Caray, Caray!

reina3

I'll try to put up something to get the discussion going in a little while.
 

reina3 p1 of 2 Ep. 8

As the episode starts, Ernie is watching a video of Sofia's being forced into a taxi. So he and Charlie know where she is.

We see the bodies of several of the gunmen who I think were killed in the shootout with Our Heroes. One of them is in a body bag. I think it's said that he worked for Tejeda.

Mateo calls Sofia on his new cellphone. He tells her Father Gonzo wants to invite Sofia's sister and brother-in-law to dinner to thank them. Sofia tries to tell him that they're very busy. Sofia then tells Rocio and Faustino about the invitation. Rocio tells Sofia to make up an excuse so they don't have to go. Faustino, however, says he's heard that visiting a priest can bring good luck. He wants to go. Rocio asks Sofia whether this is really important to her. VERY important, replies Sofia. So Rocio reluctantly agrees to go.

Antonio Alcalá tells a trusted friend (whose name I don't know) that he still feels like a traitor. The friend reminds him, "We're doing it for our country. The gringos are just a necessaary evil." Antonio says he feels like he's doing what his son did. The friend replies, "Perhaps your son was doing the right thing too. Epifanio Vargas can't get his way." He then asks Antonio whether Senator Kozar accepted his conditions. Antonio replies, "She said she'd put all her support behind me so that I can be President of Mexico."

Nacho Duarte reports to Antonio that he has gotten the OK for the photo shoot of the First Lady. He says he was planning to have it in one of the museums she supports. Antonio is at first uneasy about this, but he finally agrees, since there may not be another opportunity. "I'm going to see my daughter."

Teresa, Oleg, Jonathan, Pablo, Batman, and Sheila go off to see a cholet and perhaps find the Black Horseman. We see women in fancy traditional dresses fighting with each other. It's pretty violent, with women slamming each other onto the floor. A woman tells Batman that all the women who participate are adults, not teenagers.

Batman, Sheila, and Jonathan are talking when suddenly Jonathan grabs Sheila and gives her a very lengthy kiss. He then explains that he has just seen the man who kidnapped him, and he didn't want him to recognize him.

Ernie and Charlie approach some young taxi drivers who have apparently stolen someone's wallet. The young men run, but one of them is caught. I'm not sure who they are. Ernie tells them they'll have to cooperate or they'll be thrown in prison for their taxi scam. (I hope someone can explain this.)

We see Faustino, Rocio, and Sofia at Father Gonzo's for dinner, along with Mateo. The priest wants to know how Faustino knows so many police. He's told, "It's a long story."

Back at the cholet, Teresa is asking the bartender about a man sitting in the room. The bartender tells her that's Tejeda, he owns the place. He lives on the top floor. He's single, and he lives with his father.

Someone tells Tejeda that that woman is asking questions about him.

Back at police headquarters, one cop says that no one has come to claim the bodies. The other cop says they won't come, Tejeda won't allow that. We learn that the police are sure Tejeda has committed many crimes, but they've been unable to get any evidence. However, thanks to the tourists, they do have info about Oleg's van. They put out an APB about it.

Oleg fears that Teresa is becoming involved with Pablo. Teresa vigorously denies this. She calls Oleg a crazy Russian. He says, "I'm just telling you what I see." He tells Teresa she's free to do what she wants, but the only thing they know about Pablo is that he's allied with Epifanio.
 

reina3 p 2 of 2 Ep. 8

Nacho preps Bebita for the photo shoot that's about to take place. She then heads off to the bathroom. One of Epifanio's men (I assume) goes in before her and checks every stall to make sure no one is there. As soon as he leaves, Bebita enters, and moments later Antonio appears (I'm not sure where he managed to hide while the other guy was searching the stalls). Bebita and he embrace. He sees the scar on her wrist and asks, "Who did this to you?" I don't think she replies. He asks why she doesn't leave Epifanio. She explains that if she leaves, he'll take her son away from him. As they're talking, Epifanio calls Bebita's assistant (who is, of course, also Epifanio's spy). When she tells him that Bebita is in the bathroom, Epifanio angrily asks, "What part of 'Don't take your eyes off her' don't you understand? Go find her at once!" I held my breath as she hurries off to the bathroom. Nacho tries to ask her questions to delay her, but she is intent on finding Bebita. She enters the bathroom just as Bebita comes out from a stall. Antonio has apparently hidden himself again.

While Teresa and the others remain in the cholet, Pablo has gone upstairs, broken in to Tejeda's apartment, and has been going through cabinets and drawers looking for anything of interest. Suddenly a woman enters. Pablo quickly hides. Tejeda comes in, and he and the woman proceed to take off most of their clothes. Just as they're about to do the deed, Tejeda gets a call from someone he refers to as Señor Abel. He tells Abel, "I thought of not sending more girls until we know who attacked us." He also says something about "the Baroness." When he gets off the phone, the woman asks whether Señor Quispe wanted him to go to Potosi again. No, says Tejeda, I just have to send him something. They then proceed to continue where they left off. They're on top of the desk, and Pablo is hiding underneath it! He texts Teresa "Tejeda is here but hasn't yet seen me. Find me a way out." Teresa creates a fight as a diversion, and soon everyone is fighting. Tejeda gets a phone call telling him that all hell has broken loose and to please come down at once. He leaves, and while the woman's back is turned, Pablo exits to a balcony. The woman sees the curtains move, and just before she comes out to investigate, Pablo jumps down to the next level (it's apparently a 2-story penthouse). She looks around but doesn't see him.

Our Heroes manage to leave. Pablo tells them what he heard Tejeda say on the phone, and he think Quispe may live in Potosi. Oleg asks, "Am I the only one who thinks that Abel Quispe may be the Black Horseman?" Teresa says it has crossed her mind as well.

Ernie and a cop find someone. They ask him whether he recognizes this woman, showing him a picture of Teresa. The guy finally admits that he saw her, about 3 or 4 days ago. They ask who she was with. He says that will cost them money. Ernie holds out a bill.

Sheila, Anton, and Batman are talking on the street. Anton leaves, and Sheila suggests to Batman, "We've never filmed ourselves doing it. We're alone. A Quickie. Interested?" Batman replies, "The day I say no, give me poison and kill me." They get into the car and we see it shake.

The episode ends with a cop announcing that the van has been found. (I'd have preferred it to end with the shaking car. Oh well....)
 

reina3

Thanks, Juanita. I see the sights and hear the sounds, but couldn't add them up until your recap.

Looks like Rocio has become the designated sensible adult among the group.

If I heard right, after Jonathan explains why he kissed Sheila, Batman jokes “You could’ve kissed me instead!”
 

reina3

Thanks very much, Niecie, for letting me know that you found the recap helpful. Yes, Rocio does seem to be the Designated Sensible Adult. Who would have predicted this in season 2? And I apparently missed Batman's great line to Jonathan. Loved it!
 

Reina3

Thank you very much novelera and Juanita for stepping up with the recaps. I’m never 100% sure of what’s going on. It’s great to have confirmation and/or clarification.

I think the guy who is always with Alcalá is General Garrido. I could be wrong.

Juanita, Ernie and Charlie caught the guy(s) who kidnapped Sofia from the airport. Mateo saved Sofia from them. The creep brought them to the area where he last saw Mateo and Sofia. Ernie found the drug den where they hid and questioned an addict that saw Sofia.

I lol’d when Father Gonzo told Faustino how he despises drug dealers. The look on Faustino’s face
.
Oleg… there’s that concern with a hint of jealousy when it comes to Teresa. And he’s right about the guys she gets involved with. I don’t want her with Pablo either.

I have tonight’s recap.

 

reina3

Thanks so much for, dare I say it, a terrific recap! Dondi beat me to the punch. Yes, the guys that our DEA sh*theads managed to find were the guys who forced Sofia into that cab, took everything, and would have raped her except for Mateo. They also somehow miraculously knew about the connection between the guy at the money changing station who was in cahoots with the taxi burglars. I am still baffled as to how they got to the bottom of all this.

ITA dondi. That look on Faustino's face when the priest was talking about hating vice was priceless!

My first thought was: What the hell? The DEA can just show up in Colombia and start beating the crap out of people? Then I noticed that they had an "escort" some Interpol guys who didn't look all that thrilled with Ernie and Charlie's outrageous behavior.

So Tejada runs the cholitos. And Oleg thinks Abel may be the Black Horseman. Is he supposed to be a good guy or a bad guy? Right about now it's starting to sound to me like Tejada kidnaps girls and puts them to work in those shows; and, maybe when they've broken a bone or two, sends them on to prostitution.

We meet what I think is another good cop, the one who's after Tejada and can't quite pin anything on him. He's also the one who wants the pandilla's van found.

Now I think Genoveva's wrist slashing was the second one. She may have actually tried it the first time because she looked a bit sheepish when Epi was telling her she had some mental problems as the reason why she couldn't see her son. Last night Big Ed saw two huge band-aids on her wrist.
 

reina3

Thanks VERY much, dondi356 and novelera, for your very helpful and insightful comments. I miss a lot when I watch, especially if I'm also trying to take notes. So I'm especially grateful for all the clarifications you've provided.

Novelera, I think the Black Horseman is pretty definitely a BAD guy. Regardless of what he has in mind for the girls his thugs kidnap, he's bad, bad, bad. The woman that Batman spoke with said that all the people who participate in the fights are adult women, not girls. If she's telling the truth, I guess that means the girls will be used as prostitutes. Yuck!

I'm in the midst of cooking dinner, so I'd better stop now. Looking forward to your recap, dondi356.
 

Reina3 #9 part 1

Teresa does an internet search on Pablo Landero. Nothing comes up. Jon walks in and says don’t waste your time, Oleg and I already tried. Teresa asks for Jon’s opinion of Pablo. He contributes to the team, Jon answers, he’s very professional. Teresa asks, do you trust him? Jon replies, it’s very hard to trust a ghost.

Jon changes the subject. He shows Teresa some info on Quispe. A mining scandal. I think you’re going to like this, he tells her. The headline reads: “Illegal Mining, the Cancer of Cerro Rico”.

We see some nice pueblo scenes that would be in our team’s documentary if they were really doing a documentary.

Sofia takes her scooter to meet Mateo. Uh, oh, Ernie and Charlie’s stakeout has paid off. Hello, Sofia, hello, Charlie says to himself.

Pablo comes into the sleeping Teresa’s room and whispers… levántate. She startles awake. What are you doing here? Get up, he says, you want to train? [How about a little Krav Maga “foreplay”?]

As they train, Teresa tells Pablo what Jon learned about Abel Quispe. He manages a mining co-op in Potosi. Pablo and Teresa think that he can’t be a DEA informant. Teresa also says The Baroness a cantina in Potosi. Pablo thinks that must be where they are taking the girls.

The conversation continues throughout the training. Teresa’s blows have little effect on Pablo and he mocks her efforts. Teresa wants to meet the girls’ mothers and give them money to continue hiding. But Pablo says it’s risky and Teresa could be found. He adds the girls are not their problem. Teresa strongly disagrees. It’s thanks to them that we have any clues at all. I’m not asking for your permission, she tells him.

Teresa goes to kick Pablo and he grabs her leg and pushes her against the wall. They are nose to nose, hands on each other’s throats. You and I are going to Potosi, Teresa says breathlessly. [Yep, Krav Maga foreplay]. And of course, this is when Oleg enters the room and finishes her sentence…”to follow Abel Quispe”.

Pablo releases Teresa from his grip. Oleg says, we will stay here to follow Tejada. I like how you have this all planned out, Pablo replies and he finishes a bottle of water and throws it in the trash. [important for later] I’ll get the money you need, he tells Teresa and leaves the room. Oleg glares at Teresa who looks a bit sheepish.

Sofia tells Mateo she wants to paint a mural on a church wall. Do you think Father Gonzo will like it? Mateo thinks so. It will take a while, so Sofia understands if Mateo can’t stick around. Mateo says, do you think I’d miss out on the chance to watch you? Sofia responds with a shy, “what?” Mateo “clarifies”, you think I’d miss out on watching you work?

Ernie and Charlie are also sticking around to watch Sofia work. Ernie calls Kozar with the update. We found the daughter. And the mother, Kozar asks. We haven’t confirmed that she’s in Colombia, Ernie replies, but we’ll find her. We will need support the get them out of the country. Do your job, Kozar says, and I’ll take care of the rest.

Rocio and Faustino are driving. She’s worrying that Father Gonzo could tell they were lying. Faustino laughs this off. You’re just worried because he asked us to attend mass on Sunday. How’s that, Rocio replies. Faustino jokes, vampires can’t enter churches. She laughs. He loves it when she smiles.

Rocio admits that as much as she likes having Sofia with them, she’s brought nothing but trouble with her. She hates saying it. Faustino shrugs it off saying Sofia’s just a kid. Don’t you remember how you were at that age? It was nothing serious, Rocio shoots back.

 

Reina3 #9 part 2

Sofia paints and Mateo has made some lemonade. They talk. He thinks she must have been the most popular girl in her school. Yes, she says, but not like he means it. She had no friends in Spain. He asks why. They saw someone that I’m not, she answers.

Spaniards are fools, Mateo replies. He reaches out and touches her hair. I will never tire of looking at you. Sofia asks, and what do you see? The coolest woman on Earth, he responds, the prettiest, and the smartest, too. He continues to sweet talk, you’re so perfect that I’m afraid you’re not real. Sofia says she’s not perfect. Mateo makes his move and kisses her. She’s receptive and kisses him back. [Her first kiss? He seems like a good guy. I hope he doesn’t turn out to be a creep.]

Faustino pays a guy at the port and gets Paloma and Ray in return. The sisters are reunited.

Oleg sneaks into Pablo’s room. He takes that bottle from the trash. Later, Oleg asks Jon to run the fingerprints and saysTeresa doesn’t need to know right now.

Sheila teases Teresa about Pablo. She says he’s using the training to flirt with her. [Captions translated that as “sleep with” so I’m not sure of the nuance here] Teresa says she’s not here to date anyone. Sheila asks Teresa to be honest—do you like Landero? He’s “un poco sieso” but you have to admit he’s a hottie. [I looked up “sieso” and there were two meanings: anus and an unfriendly person. I’d say Pablo is both.] Teresa says Sheila likes making her the butt of her jokes [idiom: echar carrilla]

Sheila continues to tease. It’s also clear you move the needle for Landero, but I doubt what’s between his legs is needle sized. Teresa exclaims-- Sheila! Stop! Sheila backs off. They look at the bag of money. It will be a big help to the women, Sheila says and brings the convo back to Pablo. It’s hard to believe that Landero gave you so much when he’s a miser. She playfully warns, he’s going to want something in return. Teresa issues some famous last words: there’s nothing going on and there never will be. Tell that to Oleg, Sheila says.

The local cops have a tip on the stolen tourist van and drive in search. Meanwhile, Teresa and Sheila continue their convo. Teresa says, Oleg and I are just friends. Sheila recounts Teresa has mentioned Oleg’s jealousy. I don’t know about that, Teresa answers, but he’s acting strange. It hasn’t been easy for him. He’s really changed. No, Sheila replies, the Russian hasn’t changed, he’s always loved you.

The cops spot the van and cut it off. License and registration, please. Teresa hands over their Mexican passports. The cop [does anyone know his name?] informs them, we have been notified this vehicle was stolen. What? Teresa says, we rented this. He asks them to step out of the van.

Sofia tells Mateo it’s time for her to go. Ernie and Charlie watch at a distance. Mateo plants a goodbye kiss on Sofia. She hops on her scooter and Ernie and Charlie follow her.

Teresa calls Pablo to let him know their situation. She continues the phone convo for the benefit of the cop and to hint to Pablo. I need the documents we were given when we rented the van, she says. What documents, Pablo asks, there are no documents. [He’s slow on the uptake] Exactly, those, Teresa replies.

The cop tells Teresa to have him [meaning Pablo] bring the proof they are documentarians—a contract, work permit. Teresa balks. Do you have a problem, the cop asks. The ladies continue to “discuss” the matter. The cop threatens to take them in. Pablo listens in frustration. He grumbles to Teresa, where am I going to find something like that?

 

Reina3 #9 part 3

Sheila mouths off about being documentarians and being disrespected and the cop warns her not to make things worse. Teresa takes the opportunity to step away and quickly tells Pablo this was all she could think of. We are in a bind, she says, do something about it. The cop tells Teresa time’s up, let’s go. Teresa tells Pablo she expects him at the station with all the documents.

After Teresa hangs up, Pablo informs the guys there was a problem with the van and Teresa and Sheila were stopped.

The cop wants the ladies’ cell phones. They made their phone call. Sheila mouths off again and the ladies are cuffed and taken in. The cop looks in the van and finds the money Pablo gave Teresa.

Bebita is at the National Palace. She manages to seclude herself in a room and makes a call to Causas Magazine and asks for Ignacio. She gives a fake name, Carmen de Burgos. He recognizes that alias she used in their college days. The best days of my life, he adds.

She’s calling to thank him for arranging the meeting with her father. She begins to unload. Her life has been tough lately. He blurts, I want to see you again. Then he quickly says he’s sorry. Don’t apologize, she says, but that’s impossible. He has a plan—remember Lina? From school? Yes. She can be the solution, Nacho says.

We see Susana listening at the door. When Bebita leaves, Susana redials the last number and finds out she called the magazine.

Teresa and Sheila are questioned at the station. They state their innocence. They complain about being detained. The cop askes about their documentary and why they have so much USD. Teresa says the doc is about Bolivia and its people and they were going to exchange the money. She declines to give further explanation.

Then cop asks, why were you and your crew at Valle de las Animas three days ago? Teresa pauses for an answer. Ah, yes, we were told to take some beautiful pics there. The rock formations. Yes, we were there. Did you notice anything unusual, the cop asks. No. He tries again—anything out of the ordinary? Teresa mentions something about llama fetuses.

The cop keeps pressing. Teresa remembers. Our cinematographer fell. He really hurt himself. Thankfully not too serious. May I see what you recorded, the cop asks? Sheila doesn’t think it’s necessary, but Teresa says, why not.

Pablo calls Epi, who’s having an assignation with the assistant. Pablo needs proof that they are journalists working for the Mexican Film Institute and proof their documentary company exists. Epi complains as usual. Pablo asserts that they need this asap. They can’t find out who Teresa really is. Epi complains some more. He’s spent a lot of money and is putting himself at risk. Pablo raises his voice, we have a solid lead, Teresa can’t be identified! Epi calls Delio for the job and goes back to his mistress.

Sofia and Paloma are reunited. They relegate recent events to the past. Ernie and Charlie are lurking and take pics. Charlie recognizes Paloma. They note there are no guards around. Ernie spots Faustino. Is that who I think it is? I know him. He wants to call Interpol to organize an operation. We won’t let them get away. We hit the jackpot.

Delio tells Epi the documents are being prepared but it will take time to register the company. Epi is impatient. He chews out Delio, they are all corrupt, just pay everyone off. If we don’t move quickly the whole operation falls apart. Move… make it happen!

Susana tells Epi that she thinks Bebita called Ignacio Duarte at Causa Magazine. You think or are you sure, Epi asks. Susana says she checked the phone. Ignacio works at Causa, and it appears they are very close friends. Epi asks, what do you mean by very close friends?

 

Reina3 #9 part 4

The cop reviews the footage. It’s kinda blurry for professionals. Then Sheila and Batman’s sexcapade comes on the screen. Sheila panics. The viewing is stopped. The cop asks her if she’s a Spaniard. Sheila makes up a story this was some fantasy play, and she likes to talk like a Spaniard. I call him my Batman, she explains, he shines his bat signal and then… Don’t look at me like that, she says, we were so horny. Teresa gives her an incredulous look.

The cop doubts they are documentarians and notes Sheila has a talent for porn. Teresa gets indignant and then says with some embarrassment, erase everything you just saw from your mind. The cops leave the room. Teresa’s head is in her hands and Sheila shakes her head in shame.

Oleg questions Pablo, how could your contact not know the van was stolen? How could you not verify? Oleg says it’s a rookie mistake. Watch it, Pablo counters. Batman tries to diffuse the situation. Oleg makes another comment and Oleg and Pablo tangle.

Jon separates them. This is not helping. He asks, what is the solution for the van? Pablo says they will get documents that prove everything. Epi is handling it. Oleg is ticked that they sit and wait and have to depend on Epifanio Vargas. Pablo tells Oleg to figure it out if he’s up to it and walks away. The landlord walks in and wonders what’s going on. Jon tells him that making documentaries is not easy, especially in a foreign country.

Epi complains to Danilo about Causas. It’s a gossip rag. Yellow journalism. How could you agree to that interview for Beba? Epi summons his henchie [what’s his name?] and excuses Danilo. He asks the henchie to find out everything about Ignacio Duarte and don’t let anyone else know.

Ernie gets confirmation they found Faustino Sanchez Godoy. He’s still wanted by the Mexican police. Charlie checks in. He’s still at Faustino’s. Unfortunately, Teresa isn’t there, but Faustino, Sofia, her sisters and the kid are there. The employees have left. Ernie tells Charlie they are on their way.

Ernie tells the Interpol agent that he can have Sanchez Godoy but he wants Sofia Dantes and the Aljarafe sisters. The Interpol agent doesn’t understand what’s so important about the women. Ernie says don’t be difficult or I’ll contact your superior. Start packing. Come on!

We end on Charlie lurking in the bushes outside Faustino’s. He’s so creepy.

And we are out.

 

reina3

Thanks so much, dondi356, for this superb recap! You've captured everything clearly and with humor. Thanks for the dual meaning of sieso. I especially enjoyed your comment that in this case both meanings apply.

Epifanio seems more highhanded and unreasonable than ever, even to the people he depends on, like Delio. And, of course, Danilo, who is probably no fan to begin with (and is perhaps Antonio's man close to Epi).

Thanks for highlighting Pablo's throwing away the empty water bottle. I hadn't paid any attention to that when he did it. Of course, I was pleased when Oleg retrieved it. I hope it does provide some indication of just who Pablo is.

Arrgh--I agree with you about Charlie. He gives me the creeps, too. And the look on his face twice during the episode makes me fear he's turned on by Sofia.

Company is coming soon, and I've got much to do before they arrive, so I'll stop now. Once again, MANY THANKS!!
 

reina3

Thanks, Dondi. Riveting recap. Can't wait to watch the epi.
 

Thanks for the latest recaps. I am behind. Hope to catch up this weekend.
 

reina3

Fantastic recap, dondi! You filled in a lot of the things that I did not understand while watching.

I googled Potosi. When I heard it, I was really confused thinking they were referring to San Luis Potosí in Mexico.

I have a bad feeling about Oleg messing up the whole operation because of his jealousy. Clearly his wife falling to her death has caused him to be reckless and to have a hair-trigger temper. This was not how Oleg was in the past.

Can't stand that Susana. I've seen Sofia Lama in other novelas over the years, and I can't remember finding her insufferable. I guess that means she's a good actor. How can a woman so completely sell out another woman, especially to an awful guy like Epi.?

What the hell? Sofia has not committed any crimes. How can they feel they have a right to kidnap a 14-year old girl who's done nothing wrong? If they get her on Monday, I'm going to be furious. I'm not liking all the success Ernie and Charlie are having, not to mention killing two or three innocent people in Málaga.

All of the police activities in this one are absurd. I don't know the name of the sort of straightforward cop who grabbed up Teresa and Sheila for being in a stolen van. This whole thing is ridiculous because Epi has so much money. Why couldn't the van be a legal rental?

Bottom line: I'm tired of Ernie and Charlie. I'm not going to be happy if the whole novela is half those two winning so many battles.
 

Reina3

Thanks for reading and commenting everyone. Glad the recap was helpful. I was concerned about getting details right. I still don’t know the names of a few characters.

Charlie really worries me, Juanita. He’s a killer and he’s got a lecherous look for Sofia.

There are no rules in this game, novelera. All’s fair. It’s interesting when the supposed “good guys” do bad things and the supposed “bad guys” do good things.

The only thing I can think of about the van rental is they wanted no record that could be traced. But Pablo made that “rookie mistake”. That phrase reminded me of Willy. I miss Willy.

I’m hoping that Susana will come around to Bebita’s side. Right now, she’s more afraid of Epi.

I hope our gang manages to stay ahead of Ernie and Charlie. Sort of like Pablo Flores, that Spanish cop who chased Teresa until Siso caught him and had rats eat him. I wouldn’t mind the rat treatment for Charlie.

I’m not too thrilled about a Teresa/Pablo hookup. A Teresa/Oleg hookup isn’t great either. Teresa and Jon hooked up in season 2. Will they revisit that? And Lupo just fell off the face of the earth.

Sofia is experiencing first love. I just hope they didn’t plan a pregnancy for her.

Teresa and Sheila were great in Friday's episode.

I’m beginning to get into the story.