Caray, Caray!

Loli

I’m all caught up. Here’s a mini cap for Loli #8 (Thursday)

Loli pleads with Octavio to meet Nicky. He doesn’t want to hear it and threatens to call the police.

Arturo shows up at Global and he wants to go out to celebrate Mati’s promotion. But Mati doesn’t have the courage to tell him he didn’t get the promotion or raise after all. Instead, Mati wants to treat Arturo to a nice dinner at home. He has to borrow money from Rox to do this.

Before Loli leaves for the court, she goes to pick up a flash drive from the broadcast booth. Rafa comes into the booth to wish her luck and they find they are locked in. They have no cell reception, and everyone is gone for the day.

Paulina’s parents show up.

Looks like Mati and Arturo are patching things up for now.

Bruno allows the thugs to take his neighbor’s belongings to settle his debt.
Panic in the broadcast booth as Loli and Rafa try to find a way out. Loli is desperate to get to court and Rafa has the business meeting with Pau’s parents.

Octavio talks with a friend (or employee?) about the seed bank situation. The friend asks him if he’s curious about meeting his kid. Octavio has no interest. He donated anonymously years ago and used the money to open his business. Not everyone wants to be a parent, he says. If Loli comes back, he will get a restraining order.

The hearing was postponed. Norita is ticked.

Melissa worries that they will get caught with the robbery. They sneak back into the neighbor’s house and find the security recording. They manage to erase it.

Pau calls Vicente but he doesn’t know where Rafa is.

Loli has claustrophobia and faints. They try getting out through the ceiling but Loli crashes to the floor. Rafa busts down the exit door and dislocates his shoulder. Loli insists on brining him to the hospital. Later, she takes him home. He’s doped up on painkillers and Pau comes out to meet them. Pau is annoyed and suspicious.

Loli shows up at Mariana’s and tries to explain what happened. Norita doesn’t care about the explanation, she says Loli is hurting her grandchildren. Loli shows Norita the paper with Octavio’s info and picture. She tells Norita that he doesn’t want to meet Nicky but perhaps Norita can get through to him. Norita snatches the paper out of Loli’s hand and asks her to leave them alone. Loli leaves and Norita tears up the paper. We see Nicky watching from the stairs.

Next morning, we see Nicky has taped Octavio’s paperwork back together. He makes an excuse to stay behind while his grandmother and Sam wait in the car. Nicky calls Octavio. Octavio tells him he has no time for games. Nicky tells him that his godmother, Loli, found the number. Octavio says, tell your godmother what she did is wrong and stop calling. He hangs up.

Nicky folds the paper and puts it in his backpack. Octavio tells his friend that the boy called him.

Melissa and Bruno argue about the same old stuff. Her father comes up again in the argument. She says she’s finally had enough and packs to leave Bruno to go to Mariana’s. Later, he sweet talks her and it looks like she will change her mind. (She’s an insufferable narcissist. I have no idea why Bruno loves her.)

Cute guy, Gus, reminds the girls they have a study date. Carol comes along and invites herself to the study session.

Vicente is unhappy Rafa missed the meeting with Pau’s parents. He’s also curious about how things are going between Rafa and Pau and he gives a warning about Loli.

Pau has her first show. All seems to be going well until Octavio calls Loli to tell her that Nicky called him. Somehow Octavio’s call goes through to Pau on the air and he starts to tell her the situation with Loli still on the line. Loli tells Octavio, you’re a big mouth and I regret reaching out to you. And Rafa tells her, you’re on the air!

And we are out.

I can do the recap for Friday’s show. I’ll have it up on Saturday.

dondi356
 

Hija

MANY THANKS, dondi356, for this excellent recap. I wouldn't call it a mini-cap--you cover just about everything important that happened.

I'm so glad you made that side comment about Melissa. She is one of several people who drive me up the wall. I too wonder why Bruno loves her. Then again, he's far from the brightest star in the sky/sharpest knife in the set/whatever. He seems to have no common sense.

And then there's Mati, who does seem to have reasonable intelligence, but I'm not sure about his common sense, either. Not only does he borrow money to buy an elaborate dinner for Arturo, he also says something about the convertible he's been eyeing, suggesting that perhaps now he'll act upon his wish. Huh? Perhaps that's just hot air to impress Arturo, but....

Hmmm...is there ANYONE in this novela who is sane and sensible?

I'm looking forward to tonight's episode and your recap.
 

Loli #9 part 1

Loli apologizes to everyone for her personal call that went out on the air. Rafa tries to be supportive of Loli. He says it was an accident. Pau says everything that has happened lately has been an accident. She adds that Loli ruined her premier. Loli will release a statement to apologize to the audience. It’s not enough for Pau, she will hold Loli responsible for ruining her career. Vicente thinks Loli has too much on her plate—her friend, the kids. Vicente knows that Rafa gave her some time off but that hasn’t worked. What’s that supposed to mean, asks Loli. Sounds like Vicente is going to drop a bomb when he tells Loli, it’s time for you…. But then Vicente gets a text with the ratings. Thanks to the call mishap, they went through the roof! (not really a surprise)

The kids gather for the study date at Jess’ house. Jess and Carol go off somewhere and Gus suggests to Sam they play some music. He asks to see her playlist. She’s not sure he will like her taste in music. It’s a bit weird, like she is. Gus says she’s not weird, she is special and very pretty. (I hope this is legit. I’d hate to see this guy break Sam’s heart) Jess and Carol come back with beers. (we can see where this is going)

Rafa is trying to calm Pau down. He thinks this is good for them. It’s like Pau always says, “every problem is an opportunity”. Don’t use my motto to defend your producer, Pau shouts, Loli ruined my show and stole my thunder! Rafa says ok, I’ll remove Loli from your show and Angie can take over. Pau takes a second and says, no, I don’t want that. She will be reasonable. She just needs a little time to get over it. (I guess she wants to keep her enemy close)

Rafa and Loli talk. Loli is very upset. Rafa says Vicente is happy and Pau has calmed down. Loli is still upset over the call, the kids, everything. She’s so sorry. Rafa calmly tells her you and your kids are ok, you’re at Global. The kids are lucky to have you. Everything will get better, he says.

Rox meets up with Mati and Arturo at the bar. She’s happy they are working things out. Art goes to get some mezcal for the table. Rox asks Mati, how long are you keeping this up? Tell him the truth or I will. Mati will tell but he wants to enjoy this a little longer. David shows up. Uh oh, he thought they’d be alone. She introduces David to Mati and says his husband should be back soon. David looks nervous and keeps looking all around.

The kids are now drunk and dancing around to loud music. Pau and Rafa arrive home to this scene. Party’s over!

Back at the bar, Rox, Mati and Art are having a great time, but David looks stressed out. He keeps looking around as if he’s worried that someone he knows will show up. He suddenly excuses himself to go to the restroom. Then a couple comes over and says they thought they saw David. They introduce themselves as husband and wife, Alberto and Felicia. They are friends of David. Rox introduces Mati and Art and herself as David’s girlfriend. Alberto is surprised that Rox would be David’s girlfriend. Then he says it must be a mistake—we are at the wrong table. They leave. (David and his friends are awful people.)

Loli sneaks into Octavio’s club through the backdoor. She’s wearing a big hat and sunglasses. (Oooh, hot shirtless guys.) Octavio’s friend sees her and thinks she might be looking for the restroom. No, she is looking for Octavio Cordoba. Friend says he’s by the bar, he will take her. Loli says this is a private matter. Ah, says the friend, then wait for him by the second door over there. (did we ever get this friend’s name?)

Carol tries to flatter Pau, saying her mom is Pau’s biggest fan. Sam, Gus and Carol leave poor Jess to face the music. Rafa calmly tells Jess to clean up and they will meet her in the kitchen.

dondi356
 

Loli #9 part 2

Bruno and Mel are in the afterglow. Bruno is grateful Mel is giving him another chance. He gets up to make something for them to eat. When he leaves, she gets up and knocks on a wall. What has she located behind the wall?

David has ditched Rox; he’s not in the restroom. She asks Mati to bring another bottle of mezcal.

Family talk in the kitchen: Pau starts, instead of studying, you were drinking! You’re underage and it’s the second time this happened. Rafa adds, last time you came home in a police car. Pau tries to be understanding, Jess must miss Chicago and they are all getting used to being together again. Jess wants to know what Pau recommends. Pau says she knows she was busy with her career but now she is here for Jess. Are you done with your speech, asks Jess? Rafa wants Jess to watch her mouth. No, Pau says, let her express herself.

Jess starts, if we are going to live together like a family, we need rules. Rules? Yes, rules for what to expect, especially for you two, says Jess, so we don’t have a repeat of Chicago. Jess has her parents’ attention, and she outlines the rules. First, I never want to hear you arguing again. You can’t talk about work at the dinner table. No snooping around in my room. In return, Jess will allow her parents to follow her on Photogram but they can’t like her posts. Lastly, she thinks it’s ridiculous that her parents sleep in separate rooms. Clearly, Pau is liking that last one more than Rafa.

Loli is in the private room and a caped, masked dancer enters. He starts his act and as he starts to disrobe, Loli looks wowed by what she sees. (I’ll second that wow) As we expect, it’s Octavio and he recognizes Loli—You?

Yes, I’m a stripper and proud of it, exclaims Octavio! And I also own this place, he adds. Loli doesn’t care that he is a stripper. She says it’s a very respectable profession, as she gives him a once over. She can’t understand how Nicky’s dad can be such a jerk. Octavio blows up, I’m not his dad! Get this through your head—I don’t want to meet Nicky or any other kid! He leaves and Loli follows him out.

For this to work we all need to follow the rules, says Jess. Pau and Rafa agree and Jess says good night. Rafa is impressed by the way Pau handled the situation. Pau is more interested in helping Rafa change out of his clothes, because of his arm of course. And they have to make things look good for Jess.

Loli is following Octavio. Jabbering about Nicky. Octavio says he really feels bad for the boy but the donation was anonymous. He never wanted children, etc. Loli gets distracted by the next act on stage, and she stops listening to Octavio for a moment. Then she yells back at Octavio, you won’t see us again! She storms out. Another dancer comes along and tells Octavio that Loli forgot her bag.

Loli calls Mati and tells him he was right; she shouldn’t have looked for Octavio. She will have to think of something to tell Nicky. And on top of that she left her bag at the club and she can’t go back now. She asks Mati to go get her bag. Now, he asks? Arturo is listening in. She needs it because it has the USB she needs for tomorrow’s presentation. She says it’s ok if he can go first thing in the morning. Art speaks up saying, Mati needs to set boundaries, he’s not Loli’s assistant anymore.

Octavio is flirting with an attractive woman out on the beach. As he approaches her, bunch of kids run up to him screaming, daddy! Daddy! Daddy! I’m not your father, he tells them. Octavio wakes up in his bed between two women, it’s only a bad dream. He gets a call from Rafael. (Is that our Rafael?) He doesn’t answer.

dondi356
 

Loli #9 part 3

Mati gets ready to leave in the morning. Art reminds him they have a therapy session later. Mati is uneasy about going to a therapist. Art says just talk about how you feel. We need to be honest with each other. Mati looks guilty and he’s about to tell Art the truth when Loli’s call interrupts. He tells Loli he’s just leaving now. Art asks what Mati was going to say. Just I love you, Mati replies, and he leaves.

Breakfast with Norita is enough to kill one’s appetite. Loli shows up and Norita starts up with her. Loli has brought some gifts. Stuff from the radio station, thermos, hats, sweatshirts, stress balls for Norita. And I think the big gift is theme park passes. Sam says she’s too old. Nicky says all he wants is to meet his father.

Loli says to Nicky, I’ll tell you the truth about your dad. Norita objects. Sam tells Norita to drop it, you can’t stop her. Loli has a flashback to Octavio stripping. Norita shocks Loli back to reality. Loli starts, Nicky your mom was awesome. She chose a special seed so your dad could be a secret dad and you could imagine him. Nicky is disappointed; does this mean I will never meet him, he asks. Loli says maybe when Nicky is 18 he can look for him. Norita takes this opportunity to scold her late daughter about her poor decisions. Loli tells Nicky she did what she could.

Dancers are practicing at Octavio’s. Octavio tells his friend he has to leave for a meeting. Mati comes in. The friend thinks he is there to audition to be a dancer. No, he’s looking for Octavio. Friend says he just left but Mati can sit and wait. Mati asks if Octavio mentioned Loli’s bag. No, the friend says, but give me your number and I’ll call if I hear anything. Mati is on to him and doesn’t give his number. He will tell his boss he couldn’t find her bag.

Friend is not ready to let Mati go; he asks for his name. Mati introduces himself and holds out his hand to shake. Friend introduces himself as Apolo and he grabs Mati’s hand and kisses it. Like the Greek god, asks Mati? Apolo says yes, if I told you my real name, I’d have to kidnap you, tie you up, strip you naked…. Enough, shouts Mati, as he turns to get away. Keep me posted about Octavio and the bag. Apolo shouts after Mati, but I don’t have your number!

Pau asks Angie to keep an eye on Loli. Loli makes Pau feel uncomfortable, she doesn’t trust her.

Loli is upset Mati couldn’t get the bag. She needed the USB etc. Mati says why didn’t you tell me it was a strip club. She’s just worried the presentation will be a disaster. Rafa comes in and asks Loli if she is ready for the meeting. Loli fibs and says yes. Rafa reminds her this is an important client.

Octavio shows up at Global with the bag. He asks a random employee to bring the bag to Loli, but the woman says he should bring it himself. Just then Loli and Rafa come out of the meeting room. Octavio? Loli is surprised.

Loli checks her bag. Rafa looks on. Octavio says everything is there; do I look like a thief? Rafa says to Octavio, you must be…. Leaving, Loli interrupts as she grabs him away from Rafa. She tells Octavio she told Nicky not to call him anymore.

Bruno is speaking with the neighbor. The call has a bad connection. Everything is great, the cat is fine Bruno says. But then he confesses that someone broke into the house. They took all the valuables and the security camera, too. The cat is ok. Bruno babbles on but it seems the neighbor didn’t hear because of the bad connection.

Jess tells Sam she got off easy. Gus wants to get together again but obviously not at Jess’s. They will talk after classes. Gus’s friend was lurking behind and approaches Gus when the girls leave. There’s no conversation but the friend doesn’t look happy that Gus was with the girls.

dondi356

 

Loli #9 part 4

Bruno is dressed up. He tells Mel he’s going to take care of his family. He’s going to swallow his pride. He’s going to ask Loli for a job. Cut to Loli’s office. He tries to make his case, even invoking his late sister, but Loli tells Bruno there are no job openings. Then she asks, I thought your business was doing well. Oh it’s just that Melissa wants a pool and he needs to make extra money. He will do anything. Loli is really sorry, but she has nothing for him right now.

Rafa comes in and asks about Bruno. Loli tells Rafa he’s family; he’s Mariana’s brother. Rafa changes the subject to the visitor Loli had earlier. Yes, Octavio. Rafa remembers him as “yesterday’s caller”. Then he asks Loli, who’s better Octavio or Armando. Loli asks Rafa if he is curious or jealous? Rafa laughs, why would I be jealous? That’s right, says Loli, we are nothing. So why do you care who I go out with? If we are talking about personal stuff, Loli asks, how’s your marriage? Before he can answer, Vicente walks in with Pau and her parents. Should we go to the conference room? Vicente asks Loli to join them.

Nicky is at his mother’s grave again. He tells her Loli said I have to wait until I’m 18 to meet my dad. Nicky thinks back. He’s at the park with his mom. His mother asks what he wants for Christmas. Nicky wants to meet his dad. She tells him his dad is on a trip and he won’t be here for Christmas. Nicky says all his friends spend Christmas with their dads. He asks if it is because of something he did. Did I misbehave and that’s why dad doesn’t want to see me? No not at all, says Mariana, you are a very special little boy. Back in the present, Nicky tells his mom he doesn’t want to be special. He wants his dad.

The business meeting went well. Pau’s parents will invest in Pau’s show. They need a ride to the airport. Loli has just the person to drive them to the airport. She calls Bruno and tells him he can have a job driving VIPs around, starting immediately. He’s thrilled. Then the neighbor calls him and says they are coming home early from vacation.

Rox gets a large arrangement of red roses. There’s no card. David calls, did you get my flowers? Oh, you sent them, she says, I left them around somewhere, probably in the trash. David feeds her some BS about pipes bursting at his gym. Rox doesn’t want to hear it. What you did was awful, she tells him. You didn’t even come back to say goodbye. You embarrassed me in front of my friends. David gives her more BS. Mati comes up behind Rox and listens in. Rox says, I wish I could believe you, David. Next, he tries sweet talking her. Ok, this is the last time I forgive you, says Rox, see you tonight. Bye.

Mati can’t believe Rox is forgiving him. He’s lying to you, he says. Rox says she knows and maybe she’s a bit gullible. But do you know who else is gullible she asks Mati. Your husband. She leaves him with, “calladito te ves mas bonito” – you’re prettier (or handsome) when you’re quiet. They translated this as people who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.

Norita brings Nicky home from school. He says he didn’t do much at school today because the teacher was out sick. When Norita goes into the kitchen, Nicky calls Octavio again. Nicky tells him, I was told I couldn’t meet you until I’m 18, but can I call you? Octavio tells him he doesn’t know if it’s a good idea to call. Nicky wants to send Octavio a gift and he asks where he should send it. Octavio says he shouldn’t send gifts to strangers. Then he tells Nicky he is busy and has to go. Octavio hangs up and looks troubled.

And we are out.

dondi356

 

loli

Thanks VERY much, dondi356, for this terrific recap. I had problems with the sound for a while when I was watching the episode last night, and I spent some time trying to figure out whether the problem was on my end or Telemundo's, so I wasn't paying much attention to the novela. The problem eventually cured itself, but it took me a while to get back into the novela. So I'm extra grateful for your recap!

You asked two questions that I too wondered about. When Melissa was knocking on the wall, I couldn't figure out why she was doing that. What did she hope to find? And when Octavio gets a call from Rafael, I too wondered "Is that OUR Rafael?" The plot thickens!

I loved your including calladito te ves más bonito, and I'm a bit surprised that they translated it as they did. Both the Spanish and the English make sense in that scene, but they don't seem to me to mean the same thing.

I have the feeling that Octavio is softening toward Nicky. I'm not sure how I feel about that. I suppose it works well in the telenovela's plot, and perhaps if we hadn't just watched Todo por me hija I wouldn't even think about it. However, we did just finish with Hija, and having Demir, Loli, and perhaps Octavio all making a dramatic change into caring parenthood bothers me.
 

OT

dondi356, do you have an email address you'd be willing to give me? There's an issue I'd like to talk with you about off-screen. If you're willing, don't put it here unless you don't care about its being visible in a public place. Instead, send me an email message at cq9@yahoo.com . That's an account I don't care about so I don't mind putting it here. I'll delete your message after I read it.
 

loli

Wonderful recap, dondi! Thanks so much.

These episodes seem especially jam packed to me. Maybe they are introducing all these plot lines to capture our interest.

The episode was entitled Celos, a most apt title.

I couldn't figure out the couple who left the club after Rox announced she was David's girlfriend. Was it that David is married? Or that Rox is overweight?

I had no idea that Octavio was a stripper until they showed it. Didn't they say something about firefighters and he wielded a fireman's axe? Oh well. I loved the scene where he came in dressed as Zorro. I also salivated a bit at the sight of those six-pack abs.

I'm pretty sure Nicky is going to win Octavio over.

I was surprised by the actor's strong Argentinian accent and the use of voseo during the show. I had always thought that studios that put on novelas strongly encourage "neutral Spanish". I really need the Spanish subtitles when he speaks.

I'm so with you about Melissa being a narcissist. And, yes, what is that banging on the wall? There was one scene in Thursday's episode where Bruno shows a hint of a developing spine. He told her that some of the pickle they are in was because of her insisting on designer clothes, designer bags, and so on. Not a big surprise that she's such a big fan of Paulina!

Why do we expect novelas to make sense? Rafa tells Loli that there's been a 20% cutback, but Loli hires Bruno as a driver. I listened to that dialog twice, and it wasn't just a one-time driving gig. He's supposed to be a regular driver for the radio station. Maybe this will mean fewer scenes of he and Melissa in the garage with the knockoffs.
 

Loli

Thank you, Juanita and novelera, for your insightful comments.

Interesting observation about the similarities between Hija and Loli, Juanita. I think Hija did the transformation well. I can only hope that Loli matches it.

novelera, I agree these early episodes have been jam packed. One especially notices this when recapping. I suppose it’s to introduce characters and storylines and to “capture our interest”, as you said. I’m sort of hoping things calm down a bit. I think that keeping up such a frenzied pace works against the ultimate enjoyment of the show.

As for David, at first I thought he might be married. But the way Alberto gave Rox the once over and questioned, “you’re his girlfriend?”, I began to think it had to do with her appearance. Remember, David works at a gym so health, fitness and appearances must matter in his world.

Melissa is horrid and she knows exactly how to manipulate Bruno back into submission. How long will it take for her dad to reappear?

Guessing the fireman stuff was just part of Octavio’s stripper act. We saw policemen on Friday.

The eternal question: “Why do we expect novelas to make sense?”

I hope more join us on the Loli patio.

dondi356
 

Loli/Frida

Thank you dondi356, novelera and Juanita. I am your friendly lurker who really appreciates the recaps but has never commented until now. I don’t want you to think you are all alone watching this interesting novela. I needed a funny novela to help get through the winter!

So, I think the call Octavio got was from “our” Rafael but it was on Loli’s cell phone, remember she left her purse after that sexy 10 second Zorro privado! I wasn’t sure what business he was in until the private dance show. Glad to see that Mati has some options with Apollo if he is interested in getting away from his conceited overpowering husband.

I totally dislike the Melissa/Bruno endless discussions and what was she doing knocking on the wall? Is there a secret her daddy stash of money?

So far, I am enjoying the fun banter with Loli and Rafael even if I am trying not to be too scandalized by some of the behavior. The Rox/stupid boyfriend storyline is so hurtful in this day and age. I hope Rox just gives this idiot the bota soon!

Frida

Not sure if you all are watching this mystery drama, but I have really enjoyed it so far! I wish I had time to do recapping but I live on the West coast and work in healthcare so my time is limited and it would take days for you to see the recap! Just wanted to thank you all for covering Loli. I will try and comment more frequently.

Thank you!!

VVS
 

loli

Welcome, VVS. Both Juanita and I are West Coast also. Dondi is East Coast.

Excellent points you make! Also sick of Melissa/Bruno.

I watched the first Frida, but just can't manage two novelas a night, so that's all I've seen. I've always liked Arap Bethke, so I was tempted. But I do need to sleep on a regular basis!

If you're tempted to recap, we've posted several times that a dozen lines about the broad outline of what happened would spur comments.
 

Thanks for the welcome novelera! Wow, I am impressed that you and Juanita are able to get these recaps up so quickly. Let me get used to even commenting as this really is the first time I have done so. I have always admired the kindness and friendship you all seem to share on this patio. It seems less stressful than the "main" patio. Looking forward to Loli tonight!
 

loli

Bienvenida, VVS! It's reassuring to know that there are friendly lurkers out there. I enjoyed your comments. Like you and novelera, I'm very tired of the Melissa/Bruno nonsense. Though, like you, I'm curious about what Melissa is hoping to find behind the wall.

As for Frida, fortunately it didn't tempt me. Before the current lineup of novelas began, I was watching both Todo por mi hija and Falsa Identidad 2. Though I enjoyed both novelas, I'm glad to be back to watching just one each night.

I hope that now that you've tested the water, you'll come in for a swim. As novelera has already said, you aren't alone here in being from the West Coast. Comments are always appreciated at any hour. Not to mention recaps.
 

loli

Oops, VVS, I didn't see your reply to novelera until after I had posted my message. (The time stamp is sometimes deceiving.) Looking forward to more of your comments as you feel more comfortable.