Wednesday, October 16, 2019

La Usurpadora - Capitulo 22 - The land that laws of physics have abandoned

It’s four episodes from the end and we can tell by the supersonic speed we are moving at! So the writers tried to do something clever today and keep us guessing through the whole episode, but since we are smarter than that and saw right through the trick, we’ll just work their mystery reveals in a bit earlier. 

 We are back in action with Paulina in some theater, having been dragged there by our masked kidnapper – Manuel! She tries to reason with him, but he has bigger concerns on his mind, like the fact that he just killed someone. So he dyes his hair some dark shade of gray (very poorly) and calls his (as of recently) lover Paola, who tries to calm him down and says this whole thing with Wilson is no big loss.


Manuel doesn’t know that Paola is actually multitasking: while planning this kidnapping with him, she is also on a date with the plane dude, making escape plans to Dominican Republic. (Whatever we can say about Paola, she seems to have this amazing ability to land on her feet like a cat. We’ll see if it lasts 3 more episodes…) Paola does eventually make it over to the theater in a completely different outfit(!), and with a completely different hairstyle. She taunts Paulina some by telling her it was predictable that Paulina would believe her, and that Olga’s last words were Paola’s name. Eventually though she is ready to shoot her, but right as the gun is pointed at our brave heroine, Terryfying Terry arrives with her crew of henchmen. One of them has to die, declares Terryfying sibling, pointing her gun at Paola. This is happening over Manuel’s promises that they could work it out, and Paola’s angry screams at Manuel for failing to kill Terry. 


Meanwhile Paulina’s security detail finally woke up from their afternoon nap and realized she was missing, so they phoned it in. A search party ensues, complete with Pascual (who gives the family a nice pep talk of what it means to be in a crisis mode) and Nava (who dishes out a few “I told you so” comments). They find Wilson’s body and view the garage security camera footage. From there, a great idea is born in Pascual’s little mind: Molina is responsible for that. Nava, like us, thinks that if we are talking about the same Molina, who is barely alive, that’s unlikely. So Nava storms off to look for Manuel and Teresa. He tells Carlos that when they find Paola, they are arresting her. Carlos is finally with him on that point. 


Nava continues to have a difficult day though, while he is frantically looking for Paulina. Midway through he goes back to see Carlos with some of his evidence, and they again throw some veiled jealousy jabs at each other. Nava then runs off to follow a lead Irene calls him with, but it’s an empty one. That’s a shame too, because it was some wonderful SWAT team action: police backup, fully attired in vests and helmets, and Nava, Pedro and Irene in civilian clothes, and in the case of some - even stilettos. (Respect to Irene and the actress for running around in those things, but really would have thought it would be thought through better by the director….) 


In the face of this new defeat, Nava is about to lose his marbles and Pedro is trying to calm him down. Carlos is not doing any better, snapping at Gema, who I am sure can’t feel great observing this situation and how worried Carlos is about “Paola”. 

Finally there is a real lead: someone spotted Manuel close to the theater. Our fearless crew of policemen head out there and, with great force, break into the theater… only to find that they are too late again, and the only thing they are left with is the blood stain on the mattress on the floor. Nava walks around the theater and suddenly out of nowhere runs into Paulina sitting there on the steps. Paulina seems very shaken up, but shares little info, except to say that Paola is dead. Manuel and Teresa are nowhere to be found. You see where this is going, right? 


So let’s talk about how Teresa even got to the theater. She was hiding out somewhere, having left her residence after Manuel tried to kill her. Simultaneously she had her henchmen looking for Manuel. They brought her the news that Manuel has kidnapped a lady and is keeping her at the theater. They also wisely reasoned that if they found him, police won’t be far behind – and they were right. So Teresa booked it to the theater. 


And this is where the writers were trying to keep some suspense, but by the end of the episode we find out that actually before Paola’s and Teresa’s standoff, Paola changed outfits with Paulina (without having moved the latter even an inch or disturbed her messy hair even a bit). Manuel then spilled some (what looked to be obtained from the hospital) blood on to the mattress that they were keeping Paulina on, and Paola rubbed some blood on her own dress. Then she got ready to send Paulina to meet with Olga, when Terry appeared and spoiled her plans. Neither one of them got to pull the trigger, because one of Teresa’s men spotted the police (Irene’s heels must have been making too much noise), and Terry unsuccessfully tried to get Manuel to leave with her. Instead she ended up picking up Paulina, while Manuel held down very unhappy Paola, who just had her toy taken away. 


Terry and her henchmen were off to some abandoned warehouse, where they put Paulina in a cage. Terry thinks they will be able to get a nice sum as a ransom for Paulina. With that in mind she spends some time strategizing with her people and significantly overusing “playing one’s hand well” metaphor. 


And Paola, after the standoff, positioned herself on those steps to be found by Nava. She plays her role well, and everyone assumes she is the First Lady, who is returned home. She talks sparingly and has Arcadia (who is in the know) assist with keeping door watches and helping her not put her foot in her mouth. Paola also has a long wig that she very carelessly takes off half of the time she is in the house. 


Thankfully for Paola, Carlos is called away to deal with the hurricane that hit the country, so she is free of her hated husband. (Carlos wasn't going to be a huge help spotting the fake anyway...) There are still quite a few strange inconsistencies, but never fear: if this family didn’t notice when Paola was first switched for Paulina, they will not notice anything now. This turns out to be true for everyone, except for Montse, who is keeping an eye on "Paulina". 


Meanwhile Paola’s main goal is to transfer some money to her account and then be off to the Dominican Republic. The only trouble is: she forgot her password, which prompts a manic freakout that Montse walks in on. Paola already snapped at Montse a couple times, so Montse decides to test a theory: she tells Paola she needs to leave early to see her mom and her son, and Paola – only too happy to see her off – gives her permission and sends best wishes to Montse’s fake family. We don’t actually hear drum roll at this point, but Montse’s face says it all: she figured it out!


In other significant development - after he saved “Paulina”, Nava is continuing to follow the leads. He demands to debrief Paulina, but is denied, so instead he is sent to Cancun by Irene to interrogate Gonzalo’s pilot. This, for once, goes successfully for Nava, and the pilot says he found a gun left by Paola on his plane, and, in exchange for a deal, will turn it in. 


And there we have it! Three more episodes left to pack it all in: how will they do it!? 

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Comments:
Thank you for another wonderful recap, Ria!

I was excited that I was able to figure some of the plot out before reading your recap but am so thankful you gave the gritty details about our terrible threesome. I do give the wretched Paola credit for acting very well. As you noted Ria, I thought it was too early (we have three episodes left) for Paulina to be safe back at home.

At this point my major concern is our dear Montse. I will be vexed beyond everything if she does live to the end of our tn. It's unfortunate her character is so smart and yet poor Carlos is so not. While its convenient that no one noticed the difference in Paulina/Paola I'll give the kids a pass for now and poor Carlos...well he wasn't going to be figuring things out. Now Carlos's mom will realize something is off soon.

While I haven't been a fan of Arcacia, she's now on my list of those who need to be gone by the this tn along with the wretched threesome; the two trash pandas, Princess Juju I love that term, and the two crazies. Manuel's dye job, like everything he does was awful. And Paola is being true to herself but it does get tiresome that she wants to kill her twin. Yes she's a psychopath but why can't she just left her sister alone (yeah, yeah plot, whatever.)

Oh and I had to laugh at your observation about Irene wearing heels at the theatre. Ria. I realize that many women wear heels but that seems to be the one time when other footware would be a better choice. Honestly whenever I see scenes like this (inappropriate footware) I think more women need to be behind the scenes (writing, directing or continuity) though I know some women do actually wear high heels as a way of life.

Thanks again Ria! This is going to be a crazy ride to the end.


 

Ria, what a clever title. Magic.

The recap was excellent!

"So he dyes his hair some dark shade of gray (very poorly) and calls his (as of recently) lover Paola, who tries to calm him down and says this whole thing with Wilson is no big loss was my favorite.

Manuel is not dancing on the edge of insanity - he is now "all in". Anyone thinking "Just For Men" was ever a good idea was sadly mistaken. Seeing him applying the dark dye to his hair and mustache was achingly pathetic.

I was very impressed at the band of not so merry men Terry has assembled. I gather thievery has been her lifelong occupation and has served her well. Most do not appear terribly bright (she has more than sufficient little grey cells for everyone), but they do appear loyal.

Karen, I knew the dastardly Paola had switched places and was waiting for the shoe to drop (so to speak). Paola really snapped at Lis which only reinforces that this is likely how she was treated her entire life, making the fact she loves her mother all the more admirable.

Pedro seemed grim last night. I hope he and Osvi make up...

Paola not remembering her password was hard to fathom. Someone who can orchestrate murder and mayhem without breaking a bead of sweat would surely not have forgotten such a critical piece of information.

Irene looks cool and collected. Consistently. I had to laugh at the stilettos. No loafers here.

And our resident genius Montse. I suspect Irene could use another good woman on her squad.

I am really enjoying such wonderful, intelligent female characters. Even Arcacia, evil and selfish as she is, knows how to manipulate to her advantage. "she's now on my list" too Karen! I think a bit of jail time might do her a world of good!

I feel this has been an excellent adventure. But mostly because your insight, penchant for noticing every single detail, wit and humor and wonderful writing has made it so Ria. Thank you so very much! I am so appreciative.

Diana
 

Gracias, Ria. I'm sure you're looking forward to a rest after doing all these recaps for the last five weeks.

I almost laughed when seeing Irene stalking in stilettos. That should be limited to film noir femme fatales. Marishka Hargitay would be horrified. How the hell do you chase down a suspect in stilettos?

Lis needs therapy. That whole family -- or what will be left of it -- will need therapy after "Fin" flashes on the screen.

How far away is Carlos from the end of his term? How much of this will be revealed or would it be better for his future if it's all covered up at the end? Will the writers even tell us?


 

Ria, Thank you so much for your dedication to bringing us your superb recaps of every year scratching episode.

The look on Montse's face as she observed Paola was telling. Pauline was fortunate to find such clever ally.

Paola , Terryfying, and Manuel have become The Three Stooges...in an evil way. Everything in Paula's orbit gets destroyed. I wonder what a old will be doled out at the end and who will killed off.

 

Year scratching = head scratching head .

A old = anvils

Sorry
 

Hah! Every woman watching that show last night must have been shrieking when they saw Irene in stiletto heels. Apart from the difficulty in running, what a good way to alert any bad guys as your heels go click click click on the floor. Seriously, director?

Loved your title because the warp speed at which this is going is unsettling and takes away from the believability of the story. But so what? It's a telenovela. Might as well just relax and enjoy.

Speaking of...here's a trivial observation: As a woman of..ahem..a certain age, I have to admit that I love the way they are dressing the detestable Arcacia. I would love any one of those Chanel-type suits. Heck! give me the whole wardrobe!

Terry and her Backstreet Boys are a hoot. Evidently she's assembled some strong backs and weak minds to help her achieve her goals. Certainly wishing her luck as she's so anti-Paola.

And I join everyone in hoping Montse has a happily ever after with a long life and an adopted baby to raise. I hate it when some innocent character is bumped off as "collateral damage".

Thanks Ria. You've been a champ through all this horserace and it's definitely been fun.
 

Thank you, Ria. I really enjoyed the recap.

Some thoughts:

Karen, I agree with your assessment of Montse’s and Carlos’s “respective” intelligence.

I want to see Andrés Palacio in an intelligent role so I can enjoy his talent and his looks.

Glad Wilson is dead and gone. Can Arcadia, Paola, Manuel and Teresa follow him?

Liked Paola always with an eye on the future this time with a new guy in the wings. Loved her reaction to forgetting her password.

Manuel is the stereotypical old fool especially with the bad dye job. As Diana noted so well the dye application was “ achingly pathetic”.

I think we all have reason to worry about Montse. Here is hoping she has enough talent to hide recognizing that Paola has come home.


 

Judyb...yes, those Chanel suits . My college French teacher Madame C. used to wear them... but with black orthopedic shoes . Acacia is certainly a clothes horse, and she does look very put together from head to toe.
 

I hope that Montse and Nava team up to find Paulina.
 

Judy, I also love Arcacia's suits! Thank you for noting "Chanel" which is what they were likely meant to be. Silly old me was thinking "Talbots", which of course she would likely never deign to wear :) Susanlynn, her many pearls (likely supposed to be real as well) whisper quiet elegance as well.

Urban, I suspect Irene follows the thought of "fashion first". Always...

"Glad Wilson is dead and gone. Can Arcadia, Paola, Manuel and Teresa follow him?" Jarifa, that made me laugh out loud at work. Thank you.

Diana
 

Diana, glad I could give you a good laugh! : )
 

Ria: You cracked me up when you called out Univision for cutting majority of the scenes in the episodes of this Telenovela.

Not shocked about Wilson getting whacked. No BIGLY loss for anyone.

Diana: I think Teresa might be the last one villain left standing when all is said & done. Speaking of Manuel, he did a HORRIBLE job in dye-ing his hair, which looks pathetic.

Jarifa: Will the Gran Final be 2 HRS on Friday ?



 

Karen - oh my goodness, I am really worried for Montse too!! Writers better tread carefully with this one! Also nodding my head over here at your comment that more women writing and directing is needed in many instances.

Diana - I, too, was very impressed (if we can use that word when talking about a gang) with Terry’s leadership skills. Not too bad for our Terryfying villain. If only now she let the poor old Manuel lie in the bed that he made (quite literally), release Paulina and go live her life somewhere else... Alas, it’s all not that simple. Plus she needs to get hers too.
On Paola’s password: there may be more going on that she simply forgot it. Is it the foundation’s account she was trying to get to, or Wilson’s and hence she was struggling? I confess I did not go back to rewatch, so maybe someone else can shed light on that.

Urban - I have to say it is beginning to catch up with me a bit this week, but only because work picked up. However it is still a very fun part of my day to write and discuss these with this amazing patio. It will be bittersweet to see this cool series end this week.
Also, I laughed at both you “Mariska Hargitay” and therapy for the family comments - too good and too true!!

Susanlynn - Paola really is not moving in any direction of redemption, is she? Not that we’d expect it, but looks like she is destroying everything in her wake indeed.

JudyB - yes, we had some great wardrobe choices this series and I do agree with you on Arcadia! She is very elegantly presented. And Backstreet boys comment was hilarious!

Jarifa - I am with you wanting to see Andres Palacios in a better role. Even though his character looks like he’ll be the “winner” so to speak, Carlos did little to deserve it and it’s hard to root for him. Oh well, we have Paulina to root for though and Montse now!

Steve - yes, it’s Teresa and Paola now. Villain ranks are thinning out.

 

Diana, your comment made me think about a past fashion conversation between you and Kirby !
 

The foundation wouldn't have enough money to satisfy Paola for the rest of her getaway life. It has to be Carlos' bank account, or the presidential coffers?
 

I think that we should all try to guess Paula's password.
 

This was soooo good T-Ria.

I kinda saw the switch-a-roo comin,but
The writers wanted to Give us a bump in The rode to a happy ending. What a
Bump.

I hope Montse can get to nava, I want him to rescue her. I don't want her to
Settle. She can be a lovin tia(aunte),
Minus the psycho moma.I think the kids
Can and will survive the truth. Lizzy
Will be fine too. That new found hope
She has in herself she probly got that
From Tia Paulina.

They should arrest Arcadia for being
An accessory in helping Paola do her Dirty Deeds. They probly Will.If she's
Not shot by her grateful adopted spawn

"Meanwhile paullina's security detail finally wakes up from their afternoon nap and discovers she's missing" they
Should be fired. With whoever hired them.
One thing I like about the secret service in the US They never let the first family out of Their sight. When Obama was president that first year myleia and sasha were little,they went Trick-or-treating and the Was srcret service right there with them. They looked cute but safe. But this is just a tv story. A good one too.

Now I thought they killed terrifying but he went to the hospital and was able to get blood. How easy was that?
On the vampire shows they would do that. So this blood they just had blood layin around waiting for manu to come and get?how convienant. The drama moves Right along tonite.

Thank you Tia.

Pz, I hope so too SusyQ.

 

PS^^^^^^
 

Hahaha, Susanlynn - your comment has me laughing still. People are turning around to see. We totally should!

Nina - yes, I don’t want her to settle either, but beginning to think she might. And really - how easy was it to get a pint of blood at the hospital??
 

Ria, it hadn't occurred to me that Paola was trying to hack either the foundation's or Wilson's accounts although Wilson might have been foolish enough to give her the passwords.

My thought is that Paola has a large account filled with money she has squirreled away or "helped herself to" somewhere along the line. I say this only as she led such a wild life and would have needed money to fly away at a moment's notice

I hope they shed more light on this!

Diana
 

Another great one, Ria! Right on, susanlynn, about Montse and Nava needing to team up.
 

Ria: I should also note that Paola & Arcadia the Gambler are brainwashing Liz to hate Paulina as we speak.


 

Thanks, Ria. Fabulous title and recap.

Late to the party. Found myself nodding along to everybody's comment.

I too hope Montse plays it safe and doesn't let on with Paola.

I wanted a scene when someone realized it wasn't Paola because she doesn't have a bullet wound, but I guess I'm out of luck.

I don't want her to
Settle. She can be a lovin tia (aunte),


Nina, my sentiments exactly. It'll hurt Lis to find out her own mom could care less, but having a loving aunt should make her feel better. Come to think of it, if Carlos stays in power, or close to power, Paulina as an aunt could still have a good position to advocate for children and workers' rights.
 

Niecie: Let me guess. Montse playing with dynamite in terms of confronting the villains ?

Bold Prediction: She will NOT be among the living!
 

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