Caray, Caray!

Loli - Episode #78

Good Day All, recap will be up later this morning!
 

Loli – Episode #78
Part 1

Loli, recently arrived in Miami is on the phone with Norita demanding to know what is going on with Nicky. Norita tells her that Nicky is fine and it is not a big deal. Loli tells the taxi driver to turn around and head back to the airport, Norita says that is not necessary, stay and complete your business, I will keep you informed.

Rafa is in front of the mic at Global Radio filling in for Rox. He tells folks that Rox is a bit under the weather and he will be covering the show and he is a bit nervous. He wants to hear about problems people are having, not necessarily personal problems, but things they are dealing with especially in their communities. A beaming Paulina nods approvingly at Rafa from the broadcast booth as he goes to commercial.

Rox, wearing a shawl around her neck, clearly sounding sick, gets a call from Romeo who just heard that she was sick. He says he has a great remedy for hoarseness and after stopping by the grocery store, he will come over and take care of her. At first, she protests, but then gives in and says yes.

A very tanned Octavio and Victoria (without a hat) are lying in bed post rocking the Kasbah. Octavio asks what are they going to tell the brat (sorry cannot remember the kids name). Victoria makes it very clear that she never expected “this” to happen and she has no intention of telling her son anything about Octavio being his DNA dad. Her husband, Julio, will always be the dad. Just then Loli calls and Octavio answers (that is never a good sign for a relationship when your lover answers a call from another woman. Take your hat, brat and move on Victoria). Nicky is in the hospital!

Loli is at the company in Miami about to review her new contract. The executives present sing her praises and talk about how long they have wanted her to work for them. Loli starts having that crazy talk in her head, convinced that Nora is lying to her and that Nicky really is muy grave. She imagines Nicky falling off the counter in the kitchen and yells NOOOO! Out loud. Quickly, she channels her inner Karen/Tibetan tea ritual and pretends that she likes to chant mantras for good feelings and opening new doors. They two executives join her in the chant. Loli reviews the contract and asks for more flexibility to travel back to LA and she appreciates the generous salary offer and counter-offers for good measure.

Rafa has just finished the Rox program and seems very pleased with the results. Paulina comes in gushing about how wonderful he was, immediately launching into plans for him to continue. Rafa is not paying attention but is listening the message Loli left him about Nicky being at the hospital. He interrupts Paulina rushing off saying that Nicky in the hospital. He leaves Paulina with the words in her mouth, looking highly annoyed.

 

Loli – Episode #78
Part 2

Paulina wastes no time and finds Bruno in the employee breakroom asking him why he is still at work? Babbling Bruno asks, why? Am I fired? Paulina tells him, no, but Nicky is in the hospital! Didn’t anyone let you know? You are the Tio fighting for custody after all and with Loli in Miami! Bruno babbles something about Loli being in Miami and rushes out. Paulina smiles evilly and looks overly smug.

At the hospital, Nicky is lying in bed with his grandparents Norita and Domingo gently scolding him for taking pills without reading the label first. Nicky says he knows he messed up by not reading the pill container and has failed as the man of the house. (This child actor has been incredible). Octavio rushes in with Victoria on his heels. Nicky tells him that he feels better except his throat is sore (stomach pumped for just one pill??) he introduces Victoria to Norita and Domingo as his Papito’s novia, Victoria is quick to clarify, we are just friends. (Friends with benefits zorra! Sorry, I digress). Nicky asks Octavio not to tell Loli about what happened because it wasn’t her fault.

Later, Nora is on the phone with Loli once again telling her that Nicky is fine and he will be released soon from the hospital. Rafa arrives and checks on Nicky, who is now surrounded by Rafa/Octavio and Nora comments all we need is for Raul to show up or maybe even the Nation Guard. She defends her approach in not telling Loli everything and Rafa agrees, Octavio not so much. Norita heads out to see what is taking so long for Nicky to be released.

With Rafa and Octavio watching over a sleeping Nicky, who meanders in but big, bad Bertha, the only social worker in LA. Apparently, the hospital informed her of Nicky’s hospitalization for ingesting a controlled substance. How could this occur? Where is Ms. Aguliar? Both Rafa and Octavio carefully cover for Loli, she is working. Ah Ha! Says the BB Bertha, at least she has finally found a job. Yes, a great job chime in both Rafa and Octavio. Into the room stumbles Bumbling, Babbling Bruno, yelling that he should have been told about Nicky being hospitalized and blabbing that if he had custody of Nicky this never would have happened. Loli is at the beach in Miami and Nicky here in the hospital.

BB Bertha immediately is shocked and appalled that Loli is in Miami, barely listening to Rafa calm explanation that it is all work related. Rafa tells Bertha to ignore this clown (Bruno) and realize that Nicky is surrounded by people who love and care for him. Bertha snaps back that Rafa of all people, who is a father and was married to her eminence, Paulina Castro, should know how serious this situation is. (Huge, collective eyeroll).

Norita comes back in to the room and Bruno tries to get her to vouch for him. Nora makes it very clear that Loli had nothing to do with it, Nora was the one who encouraged Loli to travel and the accident happened on her watch, not Loli’s. BB Bruno is dumbfounded that his own mom would speak against him, causing another loud ruckus in poor sleeping Nicky’s room. Rafa gets a call from Loli who is still in the Miami conference room, asking how Nicky really is? Rafa confirms that Nicky is fine, the ruckus is another family yelling about the bill and yes he will send he a picture of Nicky.

Loli goes back to the conference table and the executives ask, “everything okay?” “are you going to sign the contract?” Loli just has a look.

 

Loli – Episode #78
Part 3

Paulina, aka satan’s mistress, saunters in to Hades HQ (Chente’s office) and shares that Loli is in trouble again while Chente complains about everything Global Radio has been doing. He berates how Rafa handled filling in for the Rox show saying he is too political and diplomatic. Pau says she liked what Rafa did and as President of Chente’s radio, her vote counts. She then invites him to lunch and he gleefully agrees to go with her to get the gossip on Loli.

Back at Hunky Bar, Octavio and Domingo are telling Apolo about the Nicky situation when in walks the “inspectors” demanding their money from Octavio. He tells them to give him two hours. Domingo and Apolo protest, but Octavio has a plan. Two hours later, the extortionist return. Octavio secretly records them making the payment demands and in Hunky Bar fashion, he and Apolo go into police dancer mode and tell the losers not to return or the video will be given to the police.
Rox is at home being taken care of by Romeo. He is thoughtful and kind, she is surprised that behind all the good looks and muscles what a great guy he is. Romeo tells her that she needs to get to know him better as a person. The door bell rings, it is Cesar and Romeo asks if he should hide under the bed? Rox says no. Cesar heard on the radio that she was sick and came by to check on her and take Tomas out for a walk. He sees Romeo and glares, then tells Rox that he has a new apartment and will move out permanently, with Tomas in the next day or two. Rox worries about being replaced at the radio but I don’t have the energy to cover those scenes. Comment at will if you like.

Mati and Art are still planning the never-ending saga of the wedding vows and now the seeking a surrogate mother suitable to carry their baby. Who could that be they ask? She has to be someone they trust, healthy and trustworthy. (Any ideas who that might be patio? I am drawing a blank only because Rox is so heavy, she is not the ideal candidate for a baby momma).

So, I hate to write any of this, but it seems relevant to the story. Bruno comes home and tells Mel of the Nicky scandal and how Paulina is on their side of the custody battle. Gema is done with her last client of the day, gets into another spat with Bruno and takes the cute baby to bed. Now for the weird part: The next morning, Gema is all dressed up with a tight, short, cleavage showing dress and she comes on to Bruno in his pajamas in the kitchen. He stares at her boobs; claims he wants nothing to do with her but she straddles him giving him a massage to relax with her boobs in his face. Carol walks in and calls them pigs. Bruno follows Carol to her room and she promises not to say anything IF Bruno gets her VIP passes to the Global Radio festival. (The collective patio pauses the episode to go barf).

Loli comes home early and finds Nicky at home playing video games. They have nice moment together. Rafa is with Angie going over the very busy schedule including shooting the two new TV pilots for Paulina and Rox. Chente comes in and clearly tells Rafa he is not to cover for Rox again as he has hired someone to temporarily fill in. Paulina comes in and tries her fake sweetness on Rafa, but he only cares that Loli is back at home. Paulina fakes more sweetness and light, then goes and spouts her disgust with Loli to Angie. Angie tries to reason with Pau, but Pau just want to have Loli drawn and quartered, anything to keep her away from Rafa.




 

Loli – Episode #78
Part 4

Rafa and his new fan club of the gossip girls, led by Lupe, show up in his office with a box of fan mail and teddy bears. Of course, Lupe has taken the liberty to read some of the letters from his adoring fans and they sound quite taken by the “sexy sound” of Rafa’s voice. Leo is with the fan club, but says nothing worth noting.

Chente and Paulina are giving Bubbling Bruno the final requests and details for the festival. Chente walks away but Paulina continues to fake support this clown, promising everything is going to be fine once he has his whole family under on roof. Bruno thanks her for the great tips she gives him and attempts to ask for those VIP tickets to the festival, but Paulina takes a call and he is left hanging.

Rafa talks to Loli and notices that she is much more relaxed since returning from Miami. She says that she is. He wants to run something by her after the festival sound check. Loli agrees to see him later. Both declare how much they care about each other. While talking to Rafa, Loli has walked into the storage area of Hunky Bar and encounters Octavio. He is surprised to see her saying he thought she was in Miami, she tells him nope, I am back here in the flesh. Remember that conversation we had sometime back about me working here at the bar? Yes, nods Octavio. Well, if that offer is still on the table, I accept! Octavio looks happy/confused/concerned all at once.


 

loli

Wow, VVS, what a spectacular recap! You captured everything, and your comments were priceless! I especially enjoyed "Quickly, she channels her inner Karen/Tibetan tea ritual," "take your hat, brat and move on Victoria," and "(The collective patio pauses the episode to go barf)."

I'm glad you too were somewhat puzzled about Nicky's treatment after taking one sleeping pill. I assumed his throat was sore because he vomited it up, but I think your explanation--he had his stomach pumped--and your skepticism about that as treatment for one pill, is more on target. I suppose they didn't know it was just one pill. I wondered, too, about his being hospitalized, though since he was unconscious, it might be easier to get treatment at a hospital than to persuade a doctor to come to the house.

I think from now on Victoria's son should be referred to as "the brat (sorry cannot remember the kids name)." I'll try to remember that for my recaps. I think it will be easier than remembering the brat's actual name, whatever it is.

Are there any admirable characters in this novela with names starting with B? You've mentioned the unadmirable big, bad Bertha and Bumbling, Babbling Bruno. I loved both descriptions.

So did Loli actually get the Miami job? Given her bizarre performance at the interview with the two guys from the station, I wouldn't be surprised if they had second thoughts. (Indeed, I'd be surprised if they didn't!)

Speaking of surprise, I was VERY surprised when Loli told Octavio she'd like to take him up on his offer that she work for him at Hunky Bar. Clearly, that makes it a lot easier for her to be together with Nicky and Sam and, of course, Rafa. And I suppose that Don R's including the kids in his will may mean that her probably making considerably less at Hunky Bar than she would in Miami doesn't matter. (Of course, if the two Miami guys did have second thoughts, Loli's taking up Octavio's offer is a great Plan B, but I doubt that they had second thoughts. The one who had second thoughts apparently was Loli.)
 

loli

VVS, you made my day! The splendid snark in nearly every paragraph was just perfect. Like Juanita, I liked "take your hat, brat, and go" BTW the kid's name is Andy or Andrés. I have noticed that any ancillary character that has a name with an accent in it is easier for me to remember because I usually put in the accents.

I really, really liked Octavio's setting up the scammers with the hidden cell phone. And, whaaat? How could some guys from the Dept. of Sanitation disable the monitors?

Rather than an eyeroll, I felt like I needed some of the pink stuff when Bertha threw in the wonderful, wonderful Paulina to contrast with the supposedly neglectful Loli. I have a clear memory of said fab mommy saying she moved to LA to make up for traveling so much and Rafa doing the parenting of Jess.

How long can this farce of Bruno pretending to be a loving uncle go on? The look on Rafa's face when he blurted out to Bertha that Loli was in Miami...priceless.

I think there was a mention of Nicky's stomach being pumped when they first showed the hospital scene.

I was surprised at Octavio and Victoria doing the deed. Maybe the writers really are going to "go there" and have them end up together. When she first met him in the park, that is what I thought. But she's been fairly annoying since then and I hoped the writers were doing that on purpose.

I agree with Juanita that Loli refused the job offer because the kids mean more to her than her big dream. They kept emphasizing that there was a contract sitting there to be signed and Loli's head still in LA. I was pretty sure then that Miami was off the table.

I did enjoy Pau's gnashing of her teeth at Loli's return.

I have a sense that the guy who subbed Rox's radio program, at Chente's urging, was probably some well-known person, but I didn't bother to write down the name. I'm sure that Chente would like to clean house and get rid of all of Loli's allies.

Carol never disappoints, does she? Doubt she gives a rat's patootie whether her father has something going on with Gema. It's just another opportunity to extort tickets out of her father to up her high school status with the mean girls.
 

CAFE

Cafe Con Aroma de Mujer starting a week from tonight, right? That's what it says on my calendar...
 

Thank you Juanita and novelera for your terrific comments. I have to admit, I was in a feisty mood writing this recap with some of the stuff I wanted to say in real life to some people at work!

Juanita, I do think that Loli was in Miami to just do a final in person interview and contract review. I think the real interview happened a few episodes ago when Don Rogelio brought those two suits to Loli’s house unexpectedly.

novelera, I actually had the barf comment already written by the BB Bertha’s glowing comments of Paulina perfection to Rafa, but when I watched the horrifying scene with Gema and grungy looking BB Bruno, that is when I really wanted to barf and not just eye roll.

I am not sure what the writers are trying to do with Octavio and Victoria hoping in the sack, but she and the brat, uh Andres, (thanks novelera) really do need to drop out of the storyline.

OT

Hi Blue Lass, yes, Café Con Aroma de Mujer will debut on May 25th in the time slot currently held by Buscando a Frida. I know novelera and Juanita are looking for recappers and I also know you are really good at recapping having been a lurker for some of the novelas you have recapped in the past. 😊


 

OT

Thanks, VVS! I'm still mini-capping Quererlo Todo, but I'm really looking forward to Cafe. I'm already in love with the house.
 

Loli

Victoria is the only one appropriate to be the surrogate, except that no one likes her. Well, none of us anyway. Octavio seems ok with her. Don't suppose a dna test has been done on Andy?

Nicky is cute but he sure causes a lot of problems. Hiding out in a car to Mexico, taking drugs. And why would they tell an 8-year old to read the bottle? How about "don't ever take meds because they're bad for you except when they aren't"?

Carol is terrible, but also exactly the child Bruno deserves. You think he'd learn after all the lying his family has done to each other, but he's just not capable of that. Plus, if he really wanted Gema out of the house, he could learn how to secretly record stuff from Octavio and show Mel. That would work. Then Mati and Art could adopt that baby and give up the surrogacy idea. Problems solved!

Kelly
 

Loli

VVS, thanks for the stellar recap! The asides were simply marvelous! Such snark! I chuckled throughout the read.

Your paragraph re: Octavio and Victoria was golden. “she never expected “this” to happen”-- I call BS! “Take your hat, brat and move on Victoria” Sometimes it’s a shame that Octavio is a guy who can’t say no .

Something must be wrong with me that I just can’t love Rafa, no matter how saintly they make him. My heart is with Octavio, and that’s that.

Loli’s not going to Miami…. Big surprise? Anyone?

"(The collective patio pauses the episode to go barf)." Yeah, I paused several times.

Slicing, dicing and off camera happenings are not helping this show. Too many episodes left.

dondi356

 

Loli

Kelly, I think you are on to something that Victoria is the only potential surrogate, but after meeting the brat, uh, Andy, maybe not so much. I do prefer your recommendation that baby Mel being adopted by Mati and Art, saving her from a life of ridiculousness. Bruno/Mel/Carol/Gema all deserve each other!

dondi356, glad to give you a chuckle. Nothing is wrong with you as I also can’t get excited about Rafa, Octavio is my man and therefore, Victoria needs to go. There are a lot of episodes left, so who knows how many more “ladies” Octavio has to go through before finally saying “no!”

 

La Suerte de Loli - #79 - p 1 de 3

The episode begins with Octavio telling Loli that yes, he was serious when he offered her a job, but is she really sure she wants it? She had her dream job offered to her in Miami. Loli claims that was the other Loli, who no longer exists. The Loli who is here now cares about her family, and wants to be with them.She also feels she can do a lot for Octavio's business. She knows many artists who would come to the bar, and they would attract others to come. She also knows a lot about budgets, costs, and marketing. Octavio still seems uncertain. Loli tells him, "If you don't want to work with me, say so." Octavio says no, no, he'd like her to work for him, but... Loli proposes that they wait until the money is rolling in, and then they can talk about her salary. Octavio has one more concern..."My boys. I know them. Don't give in to temptation."

Loli then talks to Rafa about her decision to stay in LA and work for Octavio. She likes the challenge. Then she suggests that perhaps Rafa is jealous."All that eye candy." Rafa mutters something about changing careers on a whim. Loli asks whether he enjoyed the change when he sat in for Rox, and she suggests that he start a podcast. Their discussion is interrupted by the phone. It's Paulina calling to say that the posters haven't arrived. "See," says Loli, "couples that work together don't last."

Divina and Apolo come to see Octavio. Divina is thrilled that Loli will be working at Hunky Bar. Apolo, not so much. He warns Octavio that hiring Loli is OK if he doesn't mind being burned.

Rafa calls Loli. Octavio answers her phone. Loli gets on the phone and advises Rafa about a problem he's having with the festival. She hangs up and tells Octavio that she already has some ideas about refreshing the company's look. Vicki arrives. Both women look each other over. "So you're the famous Loli," says Vicki.

Domingo tries to give Apolo some advice. Apolo is worried: normally, when a business isn't doing well, they cut back, but Octavio adds people. He politely but bluntly tells Domingo that Loli knows nothing about the bar business, and Domingo knows nothing about how to be a manager. Domingo admits that's so, but "Loli and I are putting our hearts into making a success of this." He recommends that Apolo worry more about himself, instead of other people.

Bumbling Brainless Bruno is at Loli's, trying to get to know Nicky and Sam better. He's bent over Nicky as Nicky is trying to draw. Nicky finally says, "I know you came to get to know us better, but can you please give me more space." Bruno replies that when they move to Bruno's house, Nicky will have his own room. Nicky replies, "I'm really happy here with Loli." He shows Bruno a picture he has drawn of his family. Bruno isn't in it (surprise, surprise). Sam looks at the photo and agrees with the family as Nicky has drawn it. She then turns to leave. Bruno offers her a ticket to the music festival. Sam turns it down, saying she has a lot of work to do. Nora and Don Rogelio appear. Don Rogelio tells Bruno that it's only natural that Nicky and Sam would want to continue to live in the house they lived in with their mother. Bruno says he understands, but he doesn't trust Loli. "Look what happened with Nicky," he says. Nora objects, saying that Loli had nothing to do with that. Bruno decides to leave.

Rafa talks to Don Rogelio on the phone. Don R asks how the pilots that Vicente wanted are coming. Rafa reports that they'll be ready tomorrow. Don Rogelio tells Rafa to let Vicente present them by himself. Let him learn that he can't take on everything. Rafa agrees.
 

La Suerte de Loli - #79 - p 2 de 3

Vicente comes by as Rafa is on the phone. When the call is over, Chente observes, "I see you're still talking to my father." He's clearly not happy about this. Rafa explains that Don R appointed him as President, and he (Rafa) thinks very highly of him. Chente claims that his father is not well in his head. Rafa replies, "He seems totally lucid to me. On top of things." Chente accuses Rafa of being naive, and that Don R isn't what Rafa thinks. "Hitching your horse to that wagon won't be good for you," warns Chente.

Carol is ecstatic after the music festival. She also loved the limo (!) that Bruno rented for her and her friends.

Loli is talking with Nicky and Sam about the custody issue. Nicky admits that Uncle Bruno makes good waffles, but Aunt Meli yells too much [and spends too much and says too many stupid things and does too many stupid things and...oops, sorry, back to the recap!] Sam adds that she and Carol don't get along. Nicky wants to know why there needs to be a hearing at all, since both Sam and he have fathers. Loli explains that it's a little complicated. Nicky's father is still in jail, and Sam's father is away a lot on tour. "But," adds Loli, "I have some good news. Guess where I'm going to work: at the bar of your father, Octavio." Nicky asks whether he can visit her there. Of course, she says. Octavio then arrives to take the kids to school. Sam and Nicky go to get their backpacks. Loli asks about Victoria. Octavio replies, "We're getting to know each other." (He doesn't add that that includes "to know" in the Biblical sense.)

Rafa comes back to his place and finds Leo still asleep. He wakes him up and congratulates him for the terrific job he did for the festival. The online part of the event was the best they ever had. A great success. Leo modestly informs him that of course it was, since they had him, the King of Social Media. Rafa comments goodnaturedly on Leo's humility and says, "I'm glad you're here, working." Rafa then leaves. As soon as he's out the door, Angie pops up from under the covers in Leo's bed! "He almost caught us!" she says.

Jess is talking with Paulina. She tells her, "It's not my kind of music, but it was wonderful! Congratulations! Jess thinks that Pau is a new Pau. She was helpful to Sam, to Loli, she did a terrific job with the festival. Jess continues, "All that's left is for me to like Vicente."

Rox still doesn't have much voice. She calls an ENT specialist and tells him it's an emergency. She has to record a TV pilot in one week. If she doesn't, she'll be replaced and fired. The doctor doesn't understand what she means by a TV pilot. Rox gets annoyed and hangs up. Not long after, Cesar arrives. He has come for Tomas. He now has set up a room for Tomas in the new house. Rox is disappointed. She has cared for Tomas and given him food, shelter, and love. She goes to get Tomas and his toys.

Gonzalo, Octavio's lawyer, tells him he got him a pass to see Gabe. That's the good news. The bad news is that Cristi has found new foster parents. Octavio says that's not bad news, her former foster parents abused her. Gonzalo informs him that the new foster parents live in New York.

Rufino is talking with Vicente. He tells Vicente that Rafa is doing a great job. The festival was a great success, and the pilots will be in on time. Chente notes that Rafa is President, TV producer, and radio host. "He even has time to have secret conversations with my father. As soon as he delivers the plans, he's out of Global Radio." This being a telenovela, Leo passes unseen by as Vicente is talking, and Vicente hears the conversation. Leo is clearly quite upset. He almost crashes into Lupe and another woman as he hurries away.
 

La Suerte de Loli - #79 - p 3 de 3

The conversation between Rufino and Vicente continues. Rufino talks about the high esteem others at Global Radio have for Rafa. Chente asks, "What do they think of me?" Rufino tells him that the employees are scared of Chente. They know what he did to Loli and to Don Rogelio. Chente says he has always believed that a scared employee was a more efficient employee. "But not a loyal employee," replies Rufino. Chente tells him, "Get with the program, or you'll be out." Chente then claims he was just kidding. However, he goes on to say, "If you're trying to defend Rafa, stop it!" Ruffino replies, "I'm just defending my interest in Global Radio.

Mati comes to see how Rox is doing. He see that she has very little voice. She tells him no one cares for her. Romeo? asks Mati. Rox is talking about Tomas! Mati has come for another reason as well. He tells her that he and Arturo have decided to be parents. He asks whether Rox would be willing to be their surrogate! Rox laughs. "Very funny. For a moment, I thought you were asking me...NO! I need a drink!" She thinks it's a crazy idea. She's also concerned that Arturo hasn't come with Mati. She remembers when Mati brought Gabe and Cristi home for the weekend without talking about it first with Arturo. She wonders whether the surrogate idea, too, is just Mati's, and he'll get stuck with sole responsibility for the baby. Mati replies that since she's his BFF, he wanted to talk with her first. Rox then tells him, "I'm trying not to get pregnant, and you're asking me to become pregnant." She and Mati talk more about this. It's not clear whether Rox understands exactly what surrogacy involves and doesn't involve.

Gonzalo says to Octavio, "They won't tell you this, but getting married would help your cause. Gay couples and single people tend to be at the end of the list." Octavio is not pleased. "Where am I supposed to find a wife?" he asks angrily. Gonzalo asks him not to shoot the messenger. He assures him if he'll let him know of any new developments. Then Divina walks in. Octavio tells him about Gonzalo's suggestion that he'd have a better chance of adopting Gabe and Cristi if he got married. Divina's face lights up. "I'd love to. I accept!" he says, playfully.

Angie runs into Leo at Global Radio and tells him that she had a great time last night, and she isn't talking just about the festival. She sees an unhappy look on his face, and she quickly adds, "If you'd like, we can just pretend it didn't happen." Leo assures her it has nothing to with her, he's just upset by a conversation he heard between Vicente and Rufino. Angie then asks, "Are you up for round 2?" "Yes," he says, "and many more." He continues, "Since I arrived in LA, you are by far the best thing that has happened to me, and I don't want to lose you."

Loli is in the ladies room at Global Radio. In walks the ubiquitous Bertha. Loli says, "I suppose you're happy to see me defeated." Bertha denies this and says her responsibility is just with the welfare of the children. She goes on, "You are so independent and so focused on yourself. Maybe the best thing you could do is get married. It might influence the judge and change her mind." Bertha then leaves. Loli says aloud, "Get married?" All this while, Paulina has been sitting in a stall, listening to the conversation. And the episode ends.
 

loli

Oops. At the end of part 2 of my recap, there's a sentence that ends "and Vicente hears the conversation." Clearly, it should have said Leo, not Vicente.
 

Loli

Loved the recap Juanita! Bumbling Brainless Bruno and Nicky admits that Uncle Bruno makes good waffles, but Aunt Meli yells too much [and spends too much and says too many stupid things and does too many stupid things and...oops, sorry, back to the recap!] made me laugh! Bumbling, Brainless, Babbling, so many great B words!

The conversation with Chente and Rufino was very telling. Rufino better get the hint that Chente will only use him for as long as Chente needs him, then he will be gone too. Chente’s idea of leadership by terror is just crazy.

Wow, Leo and Angie, I didn’t see that hook up coming. I still say Victoria looks old compared to Loli. Divina accepting to marry Octavio was cute. Not to brag, but I did see the Rox surrogate ask coming from Mati.

I was confused by the last scene. Do you think the ladies room was at Global Radio or the child custody hearing place? Did we miss the hearing and this is the aftermath conversation? Loli says, "I suppose you're happy to see me defeated." Does this mean BB Bruno now has custody? Paulina sitting on the pot was interesting, all I could think of was she doesn’t eat much so…never mind, I don’t want to gross anyone out.

So now everyone needs to get married, the question is who marries who?




 

loli

Thanks very much for your insightful comments, VVS. To be honest, it never occurred to me that the last scene might be taking place at the child custody hearing place. I just figured that Bertha was at Global Radio to talk to Loli or Pau or Bruno. I was a little perplexed when she said that the judge might change her mind, but I still didn't think that the hearing had just taken place--until I read your comment. That made Loli's comment about being defeated and Bertha's comment make a lot more sense!

Congrats on predicting Mati's asking Rox to be the surrogate. Given how much Rox drinks, and given what I see as her problematic weight, I'm not sure she'd be a good choice even if she were willing.

I'm wondering whether Rufino is gutsy but savvy, or simply naive, in being so honest with Chente. Given that Rufino helped bring down Don Rogelio, I'm less sympathetic to him than last night's scene should have made me.

I too was completely surprised by the Angie/Leo thing. In retrospect, I think it makes good sense, especially since both of them have become increasingly likeable as the novela has progressed.

So are we to believe that Bertha, too, is becoming more likeable? Could be!

As Bertha was speaking, I kept having visions of Pau squirming in the stall. Hence, a rather positive ending to the episode! :-)
 

loli

I had to go to work today in the flesh! My fabulous payroll assistant is in Mexico and I needed to go in to print checks. You can't print checks on the cloud and have them appear in the office for the Operations Mgr to pick them up!

So I haven't had a chance to read what I am certain is a fine recap from Juanita.

My Spanish Zoom class starts in 15 minutes, so I'll take a look at Caray after the two-hour class is over. We usually have a verbal presentation by a class member, questions about that and then general chit-chat for the first hour - no English allowed. For the second hour we take turns reading aloud and then discussing the fiction we're reading. This quarter it's Montevideanos, a book of short stories by Mario Benedetti, a Uruguayan.
 

Loli

I'm going to ignore the whole "you have to be married" thing, because that's just annoying. I mean, Bruno and Mel are married and they're terrible! Marriage doesn't help you be a better parent. Ask Carol. Or better, all the people who have to put up with Carol.

But nice to see Leo staying (so far) on the good side and maybe pulling Angie over with him? She's a potential convert, especially if she knows what Paulina is up to with the custody. Does she know? I can't remember.

Rox had the same face that probably we had when Mati asked her to be a surrogate. "Que the hell?" I don't have a problem with her lifestyle- that sleeping around and drinking looks like fun! But probably not ideal in a surrogate for your fetus. Mati should know better.

Kelly
 

Loli

Sorry so late. Thanks so much for the fine recap, Juanita.

Roberto said once again that he thinks Apolo is in love with Octavio. What would be the point of that? I don’t see Octavio switching teams.

It was cute that Roberto said he would marry Octavio. But Loli and Octavio thinking about marrying for the sake of the kids? Good grief.

I guess I missed something. Don R is back in good graces with Nora?

Agree that Angie and Leo were a big surprise. I actually let out a---whaaaaat?!

I like Rox much better with laryngitis.

dondi356

 

loli

Terrific recap, Juanita. Tell us how you really feel about Melissa! I sometimes wonder if my TV is going to survive many more Bruno/Melissa/Carol scenes or if I'll throw something heavy off my coffee table into the screen. That was rich, wasn't it, Melissa chiding Bruno about spending so much money, and two episodes after she charged a bunch of stuff for Gema on Bruno's credit card.

The bathroom scene confused me too. If they just omitted the courtroom scene and went straight to Bruno having gotten custody, I'm going to be furious. I missed the part about "the judge reconsidering" so thought they were in the Ladies before the hearing. Where my mind went was that the hearing had yet to take place and that Pau would change her plan to bad mouth Loli out of fear Rafa and Loli would get married to keep custody.

Rogelio's conversation over the phone with Rafa was interesting. He did say that Rafa should let Chente be the one taking the lead on the video pilots. But he said something about not having it salpicar Rafa. In novelas that usually means someone not being splattered (or blamed) for something. Maybe Rogelio has an intuition that the TV pilots won't go over so well and wants to keep his friend Rafa out of the firing line. And his ungrateful son deserves to be salpicado.
 

loli

Gah! One more thing. I meant to say: another black mark for Victoria. IIRC when she walked in and saw Loli she hung herself all over Octavio and planted a rather long kiss on him.
 

loli

Thanks very much novelera, Kelly, and dondi356 for your excellent comments. I don't have much time--the next episode will start soon here on the West Coast. But I did want to say that I loved dondi's saying "I like Rox much better with laryngitis."

And Kelly, when I mentioned Rox's drinking, it was because that much drinking could very likely hurt the fetus.

novelera, yes, I have the impression that Don R and Rafa have talked about Chente's (mis)handling of Global Radio before. Don R seemed to say that as long as Rafa gets the pilots in on time to Chente, they should let Chente present them himself, the implication being that he won't be successful. I hope they're right.
I'm also glad to know I wasn't the only one who found the bathroom scene at the end confusing. It's hard to believe that they'd not show the custody hearing, but what VVS said in her comment pretty much convinced me that the case had been decided, and not in Loli's favor. Let's see what happens tonight.
 

loli

Here is my Wednesday quickie. In brief, the baddies keep on winning.

So Loli and Bruno have shared custody. BTW, how did Melissa go from no belly a few days ago to 8 months along and waddling in that classic, bowlegged stance?

Another Angie/Pau scene in which Pau uses Angie as her free therapist and ignores Angie when she tries to tell her the exciting news about Leo. Judging by the way Angie's face fell, I predict a major change of sides for Angie in the not too distant future.

Melissa stupidly tells Gema about some great love in her past. Way to give the enemy a weapon, dummy!

Octavio and Loli talk in an animated fashion about how each would benefit from being married. Viewerville...Hmmm.

Nora discovers Gema, Marcelino's side piece, living in Bruno and Melissa's house.

Leo is on his way to tell his brother about Vicente's perfidy when he overhears Rafa tell Pau that he, Leo, doesn't do well under pressure.

More hostility toward Loli from Apolo. I think Divina is onto something about Apolo being in love with Octo.

Rox is so insecure and unhappy about her status at GR that she almost is considering being Mati and Art's rent-a-womb.

Gema is over the moon on the phone about all the money she expects to get when Bruno gets custody of his niece and nephew. We find out that the baby isn't Marcelino's and the one she's been cooing over the phone to is some other guy.

Leo sells out his brother. He wants to be the director of digital media. He lets Vicente know he overheard the conversation with Rufino about 86ing Rafa and says he'll help scuttle his brother.

Loli somehow is wandering the halls at GR again and sees Paulina plant a kiss on the cheek of Rafa. Of course, she doesn't see him tell her to cut that crap out.

There's a lovely maternal scene with Loli and Sam. What Loli says, at least to me, sounds like there's no way Bruno/Melissa/Carol/Gema can get their hands on a red cent. There's a fideicomiso (trust) and the kids can only tap it when they are of age.
 

Loli

Gosh novelera, I really appreciate you doing these Wednesday night quickies that are so packed with goodies! BTW, your Wednesday Spanish class sounds like a lot of fun!

Rent-a-womb, 86ing and scuttling Rafa, were great descriptions of what is going on and I agree, the baddies keep winning. How in the heck does a judge provide temporary joint custody? Didn’t Bruno have to prove financial stability or did Chente “fix” his credit and felony record?

No big surprise that Leo quickly changed sides again, sibling rivalry goes deep. I really hope it is just a ruse to help his brother, not hurt.

Selfish Paulina is about to lose her only friend and ally. Angie definitely knows where the dead bodies are buried! Not sure how Pau thinks she can have Chente and Rafa at the same time, she is starting to believe everything Bertha says about her.

I do think Apolo does love Octavio but knows that it won’t be reciprocated. He just wants the “old” Octavio back. If he and Loli can come to a truce, I think Hunky Bar can really become a huge success.

I was glad to finally understand that Don Rogelio (yes Kelly, he did ask Nora for a second chance and they made up) set up a trust for Sam and Nicky, that makes much more sense than the living will. The notes tied to balloons and sent to their mom in heaven was really cute.

Thanks again novelera!

 

Loli

Oops! I meant that comment about Nora and Don R being back together as an answer to dondi356 who asked, not Kelly. For you Kelly, yes, Angie does know about Paulina's plan to sabotage everything related to Loli.
 

Cafe con aroma de mujer

I just checked out the first episode, since the novela already started airing in Colombia. The accent is a little heavy, takes a bit of time to get used to and since I don't use CC some of the expressions are lost on me, but the story in itself is good. It stays close to the original Cafe in spirit and, yeah, it has William Levy in it, a little bit more mature, but still to die for.

If there is any place left in the recapping team, count me in! I can do any day, aside from Fridays.
Is there a chance we can get our own page for this novela? I think it will attract a lot of interest.
 

LOLI

Yeas,.....Excellent recap!


Yes.. how the heck did Loser Burno...textbook...pathological lier....loser unstable by any criteria...Get Partial..custody

Yes...Why did. my girl spill her guts abt her first love to Gemma the slickness...snake....I don’t care if that baby is her step sister..put them out...

Marriage mad capps.... coming....


Yes...Roxanna... is not physically fit......


That kid..Nicky.... is being?TOO SHELTERED!..that why he keeps running into.. trouble....tell him the truth... and LET HIM MAN UP!




..

 

loli

Wow, novelera, MANY thanks for the terrific Wednesday minicap!! I loved your question about how Melissa suddenly went from not showing to almost ready to pop. I had wondered the same thing. And yes, I too thought that Melissa was very foolish to tell Gema about the guy in the past. But, of course, Melissa is very foolish! (And stupid. And selfish. And a mercenary [expletive deleted]). Yes, I know, I always keep my thoughts to myself. :-)

Apolo was very hostile toward Loli, but he seemed much less hostile once she told him she wasn't being paid and wouldn't be until the bar was raking it in. So at least part of his hostility isn't motivated by jealousy but rather by concern for the bar.

I suspected for a while that Gema might have another lover, and I'm delighted to find out that that's the case. So Melissa no longer will have reason to love her "sister."

VVS, I loved your saying that Pau "is starting to believe everything Bertha says about her." And I too enjoyed the bit with the messages being sent to Mariana via balloons.
 

Loli

WOW maybe they'll add pole dancing at Hunky Bar and SN can show us her great dancing skills again.