Caray, Caray!

HIJAS #55 STEFFI GOES TO THE DARK SIDE

Part 1

Well, it's official. Our angelic Estefania, an unblemished lamb for most of the story, has made an abrupt 180 degree turn and is now prepared to be as ruthless as Daddy Dario in order to get what she wants. I can't say I'm finding this abrupt change of an orphan-loving, empathetic, generous young woman very convincing--but if the writers need to crank up the drama, well, they certain can. And so they are.... Head for the bomb shelters everybody...it's about to get rough around here!

But first we start with an annoying scene where Juana Victoria is gushing stupidly about Fernando's prowess with a paint brush. The "American" is entranced with her nonsense and entranced as well with the Juana Barbara picture. He wants a whole series of similar, dynamic boxing portraits. And is quite sure it will be enough to snag Fernando that scholarship to the art school in New York.

Elsewhere, the crew at la Dolorosa are brainstorming ways to increase business. Todoelmundo is spreading the word on social media and other ideas being floated are a comedy night, a magic show, having the 4 Juanas dance on stage and/or putting them on roller skates to serve tables.

But that's not all that's bubbling to the surface. Steffi has traveled to Mexico City to threaten Amelia with harm to her two children if she's doesn't leave her "novio" alone. Yikes! A bit too much of a character switch to be believable, but then again, what in this story is? So we'll go with it. Especially since there's a weird, sulphuric fog manifesting in the bodega at la Dolorosa. Evidently the Devil has risen from the depths of Hell to infect the good people of Mazatlán. Either that or Dario has summoned the Unspeakable on his hot line. While Steff is threatening Amelia, Daddy Dario's doing the same to Sebastian. I have proof you've got a romance going on with your sister, you incestuous swine, and it's going to end NOW! And just remember, from now on, you're under surveillance. One of Dario's henchies flashes his pistol at Seb, just in case our young fella didn't get the message.

Need to hear something less dramatic. Well, Xavier has called over brother Juan to see if it's alright for him and Margarita to be in love. 'Cause good golly, gee whiz, they sure are! Fortunately Juan is totally on board. Anything he had with Margarita was in the past. And he's delighted that Xavier has finally found a soul mate.
 

Ok JudyB I like part one, and you're probly writing part 2 as we type.

So our little sweet dafodil has fangs!
But she's fangin The wrong person. I
Don't think this lady got The hots for seb. I thought she was the one that helped Dario fanaggle jauno's ins
Money so he couldn't fix his hotel and
Other stuff. I think I spelled fanagle
Right, if I didn't whatever y'all get it. But isnt she the crooked insurance
Lady Dario used to steal poor jauno's
Money? If she is threaten her not the kids. "IF".
And Dario is just evil to the dirt.
Thanks for part one JudyB.
Is seb tryin to find where his birth daddy is? Cuz he already knows who he is.
That photo that Leo has looks doctored on.Jauno's head on xavier's shoulders.

 

HIJAS #55 STEFFI GOES TO THE DARK SIDE

Part 2

Juana Victoria and Teresa (the latter annoys me almost as much as Ms. Vicky) have invaded Leonora's room to try and tend to her Suffering Self and her Depression. Leo just wants to get rid of them as fast as possible, and allows as how she's going to be just fine as soon as her medication starts working. Dario calls and she's suddenly all chirpy and upbeat which elicits a Huh? reaction from our two ninnies, but they eventually leave her alone.

Juana Victoria seems to be having no trouble feigning a romance with Fernando--she's kissing him quite enthusiastically when the hapless Sebastian barges in to get his computer. After Fernando leaves to get busy on his art work, Seb and Vicky have a little convo about the new developments on the Estefania front. She's momentarily interested in the threats to Amelia's kids, and admits putting Steffi on to Amelia as a possible danger, but then segues to the "cartitas" that Seb left lying on his desk. He explains the therapy Xavier suggested to deal with his broken heart, and as soon as she knows it wasn't a love letter to her, loses interest. But both agree, action needs to be taken to protect Amelia and her family.

Another character in need of protection is the irrepressible Margarita and her sensible shoes. Dario has provided Leo with a doctored photo showing Marg and Juan in a big smooch. Leo dashes to her car and appears headed to homicide as she stops inches short of smashing Marg under the wheels. Marg dashes off with the incriminating photo and Leo, in high heels, can't keep up. But she promises that next time, she won't hit the brakes like today "roba maridos"! [husband stealer]

And speaking of protection, the virginal Juana Inés is seeking out Juana Soledad for advice on "going all the way" as was the quaint saying in my adolescence. Yes, she and Maurio have decided to take the next step, and he has the keys to a friend's home who is out of town. Soledad, evidently the rah!rah! cheerleader for this sort of thing, promises that it will be a marvelous, magical experience in spite of Inés' trepidation. I'm thinking "first time" not so much. But these events seem to transpire differently in telenovelas and bodice-rippers. Different galaxy, different rules.

Leo, safely home from trying to run down a suspected rival, is now vamping husband Juan into agreeing to force Sebastian to marry Steffi. If you watch only one scene from this episode, check in on our couple. Leo, all decked out in a swirling caftan-like ensemble, is flirty, funny and downright seductive as she tries to cajole Juan to play it her way. "I forgive all infidelities, past and present, you can have all of me..ALL of me! if you'll just make sure Seb gets to the altar with his novia!" she coos.

Juan at first makes a "puchi" face but then warms up to the task as he admits he's DYING to kiss her, DYING to hug her, DYING to sleep with her again, DYING to have her look at him with love (like she's doing now) BUT...yeah, BUT...Sebastian is an adult and he can't force him to do anything. Leo brushes that off. Honey, they're novios again, so all you have to do is give him a wee push. And off she sails, trailing vapors of femme fatale aroma behind her.

Is our noble Juan weakening? He's wobbling a little, that's for sure.
 

HIJAS #55 STEFFI GOES TO THE DARK SIDE

Part 3

Steffi has gone to the dark side, and Sebastian appears on his way to full-blown alcoholism. After an emphatic opening smooch, he settles in with a number of tequilas and pops the question.

Noooo, not that one.

Seb wants to know Since when does Estefania go around threatening other people's children!!????

Steff shrugs it off. No big deal. It was "just a little scare" [sustito]. And she's decided that she's going to be cold and rational from now on in order to protect herself from being hurt again. Seb points out that her actions weren't "cold and rational"--they were "aggressive and arrogant"--just like her Daddy Dario's ways of operating.

Another dismissive shrug from Estefania. But she's not about to dismiss the threat of Amelia. Even though Sebastian tries to re-direct her suspicions towards a certain Sofia, who was also once his girlfriend. Stay tuned on this one. There's sure to be lots of drama ahead.

And a few more tumultuous scenes to wrap this baby up. Xavier is all indignant and worried about the threat to Margarita. She, on the other hand, is all goo-goo eyed and ga-ga over having a good man who truly loves her and is protective.

Seb is now bemoaning to Papi Juan the pressure he's facing--there's potential money from Dario to rebuild Media Luna, there's the necessity of lifting Mom's depression and facilitating the reconciliation of his parents-- and all this is possible if he consents to marry Estefania! IT'S TOO MUCH! And even worse-- she's not the sweet, lovable Estefania of yore--shes a cold, ruthless carbon copy of her father!

Oh shoot,this storyline is depressing. Let's just focus on something gooey and romantic, okay? We've got a classic telenovela set-up--rose petals and candles galore. Also a huge rose petal heart on the bedspread, just awaiting the tangled limbs and burning embraces of a young, fervently in love couple--Mauricio and Juana Inés. If the latter could just relax and stop praying!

Well, the romantic piano and strings are tinkling away in the background, so I think we can assume our young people are on their way to First Time Bedroom Bliss. And all those rose petals don't come cheap!

And there we end. Anita will just have to deal with the aftermath.
 

HIJAS

Excellent Judy!

Forget the ebb and flow, it seems as though the tides are truly turning. And your recap rode the rough waves splendidly!

"...these events seem to transpire differently in telenovelas and bodice-rippers. Different galaxy, different rules" was side bar worthy.

Well nothing lasts forever, does it?

Even I suspected Steffi might turn. And did she ever! Threatening children? Give that woman a mustache to twirl :)

"First Time Bedroom Bliss. And all those rose petals don't come cheap!" was another favorite.

Seems like Leo is bound and determined to get her way "And off she sails, trailing vapors of femme fatale aroma behind her". Perfect.

Thank you Judy!

Diana
 

HIJAS

Judy, your recap title is spot on. Thank you for your recap.

Yes, looks like the fruit did not fall far from the Dario tree with Saint Stefi. Yikes.
DIANA --- "Give that woman a mustache to twirl :)". Love it!

Ah, yes, we don't hear that classic old phrase "going all the way" anymore, do we? How the times have changed.

Judy that scene between caftan wearing Leo and JuanO was fun. The actor who is Juan O has great comedic timing.

Well, it is hard to type on this iPad while the dog is in my lap, so I'll call it a night. LOL

". First Time Bedroom Bliss. And all those rose petals don't come cheap!". Amen! Good thing Mauricio has a job so he can pay for all those rose petals.



NINA - this Amelia is not the insurance lady who took the money and left the country to go live in Italy. Rome, IIRC.
 

Hijas

Judy, thanks for another of your stellar recaps.

I happened to be home today and I turned on the show, immediately dozed off, then roused myself and watched about five minutes of the second(?) segment, got bored and wandered off, then came back for the last few minutes with Mauricio and Juana Inés in the candlelit love nest.
It looked really nice, and much more romantic than the back seat of Dad's old Chevy.

'Yes, she and Maurio have decided to take the next step, and he has the keys to a friend's home who is out of town. Soledad, evidently the rah!rah! cheerleader for this sort of thing, promises that it will be a marvelous, magical experience in spite of Inés' trepidation. I'm thinking "first time" not so much. But these events seem to transpire differently in telenovelas and bodice-rippers. Different galaxy, different rules."
This made me laugh. If I didn't know better I might think you were an old cynic, Judy. Of course it's a magical experience; no problems, no hesitation, no discomfort, just all sweetness and joy.

The only possible fly in the ointment is that about 90% of TN first couplings result in pregnancy, even with lesbian couples. Let's hope poor Juana Inés can beat the odds, at least for now.


I do, somewhat, regret not seeing the new and more evil Stefi. She might just spice up this TN enough to keep me from falling asleep when I try to watch it.

andy
 

HIJAS

Greetings NINA, DIANA, DORIS and ANDY. I'm usually in bed by 10 pm so wondering if it's a full moon or what? This constitutes a crazy wild for this old broad.

NINA..Yes, "this sweet little daffodil has fangs but she's fanging the wrong person". Indeed. But Amelia, as Doris pointed out, is not the perfidious insurance agent. She really is a reasonably innocent old friend from high school [secundaria] days. And frankly I'd love to see Estefania go after the actual romantic culprit, Juana Victoria, just because I'm so sick of the latter's campy, hyper over-acting. (See, deep down I've got a dark side too.)

DIANA...Gosh you write great prologues to your recaps, but you also write great prologues to your comments. I thought this was terrific:

Forget the ebb and flow, it seems as though the tides are truly turning. And your recap rode the rough waves splendidly!

Thanks my friend. You're a wordmeister for sure. And the imagery was just right for our beachside idyll. Top score, sweet lady.

DORIS...So glad that you mentioned Juan's comedic timing. Because you're quite right, it wasn't just Cynthia who played that scene well. The Juan actor was great in the way he growled out his lusty responses and parried every thrust...hmmm...maybe reverse that image...but you know what I mean. They were both terrific. And I can see his charm. Like Oso in Ringo, this guy could really say "Tengo mis encantos" and be totally believable. Works for me anyway. Thanks amiga. And thanks for taking on Wednesday, I'm overdue for a prosecco dinner out and a few laughs with friends.

ANDY...I howled at this:

"The only possible fly in the ointment is that about 90% of TN first couplings result in pregnancy, even with lesbian couples."

Lordy, you have a wicked sense of humor. Are you sure Doris, Anita and I can't persuade you to join our raggedy recapping team?

Liking the story is not necessary.

We all hate the story!

And a lot of the actors.

But we soldier on and we'd love to have you join the misery...er, uh, join the fun I meant. At any rate you gave me a great laugh tonight. And that's always good.


 

HIJAS

On my way to a hot shower and bed. But still laughing about Andy's quip. That is definitely a sidebar candidate. Attention ANITA!
 

HIJAS
The recap evoked many chuckles and guffaws, as already pointed out by others. Thank you for the romp.
Yes, Andy’s comment is Sidebar worthy. If RGV doesn’t see it, I’ll pass it on.
Not quite ready for prime (day) time tomorrow, but I’m ready to go all the way in the interests of advancing Spanish culture and learning.

If we go by the music alone, Mauricio and J-Inez will consummate their relationship. Of course all kinds of things could go wrong, like candles set something on fire. If they do, I hope it’s not J-Inez that puts a stop to it. Mauricio is being so loving and tender.
 

HIJAS

Good Morning!!

Oh Judy, you keep knocking these snarktastic recaps out week after week! Thank you for filling this gloomy day with your delightful sunshine.

Steffi has pretty much crossed over to the darkside. All that is needed is that they use that Mexican Greek chorus chant during her scenes. This sweet little apple has gone sour.

Andy, your sense of humor never ceases to bring out (at least) a chuckle. As others did, I cracked up with "The only possible fly in the ointment is that about 90% of TN first couplings result in pregnancy, even with lesbian couples." Definitely sidebar material!

JudyB, "And frankly I'd love to see Estefania go after the actual romantic culprit, Juana Victoria, just because I'm so sick of the latter's campy, hyper over-acting. (See, deep down I've got a dark side too.)" Oh my, that is the only reason I am glad Steffi has gone to the dark side; her revenge will be sweet to witness (we all have a dark side :-)





 

HIJAS

Judy, thank you very much for your kind comments, but...
"Are you sure Doris, Anita and I can't persuade you to join our raggedy recapping team?"

Any rumors of my masochistic tendencies are greatly exaggerated. And you guys are already doing such a great job, why mess with a good thing?

Thanks anyway and cheer up, the end is (somewhat) near!

:-)

andy
 

I happened to look up during a commercial break and Lo and Behold—Snow is Falling. Heavily. Ok, back to the foolscap.
 

HIJAS de la Luna #56 – When, Oh When, Will the Luna-cy End
Tuesday, Jan 7, 2020 (Oh, how I love typing 2020)
Part 1 of 4

If I could just give you the highlights, they would be Dario Exploding, Inez Imploding and Hurricane Steffi’s Destructive Powers. Everything else was pretty much forgettable. But we must satisfy our hungry Patio.

Poor Mauricio, all his hopes go awry with an unbuttoning and a slap. Inez is immediately remorseful and is willing to keep going, but wants to undress herself. She explains that she is shy about undressing in front of others and asks him to cover his eyes (he peeks), then says he’ll count to 10. When he opens his eyes, she’s gone. He thinks she’s playing hide and seek but finally finds her huddled on the bathroom floor whimpering. He sits down beside her. Inez says she just can’t. He asks to be forgiven. He thought she was ready. (Maybe Mau should have spent some time in the back seat of an old Oldsmobile getting to 2nd base rather than trying to hit a home run right out of the dugout.) She thought so, too. He takes her in his arms…and that’s all folks. No, wait, there’s more.

The next day, Inez wakes up in the petal strewn bed, fully clothed, with Mau watching over her. She’s embarrassed by the horizontal non-mambo the night before. Mau, ever gracious and loving, says never mind. (He probably took a cold shower and hopes there’ll be a next time.) Inez, trying to preserve her dignity or maybe it’s her pride, doesn’t want anyone to know IT didn’t happen and sends him out first. (How that works, I’m not sure.) As she glides down the stairs (of a gorgeous house), Octo is up on a ladder painting a ceiling. Even with a mutilated pillow case over her head, he recognizes her and calls her by name. She exits; he laughs at her discomfort.

Seb calls Amelia to apologize for Steffi. He says the threat to her family came from a misunderstanding. He’s talked to Steffi and it won’t happen again. Amelia says Steffi wasn’t like that in school, she was always so sweet. Seb says it’s partly his fault. She decides to warn him to ditch the bit**. Unfortunately, Dario has been able to hack into Seb’s phone and hears the whole conversation. He’s pleased that Steffi is defending what is hers, just as an Iriarte should. And, he tells Ric, who is with him to give him a report on Juana Barb’s step-father, that what she doesn’t know (about Seb in love with one of his sisters—and he thinks it’s J-Barb) she’d better never know.

Leonora, in the royal blue shift and gauzy cover up is having a little girl talk with her co-conspirator. Steffi is at a loss to uncover this Bonita. Amelia isn't it. But probably neither is this Sofia. Leo tells her it doesn’t matter and clues her in on her latest strategy for getting her to the altar where Seb will supposedly be waiting. She told Juan O that if he gets Seb to marry Steffi, she will forgive all his trespasses against her, past and present, and he can have ALL of her back.
 

Hijas de la Luna #56 – When, Oh When, Will the Luna-cy End
Part 2

The four hijas and Tere are chatting around the table about Fernando and his paintings. (Vick outdoes all her sisters mugging for the camera.) Barb asks an inopportune question as to why Inez didn’t come home last night. Inez runs off. (OT/whenever there is a kitchen scene, my eyes stray to the two pottery jars on the counter—the blue and white one is especially coveted—then I lose track of the conversations. Sorry.)

Margarita has come to share her news with J-Barb. First we are treated to a flashback of the dastardly step-father, Alberto, being hauled off to jail, yelling, as he goes, that they’ll pay for this; he’s going to kill them. Ok, back to the present. Barb is overjoyed to hear that Marga and Xavier are an item. (Poor things. They don’t know Who’s Coming for Dinner soon.)

Alberto gets out of jail. Ric is there to greet him. Apparently Dario got him released early. Naturally, there is a catch. He’ll find out when he’s taken to Mazatlán, where Marga and J-Barb are currently.

Mau arrives at the house to Steffi’s surprise, just as she was going out. He was sent home from work. (I guess he had to take another cold shower and was late.) He admits it had to do with Inez. He spills the frijoles about the non-congress with Inez. They discuss the situation at a restaurant al aire fresco over iced coffee. At first she makes fun of him when he says he thinks it was his fault. Mau says he thought she was sending the right signals, but the light didn’t turn green. After excusing himself, Mau comes back to the table and Steffi says she has the answer. She shows him a lovely pendant, all paid for. He just has to pick it up. Mau swears it’s only a loan. However, in return for the gesture, she wants him to find out who this Bonita is that Seb loves. He says casually that he’ll let her know if he hears anything. No, she wants him to get out his magnifying glass and Sherlock deerstalker cap and investigate, down to Seb’s socks. He leaves Steffi, remarking that she now reminds him of their father.

Sol finds Inez hiding under a table and joins her there. Inez finally shares the story of the incomplete coupling. She’s afraid Mau will leave her for someone who...will go all the way. When she says how tender and gentlemanly he was and they slept cuddled up (which we did NOT see, so is she lying), Sol says of course, you ninny, he’s in love with you, it's not just sex.

Fernando shows Barb the painting of her and his sketchbook with future projects. (Vick continues to make faces for who knows who’s benefit.) FF>>
 

Hijas de la Luna #56 – When, Oh When, Will the Luna-cy End
Part 3

Seb finishes his scuba class and the guys (minus Mau) greet him—TodoelMundo, Raymundo and Octavio. They want to hire him as administrator of the Dolorosa since Mau is otherwise occupied at the shrimp warehouse. Seb agrees as long as he can keep his day job.

Dario is wining and dining Leo in a lovely spot overlooking the water. Dario tells her how beautiful she looks. After some small talk on her part, she verbally hits him over the head with her latest strategy to get Steffi to the altar. Leo chatters on while volcanic rumblings bubble up from deep inside Dario. He finally explodes, molten rock and ash falling over them. Has she nary an idea that he’s kept his love for her bottled up for 20 years? His head nearly comes off. Speechless, Leo gets up to leave, after carefully blotting her lips.

Juan lets Xavier know he got the loan to fix up the hotel. A note drops out of his pocket. It’s an ultimatum from Leo. If Steffi and Seb don’t get married, Leo’s terms go back to where they were before all this began—with a divorce. Juan goes home to mope and wait for Leo. When she sweeps in he says they need to talk—about that divorce. Leo says everything that he needs to know is in the note and she sweeps on by and up the stairs.

The young’uns in the Blue House discuss a Dolorosa business plan that Seb is drawing up. Seb has taken command of his new responsibility. (Vick apes for the camera.) The result is a different event for every night of the week, starting with a Stand-Up Comedy night. The first one stars Inez, who tells a couple of lame churchy jokes.

Vivaldi is still on the stereo (or streaming, juarever) as Xavier hands Marga a letter from...Alisha. He reads it to her. Blah, blah, blah, she’s happy he’s found someone like Marga. (You really don’t need a translation, but the sound of his voice is really very soothing.) Oh, no, we are unwillingly exposed to another middle-aged inepts kissing. Please, no more of those two.

The scene switches to a couple we see from behind approaching a softly-lit arbor. It’s Mau and Inez. Apparently he thinks another try is worth it. Ooooh, my mistake. It’s a Decent Proposal. One to Inez liking. He opens a box and two butterflies fly out as he asks her to marry him. She says yes and we get a much more romantic kiss.

Meanwhile, clean-up is going on at La Dolorosa. Seb slips and calls Vic “Bonita” within Steffi’s earshot—and she wasn’t even trying to hear their conversation. He just blurted it out. Steffi is ready to leave and Seb walks her out to her chauffeur-driven ride home. She pecks him on the lips and says see ya tomorrow. Once she gets home, however, Dra. Jekyll has transformed herself into Ms. Hyde. She lets loose all her pent-up anger, destroying everything light and movable in her room, screaming like a banshee. She calls Vick a hypocrite and a whole bunch of other nasty sobriquets.
 

Hijas de la Luna #56 – When, Oh When, Will the Luna-cy End
Part 4

At the Blue House, as Seb walks in, Vick grabs him and chews him out about his slip-up. He’s not that concerned. Steffi acted all normal as he escorted her out. He doesn’t think she heard him. They bicker back and forth about what they USED to be as opposed to what they are NOT now.

ToditoelMundo is having a nightmare. He calls for his mommy. His daddy notes he has a fever and it’s off to the hospital they all go.

Mau and Inez are walking along the beach, all lovey-dovey the next morning, having spent a romantic night together somewhere we weren’t privy to. They ACT as if they did the deed, but my bet is she wants to wait. They discuss wedding plans. Inez wants to keep their engagement secret, for now, with all the chaos going on in the family. He agrees. (He probably wonders if the secret engagement comes with benefits.)

Seb is suiting up for his next scuba diving class to begin. His conversation with Amelia runs through his head.

(I don’t think this will end well tomorrow. TAKE IT AWAY, DORIS.)
 

HIJAS

Clever title ANITA, and I had to laugh at all the mentions of Juana Victoria mugging endlessly for the camera. I can tell she annoys you as much as she does me and Rgv Chick. Just UGH!

This also made me laugh:

(Maybe Mau should have spent some time in the back seat of an old Oldsmobile getting to 2nd base rather than trying to hit a home run right out of the dugout.) She thought so, too. He takes her in his arms…and that’s all folks.

Well, yeah...the decision to go suddenly from a few kisses to full out criterion behavior seemed a bit swift to me also, but I'm from another era...in fact an era multiple decades back. Things have changed. But maybe not for damsels just out of the convent.

This quip brought back memories:

. (Poor things. They don’t know Who’s Coming for Dinner soon.)

Remember all the hoopla over THAT movie? Wow...again, another era and then some.

And Lordy! what a word picture!..

Leo chatters on while volcanic rumblings bubble up from deep inside Dario. He finally explodes, molten rock and ash falling over them. Has she nary an idea that he’s kept his love for her bottled up for 20 years? His head nearly comes off. Speechless, Leo gets up to leave, after carefully blotting her lips.

And like father, like daughter, later we get to see Estefania going all volcanic herself. Was surprised green goo didn't start erupting from her lovely red lips. Or maybe a sulphuric mist rising from the depths of Hell. Because the Darker Forces do all seem to be in full sway right now.

Thanks Ms. Anita, I was able to babysit the little tornado and then come home and relax (other than fixing dinner, doing dishes, the usual) because I knew the recap was in your capable hands. Thanks so much.

And thanks Doris for taking tomorrow. A friend is treating me to a Belated Birthday Dinner. Looking forward to another lovely night off.
 

Hijas

Anita, thank for another excellent and fun recap. And for just doing these recaps so that those of us who can barely manage... NO, those of us who can't bear to watch a whole episode don't have to.

I watched some of this and then had to walk away, though I glanced at it occasionally. Mostly I just wanted to find out if Sor Inés actually went all the way. (Thanks, Judy, I remember this phrase too :)
I was not shocked to see that she didn't, but I was very pleased with the way Mauricio behaved, and even pleased with her. I guess I really am an old romantic at heart.

I was not so pleased with Stefi: "Once she gets home, however, Dra. Jekyll has transformed herself into Ms. Hyde. She lets loose all her pent-up anger, destroying everything light and movable in her room, screaming like a banshee."
It really was a Jekyll and Hyde moment! It came as a small shock to me, though perhaps there were signs earlier that I never saw since I watch this so little.
In any event, not a nice development.

Also not so nice was Leonora, which was a great disappointment. She has been the source of most of the fun in this TN, and I was willing to overlook a lot of her bad behavior. But this was so strange. What did she think Dario was up to all this time, with all the attention, and even expensive jewelry?

A dab on the lips with her napkin and she leaves. That's it? I don't get it.

The events in this episode, other than Inés and Mauricio, were very disappointing. But definitely not disappointing was your recap.

andy
 

HIJAS

Thank you for stepping in and giving us a recap, Anita, and your title is priceless!

The scene with Ines walk of shame, trying to sneak out past Octavio, was hysterically funny. (to me)

After Ines’ initial failure to launch, I assumed the beach & marriage proposal did the trick and she was properly deflowered. Wishful thinking on my part? Saving herself for marriage would make for sense for our convent-raised girl.
” (He probably wonders if the secret engagement comes with benefits.)” LOL Poor guy needs a bit more game, first. Rose petals alone are not enough. Bless his heart.

“It’s a Decent Proposal.” (LOL)

Wow, even Mauricio called Stefy out on turning into their father. Dun…dun…dunnnnn!!!

When Stefy was having her temper tantrum, I only kept wondering, “how does she get in and out of that mini jumpsuit she is wearing?” along with, “…and the hired help will likely have to clean up that mess she is making. ” #notsurprised

It was interesting and totally weird how Leo just got up and left the table without a word after Dario’s confession of love.
” He finally explodes, molten rock and ash falling over them. Has she nary an idea that he’s kept his love for her bottled up for 20 years? His head nearly comes off.”
This was a good word picture!


“(Poor things. They don’t know Who’s Coming for Dinner soon.)
Remember all the hoopla over THAT movie? Wow...again, another era and then some”
Judy – how well I remember the movie and all the hoopla.

“sobriquets” --- ooooh, more vocabulary builders! yay!


Today's episode might be interesting. Or not. Stay tuned.
 

HIJAS

Anita, your recaps are always a treat and how sweet it was to read one of your recaps again. Though I actually thought this episode was one of the better ones, the recap makes it look like a hit. Thank you!

Favorite Scenes:

1) Inez in disguise with a bag over her head trying to walk out of the house and Octavio calling her by name. Yes, Doris, hilarious!
2)Max's proposal to J-Inez - how sweet! If she had said "no" I would have gone to hit her over the head myself.
3) Leo, speechless, blotting her lips, and walking out on Dario. How this woman never had an inkling that the guy is head over heals over her is beyond me.

I also caught another phrase that J-Vic (I think) used: "No te soples" which means "don't get in a huff."

#j-vicisjustplainannoying
 

HIJAS
Thanks to our shrunken Patio for reading, declaring it enjoyable and stopping by to comment. Meanwhile, it did snow. It stuck to the ground, bushes and trees, but not the streets and sidewalks (whew, escaped big time). I just talked to my daughter in Edmonton. They are at a balmy -20 F, so she's out walking again. What is she thinking, eh?

JudyB--I wish I could mute or FF through Vicky's antics, but sometimes there's a crucial snail step forward in this neverending tale involved in something she says. Can't, of course, when I'm the recapper. Poor you, how you do suffer x4 for the likes of us.

Andy--So we have two camps of thought. Did Inez and Mau or didn't they go all the way? The two seemed as dreamy about the whole night as possible, but I'm with you and don't think they did the deed yet.

Doris--I actually had your comment about who cleans up after a wrecking ball scene in parens. It seemed to interrupt the scene I was recreating, so I left it out. Good of you to mention it. Well, if she has a chauffeur to drive her home when all Mau has to do is walk over, there must be some mythical maid or robot wearing an apron who barges in, tidies up and replaces all the bottles and jars she swept off the horizontal surfaces. Her destructive power surpasses Victoria in Eva Luna when she thought she was losing Daniel to Eva (my favorite Guy Ecker movie). How much do you want to bet all is back in order if there is another scene in her bedroom and no one mentions it. She WAS a basket case, sitting on the rug at the end of the scene. Who will be the one to run in to comfort her? Daddi? Or will she pull herself together by herself and plot revenge against Seb and Vick?

RGV--They made Leo clueless on purpose. Could she really believe their finances are secure after all this time? Well, the other residents have done a pretty good job of hiding it all and her bedroom and wardrobe are definitely up to snuff--and her laundry gets done. Could she have been oblivious to Dario's attentions? Well, we walked in on a couple with an adored son, doing well financially and still happy after over 20 years of marriage.

When she admitted (to us and Steffi) recently, that she was still in love with Juan, Dario was inconsequential. Maybe to a lady of her social level, accepting expensive gifts and meals from friends is part of living. After all, as my DIL said after the endless Christmas Car commercials, "Who gives someone a car for Christmas?" Now a days, a car is the most expensive expenditure a couple can make except for a house. If my new "GDIL" is any example, expensive purchases are always done jointly after a lot of research.

Now I have a question for you, RGV. Steffi used the word "prepotente" describing what Seb called her (it was in the bedroom scene with Leo). I left it out because I wasn't satisfied with my dictionary definition (very powerful) and didn't want to halt the cerebral flow to look it up elsewhere.
 

HIJAS--Aye, Aye, #j-vickisjustplainannoying.
 

HIJAS - #57 – The luna-cy continues. . . PART 1 of 2

. . . but the plot is moving forward. Writers realized they have five weeks to wrap this turkey up. The Patio is not just relieved, we are ecstatic.

Usual disclaimers --- stuff omitted, stuff combined tor efficiency, stuff FFWDed, and stuff reported. This is brief because . . . I can't be bothered. Again, I was struggling to stay away. Not kidding. But everything you NEED to know is here. You've been spared the rest. Please feel free to fill anything I omitted and might be important. Really.

Yay! Petunia sighting! We opened today with Leo in the Utility room, talking with Petu. Leo feels betrayed by Dario. After all these years of friendship, he tells me he is in love with me. Quelle horreur! and the nerve of that guy!
Petunia is not distressed at all over Dario being friend-zoned by Leo. She happily munches away. Leo continues listing all the luxuries he has shared with her, and can you believe that after all these years, Petu, that I still love Juan, in spite of everything . . . . . . . !!! Leo drops everything and runs out of the room.

We catch up with her later at DD’s (Dastardly Dario’s) office to return the bracelet he recently gave her. She admits she is partly to blame for him thinking she might liiiiike him. DD is not a happy camper, but no Mexican Greek chorus chants so Leo is going to be okay. For now. Dario tells Leo that Juan-O is a fool. She lobs back that her convos with DD will *only* be about their kids’ upcoming wedding.

Javier’s phone has been hacked and bugged by DD’s henchie, Ricardo. DD is listening to a recording of Seb calling Javi to tell him he is going to break up with Stefy because she is so awful, lately.

DD (Dastardly Dario) meets with Alberto, who has terrible table manners and talks to Dario with his mouth full and chewing. The plan is to remove Barbara from Mazatlan FOR-EVER. Al is all in with that plan, since he has his own revenge to exact. Dario will pay half the fee in cash now, and the rest after the job is done.

Fernando, hoping to become the next LeRoy Neiman, is painting Barbará while she is punching the bolsa. costal. whatever. while #j-vickisjustplainannoying is hanging upside down the monkey bars there in the park like a K-5 student, including upside down smoochies with Fernando. Meh.

Ines tells Sol that she is engaged. Obligatory jumping up and down over that news.

In other news, Margarita and Barbi know for sure that Alberto is in town. They are panicking.
 

HIJAS - #57 – The luna-cy continues. . . PART 2 of 2

Juan-O is confronted by Ernesto Cinfuentes outside, in the street. Ernie trash talks to Juan, antagonizing J-O, who finally has. had. enough. and backhands ole Ernie. Smacks him good. Then Ernie jumps backwards (yes, Patio!) and lands on the car right behind him. O-kaaay…. two seconds later (yes, Patio!), we hear sirens and see the police. Almost like they were there waiting for this to happen. Because, yes, Patio!, it was all a massive set-up by Dastardly Dario, who is in the ambulance when Ernie is taken to the hospital. Juan-O is arrested on the spot.

The doctor in the ambulance is a friend of DD’, so we know this guy is on the take. This doc later swaps out X-rays from another patient so the police will think Juan-O really did a number on Ernie. But ….. Sebastian to the rescue!!! He and Juan-O figured out that he was framed. With police behind him as they enter Ernie’s hospital room, Seb tells the police that Cinfuentes is a fugitive from the law, yadda yadda yadda, so the cops slap handcuffs on Ernie and he is cuffed to the bed. Well, that didn’t go the way Ernie hoped it would.

Some scenes with TodoElMundo and Teresa, some hand porn, Patio, we know where this is going. They will be a couple by El Por Fin. Writers are paving the way.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, er….jail, a very young lawyer shows up as Juan-O’s counsel. I’m not sure if he is from the public defender’s office, but I don’t think so because money is discussed, so they probably need to pay this guy. Juan-O knows at this point that “he is toast.” The poor lawyer stutters badly. This is not funny. I saw this same stuttering lawyer trope in some other Limavela (Peruvian telenovela) muchos años ago. That one was sort of funny. This one is just pitiful. Bad on Telerisa.

Stefy confronts Vic about dating Seb: He is your brother! You are disgusting!!! (no mention of Seb being disgusting) You were my friend! Through my nervous breakdown! I confided in you! cried on your shoulder! And this is how you thank me? blah blah blah yadda yadda yaadda Typical telenovela drama.
Well, Vic’s best defense is denial, so she denies it. Makes up all kinds of dumb stuff. I really want to put a sock in her mouth to shut her up. Stefy is not stupid. She is LIVID and threatens Vic to STAY AWAY FROM MY MAN!!! Oh yes, that girl is so Dario’s daughter. (tree--> fruit) This recapper is surprised a telenovela rules catfight did not ensue.

And that's all for today.

VOCABULARY WORDS (because it's all about the Spanish, right?)

“bocina” – loudspeaker: as in, Alberto had a bocina placed on a vehicle with his laughter and that totally freaked out Marga & Barbi, removing all doubt that he was in town.

“la selva” = the jungle: as in “Dear Mundito, I am writing you this fake letter, totally made up by TEM & Teresa, about me having adventures in the Amazonian selva. Love, Mommy”
 

HIJAS

Great title, continuing the Luna-cy numerito. Love it.

And this:

"Fernando, hoping to become the next LeRoy Neiman, is painting Barbará while she is punching the bolsa. costal. whatever. while #j-vickisjustplainannoying is hanging upside down the monkey bars there in the park like a K-5 student, including upside down smoochies with Fernando. Meh."

Boy, the less I see of these two the better. Especially the über annoying Juana Victoria. She becomes more insufferable every episode.

And you cracked me up with this line:

"Well, that didn't go the way Ernie hoped it would."

Alas, Juan is still out money for a lawyer, and a stuttering one at that--very insensitive. And politically incorrect. Shame indeed on Televisa. All they need to do now is toss around a dwarf or two and we'll be in the land of Total Bad Taste.

And nice call on the Steffi confrontation: "you are disgusting (no mention of Seb being disgusting).

Thanks though for the reassurance that we only have to endure this for five more weeks. Knowing that there is an end point is heartening. And maybe they'll hack and chop some more and at least shorten it by a couple of days. Please Heavenly Father!

Enjoyed the recap, may skip watching, and thanks for the vocabulary. I've always thought "bocina" was a funny word. Though I suppose it derives from "boca" mouth. Maybe! "Selva" I learned during some forgettable telenovela years ago that featured guerillas in the selva. I remember some things so clearly and forget some things so completely. The black holes of memory are truly becoming unpredictable. But they are increasing.

Thanks querida Doris. May I ask you to sub on Friday of NEXT WEEK? If you don't have a hockey game to attend? Let me know. Mil gracias.
 

HIJAS

Judy - it's not worth watching past the first scene with Petunia. Trust me.

I will check my calendar about next Friday. Dog on my lap right now. #we'rebothinheaven
 

HIJAS


JUDY - I can do next Friday's recap on January 17. 👍🏻
 

Thank you a gazillion times Doris! So grateful.

And you're reminding me of all the happy evenings (and other times of day) that I sat with our dear little Kizzie on my lap. As someone allergic to cats, I have to admit I'm a lot healthier physically now that she's gone. But emotionally.... I'm brokenhearted and bereft. Glad you have your dear little pet and that it's good for both of you.
 

HIJAS

Anita, I was just now catching up on the comments and saw your question about “prepotente.” In the context that Seb used it, it means “bully”

Doris, I haven’t read your recrap yet, but looking forward to it :-)
 

Hijas

Doris, I just loved this recap!

Not so much the show. I saw about five minutes of it, spread over the hour. A minute or two was all I could take at one time.

For instance, that "accident" set-up was definitely facepalm provoking. As were the police, etc. Are we supposed to believe this? It didn't quite come off as comedy, but neither could I take it at all seriously.

Arrrgh! Enough!

"Yay! Petunia sighting! We opened today with Leo in the Utility room, talking with Petu. Leo feels betrayed by Dario. After all these years of friendship, he tells me he is in love with me. Quelle horreur! and the nerve of that guy!
Petunia is not distressed at all over Dario being friend-zoned by Leo. She happily munches away. Leo continues listing all the luxuries he has shared with her..."

I missed Petunia's big scene, too bad. Or maybe just as well, because it might have been another facepalm because Leonora was with her. Leonora has been fun, but could anyone possibly be so clueless?

"Well, Vic’s best defense is denial, so she denies it. Makes up all kinds of dumb stuff. I really want to put a sock in her mouth to shut her up."
I find her extremely annoying, extremely.

"Stefy is not stupid. She is LIVID and threatens Vic to STAY AWAY FROM MY MAN!!! Oh yes, that girl is so Dario’s daughter. (tree--> fruit)"
This was funny. But I have to admit that evil becomes Stefi. She's looking better all the time.

I also have to admit I have a soft spot for runaway brides and good-looking villainesses. One out of two ain't bad, though I'm definitely clutching at straws when it comes to this TN.

Thank you for doing this, Doris. I don't know how you manage, I can't force myself to watch an entire episode, how you manage to sit through one in order to recap it...

Lately I have been thinking about these TNs and how they can go so very wrong. This one I think was doomed when they took a so-so idea and tried to spin an 82 episode novela from it. That and other things.
I took a look at the Hijas page on Wikipedia, and see it got a lot of award nominations, but no winners. Well, they were up against Amar a Muerte, so they have that as an excuse.
TN writers and producers really should spend some time on Caray,Caray.

andy
 

HIJAS

"Again, I was struggling to stay away. Not kidding."
--- spellcheck did it again. Argh! I was struggling to stay awake, you silly computer. But maybe stay away was a Freudian slip? 😳

Thank you all for your kind comments on my recap. I had the opportunity to attend a pig show yesterday but felt honor bound to keep my recapping commitment. LOL. To be honest, it would have hurt Petunia's feelings if she was thrown over for pigs.
Petu 1 --- Arnold Ziffel 0
But the next time my County Ag Extension Agent niece has a pig show opportunity, I'm outta here. 🐖🐖🐖. She was regaling us with pig show stories over the holidaze and had us intrigued. Inquiring minds, ya know......


 

HIJAS

Well, Doris, you did not disappoint! Another notch on you snark belt :-) Thanks for making me chuckle and even laugh out loud a few times. The entire recap was a witful hit, but I must highlight these--

“Writers realized they have five weeks to wrap this turkey up. The Patio is not just relieved, we are ecstatic.” Yay! I’d do cartwheels but I’m afraid I’d hurt myself :-)

“DD (Dastardly Dario) meets with Alberto, who has terrible table manners and talks to Dario with his mouth full and chewing. “ Not only does this pig LOOK nauseating, he eats like a slobbering pig.

“…while #j-vickisjustplainannoying is hanging upside down the monkey bars there in the park like a K-5 student, including upside down smoochies with Fernando. Meh.” That was so ridiculous! Huge eyeroll…ooh that hurt LOL

“Ines tells Sol that she is engaged. Obligatory jumping up and down over that news.” Had to chuckle at this, very schoolgirlish! How old are these girls?

“Some scenes with TodoElMundo and Teresa, some hand porn, Patio, we know where this is going. They will be a couple by El Por Fin. Writers are paving the way.” You are on a roll, Doris! There a signs everywhere, aren’t there?

“Stefy confronts Vic about dating Seb: He is your brother! You are disgusting!!! (no mention of Seb being disgusting) …blah blah blah yadda yadda yaadda Typical telenovela drama. Good point! I suppose Seb can do no wrong in Stefy’s crossed eyes that match her newly twisted brain.

And regarding J-Vic, “ I really want to put a sock in her mouth to shut her up.” Well she opens it wide enough to fit in a couple of those. Michelle R really needs to stick to drama.

JudyB, "Alas, Juan is still out money for a lawyer, and a stuttering one at that--very insensitive. And politically incorrect. Shame indeed on Televisa. All they need to do now is toss around a dwarf or two and we'll be in the land of Total Bad Taste." Yes, indeed, quite insensitive; this left a sour taste in my mouth...not funny at all!

Andy, "I find her extremely annoying, extremely." I think all the votes are in and it's unanimous #j-vicisjustplainannoying