Wednesday, October 02, 2019
El Dragón #2, 10/1/19: You Wanted It; Now You've Got It!
Epegmenio and his loyal lapdog have tracked Miguel down at the Garza parents' graveside. Pig tries making conversation; he tells a very observant but silent Mig that he's oh so loyal to and respectful of his abuelo, Lamberto Garza. When Mig doesn't respond in kind with a similar effervescing of hot air, Pig wonders why. Mig tells him the culture he's been brought up in values observation and few words. Pig then invites him to his ranch for a celebration of Miguel's return to Mexico from China--oh Japan? Uh, the East somewhere. Miguel says he'll check with his grandpop to see that he approves.
Later that morning, during one of Lamb's lucid moments during their walk together, Miguel informs him of his chat with Pig. Lamb warns him it is probably a trap. "--All the more reason I should go." He needs to study his enemy.
That evening, blonde, buxom Dora (who looks anything but like an abuela) hands Mig a gift of expensive liquor to give to the host. "--You cannot go empty-handed!"
At the rancho, Pig is bragging about the beautiful piece of horseflesh he's purchased/raised when Mig arrives. During their chat Pig enters on plan B. He tries persuading Miguel that Mexico is too backward a country for such an educated and sophisticated type as he's become. Miguel is back with family and doesn't mind at all coming back to his roots as it were.
Meanwhile, the countdown to the abdication deadline continues.
Pig goes for what's behind door number 3 now. He tries buying off Miguel while not so subtly threatening him. "--Name your price. I'll buy your percentage out. You wouldn't want to run the danger of you and your family facing the same fate as his parents." Mig says nothing definitive. Pig then plays macho on the stallion, jumps on and then immediately gets bucked off. The crowd laughs and he screams for them to stop. When they don't stop guffawing, Pig angrily shoots the horse between the eyes and shocks everyone into silence. Thus, expensive horseflesh becomes so much dog food. (Note: no animals were harmed in the making of this episodio.)
The next day Dora and Lamb send out a call through his accountant for a major meeting of the big bosses under Lamb's control in El Salado. The countdown continues.....
The meeting takes place. Lamberto explains to them that it is time for his retirement. He has decided that his grandson will now replace him as the head of the El Salado syndicate and crime family. Pig argues that his grandson's been away for over a decade and has absolutely no knowledge of "the business." Lamberto argues that Miguel, in fact, is one of the most famous and talented financiers in Japan, the Orient (and worldwide, for that matter!) In other words, he knows Business and he can figure out Da Bidnez! Duh! Pig continues to gripe til Lamb shuts him up. "--You asked for it. Well, then you got it! I'm stepping down and Miguel is taking over!!" (Methinks that Pig just got rolled into his own blanket.....)
Lamb and Miguel discuss how he can make them 10-100 times the money on their investments using legitimate techniques, pulling the cash (literally) from out of the sewers and putting it into various types of legitimate businesses. Miguel gets the average totals of various businesses in the various zones the headmen are responsible for. He asks for one month more to prove how advantageous his methods will be--but on one condition: there will be no more threats or aggression They agree to give Miguel his 30 days. The countdown continues.....
Of course, after the Garza's are gone, Pig gripes to the other regional heads about this weak decision on Lamberto's part. Hernandez and the others have agreed to the month and tell Pig to also.
While still in Mexico, Miguel reads of Bernal's sister's death. He and HB are buds from highschool days. He's come to pay his respects. They go for coffee and discuss the shootout. Bernal is upset that Mig has agreed to take over his grandfather's bidnez--especially since Helena was just victimized in one of them.
Later that evening (without the moon in the window who can really tell?) Aysa and Miguel are chatting by ipad. She has a headache and her wrist is still giving her a lot of pain. She ignores it all.
At the funeral of his sister, before leaving the cemetary, Bernal tells his family he will avenge Helena's death.
Eventually, Miguel returns to Japan and he learns that Aysa's been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. (Well, that's a new one! I'd have thought a cancerous brain tumor for sure.) The next morning he puts all of his employees onto researching drug companies and treatments for M.S.
Somewhere during the day Mig's 2nd in command races in with news about a promising study/treatment/drug? Miguel races home to give Aysa the big news. He arrives home and finds only a video and a good-bye on it. He suddenly realizes she must be in the apartment somewhere and races into the bedroom where he finds a bottle of pills spilled carelessly around. He then races into the bathroom and finds her unconscious in the tub. Oh noes!!!
Labels: dragon
Comments:
<< Home
Thanks you,Jardinera for the excellent and snarky recap. Very enjoyable.
Some thoughts as I watch:
I am enjoying the “narco-novela” pacing with plenty of staging, posing, staring, threatening, partying and fighting.
I like how they tell us who the different characters are on screen.
Love that the head of Miguel’s “guards” is named “Peligros” (dangers).
So much for Epigmenio’s prized mare. Guess we have to have one “loose cannon” narco.
Okay, the journalist with the sister who was gunned down has a name Bernal and is an old friend of Miguel’s from grade school. Convenient.
Yes, MS was a different diagnosis. Looks like our prediction could be true.
Liked Miguel’s look with the long coat with the collar turned up.
I am ready for tonight!
Some thoughts as I watch:
I am enjoying the “narco-novela” pacing with plenty of staging, posing, staring, threatening, partying and fighting.
I like how they tell us who the different characters are on screen.
Love that the head of Miguel’s “guards” is named “Peligros” (dangers).
So much for Epigmenio’s prized mare. Guess we have to have one “loose cannon” narco.
Okay, the journalist with the sister who was gunned down has a name Bernal and is an old friend of Miguel’s from grade school. Convenient.
Yes, MS was a different diagnosis. Looks like our prediction could be true.
Liked Miguel’s look with the long coat with the collar turned up.
I am ready for tonight!
Jarifa: I enjoyed last night's episode. Looking forward to seeing the twists & turns of this Telenovela.
Good luck Miguel in trying to make the family biz "legitimate".
Good luck Miguel in trying to make the family biz "legitimate".
Just have time to say THANK YOU, Jardinera. Great spinning out of the 2d chapter.
Jar-- Loved this: "In other words, he knows Business and he can figure out Da Bidnez!"
Steve--ITA, Miguel intends to take "The Bidnez" legit? Good luck indeed.
I was surprised (NOT--but because this is what the tn is all about) that Miguel agreed to take over in the first place. OK, Family first, but still. The one thing his Japanese upbringing didn't teach him was how to deal with thugs that think with their guns and not with their heads. I'm sure he IS familiar with organized crime, though.
MS can take years to take your life, but the downward slope is constant and irreversible. I'm surprised Asya decided to end it before it began.
Jar-- Loved this: "In other words, he knows Business and he can figure out Da Bidnez!"
Steve--ITA, Miguel intends to take "The Bidnez" legit? Good luck indeed.
I was surprised (NOT--but because this is what the tn is all about) that Miguel agreed to take over in the first place. OK, Family first, but still. The one thing his Japanese upbringing didn't teach him was how to deal with thugs that think with their guns and not with their heads. I'm sure he IS familiar with organized crime, though.
MS can take years to take your life, but the downward slope is constant and irreversible. I'm surprised Asya decided to end it before it began.
Always enjoy your style, Jardinera. Like Jarifa:
"In other words, he knows Business and he can figure out Da Bidnez!"
but also this:
"Pig continues to gripe til Lamb shuts him up. "--You asked for it. Well, then you got it! I'm stepping down and Miguel is taking over!!" (Methinks that Pig just got rolled into his own blanket.....)"
Missed the opening episode, but am finding the pacing of this rather glacial compared to la Usurpadora. Plus, have to admit I was frothing at the mouth, when Sebastien's girlfriend decided suicide was a better option than treatment for multiple sclerosis.
My brother, now 73, has had it since his 30's. He was treated early with interferon while it was still experimental. And some of his blood tests were alarming. But he has never had the degeneration that has befallen so many others. Still cycles, works out and does an occasional job with his head carpenter (he's a contractor). Granted, during the years of doctor visits, he saw many companions end up in wheelchairs and worse. But there are always exceptions. Just hate these premature tragic decisions. Though I understand they're vital to the plot.
One other note: Boy, heavy eyebrows for women are really in these days! The villainess in Sin Tu Mirada had a pair of caterpillars for eyebrows. And the doomed fiancée in this one certainly had dark, well-defined ones. All to sell more cosmetics I guess. They've done all they can on mascara, now for what's left!
Your recap was better paced than the episode. Very enjoyable. Thanks Jardinera.
"In other words, he knows Business and he can figure out Da Bidnez!"
but also this:
"Pig continues to gripe til Lamb shuts him up. "--You asked for it. Well, then you got it! I'm stepping down and Miguel is taking over!!" (Methinks that Pig just got rolled into his own blanket.....)"
Missed the opening episode, but am finding the pacing of this rather glacial compared to la Usurpadora. Plus, have to admit I was frothing at the mouth, when Sebastien's girlfriend decided suicide was a better option than treatment for multiple sclerosis.
My brother, now 73, has had it since his 30's. He was treated early with interferon while it was still experimental. And some of his blood tests were alarming. But he has never had the degeneration that has befallen so many others. Still cycles, works out and does an occasional job with his head carpenter (he's a contractor). Granted, during the years of doctor visits, he saw many companions end up in wheelchairs and worse. But there are always exceptions. Just hate these premature tragic decisions. Though I understand they're vital to the plot.
One other note: Boy, heavy eyebrows for women are really in these days! The villainess in Sin Tu Mirada had a pair of caterpillars for eyebrows. And the doomed fiancée in this one certainly had dark, well-defined ones. All to sell more cosmetics I guess. They've done all they can on mascara, now for what's left!
Your recap was better paced than the episode. Very enjoyable. Thanks Jardinera.
Jardinera, I was trying to think of a clever name that you all always give these colorful characters, and when I read Pig, I almost spit out my coffee. Nothing more perfect could have been given to that character. I really have very little to add. With little time you did a great job on this recap. But here are my two sense.
Miguel's opening lines to Pig in the cemetery were wonderful! When asked why he doesn't say much his reply was, "in Japan one learns to make sure that what one says be better than silence." I found this to be completely ironic because Pig seems to talk just to hear himself speak. Additionally, his ignorance and lack of "mundo" is apparent in everything he does, especially when he calls all of Asia, "China."
At the party, Pig tell Tacho that Miguel had entered into "La Cueva del Lobo" or Wolf's Cave. I saw a lot of inconsistency in this statement because it was Pigmenio who postured the whole evening and had very little substance to what he did or said. You can see that he thinks little before running his mouth. Miguel was controlled and calm the entire time, taking in his surroundings and potential dangers. He was in control of the situation. In almost everything Pig says, you can hear the veiled threat. I didn't pay much attention to this one until he repeats it to Don Lamberto at the end of the episode, "Wouldn't like for anything sad to happen like the death of your parents, may they rest in peace." This parallels well the fact that he disturbed the peace by showing up at the cemetery when Mig was paying his respects. Miguel had commented to Lamberto about the visit at the tomb and Lamberto had commented , calling Pig a "desgraciado" a favorite telenovela word, which could loosely be translate to Pig, or perverse, or miserable man. Saying that he couldn't even respect the peace of the dead.
Miguel's opening lines to Pig in the cemetery were wonderful! When asked why he doesn't say much his reply was, "in Japan one learns to make sure that what one says be better than silence." I found this to be completely ironic because Pig seems to talk just to hear himself speak. Additionally, his ignorance and lack of "mundo" is apparent in everything he does, especially when he calls all of Asia, "China."
At the party, Pig tell Tacho that Miguel had entered into "La Cueva del Lobo" or Wolf's Cave. I saw a lot of inconsistency in this statement because it was Pigmenio who postured the whole evening and had very little substance to what he did or said. You can see that he thinks little before running his mouth. Miguel was controlled and calm the entire time, taking in his surroundings and potential dangers. He was in control of the situation. In almost everything Pig says, you can hear the veiled threat. I didn't pay much attention to this one until he repeats it to Don Lamberto at the end of the episode, "Wouldn't like for anything sad to happen like the death of your parents, may they rest in peace." This parallels well the fact that he disturbed the peace by showing up at the cemetery when Mig was paying his respects. Miguel had commented to Lamberto about the visit at the tomb and Lamberto had commented , calling Pig a "desgraciado" a favorite telenovela word, which could loosely be translate to Pig, or perverse, or miserable man. Saying that he couldn't even respect the peace of the dead.
continued...
The fact that Don Lamberto calls his associates at two in the morning to call a meeting attest to how respected he is. The editing on the meeting was interesting to watch because every time Lamberto was confused they would make the sound more hollow to show his confusion. I loved all the blustering Pig did at the meeting and the partners consistent, "take it easy mans." Adding a little comic relief. This is also where Pig show's how desgraciado he really is when he tell Lamberto again as a veiled threat, "and you are not afraid to lose Miguelito, like you lost your son?" Although, to be honest Empegmenio thinks he is clever but he about as clear as water. He lacks wit and is obvious. I am not sure if the writers underestimate the ability of the audience to read the characters when they make their intentions so clear, a little subtlety goes a long way. When he got home to Dora and she asked how it went, he told her "Estoy Fregado, pero todavía tengo lo mio." or "I'm screwed, but I still have it."
So obviously, we wouldn't have seen all of this story about Hector's sister if it hadn't been an important part of the story. Besides the fact that they wasted a lot of screen time with him trying to convince his mom to move to DF with them, we will see where this is going.
Miguel returns to Japan with all that is happening with Asya. While he was meeting with Tadamichi and having their deep conversation, and they were overlaying the love story of Asya and Miguel, I wrote in my notes, suicide, because she seemed to be very sad. The actress, or editing, did a good job of leading us down that road, because I think it was obvious it was coming. Of the final video Asya left Miguel, the words that stood out to me the most were when she said, "I know you would have done up to the impossible to take care of my health...go back to Mexico with your family and protect them as you would protect me..."
I think we see here that Miguel, although his sister thinks otherwise, has the need to protect, and I am sure from here we will see how this commission that Asya gives him will affect his commitment to what is to come.
I think we all foresaw that Asya wasn't long for this world. so I wonder what tomorrow will bring.
Esther
The fact that Don Lamberto calls his associates at two in the morning to call a meeting attest to how respected he is. The editing on the meeting was interesting to watch because every time Lamberto was confused they would make the sound more hollow to show his confusion. I loved all the blustering Pig did at the meeting and the partners consistent, "take it easy mans." Adding a little comic relief. This is also where Pig show's how desgraciado he really is when he tell Lamberto again as a veiled threat, "and you are not afraid to lose Miguelito, like you lost your son?" Although, to be honest Empegmenio thinks he is clever but he about as clear as water. He lacks wit and is obvious. I am not sure if the writers underestimate the ability of the audience to read the characters when they make their intentions so clear, a little subtlety goes a long way. When he got home to Dora and she asked how it went, he told her "Estoy Fregado, pero todavía tengo lo mio." or "I'm screwed, but I still have it."
So obviously, we wouldn't have seen all of this story about Hector's sister if it hadn't been an important part of the story. Besides the fact that they wasted a lot of screen time with him trying to convince his mom to move to DF with them, we will see where this is going.
Miguel returns to Japan with all that is happening with Asya. While he was meeting with Tadamichi and having their deep conversation, and they were overlaying the love story of Asya and Miguel, I wrote in my notes, suicide, because she seemed to be very sad. The actress, or editing, did a good job of leading us down that road, because I think it was obvious it was coming. Of the final video Asya left Miguel, the words that stood out to me the most were when she said, "I know you would have done up to the impossible to take care of my health...go back to Mexico with your family and protect them as you would protect me..."
I think we see here that Miguel, although his sister thinks otherwise, has the need to protect, and I am sure from here we will see how this commission that Asya gives him will affect his commitment to what is to come.
I think we all foresaw that Asya wasn't long for this world. so I wonder what tomorrow will bring.
Esther
First, thanks so much for getting us started on what appears to be an exciting and different kind of novela for Televisa/Univisión and even Telemundo.
The first 15 minutes of Episode 1 grabbed me, and I'm sure I won't question my decision to start my second narco-novela. I think the author came up with an ingenious idea to blend Japanese and Mexican cultures for the storyline. It will be interesting to see how Miguel paves his way through both ideologies, while staying true to himself.
I just hope we aren't subjected to too much blood and gore.
The first 15 minutes of Episode 1 grabbed me, and I'm sure I won't question my decision to start my second narco-novela. I think the author came up with an ingenious idea to blend Japanese and Mexican cultures for the storyline. It will be interesting to see how Miguel paves his way through both ideologies, while staying true to himself.
I just hope we aren't subjected to too much blood and gore.
I've been re-watching Teresa and getting my quarterly Sebastián Rulli Fix, so I haven't been watching the lastest Televisa novelas on Univisión.
But I'm so excited I'm jumping into this one. I've been waiting from when it was first advertized, and the first two episodes look to back up the hype.
I'm thrilled to see some of our old friends back:
Jarifa, Jardinera, JudyB, SteveB, Anita, Rgv, and more to come on board, I'm sure. SteveB, are you going to start your famous 'knock off' list? Please do.
Thanks to all who are volunteering their time to recap for us. More later..
But I'm so excited I'm jumping into this one. I've been waiting from when it was first advertized, and the first two episodes look to back up the hype.
I'm thrilled to see some of our old friends back:
Jarifa, Jardinera, JudyB, SteveB, Anita, Rgv, and more to come on board, I'm sure. SteveB, are you going to start your famous 'knock off' list? Please do.
Thanks to all who are volunteering their time to recap for us. More later..
Thanks, Jardinera. El Dragón is moving right along, but even if it wasn't the recaps are fabulous. My faves:
When Mig doesn't respond in kind with a similar effervescing of hot air, Pig wonders why.
Pig then plays macho on the stallion, jumps on and then immediately gets bucked off.
In other words, he knows Business and he can figure out Da Bidnez!
We knew Mig's novia wouldn't last. No backstory on her to get why she made this decision, but it seems depression got the better of her. Maybe her family never tolerated illness. JudyB, thanks for sharing about your brother. Inspiring.
Mig is one sharp cookie, but he does need an ally. Enter his childhood friend. I was surprised they recognized each other since I assumed they hadn't seen each other in 20 years.
Esther, thanks for "Estoy Fregado, pero todavía tengo lo mio." It was nerve-wracking watching Don Lamberto fade in and out during the meeting.
When Mig doesn't respond in kind with a similar effervescing of hot air, Pig wonders why.
Pig then plays macho on the stallion, jumps on and then immediately gets bucked off.
In other words, he knows Business and he can figure out Da Bidnez!
We knew Mig's novia wouldn't last. No backstory on her to get why she made this decision, but it seems depression got the better of her. Maybe her family never tolerated illness. JudyB, thanks for sharing about your brother. Inspiring.
Mig is one sharp cookie, but he does need an ally. Enter his childhood friend. I was surprised they recognized each other since I assumed they hadn't seen each other in 20 years.
Esther, thanks for "Estoy Fregado, pero todavía tengo lo mio." It was nerve-wracking watching Don Lamberto fade in and out during the meeting.
Jardinera, I don't have much time because I'm at work right now. I just wanted to thank you for your fine recapping. It sure was a surprise to me to see Asya commit suicide. I am looking forward to tonight.
Thank you Jardinera! I like what I have seen so far. I'm really happy about the English closed captions coming back. It was so helpful last night. Can't wait to see tonight's.
Am beyond furious that Univision chose, in this novela, to make a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis a reason for suicide.
There are lots of truly fatal medical conditions they could have chosen, but multiple sclerosis is not one of them.
There are lots of truly fatal medical conditions they could have chosen, but multiple sclerosis is not one of them.
Permalink posted by 
: Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at 7:20:00 PM EDT
: Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at 7:20:00 PM EDT
Hi, Jarifa, always good to read your comments. Hanging out on the patio is a nice part of each day.
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at 7:57:00 PM EDT
: Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at 7:57:00 PM EDT
Anon 7.20...unfortunately...i had a neighbor who did committ suicude. She was a vibrant outgoing phsychiatrist who liked 2 travel. But as her desease progressed...leaving her in a scooter 2 make rounds...she cldnt take it anymore and overdosed. I felt so bad watching her go from happy and outgoing 2 depressed and reclusive. This was in the early 90s so I dont know what thereapys or meds were available. I know the desease imapcts everyone differently and see so up close now despite the advances in meds. My cousin sucumbed 2 ms in her mid 20s...dying in a nursing home. Despite the ailment...i feel 4 anyone who doesnt see a better way than suicide.
Nett
Nett
Permalink posted by : Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at 8:06:00 PM EDT
: Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at 8:06:00 PM EDT
Thanks so much, Jardinera, for the terrific recap. Your snark was lovely as well and I enjoyed it, especially (Methinks that Pig just got rolled into his own blanket.....) LOL! Priceless. :)
Good lord, Asya! Couldn't you have waited at least a couple of days, girl? The moment she laid down on the bed with that look in her eyes, it was like she had already given up and I was like, no, no, no, no... I felt so sorry for her. And poor Miguel... *sigh*
Talk about awkward, Bernal and Miguel reuniting after so long but Bernal's sister killed by cartel and Mig about to take over one... Does not bode well for this relationship.
Pig is the perfect name for that disgusting, murderous clown. I hope it hurt like hell when that poor horse slammed him to the ground.
Miguel trying to inject legitimacy into abuelo's bidnez... works for me. But that's going to be a hard row to hoe, yo.
Good lord, Asya! Couldn't you have waited at least a couple of days, girl? The moment she laid down on the bed with that look in her eyes, it was like she had already given up and I was like, no, no, no, no... I felt so sorry for her. And poor Miguel... *sigh*
Talk about awkward, Bernal and Miguel reuniting after so long but Bernal's sister killed by cartel and Mig about to take over one... Does not bode well for this relationship.
Pig is the perfect name for that disgusting, murderous clown. I hope it hurt like hell when that poor horse slammed him to the ground.
Miguel trying to inject legitimacy into abuelo's bidnez... works for me. But that's going to be a hard row to hoe, yo.
Let me add that it would have made Asya's next-day suicide attempt less jarring if we'd been shown a reason why she would've spiraled so quickly. In my mind, there had to be something she experienced... don't you think?
Nett,
Thank you for telling us your story.
If Asya had end-stage MS, her suicide would have been understandable. I assumed, because of Miguel's internet research, that she had been recently (?) diagnosed with MS.
In any case, for some reason the writers decided he needed a novia who would die at the start of the novela (why, I don't know). But there were any number of other ways to get rid of her without giving the impression that MS is so awful the only escape is suicide.
(Obviously, I'm not angry with you.)
Thank you for telling us your story.
If Asya had end-stage MS, her suicide would have been understandable. I assumed, because of Miguel's internet research, that she had been recently (?) diagnosed with MS.
In any case, for some reason the writers decided he needed a novia who would die at the start of the novela (why, I don't know). But there were any number of other ways to get rid of her without giving the impression that MS is so awful the only escape is suicide.
(Obviously, I'm not angry with you.)
Permalink posted by : Saturday, October 5, 2019 at 8:43:00 PM EDT
: Saturday, October 5, 2019 at 8:43:00 PM EDT
<< Home
© Caray, Caray! 2006-2022. Duplication of this material for use on any other site is strictly prohibited.
