Caray, Caray!

What other title could I have chosen?

Good Day my friendly Patio Patrons. I am here a day early this week. Taking care of each other when one of us is unable to make this thing happen. Life can throw us all off at times. But better than what the poor mafiosos are suffering at the hands at Miguel.

Last night, in one fell swoop, we saw Miguel take down all of those who has voted against him in the secret meeting. Piero, the way Miguel got his money back was clever, the death, thank you that we didn’t have to see too much. Kuang, that was just funny. Tadamichi set him us so well, there was no way that guy was going home without that fake artifact. Drenka…well, that was just kind of rough. Ouch! The Russians did each other in, as they had tried so many times before, (remember the hotel and Karina running from one chasing the other?)


After reading through all of the comments on the boards from last nights episode, I see that many of you think that Miguel has gone over to the dark side completely. That Adela is just dumb for staying with him, and that he deserves to end up, at the very least, in prison. My opinion has always been what happens in any book you read, or any telenovela you watch. We enter into their world and choose to like or dislike based on their morale, not our own. In his own way, Miguel has a code, by which he lives. And in a very round about, odd way, he is trying to do something for the greater good. I won’t stand on a high horse because he took out a bunch of people who didn’t care how many people were dying at the hands of the Efilina. That, because they were making money, hand over fist, couldn’t stop production for a time to guarantee that people didn’t get hurt. They were in it for the money, and for Miguel, the money was the means to be able to create something that would be for the greater good. Does that make him a hero, no, but in my humble opinion, it does make him, just slightly better than them. Again, the antihero, the guy you don’t quite like, but can’t quite hate. He ends the episode talking about Epigmenio being all he had left to take care of. Just a quick question, what about Jimena?

But all that being said, we left off last night with Miguel setting his sights on the biggest prize. The one he could have taken out so many times before and didn’t. And although we can all agree that Jorge is to blame for what happened to Chisca, we can all agree that had Miguel taken out or Marano, back in the restaurant when he literally had him behind bars, none of this would have happened. But then, neither would the rest of the show. So…without any further ado, into tonight's episode. I think I know what is going to happen…lol.

What is bothering Miguel so much that he has to get up in the middle of the night to go and read his book in the dungeon that they are currently calling home? And was that a chapter title that popped up, or was that supposed to be what he just read. Either way, this is what it said…”the best victory is one in which you defeat without fighting.”

Peligros sleeps, and Ishiro is suffering, it looks like from a new tattoo that says something like “como sanarias las heridas que me han dejando vida” it was hard to read, I tried viewing on various screens. This means “How do I heal the wounds that have left me alive” it has to be close.

The opening speaking scene after all of the silent drama that made up the beginning of the episode is the typical comic relief offered by Flaco and Trejo, arguing about the poor condition of his apartment. Flaco says that there are chairs, there are beers, toilet paper, what else does he want. Peligros asks Flaco why he still lives in a dump when he has plenty of money. Flaco says better here than enclosed in a bunker. Trejo says that it is a five star bunker. Miguel finally comes to the screen and says that everything has gone as planned and they just need the final touch. Flaco says that he wouldn’t want to be Epigmenio. Trejo says that not even Epigmenio wants to be himself. I am going line, by line here, because it looks like this is where Miguel is laying out the plan. Miguel tells them that they have made sure that Epig has neither partners, nor allies. Trejo says that they have him surrounded, and Peligros says they have been watching him ever since they found out where he was.

Here we get a flashback to where we left of two episodes ago. Peligros and Tacho on the floor and not knowing who got shot. Adela runs over to Peligros and is calling his name. She tells him that everything was out of place so she disconnected Miguel and moved him out of his room. The she never thought that Tacho would be there. He must have looked pale because Peligros hurried Miguel back to his room and told Adela to get a nurse to reconnect him. Now Peligros and Flaco are taking information from Tacho’s phone. Flaco tells Epigmenio that the last call was to the owner of the circus, the man himself, Epigmenio Marano. Peligros asks Flaco if he can find out his hide out. Flaco tells him that the question is insulting. Flaco pulls up what looks like an address on the computer.

We are still in the past it seems and Peligros is telling Miguel and Ishiro about what they found. Epigmenio has been hidden all this time, he hasn’t left for anything. Ishiro says that he is being precautious, that he knows that Miguel is alive. Peligros says that he is afraid. Ishiro thinks that he is rearming himself, and that is why he called on the last men he has. Pelgiros says no, it all seems to him like they are just the last kicks of the drowning. Miguel reminds them that Epig doesn’t only fear him, but also that he has a price on his head, he knows that they are looking for him. Ishiro says “but we are the only ones who know where he is.” Preligros agrees and says that they have the advantage. Ishiro asks if they can start and Miguel says yes, at this moment I start the first phase. Here we see another little title. Guessing that these are all samurai lessons or something of that nature. This one says. “The Art of War is based in the deception.”

Edna and Marcos have found Drenka’s body, she is the boss of the Balkan Mafia. Edna comments that she was torn to pieces by her own dogs, Edna comments that she thought she had seen it all. Marcos says that it was a true blood bath. Edna says they need the dogs as evidence and Marcos tells her that they have been sent to the canine division for testing. When she asks if they found anything else, Marcos shows her the note that was left. It says “no va a quedar ninguno” or “there will be none left.” It sounds much more ominous in Spanish. Marcos says that it is clearly a mafia type message. Edna agrees but says the question is from who.

We see the construction guys finding Piero’s body in the concrete. Looks like he had a similar note on him. “no va a quedar ninguno vivo” or “ no one will be left alive.”

Hector and Miguel are speaking via video conference. It seems like Miguel doesn’t leave his bunker these days either. Hector tells Miguel that he is sorry about Chisca, that he understands his pain. Which of course he does, this whole thing started when his sister died. Miguel asks him if he is ready to finish Epigmenio Moncada. Hector tells him of course, and Miguel tells him that he is not talking about putting him in jail, but finishing him forever. Hector tells Miguel that he should call things by their right names, that Miguel wants to kill Epigmenio. Miguel tells him, yes, that is exactly what I want. Hector tells Miguel that he is not sure if Miguel can count on him. Miguel tells him that what he is going to ask of him will definitely win him the journalism award that he has been hoping for. I imagine this award has to be equivalent to the US Pulitzer. Hector tells him that he doesn’t think that the award is as valuable as a life. Miguel tells him that this man has killed part of their family and that it is alive that is worth nothing. Hector asks why he can’t pay with jail or something like that. Miguel tells him that a man like Epigmenio won’t stay in jail even a month, that Hector knows that better than Miguel. Hector agrees, but Hector tells Miguel that he issn sure that he is up to what Miguel needs, that he isn’t like Miguel. Miguel tells Hector that he is only asking for his collaboration, that Helena and Chisca deserve it. Low blow Miguel, invoking his sister’s name to convince him. Hector agrees, and asks Miguel what he wants him to do.

In Ciudad Jimenez, Dora has called because a General Lino Gomez says that they found some bodies with the message… Peligros interrupts her and finishes the message “no va a quedar ninguno, organizacion del valle.” Dora asks if it has to do with them. Peligros tells her to tell General Lino to start his formal investigation. She asks if he is sure and he tells her those were the bosses orders. Adela comes up and asks Dora to ask about Jorge. He still isn’t speaking, but that they go the Pantheon everyday and it calms him a little. Adela says she can’t stop thinking of him, and Peligros says it’s like he was born to suffer. Adela asks Peligros if he thinks Jorge will recover. Peligros says he doubts it.

Claudia and Hector are typing a way, Claudia states that “this is going to revolutionize the media, Hector.” He tells her exactly, that is exactly what we are looking for, that’s why we have to start with social networks. She asks if she should put it as an exclusive, or the breaking news. He tells her to put it as an exclusive to get more attention and spread though social media faster. He reads her something and wants her opinion. “In the last hours a series of murders have taken place, amongst those who stand out are Drenka Petrovik, Piero Scarinci, and the Russians, Sergei Navakov and Andrei Siropna, all mob bosses who died in a violent and scandalous way. On each of their bodies, the message “no va a quedar ninguno” was found. It was signed by who is believed to be the organization del valle, headed by Epigmenio Moncada, who has a warrant out for his arrest.” Claudia likes it and suggests they add “who also is connected to the distribution of ephedrine throughout the country.” Hector sends the online edition, and then says they need to focus on the piece for print. Claudia already has it done.

Edna is talking to Gary, she tells him that she just received a call from General Lino Gomez from Ciudad Jimenez and that there are two more dead. Gary asks her if by any chance they were the Russians. She asks how he knew and he tells her it is all over the internet, that social networks are talking all about it. OV stands for Organization Del Valle, which is Epigmenio Moncada. Edna says they need to find the source, and asks who is publishing the news. Gary tells her Hector Bernal. She tells Gary that she needs to put more pressure on Bernal, that she doesn’t want him leaving her out of the game. Gary reminds her that the journalist has privileged information. Edna says that he is managing them at his whim. Gary leaves to see what he can find out about the Russians, and Edna says she is going to see the journalist who seems to know it all. She gets another little Art of War Bubble “If you use your enemy to defeat your enemy, you will be powerful.”

Tadamichi is on the phone with someone, a cop, a politician, or possibly someone from the Italian Mafia, I am sure we will find out, maybe someone from the Media but he says “I insist that it was never a good idea that Piero aligned himself with Epigmenio Moncada. Now everyone knows that he wasn’t the only victim, I have had the same conversation with the Serbs, with the Russians and with the Chinese. Epigmenio is a cancer for our society, all of the leaders who were in charge are now dead, I am on high alert, yes count on my support and back up if you go against Epigmenio. Betrayal is paid for with life. don’t worry, any information that I have over his whereabouts you will know.

Epigmenio is talking to Pompi telling him he needs more men. Pompi tells him he needs more time, but Epigmenio tells him that time is what he doesnt have. Pompi tries to talk but Epig cuts him off saying that they are hunting him like starving wolves. That Miguel changes the game and put all of the partners against him. Pompi says the news is everywhere. Epigmenio tells them that they need to be very sharp and not trust anyone or anything. Epigmenio says that Miguel is going to pay. Pompi says that at least they haven’t found his hideout. Epigmenio says that that is why he needs to find Miguel first, before they find him.

Edna is meeting with Hector at Sucesos. She wants him to turn over his source and he tells her no, that he will not reveal his source. She asks him why not, because it is his friend. She warns him that friendships like these cost something in the long run. Hector tells her to think what she wants. Edna tells him that no matter how much“his friend” he is, he is a criminal. Then asks him why he protects Miguel Garza. He tells her that he is not protecting anyone. She says, Come on Hector. Hector tells her that all he wants is for Epigmenio to pay for what he did to his sister Helena and for what he did to him. Or has she forgotten that because of Epig, he is stuck in the chair. She tells him “good luck trapping a criminal without anyones help. Hector baits her back in telling her that he has information that she might be interested in. She asks if he is playing with him. He says no, but he knows a lot of things that might serve her.

Edna enters her office and tells Gary and Marco that she has the location of where Epig is hiding. Gary asks where she got the info, she tells him Hector, or at the end of the day Miguel Garza, however you want to look at it. Marco says then it is obvious that Miguel wants us to capture Epigmenio. Edna says it seems like it, it is logical after the attack the Garza’s suffered in their own home. Gary asks if they have a plan. Edna says no, that they will come up with one, but she wants Epig’s head on her desk. Marcos says “I thought your main objective was Miguel Garza?” Edna says he is, but I am not going to let this opportunity pass. Miguel is giving Epigmenio to us on a silver platter. She goes over where he is hidden. State of Morelos on a ranch on the outside of Tepoztlan. Gary asks if they have the coordinates, she says no, thats why she asked them to be there, they need the army, and the police to search the area. Gary says they will get to work. Edna says that they don’t have time to lose.

Adela is trying to sleep and Miguel has the light on reading. She tells him that they say that Samurai can read with the light off. He asks if the light is bothering her. She says that it wouldn’t be that bad if it wasn’t one in the morning. Miguel says he will read outside. She tells him no, that she prefers to have him close. He tells her thank you for your patience, living here, closed up, it isnt what I promised. Adela tells him well, at least we have tacos. Miguel tells her that tomorrow is an important day and that soon it will be all over. Adela tells him that that sounds good. Miguel tells her that what gives him strength to get up everyday is having her at his side, and to not forget it. He asks what is wrong and she asks him why Jimena isnt in his plan for revenge. That if it is true that those to betray, pay, why not her? His answer is kind of weak, and Adela thinks so too, he tells her, because I had, then stops and says because I still have enemies much stronger than her. Adela ain’t buying it. Then she says, some have all the luck. And Miguel tells her that if she wants him to take care of Jimena all she has to do is ask. Adela says, just like that. Miguel tells her yes, that it is her decision. I think it is obvious that Miguel knows that Adela would never ask for Jimena’s head. That she is not Carmen, and that is one of the reasons he loves her. I think, had she asked for him to go after Jimena, she would have been knocked down a few pegs in his eyes. So Adela tells him no, leave her be. That she spends her millions in remedies, if this is what it cost us to not have to see her ever again, it was cheap. Miguel tells her how much he loves her. She asks him to read to her from his book, and comments that he has read it often. He tells her that he reads it whenever it is necessary and then reads her the line “Triumphant are those who confront with preparation, their unsuspecting enemies.”

Looks like the poli are circling Epig’s house with a helicopter. Carmen is whining “what’s going on?” Epig is looking for Pompi and asks him what is going on. He says they are military helicopters circling the zone. He asks if they have detected the ranch. Pompi says not yet, that he sent Duro to see what happened. Epig says that he wants all the men safeguarded and that there is no movement. Carmen comes down to ask what is going on and he tells her to go to her room. Duro comes in and said that he went to town to see what was going on and that there were various police cars patrolling the area, he asked and no-one knew why. Epig tells Pompi to call Chucky Martinez to find them a safe house. Pompi is on it. I find it funny that Hector gave Edna the area but not the exact location of Epig. In my opinion, he is trying to flush out Epig, because he knows exactly where he is hiding.

Ishiro is telling Peligros that Chucky Martinez called him and is going to give them the address of the new safe house where he is going to send Epig. Peligros tells Ishiro that he made a good play with that guy. We get a flashback of Ishiro’s meeting with Chucky. He tells him that he knows that Chucky gets rental homes for people with problems. He then says that his boss wants to ask him a favor and that he pays well. Then he gives him a duffel full of money. Ishiro informs Chucky that within a few weeks Epigmenio will call needing a new house, and all he has to do is pass the new location along to them, and that the money he received is just a down payment.

Chucky and Ishiro meet. He gives Ishiro the new address and another duffel of money.

Epigmenio is reading Sucesos that tells that he is hiding in the area. Down to even names of ranches. He tells Pompi that they need to get to the new safe house and to only get the guys he trusts the most because he thinks someone is a rat. Pompi asks why and he says that the police are very close. Good play on Miguel’s part. He uses Hector to look like he has all kinds of Information. Epigmenio tells Carmen that she is returning to the mansion and that he is going into hiding. She tells him that is the first place they are going to look, the mob or the police. He tells her that is where he needs her. She tells him that he is using him as cannon fodder and calls him a bastard. He tells her to watch her mouth, that he doesn’t have time to put her in her place. she tells him that they won’t hesitate to put her in jail, that she doesn’t matter to him. She says she would have been better off listening to… and then she shuts up, I am guessing Maira was going to come out of her mouth.

Edna is telling Gary that Hector had more information than what he gave her. She is telling him to hurry up and get to the ranches that were named.

Carmen is getting dragged out into one car and Epigmenio into another.

Adela gets home to the bunker looking for Miguel. She picks up his books and starts reading. “Use order to confront disorder, use calm to confront those who bother you, this is dominating the heart.“

Gary is at the house, “He got away, if there is a clue that Epig was here, I want it.” He calls Edna and tells her the house is empty, the black rose, he tells the men to keep looking for clues. He finds a woman’s shoe.

Peligros calls Ishiro and tells him to tell the Italians that Epigmenio is entering. They ambush them, Epig knows its the Italians. Peligros stays hidden. We get another phrase here too. “Attack unexpectedly, making your adversaries tire out, running to save their lives.” And Epig is on the run again.

Epigmenio, Duro and Pompi are trying to decide where to go, Duro suggests the kitchens (or labs where they cook the meth). Pompi says no, they will grab us there. Duro asks where and Pompi suggests the brothel. Epig agrees and says yeah there to Paradise.

Peligros is giving the report to Miguel telling him that Epig got injured but not seriously and they don’t know where he is going. Miguel says yes they know. Epigmenio is injured and he needs to be attended. He doesn’t have a safe house, he won’t go to the labs or a hospital, he doesn’t have allies and he can’t show up in a public place for fear that he will be recognized. Peligros says he doesn’t have much time. Miguel says there is only one place he can go. Where? The Paradise Brothel.

At the mansion, Edna is confronting Carmen and she is telling him that she has no idea where her husband is. Edna tells her that she doenst need to yell at her, she can hear just fine. Carmen tells her that she is making her feel like she is lying. Edna shows her the shoe, we found this at the hacienda. Is it yours? Something tells me it is your style. Looking her up and down. Carmen kicks her out. But Edna says she will only go if Carmen comes with. Carmen tells her no. Edna tells her that she should thank her because if Epig associates find her they won’t be as nice as she is being. Carmen says that she doesn’t know what Edna is talking about. Edna says of course you do, they will use you as bait, or worse as a scape goat. Carmen tells her that no one tells her what to do she takes care of herself and no one has to tell her what she has to do. Edna tells her that unfortunately, she can and tells her “this is an order to present for interrogation for concealment of your husband. Carmen says no way, calls Edna an old woman, montonera (not sure if that is talking about the definition I found about Argentine wars) if any one knows. I would assume she means something like, old police woman, but in a condescending way. She tells her to get to work. Edna says that is what I am doing. Tells one of her men to accompany Carmen. She tells Carmen that if she cooperates, they won’t have to handcuff her. Carmen thinks saying she has stuff to do is going to somehow keep her from being taken in. Edna gets a call that there was a shoot out against Epigmenio. Carmen is asking what happened to her husband. Edna says there is no doubt that his associates are after him. If the Italians found him the other will too, its just a matter of time. We have to find him Gary, and preferably before they kill him. Then Edna turns to Carmen and asks if she will now follow her without problems. Carmen agrees.

Epigmenio pulls up at the brothel and a bunch of men come out shooting. This time they barely get away. Pompi is shot in the arm. Epig’s window almost shattered. Pompi asked who it was and Epig said there Serbs, there are everywhere. Pompi asks where to go and Epigmenio says far.

Epig gets a call, it is Sandro and tells him to come to him, he knows he is being chased all over.. Epig says that its a trap, he is working with Miguel. Sandro says that he wouldn’t be doing business with Epi if he was with Miguel. That they have been doing business for a month with the efelina and that it is going well. He would be an idiot to betray him. He tells him to get to him and he will help. Epig asks him what he wants to help him and he tells him he wants 50% of the business since he doesn’t have any partners left. Epi says its too much. Sandro says, ok keep running, I guess your life is worth less than that. Epi finally gives in and Sandro tells him to come to Ciudad Jimenez. That he will free up the highway and that no one will touch a hair on his head in his territory. All of the Gauchos are going to protect him. Epig agrees and tells Pompi to head to Ciudad Jimenez and Sandro makes sure that Epi knows when it is all said and done, he gets 50%. Another little tidbit from the Art of War “Good warriors make their adversaries come to them.” Looks like this is all a set up for Miguel. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. But then again, desperate times, desperate measure and all the jazz.

Peligros Miguel and Ishiro are standing around a coffin talking and Peligros says that he has never had to do this, it is something new. Ishiro says no one will expect it. Adela walks in and is surprised by the coffin and she says, “I imagine that I don’t want to know about your plan, right?” Peligros says not and Adela says she is going to her room. Miguel tells her to calm down that everything will be ok. She tells him not to do anything too dangerous. Ishiro hands Miguel the oxygen and they ask if he is ready.

A hearse going somewhere is headed out.

Edna is pissed saying that they are the last to find out about everything. How is it possible? Marco tells her they haven’t relaxed, not even a minute. Edna says, and even still Epigmenio got through our hands. Gary asks if she got any information out of the wife and Edna says that she is insufferable, the only thing she got from her was a headache. They say that Epig is still on the loose, they can’t sit around doing nothing. Edna says they are always a step behind. Edna says they will get nowhere going in circles. Gary suggests then that they go to Ciudad Jimenez to see what is happening with the bosses and surely they will find a clue. They should report to General Lino Gomez to bring them up to speed on the situation. Marco says he will go and see what he can find out about the recent shootouts. She says they all need to keep each other informed. That the office needs good news.

Epigmenio meets up with Sandro. He tells him he is safe. Epigmenio says they have been hard days. Sandro says he will get medical attention for Epig and Pompi who was bleeding a lot. Epig asks Sandro why he had him come to his own ranch. He is doubting Miguel’s word. Sandro says that the whole town knows that the place is surrounded by guachos, it is going to be the last place they will look for Epig. Epig says, who would have thunk it. You turned out intelligent, he tells Sandro. Sandro says like in old times. He asks Epig to tell how all of a sudden everything got turned upside down. Epigmenio says it is the fault of the imbecile Miguel. He says that Miguel probably set all of this up to get revenge for his sisters death. Sandro tells him that this is not going to end until one of them is dead. Epigmenio says that it is not going to be him. But what can he do, he doesn’t even know where he is, the Sandro doesn’t know what he would do to trap him. Sandro tells him that Miguel isn’t an enemy you can trap, you have to attract him. Does Epi know that every day Dora and Jorge go to the cemetery to see lambert and Chisca. Sandro tells him then why look for Miguel. Bring him to you using the only family he has left. Epigmenio thinks that Sandro has a good idea.

A cop in CJ Lino Gomez? I assume is saying that the place has been shot to pieces and that its a good thing that that there was no one in the other bedrooms because if not the insurance would have kicked them out. Gary asks about the cameras and he tells him nothing, it looks like the cameras were toys, no eyewitness, none. Gary says, someone had to have seen something. At minimum the third person who came, and put the paper in their mouths. The guy says that is what he thought, however when they were doing the investigation, they only found clothes and a few bathroom things and the passports of the two dead men, thats how they knew they were foreigners. And you immediately called the police Gary asked. He answers of course, and when they arrived at the scene of the crime, I contacted Edna. Gary overhears the cop talking to another guy who is saying that there is movement at the Moncado Ranch. The cop tells him to do nothing and that he will make some calls and evaluate the situation. Then he goes back to Gary and tells him he has to go and take care of some stuff, if they are done. Gary says yes if he finds out anything else to call him.

Gary immediately calls to get the exact location of the Moncada Ranch. He calls in for backup for a tactical team.

The cop, I am guessing he is General Lino Gomez goes to talk to Dora. He asks if she communicated with them. She says yes, she talked to Peligros and that for the moment do nothing. He asks if she is sure and she tells him that they have everything under control. He tells her whatever she needs, he is on his cell. Dora asks if the police knew anything about the movements at Rancho Moncada. He tells her of course not. She says ok then, we will leave everything in sus manor. I am assuming here she means Miguels, not the cops. That sus could be either.

Gary is saying that they are leaving the ranch to be aware, he is sending the location.

There is a service going on at the cemetery and Peligros and Ishiro are in the seats. Dora and Jorge are walking into the cemetery as well. They are at the tombs of Chisca and Lamberto. Jorge is still his mute self. Epigmenio is coming with a gun and a bunch of men ready to shoot them. Ishiro and Peligros get up and tap on the coffin, inside which is Miguel with his sword. But in the midst of it Gary comes riding on his motorcycle and the men cover Miguel so he isnt seen. Gary yells at Epig to drop the gun. The cops are coming. Sandro and him men start leaving and the army arrives. Sandro men start shooting trying to escape. Dora and Jorge are on the floor. Epigmenio is handcuffed. Another little piece of wisdom “Don’t walk against the current nor against the wind.” Jorge is looking at Epigmenio like he want to kill him then and there.

Wow, I have not had so much to explain in awhile, but with scene changes every two seconds and all of this pushing toward the last two episodes. Every little bit was important to Miguel’s plan. But it looks like it might have gotten a little upset when the law finally caught pace with Miguel. Or did they? Did Gary catch a break, or was this the plan? What do you all think. Well, now to bed. It’s two in the morning, and I have work in the morning. Thank God it is Friday. Good night Patio Peeps. And in my tiredness, this all makes perfect sense. I hope it still does come morning.

Esther

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