Caray, Caray!

Hija

I'll do the recap tonight.

dondi356
 

RATS!! My DVR did it me again! UGHHH! Looking forward to the recap, Dondi.
 

Hija #34 part 1

We left off with Oyku saying, “Candan is in love with you.” Demir thinks Oyku is talking in her sleep. No, she’s not asleep yet. She says, I asked Candan if she was in love…then she blushed and couldn’t answer. I have no doubt. Demir wonders why Oyku asked her that, what were they talking about? But Oyku has fallen asleep and doesn’t answer. Demir thinks Oyku was dreaming. He asks himself, why would Candan blush? Demir remembers her blushing recently and is now wondering if this could be true.

On the way to school next morning, they stop by Mufide’s for Oyku’s lunch. Ugur leaves for “work” too. As they walk, Ugur asks Demir why he is dressed like that if he has to go before the judge. He tells Ugur he has change of clothes in his bag. Oyku wants to know what they are whispering about. Ugur responds, who will catch you first. And hey run down the street, laughing.

Cemal and Asu pull up to the courthouse. Asu is nervous. She wants Cemal to go in with her. He can’t because it might cause a scene in court. We must give a positive impression. Besides, Cemal has some things to do. Stay calm, take the child and come back. You think it’s that easy? Cemal says, if not this time then the next. You have to believe. He tells her to call him when it’s done. Asu gets out of the car. (She’s cleaned up real nice.)

Inside the courthouse, Demir and Ugur are nervously waiting. Ugur fusses with Demir; his shirt is wrinkled. Anyway, they figure Asu will show up looking like her usual mess. Here comes Asu down the long hallway (reminiscent of a catwalk?) and I think our guys are surprised at how good she looks. The case is called, and they enter the courtroom.

Meanwhile, Cemal is waiting for Candan at an outdoor cafe. Candan arrives and thanks him making time for her. No problem when it’s for the sake of a child. He realizes it’s a very delicate situation. But he also wants to help Asu. “If we can do something to help them, they will be fine, and I will be happy.” Candan looks a little puzzled.

In the courtroom the judge says a change in the custody agreement was requested. He asks Asu’s lawyer for the reason. Demir’s lawyer interrupts. The current living conditions for the child show no danger. Both father and child have been subject to regular Social Service visits. The judge wants to know why. Asu’s lawyer jumps in to answer, but the judge wants to hear from Demir’s side first. The mother came back recently. When my client learned he was the child’s father he immediately assumed his responsibilities.

The judge turns to Asu. Senora? Where have you been for the past 8 years? Didn’t you know you gave birth? Her lame answer, I had to travel abroad and then I lost track of my daughter. Now that I have found her, I want her with me. Demir and Ugur can’t believe what they are hearing. The judge asks if she left the child with Social Services. Her lawyer steps in but the judge wants to hear from Demir’s side.

Your Honor, she didn’t lose track of her daughter. The baby was turned over to a woman who was allegedly her aunt. That woman told the child her mother had died. The judge understands. Asu’s lawyer claims that Demir has not allowed his client to see her daughter. And by law we demand the necessary arrangements be made so she can see the child.

Demir’s lawyer counters, Your Honor, in order not to traumatize the child and due to the plaintiff’s inappropriate behavior, my client (Demir) acted according to his paternal instincts. The judge understands and will take everything into consideration. But for now, the judge sees no problem with the child meeting with her mother until the next hearing. The child will meet with the mother on Saturdays from 9am to 9pm the following day. The court will hear from the child at the next hearing. Demir is shocked and Asu is pleased.

dondi356
 

Hija #34 part 2

Demir can’t contain himself. Your Honor, you can’t do this. You can’t give my daughter to that woman; she’s lying. Don’t let her fool you. The judge asks him to be quiet but Demir continues. My daughter will be traumatized for life. The judge threatens to remove Demir from the courtroom. He assures Demir that they will keep the child’s psychological well being in mind; an expert will be present for her questioning. And with that, the hearing is adjourned.

Candan understands that Asu is Cemal’s old friend, but she doesn’t understand how she could have abandoned her child. Here comes the BS folks. Cemal defends Asu saying at the time, her reasoning was valid. He recently found out more details. Asu was 5 months pregnant when Demir left her. So Demir knew she was pregnant, asks Candan? That’s right, and Asu didn’t have an abortion because she trusted Demir. Demir told her they would marry but after that, he vanished. Asu became increasingly depressed. Cemal stopped hearing from her until recently and you know the rest of the story.

Candan makes sure she understands, so Demir knew he was having a daughter? Yes, and unfortunately, he chose to run instead of raising her. Cemal continues, Asu is right to want her daughter back now. yes, Asu abandoned her daughter but remember, Demir left his daughter and Asu. Cemal drives his point home with, I think that, as a woman, you will understand her. Nevertheless, Cemal will speak with Asu and calm her down. But he doesn’t want her to forget that the Demir she knows is not trustworthy. Candan asks if they are done. She has a patient waiting. She has clearly been unsettled by these revelations. Will she believe this BS? Cemal looks pleased with himself and thinks the damage has been done.

Demir blows up at the lawyer outside the courthouse. How can Asu take Oyku? I promised her she wouldn’t have to see her again. Why do they want Oyku in court? The lawyer says there is nothing they can do about that now. The focus is on the custody. Ugur says don’t lose hope.

Asu approaches them. Tell Oyku I’ll pick her up tomorrow and they will spend a happy night together. It’s my right. Demir yells out, I’m going to kill you! The guys have to hold him back, saying don’t do anything stupid. I’ll bury you, Demir yells. Ugur says don’t you realize she is trying to provoke you? Calm down! Ugur tells Asu to get lost now! Asu is so pleased with herself. (I wanted to slap that smug smile off her conniving face.)

Demir is screaming at her as she walks away, You’re crazy! I’m going to kill you! Calm down and be careful, the lawyer reminds Demir. Asu can take advantage of your behavior. The lawyer leaves and Ugur pleads with Demir to calm down and be patient. In the end Oyku will be with him. Oyku won’t change her mind. She doesn’t love Asu. Demir says, he will go crazy. He promised Oyku. What does he say to her now? Ugur reminds him that Oyku is a smart girl. We will find a way and she will understand. No, says Demir, she will understand her dad lied to her again. He goes off to work.

Demir calls Candan and tells her nothing has been set but the judge has allowed Asu to see Oyku. Candan says maybe that’s what’s right. Asu is the mother after all. Don’t you think she has a right to see her? Demir is surprised and says, you know what kind of woman Asu is. Candan drops the bomb, I met with Cemal. What? We talked about the situation. He said Asu is worried and he admits she’s been aggressive. Maybe she is acting like this because she misses her (good grief, I can’t believe I am hearing this!). Demir wants to know, did Cemal tell you that? What else did he say? Candan thinks that Cemal just wants to help. (I guess Cemal has succeeded in planting doubts in Candan.) Of course, says Demir. Are you upset, asks Candan? No, I have work we can talk later.

dondi356

 

Hija #34 part 3

Ugur is outside the classroom waiting for Oyku. Sevgi comes out. He acts aloof. Sevgi says Ugur is early; the kids are finishing their music class. He will wait. She asks, Ugur are you still mad at me? What if I treat you to tea? Ugur says she doesn’t have to comfort him. She says no, do it for me. Ok if she insists.

They sit outside with their tea. Ugur is uncharacteristically quiet. Sevgi says, please say something. He says she gets upset whenever he speaks. She apologizes for being harsh when he only tried to help. Not everyone would volunteer like you did. He tells her he did it all for love. There’s a “look” between them. For your love of theater, Sevgi asks? Yes, yes, for the theater. He would do it again; he doesn’t regret it. She invites him to the last rehearsal. All smiles, all is well between them now.

Demir is at work. Hassan notices he’s upset and asks what’s wrong. Flashback to Oyku, I don’t have to love Asu do I? I don’t have to call her mom? No, you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. They can’t make you love someone you don't want to. You’re not alone, your father is here for you. Demir tells him about the custody fight. He shows Hassan a pic of Oyku. Hasan hasn’t known Demir for very long but he thinks Demir is a good man and God will help him. Don’t worry.

Ugur is taking Oyku home. We must rehearse the play. She thought he was done. He tried to stay away but this is his passion (is it the theater or is it Sevgi?) He asks her to go ahead and see if Candan is at the house. She’s not; the coast is clear. As Ugur turns to open the door, she pranks him saying, hi Candan! Ugur almost has a heart attack.

Mufide calls Candan as she’s closing up the clinic. We met at the store. I told you about the house. The house is vacant and if you are available, you can see it tomorrow. Call me and I’ll show you the house. Ok, thanks!

Demir shows up as Candan pulls away. He calls Ugur and asks about Oyku. She’s fine, doing her homework. Demir has something to do before coming home. Demir bangs on Cemal’s door. Cemal opens and Demir grabs him and yells, stop putting ideas in Candan’s head! Asu appears.

You’re working together. What was you plan? Cemal says don’t yell at me in my house! Demir makes another run at Cemal. Asu separates them. Demir sees beer bottles. What the hell are you celebrating? You are ruining a child’s life. Asu reminds Demir that she is Oyku’s mother. Stop saying that! You’re nothing to her! He warns Cemal to stay away from Candan. What did you tell her? Cemal wants to know why Demir cares. Demir raises his fist. Cemal says, go ahead and hit me, do it. What will the judge say? Thankfully, Demir backs off; he vows to destroy them both and leaves. Asu asks Cemal, what was that about? It's the beginning of Demir’s end, says Cemal. Asu replies, Cemal, he won’t give up, this is getting serious. Asu is alarmed but Cemal is not. He says, let it get serious. This is what I want.

Ugur and Oyku are rehearsing. She’s tired and her knees hurt a lot. Why didn’t you say something sooner? Oyku says my knees hurt because I’m growing. Yes of course. The same happened to Ugur. Oyku smiles.

Demir arrives home. He pauses at the door before going in. He sees Ugur massaging Oyku’s legs. Ah, it’s growing pains again. Ugur says good night. Oyku feels better now.

dondi356

 

Hija #34 part 4

Demir tells Oyku, we have to talk. Remember when the mailman came with a letter? It was from the court. You know I have custody of you. The judge decided you would stay with me. We didn’t know your mom was alive then. What happened dad? Something bad? Tearfully Demir says, Asu will do everything to take you away. She’s willing to do it all.

Oyku jumps up, Dad you said Asu couldn’t take me, that you wouldn’t let that happen! She couldn’t have me, couldn’t bother me! She breaks down in Demir’s arms. He tries to assure her he will do everything but Oyku reminds him of his promise—you won’t let her take me! Demir says, it’s what the judge said. Oyku interrupts, she doesn’t care what the judge said. Oyku, Asu is coming to pick you up tomorrow. She runs into her room and slams the door shut. (Beren is great in her last two scenes.)

Mufide sees Ugur with a notebook. She thinks he will finally finish school. No, no. it’s the play he’s working on. Oyku’s teacher (did he slip and call her his beloved?) begged him to help with the play. How could he turn her down? Mufide seems to think it’s a waste of his time.

Demir is in bed next to a softly crying Oyku. He starts reciting out loud, once upon a time there was a man who wanted to be a good father. His young daughter was a beautiful princess. However, the dad failed at being a good father. He did what he could to make his daughter happy. But he failed. He failed as a father for his beautiful daughter.

Oyku turns to Demir and asks, that’s not the ending, is it? She takes over the story from here. The dad was a very strong king. He did everything he could to make his daughter happy. He built her a castle and a beautiful bed fit for a princess. His daughter was very strong, too. She didn’t fear the evil queen. She decided to fight alongside her dad… Demir turns to look at her, they hold hands… because if they remained together the evil queen will falter, and she wouldn’t be able to hurt them. Oyku reaches out to touch Demir’s face and he reaches for her, too. They hug.

And we are out.

dondi356

 

hija

dondi356, I always admire your wonderful recaps, but this one seems especially superb. In part, it may be because it helped me understand parts that went right by me. One thing I've especially appreciated about the Turkish novelas is that the dubbed Spanish is easier for me to understand. This time, though, I found it more difficult. Perhaps I was so emotionally upset by the plot that I couldn't focus as well on what was being said. Whatever the reason, I'm especially grateful for this recap.

I have little to add to what you've said. I was astonished by the transformation in Asu's appearance. She almost looked like a different person, which of course was her intention. From my first glimpse of this gorgeous, sophisticated-looking woman, I knew Demir was in for trouble.

The episode also brought out Demir's destructive impulsiveness. As much as I dislike Ugur, last night he was the adult. I was relieved to see that in his confrontation with Cemal, Demir was able to resist hitting him, something Cemal was clearly hoping to provoke.

All in all, I found this a very hard episode to watch. The only bright spots for me were Demir's not hitting Cemal and the wonderful ending. I'm really hoping that Oyku will be instrumental in crushing the plot Cemal and Asu have cooked up.
 

Hija

Thanks, Juanita!

There was a lot to cover in this very emotional episode. The episode really has to be viewed for the full effect. I found it impossible to adequately describe the emotions. I had to go back and review a few scenes. I wanted to make sure I was as accurate as possible. It took me longer than usual to recap.

Comparing the Spanish dubbed to the original Turkish eps, some of the dialog is condensed. Guessing it’s partially because the Spanish content is edited and also for the sake of translation. Maybe that’s why the Spanish is easier to understand. I get more detail in the Turkish, even with subtitles.

I was so angry at Cemal and Asu. And I was very disappointed in Candan. She is frustratingly naïve.

Several times Demir has threatened to kill someone or has said he would have to be killed to give up Oyku. I don’t like to hear that kind of talk. It usually foreshadows something terrible.

Could Asu still have feelings for Demir?

dondi356
 

hija

Wow! You captured all the emotion in a terrific episode, dondi.

I suppose the reason Demir hasn't told Candan about Cemal's plotting is because he doesn't want the 8 years ago robbery to come up. But he could certainly tell her a condensed abbreviation of the fact that Cemal just got out of prison, he's not a real estate guy, and he's made it his life's work to harm Demir. Yes, Candan, probably because of growing up in a privileged environment, has zero ability to see through lies.

I agree with the desire to slap Asu. I'd have liked her more if she'd just walked out of the courtroom and kept her dignity. Instead she has to goad Demir.

I also wonder if Asu may have some lingering feelings for Demir. I WISH they'd explain that scene where he threw her out. I have to believe she deserved it.
 

HIJA

Dondi, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!! I savored every word.

I'm somewhat glad I didn't get to see the episode; it saved my TV from getting something thrown at it during and after the courtroom scene. Asu is SO obnoxious and hateful; when she smirks, I wish someone would bitchslap her out to the end of the universe...and beyond that!

Novelera, I do think she has some feelings for Demir; it's a love-hate type of feeling. It's like "I Love you, but I hate you for not loving me back!" I too wish they would explain that flashback. I would like to think that Asu somehow tricked Demir into sleeping with her, maybe she got him drunk. And when he came to his senses and realized what happened, he was angry that she made him betray Cemal and threw her out. Just my wishful thinking :-)

How many more lies and disappointments can Oyku take? The little girl is a marvel! What lies will Asu tell her? Asu will have a whole day to try to turn Oyku against Demir. I hope Oyku wears ear plugs and just nods like those little toy puppies they place in cars.

Is Candan really that gullible to believe Cemal, a man she hardly knows? She could at least tell Demir everything Cemal said and give Demir the opportunity to defend himself. It seems she didn't, que triste!
 

Hija

Thanks for your comments, novelera and Rgv Chick.

Rgv Chick, YES! “Asu is SO obnoxious and hateful; when she smirks, I wish someone would bitchslap her out to the end of the universe...and beyond that!” And I think you’re on to something with Asu having a love-hate thing for Demir. She loves the prospect of the inheritance the most.

The writers are very clever to string us along on the Cemal-Asu-Demir triangle. There must be more to this than what we have seen. IIRC Demir accused her of coming between friends and we know Asu snitched on them.

This is the time for Demir to pull Sezer’s letter out of his pocket! I hope he kept it!

dondi356
 

Hija

This is also the time for Ugur to put his investigative hat on. I know he can be a bumbling idiot but he was persistent when trying to find out what Asu was up to and trying to locate her father. All they have to do is talk to the bar owner where Asu sings for booze money. That would blow her "gone abroad" BS to kingdom come. I had also thought that they might try to find Zeynep, but if Asu gets a hold of her she may pay her off so she can back up Asu's lies.