancer died from it.
29. Laura stalks home in a snit but brightens up when Rafa comes to the door. He invites her out for a drink. She confesses that she's doing a 7-year-old's homework because he's blackmailing her.
30. Nico, our Truthteller (unless there's an advantage to keeping silent)remarks to one and all that you can see Paloma's underpants, thanks to her unbelievably short shorts. Mau notices. And Barbi notices that he does.
31. Regina balks at sitting down to eat. And announces that she's going to live with the Gonzalos.
32. Camilo is going on about music from the 80's and how the saxophone is the perfect instrument to express lament and yearning. Monica asks what she needs to do to console him. He wants a hug. He gets it. Flashing briefly in the background is a visual showing that 62 out of every 1000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer.

Fin

Okay...This mess of a telenovela is just one, long, icky Public Service Announcement about breast cancer?! No wonder it's a downer. Please Writers...if you can't do better than this...just fuhgeddaboutit!
 

I am completely baffled that the writers thought that a man who is supposedly in love with his wife would decide to seek comfort with his secretary instead of supporting and comforting his wife and being with his family. I keep thinking of my dad friend who passed away 6 months ago after a three year battle with lung cancer. Her husband was by her side the whole time taking her to chemo appointments and doctor visits and taking her to the seashore whenever possible to renew her spirits. She told me more than once that he as her lifeline. Why couldn't they show us a galan like my friend's devoted husband. This storyline is so dismal and offensive.
 

"Dad"....was supposed to be "dear" sorry.
 

MAÑANA

JudyB, thank you very much for your "CliffNotes" they were a real boon to me. A lot of the Spanish just whizzed by me and left me wondering; you cleared up the mysteries.

I am particularly glad you did this recaplet because you and I are used to disagreeing.    :-)
I think today's episode was a considerable improvement over what came before, and was much more interesting.


But I will have to make my argument later, I have to run to an appointment now. Rats!


andy
 

MAÑANA

Thank you Judy for your mini-recap.

Nico getting away with blackmail at this early age might be a harbinger of him turning out like his older siblings.

I just had to FFWD>>> thru Monica whining to Xi about Cam's 2nd honeymoon. Gimmeabreak.

Paloma sticking out her rear end in Barbi's room and at dinner was just ... At least she was wearing underpants. Yeesh. That girl ain't right in the head.

Susanlynn - I agree with you, but Diana did tell Camilo that she wanted to go through this alone, and apparently Camilo is complying .....but ... ugh.

Today I noticed Rafa's accent, guessed Venezuelan, looked it up, and it is. According to Wikipedia, he was in Corazon Que Miente. I don't remember him. Maybe it's the lipstick? LOL

What IS up with Rafa and his friend from Miami on the phone? Personally, they strike me as two gay guys (channeling "ArisTemo" from MMTMF), which would then lead me to think Rafa is pulling a con. Surely neither is true.
 

Almost dinner, so I will read and comment more later. Doris--Rafa was the closeted gay guy, Lisandro, son of the antagonista, Eduardo Molinaro, brother of the girl who got shot and was the object of Mariela's city friend, Cristian. Enough for you? Another forgettable "afternoon delight" that at least was a little better than this, top named cast aside. We did have to suffer through the ICK factor between Mariela and ...wait for it, Diego Olivera as Leonardo. Tee Hee.
 

Anita - OMG I had forgotten about all that role of Olivera's ! Blocking it out like a bad memory. Ew, yes, CQM had that inappropriate ick factor, for sure.
 

DORIS...How could you forget those awful sweater jackets Diego wore in that? And the creepy vibe we got from his leching after that young woman his biological son was in love with. Poor guy needs to start getting some better roles.

SUSANLYNN...Couldn't agree with your more. There is nothing remotely attractive or admirable about a man abandoning his wife for the company of a doltish secretary and her ethically impaired friend. Yess, I know, as Doris pointed out, that Diana said she wanted to face this "alone". But that didn't mean abandoning the family home completely. Not even show up for dinner? Puh-leeze. He gets points for planning a 25th anniversary trip to NYC. But what really counts...with any illness...is not facile bromides or hysterical attempts at problem solving. What counts is BEING THERE. And he hasn't been.

ANDY...I'll look forward to your Devil's Advocate Point of View. You're always a fun skirmish. And occasionally you even change my perspective!

DORIS...We're "damning with faint praise" when we can look on Paloma's "at least wearing underpants" as a plus. Has Laura ever tried to be a parent to this Walking Hormone?

ANITA...Always amazed by your detailed memory. I pretty much have a Teflon brain when it comes to these stories. Once they're over, they slide gracefully into oblivion. I do remember Corazon Que Miente, but mostly because the actor who played the galan has been in the news again for an unfortunate road rage death. I'll look forward to more from you after dinner.


 

MANANA

Well, it seems as though this has yet to see a ray of sunshine. And while there is no light or laughter within the storyline, the recap was fragrant and bright.

Judy, your points were thoughtful, well taken and peppered with the incredulity we all are feeling.

"Camilo looks at a picture of him and Diana, remembering her words "Tengo cancer" and cries". Touching. But then: "Well, turns out said husband is sitting on the steps of Monica's apartment house waiting for her to come home. Ugh". Sigh. The epitome of selfish, self-centered behavior. Why do people think they are entitled to latch onto the unhappiness of others and claim it as their own?

"Monica...Evidently she's planning to "declare herself " to Camilo. Ugh". Wow. She's not even waiting for Diana's gradual demise. She is going to make the play now, while Diana's words of her illness have barely been uttered. WTH??

"As in, if he's planning something nice for his wife, that really means he's hot for you and feeling guilty about it. That's how men are. Ugh". I. Can't. Even...

Good heavens man. Drag your increasingly unattractive tail home where you belong. Your wife doesn't want an exotic trip right now. She wants hugs, love and reassurance.

Susanlynn, I agree with every single word of your comment!!!

Judy, I hope the writers step up and try to fix this. Your list was great and very appreciated.

Diana
Diana
 

DIANA...Generally when I don't like a telenovela, I ditch it immediately. Since I felt a commitment to do at least one weekly recap on this, I've stuck around. But I'm appalled at the poor writing and directing (especially those endless, annoying eye rolls by Monica), the crappy characterization, and the murky values of most of these people. Other than the amazing and sometimes lurid technicolor, I see nothing of value here. But we'll wait to hear the counterpoint from our ANDY.
 

Judy, yes, I'll be interested to see what Andy says :)

Love the counterpoint reference (Count/Counterpoint from 60 minutes years ago), lampooned by SNL's Dan Ackroyd and the wonderful Jane Curtain.

And so the tradition continues...

Diana
 

Is anybody recapping la usurpadora?
 

NINA...Ria is recapping la Usurpadora with once a week help from Princess Juju. The recaps are great and right now I'm loving the show. And it's only 25 jam-packed episodes. I'm liking the way they're compressing these stories. And as I noted, if you've got closed captions on your TV, you can also see the English translation of the dialogue.

DIANA...Hah, not sure Andy and I skirmishing over our opinions is quite up to Point and Counter-Point but thanks for the shoutout to the old 60 minutes and those great old SNL numbers..
 

Judy - just because you said you would recap this turkey doesn't mean you have to when we all agree it is a terriblevela©️ ( just made that up). I sure won't fault you if you throw in the towel. One more week of this is all I can take, if things do not improve. I'll be tuning in to Cuna de Lobos, in October.
 

MAÑANA

JudyB, thanks again for your recaplet, they really help those of us who can't follow all the dialog (which often leads to not understanding why the actors do the things they do).

Of course, with this particular TN understanding why they do the things they do, or don't do, requires more than understanding the dialog and is waaaay above my pay grade.

But I do think this episode was better than what they have been serving us lately because they are developing some of the side stories of the lesser characters. I am very much enjoying crusty Granma Eugenia and nosy, gossipy Chabela; the relationship, of sorts, between Hot Lips Nora and Luis; Manuel, Margarita, and Regina; Paloma and all the male characters except Nico... so far. I do get a kick out of Paloma, every boy's dream, every mother's nightmare.

Speaking of Nico, I enjoyed his blackmailing Laura, he'll go far, that kid.

The main line Diana/Camilo/Monica story is still poor, especially now that Camilo is starting to depend on Monica for support outside the office, and I have to wonder where it is going. I just can't believe that Camilo/Monica is going to happen, and I doubt that Diana's cancer will be terminal, so what then? Embarrassment all around and recriminations?

So the main story involves Diana being ridiculously silly, Camilo being ridiculously silly, Monica being ridiculously silly, and kinda sucks really. I also don't like sleazy Mauricio, or icky and arrogant Rafa.

But the bubble has to burst soon; we should get a lab report and prognosis for Diana, or something else. I hope. In the meantime I'm more interested in Nora's lipstick, Luis' lucha libre babe, Regina's baby daddy, and Paloma.

Well, that's my, um, defense of this episode. :-)

andy
 

Andy, I had to.laugh at your comment about Paloma being " every boy's dream. " It reminded me of a class reunion I organized years ago. We asked people to submit a memory from our school days, and my friend David's fond memory was " Mary Jane's red dress. " Mary Jane was a pretty , slightly terrifying classmate who came to our little rural school from the nearby city and mesmerized all the boys who were probably tired of their female classmates after being in school with them since the first grade. I think she wore hot pants, too.

I Will admit that Rafa can dance. I am interested in finding out who his male friend is and what his back story is. He is playing with a lot of women.

I still really. Really. Detest. Camilo. And. Monika. Moni is acting like a giddy, lovesick.teen over her Married boss. ickyugh ew no

 

"Hot Lips Nora" (lol) and Luis are an interesting duo. Her lipstick yesterday might glow in the dark.

Trampy Paloma is "every boy's dream, every mother's nightmare." had me smiling, Andy. You are sooo right.

Watching Chabela is fun. The actress is having fun with her role.
 

Well, the story sucks but the Patio is still fun.

I enjoyed your "defense" Andy, loved Susanlynn's Mary Jane's red dress story, and agree with Doris that Nora's lipstick seems to glow in the dark.

Don't know what kind of filter they're putting on the cameras, but the color palette still remains the best part of this sorry mess.

I WISH I could enjoy Eugenia and Chabela. But I don't. Chabela has been put down, however affectionately, all her life by Eugenia. She's observed family life but has had to do without--no husband, no child. She's an affectionate onlooker. And Eugenia is tactless and cruel. Her zinger at Maggie about not being a mother was unconscionable. And her constant criticism of her daughters' parenting styles also. Not that I'm a fan of how Laura raised Paloma. But it's done now. No point in still criticizing unless you just enjoy being punitive. Which Eugenia clearly does.

And hey, I get it. It also sucks to be old. Your knees hurt. Your sphincter muscles are letting go in alarming ways. Your only way forward is towards less and less energy, less and less agency. So yeah, older people are cranky. But Eugenia needs to let up on the vitriol.

Hmmm....I'm sounding pretty cranky myself. Do you suppose...?
 

JudyB--Time is ticking, but your recaps keep coming. For Andy's sake, I hope we can all last--but can it really be another 60 episodes???? Ack. What more can the writers do with Cam and Mon to make us like them at all?

Agree with Andy that the side characters' stories are much more interesting. Hmmm. Maybe we can hang our hats on them to make this bearable?

Personally, and without prejudice, I believe we're in this pickle because it's all Diana's fault (of course, not OUR Diana, Goddess of Wisdom). She's the one who set this whole "game" into play. Now she seems to be having second thoughts but doesn't quite know what to do about it. She's jealous of Moni for getting to spend time with Cam and angry at Cam for spending time with Moni. You CAN'T have it both ways, missy. She provoked the distance between herself and Cam and now she's in a funk because he's taking her at her word? I wonder how the NYC honeymoon is going to work out.
 

JudyB--I can't take any credit for an amazing memory. Before the start of any tn I decide to watch, I create a list of the actors = character's name. If I really like what I'm watching, I put them in "groups" so they are easier to relate to. By group, it's So-and-so's family, other families, enemies, city folks, country folks, business associates, servidumbre, etc. If I'm not too involved in the story, it's just a list I copy from Wikipedia or IMDB. Guess which category Manana falls into...
 

Oh, the reason I remember more of CQM than I wanted to is that I recapped just about the whole thing by myself until Blue Lass stepped in with some free time and we finished it up together. We made a pretty good team.
 

MAÑANA

Susanlynn, thank you for your "Mary Jane's red dress" story. I've been in David's shoes.

Doris, thanks, I agree that Hot lips and Luis are an interesting duo. At first I didn't think there was much to either one of them, but people are people. I was a bit touched today when Nora invited Luis out and he came up with what she recognized immediately as excuses. Nora may not be a great beauty, but I can't see why Luis thinks he's so much above her, and he does seem to think so.

Judy, I largely agree with you about Chabela, BUT why did she never find another life for herself? I don't think she was chained at night, I doubt Eugenia chased possible suitors off with a shotgun. And Diana, especially, and Regina don't see her as just an employee who has no bond with them. Chabela had choices.

And it's more fun this way, Chabela and Eugenia are this TN's odd couple.

Remember, it's just a story, as someone around here says often     :-)

"Hmmm....I'm sounding pretty cranky myself. Do you suppose...?"

No, absolutely not!

:-)

andy
 

Mañana
9/25 Epi #15, Part 1 of 4 – Rafa kisses Moni in public, oops. It sets off all kinds of reverberations.

1. The awkward hug between Cam and Moni is over. Diana calls. Nobody answers. Cam and Moni are swapping hilarious tales over wine. Xi gets home. No she doesn’t want any wine. She storms off to bed, but not before sending daggers into Moni’s psyche about going after the father and the son. Cam finally decides it’s time to leave. He tells Moni he’s grateful to have her. He kisses her on the forehead. She’s left to fantasize. (Oh, dear, she’s in for a big let-down when the denouement finally arrives.) Rafa rides up to the apartment on his motorcycle and takes note of Cam leaving in a taxi.

2. An obsessive-compulsive Maggie is arranging and rearranging the baby’s room to accommodate Regina—something that Manuel points out might not happen. Maggie is undeterred. She’s already decided to paint the room half and half, half for baby, half for Regie. He tells her it’s time for bed.

3. Laura sneaks back to Eugie’s after a night out with Rafa. (We did not get to see what they were up to, out so late.) Of course, Mamá Eugie catches her “adolescent” chick and throws her out, saying this is not a hotel and she’d rather not be privy to what Laura is doing with her life after dark.

4. NEXT DAY – (It’s orange pants day, but that comes later.) Moni waits for her 7 am phone call. It comes in right on time. She’s giddy as she dives for the phone, but pulls up short when she hears Diana’s voice. Di has a question about Rafa. She can’t complete the call because Cam enters the bedroom to bid her adieu. He’s on his way to the office. He’s very sweet and tender.

5. Nora greets Laura, who arrives without an appointment bright and early. No, she’s not looking for Rafa, she needs to see Camilo. In the impromptu interview, Cam points out she lacks business experience. So, classes in Zumba doesn’t count? Umm, no. He promises to help her, but right now he doesn’t have the head for it. She finally tells Cam she desperately needs a job and mamá has run her off.

6. Mau interrupts Luis’ lunch break with a “request.” He wants all the information that can be had on Rafa’s mother and to accomplish this without telling anyone. He reminds him of the other task he asked for and to be sure to use napkins.

7. (Di is doing a little housekeeping in her orange print slacks and orange top, covered by a see-through blue cover-up.) Maggie has turned up like a bad penny at Di’s place. She’s bringing a peace offering—a home-made home remedy for…(cancer)…um, well, you know. She pleads her case for Regina’s well being (at her house). Di asks her to leave, nicely, then runs her off.
 

Mañana
9/25 Epi #15, Part 2 of 4 – Rafa kisses Moni in public, oops. It sets off all kinds of reverberations.

8. Outside the office building, Rafa catches up with Moni. He commends her on her dancing skills. He then asks, rather boldly, what she and Xi did after class. Moni says Xi went out with a friend and she went home, alone, yes, alone. Rafa sees Cam coming towards them (with Laura stuck to him right behind) and grabs Moni and plants a very deep kiss—which she accepts long enough that the others get a full view. Finally she pushes him away and turns to see Cam (and Rafa “sees” Laura). Monica starts to sputter an explanation. Rafa calls her “mi vida” and says she shouldn’t be ashamed. Cam instructs the two of them to leave their romance for outside office hours. Moni is still sputtering. Laura marches straight past them.

9. Pablo brings Mau a report on the focus groups. Mau complains that he wanted conclusions. Pablo says that’s Mau’s job. Pablo senses that something is wrong. Mau jumps right in, both feet first. He wants to know if Pablo is interested in Paloma. Pablo says, is that a problem? Mau demands that Pablo leave Paloma the heck alone. He is to stay away from her. Pablo asks why. Because she’s part of my family and needs to be protected. Protected from whom, Pablo asks. From guys like you. He’s adamant even after Pablo points out that in no way is Paloma related to him. Ni modo, follow Luis’ orders or else.

10. Monica lights into Rafa (at least she didn’t slap him). She states she has no interest in him as a love-interest. He drops the bomb—but his dad yes? Then Rafa hits Monica with the unvarnished truth. She has a thing for Camilo. She tries to refute that, but he says it’s so obvious. It shows. She can’t hide it. He tells her Cam will never leave his wife. He thinks Moni can do better than pant after her boss. He says she’s young, intelligent, beautiful (I’m glad he included that). He’s sure she can find someone who would make her happy. Oh, says Moni, and he’s volunteering? Not necessarily, he says, but yes, maybe, even though he doesn’t have a dog in this fight. Moni leaves in a huff.

11. Nora triumphantly delivers the folder with the two tickets for Cam’s getaway to Moni, pointing out specifically that the trip is for the two of them—alone. Moni grabs the folder and leaves in a huff. She calls Xi to tell her nothing is working out right, then she hangs up on Xi when Xi tells her that’s what you get for playing with both father and son.

12. Luis is trying to get into Cam’s office, but it’s still occupied. Cam is having a flashback to the kiss he witnessed between Rafa and Monica. Is he jealous? (I fervently wish that isn’t it.) Luis finally gets his chance and grabs a coffee cup, and like a well-trained CSI investigator, slips it into a plastic baggie he just happened to have.

13. Maggie cries and Manny comforts her.
 

Mañana
9/25 Epi #15, Part 3 of 4 – Rafa kisses Moni in public, oops. It sets off all kinds of reverberations.

14. Cam has gone to see Dr. Juan. He feels the two of them are hiding something from him. He doesn’t like feeling left out. Dr. J. says they aren’t and that her behavior is typical. In any case, they have yet to get the results of her tests. Cam tells him about the plans for a trip to NYC. Dr. J. doesn’t think that’s a good idea, at least not before the results are back. ‘C’mon, hombre, it’s just for a weekend. Meanwhile, Moni has been desperately trying to reach Cam on his cell. As long as he is with Dr. J., he doesn’t answer. Moni drives away in a huff.

15. Laura barges in on Di during her work time, writing. She blurts out that Monica is a harpy and “come hombres” (eats men, he he). She relates the kiss she witnessed between Monica and Rafa. She wants Di to put a stop to this nonsense or Moni will end up as part of the family. THEN, she asks if she can stay at Di’s for awhile because Eugie threw her out (but doesn’t explain why, of course). Di says it will be tight. She’ll have to bed down on the sleep sofa in the TV room. Then she tries to call Monica, who doesn’t answer.

16. Regie and Nico get home from school. Di sends Nico off and tells Regie to go to her room and wait, she wants to talk to her. When she does, it’s to tell Regie that “those people” are not our family. Regie replies that she wants them to be her baby’s family. She reminds her mother that she doesn’t need their permission to leave the house, but she wants to do things the right way. Regie feels things would be better if the four adults get to know each other better, without pressure, without prejudices. She persuades Di to have them over for dinner. (Didn’t they do this once before and it didn’t go too well? Di’s memory is as bad as mine, I guess.) Di agrees and there’s a mother-daughter hug.

17. Luis hands over to Mau everything he has on Rafa’s mom, including phone, e-mail address, the coffee cup and a piece of Rafa’s gum. (Raise your hand if you think DNA tests are in Rafa and Cam’s future. If this tn takes as long as they’ve planned, we will be in for some hanky panky, especially if the results of a DNA test are in Mau’s hands. OR, he will find out Rafa is a con-man and isn’t Cam’s son. Shall I take a poll?)

18. Nora catches Mau leaving the copy room and Luis acting suspicious. She asks what’s going on. Then she (again) invites him out for drinks. She names a few drinks and coffee is not included. He demurs (again) and says some other time. (I noticed he has the pink lips today and Nora didn’t even kiss her.)

19. Paloma resents Laura showing up (to crimp her style, which she is greatly enjoying). Laura tells her they HAVE to find jobs. Paloma says uh, uh, she’s leaving for Brazil as soon as possible. Laura says uh, uh, she’s staying right there in Mexico.
 

Mañana
9/25 Epi #15, Part 4 of 4 – Rafa kisses Moni in public, oops. It sets off all kinds of reverberations.

20. M ’n M are entertaining Eugie and Adrián. No, they know nothing about Regie’s baby daddy. Well, that’s why Eugie and Adrián are there, to help them ascertain his identity. After all half of the baby is his. Eugie and Adri feel that Regie would be more open to discuss it with them than to the family. M ‘n M excuse themselves to discuss the proposition in private. She’s for it. He’s against it. It’s a great opportunity, Maggie insists. Manuel will probably cave. Yep, the deal is sealed and Adri ask for some pastries to go as a show of good faith. Maggie runs to wrap some up. Regie calls and extends the invitation, for 2 pm and to bring a cake.

21. Laura is walking down the street when she sees a motorcycle zoom by. Could it be Rafa? In any case it gave her an idea to go to his place and demand and explanation about that kiss. She thought they were friends—good friends. He assures her they are friends. Then she asks about Monica. Is she a friend—with benefits? She thinks she was forward, a hussy, not quite a harlot, but that kiss she gave him, were those benefits? Rafa tells her he’s the one that kissed Monica. Laura can’t believe he’s actually interested in her. He says the moment just seized him. She decides she’s not that modern that she wants to be a friend with benefits while he also has another one. He assures her they will continue to be friends and apologizes for making her feel uncomfortable. (Of course Laura wanted all the benefits and Monica none)

22. Camilo comes home early. Di wonders why. What begins as a civil intercourse changes course when Di tells him the Gonzales have been invited for dinner the next night. Cam blows his stack. He won’t have them in his house. Never, even if Regie did invite them. Unfortunately, Regie overhears this outburst. He says “those people” are not going to raise Regie’s child, he and Di will raise the child. And if she dies, queries Di, how is he going to deal with all the children plus a newborn. He says no discussion on that theme until after they get the results. Regie had fled. He demands to know why Di is doing this to him—organizing his life without consulting him. She admits she is indeed organizing—everybody in the family’s life so when she’s not there... Cam reiterates. He is not going to give away his grand child, even if Di doesn’t think he’s capable of handling the situation.

23. Before this can go on much longer, Monica shows up to shake things up for Cam even more. She wants to explain about that kiss. They argue over the kiss. Cam makes it clear he doesn’t care what she does with her life outside of work and much less who she kisses or doesn’t kiss. Deflated, Moni says she brought the tickets he’d asked for. Cam turns to Di to tell her of the surprise he has for her, a weekend in NYC. She looks at him, incredulous. He knows she can’t go, not in her condition. Frustrated, he says she never wants to talk about it and now she does? Frustrated, it’s Cam who leaves in a huff.

24. Monica and Diana are left alone, momentarily. Di asks her to forget about Rafa—just treat him as a professional colleague, or else their plan won’t work without Cam finding out. Barbi has been listening to all of this and, from the staircase, wants to know, what plan?

And so it ends.
 

Mañana

Fantastic title Anita. You brought all the events to life in fine fashion. That said, I'm not quite sure this show and almost all of the characters in particular deserve such care and attention.

“come hombres” (eats men, he he)" was my favorite line (of many).

"Rafa hits Monica with the unvarnished truth". She surely couldn't have been surprised by the declaration was she? So smitten she is showing the world her crush, her outrageous (and inappropriate) dream. While I wouldn't put money on "Cam will never leave his wife" he was correct in thinking "Moni can do better than pant after her boss". Sigh.

"Cam is having a flashback to the kiss he witnessed between Rafa and Monica. Is he jealous? (I fervently wish that isn’t it)". Totally agree. Bad enough Cam is having inappropriate thoughts about Monica. Adding jealousy to the equation is just another sordid level of grossness.

"They argue over the kiss. Cam makes it clear he doesn’t care what she does with her life outside of work and much less who she kisses or doesn’t kiss". If I were a betting woman, I'd say that isn't quite the truth.

Even though I'm not watching this, I'm reading enough to want to shake these characters and tell them to snap out of it. Or worse.

Thank you Anita. I give you and the other recappers total props for slogging through this muck.

Diana

 

Rafa was correct in thinking "Moni can do better than pant after her boss".

Diana
 

MAÑANA

Anita - thank you for your recap! I was out all day and am too tired to watch this episode tonight, I really appreciate this.

Didn't Laura's husband just leave her, and that is how they landed in Mañànaville? And she's trying to get back in the saddle already? Yeesh. It's not like she is looking for a rich guy to help pay the debts her husband left her with, either, since she is after Rafa. As for Paloma .... maybe the fruit did not fall far from the tree.

These characters are all acting like eighth-graders. Maybe I'll FFWD> tomorrow to catch the Luis/Nora scenes. They might be the most interesting story in this hot mess.
 

MAÑANA

Anita, first, thank you for this excellent and interesting recap. I very much enjoy different takes on these TNs and I laughed out loud when I read that Diana was "...doing a little housekeeping in her orange print slacks and orange top, covered by a see-through blue cover-up." God bless women is all I can say.    :-)

Also, thanks but don't worry about me if the recappers decide to quit this TN. Last night I was thinking that maybe I would do something I don't normally do, which is search the internet for clues about where this TN is going because if it gets any worse I'll be quitting it myself. I almost wish I had done that with "Cachito de Cielo" some while back. I forget when it was on, but it started out as a really silly, but very enjoyable, "Heaven Can Wait"/"Here Comes Mr Jordan" comedic story of someone taken to heaven before his time and then allowed to return to earth. The TN offended some religious sensibilities and was then changed completely half-way through and became a very unpleasant and depressing tale.


But back to the current hot mess. Mauricio is a real lowlife and Luis should not be helping him so blithely. Swim with sharks...
I quite dislike Rafa, and I don't quite understand why he kissed Monica for Camilo to see, but if he was trying to help her, then good for him. But I am not sure that was his motive. I'm not sure of a lot of things about him.

"Amigos con derechos" vs "friends with benefits", I have to wonder about the use of "derechos". It just sounds a bit odd to my English language dominant ear.

Equis.

andy
 

Doris—If you FF>> to watch Luis and Nora, you’ll save yourself about 43 minutes of watching (it’s only on for about 30 seconds, if that). Go take a walk while it’s still nice out....

Andy—Amigos con derechos, translated word for word, friends with rights isn’t something we up north would use. That said, I’m only assuming she was talking about what we call friends with benefits (those being sex with no emotional entanglements). Am I right?


 

Andy—I want to like Rafa. There are so few sincere guys in this tin. He seems too nice in some ways. I guess we have to wait until Mau gets in touch with Almudena. Can’t wait for that.
 

Diana—as always, the wise one. Thanks for picking out the truthiness of the actions of our unpleasant characters. And flying blind at that. It’s remarkable that you can “see” through the haze (or fog) without actually seeing any of it on screen.

Doris—Yes Laura just “lost” her husband. Apparently, from what she told Eugenia, he left her with someone Paloma’s age and left her with a mountain of debt. She had to sell the house and skedaddle back to Mama. She was either naive or blind. We don’t know what the state of their marriage was, but oh, well, men will be men. All we heard from her talk with Eugie was that she trusted him with their finances. She’s certainly acting like a randy teenager, so maybe she and her hub already had separate sleeping arrangements.
 

MAÑANA

Anita, "...what we call friends with benefits (those being sex with no emotional entanglements). Am I right?"

Yep, I was able to confirm via the Urban Dictionary. It also defined:

herbal essences
A shampoo that somehow makes women experience a sexual orgasm. One major reason why the birth rate has fallen.

I learn all sorts of stuff there.

andy
 

Good Morning Anita and Petite Patio: That was a great recaplet that sure seemed like a full bona fide recap, amiga mia. Thank you.

I wore myself out yesterday pulling weeds and edging and blowing the lawn and fell into bed ridiculously early.

But here's my question: Why is flying to NYC for a luxurious weekend away more grueling than being at home, in charge of all the housework, cooking and putting on big dinners for not only family and guests, but also trying to finish up a book for an impatient editor. At least in NYC, Diana wouldn't' have to cook a single meal nor dust a single piece of furniture. And why isn't Barbi doing the housework and cooking? Also, just disgusted with Eugenia kicking Laura out? Because where is she going to go? To Diana's of course. Everybody is loading more work on Di. Who...yes,...has cancer.

Okay Rant over. I agree with Doris' assessment of these characters. Immature and unlikable. Every one of them. (possible exception Nico)

Loved this:

. She decides she’s not that modern that she wants to be a friend with benefits while he also has another one. He assures her they will continue to be friends and apologizes for making her feel uncomfortable. (Of course Laura wanted all the benefits and Monica none)

Laura needs some dignity. And some decent job skills. She is a beggar...both with Camilo for work and Rafa for romance. Ugh.

Loved the recap. Still hate the story. Thanks Anita.
 

MAÑANA

"She eats men" . . . Eureka moment this morning after my brain rested overnight (ha!); she's a maneater. And now that Hall & Oates song is rolling around in my head. 😊
 

Good Morning, Patio.

Thank you Anita fo the recaplet and a belated thank you to JudyB for her Cliffnotes. You all and Doris deserve beaucoup roses and medals for these wonderful retellings of such a horrible show. The TN is disappointing, but your recaps are definitely not!

JudyB, I was so disappointed that Nico has a darkside too now. Boohooo!

Doris, I agree that Luis and Nora are the favored couple and how disappointing that they are given so little air time.

Andy, there aren't very many characters to like, but Rafa is one that I dislike the most. There is just something about him that I just don't trust. And I really do think he kissed Monica to try to keep Cami away from her...whatever his intentions I. Still. Don't. Like. Him!

JudyB, you can rant all you want. It helps to know that someone else is as frustrated as I am with these storylines.
 

Well, well, still hanging onto your Patio seats, I see (thank goodness the Patio isn't completely empty).

Doris and RGV, did you recognize Nora from Yo No Creo? She was the low-esteem heavy set gal with a heart of gold. I'm glad to see her in a role where she isn't second-guessing or debating her weight. She's just a lovely gal, well put together, looks very healthy and is ready for love. I wonder what she sees in Luis, though. I guess Mau is "taken," so is Camilo, and Pablo just isn't in her world.

RGV--The Monica kiss was probably intended to preview Rafa's talk with her about Camilo. He doesn't want her hurt or pining. He may not be the guy to step in to make her happy (in telenovela terms), but I think he's sincere that she could do better. I also think he was letting Laura know (he did see her with Camilo) that he's playing the field and not ready to settle down--if that what she's thinking.

JudyB--Good point about NYC vs. the crowded Sarmiento household with all it's imminent problems. She can probably change location, but the problems will still be on her mind--just less housework. Several days in NYC can still be exhausting (just ask me), trying to fit in as many activities as possible in too short a stay. I think in this instance it is the right response. They should wait until the results are in to determine what kind of treatement she is to receive and how soon to start, especially if it involves surgery. That dark cloud will also follow her to NYC, no matter how hard Camilo tries to distract her. How many days (episodes) do we need to endure before she gets the results. It must be Mexican health care. Here, I doubt it would be as long as we've had to sit watching this unfold.
 

Andy--Herbal Essences and it's effects. That's a new one for me. I just thought it was an additive to shampoo.
 

JudyB--At the beginning of the show, Barbi was doing a lot of the cooking. Now she just mopes about her derailed wedding plans. Regie has done nothing housework-related that we've witnessed. Upper middle class families everywhere either have hired help or the kids have to participate, even if it's to take out the garbage. That should be Cristobal's job. Where is he, anyway. Not that I really want him back on the screen.
 

Andy--...a BENIGN additive to shampoo--just for the aroma, of course. Will never pass that in the shampoo aisle again without thinking of you.
 

Do we have anyone doing a itsy-bitsy, eeny-meeny recaplet for today (Thursday)?
 

Anita - I did not watch Yo No Creo, so the actress is new to me.
 

If no one else steps up, I will do a Cliffnotes.

I saw the Nora actress in Rebelde. She was always glum, always down about her weight. That was basically her storyline. I'm glad to see they're giving her a different role in this one.
 

If I can trade with Doris for next Monday, I can do one last recap until after the 14th.

That will be it for me, not because I'm quitting, but I'll be off to Western Canada--as I've declared before--where the Uni sun don't shine. Being with my daughter and SIL, is a much better use of my time, especially since it's so temporary. If anyone is still watching after I get back, I'll soon know!
 

JudyB--I think Episode #16 is all yours, take it away, JudyB.
 

I can do either Monday or Wednesday next week. Someone just let me know.
 

Anita - I'm not going to have time to watch today, so I'm out for a mini recap.
 

I have a commitment Wednesday so it would be great if you could do it that day Doris.
 

Doris--I'll take Monday. Wednesday I'll be airborne.
 

I will do Wednesday next week. Thought I posted this already but it disappeared. 😜