Caray, Caray!

OT

Anita, perhaps you've never been to the urban dictionary site. Good for you!

Anybody can contribute definitions, most are crude and lewd; some are humorous.

telenovela
A soap opera, of Spanish or Latin American origin. Famed for having strange plots, even for soap operas, and some of the worst offenses of overacting ever.


catholic
People addicted to cats.


These are two of the cleanest "definitions" from the urban dictionary that I could find, but I suggest you take my word for it as they continue a bit more lewdly and/or caustically. Fairly rough "guy humor" IMHO, and not for those easily offended.

andy
 

MAÑANA #16 MORE RIDICULOUS DRAMA AND NOT MUCH COMEDY

Although the episode, on the whole was annoying, it was interesting to note that the most relevant conversations took place in the kitchen. As in real life! If anything important gets said, it's usually in the kitchen.

But we start with a living room conversation:

1. Barbi wants to know what's up with Monica and Diana's scheming. Diana tells a half-truth: that they're just trying to shield Camilo from some of the troublesome details of her diagnosis so he can still focus on the important work at MediaLink. However, when Barbi's not there, she suggests that Monica go to New York City with Camilo in Diana's place. [Ye gods, I'm tearing my hair out. What a stupid idea! Criminally stupid!]
2. Nora, in scarf and dark glasses trails Luis. He evades her by hiding behind some cars.
3. Diana is in Nico's room, telling him and Regina stories, while her husband Camilo waits sadly alone in the master bedroom. There's a little riff about what constitutes wisdom. Diana says it must be nurtured with patience and love. [I hardly think Diana is qualified to give any tips about wisdom given how stupidly she's acting right now.] But this leads to Regina ratting out Nico for making Laura do his homework.
4. Barbi, in kitchen, is feeding Mau spaghetti and telling him she's read an article about wedding fears on the part of men. Mau thinks they should talk: but not about that. He wants to talk about Paloma. He's worried about her. [Yeah, worried she's going to escape your greasy clutches, you swine.] He also wants Barbi to call Rafa's mom as a way of finding out if Rafa is really Camilo's son. Barbi says "no". Mauricio chides her for not being helpful to him.
5. Ximena comes home and gives Monica the cold shoulder. Seconds later they make up. Hug hug.

Day of Dinner

6. Camilo is bragging about his grilling skills and tells Nico as part of his apprenticeship in being a master griller like Dad, he needs to sweep up the loose charcoal. Nico passes on the chore to Laura. Or else he rats her out. She calls him an extortionist. [Well, at least he learns some new vocabulary.]
7. Pablo arrives, gets roped into playing frisbee with Nico, who wants to know if he's Paloma's novio. "Algo asi" [sort of] says Pablo.
8. Maggie and Manny arrive with cake in hand; Monica and Ximena, at home, celebrate reconciliation with fajitas. But Monica is sick of this plan to insert herself as Diana's replacement. She's ready to quit her job. Ximena goes ballistic at the idea.
9. Another Kitchen Talk: Camilo and Diana arguing about anniversary plans. This may be our last anniversary. Do you want to spend it away from our children? He's baffled. You've always seen the glass as half-full. Diana: I never had cancer before. You're going to need another wife and mother for our children. Start looking now! Because 56% of widowers marry within six months of their wives' death.
10. Monica still justifying her idea of quitting. I don't want to work until I'm fifty or sixty for a man who wouldn't even remember my birthday unless his wife reminded him.Ximena continues in her usual hysterical way to try and change Monica's mind. [I think all these people have Control Issues, don't you?]
11. Rafa is on phone, presumably with mysterious buddy, but who knows? and is talking about Mauricio's grudging financial report. Says something about looking good enough to "go ahead with plan". [Rafa is still our main Mystery Character] Call comes in from Ximena which he ignores. As he will all subsequent calls. Which are numerous.
12. Maggie and Manny arrive at dinner. Upstairs Mauricio is attempting to undress Paloma who's cooperating until Cristobal knocks on door. Paloma throws Mau over the couch, reties her blouse and flounces out, leaving a titillated Cris muttering "She's my cousin, she's my cousin, she's my cousin..."

 

MAÑANA #16 MORE RIDICULOUS DRAMA AND NOT MUCH COMEDY


13. Camilo, the Master Griller, can't get the charcoal to "take". Manny sweeps in, sees the problem, fans the coals to deal with the humidity and immediately the fire is going. Camilo goes to the kitchen to sulk. Complains to Diana about not being comfortable with "those people". Then he and Diana get into another argument about her diagnosis and how she's handling it. Cristobal overhears. After Dad leaves, he tells Mom that if she dies, he dies. And gets so upset he decides to go off and get drunk in the bathroom. [Even though he's supposed to be watching Nico and keeping him safe.What a waste of oxygen!]
14. In the master bedroom, Camilo turns to cigarettes as Cristobal turns to booze. But Adrian arrives and stops him in time. Tells him he needs to give Diana some hope. Camilo complains that Diana is pushing him away and he's already losing her little by little. Evidently the test results will be ready Monday. [I'm assuming this is a Sunday dinner. Or is it Saturday?]
15. Pablo is sitting with Paloma as she chows down on some of the barbecue. She tries to get him to take just a little bite of meat "for me" even though he's explained his philosophy on veganism and not treating animals cruelly.
16. Maggie talks to Regina about needing to know identity of baby's father. Regina threatens to find another adoptive couple who'll be less "nosy and meddling" [metiche}.
17. Nico asks Camilo why Rafa doesn't live here. Rafa offers to move in for a few days. [ye gods, like Diana needs any more house guests!] Camilo will put another bed in Nico's room, but reminds Rafa that he'll be sharing a bathroom with a gazillion other people.
18. Pablo and Regina are sitting side by side in front of computer in the home office. He's explaining why he's an environmentalist and vegan. She's making googly eyes at him. He shows her some PETA type film showing the cruelty of factory farming. She thinks it's a terrorist group. No, the terrorists are those people who inflict suffering on helpless animals. They wonder who the mysterious film maker is in Mexico. [Could it be our Pablo? Or even Rafa?]
20. Cristobal is passed out in bathroom. Paloma discovers him.
21. Mauricio is still trying to convince Barbi to call Rafa's mom. Pretend you're from the embassy and need to verify his parentage, he suggests.
22. Maggie confabs with Eugenia and Adrian. Worries that if they find father, he might insist on keeping baby. Tita assures her that won't happen.
23. General Alarm: Nico is missing. People run around like hysterical chickens. Manny heads to pool. Sees Nico floating face down. Dives in and pulls him to surface. Then the camera work acts like they are in a vast, turbulent ocean rather than a small family pool. Manny could have gotten him to the edge immediately, but instead we are treated to them sloshing around endlessly in the pool while everyone else screams and yells.

Fin

Honestly. I was a Girl Scout Camp lifeguard in a pool about this size. A kid went under. I jumped in and she was out in a split second. Gimmee a break. [Can you tell this telenovela annoys the hell out of me?]


 

oT....HeJudyb...I am still reading your excellent recap, but I had to comment ON that statistic you gave, " 56% of widowers remarry within 6 months of their wives's death. " wow ! Someone recently said to me in this regard , " Men react differently to the death of their spouses. "I wonder if there is a statistic for women. I know lots of widows ...3 years, 7 years, 15 years, 21 years, 30 years. Guess what..none have remarried ! However,my friend just told me about a woman she knew who is on her 4th husband. Okay..back to telenovela fantasy.
 

MAÑANA

Thank you for your recap and the snark, Judy. Looks like I won't miss much by missing this episode.

Cristobal is probably an alcoholic by now. Another PSA opportunity, no doubt.

”Start looking now! Because 56% of widowers marry within six months of their wives' death.”
- That is probably an accurate statistic because the vultures … er … the 'casserole army' flock around any recent widow until one of them snags him. When my mother-in-law died, my father-in-law had old long lost friends calling him (weeks after the funeral) from even 100 miles away! Ack!

" Camilo goes to the kitchen to sulk. Complains to Diana about not being comfortable with "those people"."
It's probably Manny's beard that bothers him, more than anything else.

susanlynn - men probably remarry so quickly because they want a caretaker, someone to do their laundry, house cleaning, etc., so they don't have to do it. Just a theory.
My FIL never did remarry, but he had a very nice lady friend he had known for years, he had a toothbrush at her place ;-), but she did not clean his house. He had to hire a cleaning service for that. Smart woman! She had been widowed within six months of him. Neither was interested in remarrying again.

Andy - LOL on the urban dictionary definitions. Yes, some of the stuff there gets quite raunchy. It wasn't always like that.

 

Hi Susanlynn and Doris....Yes, generally widows grieve, widowers replace.

I don't dispute the statistics. But for Diana to pre-arrange her replacement, assuming she will die is ridiculous.

DORIS...It's worth it to fast forward to when Paloma throws Mauricio over the couch. It was a real toss, worthy of a judo competition. Well played by both. And funny.

And Nico continues to be cute with his various blackmail schemes. What is harder to believe is that a 7-year-old, with a family swimming pool, doesn't already know how to swim.
 

MAÑANA

I’m still mystified how this drivel has managed to keep such talented, dedicated recappers.

Your recap was excellent Judy and gave us a lot of food for thought.
"nosy and meddling" [metiche}” was my favorite (no surprise) 😊

“when Barbi's not there, she suggests that Monica go to New York City with Camilo in Diana's place. [Ye gods, I'm tearing my hair out. What a stupid idea! Criminally stupid!]” could not have summed this up better. I had a friend who used to say “you can’t fix stupid” which seems to describe this to a “T”.

“This may be our last anniversary. Do you want to spend it away from our children? He's baffled. You've always seen the glass as half-full. Diana: I never had cancer before. You're going to need another wife and mother for our children. Start looking now! Because 56% of widowers marry within six months of their wives' death”.

Perhaps I’m alone, but I am very surprised the percentage is only 56%. I would have thought it was much higher. I’ve known many men who remarried very quickly (after divorce or death of their spouse), including my own father who was married 5 times…Susanlynn, I would wager far fewer women remarry within that timeframe...

And doris, your remarks as to why some men marry were spot on. They wish to be waited on and there who are many women who will accommodate that request, which is of course their prerogative. I also think loneliness is very real and difficult for some. I want to be clear that I’m not judging. Everyone is different.

Andy, loved the urban definition of “catholic” which made me smile.

Thank you Judy - great discussion.

Diana
 

MAÑANA

JudyB, thank you for your excellent recap though you didn't provide me much to argue with you about   :-)

The Nora and Luis bit was silly but cute. OK by me, this TN could use some silliness that is cute rather than exasperating.

I hope they are paying well the actor who does Mauricio, it must be painful to portray such a slime ball.

Pablo is getting to be one of my favorite characters. He tells off Mauricio, he succeeds with Paloma... OK, that doesn't count for much, too easy. But he also seems to be attracting Regina, who is another fave. She is both cute and exasperating and there's no way she should be pregnant at 17 with no baby daddy around, but she's nonetheless fun. The fact she's interested in Pablo makes me all the more curious about baby daddy.

You know, if it weren't for Diana and Camilo this wouldn't be that bad a TN.

Judy, I completely agree the pool scene was way overdone.

andy
 

DIANA...I too would have thought the 56% was much higher. And my goodness, did not know your own father was married 5 times. That would be a tough situation for the children and former wives I would think. One of my close friends here had a dad who kept divorcing and marrying younger and younger women until the last wife was even younger than my friend. Which gave her a very strange feeling indeed.

And yet at the end, it was my friend--no one else-- who was at his bedside in the nursing home, and who forgave him all the hurt she and her brother had endured. And although he was in a coma, when he "heard" the words that she loved him and forgave him, a single tear rolled down his cheek.

Women are really amazing, aren't they? Maybe that's why men re-marry so quickly. They realize, finally, how precious women really are.
 

ANDY...Goshdarnit, nothing to bicker about! Nora and Luis are somewhat cute, but I'm annoyed by the sprightly music that plays while she stalks...so we KNOW we're supposed to think it's cute. Oh well, cranky to complain. Right?

I DID love the Mauricio Toss. I suppose there was a mattress hidden behind the couch, but nevertheless, I hope they didn't have to do multiple takes of that scene. He certainly IS a despicable character. Alas, his face fits the role all too well. Pablo, on the other hand, is quite attractive and has nice broad shoulders. Regina seemed smitten the first moment he walked in the door. And seems even more smitten now. In spite of the mysterious pregnancy, she has better taste in men than older sister Barbi.
 

MAÑANA

"Women are really amazing, aren't they? Maybe that's why men re-marry so quickly. They realize, finally, how precious women really are". And there you have it. Perfectly stated amiga.

That was a lovely story...Love and forgiveness are so powerful but never as much as when they are given in tandem.

Diana
 

Judyb...well, men can be pretty amazing, too....3 of my husband's closest friends have been trying to help me get the right car at a good deal. I am touched. One of them told me yesterday that he wants me to be happy and would understand if I remarry. Nunca jamais.
 

Quite right SUSANLYNN.....Men can be amazing and your dear Hub was really the Gold Standard. So it doesn’t surprise me that he has really great, caring friends as well. Glad that they are stepping up to help now. Someone like your Mike though is irreplaceable.
 

Update - I watched the Pablo sofa toss scene and it was a hoot! Even Cristobal repeating to himself "she's my cousin" was funny. Lucky for Pablo his phone did not ring until Cris had left the room. Thank you, Judy, for urging me to see it.💕 Best scene so far, in this show. Maybe there is hope for it.

And I posted on the previous page that I can do a minicap of Wednesday's episode.
 

Judy, "They realize, finally, how precious women really are."

Oh, I think most, not all, but most men do realize. Some few don't realize it, or can't handle it, and these are the troublemakers.

Most of women's problems are caused by men, almost all of men's problems are caused by testosterone. In legal terms I suppose this might be guilty with an explanation.

andy
 

Waiiiit... I rewound and watched again. Was that Pablo or Mauricio that went over the sofa? Looked like Mau to me.
 

DORIS...Yes, it was the Mauricio Toss. Not Pablo.

ANDY...Love your concise wisdom. "Most of women's problems are caused by men; almost all of men's problems are caused by testosterone."

I remember my husband once telling me that testosterone was one of the most dangerous "drugs" that there was. I have to agree. Mother Nature certainly plays a rough game, and not just with the human species.

And oh well...here we are, making the best of it.
 

Judy, thanks. Malicious it was, even in your recap. That's what happens when I watch TV late at night. My brain isn't in top form. Gah.
 

MAÑANA

Good (late) Morning, Patio!

JudyB, your recaps make watching this show worth it; if it weren't for that, I'd be watching reruns of "Touched by an Angel." Thank you for keeping this patio going.

I enjoyed reading everyone's take on the remarrying stats. And Andy, "Most of women's problems are caused by men, almost all of men's problems are caused by testosterone." Good point!

The "toss" was indeed worth seeing; and I agree that the pool scene was overdone. BTW, where I come from, it is rare that EVERYONE goes into the house during a BBQ. And why didn't Diana notice that Cristobal was no where to be seen when they, including Nico, were outside. Yeah, yeah, yeah, beanie time.
 

JudyB--You took another one for the team of die-hards. How much longer must we submit to this drivel (indeed, Diana).

"What is harder to believe is that a 7-year-old, with a family swimming pool, doesn't already know how to swim." Well said, JudyB. In some jurisdictions, even a family pool must be fenced off. True Nico could still have had access, but if so, he would have known how to swim. These are very negligent folks.

P.S. If you don't even know how to start a charcoal grill and you have four half-grown kids and a big house, yard, patio, big fancy grill, you don't deserve to wear a chef's apron.

Andy--"You know, if it weren't for Diana and Camilo this wouldn't be that bad a TN." I'm 100% with you on that one. A few days ago I listed all the shows they could have had if they separated off the characters. I hadn't thought of just eliminating Di and Cam.

I'll let you all deal with the re-marriage statistics, but I read somewhere, long ago, that men who have been happily married and lose their spouses, are the ones who tend to remarry first.
 

MAÑANA #17 WHEN YOU HAVE A CRAPPY PREMISE, YOU GET A CRAPPY CONCLUSION...AND A CRAPPY SHOW

Part 1

Yes, dear Rapidly Shrinking Patio, I'm loaded for bear today. So sick of Diana's ridiculous attempts to push away her husband, and then mooning around all sad and blue because it seems to be working.

Plus what a total lack of respect! to assume that 1)he can't function one single minute without you and 2) you're the one to choose a replacement, not him. The whole family needs therapy, but above all our self-torturing heroine.

It wasn't all bad. We females got a nice gander at Rafa's bare chest and well developed shoulders and biceps. And Andy got a good look at Paloma's 10-mile legs. So there were compensations, scant though they were.

Uuuuf. Now that I've got that off my chest, I'm ready to give you the recap.

Monica is packing up her paltry drawer of romantic memories--the rose Camilo gave her and his photo,a bottle of her favorite perfume that he gave her for her birthday, plus her own photos of her childhood. Pretty scant for a Hope Chest but at least she travels light.

Camilo and Adrian are in Cristobal's room arguing about his character. Adrian's defending him as sensitive and needing support. Camilo is describing him as what he is: an alcoholic who's always picking fights [conflictivo] with family.

After that it goes from bad to worse. Diana is blaming herself for not putting a fence around the pool and blaming Camilo for...well, everything else. She tells him to get out. He asks "When did our problems start separating us rather than bringing us closer together?" Her answer to that is "I want to be alone! Get out!"

So he does. Runs off to Monica's apartment like a whipped puppy. Pleads that his life is falling apart [desmoronando] and her place is his only refuge. Monica, in robe and jammies, invites him in.

Back at the house, Diana, who wanted to be alone, actually wants to head out. And leaves Chabela and Eugenia in charge of the kids. Especially Chabela as she's much better at the job. Chabela silently gloats. Eugenia silently glares.
 

MAÑANA #17 WHEN YOU HAVE A CRAPPY PREMISE, YOU GET A CRAPPY CONCLUSION...AND A CRAPPY SHOW

Part 2

Ximena, hot on the trail of Rafa, arrives unannounced at his door to blab that Monica is going to quit MediaLink. She's hoping for an invite to stick around but Rafa's out the door, ready to bunk at Diana and Camilo's house for a while. He does reassure her he'll do what he can to head off Monica's decision.

At Maggie and Manny's home, she's ready to toast her Husband the Hero who surely gained points with the family today. Just then Diana shows up. From now on, the doors of her home with always be open to them-- she can't thank them enough. Manny modestly shrugs this off, saying anyone would have done what he did. ( Still, his dive in the pool was very impressive. As was the CPR. CPR is actually really hard. Downright exhausting actually. Fortunately it was a wee little 7-year-old rather than a corpulent big guy. But still...)

Back to Camilo and Monica. Ugh. She's not going to let him go to a lonely hotel, Nosirree bob! He's going to stay right here! In her bed. She'll bunk with Ximena.
The same jolly, jokey music is playing in the background. So are we supposed to think this is funny? It's also Luis and Nora's music. And we learn later that Luis is slowly developing a hankerin' for our stalking receptionist. So how do we interpret this? Or do we care? I'll leave the theories to you dear Patio.

Chabela has made up a bed for Rafa. Actually a mattress on the floor, but hey, I've slept like that for years when visiting my grandchildren in Charlotte. And Rafa finds a wonderful note from Nico welcoming his half-brother. Genuinely touched, he quietly covers up Nico and kisses him gently on the forehead.

Okay. It's official. A guy who likes little kids HAS to be a good guy. Right? (Andy, are you listening?)

This section concludes with one of those depressing Plan For Your Funeral ads. I'm okay with that, but the awful Grecian Formula guy always brings me down. Puh-leeze, let your hair go gray rather than dying it that dreadful color. Have you never head of Silver Foxes man?
 

MAÑANA #17 WHEN YOU HAVE A CRAPPY PREMISE, YOU GET A CRAPPY CONCLUSION...AND A CRAPPY SHOW

Part 3

Barbi is staying in Cristobal's room to watch over him. Mauricio gives her a chaste kiss good-bye and then, instead of heading home, heads down the hall to hunt him some hot Paloma lovin'. It looks like he's going to get some, but then there's a knock at the door. He dives behind the couch. This time on his own. And after the danger has passed, Paloma wisely sends him off. Evidently our lusty long-legged gal has had all the excitement she can stand for one day. Whew. I. Did. Not. Want. To. See. That.

Ximena arrives home. And promptly drops the dime on Monica. Did you know ,Camilo, that Moni's going to quit Monday? Camilo pleads with her not to. Monica's her usual mute, flustered self. He ups the ante, saying he won't be able to sleep a wink until he knows she's staying. But adds that his wife and children are all the world to him. A slew of mixed messages here. And then there's that dang graph again flashing in the background about how many men re-marry in 30 seconds after their wives' demise. Okay then.

Diana, on her way home from Maggie and Manny's, makes a detour to check out the lights at Monica's apartment. And looks all boo-hoo sad that her game plan for Camilo seems to be working out so well. (Lady, I know you're dealing with cancer. And it would make me crazy too, I'm sure. But still...Go crazy in a different way please. Start eating vegetables or something.) Arrives home to Chabela's warm presence. Who wants to know where she was. And launches into her lament that her perfect life with Camilo is falling apart. And it's all her fault. (Well, honestly, I think it is, dear Diana.) Chabela counters that she's not to blame for having cancer (also true). But Diana keeps insisting that "it's all her fault."

Monica tiptoes into her room to gaze adoringly on a sleeping Camilo. Brings him a glass of water. Tenderly brushes his face and and then kisses his cheek as well. The graph about men moving on to another wife quickly after widowhood flashes on the screen again. Alright! We get it! Enough already!

As soon as Monica leaves, Camilo's eyes pop open. Okay. He was faking sleep. I'll give him a few points for that.
 

MAÑANA #17 WHEN YOU HAVE A CRAPPY PREMISE, YOU GET A CRAPPY CONCLUSION...AND A CRAPPY SHOW

Part 4

There's a crowd in the kitchen. Laura thinks they need to call a plumber for the under the sink mess, but evidently Adrian can fix it. Manny and Maggie arrive and ever useful Manny hands him the tools as he works. Evidently Camilo's toolbox is crappy as well. Missing vital parts, plus containing a random butter knife. Nico is regaling all assembled with a dramatic rendition of how he came to fall in the pool chasing an errant frisbee. And enjoying lots of hugs with Super Hero Manny.

Elsewhere, Super Villain Mauricio is waiting for a buddy who's helping him with his current skullduggery. We learn what we indeed suspected: his engagement to Barbi is really an engagement to the goldmine that is MediaLink.

Diana and Cristobal are having a confrontation. He's his usual weak-ass self and she finally blows. I'm the sick one! Not you! Stop with the "If you die, I die bit." Indeed, she actually slaps him. He dons his usual Victim Look. And refuses to get therapy. As in "it's no good". How do you know?, snaps Mom. You've never tried it.

On to more hopeful stuff. Luis is talking to the luchadora, who evidently is his big sister. He's confessing that Norita is attracting him these days. But hesitates when she wants to see her picture. Evidently Big Sis has been highly critical of his girlfriends in the past.

Rafa has finally emerged from his slumbers in Nico's room. We have a nice few moments of well-sculpted male landscape viewing time while he asks Diana about Camilo's whereabouts. He needs to talk to him about work. It's serious. Monica plans to quit. I'm trying to worry, but instead I'm thinking about all the gym time Rafa must spend to develop those lovely muscles.

Diana has other things on her mind. Right away she gets on the phone to ream out Monica for deviating from THE PLAN. Monica points out that THE PLAN was wrong from the beginning. Diana pretends to grant that Monica is in charge of her own life and can decide what she wants...BUT!..Camilo can't manage without ME-- nor without YOU!


See what I mean? Total lack of respect. Granted, he's a fail when it comes to organizing a toolbox. But give the man a bone! He's managed to develop a successful business. He can't be completely useless.
 

MAÑANA #17 WHEN YOU HAVE A CRAPPY PREMISE, YOU GET A CRAPPY CONCLUSION...AND A CRAPPY SHOW

Part 5

Laura comes down the hall and catches a glimpse of bare-chested Rafa from the rear. She appears to not be appraising him from a strictly professional-fitness point of view as was I. Nopis. More like she's downright hot and bothered. Evidently daughter Paloma did not fall far from the tree.

Nico is all happy that Manny is going to teach him how to swim. (Now seriously, he hadn't been taught before? And no fence around pool? No wonder Regina doesn't want her family to help raise her baby.)

Barbi's in some random café, awaiting her crappy fiancé and practicing her lines as in Yes! I'll marry you! But Mauricio doesn't want to talk boda before she connects with Rafa's mom Almudena. And leaving a message on her phone isn't enough. What! Do you want to tip her off!? No. You have to talk to her directly.

Back to the kitchen. Rafa has joined the group and is enjoying lots of Nico hugs as well. Okay. The kid's an extortionist. And way behind in swim skills. But totally cute. Elsewhere, Laura is fending off a call from Patricio. In the wise ways of young adult children, Paloma teaches her mom how to block calls on her cellphone. Because evidently that's how Paloma deals (or doesn't deal) with Dad.

Camilo arrives home, looking dejected. Offers to help Diana with carrying dry cleaning upstairs. She tartly refuses help, saying she's always done it HERSELF. And strides off looking sad. Camilo finds a better welcome from Nico who gives him a warm hug.

Barbi, back home, confronts her mom. What's up with you and Dad? I've always admired you as such a happy couple. The happiest couple in the world! Don't you love each other any more? No honest answer from Diana. Just pained looks. And denial.

Meanwhile, Camilo has retreated to the bathroom to light and inhale a cigarette. And think back to the touch and the kiss from Monica.

Fin

Another wretched conclusion to a pretty much wretched episode. But hey!, there were those shoulders and those biceps. Must look on bright side. Must get back to gym. Maybe eat some vegetables too. Or maybe not.
 

Judy, I laughed out loud reading the title but it didn’t stop there.

“…the awful Grecian Formula guy always brings me down. Puh-leeze, let your hair go gray rather than dying it that dreadful color. Have you never heard of Silver Foxes man?” was not only insightful and oh so true but echoed sentiments I’ve voiced many times over the years…

You were on fire tonight!

“Monica is packing up her paltry drawer of romantic memories…Pretty scant for a Hope Chest but at least she travels light” was my favorite followed by “fights [conflictivo]” and “his life is falling apart [desmoronando]”. Excellent.

“(Lady, I know you're dealing with cancer. And it would make me crazy too, I'm sure. But still...Go crazy in a different way please. Start eating vegetables or something)” was good, solid advice. She needs to start treasuring the present and making new memories.

I’ve considered myself fortunate to not be watching this but “Rafa's bare chest and well developed shoulders and biceps” and “well-sculpted male landscape viewing” made me hesitate a bit.

Anita, your comment that widowers who were happily married are the ones who tend to remarry first makes perfect sense. Sometimes things work out happily ever after, which is wonderful. I do know a few instances where trying to recapture that happiness was not always successful for several reasons, particularly when the former spouse was put on a pedestal and expectations were set so high, they were impossible to be met. I give credit to all who take that chance...

Judy, this was a delight. Thank you so much!

Diana
 

Thanks Diana. We are so often on the same page, that I found myself wishing this afternoon that you could enjoy a little beefcake too. Although you got a bit on Usurpadora before the foolish Paola shot her lover. And THAT actor was the one we made fun of in Sin Tu Mirada. How wrong we were. The lad was quite impressive underneath those vests and fruity shirts. Ditto for Rafa. Pink lips be damned, the young man is very nicely put together.

Anita's comment on who remarries first was interesting. I only know of one case. But it did work out well. Husband was happily married. Wife died of cancer. Woman was happily married. Husband died of a heart attack. They ran in the same social circles. One of their kids suggested they date. Sparks flew. Chemistry and then some. After a six months courtship they married. And had two glorious years of happiness until he too died of a heart attack. A double dose of heartbreak. But also a double dose of joy.

Thanks for all your kind words and support amiga. You are very generous.

At any rate, if you're fortunate enough to have a happy marriage (and not many people are) then for God's sake don't ruin it like Diana seems hellbent on doing. I'm trying to be empathetic (as if she were a real person) and understand that her need to control is a manifestation of how out-of-control she feels with this disease. But still, the premise of the story--that men are incompetent dodos that must be rescued-- just infuriates me.
 

JudyB—After watching the episode, I reallly didn’t want to have to repeat the experience, but it’s you and it’s 5 whole parts. Now that is bravery beyond the call of duty. It’s a Must Read TV Episode. Thanks are in order for your continued attention to this drivel. Will be back tomorrow with more.
 

MAÑANA

JudyB, thank you for an excellent, detailed recap that was a pleasure to read. You may not be enthused about the show but you still manage to spin a great jewel-studded recap.

One jewel that made me laugh, though perhaps it shouldn't: "Nico is all happy that Manny is going to teach him how to swim. (Now seriously, he hadn't been taught before? And no fence around pool? No wonder Regina doesn't want her family to help raise her baby.)"


I have so many questions about the characters in this TN. Doesn't Camilo have any friends? He shouldn't keep showing up at Monica's. She is not his wife, girlfriend, sister, or mother.
Why is Rafa so enthused about staying at the already over-full house? (OK, I'm always suspicious of Ol' Pink Lips, but still...)
Just how dense is Barbi anyway? Mauricio doesn't even pretend he's in love with her. She says "Te amo" and he doesn't bother to respond, etc., etc. Nobody else has figured this out either? Other than Paloma who knows that when Malicious (thanks Doris :) is around he'll be leaving Barbi to sneak around to see her. But if Paloma knows he's a lowlife, why is she making out with him? Please don't anybody tell me he could be considered hot.

Monica can be endearing, she can also be annoying and frustrating. I don't know if it would be a good idea to just up and quit her job, but at least she has realized what a mess she's involved in and wants to get out. Good for her so far, but going in to give the "sleeping" Camilo a soft kiss on the cheek? Nooooooo!
And has Camilo now figured out how Monica feels about him?


Oh, well, I did enjoy the Chabela gloating, Granny sulking scene.

andy
 

Good morning ANITA and ANDY. This Patio is so small we are huddling together for warmth! but in a strange way this wretched telenovela seems to be getting better.

The side stories are slowly developing so it isn't all focused on the ridiculous Diana plan of fixing up Camilo with Monica. As for Camilo "having no friends" that pretty much seems to be the usual writing set-up. Although I will also say, that when my brother was going through a marital crisis, he found it impossible to get any "sorting out the situation" help from his friends. They would say something like "She's a bitch. Divorce her." so he would call his sisters to talk. He knew we at least would listen. And maybe not offer facile, unhelpful advice.

And yes, I did mean the Regina/swimming lessons quip to be funny. In fact, strangely enough, I had a good time writing this particular recap. Was it just because it was a great day climate-wise? Or was I beginning to enjoy the absurdity of this story? Don't know, but in the past various recappers have had fun reviewing abysmal telenovelas, so hopefully the carefree attitude will continue.

And maybe the writers will finally serve up a better alternative for our fortyish Monica, before the "last train leaves" as they say.

ANDY, I agree Rafa's decision to abandon his comfortable bachelor apartment for a mattress on the floor in a 7-year-old's room is absurd. Alright. A mattress on the floor isn't THAT bad. Sharing a bathroom with 8 other people IS! Particularly now that Camilo is camping out there sneaking cigarettes.

I'm feeling more relaxed about being hitched to the plow on this disaster. I realize that having to pull together a real recap once a week is still good for juicing up this aging brain. Getting older involves a lot of strategic decisions, I've learned. One can no longer coast on youthful energy and hormones. Alas.

Here's hoping our telenovela "Monday" comes soon and that the news is hopeful for our self-torturing Diana.
 

MAÑANA

Thank you, Judy, for your recap. I did not want to comment until after I watched this, and that did not happen until this morning, after yard work (before the heat set in). I think we are going to break a record for most # of days over 90°F. We no longer have autumn; lately we go from summer to winter and do not pass GO nor collect $200.

"I'm feeling more relaxed about being hitched to the plow on this disaster."
Yeah, me, too. Once I get past the tontería of Camilo/Diana/Moni, the rest of the show is crazy enough to be somewhat entertaining. Sort of like ADCLG was crazy fun.

Cam & Di should be arrested for not teaching Nico how to swim and no locked fence around the swimming pool. That is just wrong. What kind of airheads are these people? Oh, never mind. I need to tighten my telenovela beanie hat. And line it with aluminum foil.

And not once was anything said about teaching that child to swim ... not even the next day. (I could be wrong because I went commando a/k/a no CCs today)

Gah! I typed Malicio in my Thursday post, and iPad auto-correct changed it to Malicious. Oh well, either will do. He is a #1 Class-A slimeball. Dirtbag. Horse's rear end.

I am so fed up with Diana. She kicked Cam out again, then she goes driving by Monica's to confirm he went there, so that she can cry and be a victim/martyr about THAT, too. Cancer was not her fault. This is. Between this and not teaching Nico to swim . . . arrrrrgh!

Laura's tongue dragging on the floor when she saw Rafa was just. not. ladylike. Apparently she is over her unfaithful husband. And maybe she was, as soon as the honeymoon was over. Who knows? Who cares?

"Barbi's in some random café, awaiting her crappy fiancé and practicing her lines as in Yes! I'll marry you!"
I thought they are already engaged. She is wearing a ring. They've been discussing wedding plans. Did I miss something, other than Malicio wanted to put it off until whoknowswhen? I am obviously not giving this telenovela my undivided attention and won't until it becomes worthy of such. lol

Andy - No, there is no way Malicio-Malicious is considered hot. Just ... nopis. Neta!
Also on the "hotness" scale:
Rafa - no
Adrian - yes
Pablo - yes
Camilo - NO
Cristobal- oh hell no
Luis - LOL
Manuel - no - because of the rug beard
 

Good afternoon to what's left of us....on the patio. Kinda overcast, dampening the mood, temp to go up into the 90s this afternoon, no rain yet. The trees are suffering from drought. We're suffering from an overabundance of moral decrepitude.

Now it's ok to smoke and like it? What kind of message was that? Even though Camilo has been trying to quit, he gave us all the impression that it was manna from heaven at first puff. It was that first puff that made me decide never to touch one again. Think of all the dollars I have't burned up over the decades!

The only character missing from "the morning after" was Pablo. I so wanted him back to fix a vegan breakfast for Regie. She seemed really enchanted with him. I also expected the usual spray of water flooding the kitchen from a plumbing job gone wrong. But it didn't happen.

How can a big house like that have only one bathroom? I have a tiny house and I have 1 1/2 bathrooms. Geesh, do guests have to go upstairs to powder their noses and wash their hands before eating? Or do they do that in the kitchen, too?

When Rafa whispered to the sleeping Nico that it was a pleasure (or was it he's proud) to be Nico's brother--one could interpret that two ways, no? Either he's sincere or he's playing at being the brother when he's not. Can't wait for the intersection of the phone call to Almudena and the results of the surreptitious DNA test.

Mauricio is pond scum. And just who was the blond guy Mauricio met with? I hope Paloma is just playing with him and the next dive he takes behind a couch gets him found out by Barbi and she drops him right then and there.

Why do we need Luis to have a luchadora sister? Do we need for him to actually tell us, through his sister, he is sort of interested in Nora? We could guess that on our own. They spent enough time on shots of her talking to Luis, so there must be a reason.

Camilo has no friends. We really don't see him interacting with business colleagues, clients or employees either, except occasionally.

Well, we came in at a time when Cam's life has been upended and his wife is forcing a distance between them. No wonder he's feeling lost. Monica just happened to be there and has made herself too available. While the picture is all wrong, so far he's still a man devoted to his wife and (neglected) children and has made that clear--albeit with a few fantasy flashes. Who doesn't have those? Even Susanlynn had telenovios.

 

Hellooooo DORIS and ANITA. Such interesting comments. I like the thought you're putting into this disaster. Together this Mini-Patio is somehow going to make this work. By golly. Doris--I particularly loved your hawtness scale and Cristobal's Oh hell no!" He's unbearable. And I hate his victim, whiny face. Sorry. That's not nice. But it's so.

ANITA... Definitely Rafa is still a mystery. As is his telephone buddy. As is Mauricio's blond skullduggery friend. The latter are to no good and Barbi needs to be clued in, but Paloma seems to be rather casual about her hookups, and maybe she assumes Barbi is equally casual about her engagement. Who knows?

At any rate, I don't think Barbi actually loves Mauricio. I think she loves the idea of a wedding and getting married all in virginal white. So I'm predicting that she will rebound quickly once she finds out what a jerk he is. But that may take a while.

In the meantime, the Regina/Pablo combo sounds good to me also.
 

MAÑANA

Doris, I very much liked "Malicious", but Malicio is even better!

Interesting "hotness" scale; my take:

Adrian - yes (OK, if you say so)
Pablo - yes (yes)
Cristóbal- oh hell no (agreed, but I feel guilty about it; it's not nice to make fun of people because of their looks. OTOH, this guy is destined to be a character actor... if he's lucky.)
Manuel - no - because of the rug beard (Agreed, but OTOH he can dive and swim well, and he puts up with a truly ditzy wife. And if he lived in Alaska or some other northern clime he would do great in the annual winter beard growing contest.)

OK, my opinions are not completely based on "hotness", except maybe for Pablo, who I see as possibly somebody for Regina. Even with that, it matters that he has ethics and also stands up to Malicio. Um, the vegan bit, not so much. But "somebody for Regina" totally discounts baby daddy. Is baby daddy totally cooked, long gone history? Did he ever matter? I'd really like to know.


Anita, "How can a big house like that have only one bathroom?"
And not an especially nice bathroom at that. It makes absolutely no sense, just one more thing to wear out the gears on our beanie propellers. But it manages to get Rafa walking down the hall wearing just a bath towel for Laura... and Judy.

:-)

andy
 

Good Sunday Morning, Patio!

JudyB, I marvel at your tenacity to bring us such exceptional recaps. Thank you for retelling all the ludicrous events in such a masterful way.

There isn't much more to say that hasn't already been stated, but these are my favs--

-JudyB: "WHEN YOU HAVE A CRAPPY PREMISE, YOU GET A CRAPPY CONCLUSION...AND A CRAPPY SHOW" Absolutely!

-Diana: "I’ve considered myself fortunate to not be watching this but “Rafa's bare chest and well developed shoulders and biceps” and “well-sculpted male landscape viewing” made me hesitate a bit" uhmmm, I think that would make several hesitate...or keep torturing ourselves by watching this show.

-JudyB, "if you're fortunate enough to have a happy marriage (and not many people are) then for God's sake don't ruin it like Diana seems hellbent on doing. I'm trying to be empathetic (as if she were a real person) and understand that her need to control is a manifestation of how out-of-control she feels with this disease. But still, the premise of the story--that men are incompetent dodos that must be rescued-- just infuriates me." Sage words, amiga! don't you just want to shake these people?

-Doris: "I am so fed up with Diana. She kicked Cam out again, then she goes driving by Monica's to confirm he went there, so that she can cry and be a victim/martyr about THAT, too. Cancer was not her fault. This is. Between this and not teaching Nico to swim . . . arrrrrgh!" At first I was fed up with Monica, now I'm fed up with Diana and Monica is palatable. Are they taking turns at being idiots?

-Anita: "When Rafa whispered to the sleeping Nico that it was a pleasure (or was it he's proud) to be Nico's brother--one could interpret that two ways, no? Either he's sincere or he's playing at being the brother when he's not." My thoughts exactly...still don;t trust the man despite his "well-developed shoulders and biceps."

Andy- ""somebody for Regina" totally discounts baby daddy. Is baby daddy totally cooked, long gone history? Did he ever matter? I'd really like to know." I'm sitting at that mystery table too. Will it ever be revealed or will he just be forgotten...since Regina seems to have completely discarded him and is now making googoo eyes at Pablo...despite her pregnancy?


 

Hi Rgv Chick. Great to hear from you today and nice analysis of the show and all the comments. Makes a nice resumé of all that's going on in both the episodes and our overheated brains!

We're used to villains and we can ride with that. The three big questions tormenting us...evidently...

are: Who's the fella who got Regina pregnant?

Why is there only ONE bathroom?

Is Rafa for real or an impostor?

Maybe this will keep us watching as we grind our teeth over some of the incomprehensible stupidities going on.

Thanks for your input everybody. The Patio would be downright lonely without you.
 

Good morning, Patio!

I was thinking—this patio is like the little engine that could; it’s little but going strong. Keep on chugging cuz it’s a looong way to the end!

Happy Monday!
 

JudyB you can really spend a tale into a pretty good story.

These are as crazy as a porcupine in a
Soft cotton factory.
I haven't been seen but only spots of
This story. I saw little Nico almost
Drowning. What was he doing I the h2o
Any ways? And that pool was not that big, the kid probly could have stoodup
And walked out quicker than they swam out.

I'm abit suspicious of rafa. I saw him
Talkin to somebody on The phone awhile back. He didnt seem very nice.
I'm thinkin he's up to no good. May
Have some issues about dad not knowing
He existed. I could be wrong. So much
Craziness.

I know this cancer is ruff and painful
But I don't think she's being fair to
Cam. She's not thinkin bout how he is
Feeling just herself. And pushin him towards another woman. And who gets married six months after the spouse is gone?
Well I do remember one man whose dying
Wife fixed him up with her nurse while
She was dying with cancer. And they got married shortly after she passed away. And he was a pastor. And they stayed married till he died.
Maybe there is some truth to that 56%
Thing.
OMG, how long to the End? Before the turkey is done? Lol :-)
Thank you JudyB
 

Hi NINA....Glad you stopped by. You always make me laugh. But this sorry story sure doesn’t. Alas this turkey is going to be simmering for about 70 miserable episodes. Sure wish it were only 25. But hang in there with us Funny Lady....we need some comment laughs to get through this. Or, as they say, misery loves company.