Caray, Caray!

VENCER LA AUSENCIA #!8 Part 1

Notes from the Couch. . .

We find out that . . .

-15 years ago, Claudia was meddling in Ester's marriage taking sides with Max when Ester decided to end the marriage. Ester finally is able to send Claudia packing back to Guadalajara.

-Mati decides that Rayo needs to be taught the arts of deception to get along in her new world. She wants to show her how to be a hidden guest in a large rich house. She just has to find the right house. (Sounds like fantasy land to me) Rayo is afraid she will be caught.

-Jero and Adair argue when Jero tells him to keep his nose out of his marriage and then tells him he is going to prep school. They seem to finally be on the same page when Jero tells his son that they both will do the "Open Prep" school classes together online and support each other.

-Ana Sofí doesn't want to hear what Angel's excuse is for missing the engagement shindig. She tells him that Julia and her child are NOTHING to them.

-Ana Sofí is so unhappy at Angel's non-appearance at the engagement shindig that she publishes a statement on her social network. Daddy dearest is not pleased and thinks that Angel is obsessed with money if he is still chasing after what was lost. Gina follows Ana Sofí online and tells Julia the next day what she had to say about Angel not coming to the shindig.

-Angel stays the night with Julia at the hospital. They discuss Misael again and the phone. How did the phone end up there? Angel thinks the fact that it arrived in its own box was not a coincidence. He thinks that Misael sent the phone in its own box to leave a false clue so that they would think he was there but was really somewhere else. That only angers Julia because she thinks he is presuming that Misael is a thief. She cannot unlock the phone with any password she can think of.

-Julia tells Angel that she is interested in the secretary job. She has a degree in administration. Later when tells her that the job is hers, she tells him that the job would be a better fit for one of her friends than her and offers to give him the friends's contact info.

-When Angel tells his father what happened withJulia and Danny the next day, Homero tells him it is evident that he just doesn't like Julia but that he LOVES her. Angel disagrees and sends Ana Sofí flowers since she is giving him the silent treatment by remaining incommunicado.

-Celeste tries to sneak out again and check Rayo's apartment for her but Braulio catches her trying to leave. She ends up confessing that she just had a hunch that Rayo might be there because when she was with Flavia she saw things that Rayo would not have left behind. She borrowed the keys. Braulio insists that a 14 year old girl couldn't be living on her own. He thinks the aunt cut out to avoid paying her bills. He says he will return the apartment keys to Flavia. He does. Flavia touches base with Celeste wanting to know if Cuca and Rayo left behind anything of value. Nope. Whatever, Flavia is going to change the locks. Flavia also tells Celeste that Braulio covered her debt. Braulio tells Celeste that he would do anything so she is not upset. He is the man and the provider.

-Celeste has an episode of blurry vision.

-Erik bumps into Gina and they have a jokingly good exchange.

-Ester tells Julia that Margarita deceived them. She turned over the private contract and the IOU to Flavia. Julia thinks there has to be a mistake. No mistake. The two women are at their wit's end with their financial and emotional situations.


 

VENCER #2

-Julia tells Ester that she found Misael's phone. Ester is upset that she has not turned it over to the police and threatens to tell the police that Julia is withholding evidence. She tells Julia that Misael is her son's and Margarita's murderer.

-Julia's aunt "knows a guy" who can unlock Misael's phone. They go to see him and it turns out that the phone has been reset to the factory settings. There is nothing on it.

-Ester talks to her lawyer who tells her that if she wants to stay in her apartment it will be a long shot with a long hard fight in court. There there will be lawyer and court fees to be paid. It is better if she can come to an agreement outside of court.

-Jero comes to see the apartment. He chit chats with Ester and they bring each other up to date on their lives. Ester shows Jero her apartment as an example of what the other vacant one would be like. She asks him if he would do her a favor. Would he rent her apartment so that she could stay there?

-Celeste catches Rayo trying to get into her apartment but the lock has been changed.

-Julia gives Angel the bad news that there is nothing on the phone. Julia is finally coming around to the fact that maybe Misael isn't who she thought he was.

-Ana Sofí barges in and is not happy seeing Julia in Angel's office. She calls her a "gatúbela" (cat woman as in the Cat Woman) There must be some nasty connotation because Julia flies off the handle and attacks Ana Sofí. Nobody is going to get away with calling her that!! The fight is on!!

That is it for me. Feel free to add anything else.
 

Vencer
Jarifa, thank you for another insightful, all-encompassing summary! Tonight seems to have provided a bit more insight into the characters’ minds and motivations.

Despite the fact Angel’s secretarial job would be steady and a dependable source of income, Julia thinks first and foremost of Ester and puts her candidacy first. Julia is a kind person, thoughtful in her thinking and a good friend. While Ester is understandably still distraught about Ivan, she has shown Julia nothing but impatience. To be fair, Julia has been obstinately blind to what(ever) Misael has done, but Ester has not shown her a shred of empathy. And I know Claudia was completely wrong in what she did, but I winced when Ester would not hug her mother when she left. So much pain.

“Erik bumps into Gina and they have a jokingly good exchange” was cute and a light moment.

Margarita seems to have double crossed her friends. And now Rayo is homeless. I have a feeling Celeste will want to take her in, but if Braulio agrees, it will go against how he feels.

Adair and Jero’s relationship seem to have taken a turn for the better. Jero has much more patience and forgiveness than I…

“Homero tells him it is evident that he just doesn't like Julia but that he LOVES her” shows Homero does still have his wits about him at times.

Flavia touches base with Celeste wanting to know if Cuca and Rayo left behind anything of value”. Of course she would. Stone cold.

Ana Sofi and Julia went at it like tigresses! My money is on Ana…

Jarifa, thank you for all you are doing to bring us these fabulous recaps nightly. I know I’d be lost without them!

Diana
 

VENCER

Diana, I was shocked how Julia pounced on Ana Sofí and cannot wait to see how Angel breaks it up. Julia is an interesting character in her desperation to believe the best of Misael and now not to be disrespected. There is more to her than what I thought. It is cute how Angel just lights up any time he talks to her or evidently about her. Homero made me laugh. Yes, Flavia never misses a beat to find something that could give her more $$$. Well, Jero is a practical guy looking to save $$$ so I think he will go for Ester’s idea. As for Rayo, that is a hard one with Braulio in control.
 

Vencer

Jarifa,,thank you for making everything clear as this story of struggle , mystery,grief, and unrest unfolds.I haven't watched my recording yet, but now I will understand exactly what is happenibg.

Flavia is a cold, greedy , calculating person. Her smile creeps me out. She has no empathy of compassion for those around her who are struggling.

Come on , Celeste, you now know that Rayo is on her own. She needs you, and you want to be a mother, so step up and do the right thing before something bad happens that poor kid .

What the heck is Mati talking about living secretly in a big house ? Is that what she is doing ? She seems to hang out in that park a lot.,

Spoiled influencer wannabe Ana is so shallow and vapid ...pathetic.

I Am surprised that Julia stooped to a cat fight. I guess her nerves are strained.

Sad that Claudia could not just comfort and support Esther . Losing a loved one puts all the remaining family in uncomfortable positions. Claudia doesn't seem to be grieving her only grandchild which seems odd .
 

VENCER

Susanlynn, it seems like Mati is full of it with her advice for Rayo.She comes from a divorced family and lives with her father. She has nice clothes and a bed of her own.

“Her smile creeps me out.” Yes, Flavia is more despicable every day.

Time to get some coffee and out of here. The sun is out and the temp will be in the 40’s.


 

"VENCER" EPISODE #18:

Jarifa: Awesome job on the recap of last night's episode.

Steve Boudreaux
 

Vencer

Thanks, Jarifa, I enjoy your notes from the couch. They give us all the information we need.

I wondered what AnaSofia had said to bring on that attack. Knowing hasn’t made it easier to understand. It seemed so unlike Julia. But AnaSofia is another cold, calculating, …. Like Flavio!

If Jero takes Ester up on her offer I’d like to see the other apartment go to Eric. I see he and Gina as a fun, trouble free couple. Eventually!

I was surprised at how quickly Adair went from surly to friendly. If they’re going to study together I imagine he will be at his dad’s apartment frequently. Is Jero selling his place? He bought that and the laundry so Lenar should have to buy both from him.

I’m relieved that Celeste now knows about Rayo. If her husband is ready to give her whatever she wants he should let Rayo move in. She could be a help if she learns to cook and clean!

Liz
 

Vencer

Liz,yes , if Celeste takes Rayo in , they could be a help to each other. And I hope the Eric gets the apartment because we need a bright spot I the gloom of most of these characters' lives. Do we know what Eric does ? Maybe he is a rich guy who wants to live on his own outside his family mansion.

I guess the only reason Flavia hovers around Celeste is because her husband has some money .


 

Camino

Just a few thoughts to start the discussion.

Murder, mayhem, betrayal and the beginning of an undeniable attraction. This had it all.

How handsome did Memo look in his midnight black suit and shirt? He saved the night with Dani’s potential clients, even doing the Heimlich maneuver to save Claudia from choking! She thought Dani and Memo were married! I think Memo is already falling under Dani’s spell as his kisses with Ursu seemed to lack the enthusiasm of earlier ones.

Macario betrayed Ursu, his niece, by contacting her ex and sending him pictures of her and Memo!

The not so good doctor went onto the next life, courtesy of Aaron.

Fausto and Karen…Karen shows up as a French maid and my stomach roiled – nuff said! ☹

We ended with Amparo’s son, who chased a ball and is standing, frozen, directly in the path of a speeding 16 wheeler!!

This flew by so quickly.

Diana
 

OT
rgv chick, did my post from yesterday end up in the spam folder? It would have been around 19:00 EDT.
 

VENCER

Liz, what an excellent point bout what Jero should be asking for. Yes, he should also be asking Lenar for 50% of the laundry, too. Since he is only asking for his share of the house, she is getting a deal.

Susanlynn, Erik was a secondary character in “Vencer el pasado.” He came from an economically challenged family and was an under-performer when it came to getting and sticking with a job. He even did a stint as an exotic dancer. Here he is a rep for some company. Let us hope he has done the turn around and is gainfully and steadily employed.
 

Vencer

Fab job, Jarifa.

I too am surprised Julia went straight for a catfight after AnaSofi's "gatubela." If Julia isn't romantically interested in Angel, any insults from AnaSofi should've blown right off her. She could've even laughed at it, but then that wouldn't have been as entertaining. ;> My money is on Julia.

I still feel bad for meddlesome Claudia. When Ester said yet again "You don't know what it's like to lose a child," Claudia said something like "No I don't and I don't want to," meaning she doesn't want to lose Ester. Claudia shouldn't have sided with Maximo back in the day when Ester wanted a divorce, but I can see a mother not wanting her daughter to break up with a seemingly good, loving husband (though we now know he's a wimp with Flavia).

Ester is so adamant that Misael is a murderer that I'm sure he isn't. I think he's an opportunist that seized at a chance to start a new life free of wife and kid, and somebody else stepped on Margarita's hand.

Yay! Celeste knows Rayo is all alone. She'll do the right thing.

I didn't realize before that "Eric" is playing the same character he was in the other "Vencer." So he didn't wind up with the rich half-sister of his adopted sister after all. Yes, he needs to move in pronto to bring some cheer to that building.
 

Camino

Thank you Diana for starting the conversation and reminding me what I watched!! I was so tired last night it’s a blurr.

Not interested in Fausto or Karen at all, totally turned off by their whole storyline! One thing I was wondering though was about Aaron killing the doc, not sure if it wasn’t specified or if I missed it, but Fausto didn’t actually order Aaron to kill the doc right? I got the impression he just chose to kill him so he could steal the money and Fausto will never know about it and just assume the not good doc is off to parts unknown living off the windfall. Did I just marke that up? Lol I didn’t hear Falso order the kill and I don’t see what the point of the money exchange would have been if he could have just sent Aaron to kill him from the get go.

Sebastian tried to sneak steal a kiss from Lupita and got slapped for his duplicity!! You go girl!!

Marcario selling out his own niece was cold. Ice cold!!! I saw him taking pictures and I feared it was up to something even more slimy and nefarious than that but I wasn’t very relieved to find out he just wanted proof of location from the photos.

Memo did clean up nice but the beard scratching is still driving me crazy!!!

 

Camino

Thanks, Diana. You hit all the main beats in super fashion.

I feel sorry for Ursula. Memo's drifting so she's starting to get clingy. I want her to stay still long enough for me to check out all her tattoos.

Amparo wears that apron everywhere. I see a makeover in her future, probably when she's had enough of no-good Macario.

Dani and Memo have already become a couple and don't even know it. Yep, Memo's niece hooked him up with a fine suit. I enjoyed the whole clothes shopping sequence.

Seems like Aaron wants Karen. I predict one day he'll betray Fausto.

Hated the cliffhanger with Amparo's son in the path of that truck. I don't see how the truck can stop in time, but I'm sure the kid will be okay. Surely they wouldn't go there in this TN.
 

Vencer

Jarifa, thank you . I didn't realize that Eric was the same character who was in the previous Vencer. He was Angelique Boyer's hermano , an exotic dancer with a sugar mama ! I hope that he will move into that building and provide a bit of positivity.

It is sad the Esther and Claudia can't get along . You only get one mother , and when she is gone , there are no more chances to reconcile.
 

Camino
The actor playing Aaron used to be in a lot of telenovelas, often playing villains , but I haven't seen him in a long time .

Dani and Ursula are a study in contrasts . Dani is elegant , while Ursula is .....well, not at all elegant.


 

Camino

"... Fausto didn’t actually order Aaron to kill the doc right? I got the impression he just chose to kill him so he could steal the money and Fausto will never know about it and just assume the not good doc is off to parts unknown!" Darcy, that never occurred to me but it sounds right! Why would Fausto have even given him the money to begin with? Fausto is a lying weasal but perhaps he draws the line at murder.

I like Sebastian and Lupita! He is a goner. :)

"I feel sorry for Ursula. Memo's drifting so she's starting to get clingy. I want her to stay still long enough for me to check out all her tattoos" made me laugh Niecie. And I loved" Dani and Memo have already become a couple and don't even know ir" I'll add that to the list of "wish I'd said that". And yes, Aaron definiately wants Karen. Ack.

Susanlynn, do you remember Fabian Robles from Guapos years ago? I will never forget his villanous Rigovberto!

Diana
 

CAMINO

I’m SO late to the party; this yukky weather sets me way behind in my chore schedule :-( Anywho, Diana, thank you so much for starting up the conversation. Your main points hit the mark!

Memo sure looked fine, uhm-hmm! And he is turning out to be one heck of a galán—not only good-looking, but sensitive, loyal, and a true gentleman…I hope he stays that way. It was a little awkward when Dani was telling him how she already trusted him…and it wasn’t easy for her to trust. I hope Memo doesn’t fall too hard (from Grace) when she finds out he’s Isabela’s father. My favorite scene was the dinner…where Memo impressed the client, not only with the Heimlich maneuver, but when the client wanted to buy Memo’s watch (that was handed down to him from his grandfather) and Memo told him that just like the smile of a son doesn’t have a price, there are things that are priceless.

Darcy, Fausto did order Aaron to kill the doc; he said something like “you know what to do next”. And Niecie, yes, Aaron is in love with Karen. When he was talking to the doc, he was saying that he was a faithful dog whose hands have already been bloodied (so he has killed for Fausto before???) and Fausto was paying him for his loyalty by sleeping with the woman he loved.

Chema (the little boy) pulling the plug on his Uncle Leo’s speakers was too funny. And I was really surprised about how encouraging Ursula was when Leo felt so bad about people not really listening to him sing.

I agree, Chema can’t die!

OT- Jan, your comment was not in the Spam folder.
 

Camino

I was surprised the doctor was killed after getting the money. But he did something to the mother right after Isabela was born. So I wonder if they made her give up the baby somehow. And he felt the cancer she died from was from the birth. So whatever drug he gave her might have done that.

I’m not surprised that Fausto is a murderer. When he found out he wasn’t the biological father my first thought was that Memo’s life was going to be in danger. And since people have mentioned it, now I always notice the beard scratching! I didn’t notice it in the last telenovela!

If I’m thinking of the right couple, Sebastian looks a lot older than Lupita. Looks like it could be jail bait!

It didn’t bother me that Marcario is sending pictures to Ursula’s ex because someone said she was still married to him, if I’m remembering correctly! I also was surprised at how nice she was to Chemo. I had been thinking she would not be nice to Isabela if they met, but maybe she would.

Liz
 

Camino

I agree with your logic Liz but the problem I have with Macario sending the pics was the impression that Ursula’s ex or not ex husband is a violent man. I don’t remember now exactly what they said but I got the impression Ursula would be actually in danger if/when her husband found her and that her dear uncle knows that and doesn’t care because he wants the money! If not ex hubby was just a normal everyday Joe and not a bad guy I would say sure, tell him where she is, that’s his wife.
 

Mexicana #118

We begin with Helena screaming to Brandon from the stands as he has collapsed, foaming at the mouth, thrusting about as if having a seizure.

Maty calls Olinka a bruja as she sips on her ever-present cocktail with Jaime. In tears, Andrea frets about Katya’s safety to Chabela. Tyler asks Andrea is she is all right and we see Chabela is worried as well as she clutches her medal after Tyler leaves. Malacara is well guarded and has eluded arrest/capture. So far. Diego and Sebastian talk. Are we friends Diego asks? Seb sort of smiles and they hug. Rodrigo and Katya sit on a swing and hug, both with their eyes closed. They talk about children (it’s a yes for Rodrigo) and marriage. The conversation, a bit too deep and personal, she gets up and leaves. Bye. Rodrigo flashes back to their hug…Tyler talks with Gladys and thanks her for her frankness. She seemed to have spilled the beans about the false family but not sure what she told him was new?

Malacara, is running out of gas and at the station, one of the workers recognizes him and calls the police. The police arrive and circle the car! Coincidentally, it is right outside the dealership and Rene and Olinka and Zulema rush out to see the action. Sho, sho, sho (thanks SpanProf).

Rene is with Zulema as Olinka crawls in. Rene might as well have put Zulema on the floor as this entire time as has used her as a mat to walk all over on.

Helena and Isis are at the hospital as are Vilyeri, Rocio and Archi. In Brandon’s room, Helena tries to tell him he will have another chance but he snaps at both her and Rocio. The doctor comes in – Brandon has a tumor. I believe he says Brandon needs an operation. Did anyone understand where the tumor is or if it is cancerous?? Megan takes a seat in the waiting room. Brandon goes crazy screaming at Helena, “I hate you”. Staff rush in and he needs to be given a sedative. Just a horrible, very upsetting scene. Helena and Rocio dissolve into tears. Vilyeri cries after Rocio tells her.

Ahhh, a quick flash of Luis!!!! Something to make me smile – he is giving Diego a huge hug.

Tyler meets with his family; he has an announcement. He is putting someone in charge of his affairs. Now he has everyone’s attention and Gonzalo is preening (he tries to kill Tyler and he really thinks he will hand everything over to HIM?) Tyler says it is mi hermano, Mario! Gonzalo’s face (and drink) fall as Rene also stares angrily. Mario was sitting there snacking, so we don’t see his immediate reaction. Gonzalo does not take it well, Mario doesn’t have experience he spurts, among other things. Everyone stares. An excellent decision Andrea manages isn’t it Rene? Everyone hugs him and is happy. I’d say Mario’s reaction is a bit stunned but is taking it in stride. Gonzalo talks to himself, all alone. The phone rings. It is Malacara saying he’s going to maximum security prison. Gonzalo is unmoved and unmotivated. Malacara bangs the phone. Think Malacara is going to sing like a canary. Gonzalo knows enough to pack and get out of town. Oh and he takes Andrea’s gun with him. Apparently Gonzalo has not yet been called about Brandon. Helena tells Rocio something, he is guilty of ??? Olinka is throwing a hissy fit to Andrea and Rene and Andrea slaps her. Gonzalo wants to be taken to a “hidden” hotel. Good luck buddy. Rene has to keep Andrea and Olinka apart. Olinka says something about the murder of Tyler Somers?

I apologize. There was critical dialog I just could not understand. I’m not sure I will be home tomorrow to watch – if I am, it will just be a comment not a recap as I have a hundred things to do before my company comes. I will plan on doing next Monday’s for sure.

What a grim episode…

Diana
 

CAMINO

"My favorite scene was the dinner…where Memo impressed the client, not only with the Heimlich maneuver, but when the client wanted to buy Memo’s watch (that was handed down to him from his grandfather) and Memo told him that just like the smile of a son doesn’t have a price, there are things that are priceless". Just lovely Rgv Chick! Thank you so much for translating that. I would have been a pool of butter. Sigh.

Liz, I hadn't really noticed Memo's beard scratching until this. It looks like the writers are incorporating this as his little tic when he gets nervous or upset.

Darcy, yes, Macario is a dark soul. That he would put his niece in such peril is disgusting. Is that his wedding ring he wears in a chain around his neck? So not in keeping with the character.

Diana
 

Mexicana

Diana, thank you once again! This was an excellent recap. I watched parts of the show today, but I was busy as well and I always know I will later watch the recording, which I can always back up multiple times if I need to. And after watching a scene multiple times and also consulting Srta CC I still very often get things wrong. So take these comments with a grain of salt.

This episode was particularly difficult for several reasons, the first being Brandon. Wow! He has a brain tumor, they don't yet know it it's benign or malignant. They will have to operate and he could suffer debilitating effects, even death. Yeah, death is quite debilitating.
Brandon doesn't take it well, blames his mother and her cancer.

I believe that Helena broke the news to poor Rocío that her father is now part of the scam, not just an innocent actor in it.

Tyler got Gladys to come clean, completely, even that she met Mario at the finca and they afterwards fell in love and she got pregnant. Tyler asks her to continue acting as if he knows nothing and to not disclose to anybody that they had talked.
She motions zipping her mouth closed, but knowing what I now know about these people I would not bet the farm on that   :-)

Why was Malacara at René's dealership? I don't understand that at all.

Doña Maty and Jaime seem to now be in the new house bought for her by Jaime with his inheritance. I guess this all happened off-screen unless Uni clipped a few scenes. Would they ever do such a thing?

Gonzalo gave Malacara the brush off. "Think Malacara is going to sing like a canary." I think so too. I was a little surprised to see Malacara alive today. I thought maybe his boss would decide he was a liability. Have we ever seen the boss's face full on? I think this novela does little things like that to distract us, even if they never result in anything.
Tricky, tricky, tricky   :-)

Andy
 

Camino

I feel kind of bad for the guy playing Juanpa because most of his scenes are in a teeny, tiny Speedo . Maybe it's in his contract . Is he Dani's brother ? Was he talking about his mother with the girl at the pool?
 

Mexicana

Andy to the rescue! What a lifesaver you are…we are so close to the end, there are few details unimportant to the imminent resolutions.

I thought Brandon might have a brain tumor, but it was too important a point to speculate on. I had no idea Brandon blamed “his mother and her cancer.” What a hideous thing for him to say. He has been dealt a cruel blow but that was unforgiveable. Hmmm. I guess we all can’t be like Diego can we?

“I believe that Helena broke the news to poor Rocío that her father is now part of the scam, not just an innocent actor in it”. Ahhh, that would make sense. But really, Rocio shouldn’t be surprised.

Andy, I believe you are onto something with Malacara’s boss! Wouldn’t it be wild if Malacara’s boss is someone we know??

Knowing people who have survived brain tumors and other brain issues (including myself), I feel fairly confident Brandon will end up fine. Not perfect as he wasn’t to begin with, but hopefully wiser. And kinder.

Thank you for Gladys “motions zipping her mouth closed, but knowing what I now know about these people I would not bet the farm on that.” I did laugh at that. Well the only consolation is that he didn’t tell Marcia. Then we would KNOW word would be immediately spread!

You write so well Andy and your humor never fails to make me smile. Or laugh. Thank you, thank you!

Diana
 

Camino

Darcy, I didn’t realize her husband was violent! I was just thinking it would give Memo an easy way to leave the relationship. I don’t think she’d bow out of the picture gracefully but I also wouldn’t want her to be hurt by the ex. She might give Fausto a run for his money if they should join forces!

Liz
 

Mexicana. First-rate recap, Diana, and excellent clarifications, Andy! Yep, there's a lot of suspense, not to mention a painful confrontation, about Brandon's brain tumor. It may or may not be cancerous, and may or may not lead to disability. I'm with Diana that the disability, if any, will be minor, and Brandon will end up a better person. Tyler and Rodrigo seem to have a well-orchestrated plan to find out exactly who is knowingly involved in the scam to get his money and then to outwit the culprits. He has indeed established that Gladys and Mario are innocent participants and thinks it will really stir things up if he appoints the honest but unqualified Mario (his skills seem to be in math, science and engineering?) to be the company manager. Under an alias, Malacara was going to buy a new car or van--either for himself or the gang. Now he does appear to be going to turn Gonzalo in. Let's hope so! And the gang leader? I would say either a character we have already met or some celebrity and it's a joke.
 

Mexicana

SpanProf, I really appreciate your kind words.

Brandon does need to be "a better person" as you noted. I'm not so sure that an athletic career will be in his future though which will be a bitter pill. Still, alive and functioning beats the alternative - any day.

"Tyler and Rodrigo seem to have a well-orchestrated plan to find out exactly who is knowingly involved in the scam to get his money and then to outwit the culprits". Excellent. And their honing in on Mario and Gladys was the right choice indeed.

"...it will really stir things up if he appoints the honest but unqualified Mario (his skills seem to be in math, science and engineering?) to be the company manager" was so informative. I hadn't known what Mario's strenths are, I'm actually not even sure what he does for a living. Or I've just forgotten :)

Thanks so much SpanProf!

Diana
 

What is replacing La Mexicana in the afternoon>
 

VENCER LA AUSENCIA #19 Part 1

Notes from the Couch . . .

Flashback: 3 years earlier, we see Ana Sofi literally running into Angel in her Clic Cloc quest to meet new people and filming it. She ends up in his arms on the ground. She introduces herself as an influencer. She makes him give her a kiss on the cheek before he goes on his way. Shortly after, Ana Sofi announces to her followers that they are novios.

There was plenty popping' tonight

ANGEL

-Angel breaks up the fight. Ana Sofi accuses Julia of using Angel to console her now that her husband is gone. Julia leaves. Angel doesn't understand Ana Sofi's behavior. He loves and respects her. She says his standing her up didn't show that. How could he choose to spend time with Julia and not her? He suggests that maybe it would be better if they did not get engaged. Ana Sofi accuses him of that being his plan all along.

- Brauliio Tells Angel that he knew Celeste was the one for him and could not live without her. Angel is worried he doesn't feel like that about Ana Sofi. Braulio reminds him there is more in play for him like the $$$ support her father gave to the company.

- Angel comes home to Ana Sofí visiting his sister who takes Ana Sofí's side. He apologizes to Ana Sofí again. He explains one more time he couldn't leave Julia alone with a sick child. Ana Sofí says she gets it and appreciates him being such a gentleman. It looks like all is forgiven. She leaves and Homero asks him if he wants to spend all of his life with that woman. He says he made a commitment so the answer is yes.

-Silvano (he has that mob boss vibe going strong) has summoned Angel to dinner. There he explains to Angel that it all comes down to loyalty. He needs a son-in-law to be someone who knows him perfectly, who is loyal and who he can depend on in any circumstance. Angel explains to Silvano that his not attending the shindig could not be avoided and that he has apologized and all is well been him and Ana Sofí. He thanks him for being upfront and not mixing their work life with their private life. Silvano asks why would he think he ever mixed the two???? As for Ana Sofí, Silvano says he will be keeping tabs on her relationship with Angel. Angel tells Silvano he has nothing to worry about. Silvano agrees but adds that Angel does have something to worry about.

-Angel gets a text from Julia wanting to talk later on the phone. He goes to see her in person. She tells him that she thinks it is best that they do not see each other anymore even to search for Misael. He has been good to her that she doesn't want to cause him more problems. She will let him know if she finds out anything else about Misael including the DNA test on the bloody gauze. .

-Homero tells Angel that men often marry the woman they think they should as opposed to the woman they really have feelings for. He doesnt want to see Angel make that mistake. Homero calls him the next day concerned because he was so overwhelmed. Angel admits that he loves Julia. Homero knew it! Homero tells her to go after her. Angel doesn't want to hurt Ana Sofí and Julia is a married woman. The call is interrupted by a knock on the door. it is Ana SofÍ and her suitcases. She is coming to live with Angel!


JULIA

-Julia turns over the phone to Ester so she can do what she wants with it. She tells her there was nothing on it. She also tells her that there is a vacancy in Angel's office. She recommended her. Why wouldn't she help out her friend when she is going through the worst time in her life?

-Julia finds a posting on her Amibuk. Whoever wrote it knows that Misael is innocent and can prove it.
 

VENCER Part 2

ESTER

-Ester explains the logistics of living in the apartment together to Jero. Everything would be 50-50. Is he interested in helping her out? Yes, he decides to take her up on her offer. He thinks it will do him good to see his own situation from afar Any time he thinks of Donato living with Lenar in that house, it is like a knife in the gut. She asks if he still feels something for Lenar. He really doesn't know; maybe it is because he doesn't want to think about it.

-Ester gives Jero some advice on how to deal with Flavia. He needs to really charm her but also be careful that she doesn't try to pull a fast one on him. She needs to feel in control.

-Ester visits Max and Flavia to tell them that she will be out of the apartment at the end of the month. She is only asking that when they show the apartment they give her plenty of notice. Max wonders if Flavia had something to do with that.

JERO

-Jero makes contact with Flavia. She gives him the grand tour of the apartment complex and the apartment. He does a good job flattering her even when she explains that his actual apartment is now occupied by a very unpleasant and rude renter so she can show him another that is just like it. He tells her that he is interested in renting the apartment. . She says others are interested in it, also. She will call him when it has been vacated to see in person. He is at the top of her prospective renters list.

- Donato wants to know why Jero wants to sell the house. Jero says it is none his business. Donato says he is playing with his kids' inheritance. He accuses Jero of still being in love with Lenar. Jero says you cannot change your feelings overnight. Donato understands that more than Jero would think. Donato wants to buy Jero out of his half of the house. He would have to do it on a payment schedule. Donato says then Jero could sign the divorce papers.


CELESTE

-Celeste tells Flavia about taking in Rayo. Flavia doesn't think that was a good idea. No, Celeste isn't going to file charges against Cuca. She doesn't want any problems. Flavia asks if taking in Rayo is going to cause problems with Brauliio.

RAYO

-Celeste is incensed that Cuca left Rayo on her own. Rayo explains that eventhough Cuca was family, she had no obligation to take care of her. Rayo said nothing so she would not be sent to an orphanage. Celeste says she can live with her. Rayo says she knows that Braulio doesn't want there there. If she could go off and live with a friend, she wouldn't cause any problems. Celeste insists she will live with her and she will make sure she gets her backpack with all of her things.

-Mati calls to meet up with Rayo. Celeste thinks it would be better to invite her friend over. Mati (she is truly showing a more sinister side) does come over. She doesn't trust Celeste and tells Rayo that she will find out that she is right. She leaves. The next day she tells Mati that she messed it up big time.

-Braulio (what a nasty excuse for a man) comes home and finds Rayo eating. He asks her what she is doing there when he made it clear that he did not her near his wife. Celeste comes in. He asks what Rayo is doing in HIS house. Celeste says she is going to live with them. He is sure she is joking. In private, Braulio says it is stupid for them o take Rayo in because somebody could accuse them of kidnapping a minor. He asks what if it is a trap to get their money, to blackmail them? Celeste thinks that is ridiculous. She suggests they try it out for two weeks. Braulio gives in for two weeks and not a day more because he cannot say NO to Celeste. It is crystal clear that Rayo can stay for two weeks but then she can go somewhere else . (that is hardly teh two week trial that Celeste was asking for)

-Celeste gets Rayo settled in a room. Celeste is so happy she is there. Braulio is eavesdropping on their conversation. (really?)


ONE MORE THING:

-Erik is interested in renting an apartment (according to Gina)

That is it for tonight.
 

Mexicana

Many thanks, Diana and SpanProf, I now have a better idea of what happened in this episode.
Much as I love this novela, it sometimes is a bit of work to tease out the details that tie it all together, for me anyway.
I usually depend on your recap, Diana, and then SpanProf's comments and clarifications, and then check for details in the recording and Closed Captioning.

When the cop put up a poster about Malacara I stopped the vid and read the poster. Tulio Barrales, 65 years of age.
OK, it's a little thing, but... later René asks Zulema if Tulio Barrales called. Zulema says yes, he confirmed his appointment.

So, presumably, Malacara wanted to buy a car from Rene as SpanProf explained. Why from René, any special reason or just chance?

I still have to wonder if Uni has done a little clipping here and there.

Nonetheless, there was some good stuff in this episode, especially Katya's hug with Rodrigo, and their little conversation about hugs, abrazos. Very heartwarming.


Diana, I remember after Anita decided not to call 911 and later died, that you mentioned your aneurysm, and we agreed that someone who thinks they should almost call 911 should skip the "almost" part and call. Better safe than sorry, we don't need to lose any good people unnecessarily.

Andy
 

Camino

A few highlights to start the discussion.

Ursula snatches Chema from the path of the tractor trailer with but a second to spare! He is shaken as is Amparo who sheds tears of gratitude. She looks at Ursula in a different light and even hugs her!! Ursula looks grim as she hugs her. Then, sensing Amparo’s change of heart, Ursula smiles to herself. Later, Ursula moves a bit too fast, grabbing Amparo’s hand, trying to forge an immediate closeness. Amparo backs off a bit.

Dani almost catches Fausto and Karen smooching. Fausto smirks following the two “amigas” as Dani leads Karen into the house. Dani tells them about her new clients and Fausto disparages Memo as Dani defends him. Karen enjoys their “disagreement”, taking notes.

Isabella welcomes her father home, but he gives her an ice-cold response. Dani notices and is alarmed, covering for Fausto. Isabella is getting skating lessons as Fausto stares into his phone at pictures of Karen (ack), ignoring her cries to look at her. Dani fills in the slack and cheers her on.

Macario raises his hand to hit Chema and Amparo stops him as Ursula watches from the background. He tries to charm her as Ursula comes over and intervenes. Memo walks in and comments on the hug.

Memo takes Ursula away to a very nice, cozy cabin. Starting the night with shots doesn’t seem terribly romantic to me, but what do I know? Ursula goes to slip into a little something/nothing and Daniela calls Memo. She proposes something for the next day and Isabella grabs the phone, asking him as well. Are you busy, Dani asks? No, he says I will be there. At that moment, Ursu comes out in her best Frederick’s of Hollywood and Memo says he must go! She immediately realizes it is Dani. He insists he isn’t interested in Dani. When Ursula dangles his phone in front of him, telling him to call and cancel, he won’t. She stalks off.

Macario and a small paper bag of money find their way to Amparo. She counts it and finds it lacking. She asks where he got it. He seems to make up some ridiculous story that she seems to buy and she even seems sympathetic. Somewhat. He sits with Leo and his father in law. Humberto is concerned about her, but she defends Macario as her husband and the father of her children. Meanwhile, Macario is talking with someone on the phone…

In the last scene, Fausto cuts a lock of Isabella’s hair off, recalling the doctor telling him he is not her father! Dani walks in!

Diana
 

CAMINO Ep 5

Ursula saves the day…and Chema. So now Amparo feels indebted to her and will respect whatever Memo decides about marrying Ursula…but the offer for friendship from Ursula was a bit too much to ask for.

Dani told Fausto about getting the contract with Jorge Altamirano…and the dinner that “they” were invited to. Fausto was not happy that Memo, that commoner, went with her and when she defended Memo, he asked what she had going with the trailer driver. Fausto is aghast that she could take someone like Memo to the house of such and important man. What a jerk! I thought he was at least pretending to be jealous, but no, he was just appalled that Dani could take someone like Memo to that dinner.

Memo was having doubts about getting the DNA test. What if Isabela isn’t his daughter…and Isabela already has a family. Luckily, Leo convinced him to go through with the test.

Memo keeps thinking about the letter and how Olivia asked him to look after and protect Isabela., Leo mentioned how Ursula was worried about Memo spending time with Dani. So Memo is planning something special for Ursula. (Eye roll)

Karen left Fausto a little gift in his suitcase. (The video??) would be nice if Dani found it (crossing fingers)

Mac the rat made Chema cry and was about to hit him for putting himself in danger. Oh goodness, Ursula takes advantage and supports Amparo when Amparo was reproaching Mac.

Heartless Fausto couldn’t even take a second away from his Stoopid phone to listen to Isabela and watch her skate. Isabela’s disappointment was heartbreaking.

Wowww! JuanPa takes Gaby home??? Oh but Gaby assures Isabela that they are not novios.

So Memo’s surprise is to take Ursula to a cabin in the woods (mehh)…and Ursula wants to give Memo a son soon after they marry. Whoa, girl!!

JuanPa mentions his mother again; he misses her. Oopsie, Sebas interrupts and no kissy kissy.

Dani worries about what is (not) happening between her and Fausto. After she thinks of Memo mentioning Baja California, she suggests that they go there together. Fausto was not too thrilled about the idea.

Ursula needs to bring it down a notch; asking how many kids Memo wants to have didn’t go over well.

Uh-oh, Ursula’s surprise trip is gonna get cut short and she is NOT happy. Memo was persuaded to go back and help Dani…especially when Isabela got the phone and pleaded with him because she wants to go on the delivery too. Yikes, Memo was quiet after Ursula asked Memo if he was starting to like “that woman!” Silence speaks volumes, Ursula!

Mac spews a bunch of lies about how he got the money. Too bad it was so much that Amparo was appeased; she even defended him against her father. Mac is her children’s father and she is following her mother’s advice to always keep the family together. Her father still worries and doesn’t want to see her suffer. Meanwhile, Mac the Rat is talking to the woman whom he says is the woman of his life.

Fausto almost gets caught cutting a strand of Isabella’s hair. What sorry story will he tell Dani?








 

CAMINO

The above are just some thoughts about what caught my eye. Fill in any blanks :-)
 

Mexicana

Andy, "So, presumably, Malacara wanted to buy a car from Rene as SpanProf explained. Why from René, any special reason or just chance?" Excellent question. I'd say the former, but you raise a very interesting point.

"I still have to wonder if Uni has done a little clipping here and there". I have to say yes. My answer is based on a feeling which was somewhat confirmed when we saw Luis hug Diego today but no words were spoken. It seemed an odd (but fun) 6 second clip which made no sense as aired.

Yes, timing is everything. In life. And death. Some get no warning. I was fortunate as I acted right away. Approximately 67% of those with ruptured brain aneurysms do not make it. I am so grateful. I thank God every day as I have now lived quite a few years beyond my expiration date :) I think of Anita often and wish she had made that call.

Diana
 

CAMINO

Rgv Chick, thank you for your excellent recap. You filled in so much and expertly.

"JuanPa mentions his mother again; he misses her. Oopsie, Sebas interrupts and no kissy kissy" had me smiling away.

"Fausto was not happy that Memo, that commoner, went with her and when she defended Memo, he asked what she had going with the trailer driver". What an elitist snob!

It seems the wheels in Memo's head are turning and I suspect he will soon regret proposing to Ursula. If he hasn't already!

Fausto's treatment of his daughter is sickening. What a waste of space he is.

Diana
 

Vencer

Thank you for your (as always) marvelous recap Jarifa. “Silvano (he has that mob boss vibe going strong)” was one of many favorites.

Angel was checking his arms and neck for wounds! Ana Sofi isn’t quite the sweet little flower she pretends to be. You can see Angel pulling back and questioning if Ana is “the one”.

Clic Cloc. Cute.

“She leaves and Homero asks him if he wants to spend all of his life with that woman. He says he made a commitment, so the answer is yes”. When Homero is lucid, he makes perfect sense. What Angel answered made none. Also, “Angel admits that he loves Julia. Homero knew it!” Another a ha moment. Father knows best, doesn’t he?

“Braulio (what a nasty excuse for a man” Amen to that Jarifa! I can’t believe Celeste and Braulio had their conversation right in front of Rayo! It’s so obvious he doesn’t want her there. And if it’s “not personal”, what is it Braulio??

Jero needs to let go and move on.

“Mati (she is truly showing a more sinister side) does come over”. I was wrong. Mati is definitely bad news and the perpetually lurking Teo undoubtedly knows it too. I also wonder where she is living…

When Ester started to close the drapes but decided to open them, my heart went out to her. She is trying to leave the darkness and go to the light, but her heart and soul are still burdened. She doesn’t know how much she needs Jero.

Ana Sofi arrives with her trunks and trunks of clothes!

Looking forward to Erik (hopefully) getting an apartment. Provided he can get into Flavia’s “good” graces of course.

Diana
 

Vencer

Jarifa, thank you so much for making everything clear .

It is so hard watching Rayo. She is just a child, and she and Celeste could help each other . Braulio is creepy . Whatever he feels for Celeste is not true love and devotion. How can he be so cold hearted toward an innocent child ?

At least we have some forward motion for Jero and Ester. I guess the writers had to get Claudia out so Jero could move in. If they live in the apartment together,they may take in Rayo if things go badly with Braulio, that unfeeling louse.

Mati seems to be mysterious trouble.

Okay, Donato has finally realized that Jero isn't just going to walk away and allow Donate (ha...autocorrect changed Donato ...it's not wrong) to move into the house . Jero can now afford the apartment .

I wonder who sent Julia the message ...Miceal? What is an Amibuk?
 

Camino

Thank you Rgv Chick and Diana both for your recaps! You captured the heart of the episode completely!

Ursula seems to be a good hearted person, at least so far. Rough around the edges but still caring. Thank goodness she saved little Chema!!! I am sure we will see her less likable side when she starts fighting for her man! Fighting in vain…

I hate everything about the Fausto and Karen storyline. Are they running out of creative ways to paint the other woman scenarios?? This whole idea that I am going to marry one woman and sleep with her ‘best friend’ for 18 years until the kid becomes an adult and then leave wifey for friend and live happily ever after……is too much for any beanie!!!! Fausto sure did turn cold on poor Isa at lightening speed!!! How awful, and how could you possibly be indifferent to that adorable child?

I like that they showed Gaby being great with Isa. This is more than a one dimensional party girl and I hope they make her more interesting and likable. It be nice to see it portrayed that you can be fun loving, outgoing, adventurous and still be responsible, friendly, caring, etc etc etc. All too often in novelas you have to be serious and studious OR a vain party girl, nothing else. Let’s see some middle ground!! Okay rant over for the day……maybe


 

VENCER

Diana, if I were Angel, I would be sleeping with one eye open after that conversation with Silvano and now with Ana Sofí showing up on his doorstep. What a nightmare he has with having taken the loan! As for Rayo, she seems to be between a rock and a hard place with Braulio making it clear how he feels and Mati having taken a turn for the dark side. I never thought about Ester keeping the drapes open but you are right, Diana, about her. Jero cannot get there soon enough. I sure hope Erik gets the other apartment, too.

Susanlynn, yes, Braulio is creepy. There is something twisted there. Amibuk is like a Facebook like the Clic Cloc is like a Tic Toc. I just love how we have such a good murder mystery in this novela. It makes it so much better.
 

Vencer #18/19

Gracias for these recaps, amigas. Sorry for my inconsistent appearances here but the real world sometimes intrudes.

Ana Sofie continues to get on my last nerve. She is the worst sort of manipulator, completely devoid of empathy, and absolutely self-centered. Probably has her father wrapped around her little finger. Does he even look at the credit card bills? I hope he does before we get to the hump episode.

Homero -- even with his cognitive issues -- is more astute about Ana Sofie than Silvano is. He sees that Silvano doesn't want to see about her and what Angel needs to see about her.

As for Ana Sofie being an influencer.... I'm sure that isn't making her any dinero and it would be disastrous if her manner and ideas went viral.

If it comes to it I wonder what sort of father Braulio would be. Except for him Celeste would be the right maternal figure for Rayo, who desperately needs one. She's only 14!

I am certain that Mati is up to no good. It feels to me like she wants to get Rayo into hiding in a rich person's home to use her to steal. Celeste doesn't seem to qualify as a victim. She is a little better off than the others but only because Braulio is making money... of which I am sure some is tainted.

Flavia is despicable. She will ultimately cause trouble for Celeste once she finds out that Rayo is staying with her.

The opening credits have confirmed that Jeronimo and Ester will become a couple; that's good. Here is also hoping that Erik is a positive influence on those he interacts with. He may be benefitting a little from Renata's inheritance since he isn't with Fabiola.

Have to go shopping now; see you later.
 

Vencer

It would be funny if Fabiola from last season showed up. I would love to see her put down arrogant , grasping Flavia , who thinks she is above her neighbors.
 

Vencer

Thanks, Jarifa, for your notes from the couch. I liked how you sorted by person, but it seems like more work for you!

So Silvano doesn’t mix business with pleasure but will be keeping tabs on Angel and Sofia’s relationship. Find the money and pay that guy back quickly!

Ester is giving up the apartment, but she plans to stay. She can’t stay hidden so it will be interesting to see how she explains her presence to Flavia. I also liked when she started to close the drapes but didn’t. I wonder if when Jero opened them it was the first time since the accident. And Julia telling her about the job was heartwarming. A true friend who took all that anger Ester had toward her and let it go.

Donato buying out half the apartment was a good way to resolve that problem. Now the boys will still have their home and not have a reason to resent their dad.

Poor Rayo, so obviously not wanted by Braulio and then she makes a friend who is not a true friend. I hope she realizes Teo is a friend she can count on.

The pace seems to have picked up in this show!

Liz
 

CAMINO

Thank you, Diana and Darcy!

Diana, you filled in some blanks I left out...so appreciated! AND "It seems the wheels in Memo's head are turning and I suspect he will soon regret proposing to Ursula." I think he already has! Amparo will be happy and relieved since she doesn't want Memo to have her misfortune. I remember last week Amparo advising Memo that she didn't want him to jump into marriage without being in love...and end up with a bad marriage like the one she is in. So I'm wondering if Amparo married Mac just for the sake of getting married??

Darcy, did you notice that I did not right anything about Fausto and Karen? That's because I feel exactly like you do about them...CAN-NOT-STAND-THEM!!

And, Darcy, good point about Gaby! It was fun to watch her with Isabela..and then her comment about how Isabela reminded her of herself when she was a child!! The call of the (same) blood...and genes!
 

Vencer

Thanks a bunch, Jarifa.

I hope Angel doesn't spend too much time trying to stick with Ana Sofia out of guilt. But then, if he lets her move in he'll see even quicker that a marriage would never work.

So Braulio lets Rayo stay for two weeks. What in the world can a 14-year-old do to solve her situation in only two weeks? I wouldn't put it past Braulio to call the authorities and have them whisk Rayo away to an orphanage. Wondering what his real problem is. The money it will cost to feed another mouth? The time away from him that Celeste will spend to look after Rayo? That Celeste with be overburdened between her pregnancy, MS, and Rayo? (Braulio, if you helped, Celeste wouldn't be overburdened.) Just doesn't like to share? Some secret thing between him and Margarita?
 

Mexicana

I'm looking forward to today's episode and will post a short recap later, and probably follow up with a few more comments after that.

forg/jecoup, I don't think we know yet what will replace Mexicana, but we should learn soon.

Andy
 

Camino

Thanks, Diana, Rgv Chick, and Darcy. Your summaries and comments filled in all my gaps.

Fausto and Macario are about the most rotten husbands I've seen. Dani and Amparo are hanging in there with them only because of the kids. I cheered when Amparo wouldn't let Macario raise a hand to Chemo. I would've liked to cheer when Dani made Fausto close his phone and pay attention to Isabella, only Dani didn't do this, which infuriated me.

So far I like Ursula. She is what she is. I can't fault her for trying to take an opportunity to get Amparo on her side. And if her husband was violent, I can see why she fled and didn't take the time to divorce him and instead is hiding from him. She's not telling Memo about her husband, and Memo's not telling her about his daughter. Even Steven?
 

Mexicana. I got my idea about Mario's skill set because when Andrea halved everyone's salary he got a part-time job teaching math.
 

VENCER

Urban, great to see you back on the patio. I kept wondering why Mati would be so upset about Rayo finding a place to stay but I think your theory about her using Rayo to steal things from a rich house could be right.

Liz, oh, yeah, the pace has sure picked up. The first episodes were so slow moving that it lulled me into thinking I could watch this without paying too much attention. WRONG! Anyway, it is keeping me entertained. I agree that Donato buying Jero out is a perfect solution. That way, the boys would still have their home but will they make a big deal about their "inheritance"? It still rubs me the wrong way that they brought that up in the first place. Why would children think they were entitled to anything from their parents?

Niecie, thank you for listing all the ways in which Braulio is and could be a problem for Rayo and everyone else. "Some secret thing between him and Margarita?" That had never crossed my mind.

 

Mexicana

At some point, earlier in the tn, Rene and Malacara came together (don't remember exactly how, probably through Gonzalo). They sized each other up and decided they could do some lucrative (shady) business together and each make a lot of money. The details are very hazy, maybe using Rene's luxury cars to export some "stuff?" I believe each thought he was smarter than the other. This was to be their first "business" meeting. Sho, sho, sho.
 

Camino

Ursula is putting Memo in danger by not telling him that she is married. By the way she leaps on him at every opportunity, her plan seems to be getting pregnant to rope and hogtie Memo.
 

Vencer

Niecie, you raised some interesting ideas about the reason Braulio is so against Celeste's relationship with Rayo. I think he is just a really pathetic, jealous guy who doesn't want to share Celeste with anyone . I hope he isn't her father . Margarita seems to have held a lot of secrets
 

Camino

Thanks, Diana, I need a good review of what I watched the day before. I have these oh, yeah, moments.

Fausto did a complete turn around in his treatment of his daughter. No wonder she and Dani are so hurt. I think Dani still loves him and wants to have the closeness again. Wait till Fausto finds out for sure that Isabela isn’t his daughter. I feel he’ll take it out on her. How can you stop loving your child like that. He must be someone incapable of loving. He and Karen seem to enjoy putting something over on Dani, so no love, just mutual delight in hurting someone else.

I was impressed with Ursula’s bravery in saving Chema. But then that look on her face when she realized this would help her. Her bedtime outfit was something else. I did try to spell neglige, but failed badly, I think! Keep waiting for autocorrect to change it, but maybe it’s right!

I never even got the connection between Gaby and Isabela until someone mentioned it. Cousins, that’s sweet.

I was afraid Fausto was going to hurt Isabela, the rubber gloves scared me. I had to laugh when he got caught by Dani.

Liz
 

Mexicana. Whoa! Gruesome! Now we are left wondering whether Gonzalo will survive being doused with gasoline and set on fire. That's much worse than anything the justice system would have done to him if he'd turned himself in. And now, thanks to the detective and Malacara, Tyler knows that it was Gonzalo who paid for the helicopter crash. He also knows, from Marcia, that Gonzalo is Katya's father. I almost hope that Katya doesn't find out, though she is helping Brandon out with the go-fund-me page almost as if she knew that he's her brother. A very decent thing for her to do, btw, that redeems her a bit in the eyes of the viewer.
 

Mexicana

I saw the first seven or eight minutes of this episode but the DVR did not record it for some reason. The DVR and I did see the rest of the show   :-)

Perhaps the DVR knew that I would not care to watch what happened in those minutes. Gonzalo was in a cab yesterday, wanting to be taken somewhere he would not stand out, where he could hide for a while. The driver took him to a really rough looking part of town where there was sign for a hotel, but the entrance was closed. Gonzalo went around to a side entrance but was met by a group of toughs, really nasty people. They started pushing him around and wanting to know what he had in his suitcase, which was basically his stolen money.

He drew his gun to fend them off, but they quickly got the better of him and discovered his money. They also beat him soundly, doused him with gasoline, and set him on fire.
If he survives he will need burn center care, but he could be dead.

Katya tells the whole family that her pregnancy was faked, and she leaves. A little later Rodrigo knocks on her door, Katya lets him in and they talk a while. She tells him that Olinka pushed her down the stairs. Rodrigo is a bit puzzled by this but tells her he believes her.
They are interrupted by Viiyéri who asks if she is interrupting "anything". They laugh and tell her no. Rodrigo leaves, but first asks Viiyéri about her name and how she spells it and she tells him. There can't be many with her name   :-)

Katya and Viiyéri decide to run an online campaign to get money to pay for Brandon's expensive medical treatment. Viiyéri is quite emotional about his condition.

Mario and Gladys talk, she tells him that Tyler wants their help. The "family" is not a fantasy but a scam directed by Andrea.

Tyler learns from Detective Vanessa that the person who paid to have the helicopter sabotaged was Gonzalo. "And I thought of him as my brother" says Tyler.

Brandon agrees to the risky operation, and he seems to have calmed down at least a little. No more insults to his mother.

Poor crazy Sofía, drunk as ever, tosses Melody's plush dolls into the tub with her where she was playing with a rubber duckie. Melody is upset and does her best to clean up the stuffed dolls and dry them.
Later Melody tells Mario all about it.

Andrea goes to see Olinka, all nice and kissy-kissy. Lets be friends again. Neither one of them believes it for a second.

Rodrigo, in the persona of the insurance executive, visits our poor Luis and gives him the bad news. His application for employment was rejected because Luis is divorced.

Tyler visits with Marcia and wants to know The Truth about Gonzalo and what she might know about his current whereabouts. She doesn't actually know where he is and she can't talk about other things concerning Gonzalo, because Andrea has prohibited this or anything else that might crash Tyler's fantasy.
Tyler assures her that she and he can keep their discussion a secret, and she opens up and tells him everything she knows, including that Katya is Gonzalo's daughter.

Good ol' Marcia!   :-)

More later.

Andy
 

Mexicana

SpanProf, yes, gruesome indeed. Things have been rough for this family for quite a while.

Helena's cancer, trouble with Malacara, Helena's heartbreak at learning that Gonzalo never truly loved her, now Brandon's tumor and Gonzalo's whatever.

But things should be a bit interesting. We need to see what Megan will do, if anything. Viiyéri will move heaven and earth to help if she needs to.

Andy
 

Mexicana

Anon @ 3:08PM, thank you for that information. I didn't know that René and Malacara had met before.

Andy
 

Mexicana

Yes, SpanProf, "gruesome" indeed. I only saw parts of this and unfortunately, Gonzalo's torture was one of them.

"Perhaps the DVR knew that I would not care to watch what happened in those minutes" was surely the case Andy! Gonzalo deserved justice, not a blazing inferno. If he does survive, I imagine his burns are fifth or sixth degrees. Just horrid.

I didn't get most of the remaining details you filled in so admirably Andy - including the fund raiser, Luis not getting a job because he is divorced (?).

I'm not surprised Marcia "talked" - but Tyler is learning most, bit by bit.

I'm growing increasingly afraid for Melody...

A marvelous recap Andy, thank you so much...In terms of what happened? Call me cynical but this didn't exactly put me in the holiday spirit.

That said, I wish you Andy, SpanProf, Jan and anyone lurking a happy Thanksgiving. I look forward to catching up on this later this weekend.

Diana
 

Camino

Thank you Darcy, Rgv Chick, Niecie, Liz and Susanlynn for commmenting!

All very astute comments. I think we are all in agreement that the less screen time for Karen, the better, right? Fausto is loathsome, but she is even more so, isn't she??

Niecie, I don't blame Ursula at all for keeping quiet about her abusive husband. But, she should have told Memo before getting engaged, especially as it appears she might not be able to untangle herself from her not quite yet ex. I agree Memo should also have told Ursu about Isabella.

Diana
 

Camino #5

Fausto is a narcissistic jerk. No empathy. He was faking any affection he ever showed to Isabella and turned cold as ice when told she wasn't his. All this for an inheritance? Is he even making any money himself?

While many people can make up any crap they want to exclude a potential heir, lack of marriage or children is not one of them. Those can easily be challenged in the US; Fausto is smart enough to know if this is the case in Mexico. Of course the fact that he never told Daniela about Isabela's origins echoes Eladio of Pasion y Poder... to the same actress.

Class vs trash is a theme here with her and Ursula. That boudoir number of hers was too trashy for Frederick's of Hollywood.**

Amparo will be glad to see the back of her once Guillermo sends her packing, but that will be a while yet.

Will be back later; going out now for Trivia Night.

**It still exists online only and is currently having a clearance sale.
 

VENCER #20

The notes will be up tomorrow sometime.
 

CAMINO

GOOD MORNING, CARAYPEEPS!!!

Last night I watched on and off as I baked and made other preps for today...this is what I remember...

Fausto managed to dodge Dani's questions about what he was doing in Isabela's room. Didn't catch the details so please feel free to add.

The trip to Cuernavaca was really nice all around, they even played for a while; everyone enjoyed it... and innocent Isabel wants to return and bring her daddy-dearest so he can play with her too. Another disappointment for Isabela :-(


STRIKEOUTS!! Dani was in the mood for some night lovin' but Fausto was too tired. Seconds later, Fausto decided to do the deed, but now it was Dani who was tired..so there, idiot!! Meanwhile, Memo did his best to make up to Curvitas (Ursula), but not happening; she's still upset about Memo leaving to go to Dani.

Cesar, the hubby, showed up and he's the scumbag I thought he would be and then some! He's blackmailing Ursula--if she doesn't give him mucho dinero, he'll tell Memo who he is. And he didn't go off and hide; he is all over the place. Cesar went with Ursula into Amparo's restaurant, but Mac the Rat covered for him telling everyone that Cesar is his nephew. Amparo was leery (and rightly so) since Mac had never mentioned having a nephew.

Eugenio forced Sebastian into actually working..or else Sebastian would lose his credit cards and have to find a place of his own.

Mac went to the horse races...did he win? Don't know, don't care!

So we find out that Aaron has indeed bloodied his hands for Fausto in the past. Fausto had a flashback where his father was raking him over the coals because of all his spending...and the father discovered that Fausto had been putting his hand in the big cookie jar. Fausto justified that it was because he was not being paid enough. Then, in said flashback, Aaron enters and tells Fausto's father that everything is ready for his trip, so the father leaves. Fausto asks Aaron if everything was taken care of; and Aaron replied that the plane was sure to not make it to its destination.

Fausto took Sebastian with him to Amparo's place where Fausto made Amparo an offer for her property. In a nut shell--Amparo said NO WAY! Sebastian saw Lupita there and she thought he was following her; so he explained why he was there--he went with Fausto who was making an offer to but the proporty. Lupita knows what her mother would say..NO!

Leo handed the DNA results to Memo...but we will have to wait until tomorrow to find out (what we already know!).

That's all I remember seeing. I might watch the (recorded) episode again tonight; if I do, I'll add anything worth mentioning.

Hope you all are having a very joyous and peaceful day! And remember...today calories shouldn't be counted HAHA!
 

Camino

Gracias for a fun read, Rgv Chick. You covered all that I needed to know. I'm still learning who's related/connected to who, and you made the connections so clear.

Mark Tacher must've had fun playing both scum Fausto and Fausto's dad with the bushy eyebrows last night.

When Isabella met little Chemo who was so chummy with his Uncle Memo, I thought I saw her flash jealous for a second, then she and Chemo became fast friends. Memo, you better let them know their first cousins before they fall in love! ;>

Ursula's ratfink husband sure has luxurious hair. I kept trying to seeing if they had any tattoo in come. Both sets of tattoos are in the same style. Wondering if Amparo noticed this.

Memo is a rotten husband, but he does deliver in the bedroom. Amparo seemed happy with him there. What a skunk he is. And surely he's up for working behind her back to deliver her land to Fausto.
 

Mexicana

A Happy Thanksgiving to everybody! (and according to Rgv Chick today's calories don't count! What a relief!)

I will put up a short recap of today's Mexicana in the evening. Hopefully things will be a little more upbeat today, and I think they will be.
(Hope springs eternal, and this is not one of your riff-raffy novelas where nearly everybody is evil or demented.
Nope! For this show just a very few peeps of the riffraff persuasion will suffice.)

:-)

Andy
 

VENCER #20 Part 1

Notes from the kitchen . . . : )

Flashback: 8 years earlier. Right before a performance with a big-time manager who could make them famous, Misael's bandmates are criticizing his relationship with the pregnant Julia. They think she is using the pregnancy to entrap him. As luck would have it in a telenovela, Misael gets a phone call from Rodolfo. Julia is in labor. They have to do an emergency caesarean. Neither Julia or the baby are doing well. The umbilical cord is around the baby's neck. They need him at the hospital NOW. When Rodolfo notices the hesitation in Misael's attitude, he tells Misael that he is the one who needs to get there and be responsible! His bandmates are incredulous that he would let a chance to make it to the big time go. He is not a doctor, so what could he do? Misael looks frozen in time. Rayo tells the viewer: "Sometimes life sends us situations that are so awful, we have to adapt to our priorities and push whatever we wanted aside." (This scene should be a PSA for birth control.)

-Julia answers the cryptic message about Misael asking the sender who they are and what they know about her husband.

-Angel doesn't understand why Ana Sofi had to move in. (We know why) She says it is to give him a sample of what marriage will be like since they are getting married. She gets upset he has to go to work. (really?) He says she needs to get to know his routine. Work is his priority. She gets busy changing things in the apartment to the way she wants them.

-Mati continues to pressure Rayo to move into a big rich house and not give up her freedom. Rayo would rather live with Celeste.

-Julia's aunt tells her to call Ariel about the job since she is having so many money issues. She does, they meet and she is hired.

-Ester is frustrated not knowing Iván's password so she cannot get into his computer/Amibuk account. She sees that somebody put up a memorial to Iván on his Amibuk page. Who? It was Max. Teo showed him how do it. He does not have Iván's password.

-Celeste wants Rayo to help her to cook something great for Braulio as a thank your letting her stay. She thinks they can extend her stay. Celeste remarks how wonderful he has been since finding out about her illness. Rayo asks what illness? Celeste makes light of it and lies. When Celeste insists that Rayo goes back to school, Rayo says they are going to find out she is on her own and send her to an orphanage. Rayo still blames her mother for not telling her who her father was. Rayo says she not only lied to her but also to her friends about the contract. . . Celeste looks stricken. (Yeah!)

-Erik tells Gina he got his body from the "T" diet comprised of Tacos, Tamales, Tortas. He tells he that he went to look at the apartment in the complex where she lives and the manager didn't treat him well. So, he is going to have his roommate (not lover) Ariel go talk to her instead. He thinks it would be great to have her for a neighbor. Ariel meets with Flavia about the apartment and sweet talks her and offers to pay three months of rent in advance.

-Donato pressures Lerna about his place in her life. Is she going to come live with him after the divorce or is he going to live with them??? Ebe pressures Jero to take Donato's offer. Lerna and the sons are moving out to live with Donato. Jero isn't taking Donato's offer. He will not compromise his sons' inheritance. Ester finds out from Flavia about the tentative tenant for her apartment and calls Jero to warn him that they could lose it. Jero goes to see Flavia and offers her a double security deposit and four months of rent in advance. He later accepts Donato's offer as long as his portion of the house remains as his sons' inheritance and he can pay him some money up front. It is a done deal.

 

VENCER Part 2

-Braulio is shocked and NOT pleased when he sees Angel interview Ester for the vacancy in his office and even more so when he hires her. Braulio explains that she is the mother of the young man who died in the accident. Angel sees that as even more of a reason to hire her. She needs a chance. Braulio gives him that dead fish eye look that he is so good at. .

-Max tells Flavia hat he is surprised that Ester is giving in so easily about the apartment. Flavia tells Max she thinks Celeste is making a BIG mistake taking Rayo in. She should just send her to an orphanage.

-Armando is still spying for Santino. Mirna tells him that her brother went to Querétero with Misael's wife. She is sure that the wife was in on what Misael did. He later eavesdrops on a conversation between Homero and Angel about Ana Sofi, Julia and Misael. Angel makes it clear he will not be seeing Julia again. Homero asks if he is still going to try and find Misael.

-It turns out that neither Ester or Julia knew that Rayo had been left on her own. They go to visit Celeste to ask about her. Celeste finds that surprising because Rayo never was a priority for them before. Ester says she had her son's death to think about and Julia says she was concerned about Misael's disappearance. Julia says Celeste had the time with nothing to be concerned about and no money worries since Brauliio takes care of her debts. Celeste never mentions her MS diagnosis. Celeste makes the point that she is standing up for Rayo because of her and her loyalty to her friend Margarita. Julia says that she understands that "loyalty" because it was she and Margarita who got them into the mess with the loan from Flavia by lying. Ester tells Celeste that she is the only one who suffered nothing in the accident. Celeste reminds them that she lost her best friend since prep school: Margarita. Celeste sees that Rayo has overheard everything and is horrified.

-Angel tells Braulio that he has a new plan for the company to move on and maybe it is best to just let the police handle looking for Misael. He gets a message from Zac up in Texas who made that loan to his father. Their first payment is due.

-What Angel does not know is that Santino is behind it all. Santino is asking Zac if he is starting to pressure Angel. Yes and he assures Santino that the Angel situation will blow up sooner or later. Santino thinks that is perfect! Santino asks if he has heard from Misael. NO, Zac hasn't. Santino thinks they should have killed him after the accident. Zac asks: What accident??? The food truck???

-Celeste comforts Rayo and says if Margarita lied about things, she must have had a reason. Rayo is still angry with her mother. She even sends her messages on her cell. The odd thing is that somebody always listens to or reads them. She shows them on her phone. Either somebody stole the phone after the accident or it is the ghost of her mother. Julis says people usually erase a phone after it is stolen in order to resell it.

Please add anything I missed.
 

Camino

Thank you so much Rgv Chick for the recap!!! I watched distracted too and you definitely caught more than I did so it was extra delightful to wake up to your summary!

The only thing that caught my eye that you didn't mention is that even though Amparo said NO WAY, Mac looked intrigued and pocketed the business card so we might see him try some shady deal to sell out from under his dutiful wife.

Seeing the same actor play son and father was indeed funny and I bet you're right Niecie and it was a hoot for the actor. Nothing like telling yourself off on camera!!

Well almost time for football....not sure how long it will keep my interest since it isn't the Chiefs, but I always tell myself I'm interested in watching football all day on Thanksgiving and then I at least try to follow through. I have a hard time staying interested though when I don't really care who wins or loses; so it'll end up being background noise.

Happy Thanksgiving to one and all!! I hope you enjoy your families, celebrations, friends, food and laughter!

 

Mexicana. Happy Thanksgiving to you as well, Diana and Andy! I suspect that once he's not likely to be a sports star, Megan will have no use for Brandon. In fact she may already have his successor picked out, Lester, the guy who accompanied her to the hospital.
 

Mexicana part 1 of 2

Tyler keeps learning more and more about his hired family. Naturally he talked with Marcia and learned more about Gonzalo and Andrea, and that Katya is Gonzalo's daughter although she does not know it.
Meanwhile Luis is trying to talk Rodrigo into helping him find a position in the insurance company, even stirring Rodrigo's cup of coffee for him. Luis looked to me as if he might have potential as a salesman   :-)
Luis even hesitantly suggested that Rodrigo could find him a position as a "valona" in the company. I have no idea what that is; dictionary says a Walloon. Makes no sense to me.

Tyler's ex-girlfriend, Olinka, is waiting for a poison to arrive. It's a wonderful poison, an autopsy would show Tyler died of a heart attack. Fun girl.

Rodrigo visits with Katya, who was on her laptop, and they flirt nicely; after a bit they start some serious kissing. They are interrupted by a happy and friendly Diego. He has passed his final exams and the graduation is tomorrow. He invites them both to attend and they will.
Rodrigo and Katya get back to flirting and hugging. This looks serious, folks!

A haggard looking Helena, Rocío, and Viiyéri are in the chapel praying for a good outcome for Brandon. No sight of Megan.

Tyler and Rodrigo discuss Gonzalo, now with information gotten from Marcia. Tyler remembers Gonzalo was leaving the finca for good once. They met and once Tyler mentioned the DNA test that showed they were all family Gonzalo's attitude changed. Tyler and Rodrigo, Holmes and Watson, deduce that Gonzalo only then realized that this fantasy family was actually a scam, and he wanted to capitalize on the knowledge.

Next they decide that Bonifacio, Isis, and Viiyéri are good people and not part of the scam. Rodrigo tells Tyler that Katya confessed that Olinka pushed her down the stairs, and Tyler correctly decides that Olinka was sending Andrea a warning.

Andrea visits Crucita, Tyler's bio mom, and Nurse Dulce tells her that the doctor prescribed a new medicine that would help her improve and only need oxygen going to sleep.
Andrea is quite happy with this and gives Dulce money for her and for their expenses.
A funny note, Dulce thanks Andrea and says God bless her for this. Andrea says it would be enough if He simply forgave her sins. Dulce says 'What sins, a woman as good and nice as you?'
Andrea just smiles knowingly.

After Andrea leaves Dulce tells Crucita that she is still alive thanks to Andrea.

Rodrigo finds Katya again and wants to donate to the fund for Brandon that Katya (and Viiyéri) have started. She doesn't want to take his money, but he insists so she allows it but makes him track his donation with a confidential password so there can be no doubt that the money is for Brandon.

Katya tells Rodrigo that she has gotten over her anger with Diego and is going to sign the divorce papers after the graduation and that soon she will be a free woman. They drink to that   :-)
 

Mexicana part 2 of 2

Marcia lends Helena support at the hospital and they discuss Gonzalo. Helena says that Gonzalo destroyed his own life, but she doesn't want him to destroy the lives of her remaining family. For her Gonzalo is as good as dead and buried.

Tyler and Vanessa meet with prisoner Malacara in the slammer. Malacara tells Tyler it was nothing personal, just business.
Vanessa tells him that it has been agreed that for his full and complete cooperation he would become a protected witness with a reduced sentence and, because of his age, serve his sentence in a "prisión domiciliaria", which I suppose is much, much nicer than The Big House. Malacara looks relieved and happy with this.
"Full and complete cooperation" includes info on his Boss, Mayo Reynoso, and the criminal gang.

Tyler asks him why Gonzalo wanted him killed in a helicopter incident. Malacara tells him there was a "río de faldas", that Gonzalo wanted Andrea to think that René Fajardo was responsible, because Gonzalo wanted Andrea for himself.

Mario asks Tyler to talk a bit. He tells Tyler that he has to quit the finca, that Melody really is his daughter and he fears for her safety because Sofía is off her rocker and dangerous. Tyler pledges his support.

Andrea questions Katya about both Diego and Rodrigo. Katya is supposed to be getting close to Rodrigo now to learn what he and Tyler are up to; she is not supposed to fall in love with him. Ha.

René receives bad news about his planned "business" with Tulio Barrales, aka Malacara. There is no business now.

Olinka is going to be staying at the finca for a while. (Tyler and Rodrigo want Andrea and Olinka to get on each other's nerves.)
Olinka almost immediately gets in trouble with doña Maty who was trying to neck with Jaime a little.
Andrea and Olinka can agree, at least, that Maty is hateful   :-)

Mario argues with his father-in-law, Agustín, because Melody is in danger. Agustín is on his way back to Mexico and tells Mario to hold tight and wait.
A desperate Melody calls Mario and he and Gladys go to help her even though he would be violating an order of protection.

And there we end for tonight.

Andy
 

CAMINO

Niecie, I didn’t even notice that Mark Tacher also played the father! How funny! And when I read your comment on Macario in the bedroom, I remembered seeing that! But I must have been so disgusted that Amparo gave in that I blocked it out of my mind 😝

Darcy, I missed Mac looking intrigued and taking Fausto’s card. Thanks for adding that. Being the sleeze he is, I’m sure he’s going to do something really Stoopid!
 

Vencer

Jatifa, thank you for the " notes from the kitchen."

What was up with the look on Braulio's face when Esther walked into Angel's office ? He is looking worse and worse.

I hope that Julia and Esther step up to help with Rayo. Rayo is so young and needs love and stability.

A big theme in this show seems to be securing housing . How soon will we see those two apartments being rented to Jer and Erik?

Who has Margarita's phone ? Miceal ?
 

Mexicana

Happy Thanksgiving to SpanProf, Andy, and Diana. I haven't written much lately, but I sure do enjoy your posts. What a complicated plot...It's hard to put into words. My West Coast Edition does not do it justice. It's hard to write a recap; am still not sure that what I do is up to snuff. You know, those little snippets..
 

Vencer
Thanks, Jarifa, for your notes from the kitchen. I feel that I spent the day in my kitchen!

Braulio was not happy to see Ester and sure didn’t want Angel to hire him. And she didn’t give him a friendly greeting either. I wonder what their story, or past, is.

Wow, I totally missed that Santino and Zac were in on the loans together. And I guess the robbery too. So that’s why he has the spy/nurse. It seems Julia May be right that her husband is innocent. But I bet his life will be in danger if he shows up.

Liz
 

Camino

I totally missed Fausto playing his father. When I use the closed captions I guess I don’t notice as much of the action. Trying to figure out which is the best way to learn the language.

Fausto is not going to give up on that property. He seems to be a man who gets what he wants. Killing your own parent is really cold. Hopefully Mac doesn’t have any right to sell it.

Liz
 

Vencer

Gracias, Jarifa. Super job. You are a doll to gift us with a super recap on Thanksgiving. Thanks especially for clarifying about Ariel. I thought poor Erik was going to lose the apartment to Ariel. I didn’t realize Ariel was Erik’s roommate.

Braulio – “dead fish eye look” – lol.

Julia, it's too bad that your husband was not a good provider, but you have a wonderful father, aunt, and son. Count your blessings. Throwing in Celeste's face that she has a cushy life because all she has to do is let Braulio take care of her? Envy does not become you and one never knows what hell another is facing inside. Maya Angelou has a great quote about this, but I can't remember the words now.

Ester and Julia got on my nerves saying to Rayo, "why didn't you tell us?" For pete's sake, the girl is only 14, in shock, and terrified. Ya'll should've been saying "I'm so sorry we didn't check up on you."

I wouldn't put it past Lerna and Donato to pull a fast one on Jero. He should have a lawyer check out their agreement and definitely make it formal.

 

Mexicana. Comments on Thursday's post.
 

VENCER

Thanks, everyone, for your comments and hypotheses. It is a busy one for me today