Monday, October 21, 2019

Cuna de Lobos Lunes 10/21/19 Gran Estreno: Augustus Falls



Romulus and Remus were suckled by the same she-wolf. This was not true of José Carlos and Alejandro Larios and not because they were not twins. While they shared a father they had different mothers. Gloria, the first wife of Carlos, was the mother of José Carlos who accutely felt her loss having been rejected by his stepmother, a one-time Circe named Catalina Creel.
It has been some time since I've brought you tales of those who think themselves gods or at the very least above all rules of society. They see money less as evidence of status than as a means to any end they seek. It is the one commodity that is universally understood as well as desired. – D.D. 

Late one night in Acapulco Carlos Larios struggled in the water as his wife, Catalina, radioed for help. “Help! Help! My husband fell overboard.” She heard him break the surface and struggle to breathe.

She put down the communicator and stepped out to find him climbing back into the starboard side of the yacht. Silently she went over to where the first aid kit and portable fire extinguisher was kept and took it out as he was about to lift himself into the boat.
“Help me!” he said. “Help me!”
He saw how she was handling the fire extinquisher.
“No, no! Catalina!”
She hit him hard near the top of his forehead. Just once. The force was enough to knock him back into the water. She then turned her back on him. A rescue boat manned by divers arrived and did their work. When the boat pulled into the dock a short while later it was met by an army of journalists – myself among them – with cameras flashing as police worked to restrain the activity.
Francisco Larios – Carlos' younger brother – pushed his way through to the gurney that held his brother's body. He zipped open the body bag and backed off without a word as the emergency medics took the gurney into the ambulance. He then looked at his sister-in-law. She stood up and walked over to him.
They embraced and said nothing. Each stared over the other's shoulder emotionlessly.

Hours before this Catalina had watched Carlos on his private golf course in the company of her executive housekeeper, Gélica. The two women could not have been more unlike each other; Gélica's face was rounded anad open while Catalina's was angular and sharp, devoid of softness. The leather patch she wore over her right eye socket was held in place by a strap that was mostly concealed by her dark hair. They spoke of the Larios men. Gélica asked whether her mistress was still in love with her husband. She replied that “Carlos and I are a team, but the love of my life is Alejandro.” She was speaking of her son. She also spoke of being nervous about the evening to come. She watched as Carlos and Alejandro walked back toward her and her cell phone rang.
“It's José Carlos,” Gélica said, handing the phone to her. Catalina took it and reluctantly answered.
“What do you want, José Carlos?” she asked.
“I'm trying to locate my father,” he said while opening a hip flask. “Is he there?” He was calling from Panama City.
“He is very busy right now, trying to organize the event for tonight.”
“Yes, I imagine, but I have to talk to him. Pass the phone to him, please.”
“He can't answer right now.”
“I've been trying to reach him for a long while. Pass me to him.”
“What do you want me to tell him? Your father is very busy.”
“Nothing more than I called and he needs to call me back. Okay?” José Carlos turned around to see a policeman ticketing his car.
After ending the call she commented to Gélica that addicts never recover.
Carlos putted the ball, then fell down in pain. Alejandro ran over to him, followed by his mother. Later Carlos asked the doctor for his opinion. “You brought all that in your bag? Oscar, am I going to die?” He was trying to joke about it.
“Everyone dies someday,” the doctor said. “Carlos, this isn't a joke; it's serious. You're not twenty years old. You have to take care of yourself. Are you following your treatment?”
“More or less. It's very difficult. No alcohol, no stress, not eating rich food. But above all, I can't stop enjoying my beautiful wife.”
“Well, you can enjoy taking beautiful vacations with your wife, but relax.”
“Tonight we have a event.”
“Very good. No alcohol, no excesses. I want to see a good report on your next exam.”
“Yes, but after the second honeymoon.”
The doctor took his leave, saying he would be at the party that night. Catalina saw him out. On the way he emphasized that Carlos had to be careful, but Catalina told him that this was not going to be easy. In addition to the usual business concerns Carlos worried about his son, José Carlos, who had left a rehab facility several months ago and had not been heard from. They had no idea where he was or what he was doing. Oscar told her he should try to forget these things for a few days, then left. When Catalina was alone she took out her phone and made a call. She found out that José Carlos had been arrested.
Not for long, however. That evening he walked out of the police station, got into his red late-model car, and floored the accelerator.
Whatever the speed limit was, he was going over it.

At the event that night Ámbar commented on its lavish nature while Francisco noted that Catalina never did things by half measure.
When Catalina made her entrance with Carlos and Alejandro, she ate up the attention of the guests and the press, who all went in for photos. She wore a strapless white dress and comparatively modest jewelry. When the first microphone was presented Carlos told us that she would answer all our questions. Francisco took Carlos aside to point out that he should not be smoking and he ask why Oscar was there; Carlos assured him “You will have a brother for many years yet.”
Ámbar came to collect him as Catalina answered a few innocuous questions.
I spotted one of my competitors, Luís Guzmán, calling his photographer partner to get some photos right away.
She ran as fast as she could, but bumped into Alejandro on the way. (Our early photos were on their way to Vanidades before she could take her first.) She had not realized that Alejandro was Catalina's son and froze in place when he released her and she heard him address Catalina as “Mama.” Someone asked about a recent shipment of diamonds she talked about how their top designers were eager to work with them.
Someone else asked “Are you satisfied with Gothier Jewels? Do you miss your days as a model?”
“I love your question, but no; my chapter as a model is over.”
“Good evening. Luis Guzmán of The Capital Chronical. A few days ago there was a rumor that Gothier Jewels is involved in illegal trafficking of diamonds. What have you to say with respect to that?”
Carlos became angry, Alejandro stepped in, and Catalina told him he didn't need to.
“It hurts me that you asked this question, Sir. No serious journalist gives creedence to rumor. Let's end this right now.”
Two security men seized Guzmán from behind, but Catalina stopped them. “No, no. Anyone can make a mistake. Rookies usually learn from them.”
The security men backed off. Catalina said “If there are no more questions, enjoy the party and the show.”
Leonora Navarro (Guzmán's photographer) asked what this was all about. He gestured vaguely toaward his cell phone screen.
José Carlos finally got his father on the phone, but Carlos was not in the mood to deal with him, suggesting that he call the next day. He reproached him for leaving the clinic and let him know he was not sending him any money, as he had been screwing up rather than getting his life in order. José Carlos was not accepting this, especially after hearing Alejandro's voice nearby. He accused his father of favoritism, then said that he missed him. “Do you miss me?” he asked.
Carlos did not answer, merely saying goodbye then ending the call.
The fashion show began, featuring an array of models all in strapless black gowns and in coiffures designed to show off the latest designs from Gothier Jewels.
Leonora Navarro went to work capturing every image possible as the action was displayed on screens visible to all the guests.
She might have preferrred to be in Panama City to capture José Carlos' entrance into the casino and taking his place at the roulette table.
Catalina reproached Francisco. “I told you that only the usual people; no new reporters were to be invited. Only the ones we know.”
“He had credentials.”
“Deal with him.” She saw that Diego Solórzano approached her, holding a black velvet box. She sent Francisco to do what she expected of him.
Solórzano opened the box to reveal a smooth, very beautiful rock which must have been at least eighty carats in weight. Catalina picked it up saying “It's perfect.” It was likely one of the few things that brought a genuine smile from her, albeit a subtle one.
Leonora took a break to enjoy a shot or two of mezcal. Alejandro approached her and ordered the same. They began talking and she apologized for mentioning his brother's addiction. He didn't mind, saying that the press was very aggressive on such things and he understood and bore no ill will about it. He – perhaps jokingly – promised her an exclusive. She told him she was not a journalist, but a photographer. He asked for her phone so he could enter his number into it. Guzmán then arrived to collect her, giving a look of mild contempt in Alejandro's direction as they left.
Osvaldo and Carlos talked again about the latter's medical condition as Alejandro arrived to check on his father. Osvaldo told him to take care of him and father and son shared a humorous comment on the matter. They embraced briefly and Carlos' phone rang. Alejandro left him to answer in private.
The anonymous caller told Carlos that Alejandro was not his son and asked if he wanted proof.
Carlos told him to go to hell and ended the call just as Francisco approached to tell him that Catalina was angry about what happened with the reporter. She wanted to talk to him about it.
Alejandro was ending a call on a romantic note when Ámbar sat next to him. She assumed that he had been talking to Mora, a long-distance girlfriend who lived in Madrid. He said that they needed their spaces for a while but all was well. He sensed something was not quite right with his aunt. She denied this, but took a pill as soon as he got up and left.

Leonora and Guzmán left the party. He commented that he wasn't used to covering society stuff; he then took a call from Rafael, his boss.

Catalina and Carlos talked about Guzmán's question. She was peevish, as though she had never heard such questions and should have been immune from them as the owner of such an important company, the Harry Winston of Mexico. Carlos told her to calm down. He told her she was the most beautiful woman he ever knew and suggested that they leave the party.
She was reluctant, as most of the guests were still there, but finally agreed.

Luis returned to Leonora and told her he had been terminated from the paper. He suspected that Catalina was behind it by calling their boss and accusing him of being aggressive. He was sure she had something to hide. Leonora suggested talking to Alejandro, but Luis didn't think this was a good idea. She told him they were a team and they would find a way to solve this. They said their goodnights.

Carlos and Catalina went to the yacht. She had exchanged her white dress for a black jumpsuit, an elegant one for a woman certain to become Mexico's newest black widow. She pretended to still be in love with her husband.
She kissed him and stepped away as his cell rang.

He was slightly irritated when she heard him say “I said we would talk tomorrow.” She looked out over the water. Carlos' phone rang again. He dismissed the call when he saw it was José Carlos. It rang again and he answered it without looking.
“José Carlos, I told you it would be better to talk tomorrow.”
“No, I'm not your son. I'm your friend who wants to open your eyes. Don't hang up; listen to me. Alejandro is not your son. Right now I will send you photos to prove it.”
Carlos ended the call just as his phone signaled another message.
He looked and saw multiple damning photos of Catalina with Francisco. He turned around and saw Catalina about to pour champagne. He got up and joined her on the rear deck. He took the proferred glass carefully.
Leonora sat up in her hotel room. Unable to sleep she called Alejandro, who had just returned from the party. Mortified with embarrassment she asked his help in getting Luis reinstated.
He agreed with no argument and ended the call, barely giving her room to thank him. It was an all-or-nothing move on her part.
So was the bet José Carlos placed on the roulette game. A woman flirted with him as he put all his chips on a single number.
He stared back at her as the ball went around in the opposite direction of the spin, finally to land on his bet.
The other players cheered and he did not go back to his room alone.

Alejandro exchanged text messages at that same moment with Mora from his room in Mexico City.
He had no idea she was anywhere other than Madrid and thus was shocked when she entered his bedroom.
“Mora, why are you here?” he asked.
“I'm crazy, and I didn't want to be without you.”
She kissed and embraced him, perhaps hoping for a bigger welcome. When he broke the embrace she knew she wasn't getting it.
“What's wrong?”
“What are you talking about?”
“This is very weird.”
“No; everything is alright.”
“Don't talk to me like I'm stupid.”
“You took me by surprise.”
“I don't like that you don't like that I've come here.”
“No; I'm very pleased you're here.”
“Then who is this in your bathroom?”
She charged past him and flung the bathroom door open. Miguel Terranova Contreras was stark naked under the running water.
She looked back at Alejandro and accused him of lying. She felt betrayed.
She immediately aimed her smartphone at Miguel and began taking photos. Alejandro tried to get it out of her hand but she would not allow him to. She yelled “The whole world will know you are gay!”
He tried to grab the phone but she would not let him. She twisted her arm free. Miguel restrained Alejandro, telling him to stop.
Mora ran, saying that she was going to send the photos to his parents. He followed her halfway down the stairs, but stopped running as she ran out the door. He looked back to see Miguel not far behind him.

While this was happening José Carlos was celebrating his big win with a different kind of score, telling the flirtatious woman that she had brought him luck.

On board the yacht, Catalina watched Carlos pour himself another glass of champagne and down it completely.
“You are drinking too much.”
“And what's the problem? I'm doing as I said. Enjoying this. You and me.”
“The problem is that you are drinking. You had a preview of a heart attack this morning.”
“Why is that so important? Is it that important to you if I die of a heart attack?”
“What's happened to you?”
“What about you?” He sat next to her. “That you are consorting with my brother?”
“What are you talking about?”
“Do you really not know what I'm talking about?”
“You're drunk. I'm going to sleep. I don't want the night to end like this.” She started to get up. He grabbed her arm and did the same, turning her around to face him.
“Of course you know what I'm talking about.”
“It makes me sick to see you drunk.”
“And it makes me sick to see my wife consorting with my brother!”
“Stop saying these stupid things.”
“This is a stupid thing?” He showed her one of the photos on his phone.
Her shocked expression was genuine for a moment.
Carlos then doubled over in pain, clutching his left arm. Catalina reached for him but he yelled not to touch him. He looked at her.
“How many times have you fucked my brother? How many times have you been with other men?”
“You are completely insane,” she said, coldly.
“I will leave you with nothing,” he said. “I will make sure you will have no will to live.”
“You are dying, Carlos,” she said. “Look at yourself. You're almost finished.” She took two steps forward and crouched down to look him in the eyes. “Francisco makes love to me like you were never able to. I'll tell you a secret: I had to think about him to have sex with you. To help the disgust I endured from your touch. I endured it to have a son. Hasn't it occurred to you that Alejandro doesn't look a thing like you? He's intelligent, and manly like his father, Francisco.”
“I will put you out in the street. I am changing my will.”
“You won't be able to change your will...my love.”
He clutched his arm again and tried to stand.
“My pills. My pills!”
“Do you want your pills?” she asked, sarcastically. “You want your pills? Well, go get them!” She went to the first aid kit and returned with the pill bottle. And threw it out into the water.
She then grabbed his shirt front and threw him overboard.
For a few moments she watched him struggle in the water, then slowly walked to the radio to call for help.
She walked away from the radio to watch his struggle. The coast guard repeatedly tried to respond with questions.

The following morning José Carlos got up and walked out into the terrace pool, bottle in hand. He drank just after dawn.
Miguel and Alejandro started at each other across the breakfast table.
José Carlos climbed out of the pool and looked down at the city.
He cried out loud enough to be heard over the urban canyon below.

At the funeral all were dressed in black.
“He was the best father and the best husband until the last moment,” Catalina said. “Carlos was the man of my life.”
She did not see him, but José Carlos arrived late, also dressed in black. He looked like a latter-day Biblical figure. “An unforgettable travel companion.”
She then noticed the Prodigal Son. “My love. If I am here on earth it was because you taught me, and did not force me. Your point of view was the force that helped me advance. It will be sad to remember you while I am on earth.”
She then looked at José Carlos, who did not betray his own thoughts in any way.
Luis Guzmán – who stood a discreet distance away – answered his cell phone mid-ring.
“What do you have, Orozco? Tell me.”
“I have a bomb. A real revelation. I just read the autopsy report on Carlos Larios. The report will be released on Monday, but brace yourself. He had a head inury.”
“What's so strange about that? He could have hit his head on the hull of the yacht.”
“What's strange is that if he drowned his lungs would be full of water.”
“So? What are you saying?”
“His lungs were empty. He was dead before he hit the water.”
“So this was not an accident. He was murdered.”

Luis looked back at the mourners. He was too far away to see that no tears fell from the black widow's eye.

Labels:


Permalink posted by Urban Anthropologist @ 11:00 PM
Comments:
Thank you Urban for a wonderful recap and extensive screen shots. Amazing to get all the relationships which I usually miss the first episode. My main interest is the terms of the will which Carlos never had a chance to cut out Catalina. And my other question is Alejandro really not his son? Surely a DNA test would solve the problem. But Catalina is the only one (perhaps Francisco) who knows. Surely he included both sons in the will.
Permalink posted by Anonymous Anonymous : Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at 1:27:00 AM EDT
 

Urban, every picture told a story in an of itself. Words and images, powerful and mesmerizing.

This was simply amazing. You brought all the characters to life and your dialog translations were excellent and oh so helpful.

"He was too far away to see that no tears fell from the black widow's eye" - proof positive that Catalina is without heart, without soul.

I can't recall any TN where the characters have seemed so fully fleshed out in the first episode. Good and evil obvious at the start.

Do I seem shallow if I say I can't recall a cast with so many gorgeous men? It was like feasting on truffles, one was more delicious than the last.

No brotherly affection here.

The reading of the will is always intriguing, isn't it? This certainly promises to be so.

Urban, I'm in awe. Thank you.

Diana
Permalink posted by Anonymous Anonymous : Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at 6:37:00 AM EDT
 

Gracias, Amigos.

This is a very intriguing story but I have to wonder whether the terms of Carlos' will would be legal. More on that tomorrow.

The writers are definitely doing their job here. They gave the cast lots of meat on the bones of this story; the characters are very well-written. I also think so far that this cast is well-chosen. It definitely took Giselle Gonzales to do justice to this remake.

DNA could definitely identify who Alejandro's sperm donor was, but that is almost a minor point at the moment. It could become a major one later, particularly if it causes Alejandro to have a major identity crisis.

I see Luis as the one pro-active good guy in the midst of this den of wolves. The actor is also very appealing.

Just a quick word of warning to all: We have a rule on this blog against discussing previews and spoilers, so do not go to the Wikipedia or IMBd pages for this series. Mexico is two weeks ahead of us and these pages have major spoilers. Also, we won't discuss comparisons to the original 1986 version until this is over and that is if most of us agree to it.

BTW, if my friends outside this blog only watched these programs I would go to this weekend's Halloween party as Catalina.
Permalink posted by Blogger Urban Anthropologist : Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at 7:09:00 AM EDT
 

Urban, thanks for getting us started in great style! Catalina Creel described as a “one time Circe” sure says it all.

First impressions:

I have been waiting for this novela and was not disappointed by the first episode. I was impressed by the slick, fast-paced, and quality production. Nothing can ever replace María Rubio as Catalina Creel and the original for me, but this looks like a wonderful ride that I will surely enjoy. I am hooked. It looks like Televisa is on a roll!

Wow! They included the wolves and their howling in the intro/credits. What fun!

I could not help but notice the wardrobe of eye patches. We saw three last night: the silver lacy model, the plain black one and the pebbly black one in the intro/credits. The eyepatch has come a long way.

There is something snakey about Catalina Creel the way they manipulate her image in the credits. She reminds me of a cobra.

Diana, you use “shallow” as if it were a bad thing! : ) If you are “shallow”, then I am, too. : ) Nice to see José Pablo Minor and especially Flavio Medina (dead Carlos’s bro).

I cannot wait for the will to be read.





Permalink posted by Blogger Jarifa : Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at 7:43:00 AM EDT
 

Urban, yes! Catalina would be a great Halloween disguise!
Permalink posted by Blogger Jarifa : Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at 7:46:00 AM EDT
 

"Diana, you use “shallow” as if it were a bad thing! : ) If you are “shallow”, then I am, too. : )" - thank heavens I'm not alone Jarifa! :)

And an enthusiastic yes to your noting the array of eye patches!

I'm sure we will learn the story of what happened to her eye at some point.

Diana
Permalink posted by Anonymous Anonymous : Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at 7:55:00 AM EDT
 

Thank you, UA, for that great recap and the photos. I was not able to watch last night .

Yikes , black widow, indeed.
Permalink posted by Anonymous Susanlynn❤ : Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at 8:04:00 AM EDT
 

P.s. I happened to go to school with two people who had a glass eye...but neither wire an eye patch.
Permalink posted by Anonymous Susanlynn❤ : Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at 8:06:00 AM EDT
 

Fabulous opening episode and equally fabulous recap. You have outdone yourself on this one UA. Nice to see a telenovela that seems worthy of your writing and recapping (screen shots, historical references) skills. Thank you.
Permalink posted by Blogger JudyB : Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at 8:45:00 AM EDT
 

Of course Catalina would have a wardrobe of eye patches to match her clothes and her jewelry. That is to be expected!

She definitely enjoys her hobby... murder.

Permalink posted by Blogger Urban Anthropologist : Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at 9:12:00 AM EDT
 

Thanks, Judy. I am so enjoying this story and I'm sure this will be a big ratings winner here. To paraphrase Mr Cheviot in Max Headroom "Sex, money, and violence. I smell ratings!"
Permalink posted by Blogger Urban Anthropologist : Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at 9:17:00 AM EDT
 

Great quote UA, and I'm sure this story will bring out the best in you. You have a gift for telling these kinds of stories so you are going to double our fun for sure.
Permalink posted by Blogger JudyB : Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at 9:23:00 AM EDT
 

Whoopsie! I missed a brown eyepatch that Cata rocked at the golf course. I better keep both of my eyes open . . .
Permalink posted by Blogger Jarifa : Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at 9:34:00 AM EDT
 

I just chose the best of my alter-egos for this story. I think he would have described Catalina as I did.
Permalink posted by Blogger Urban Anthropologist : Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at 9:52:00 AM EDT
 

Well, “one time Circe” is a keeper!
Permalink posted by Blogger Jarifa : Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at 9:57:00 AM EDT
 

Wow, Urban, this show started out with a blast and so did you. Superb recap and the screenshots are excellent. Thank you!

Jarifa, "I was impressed by the slick, fast-paced, and quality production." Very impressive indeed...and the transitions between scenes in this TN are excellent. I'm hooked too.

Diana, "Do I seem shallow if I say I can't recall a cast with so many gorgeous men?" I'm at the "shallow" table too. I am truly going to enjoy this TN...so much eye candy here! Oh and the storyline is pretty good too :-)

So how is Catalina get away with murder...for now? The coroner already knows Carlos was murdered and she was the only one on the yacht. Must see TV!
Permalink posted by Blogger Rgv Chick : Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at 10:20:00 AM EDT
 

Thanks UA. Excellent recap and introduction to this story.

Catalina is a black widow indeed. I was skeptical with the casting of Paz Vega but she may be able to change my mind.

It seems like the anonymous phone caller as well as Luis are hot on her trail and are determined to expose some truths. Both Catalina and Francisco have been able to fool Carlos easily.

Diana — I’m joining your “shallow” club lol I was not previously familiar with the actors that play Alejandro and José Carlos but now I will be! And by now I’m practically Osvaldo de León’s fan club president lol and it’s always a treat seeing JP Minor and Flavio Medina.

I doubt Luis will have an easy time attempting to use and exposing the information he now has of the autopsy results. Not to mention, will he and/or Leonora discover Alejandro’s secret? Mora could easily run to the press with this information before anyone can stop her.

Looking forward to seeing this story unfold.

Permalink posted by Blogger TF : Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at 11:00:00 AM EDT
 

Dirty secrets have a way of not staying buried in novelas. It is a rare occurrence for one to go unrevealed, even if the subject of it is dead.

Paz Vega has impressed me thus far. I'm sure she had the time of her life with this role. I was a drama major, so I know I would have!
Permalink posted by Blogger Urban Anthropologist : Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at 11:23:00 AM EDT
 

UA: Good Job on the recap from last night.

Paz Vega knows how to portray the murderous Antagonist very well! Plus, I don't see the Good Guys taking her down until maybe the Gran Final.
Permalink posted by Blogger Steve Boudreaux : Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at 11:25:00 AM EDT
 

Superb recap, Urban! Yes, this tn seems to be a very good example of its kind. I do think it suffers a bit from following La usurpadora. Catalina seems like a very cardboard villain compared to the more nuanced Paola--but maybe we'll learn more about her as this novela progresses. I enjoyed seeing Oso from Mi marido tiene mas familia, this time apparently in the role of a gay boyfriend.
Permalink posted by Blogger SpanProf : Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at 12:32:00 PM EDT
 

Also, when will tv characters learn that you never try to "surprise" someone? It almost always leads to catastrophe. (except for a few surprise birthday parties in some of the cuter sitcoms, that is).
Permalink posted by Blogger SpanProf : Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at 1:30:00 PM EDT
 

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