Caray, Caray!

Back to our regular scheduled programming faithful friends. Friday night is here, let’s see how where our writers leave us tonight.

Angel overhears Chisca telling Valentin that she misses him, and all that jazz. Valentin gives her lame excuses about why he hasn’t called, the divorce is complicated, his wife’s lawyers can’t find out about his relationship with her. They talk sweet to each other, and all while Angel is listening and you can tell that he is upset by the whole thing. Valentin brings the conversation around to Miguel and tells Chisca that she should find out what Miguel is up to so that he can help her out by talking to Miguel for her. She is so stupid over him that she doesn’t even realize that all he is doing is pumping her for information and that it doesn’t suit him in the slightest that she is on the outs with her brother. Angel kicks an errant beer bottle and Chisca hears. She is using the excuse of Adri and Valentin buys it. Angel sneaks back upstairs. How many times does Valentin need to bring up Miguel for Chisca to get a clue. Good thing she was completely out of the picture with this last mission, but I worry she is going to get more info from Jimena than Miguel. Angel is destroyed by everything he just heard. I wonder if he is smart enough to put two and two together, or if anger and his broken heart are going to hinder his brain cells from functioning.


Jesus Montero (the guy Miguel is backing?), the candidate for governor is having a political rally, talking about change in Baja California, El Coyote and Zaragoza are in the audience.

Back at the Pig ranch, Epigmenio is on his couch mad at the television and the sight of the politician. Miss Piggy walks in and tell ePig (I’m stealing this, I like it) that she likes this Jesus Montero and that she likes the way he speaks and that you can tell he is a good person. ePig tells the Mrs that Montero is as corrupt as any other politician. The Mrs. backs off saying it’s just her opinion. ePig is losing any points he may have gained with his treatment of his wife, when he gets all condescending with her trying to belittle her opinion, saying sarcastically, “and an expert opinion, no?” But she answers with a little guts saying “well, that’s what a lot of people think, and plus he’s handsome, and that adds a lot.” He is looking for his phone and asks his wife what she thinks of Faustino Volta (the guy he is backing?). His wife answers, “boring and more tasteless than water. Epigmenio doesn’t like the comment and tells her what stupid things she says. She answers, “well then why do you ask me.”

ePig is calling Volta, who is also a candidate for governor. ePig asks him how their latest investments are doing. Volta answers that according to the latest surveys, they are even. ePig doesn’t like the answer, he thinks they should be ahead. Volta tells him to remember that just a few months back they were far behind and that they have done a lot in little time, and that it is a great accomplishment. ePig tells him that he is sounding like a loser, and Volta says, not at all, but that the result will come down to election day. ePig doesn’t like that answer, he says that they will not wait til election day, that he himself will determine the outcome. Volta asks how, but ePig has hung up.

ePig calls for Tacho he wants him to go to Ciudad Jimenez, he has a job for him and that no one should see him or know that ePig is behind it. Sounds like he has plans for Montero.

Victor and Adela are eating and Victor is so caught up in his phone that Adela tells him “Earth to Victor.” He says sorry, it’s an important client, that clients like that one bring out the workaholic in him. Adela tells Victor that she prefers the Victor who is cheesy. Victor then suggests to her that for the coming weekend, they leave work behind and go away. She asks him if it is an indecent proposal. He suggests a trip to Los Cabos, she thinks its great, he tells her to not even think about it, let’s just go. She then realizes that she can’t because she has to be in Ciudad Jimenez that weekend. He asks why, she said that she had scheduled that weekend to go and close up her house. She had been putting it off. He suggests she go another weekend. She says that she wants to take advantage of the situation, that everyone was going together and she was taking advantage of the trip. He asks who everyone is, she says Miguel, his siblings, the family, they were going for stuff regarding the election. Of course Victor only hears Miguel. Doesn’t he realize that she is saving herself the expense of going there by taking the private Garza jet? Adela asks him why all the questions to which he replies that what he feels for her is special, something he hasn’t felt for anyone. She asks him why is he telling her all of that. He says he doesn’t know, that he just wanted her to know. She likes what he is telling her and gives him a kiss and then gives him some food.

Speaking of food, finally something pleasing on the eyes, after having to deal with Chisca and Epigmenio to open this episode. Miguel and Jimena are discussing the new digs of Dr. Farchala. The new lab is outfitted with the latest in technology. Dr. Farchala is now Dr. Portillo, and the new lab is going to be amazing. Jimena has pleased Miguel so we see a genuine smile on her face instead of a calculating one. Miguel gives her one in return. Sounds like the good Dr. is doing well and the people at Pritken do not suspect in any way that he is not dead. Jimena tells Miguel that he looks so handsome when he smiles, why don’t they spend the weekend in bed. He tells her he would love to, but he has to vote. Jimena tells him what a good citizen he is, and he says yes, he has to support Montero. Jimena says, ok then, we will go to Ciudad Jimenez, inviting herself along, any bed is good for her she says. Miguel bursts her bubble by saying that he would prefer to go alone. She asks if he is going alone. He says no, he’s going with Dora and they are going to take advantage of the opportunity to see their business partners. Jimena asks if he is only traveling with Dora. He answers that Jorge, Peligros and Adela are also going. Jimena does not like that answer. She says it is clear then, who is part of the family and who is not. Miguel tells her not to start. Jimena says she is not starting, but starts right in with “it is more than clear that wherever Adela goes, I can’t go.” Miguel tells her that she knows very well that Adela is from Ciudad Jimenez, and that she is going to situate things with her house and vote. Jimena answers with “how convenient, no?” Miguel of course has his customary answer, “you know very well that Adela and I are friends, and I am not going to put up with your jealousy.” Jimena is getting upset and raises her voice saying “oh, so now you are going to tell me how I am supposed to act in our relationship.” Now, I have this paused here, so I have no idea what the next line is. But I think she just might freak out Miguel with this talk of “our relationship.” Ok, no freak out. But Miguel answers, “this is unnecessary,” to which Jimena, now all worked up and pacing around tell him, “no Miguel, really, I don’t understand why I can’t accompany you to Ciudad Jimenez, everyone already knows that we are together.” Miguel looks like he has had enough “Since the beginning I made it very clear to you that this was not a serious relationship, no?” The music was awesome here cause there is a strong dissonant note as he dropped that truth. Jimena’s face takes on a look we haven’t seen in awhile. She says “fine, go play with your guns (jugar a las pistolas is also translated to playing cowboys) with your friends in Ciudad Jimenez, and I will stay here making sure that you business doesn’t go down the drain. Excuse me!” and she storms out of his office. Miguel looks a little ticked off at her departure. Really, did she think that because she was sleeping with him, that he wasn’t sleeping with anyone else. Did she think that because they worked together and saw each other frequently that she by default becomes the “novia official?” She needs to realize that she signed up for casual and until he changes that, it won’t change just because she thinks so. An actual conversation needs to happen. And really, she must not be that good, if he is turning down her outright declarations of wanting to spend the weekend in bed. I don’t think he wanted to have to play the “its just casual” card, but she forced his hand.

Chisca is getting dressed at Angel’s place, she says she is going home to pack a suitcase, and that her and Miguel are ok. She thanks Angel for being there for her and tells him that she knows that she often crosses the line with him, but that he is always there for her and that she will call him, at which point she says bye and leaves. Angel stands there looking upset, agreeing to what she says, but not wanting to say anything. Then decides better. He tells her it’s cool that she thanks him and everything, but that she had better not play him again. She just nods.

Back at the Garza Residence, Dora is talking to Chisca about leaving for the elections. Dora tells Chisca that she wants to ask forgiveness, Chisca says, for what, Dora tells Chisca that she is sorry that they put her in the clinic without her consent. Chisca says thanks. Dora asks Chisca to take care of herself while they are away.

Back at the Garza compound in CJ, Dora is having flashbacks of everything that happened to her there. Peligros asks her if everything is ok, he says that he can only imagine how she feels after everything that happened there with the Pachecos, all bad memories. Dora tells him that that are also good memories, and that she doesn’t want Miguel to see her upset. She picks up a photo of Don Lamberto and hugs it.

Chisca shows up at the offices of Miguel to the greetings of Jimena. She asks what are they doing and Trejo answers that they are helping the price of their companies shares to rise. She asks Flaco what he’s looking at, he says, “this is working…there are people that work to make a living.” Looks like Chisca rubs Flaco wrong, but after she used him to spy on Valentin, then tried to threaten him, then tried to seduce him, I can see why. Chisca responds with her usual attitude, and sarcastically replies, “no, really, you are one of those.” Jimena sees the writing on the wall and invites Chisca to her office. When she leaves Trejo tells Flaco to calm down, and Kenia asks him what his deal is. Jimena and Chisca are talking and Jimena says that that is just how Flaco is. But Chisca is in full out corporate espionage mode, courtesy of Valentin and wants to know what Flaco was looking at and what is his part in the whole thing. Jimena says that she doesn’t mess in Flaco’s private life. Chisca says really, you aren’t going to tell me, I thought we were friends. Jimena’s reply was priceless however, she says “if we were, you would have done something for me, and Miguel wouldn’t be in CJ right now with Adela.” Chisca stands there with her mouth wide open in surprise and then finally says…”you’re right… but I was thinking about this and I think that you should try and get close to Miguel without any tactics, without any pretext or anterior motive, it should be something to do with work. That way he will feel like he is in control. Miguel is a person who feels like he needs to have control all the time. Jimena tells Chisca, thanks for the advice. Chisca tells her what, I tell you things and you tell me nothing. Jimena hems and haws for half a second, and then says that Flaco is researching stuff for a lab. Chisca asks the obvious question, a lab for what. Jimena spills the beans, Miguel is after a new product that is unique. Chisca answers in disbelief, better than what we already have. Jimena tells her that if Miguel is successful, she will never need that stuff ever again, not her or anyone else. Chisca says impressive, and she seems genuinely impressed. Jimena swears her to secrecy, but we know that isn’t going to last. Trejo interrupts their talk to tell Jimena that the shares of Dellacasa (don’t remember any mention of this business) just rose $17 and should they sell. Jimena leaves Chisca with the info.

A meeting between Zaragoza, Dora, Coyote, and Miguel is underway. Zaragoza says things are going well, but when Montoya is their governor, things will be even better. They toast to that. Dora says she is worried about about the Organization of the Valley (ePig’s cover). She says they are asking them to transport too much merchandise and she is worried they won’t be able to pay. Coyote says they have payed all of deposits on time. Zaragoza says now they have the first payment of the balance and when they move the shipments to Mexico City…Miguel interrupts, confirming that all of the shipments are being sent to the CDMX. Zaragoza confirms. Miguel starts putting things together and says that Epigmenio is very big in the city, and are they sure that Chano or Pompi have nothing to do with Moncada. Coyote answers that of course they don’t have anything to do with him, but Miguel looks at him suspiciously. Coyote says that he has been told that he delivers to Mexico but has his own routes. Coyote says all of this without ever making eye contact with Miguel, and it looks like he may have some Spidey sense after all…but only in business, as blind as a bat in the personal. Coyote looks like he doesn’t want to answer any more questions and says he has things to do, so he has to go. Miguel asks if everything is all right, he says yes. Dora walks him to the door.

Back in the City, Jimena and Trejo are discussing the business. Trejo is telling her that not the businesses nor the foundation are enough to launder all of the money of their partners. Jimena asks what is the best way to launder money, Trejo doesn’t know. She says the best way to launder money is to make it look like something good for society. She says that if Montero wins the election, they can buy government lands in the outskirts of Baja California next to some lost town. Trejo is catching on, and says, a lost town that the governor is going to help grow economically. Jima says of course with tax subsidies to make it an industrial hub. Huge warehouses, filled with air. Giant money launderers. Trejo said he can write up the project plan, she says she will take care of it.

Chisca…again!! So basically, she calls Valentin as she is prone to do, but this time he actually answers. After the normal banter, I miss you, I love you, lets run away, excuse, excuse, excuse…he gets to the information pumping. She gives him the info Jimena gave her. He wants to know more about the wonder drug and what its called. She promises to get him the info. His other line rings, he says its his lawyers and he has to go. She begs him not to hang up but he does anyway. And why not, he already got what he wanted from her.

Miguel and Zaragoza are ending their meeting and Miguel asks Z, if he thinks Coyote is acting strange. Z says no, he’s always like that at election time. M tells Z to keep an eye on him. Z tells M that he has known C his whole life and doesn’t see the necessity to keep him surveilled. M says that something about C’s behavior unsettled him and he doesn’t like to ignore his instincts. Z agrees.

Jimena is in her place working on a what appears to be weekend morning.

Adela is at her place, moving all of her things into the center of the complex. People are going through her stuff offering her money and she says that whatever is there they are free to take. She is giving it all aways. She doesn’t want their money. Miguel drives up as she is dealing with them and walks up with a huge smile on his face. She smiles too when she sees him and says “what, now the boss is coming for the driver, or what?” Miguel answers “pleased to do it.” They leave together.

Again with the drama that is Chisca, I swear we see her more than the main characters. Show should be called “La Hermana Loca Del Dragon,” Personal opinions aside. Chisca is finally getting some sense and says that he is acting weird. I am guessing she means Valentin, cause when she suggests to Adri that she go see him, Adri tells her no, he told you it could get him into trouble if the lawyers find out he has a girlfriend. Chisca doest care what he lawyers say. Chisca is looking around the closet with a packet of coke in hand. She has a flashback to when she and Miguel were young. She remembers him showing her where he hid his treasures. When we get back to the present, she is stuffing the bag of cocaine into the tubing of the closet rod to hide it. The memory seems to be a good one for her. She says that things change. Then she tells Adri that she was supposed to meet Angel today but that she wants to be at the airport by then. She wants Adri to cover for her. Jimena Is printing what I assume is the plan for the money laundering.

Miguel is in a living room in front of a fire when Adela walks in talking about the number of boxes she took out of her house today. She sits on the coffee table in front of him. She looks like she is dressed for bed in lounging shorts and a long sleeved T. He laughs and says, he doesn’t know how many boxes, and Adela says she doesn’t either, but that it was a ton of trash. He asked what she had, and she told him, clothes, trash, old things. She asks for his permission to sit next to him on the sofa, he gives it, and when she sits, she comments on how the sofa is softer than hers. Then she asks him if he knows how many boxes she has to take out tomorrow. He says no and she says, me either, but just thinking about it tires me out. He offers her a drink and she says she would love one, but she couldn’t even lift a drink right now. He gets up to serve her one anyways and she lays down where he got off the sofa. He starts talking about how she needs to rest, that tomorrow is an important day, that he understands how exhausted she is, and how hard it is to say goodbye to a house, there are a lot of memories. He tells her that he admires her and wants to tell her that… He doesn’t get a chance to say anything. When he turns around Adela is sound asleep on the couch. He looks at her tenderly, half smiles and sits on the table just looking at her with that same half smile.

Jorge wakes up with another nightmare. “Abuelo, not you!!”

Tacho is having a meal, he is telling his mother how good the rice pudding is, that where they are, they just throw on the cinnamon and they don’t blend well. He tells his mother to sit and eat with him. She tells him she was born to cook. He talks to the man at the table who appears to be his dad. His mom tells him that his dad can barely hear and that he won’t use the hearing aids that he has. While he is trying to talk to his dad about the the hearing aids a knock on the door sounds. It is the man who saved the kids from the truck blowing up when their parents were killed. Tacho tells him look at you, the man says that Epigmenio left him in the street. Tacho tells him he is living extra hours, or on borrowed time, Gato. That must be his name. The boss should have killed you but didn’t since you are my compadre, and you don’t touch family. A compadre is a co-parent, usually the godparent to one of your children. But I don’t think that applies here, since Gato looks much older than Tacho. Gato tells Tacho that if he talks he knows what will happen. Tacho gives him a few bucks and then tells him to get lost.

Adri shows up to meet Angel on the date he had with Chisca. She tells him that she didn’t want to come and isn’t going to show. He insists that Adri tell him where she is at. Adri says she didn’t feel good. He tells Adri to stop lying to his face, that he knows that Chisca is messing around with the Spanish guy. Adris tells him that if he knows so much, to stop playing the dummy. He says she’s right, but tell him where she is at. She tells him that she went to Madrid. Miguel is at the Montero headquarters. Montero says that Volta is on his heels. Miguel tells him to stay calm. Montero says he can’t stay calm, everyday Volta is closer. Miguel says one thing is the polling, another is the actual vote. He asks him what he is so worried about. Montero tells Miguel that not to long ago, Volta started a dirty war, that he is trying everything, that he shows up everywhere, and that he has no idea where Volta is getting his money. Miguel says they will put up more posters and buy more television spots. That he will win!

Out of nowhere Carlos Duarte shows up with a ton of press. Miguel doesn’t look happy. They ask Montero how he feels. He says good, blessed to be part of such an important race. Duarte says it’s the peoples turn, they are going to pick their best representative. Duarte tells him he better win or he can forget that he ever had a political career.

Adela is finishing up getting her house cleared out. She has a friend that she gave a bunch of stuff too. While in the center of the complex she sees a deal go down on the streets. Men wearing Fausto shirts are paying another man. She asks what’s going on, and the friend says that the men are everywhere, doing everything they can to take down Volta and that they are paying cash. She asks where the money comes from, her friend doesn’t know. Adela is suspicious.

Hector is with Natalia’s dad about to have a protest. He is on the phone with a reporter it seems. It seems that the protest won’t have the media coverage he hoped because of all of the elections going on. He tells Claudia that they are too few people and that no one is going to pay attention to them with so few. Then he shows her a photo of Miguel with Montero and the Montero with Duarte. Basically proving to himself that Miguel is in with the crooked politicians.

in CJ, Miguel is walking down the street and a reporter stops to interview him. He asks him what he has to say, and Miguel says that the people need to get out and vote. They need to exercise their right as a citizen and may the best candidate win. The reported tells the camera that the Garza’s are responsible for employing hundreds of families in the city. It appears that they have arrived at the booths, along with the press. There are many people around and it looks like they see the Garza’s as kind of the first family of the city, because a lady tells Dora that at the factory they don’t want to hire her or others. Dora gives them a number to call to get work. Miguel tells a man to contact Peligros to get men to fix their roof. A woman come to him telling him that her mom is sick and needs a pacemaker. He takes her name and tells her that he will help her get help for her mom. Dora takes down her information. Then Miguel and Dora submit their votes. They take a picture of him with his inked thumb.

Hector and Claudia are arguing over the validity of the protest. Hector says that Duarte isn’t even there. No one is going to care. Claudia says they can’t stay quiet they have to do something. He asks her if she knows how it feels to know that no matter what you do it doesn’t mean anything. C says its just a matter of time. H wants to know how much time, years.

Adela shows up at the campaign office and tells Miguel what she saw. Miguel looks incredulous and asks “they are buying votes?” And then asks how can they be sure that the people will follow through. She tells him that they don’t dare not follow through. Duarte asks who could be financing the whole thing. Miguel answers that he doesn’t know. Duarte tells Miguel they have to act fast. Every moment that passes effects the results. Miguel tells Miguel he has a job for him.

Peligros is on the street asking questions. Confirming that the votes are being bought in all of the neighborhoods. He is asking where the money is coming from. No one knows, but there is a lot to go around. Miguel is on the phone with a general telling him that there is no time to waste. Volta is buying votes. The confirm the location of the people doing the buying. Men get arrested by the military for buying votes. The polls are closed and Miguel and Montero are talking about the effect the buying of votes could have had on the results. Miguel says hopefully they stopped it on time and to have faith. Jorge tells Miguel that he has hacked into the counting system and with 25% of the votes counted, Volta is ahead. Miguel looks worried.

Epigmenio is sitting in front of the tv and tells his wife to bring his dinner and some tequila because he wants to celebrate. The results are tied. His wife says what a miracle.

Hector calls Ana, drunk. He says that everything he does come out backwards, he is a failure. She tells him it isn’t true. Hector talks about the elections and that all they are doing is wrecking the country. She tells him to rest, and he hangs up on her.

The results are in and with 39% of the vote the new governor is Jesus Montero. The campaign offices erupt in celebration. Adela and Miguel have a huge hug and then end up in that awkward position of being face to face and staring. They finally snap out of it and congratulate each other. Duarte congratulates Montero.

Angel sits at his table drinking a beer looking a the video he took of the threesome. The page says “video uploaded” with the title “Chisca, Mexican girl in threesome.” The site is called “Tu Porno” or “Your Porn.”

In CJ celebrations are underway. A block party is happening and Adela is carrying some beers. She takes one to Miguel. They sit side by side drinking. I don’t think anyone needs translation of the looks she gives him. Finally, she has had enough and takes him out to dance. He says he doesn’t know how to dance to this type of music. She tells him its easy and then asks if he has ever grabbed a case of beers. He says yes, she tells him to grab her like that. And he grabs her waist. The important things we can all see for ourselves. She grabs his hands, and moves them to her hips and then to her rear. Then she tells him to move. They start basically bouncing. He says he didn’t know you could dance like that. She says that’s why she is teaching him, and to loosen up and cooperate, just like that.

Hector opens his door to Claudia who has come by to check on him. She says that he has been close up in the house since yesterday and she was worried. He didn’t even show up to work. He says he hasn’t wanted to talk to anyone since yesterday. She tells him that he can’t throw away everything they have worked for. He tells her to not count on him and to figure it out for herself. She asks him if he knows that he is the only reason that she is still in this occupation. That no one had ever inspired her with the passion to protect her people. So how does he think that she is going to let him give up halfway through. I am not going to let you give up. He asks if she believes in him, she says she believes in them. He kisses her.

Miguel and Adela sit down to their beers. Adela tells Miguel “good job” and he answers “I tried.” She asks him if she can ask him a question and he answers, “can I avoid it?” As they come in close, she says “why do you sleep with so many women, except me?” Miguel answers…”Because you are not like other women Adela, you are unique.” And when Miguel can no longer deny the attraction that exists between him and Adela, finally, after 30 episodes, we get the first kiss. And in a nice little parallelism to our Friday night episode two weeks ago, Jimena has decided to show up in CJ, to present her project to Miguel, as Chisca suggested, and instead has a front row seat to just how unserious Miguel is about their relationship, just as Adela did. But this kiss wasn’t the hot and heavy stuff of the office. This was much more sweet, at least in my 100% biased opinion.

Well my friends, without wanting to cheese out too much, What and Ending!!! As a lover of the traditional telenovela, these are the moments my romantic heart yearns for. I enjoy writing about the business and intrigue, but the true romance beats out the boinking every time. That’s all I have for you this week. I hope you enjoyed the end as much as I did. Until next Friday.

Esther

Labels: dragon