Caray, Caray!

QT

So we're expecting #81 later today, right? And I'm recapping? Between futbol and end-of-semester chaos, I've kind of lost the thread.
 

OT
I'm back again:) And I have a question for you all if you'd be willing to discuss it because it's been bugging me for a couple of days. I came across an article that said that telenovelas make women have unrealistic expectations when it comes to their relationships. Essentially, it was all about how a rich and handsome man with a palace won't marry them becaus perfection does not exist. Men who were interviewed seemed convinced women compare what they see in telenovelas and want to emulate this in their real lives. My mother said she saw a study that claimed something similar. Unfortunately I was unable to find it. So do you all think it'strue that women want what they see in TNs to be a reality and somehow try to make it a reality? I actually now am rathercurious which parts of telenovelas they would want to make real because men are usually awful to women there and the happy ending is the only thing I personally like if the main man turns out to be awful. And I'd love to know what those women do to turn their men into those telenovela heroes. Maybe people encountered women who expect something specific from a man or something if they blame telenovelas specifically. From what I've seen, women only lament the fact that,say, men in reality aren't as considerate or respectful if the telenovela galan happens to be a great guy. They usually mention that it's unrealistic if the guy does not want to get the lady into bed very quickly. No offence to any men reading this! It's only what I've seen online and what women mention most often when they comment on telenovelas. I do admit it's nice when a man is considerate and respectful, but this is already unrealistic, then I might be in trouble. I wonder whatthose studies would say about Jane Austen's novels and Bronte's Jane Eyre then. Those had happy endings too and women love the male protagonists in those novels.
 

I forgot to sign my name and wrote such a long comment:)
 

OT

Waterlily, I think all popular culture is unrealistic -- everything from love songs to dime novels to soap operas. Part of it is escapism (what we'd like life to be like) and part of it is aspirational (what we can reach for or possible make happen.) I think there's a variation in the degree to which the consumer actually draws the line between fantasy and reality. But it seems unfair to target telenovelas, which are just one small corner of our imaginary world.
 

ECDLP #28

- Rebeca interrupts the kiss between Lucia and Marcelo saying dinner is ready. Lucia claims she isn’t hungry. Marcelo follows Rebeca inside.
- Lucia berates herself for kissing Marcelo.
- Trini tells Nazario that Magdalena went out with Mario. Nazario is surprised and Trini hopes Magdalena will find love again.
- Magdalena and Mario are having a pleasant conversation. She asks him why he never married. He asks her the same. He wonders if she still hasn’t gotten over what Ricardo did to her.
- Sara slaps Leti after Leti thinks that Sara doesn’t know who Leti’s father is because she was involved with many men. Sara is afraid that if Leti knows who her father is, she will go looking for him.
- Milagros doesn’t like that Marcelo works too much and thinks he’s avoiding her. Alone in his room, Marcelo thinks about the kiss.
- Alonso asks Lucia why she didn’t join them for dinner and if something happened with Marcelo. Alonso hopes she doesn’t feel like
he’s forcing her to get along with Marcelo.
- Nora and Rodrigo discuss how they could end Nora’s pregnancy. Brigida tells Rodrigo that Rebeca told her that Lucia is still in love with him. Rodrigo doesn’t want to get into that because he has an issue to solve first. Brigida is confused by this.
- Ligia tells Amador that Rodrigo confided in her that he’s in a serious problem.
- Nora feels pressured by Alonso to do the medical tests. She claims she needs 20K pesos (roughly $1000 currently) for a treatment she read about.
- Alonso wants some sexy time with Rebeca but she claims she’s tired.
- Amador has figured out that Rodrigo got Nora pregnant. Rodrigo asks to borrow money but Amador says instead that Rodrigo will marry Nora.
- Rodrigo doesn’t think that’s a good idea. Amador maintains that a wedding/marriage is better than an abortion.
- Brigida wants to know what’s going on. Amador says he’s figured out a way to get Alonso to rehire Rodrigo.
- Mario tells Padre Samuel about his date with Magdalena. Meanwhile Magdalena does the same with Trini.
- Lucia tells Magdalena about kissing Marcelo. She’s afraid to fall in love again. Magdalena doesn’t think her situation with Ricardo is the same.
- Rafaela asks Marcelo when he will tell Lucia the truth about why he is in Puebla.
- Lalo gives Marcelo an inventory of what was lost in the fire. Nazario returns to work.
- Alonso seeks legal counsel from Mario about possibly ending his business partnership with Amador. Mario tells him that Rodrigo works for him now.
- Trini calls the factory for Nazario. She’s upset and wants him to return home. Amador fakes pleasure to see Nazario.
- Nora calls Rodrigo to tell him that she got the money.
- Marcelo thinks about Rafaela’s words. He calls Casa Gaxiola and invites Lucia out to eat.
- Rebeca warns Lucia that Marcelo may have bad intentions towards her. Rebeca says that she’s going to tell Alonso that Marcelo has been flirting with his wife and two daughters.
 

"MEPS" Episode 128:

I'll be posting recap on today's episode sometime tomorrow morning.
 

QT #81, Part 1

Eva encounters Sabina sobbing with self-pity by the central fountain because she’s such an icky person. Eva recommends she leave town -- get away from all the bad memories, find a guy who’s not named Montes. Sab responds that she’s penniless and has nowhere to go. All she has left in life is her daughter, whom she’s conveniently ignoring again so she can arrange herself tragically on a park bench. Isn’t there anywhere to cry at the big house?

Art pays off some crooked cops to plant a bunch of fake ballots at Vicente’s house (three bags full!) and then appear with a search warrant and arrest him for election frow-day. Then he calls Weepy Lu and leaves a message that her boyfriend is in jail and she’d better come back to town if she ever wants to see him again, since he’s going to jail for a long time. When Lu calls back, Art doesn’t answer. Ha! Let HER see how it feels.

Aaron packs a bag with his pet flask and his semi-domesticated pistol and leaves town. He sends a letter to Dalia revealing the secret of Mateo’s parentage in melodramatic prose. She does not take it well.

In the wake of the big lipstick success at Avon, Leo plies Val with champers and sucks on her face, while she flashes back to kissing Mateo. Meanwhile, back in the country, Mat is in bed with Sandy, picturing her as Val. Meanwhile, back in the city, Val slips up and calls Leo “Mateo.” He does not take it well.

Sandi overhears Mat confiding to the Padre on the phone that he has doubts about her pregnancy. She does not take it well.
 

QT #81, Part 2

Leo hits the bar and gets vamped by a call girl with substantial assets. She’s a big fan, has a tragic backstory, and will do anything for money. Fortunately we don’t have to watch.

Sandi kicks Mat out of his own bedroom. He puts on a new poncho, climbs a tree, and calls Val. They swap stories about their domestic disputes and then bicker like preteens about who’s going to hang up first. It’s very tedious.

Aaron drinks himself to near-oblivion in some nameless bar, then picks a fight with the bartender, the bouncer, and a passing cop. He pulls out his gun and aims it at his own head but can’t go through with it. He tells everyone and anyone to put him out of his misery, but no one feels like it, although the cop does haul him in.
 

ECDLP #28

Great work, TF.

Amador is a snake, but a smart one most of the time. However, he is looking to punish his son by trying to force him to marry Nora. Does he not realize that Nora is a worse version of Rebecca?

Milagros is completely oblivious as to why Marcelo avoids her. She needs to develop dementia badly enough to need a nursing home.

I don't think Magdalena has had any other relationship and it is now been long enough that she is unlikely to revive the ability to trust anyone.
 

QT 81

Gracias, Blue Lass. I wish I could be so succinct.

Sab knows that crying in the hacienda will only get barbs from Minnie and Leo. I also doubt she would want to explain her tears to Ange. Everyone else will ignore her.

Did anyone catch the name of Leo's barfly? Doesn't she look like she's possibly related to Val? I wonder whether he paid for her services or is she settling for bragging rights about having boinked him? He must be many cuts above her usual class of client.

I have to wonder what other secrets Aaron is keeping to make him turn to the bottle.

Art had other motives for this evil deed. We have to hope that it fails.
 

"MEPS" Episode 128 (Part XXXII)

403.) Dumbass Santiago & Gullible Aurora are over FINALLY: but for how long before th truth comes out once it's revealed that Jackass #2 Camilo raped the Gullible idiot & that Psycho Barbara gave him the drugs to do it ?

404.) Las Animas: Eduardo/Franco & Steve, Jr., discussing Eduardo/Franco's meeting with Artemio Bravo HQ. Steve, Jr., is curious as to why Artemio's holding Liliana captive & Eduardo/Franco informs Steve, Jr., that Artemio looks so familiar & identical to Daddy Elizalde.

405.) They also discuss Ana Gregoria's diary & how Liliana had Eduardo/Franco reading parts of the secret diary. It's quite obvious that the diary being discussed the following: How Psycho Barbara come to town to destroy Eduardo/Franco's family back 20+ years ago; Ana Gregoria was seduced by Don Jeronimo Elizalde (her boss) back in the day, got knocked up & Artemio Bravo was the result of their little escapade.

406.) Just as Eduardo/Franco plans to dismiss the security guards for their service at Las Animas (going to be a big MISTAKE down the road), we see Martina showing up, so that Eduardo/Franco can fill her in on Liliana's whereabouts.

407.) Redhead & Mooching Damian during the so-called "honeymoon" in one of those hotels in Mexico City: Fast Forward!

408.) Las Animas: Eduardo/Franco explains to Martina that Liliana is at Bravo HQ, but she's not going to be staying at the Condo Crib (where Martina, Venus are staying).

409.) While Venus was talking to Jackass #2 Camilo on the phone, he's really getting his escapade freak on with Natasha inside the penthouse apartment LOL.

410.) Venus & Martina get in another argument about the Jackass Playboy (Jackass #2 Camilo) & The Gringo (Steve Norton, Jr.,). While that's going on, Dumbass Santiago is at the airport, where he's going to be heading to Florence, Italy & declared to Redhead over the phone that he NEVER wants to hear or see Gullible Aurora ever again. Good: we don't want to see your ass again either!

411.) In the meantime over at the penthouse apartment: Venus gets a spare key & sneaks into the bathroom, where she gets an eyeful of Jackass #2 Camilo & Natasha getting their freak on NON-STOP. Just in the nick of time, Martina manages to get Venus out of the room (Thank God), where they discuss some plans on how to get even with Jackass #2 Camilo.

412.) Phone conversation between Dumbass Santiago & Redhead: Fast Forward.

413.) Las Animas: The next morning we see the look on Eduardo/Franco's face & body language as he's getting more & more uncomfortable as Clingy Erika showed up & going over the wedding invitations. She also wants Eduardo/Franco to put his parents names including her parents' names on the invitation along hers. The look on Eduardo/Franco's face is like OMG: I need to dump this girl before she finds out I'm Eduardo Juarez, etc.,

414.) Over at J & M's Crib: Florecita goes beast-mode on both Jacinto & Mags about keeping Eduardo's true identity away from her. Jacinto is almost certain that Nagging Gardenia is the one, who opened her damn mouth & putting Eduardo/Franco's revenge plan against Psycho Barbara at great risk, etc., Florecita's determined to tell Redhead that Franco Santorro is really Eduardo Juarez. Good luck with that DUMBASS!

415.) Over at the Elizalde Mansion: Jackass #1 Anibal informs everyone at the dinner table that Priscila is having a baby boy & the name of the baby will be VLADIMIR! The body languages & reactions of Daddy Elizalde, Psycho Barbara & Redhead are like WTH! We get to see the spotlight reaction of Priscila as her humiliation continues. Jackass #1 Anibal is sure as Hell making Dona Altagracia & Buji Montserrat proud of blatant BUJI EVILNESS.
 

"MEPS" Episode 129:

I'll be doing a recap on today's episode sometime this afternoon.
 

"MEPS" Episode 129 (Part XXXIII):

416.) We pick up where we left off at the Elizalde Mansion, where Jackass #1 Anibal ups the ante with his "nice, loving husband" shtick to his family where he dropped the bombshell on everyone with announcing the baby's name will be Vladimir Elizalde: all the while twisting the knife & humiliating Priscila even further.

417.) Nagging Gardenia shows up at J & M's crib finding Florecita there. The two annoying gossip cousins get into with over who will tell Redhead about Franco Santorro being Eduardo Juarez. Florectia has the gumption to snap back at Nagging Gardenia before running off to head back to work.

418.) Back at the Elizalde Mansion: Jackass #1 Anibal is cracking me up with the "Nice Guy" shtick. While that's going on, Priscila's cell phone rings & right on cue: Jackass #1 Anibal grabs the phone & loudly asks his wife "Why is Damian calling you ?" When Priscila explained to Redhead that Mooching Damian was calling her to inform about his marriage, Redhead twists the knife even further by stating she didn't Priscila & Mooching Damian were friends. MIC DROP!

419.) Disagreement between Eduardo/Franco & Steve, Jr., over wanting to tell Redhead that Big Sis Liliana is ok at Bravo HQ. Rightfully like all of us watching, Steve, Jr., says it's NOT a good idea.

420.) Elizalde Mansion: Daddy Elizalde thinks he & Psycho Barbara should stay out of the marital turmoil between Mooching Damian & Redhead.

421.) Redhead giving instructions to one of the servants in cleaning up Dumbass Santiago's room, but leave it as is because she strongly believes her kid brother will be back someday (when the truth about Jackass #2 Camilo raping Gullible Aurora is revealed).

422.) Florecita taking too damn long to tell Redhead about Franco being Eduardo Juarez & the urgent news; Clingy Erika also shows up at the Elizalde Mansion: GO BOTHER!

423.) Mooching Damian gets rough with his dirty lawyer cousin Jacobo inside Jacobo's office, grabbing him by the shirt & fix the legal problem because he's NOT going to prison by any means necessary.

424.) Jackass #2 Camilo blows off Venus/Lovely & hungs up on her STUPID ass. Martina & I roll our eyes because Venus/Lovely is soooooo WEAK & STUPID.

425.) Redhead becomes hypocritical by talking about her disastrous marriage with Mooching Damian ending to Clingy Erika.

426.) Eduardo/Franco scolds & rants at DUMBASS Florecita & warns the IDIOT that she'll be putting Liliana in danger.

427.) Jacinto & Mags are worried: FAST FORWARD!

428.) Clingy Erika is very horny & itching to hit the bedsheets with Franco, which shocks Redhead LOL.

 

ECDLP #29

- Lucia thinks Rebeca’s claim about Marcelo is absurd. Alonso holds Marcelo in high regard. Lucia wonders then why Rebeca hasn’t told Alonso.
- Normita tells Alonso that Nazario returned to work and that Amador is looking for him. She tells him that someone is waiting for him in his office.
- That someone is Milagros. Marcelo isn’t in the office. Alonso offers to show her around the factory.
- While waiting outside for Lucia, Marcelo meets Leti. Leti can’t remember where she’s seen Marcelo before.
- Lucia remembers Rebeca’s words and remembers when she found plot earring amongst Marcelo’s possessions. She decides not to go out with him. Leti tells her she remembers that she saw Marcelo with Rebeca.
- Lucia goes outside and tells Marcelo she won’t go out with him. He thought she felt something when they kissed. He wanted to tell her why he’s in Puebla but now he won’t.
- Alonso takes Milagros back to Marcelo’s apartment and mentions that the apartment was supposed to be for Lucia.
- Amador goes to Casa Gaxiola to see Alonso. Rebeca wonders why he’s there. He gets straight to the point and says that Nora and Rodrigo will soon be parents. Rebeca says heck no to Nora and Rodrigo getting married. She’ll tell Alonso the news herself. Amador gives her 24 hrs to do so.
- Rebeca confronts Nora. Now she knows why Nora didn’t want to get the ultrasound. Rebeca berates her for wanting to put her life at risk. Nora refuses to marry Rodrigo and have the baby.
- Milagros doesn’t believe that Marcelo is in Puebla for Lucia.
- Alonso takes Nora the check but she doesn’t want it anymore. She locks herself in the bathroom.
- Alonso asks Rebeca if she knows what’s wrong with Nora. Lucia walks in and thinks they’re talking about Marcelo.
- Rebeca tells Lucia to leave. Rebeca tells Alonso she thinks Marcelo is a flirt and leading on Lucia and Nora but doesn’t want Alonso to fire Marcelo.
- Mario arrives at Casa Gaxiola to speak with Alonso.
- Nora wonders if Rebeca told Alonso already. Rebeca plans to do something to prevent Amador from telling Alonso the truth
- Alonso tells Mario he doesn’t want Rodrigo to find out why he’s seeking legal counsel from Mario.
- Rodrigo tells Brigida to ask Amador what’s going on. He just wants her support and not to feel pressured.
- Rebeca wants to speak with Mario privately. He tells her to wait for him at the park.
- Lucia wants to know what Rebeca told Alonso about Marcelo. She asks Rebeca where she’s going and Rebeca lies and says she’s meeting up with Brigida.
- Nazario tells Marcelo that Lucia is a wonderful young woman but has had to deal with a lot. Marcelo should try and win her trust.
- Lucia asks Nora if she’s still interested in Marcelo. Nora doesn’t care if Marcelo is a jerk but says he’s a good kisser.
- Rebeca tells Mario that Amador is trying to ruin her and her family, but doesn’t give details.
- Amador thanks Ligia for giving him information about Rodrigo’s troubles. Amador says he found a solution to it. She tells him that Alonso went to see Mario for something.
- Alonso tells Marcelo that he won’t work directly with Lucia on the catalog anymore.
- Mario is disappointed when Sergio tells him that Rodrigo left the office early. Gloria goes to see Sergio. She doesn’t care if he’d use her to get over Nora. She kisses him. She says Nora is interested in someone else.
- Rodrigo and Nora meet up. He doesn’t know how his dad found out about the pregnancy. Nora says she’ll never marry him. Rodrigo knows she slept with him because she hates Lucia. He says the baby will drown in her poison.
- Amador is leaving Ligia’s apartment. He wants her to find out why Alonso went to see Mario. As they enter the elevator while kissing, Rebeca walks around the corner and asks if Amador will introduce her to his “friend”.
 

QT #82 Part 1 of 3

Matt and Valeria ended their conversation. She looked sad and worried.

Aaron was released from the drunk tank the following morning.

Artemio gloated over the “discovery” of the ballots on Vicente's property. Victor listened, finally saying that this quantity could lead to five years in prison. He then seemed to speculate on this possibly being false, which made Art say “Here I am the law!” [which most of us realize is an unconscious admission of guilt] going on to Victor's statements being probable evidence of disloyalty. [This all sounds much too familiar.]

Camila opened the café; Juanito was right behind her. She was annoyed at the previous day's fight and the whole macho crap it was all about. Also, that Art's reaction could cost her her job, which she desperately needed. He had not foreseen the fight [We could argue that he should have] but she said that this was no proof of manhood. He apologized but she told him to leave so she could be alone to think.

Val and Berenice talked about Val's romantic problems. Val said nothing happened with Matt except a kiss. Berenice confessed that she was the least qualified to judge her because of her own long-term obsession with Padre G. Val said that she and Matt came to an agreement that their attraction was a passing fancy. Berenice didn't see it that way. Val promised nothing would happen. Meanwhile, things were going swimmingly with Avon.

Dalia asked the photo of Don Patricio how he could treat Esmeralda and throw Matt away as he had . Dalia felt ashamed of herself for idealizing him. She threw the photo on the floor; the glass shattered.

Esme and Camila talked about their missing friend, Magdalena. No answer from her cell and she hadn't been seen. Aaron called Esme and begged her forgiveness. He hung up before she had a chance to say anything. She called back and got his voicemail, so she left a message.

Val spoke to Victor, telling him she was worried about Magda. Leo entered the room as she was ending the call. She asked where he had been and he told her he had been drunk over her Freudian slip. His eyes looked coldly dangerous.

Matt spoke to Padre G about his doubts. Padre G looked as though he was fighting the urge to tell him what he did know. However, he ended up telling him he needed to remain calm.

Leo told Val he would not give up in the battle for her love. She did not look entirely on board with this.

Carlo went to Esme about the restaurant. She did not want any part of it anymore. There were too many memories in that, both good and bad.

 

QT #82 Part 2 of 3

Val talked about Remi whom she said was supposed to introduce her to his new squeeze. Leo recognized the squeeze's name as that of a modeling agent from California.

Val had a good meeting at Avon including product samples and the ad campaign [This stuff is happening much faster than in the real world].

Esme's decision broke both their hearts. She told Carlo she never wanted to see him again.

Eva addressed the issue with Sandy, telling her she had to tell Matt the truth. Also, that he would understand if she confessed that she did this because she was afraid of being outshone by Val. Sandy started the waterworks, refusing because “I'd lose him forever.” She was trying to get knocked up and failing. She feared that Mat was already drifting away and that this was getting worse every day. Eva hugged her.

Vicente complained that he had the right to a phone call. The guard told him to shut up or he couldn't have visitors. Luisa was there waiting to see him. She told her she blamed herself for this.

Padre G went to see Dalia at her request. She told him she needed to confess. He prepared and she told him about the possibility that Esme was Matt's birth mother. She had been unable to contact Aaron over this. She talked about the letter. Esme arrived just in time to hear this from the corridor. She went on the warpath, accusing Dalia of concealing this from her. She demanded to know how long Dalia knew about this.

Leo and Val met for lunch. She told him the meeting had gone very well, then asked about Remi. Leo told her another lie, that Remi had run off with Larry to San Francisco. He added that Remi had found another source of income other than her. She started to reach for her cell phone but he stopped her. “But it's not all bad news,” he said. “He left you something you've been missing for a long time.” Enter from stage left Leo's paid companion of his drunken night.
“I'm Lucia Rodriguez,” she said. “Your mother.”
Val looked shocked. Leo gritted his teeth briefly.

Esmeralda looked at Aaron's letter to Dalia. She began cursing Aaron, asking how he could have kept quiet abou his and how Patricio could have just discarded Mat. Padre G tried to calm her down. She demanded to know why Dalia didn't call her immediately after getting this letter. Finally, what was known about the fire in that area? Both women cried.

 

QT #82 Part 3 of 3

Unlike a similar situation thirteen years previously in Real del Monte, Leo stuck around for this little command performance. “Lucia” played her role showing indifference and an eagerness to just “get back to work.” She went on about “I don't know you. You were a mistake from when I was young and I don't know how we could have a mother/daughter relationship. Do you understand?”
“Why did you abandon me? Why did you never look for me?”
“To begin with, I didn't want to get pregnant. By the time I knew it was too late for an abortion. I had no choice but to have you. I didn't have money to take care of you. Nor time. I had no maternal instinct.”
“Enough,” said Leo. “You don't need to be so cruel.”
“Sir, the truth is cruel,” she said. “I know my daughter wanted to see me and learn the truth. This is the truth.”
Leo got what he paid for: Val's tears.

Luisa blamed herself for Vicente's plight. Vicente told her this was all on Art. Vicente told her not to do anything, but she was determined to do something.

Esme was hysterical as she realized she had been mourning in vain for more than thirty years. Padre G said he would locate Aaron to get him to explain, but Esme said she would not believe anyone. She even accused Dalia of writing the letter with Aaron in revenge for losing Patricio to herself. She declared she wanted nothing further to do with her and walked out.

Luisa confronted Art in front of his home. She accused him of framing Vicente; he denied it. She told him that if he doesn't tell the truth she would expose him. He scoffed at this, then went back to suggesting they marry. She told him to go to hell. Eva saw this from across the street.

The new sign was mounted above the doors of Carlo's new restaurant. Lorenzo appeared looking for a job and Carlo gave him an entry-level one.

Leo tried to get Val to leave with him but she had a final question for “Lucia.” “When I was born what happened? Did you see me? Did you do nothing?”
“I'm sorry. No. I was on the edge. I had to go on with my life. The only thing I wanted was not to have to take care of you. That's why I gave you to my sister, Nadia.”
“So after all these years you have nothing to say to me?”
“Well, between us I'm proud that you're famous and have a good life. For me, nothing is better. That's life.” Val was crying. “Let's face it. Between us we have nothing. Till the day I die we are perfect strangers.” She paused briefly. “Surely your friend Remi told you I was a prostitute. If there's nothing else, I'll be going.” She took her purse and started to leave.
“Is there nothing else?”
“I also wanted something else out of life, but what could I do?”
“That's it,” Leo said, and ordered her to leave. As she did Val broke down and cried.
 

"ECDLP":
TF: Psycho Becca keeps upping the ante even further.
 

QT # 81 & 82
Blue Lass and Urban, thanks for another pair of super recaps. Some big events here.

So Dr. Aaron is just taking his flask and his cowardly character away, leaving his patients in the lurch? He tried so hard to do away with himself. Now what happens to him?

Leo continues to be a cruel a-hole. After his encounter with Lucia, he must have seen the opportunity to use her so he could end Val's search for her mother. If he thinks he can prove his love for Val, he's wrong, wrong, wrong. Not to mention his manipulation of Remi's reputation with Val. He's digging deeper and deeper into a hole which will bury him.

Esme had some hard words for Dalia. So she'll hate her sister for the rest of her life? Their relationship wasn't all that good to begin with.
 

QT #82

That made me wonder whether Leo had been an extra in ENDA. What a cruel thing to do to anyone. Just as Carloca worked at isolating Paloma from everyone, Leo is looking to do this to Val. He needs his trophy bride for when he becomes the next corrupt mayor of this town. The only reason he hasn't screwed up her Avon deal is that he will look to steal the income in whatever way he can.

Aaron is likely burdened with many ugly secrets that have been painful to conceal. Just as novela priests eventually hit a breaking point with the horrors they hear in confession doctors who obey the confidentiality that is demanded of them can as well.

Esme and Dalia have not had an easy relationship; this is true. Don Patricio hasn't been dead long enough for it to have healed. What is happening now is that both of them will have to face the ugly truth about Don Patricio whose ultimate acceptance of Mateo is insufficient for a posthumous redemption. We saw him commit murder in one flashback; how many others was he guilty of? What is worse, he did this in front of a very young Leo, who must have been traumatized. We can't fault him for leaving the ranch and not coming back for 10 or more years, but that doesn't excuse his current actions.
 

"MEPS" Episode 130:

I'll be posting recap on today's episode sometime this evening.
 

ECDLP #29

Gracias, TF.

I finally realized that Amador wants this toxic marriage for more selfish reasons: He knows that Alonso is trying to shake him loose. This marriage would keep him tied to Alonso so he can continue to be a remora to Alonso's whale. I am surprised that Rebecca would allow this. She should be totally behind Nora having an abortion unless... she would like Nora to be someone else's problem.

Marcelo needs a restraining order against Milagros, like since his 21st birthday.
 

ECDLP #30

- Rebeca recognizes Ligia from Mario’s law firm. Reb says Brigida will be interested to hear what she just saw.
- Rebeca says now she has Amador in her hands and he will do exactly what she says regarding Rodrigo and Nora.
- Amador is not to tell Alonso about Nora’s pregnancy.
- Mario tells Magdalena he feels guilty about revealing a secret that wasn’t his to share. He asks her what she thinks of Amador.
- Ligia has no idea how Rebeca found out. She’s never met her before but did see her at the law firm recently.
- Trini doesn’t like that Nazario does whatever he wants and doesn’t tell her anything. She doesn’t want to lose him.
- Rebeca tells Nora that Amador won’t say anything to Alonso.
- Marcelo is upset that Milagros went to the factory. She just wanted to know where he works, not cause drama. Rafaela sides with Milagros.
- Rodrigo is glad Amador won’t force him to marry Nora.
- Rebeca tells Alonso that she’ll take Nora to the city to finish her medical tests. Alonso agrees on the condition that he be informed of who is treating Nora, what tests she will have done and in which hospital.
- Sara tells Magdalena that she’s treating Nora at Alonso’s insistence but Nora didn’t finish the medical tests.
- Lucia goes to the factory to show Alonso the catalog. While she’s waiting in his office Marcelo comes in and quickly makes it clear he’s not interested in Nora or Rebeca. In fact, he abhors Rebeca.
- Marcelo says Rebeca is trying to put Lucia against him. Lucia should know what Rebeca is capable of.
- Nora is surprised that Alonso agreed that she can go to the city for the “tests”. Rebeca tells Nora that she told Lucia some negative things about Marcelo.
- Ligia calls Amador to make sure Rebeca won’t say anything.
- Lucia confronts Rebeca about lying about Marcelo. She thinks Marcelo knows something about Rebeca.
- Ligia snoops around in Mario’s office. Sergio surprises her and asks her to give Mario some papers. She asks him if he knows why Alonso went to see Mario.
- Lucia tells Magdalena she doesn’t know who of between Rebeca and Marcelo is lying. Magdalena is sure it’s Rebeca. Lucia admits she doesn’t want to get Marcelo in trouble with Alonso.
- Magdalena tells Lucia about finding out that Nora is having medical tests done. Lucia seems to remember something.
- Marcelo tells Alonso that he’s truly interested in Lucia but Alonso says she’s not ready for a relationship.
- Lucia goes to see Sara to ask about Nora. She asks if Nora’s medical tests included a pregnancy test. Sara more or less confirms the pregnancy when she says she doesn’t think Nora has told her parents about it. She mentions that Leti told her that Nora had a relationship with Sergio.
- Lucia runs into Nazario and Trini at Sara’s office but doesn’t say why she was there.
- Sergio warns Rodrigo that he could be fired if he doesn’t work like he’s supposed to. Rodrigo gets a phone call.
- Lucia goes to talk to Nora but doesn’t find her or Rebeca at home.
- Nora tells Rodrigo that she and her mom have everything under control.
- Lucia goes to talk to Sergio about Nora. She tells him Nora is pregnant and Sergio surely is the father. Sergio says he isn’t the only guy Nora has been involved with. He looks at Rodrigo who is standing behind Lucia. Lucia turns to him and tells him to say it isn’t true. Rodrigo replies that it’s true that he didn’t marry her because of Nora and is expecting his child.
 

"MEPS" Episode 130 (Part XXXIV):

429.) Episode 130 continues to up the ante even further as we're 30 episodes away from the Karma anvils being launched.

430.) Grupo Lactos: Franco & Redhead discussing the diary of Ana Gregoria; he also reveals that Artemio & Daddy Elizalde are brothers, which stuns Redhead.

431.) In the meantime, Psycho Barbara wants Mooching Damian to spring Gullible Aurora out of Colegio Buena Esperanza immediately.

432.) Music gets more & more dramatic in the scene with Psycho Barbara & Mooching Damian.

433.) Somewhere in Mexico City: Priscila presumably comes back from exercise session. Flashbacks of Jackass #1 Anibal humiliating her by telling his family the baby's name is Vladimir.

434.) Priscila cries emotionally as we head into commercial breaks.

435.) Back from the steady diet of commercial breaks on Univision, we see more of Redhead & Franco getting into arguments on the diary of Ana Gregoria, the dirty little secrets of Don Jeronimo (Redhead's grandfather), etc.,

Franco warns Redhead that Liliana would be in danger if Redhead tells Daddy Elizalde about this information.

436.) Casa Santorro: Jackass #2 Camilo, Venus/Lovely & Steve, Jr., drinking some champagne or some refreshments.

437.) Steve, Jr., uses mixture of English & Spanish while telling Venus/ Lovely that she's excused; Steve, Jr., aggressively gives Jackass #2 Camilo the 3rd degree.

438.) Grupo Lactos: More of Franco & Redhead OMG.

439.) Casa Santorro: Jackass #2 Camilo vs Steve, Jr.,: both argue about the intentions of Jackass #2 Camilo over Venus/Lovely.

440.) Martina & Venus/Lovely get into another argument about the Jackass Playboy & the Gringo.

441.) Martina ironing some shirts, pants while Steve, Jr., & Venus are speaking.

I'll post the 2nd half of Episode 130 tomorrow morning.
 

"ECDLP":

TF: Thank you very much for your hardworking efforts on the recap.
 

ECDLP #30

Thanks, TF.

I hate helicopter parents. It's miraculous that Marcelo is as sane and independent as he is unless it was only Federico who got this kind of treatment and because he's gone Milagros is doing this to Marcelo now.

Lucia needs to really go ballistic at Rodrigo for using his rod in the wrong receptacle. Particularly since it happened in what was to have been the marital bed. This is seriously unforgivable.