Caray, Caray!

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reina3

In an hour or so, I'll try to put up something to get the conversation starting. I doubt it will be a recap, but at least it will be something.
 

reina3 Ep. # 19 p. 1 of 2

The episode opens at La Baronesa in Potosi, Bolivia. Oleg has come to meet with Abel. Anton has come as well, but Abel doesn't want Anton sitting with them. He stays at a distance. Abel tells Oleg about a very strange call he received a day or so ago when he was meeting with Rojelio. Oleg gives Abel a blank stare. Abel says "Rojelio Tejada. You know him." Oleg claims he doesn't know him. Abel says he went outside to take the call, and when he came back, Rojelio was gone. He disappeared. Oleg says there must be an explanation. Abel doesn't know of any. Oleg continues to give Abel an intense blank stare. Abel finally acknowledges that Oleg didn't come to hear about the phone call, but because he needs more merchandise, more tin.

The scene shifts to the place outside the room in La Baronesa where Marina is being kept. Pablo and Teresa are trying to get the grate off the space through which they hope to rescue Marina, but they're not succeeding in getting it off. Finally, the two guards watching Marina leave to have something to eat. In a low voice, Teresa calls to Marina and tells her they've come to rescue her. Marina tells them to leave or she'll be beaten up. Teresa calls her by name and tells her they want to bring her back to her mother, Sonia Condori. Now Marina is interested. Teresa asks how many men there are. Marina tells her 3 or 4 here, and 2 more in another room.

Oleg tells Abel that he wants to double the order. Anton comes and asks where the bathroom is. Abel tells him. I think Pablo has texted Anton that he needs to cause a distraction. Anton heads in the direction Abel indicated, but then he deliberately starts a fire. People start running out of the building. Abel is worried about some explosives that apparently are in the building. I think he says he has to stay and put the fire out because of the explosives.

Pablo and Teresa are still trying to get the grate off the space. An armed man comes and asks what they're doing. Teresa says there's a fire and we're trying to help. He demands that they come down. The inevitable fight ensues and the armed man loses. They finally get the grate off. Teresa goes into the room where Marina is being pawed at by one of the goons. The goon is a pretty good fighter, but finally Teresa stabs him with his knife. She and Marina crawl out through the space that no longer has a grate. Pablo pours gasoline and sets it ablaze. The three of them leave.

There's a segment with Batman and Sheila driving to meet up with the others. Rojas and Sierra are following them. Eventually, Sheila spots them and alerts Batman. He manages to make a sudden turn, which slows Rojas and Sierra down. They finally stop and ask a woman whether she has seen a black car go by recently. She says yes, and they went that way (pointing), going very fast. They thank her and leave. She then goes back to the garage and tells Batman and Sheila she thinks they'll no longer be followed.

We then see Jonathan and Fedor. I'm not sure where they are. Jonathan seems to be sealing up windows. Fedor asks what they're all doing. Jonathan explains that they're after a man who has evidence about all the nasty things the DEA has done in Latin America. Fedor then asks what the DEA has to do with the girls that the others are trying to rescue. Jonathan says "We don't know yet, but we think that the girl and the others may know who he is. El Jinete Negro. Remember that name. We all have unfinished business with the DEA, but when we find that guy and get the proof, the DEA will be sorry they ever messed with us."
 

reina3 #19 p. 2 of 2

The episode includes a lot more, but I'm going to focus on just one more part, Vanessa's attempt to do something to Epifanio's phone so that Ernie can follow him and hear his conversations, probably read his emails, etc.

Vanessa has arranged a small private party to celebrate Epifanio's birthday (I think there's just Delio and two sexy women). Epi wants to play a game so they can all get drunk. He asks Vanessa where his present is, and she points to the two sexy women. "Which one?" he asks. "Whichever you like," she replies. She wants to take a photo using Epi's cellphone, but she tells him she doesn't know his password. He takes the phone, tells her to turn her back, and puts in the password. She turns her head, and it's not clear whether she has seen the password. She takes the photo.

Epi is drinking a lot. The two women are dancing sexily. Epi watches. They all sing happy birthday to him (in English).

Ernie and Antonio are waiting for Vanessa to do what they've told her to do to Epifanio's phone. Ernie says, "It's taking longer than I thought." Antonio asks, "What if she gets found out?"

Vanessa is almost caught, but she says she's hunting through her pocketbook looking for a pill for her headache. She then heads for the upstairs bathroom and tries to use the password. Her first attempt doesn't work, but finally she does succeed. She contacts Ernie.

Meanwhile, Epi realizes that he doesn't have his cellphone. He goes upstairs to see whether he left it in the bedroom.

Ernie tells Vanessa what code she needs to put in to get the device to work. She puts in the code Ernie gives her, but she sees the message El celular ha sido bloqueado (The cellphone has been blocked). Ernie tells her to take out the USB, restart the phone, and try again. "Are you serious?" she asks. "You said it would be very easy." She tries again. Same result. She's getting frantic. She hears Epifanio calling her name. The phone keeps beeping. She finally turns down the volume. She tells Ernie, "He's here. What do I do?" Epifanio is knocking on the door as the episode ends.
 

Thanks Juanita!

"Where's my phone". Epi wants to know, is Ernie going to screw up Antonio's setup too?

What I love most about this show is the shooting on location. The short history I have is the silver in Bolivia made the Spanish empire (later gave way to tin), and while Bolivia was the commercial center of South America, enterprising businessmen brought the Bowler hats that were popular at the time in Europe but for different reasons that just didn't work for the local men, but the women took up the fashion.

I don't know if this relates but the tin story reminds me of a short documentary I watched, Russia went into an African country and established these shell companies that bought gold directly from the miners, zipppp, the gold then was gone, smuggled out of the country with help of the Russian military and well placed bribes and so it never existed going through the usual route where the government takes their royalty cut to benefit the people.

oh and Faustino's wanted poster is all over Colombia.

 

Gracias, Juanita. The details I needed.

How convenient for Pablo and Teresa that an ax just happened to be there. I didn't see them bring it.

I want to know Vanessa’s backstory. She’s got to be in this for more than money. Getting an inroad to working under the DEA seemed to interest her and Ernie seemed to use this, but I could be wrong.

Ah, Jonathan and few words Fedor are bonding. I predict our gang will put Fedor’s genius memory to good use.

Faustino made me laugh when he looked at his wanted poster and said “Hey, that looks like me!” Despite everything, Faustino and Padre G seem to be bonding.

Sad Mateo wants to have a talk with Sofia, but of course devastated Sofia isn't hearing this.

Looks like Sheila is carrying a Batmancito. I don't think her "carsickness" was from the ride. As they were traveling on a nearly empty road, it's crazy that Batman hadn’t noticed that they were being followed. His driving skills to elude pursuers is still intact though.

Deb, I love the SA locations too. Thanks for the info on Bolivia. Silver I knew about, but not tin.
 

reina3

Thanks very much, Juanita. You hit the important stuff.

Thanks for the mining info, deb. I knew about the hats. The real deals were/are manufactured by an Italian company, Borsalino, and very expensive. One of the wrestlers at Tejada’s cholet bragged to Batman about her “Borsalino”.

Pablo didn’t seem concerned at all about Teresa handling that baddie on her own. We also knew she would prevail. They are bonding and will likely have sex real soon. Too bad.

ITA with you Niecie—I’ll co-sign your post. I especially liked the Jon and Fedor scene. A “Batmancito” would be nice… but in the middle of this mess?

 

reina3

Thanks so much, Juanita. Yep, there was quite a bit of suspense at the Baronesa. Of course, we always knew they'd get Marina out, but it wasn't exactly easy peasy. Yikes, there's a strong smell of fire and this yahoo decides it's a good time to have sex with a very young girl. AND he told her it would hurt a bit at first but she'd love it!

Jonathan, being closer in age, was the one who finally got through to Fedor. It was cute the way he got him smiling using the English: rookie. With that scene I'm backing away from my theory that he'd betray the group. Good idea, Niecie, about Fedor's memory skills being of use later.

Well, every vomiting woman I've seen in a novela turns out to be "up the spout" as the Brits say. And they've shown a lot of "activity" between these two since they arrived in Bolivia.

Another thing I noticed was Fedor observing Teresa's tenderness with Marina, embracing her and telling her she'd be with her mother soon. Fedor loved his mother very much and, I believe, appreciated this side of Teresa.

Not sure what was going on with the attempt to "clone" Epi's phone, but I certainly love it every time Ernie fails. He looked pretty desperate. I don't think I ever heard of a phone that emits an alarm when it's "blocked". Drop it in the toilet, Vanessa! I don't want her to be hurt.
 

reina3

Thanks very much, deb, Niecie in Md, and dondi356 for your terrific comments.

Deb, I too have been enjoying all the on-site filming. I've never been to either Colombia or Bolivia, though this novela is whetting my appetite. I'm not sure, though, how I'd manage at the high altitude in Bolivia. Interestingly, none of the characters seems to be much affected by it.

Niecie, I'm not sure what to make of Vanessa, nor what to think about her seemingly sudden interest in working for the DEA. Yes, Fedor and Jonathan do seem to be bonding. Fedor also seems to be warming up a bit to Oleg, asking him in this episode whether he's OK, and getting an appreciative response from Oleg. And I'd love to see Fedor's amazing memory put to use by the Good Guys! As for a Batmancito, it did occur to me when Sheila threw up that she might be pregnant--is there any other reason a woman of child-bearing age throws up in a novela?

Dondie, I too noticed how seemingly unconcerned Pablo was when Teresa was fighting with one of the goons. She even calls out "Help," but finally she manages to get the better of the goon and then bye bye. I wasn't sure whether Pablo simply had so much confidence in Teresa that he didn't bother coming to her aid, or he's just a cold person who couldn't be bothered. But either way, I fear you're right that he's about to become her love interest. Yuck!

One question I still have has to do with Abel's statement about there being explosives in La Baronesa. I'm not sure why they'd be there (for mining, perhaps?), but is he really about to risk his life to try to put out the fire before it reaches the explosives? If so, will he succeed, or will the fire manage to remove one troublesome character from the plot? Perhaps we'll find out tonight.
 

reina3

Oops, I don't know how I missed seeing your great comment, but I didn't see it until I had posted my response to deb, Niecie, and dondi. With your vote for a Batmancito, it looks as if the verdict is in.

And you raise a good point about Fedor's watching Teresa's tenderness toward Marina. That, plus his bonding with Jonathan and his expression of concern about Oleg, makes it seen that he'll be a positive addition to the group. As you note, that wasn't so clear at the start.

As for Epi's phone, on the one hand, like you I'm happy every time one of Ernie's plans goes awry. On the other hand, I hope it goes awry without Vanessa suffering as a result. Of course, it'a always possible it may suddenly turn out to work. Perhaps we'll find out tonight.
 

reina3

Sheila attributed her sudden sickness on the high altitude. I suppose that could be so, but this is a novela.

If I’m not mistaken, Jonathan used the term “pinche rookie”, pinche got bleeped, and said he’s going to call Fedor that in honor of someone he loved a lot (Willy!).

Keeping my fingers crossed for Vanessa.

 

reina3

I will put up a recap tonight.
 

reina3

Thanks very much, dondi356, for explaining Jonathan's reference to Willy. I know Jonathan said it was someone dear to him, and he pointed upward toward heaven, but I unfortunately remember relatively little about season 2. I certainly remember Willy from both prior seasons, but I don't recall a relationship between Willy and Jonathan.
 

reina3

#20 – Parte 1 de 2

Abel asks how many died (in the fire). As usual, he treats everyone around him like crap. I am shocked he has anyone still working for him. One of his guys tells him that everyone is looking for the girl. Abel wants her found. He seems to be aware that he’d be in a pickle if she talked to the police. Karen does some “spiritual” thing with smoke to “fix” Abel’s current bad luck.

Marina tells the team that she wasn’t taken with the rest of the girls because of the marks on her face. She says that Abel beat her with his cane for having tried to escape. When Teresa asks about the Jinete Negro, Marina says she overheard Karen talking about some meeting to which he’d come.

At the big birthday bash for Epifanio, Vanesa is still in the bathroom. Ernie tells her she must get rid of his phone. If he finds it, he’ll realize they’re after him. She hides it under a towel, but Epi finds it when she opens the door. After candles are blown out on a big birthday cake, Vanesa solves the problem by pushing Epi, phone and all, into the pool. This is smoothed over when everyone jumps in laughing.

In Faustino’s hometown the group (Gonzo, Mateo, Sofia, Paloma, and Ray) meet his cousin Margarita, a nun. Faustino tells her what happened to Rocío, who she never met. When introduced to Gonzo, she thinks “Padre” is an alias!

Batman and Sheila stole some license plates and have managed to connect with the rest of the team. Sheila whispers to Teresa that she has something to tell her about Landero.

Gonzo starts in about their presence being a danger to the nuns. Margarita tells him that Faustino donated the house they’re standing in and regularly supports them. The nun asks: “Do we have the right to judge others?"

Sofia tells Mateo that her mother isn’t a killer. She didn’t kill the people from the DEA, which is what they accused her of doing. He tells her he’s sorry, and she tells him that sorry won’t help Rocío.

The cop from La Paz, Rojas, sends his subordinate, Sierra, back on a bus.

Teresa and Pablo talk. She tells him she knows more than she says; thinks more than she speaks; and, best of all, observes absolutely everything. She tells him she’s been curious about something and suddenly kisses him. He kisses her back strongly. But she puts a stop to it there.

Faustino meets with one of his homies and a mute companion. The homie says they’ve gotten everything he needs. The priest is drafted to drive them to the pier. Faustino convinces him it won’t be an evil mission.
 

reina3

#20 – Parte 2 de 2

The scene that ensues is told in an odd way. Faustino describes what will happen on “the mission” while we actually see what eventually does happen. Faustino tells them they have to reach El Primor, his ranch, by boat. He says that Mateo will drive the boat.

Faustino’s friend tells him the ranch was seized, and some guy bought it. There’s some armed guards there. Sofia and Paloma are to distract the guards. After they’re overpowered, the whole gang goes inside.

Watching Teresa and Pablo talk Sheila asks Batman why Teresa always picks the wrong guy. She’s noticing a bit of flirting.

We get a VERY interesting and surprising development. Karen is at home with her hair loose. She’s on the phone again. She tells the person on the other end of the line that Abel is in the mine. She opens the back door and, whoa! It’s Rojas, the guy I thought was the straight arrow cop from La Paz. Passionate kisses and then they jump right into bed.

Mateo is watching the gagged guards while Faustino takes Paloma and Sofia into a secret room that’s hidden behind a sort of bank vault wall. Inside, arranged on metal shelves, is all the money he’s stashes away for years. He tells Paloma that Rocio knew all about it, but they couldn’t live too large so as to not call attention to themselves. They get busy loading shrink wrapped bundles of cash into the boat.

Teresa and Sheila are waiting with Marina for Marina’s mother, Sonia, to arrive. Teresa promises Marina that, if they find her friend, they’ll help her. A bus arrives and Sonia gets off, wearing her borsalino. Teresa gives Sonia an envelope full of money. At first she refuses, but Teresa insists she’ll need it to relocate. They can’t go back to La Paz. Sonia gives Teresa a bracelet for good luck.

Rojas tells Karen that a friend told him that the bug she found is advanced technology that they don’t have. He says this means they’re watching Abel. She remembers Abel’s cane going missing the day they were celebrating the deal. She tells him that a very odd thing has happened; Tejado has disappeared. Rojas doesn’t think the foreigners are mixed up in this. [Not sure what he means; they are mixed up in the tin mining. Maybe he means trafficking.]

Teresa’s gang are trying to find some meeting place. [I’ve lost the plot and can’t remember why…anyone?] At any rate Fedor finds the place. It’s a cemetery for old trains. Landero says he’s glad he doesn’t have children, but the next scene cuts to Teresa; Sheila has just told her about the three children and wife.

Teresa keeps insisting to Sheila that there’s nothing between she and Pablo.

Back to Rojas and Karen. We find out that these two are attempting to find Abel’s gold. I remember something about his converting all his ill-gotten gains into gold ingots. Rojas thinks that they ought to lay low for a while and maybe cancel the meeting with the Jinete Negro. Karen moves toward another of her “altars” and says she has an idea about how to find the gold.

Faustino’s friend takes a cell phone picture of him. Then this guy locks them into the secret room!
 

Reina3

Thanks so much, novelera. Fine recap that covered the important points.

Rojas is a dirty cop?! Did not see that coming. And he knows who the Horseman is, too? That spy he planted was supposed to help find the gold stash. I’m not sure about this, but was Rojas thinking that our guys had nothing to do with Tejada’s disappearance? He knows they are up to something shady.

Vanessa didn’t hide that phone very well but Epi was too drunk and horny to care. Then she took off her bikini top and jumped into the pool to start the party! Lol! I’m kinda liking her and I hope she doesn’t get caught.

Yes, Sheila, why does Teresa pick the wrong guys? I’m sure it will turn out that Pablo doesn’t have a wife and kids and he and Teresa will quickly jump into the sack. I still don’t like Pablo. He will have to work hard to change my mind. I think Oleg won’t be able to contain his upset and this will affect the work of the entire group.

novelera, Teresa’s gang were looking for cemeteries in the area because that’s what Marina overheard as the meeting place. I have no idea how Fedor came up with this so quickly. He seemed to think that everyone has heard of this place and knew “asi es la vida”. I didn’t, so I looked it up. It’s the “Great Train Graveyard” and a tourist attraction.
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/great-train-graveyard

Poor Faustino is dealt another blow. His “lifelong friend”, Juanfa, has betrayed him. What’s with the silent guy? Can’t wait to see how they get out of that vault.

 

reina3

Many thanks, novelera, for this splendid, concise recap. It skillfully covers everything important.

Having seen how Abel treats everyone, including Karen, I have my doubts about Karen's claim that she's praying to fix Abel's bad luck. My suspicion is that her intention is quite the contrary. (I thought that even before the surprising scene with Rojas.)

I loved Vanessa's solution to the phone problem!

I'm not at all happy about Teresa's kissing Pablo, nor about her then telling him it won't go any further. That's just a cheap tease. In that scene, Pablo said something that surprised me. I think he said, "Epifanio was right when he said only his goddaughter could do this job." Is Teresa Epi's goddaughter??

I'm not sure I agree with Sheila about Teresa always picking the wrong man. IMHO, only Teo Aljarafe fits that description (andprobably Pablo) . Both El Guero and Santiago loved her. Yes, they were both mixed up in illegal doings, but I don't think that made them wrong for her. I can't imagine her being happy with someone more conventional who comes home from an office job every day. She needs someone much more daring, even if what he does is illegal.

I bet that at some point the bracelet that Marina's mother gives Teresa will indeed bring her good luck.

I'm wondering whether Fedor's skill with memorizing cards is part of a larger photographic memory. Perhaps that's how he knew about the "asi es la vida" cemetary, from either seeing it once in passing or reading about it.

Like dondi356, I thought that Rojas' statement to Karen about "the foreigners" not being involved referred to Tejada's disappearance.

Wow, so Rojas may not be the honest cop we assumed he was. Then again, perhaps he is. He seems like a much nicer guy than Abel and perhaps he really does care for Karen. I guess we'll see.

Though I was surprised at seeing Rojas, I was even more surprised by Faustino's so-called friend betraying him. It was clear as soon as he took the photo. My guess is that he took the photo to show the police, if need be, to prove that Faustino had all this ill-gotten money (though I'm not sure the photo really showed that). One thing is clear--the "friend" also has to get rid of Sofia, Paloma, and Padre G. (Was the padre also with them or did he remain on the pier? I don't remember.)
 

reina3

Hello All! I am so grateful to Juanita, novelera and dondi356 for all the incredible recaps! I have been traveling extensively for work the last two weeks and finally got caught up. All the recaps helped me so much. Thank you!

novelera, I was totally shocked when Karen opened the back gate and it was Rojas standing there!

I enjoyed the interaction with Faustino and his Prima the nun. Our self-righteous Padrecito sure was shut down quickly with the “who are we to judge” comments. I can see the padres point about Faustino’s former line of work but it did seem that Rocio put him on the right path. Like most of you, I was not happy that she was killed off. I thought it was totally unnecessary.

Also not happy about the betrayal from Faustino’s long-lost friend or the kiss Teresa planted on Pablo “out of curiosity.”

I do like the “rookie” interaction with Fador and Jonathon. Glad to see Marina get back to her mom.

The presidential birthday party was sure something. I must give Vanesa credit. She definitely is perfect spy material and thinks quickly on her feet. I am still puzzled as to why she wants to work with Erine and the DEA.

Juanita, if I recall, Epi was the Godfather (by baptism) to El Guero so it was natural to also refer to Teresa as a Goddaughter because of her relationship with Guero.

I hope the Padrecito is up for a rescue, because he is the only one close enough to make that happen before Ernie/Charlie and the merry band of DEA agents show up.

Thanks again to all the recappers! My travel schedule does not ease up until December, so hopefully I can help recap after that.

 

destino

I am not sure if anyone is watching this dizi but it is clear that Telemundo has taken the scissors to it quite drastically. It is so choppy that I can barely follow the storyline.

I did have one question if anyone can help me. Who is the redhead woman that Iskander continues to visit and now lives with? In the episode last night, Iskander’s mother showed up at this woman’s house and was not at all pleased to have done so. Could she be a half-sister to Iskander from an affair perhaps?

 

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reina3

Thanks, Novelero. I was flummoxed about Faustino’s mission. Muchas gracias on all the detail on that.

I laughed at Epifanio passing out kisses to the playmates and halting just in time when the other guy jokingly puckered up. I can't stand Epifanio, but this is a rich villain role.

Abel, on the other hand, is a total pig. And seems too stupid to have all the power he has.

Dondi, thanks for the info on the train graveyard of Bolivia. I'm learning so much with reina3.

Juanita, ITA on El Guero and Santiago. Both were worth the bother.
 

destino

Ah, VVS! You and I seem to be the only ones suffering through El Fuego del Destino. I wish I could help you, but that woman Iskender is staying with just appeared out of nowhere. It has seemed to me that he went to stay with her when his relationship with Celebi went completely south. Of course this is a dizi and the censors are usually hard at work. I think the woman, whose name I didn't catch, is sleeping with Iskender. IIRC she made some kind of nasty remark about Cicek, clearly jealous. The whole Iskender/Cicek thing is very surprising.

Iskender's character has involved a rollercoaster ride. Last night was a doozy in that he realized that the Machiavellian Celebi had made him think the fire in the underground place where the big party was held was all Iskender's fault.

I was not best pleased with Cicek's meltdown. OK, she's a kind person and can't stand to see someone murdered. But really, Cicek, would you rather have been choked to death? And Iskender didn't really murder him. IIRC he hit him to stop the strangulation and awful Bulent may have hit his head on something. Anyway, whether it was Iskender's metal bar or hitting his head, good riddance.

My DVR tells me this one will be over next week, Tuesday or Wednesday, can't remember which.
 

reina3

Thanks for all the great comments! Dondi, you get the Mr. Google Award for finding the Great Train Cemetery. I was puzzled when they talked about cemetery and how in the world Fedor could find the right one in all of Bolivia. But, obviously, this is a big deal. It seems odd to me that they'd want to have this "meeting" in a place that, according to your link, dondi, is crammed with tourists.

Juanita, ITA. El Güero and Santiago Fisterra were not bad choices, except for their lines of work. I remember Teresa having a major fight with Santiago about his continuing with the risky trafficking he was doing.

None of us find Pablo a suitable love interest. I can't imagine what the ones who cast this were thinking. Let's look back. Raimundo Dávila, Santiago Fisterra, Teo Aljarafe...all total babes. Some of those scenes with Santiago when he and Teresa were hooking up...well...let's just say I replayed them a few times before deleting the episode.

VVS, I also like Fedor's warming up to Jonathan. It's important that the kid stop being so resentful and be on board with being with his father.
 

destino

Yay! Thank you novelera for responding to my question. I don’t know the woman’s name either. I thought they might be sleeping together, but I think it is a platonic relationship and she helps him with his mental breakdowns that cause his arm to stop moving. The way she and Iskander’s mother looked at each other, made me think there was something deeper than just the whole girlfriend thing.

I actually like the turn Iskander has taken for redemption. I was hoping he was Atlas’ father, but he clearly let that loser Bulent know that he and Simal never had anything but a good friendship. Yes, Cicek’s meltdown was way over the top. I was more freaked out by the body they left buried in the bodega. The guy Bulent killed. I cheered when Iskander smacked Bulent in the head. Good riddance.

Omer is the guy pushing away all his amors. First Zeynep and now Ruya. Granted. Ruya is a bit hardheaded and conceited but something is going to have to happen to bring them back together.

Cemre and Ozan are still at risk even with Celebi in jail. Lots of chopping to get to the end next week I guess.

 

destino

I've been a casual watcher of this dizi.

The woman in question is Arzu and novelera is right, she appeared out of nowhere or rather Iskender just showed up at her house after Kenan was killed. She mentioned she's known him for ten years, when he was still very young. I don't know how old Iskender is supposed to be now, but Arzu looks older than Iskender. Other than that, I'm not totally clear on their relationship.

I think Telemundo is chopping the heck out of this. I'm anxious to see how it all ends.

 

reina3

Lol, Juanita, “I can't imagine her [Teresa] being happy with someone more conventional who comes home from an office job every day.” But Pablo?? C’mon Teresa.

I will agree that Güero and Fisterra and even Lupo genuinely cared for Teresa (and they were handsome guys), but they each dragged her into a world she never wanted and still desperately wants to escape. Let’s say they were not the best choices. Teo was a total scumbag.

Good to see you here, VVS! Missing your comments and your wonderful recaps.

 

destino

Thank you dondi356 for adding more perspective on the mystery woman now named Arzu. I am sure I missed a lot as this dizi comes out so late and I have not been able to always stay awake to watch. Thank you also for the warm welcome back. I miss the patio. My travels should slow down in early December. I hope to be back full time then.
 

reina3

I'll put up some sort of recap later tonight.
 

reina3 Ep. #21 p. 1 of 2

As the episode begins, we see Faustino and the others trapped in the locked, darkened vault. "Why did I never think of this?" Faustino wonders out loud. Meanwhile, his "lifelong friend" Juanfa (thanks, dondi356) calls Interpol, I think, and while holding a "Se Busca" poster says he knows where Faustino Sanchez-Godoy is. He sends them the photo he took not long before. He tells them the name of the lagoon where Faustino is. He refuses to give his name, saying he's doing this out of love for his country, but he'll send the location's coordinates.

The location is an hour by helicopter from where Charlie and the others are. He orders a helicopter.

Mateo tells the others who are trapped to have faith. "Perhaps someone will come for us." Faustino says he lost his faith a long time ago. Back on the other side of the water, Padre Gonzo sees a boat approaching with just the two "friends." They start unloading all the huge packages of money.

Teresa is acting very coldly toward Pablo. Finally, she says to him, "Tell me the names of your three kids." He asks what she's talking about. She tells him that Jonathan ran his fingerprints through a database.

Padre G returns in a hurry. He tells Margarita that Faustino's two friends came back and were unloading the money. No one else was with them. He and Margarita set off to go to Faustino's house on the lagoon. Margarita asks, "What will we do when we get there?" Padre G replies, "I have no idea."

Vanessa is walking when suddenly a car pulls up and Ernie gets out. She doesn't want to get in the car. He tells her she's a loose end, and he doesn't leave loose ends. This time, she gets in the car. But she makes it clear that she doesn't want to continue working for Ernie. If Epifanio finds out, she could go to jail. Ernie replies, "If you think Epifanio can hurt you, you have no idea how much I can hurt you. You, your family, your friends."

Antonio Arcalá arrives at the presidential palace and demands to see his daughter, the First Lady. He gets nowhere until he sees Delio. Delio goes to tell Epifanio that Antonio is here and won't leave until he sees Genoveva.

Pablo tells Teresa to run his prints through the database again. She does so. The result: "Marine biologist at U.C. Berkeley, Widower, 81 years old." "I look pretty good for an 81-year-old, don't I?" he says. He goes on to say that the database they used is programmed to change each time. [Why didn't Jonathan know this?]

Padre G and Margarita arrive at Faustino's house. They call out "Faustino," "Mateo," and the others. No response. They keep doing this, and suddenly they hear a muffled response. As they get closer, Faustino is able to tell them how to turn the power back on. He then gives them the code that will unlock the room. But as all this is happening, the police/Interpol are arriving. However, we see that the good guys all somehow manage to escape, hidden under a covering in the boat. It wasn't clear to me how they could get out without being seen and perhaps heard by Charlie and Interpol. (I guess when Margarita asked what they'd do when they got there and Padre G said he had no idea, he was also speaking for the novela writers.)

As the boat carrying Faustino and the others is headed back, Margarita spots a helicopter above and a boat approaching. Faustino advises her to just keep going as if nothing is wrong. Sure enough, the boat passes them by and goes on.
 

reina3 Ep. #21 p. 2 of 2

Back in Mexico, Epifanio comes out to see Alcalá. Alcalá says "I didn't come to see you, I came to see my daughter." Epifanio tells him the First Lady's schedule is very busy. Alcalá threatens, "If I don't get to see her, I'll go outside and tell all the reporters that you're holding her hostage and won't let me see her." "I'll go get her," Epifanio replies.

When Faustino and the others get back to the convent, he tells Margarita that he has an errand to run. She's not at all happy about this. Apparently she knows what kind of errand it's likely to be. "Be very careful," she says. "I know what I'm doing," he replies, and off he goes.

Pablo is sitting alone, staring at a tablet containing another photo of the old man holding a newspaper. I couldn't see whether it was the same one or a more recent one. We then get a flashback that helps explain the photo and Pablo's role. We see Pablo tell Epifanio, "I've heard of her. What you want is impossible." This is not what Epifanio wants to hear. He tells Pablo, the response he wants is "Yes, Mr. President, I can do it, and it will cost you a lot of money."

Back in the present, Pablo goes to the door and opens it to find Teresa about to knock. "We need to talk," he says. "You first," she replies. He hands her the tablet with the photo of the old man. "This is my father, Gabriel Astudillo. My real name is Pablo Astudillo. My father has been imprisoned in Nicaragua for 10 years, someplace in the jungle. Guess who is the only person who can get him out." "Epifanio Vargas," replies Teresa. We then see a continuation of the earlier flashback. Epifanio claims he can't intervene. Pablo replies, "If this woman is so important, I'm sure you can find a way to help me." "I don't like being pressured," says Epifanio. "It's not pressure," says Pablo. "It's the price of my services."

Again in the present, Teresa apologizes and says, "That's why you're involved in this, yes? "You're in the business. You know we have to investigate before..." Pablo interrupts her. "I shouldn't be telling you this..." Teresa kisses him.

We then see Juanfa tell Mudo that he wants the Sacred Heart portrait included in what they're taking. Mudo indicates that there's no room. Juanfu insists. Mudo seems to acquiesce. He leaves. Juanfu talks about his plan to buy a pent-house in Miami and visit his mother in prison.

Teresa and Pablo are beginning to go at it. Both admit this is crazy, the others are waiting for us--and they continue to go at it. Then Oleg knocks on the door. "Are you there?" He gets no reply. He walks away and phones. Teresa hears the phone ring. And they continue to go at it.

The scene shifts several times more between Teresa and Pablo on the one hand, and Juanfa and Mudo on the other. Finally, we see Oleg walk away. He seems to be quietly seething with rage, disappointment, jealousy. The scene shifts once more to Juanfa, who is calling for Mudo but Mudo doesn't come. An annoyed Juanfa goes to see what's wrong. Suddenly, he hears, "Hold it right there." He turns and sees Faustino with a gun pointed at Mudo's head. "Don't move," Faustino says, "or I'll blow his head off." And with that the episode ends.
 

reina3

Wonderful Recap Juanita! Thank you so much. There is so much going on I seem to be missing. I did not see the Se Busca flyer Faustino’s “friend” was looking at.

Ernie is a scary jerk. Vanessa is trapped with no way out except to tell Epi what is going on.

I thought that Padre G might be part of the rescue mission but I did not think Sister M would actually lead it! Good for her. I was thrilled that Charlie Velazquez was once again thwarted. At least he got rid of his flannel shirt for this attempt to capture part of Teresa’s band. I liked the clever back and forth cinematography that made me think Faustino and the group were about to be captured.

Jonathan has been spot on for everything before, how did he mess that fingerprint database issue with Pablo? That just did not make sense to me at all. At least we now know why Pablo is in the game.

I would like more explanation as to why his father is in jail in Nicaragua. Pablo’s confession to Teresa just made her soften for that role in the sack. I hope it is just 4 years of sexual tension she needs to release so one and done with him. If I remember correctly, Tesa had a quick roll with Jonathan when she thought Oleg was dead in season II. She only slept with the handsome Moroccan Coronel once to get a job for Santiago. My fingers are crossed.

Juanfa clearly was not prepared for Faustino to escape. I know Charlie was right on Juanfa’s tail, so hopefully Faustino can take the money back and get out of there pronto.

Thanks again Juanita for this great recap!

 

reina3

Thanks SO much, Juanita. Great recap. You made me laugh with the novela writers having no more idea than Margarita and Gonzo about how to get away. I was about 90% sure Charlie was not going to get his hands on Sofia. Speaking of Charlie, when he's in pursuit, he looks almost satanic. I'm sure his mother loves him. Me...not so much.

It can't be as easy to mount a crew and a helicopter in Colombia as they've made it seem

I think Big Ed is healthier or maybe prefers playing the "good guy". He looked awful in Falsa Identidad, where he played an awful villain.

Speaking of awful, Ernie grabbing Vanesa on the street and forcing her into a car drove me nuts. Why didn't she start screaming and run? And threatening to kill her family. Yikes.

I can't tell if it's because Pepe doesn't have a body like Iván Sanchez (Santiago) or something else, but that was the least exciting sex scene I've seen in a novela, maybe ever. It seemed to consist of them rolling over and over. And, judging by Oleg's reaction, this isn't going to end well.

I loved Faustino catching up to his good buddy. What a snake. He not only stole all his money, he tried to ensure he'd be locked up so he could enjoy it without any fear. Big surprise, Juanfa!
 

reina3

Thanks so much Juanita!

and thanks yesterday novelera and to Dondi for the train graveyard, so cool.

so the released guards gave Charlie the description of the boat they came in (and not the one Faustino and company left in) and so they are tracking Juanfa.

 

Vencer

Finally got to watch this episode . Mati might not be a great influence , but she did hug Rayo and comfort her eyes when she cried and worried . Maybe she has a good heart. We can hopeo. I wonder if Rayo ( and we) will ever find out who Rayo's father is . Do Cuca or Margarita's friends know ?
 

Whoopsee.I posted my Vencer comment at the wrong place . Sorry.

P.s. Hello, friends . I miss you all, but i am not watching this show.However, jarifa told me that Big Ed Yanez has a role, and I like him .
 

Susanlynn, nice to see you here. Big Ed is looking good in this one, dressed in suits playing a senator.
 

reina3

Thanks, Juanita. (I guess when Margarita asked what they'd do when they got there and Padre G said he had no idea, he was also speaking for the novela writers.) -- lol!

I am all into Faustino's revenge and getting his money back. I'm not sure though that Juanfa will fold for Mudo's sake.

Teresa and Pablo - I'm okay with it. I doubt it lasts. I really don't want Teresa and Oleg to ruin their great friendship by becoming lovers, at least not until el fin when the jinete negro is behind them.
 

reina3

Great recap, Juanita! Thanks so much. Loved the comment about the “novela writers”, lol. Lots of great comments with which I agree.

Enjoyed the scene between Antonio and Epi. Love watching the vets at work. Yes, novelera, Big Ed is looking much better than he did in Falsa Identidad.

Why did they have to make Jonathan look bad to make Pablo look good? That was a “pinche rookie” move.

“I hope it is just 4 years of sexual tension she needs to release so one and done with him.” ITA, VVS. Good memory on Jon and Teresa’s “quick roll” in season 2.

“I can't tell if it's because Pepe doesn't have a body like Iván Sanchez (Santiago) or something else, but that was the least exciting sex scene I've seen in a novela, maybe ever.” – ITA novelera. Not everyone has a body like Iván Sanchez.

Hi, Susanlynn! Hope to share another patio with you soon!

 

reina3

Many thanks, VVS, novelera, deb, and Niecie, for your insightful and appreciative comments.

VVS, it's great to see you back! You always have interesting and important points to make. I especially liked your observation about the back and forth cinematography. And I'm glad that you, too, are puzzled that Jonathan blew it when it came to the database. I'm still not a fan of the Pablo/Teresa pairing. And even after all these years, I'm still disappointed that Teresa slept only once with the very sexy and impressive Moroccan colonel, Abdelkader Chaib.

Novelera, I doubt that even Charlie's mother could love him! And yes, I think Big Ed is healthier. He seems to have shed a good deal of unattractive excess weight since Falsa Identidad. And yes, the so-called sex scene between Teresa and Pablo was a snoozer. Interestingly, it was filmed in very low light, so one could barely see what was going on (or off).

Deb, I think you're right about the guards giving Charlie a description of the boat they came in, not the one Faustino et al. left in. Thanks for pointing that out.

Niecie, I too am rooting for the success of Faustino's revenge.

Again, thanks very much to all!
 

reina3

Oops, I seem lately to miss the last person to post. And when that last person is dondi356, yikes! Big mistake.

Dondi, I especially enjoyed your comment "Why did they have to make Jonathan look bad to make Pablo look good? That was a “pinche rookie” move."