Caray, Caray!

reina3

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

reina3 Ep. #46 p 1 of 3

The episode opens in Buenos Aires. Ernie et al. are in the elevator at the Mortati Palace. They're heading up to the fancy suite that "Elena Bocanegra" and her fiancé have. Meanwhile, Sheila and Fedor are frantically trying to salvage as much of the money and other items as they can. They leave and head down the stairs just as Ernie and company arrive on the elevator. Sheila complains that she has a hard time running down the stairs in heels.

In Colombia, Faustino talks on the phone to his cousin the nun. He tells her he needs her to bring him several packages. She's the only one he can trust to do this. She asks how she can carry so much money in public. He tells her it will be for just a short while and suggests she hide it under her robe. During the same call, Paloma gets to talk with her son. He tells her he has a cape. She says she has a cape too, and so she'll be able to come see him soon. "Today?" he asks. No, she says, but soon.

Fedor talks to Teresa on the phone and describes the people involved in the joint DEA/Interpol raid. His description of one person makes Teresa say it sounds like Palermo. She then asks about the key. Fedor assures her he has it.

We see Ernie and Charlie VERY frustrated and angry at not finding any of the people they're looking for. Ernie questions Lorenzo and Julieta. "I was told you were very close to Elena," he says to Lorenzo. Lorenzo denies this. He says he treated Elena the same way he treats all his important guests. Charlie says there should have been passports and other documents in the safe, but it was empty. Gallardo says that he and Julieta became suspicious, so they searched the suite, and at that time, the passports,etc. were in the safe, including a strange metallic object. Charlie says that if the safe was now empty, it means that they knew we were here. Gallardo tells them that the people they're looking for are likely to be at the Bar Sur. He followed them there once.

Teresa, Pablo, and Oleg are indeed at the Bar Sur. They're talking about the DEA/Interpol raid. Oleg thinks that someone must have recognized them.
Sheila and Fedor arrive. Fedor immediately hugs Oleg. He tells his father he now understands what Oleg has been through. Oleg, in turn, says he understands what Fedor has been through, and he's very proud of him.

The scene changes to the United States, where Aguilar is being held prisoner. He says, "For the sake of argument, let's say I am who you think I am, and I have information that you want. Do you realize that going against the President of Mexico will put my family and me in danger?" On the other side of one-way glass, Jane Kozar tells him, "If you choose not to cooperate, you'd be in just as much danger. Your transfer is in 24 hours. If you decide to cooperate, let us know." She gives an order to keep Aguilar in solitary, and she's the only one who can speak with him. Someone asks, "And if he doesn't sleep?" "So much the better," she replies.

Back in Mexico, Epifanio tells Delio,"Senator Garcia might be able to do more than we can. He lives there." He then calls Garcia, who isn't pleased. He first claims to be in an important meeting, but Epifanio says his issue is urgent and can't wait. He tells Garcia that "They've kidnapped the lawyer. My goddaughter needs the money." Garcia asks why Epifanio asks those people for money. Epifanio mentions thirty million dollars, a sum that stuns Garcia. He tells Epifanio "I'll see what I can do," and he hangs up. Epifanio is furious that Garcia hung up on him. "Not even my wife hangs up on me!" [I'm not clear what Garcia's role in all this is.]
 

reina3 #46 p. 2 of 3

Batman, Fedor, and Sheila get out of a taxi. Batman walks ahead, looking for a specific address number (450). Fedor tells Sheila that what he's seen has made him not want to fight with his father. Sheila is pleased; she tell's him he has matured, and that some men never do so. Fedor replies it's not just men, some women don't mature, either. Sheila says "Excuse me? What do you mean?" Fedor replies, "When are you going to tell Batman about the abortion?"
She talks about all the reasons she hasn't. Batman comes over and says he can't find the place he's looking for. [I found this scene somewhat puzzling. I'm not sure what building Batman is looking for.]

Teresa and Oleg are both formally dressed (I guess Oleg too is going to the Colon Theater, where Sami is supposed to retrieve the key and give it to "Elena.". Oleg compliments her. She decides to give Oleg the key she had gotten from Karen. She tells him Fedor has the other key. Oleg says, "I'm trying to see you as my friend. I can't do it." Teresa tells him, "Ever since you told me how you feel, I don't know how to act or what to say." Oleg replies, "It's not a matter of saying, it's about feeling. Words would only make things more confusing." He then says, "If we have to separate, I'd rather it be before one of us gets hurt." Teresa says, "I'm not ready to be apart from you." "Neither am I," replies Oleg. "But if we have to, we will. A good memory is better than a bad present."

Sami and Pablo enter. Oleg doesn't trust Sami. Oleg and Anton will check to see if they can spot a problem. Teresa and Sami enter the Theater. Two women recognize Sami and are surprised to see him. Does he know that the police are looking for him, and for Hugo and Gregorio? Sami explains that he has been away and hadn't been using his phone. As for Hugo and Gregorio, he has no idea where they are. Teresa is not pleased to hear that the police are looking for Sami. Teresa gets a call from Faustino, letting her know he has found a place to stay. An employee at the theater tells Teresa to turn off her cellphone.

Ernie, Charlie, et al. invade the Bar Sur tavern with their guns drawn, hoping to find Teresa and the others there. Oops, foiled again.

In Colombia, Faustino, Paloma, Sofia, and Mateo are sitting at the dinner table. Faustino is explaining, "Vargas is going to blackmail these people with a clear message. Either they stop bothering him and let him keep playing president of Mexico and pardon Teresa, or he'll release the evidence, and whoever goes down, goes down." Paloma points out that such negotiations take a long time. Faustino says that's true, but he expects to go back to Colombia and live his life. Sofia asks wasn't he going to avenge Rocio's death? Faustino replies, "Everyone who killed Rocio will die."

Ernie and Charlie may not have found the people they had hoped for at Bar Sur, but they did find a guy to beat up for information. The Interpol agent is outraged at Ernie's methods and says she is going to report him. Ernie ignores her concerns and continues to show the guy a picture of Teresa and ask where she went. Finally, he gives Charlie a gun and tells him to count to five, and if the guy doesn't give him any information, BAM. Charlie begins the countdown, and at the very last second, the guy says "The Colon Theater." He adds "Samuel was going to give her a key at the theater. He said something about a horseman." Ernie and Charlie head off to the theater, a 30-minute ride. Ernie insists that the Interpol person stay at the bar.
 

reina3 Ep. 46 p. 3 of 3

Sami is a season box holder at the theater, and Teresa, Pablo, Oleg, and he enter his box. The performance is about to begin. Oleg asks Pablo about his father. Pablo says he has heard nothing for several days. Oleg says, "You'll see him soon, I'm sure." [Huh? This seems out of character for Oleg, both because he doesn't like Pablo and because it seems like an empty statement.]

Ernie and Charlie arrive at the Colon Theater. Charlie feels underdressed. Everyone is in tuxedos, he says. He then asks Ernie what the plan is. Ernie tells him that the plan is to stop Teresa Mendoza from getting the key.

The concert has begun. A soprano is singing opera areas, accompanied by a string quartet. Sami asks Teresa "What do you get out of this?" Teresa answers, "My freedom." Sami then asks, "Why go to all this trouble? Why not just disappear to some remote place at the end of the world?" "I tried that," replies Teresa. "It didn't work." Sami points out another box where Hugo used to sit. Teresa asks, "You didn't feel anything about having killed your friends?" "No. Why should I?" answers Sami. "It's not worth it. They're gone."

Teresa's phone vibrates, but I don't think she looked at it. Ernie and Charlie enter the theater, where they present their DEA credentials and are admitted. They then search for Teresa. After a while, Ernie spots her. He contacts Charlie and tells him where she is. Sami gets up and retrieves the key. He gives it to Teresa seconds before Charlie shoots him. Teresa, Oleg, and Pablo leave the box and head for an exit as the episode ends.
 

OT/La Mujer de mi Vida

I've missed you all sooo much!

My phone was lagging for 5 days straight, it wouldn't let me write comments. But now the problem is solved, so here I go!

I have been fussing about La Mujer de mi Vida for many months, but seriously, WHERE WILL IT AIR? It was supposed to air in 2022, but nope. I didn't see it in RGVChick's list for Telemundo airings in 2023 either. Is Telemundo trolling us?
 

reina3

Gracias, Juanita. You put this puzzle together in fine fashion. I appreciate all the details on the dialogue between Oleg and Teresa. It doesn't seem Oleg will get the answer he wants from Teresa.

Yay, Sheila and Fedor escaped. It's a good thing those super cops Ernie and Charlie didn't think to have agents watching the stairwell in addition to the elevator.

So Sami kept his key in an air vent at the opera house? Okay. I liked the singer, the architecture, and seeing everyone dressed up. And I got a giggle out of Ernie and Charlie donning everyday dark blazers to try to blend in with the fancy-dressed crowd.

I don’t see how Faustino can get back into Colombia without being recognized, but I guess he has a good plan.
 

OT

Weirdo, nice to see you! Here's hoping Mujer comes soon.
 

Reina3

Yes, that was “some kind of recap”, Juanita. A very good one. Thank you.

Thank goodness Fedor and Sheila remembered to take the key.

IMHO, Aguilar is screwed no matter what he does. Will (or can) Senator Garcia help? IIRC, he wants to take down Kozar so perhaps he should get involved. Maybe someone else remembers more about it.

I’m not so sure either, but Batman was supposed to ask Salvo to find them a place to stay. Maybe that’s what he was looking for.

“Oleg asks Pablo about his father” I remember Oleg told Sofia he didn’t like Pablo at first, but he “got used to him”. Maybe he wants Pablo to keep his mind on his mission and less on Teresa. Anyway, Oleg has confessed his feelings to Teresa. So now it’s up to her to decide what to do. I’ll never completely warm up to Pablo. Like Oleg, I’m used to him being around.

Three dead Horsemen, four if you count Higgins. Should I assume our guys will escape unscathed, with Sami’s key? Then they have to figure out what to do with it. Fedor will have to decode those hieroglyphics. I’m still wondering if an undead Higgins will appear.

 

reina3

Many thanks, Niecie in MD and dondi356, for your helpful and insightful comments.

Niecie, yes, apparently Sami kept the key in an air vent in the opera house. It seemed to me a dumb place to keep such a valuable item. What if the opera house's air circulation needed some work and a workman opened the vent and found this strange item. Would he decide that this might be the cause of the problem and thus throw it out? Or just throw it out because it doesn't belong there? Oh well, I guess Sami is a risk taker. Oops, make that was a risk taker! And yes, I too enjoyed seeing everyone all dressed up, though I'm also happy that I don't have to do that when I go to the opera.

dondi, thanks very much for reminding me that Senator Garcia wants to bring down Kozar. Whether that will be enough for him to do whatever Epifanio wants isn't clear. Thanks too for reminding me that Batman was supposed to ask Salvo for another place for Our Team to stay. My memory is never all that great, but late at night it's especially frail. And you raise a very interesting speculation about whether "an undead Higgins" may turn up.

Finally, Hi Weirdo. Good to see you and your delightful avatar.
 

reina3

Fantastic recap, Juanita! Excellent descriptions and spot on dialog.

How I love Ernie and Charlie striking out once again. They are starting to remind me of Charlie Brown, with Teresa representing Lucy eternally yanking that football away.

Why is Gallardo so eternally helpful? I guess it could be thinking there’s still a possibility of getting a share of that reward. But I suspect that, if they didn’t nab them at the Mortati Palace, Ernie would reneg, even though Gallardo pointed them to Bar Sur. I was glad that Salvatore was not there to be the one beaten up. But it seems more than interest in the reward. Gallardo is sort of like a natural sabueso (bloodhound). He sensed something “off” about “Elena and Felipe” and would not give up trying to expose them.

Yes, I agree with dondi. There was a scene a while back in which we saw that the Spanish speaking U.S. Senator is willing to go to any lengths to bring down Kozar. I remember commenting that our Senator, Alex Padilla, would not be involved in a plot with a crooked Mexican president.

How many times is Interpol going to step aside and let Ernie and Charlie brutalize people? Sheesh! I sometimes wonder if that is what people south of the border think of us…lawless.

OK, something is confusing me. Supposedly Aguilar was grabbed up before Epi could pass the Ley of Sometimiento. Don't think Aguilar even had an opportunity to contact "the amigos" to say he'd agreed. But they showed Sami a photo of the pilot who supposedly had the $30 million on the plane. Were they planning to stiff him? They didn’t know he’d be killed, that’s for sure. Or is that another of those things the writers gloss over, letting us fill in the blanks.

Was Charlie aiming at Oleg and missed? How did he and Charlie know that Sami had the third key?

Was it Charlie who killed Rocio? I suspect his days are numbered. Faustino will absolutely finish him off. He definitely killed employees at the daycare in Spain.

I don’t think the key has been in that vent all along. Sami said something about moving it on a regular basis.

I suspect that, when Fedor mentions the abortion, he refers to her wanting one. I don’t think it’s already happened. I predict a scene in the future with Batman holding an adorable baby. In my experience the only abortions in novelas are in the past and mentioned as an awful secret from someone’s past.
 

reina3

Thanks VERY much, novelera, for your excellent questions and comments.

I too was wondering whether Charlie was aiming at Sami. Teresa was right next to him, and I thought it was possible that he was aiming at her.

Charlie knew that Sami had the key because the guy Ernie and Charlie were beating up and terrorizing at the Bar Sur said that Sami was going to give Teresa a key at the theater.

I'm not sure, but I think it was Charlie who shot Rocio. Whether or not it was Charlie, he deserves to die.

For all the reasons you listed, I too think it's likely that when Fedor said "el aborto," he was referring to the possibility of an abortion and Sheila's saying she wanted one, rather than that one had already taken place. But for the recap, I decided to go with what Fedor said, so that it would create the same ambiguity.
 

reina3

#47 – Apocalipsis – parte 1 de 3

Ernie is on the phone with Kozar. He tells her that the man “they took care of” was Samuel Gravier, a guy who disappeared 3 days ago along with two of his friends. He tells her he’s sure Sami was a Horseman because of something that the guy they captured said. Kozar: “Do you think they got the key?” Ernie tells her yes because they sent a guy to search the palco (box in a theater), and it wasn’t there. She asks what the odds are of their capturing Teresa Mendoza. Ernie replies none.

We see the scene back up a bit to Teatro Colón and see Ernie and Charlie’s fruitless pursuit. Ernie says they did everything they could; and now she knows they’re here. Kozar says that, with this evidence, Vargas can destroy me. Ernie counters that the testimony of the lawyer can sink Vargas first. He goes on to say that they have to get out of Argentina right now. The way they got rid of the Horseman was…irregular. He’s sure Interpol and the Argentinian police will mount an investigation. We see that they found Teresa’s purse.

Anton tells Landero about the DEA finding Bar Sur. They all smile when Pablo shows them the last key.

Batman, Sheila and Fedor are in the Argentinian hideout. Sheila tells Fedor that Batman won’t rest until he avenges Vargas having his children killed. Batman says that she’s right. He needs to do this in order to look Sheila’s child in the face. Sheila, at last, says that she’s not having the baby. Batman is very upset. Fedor leaves, and they have it out. She presents her arguments. That their lives don’t work for being parents. Batman tells her about his horrible childhood with a drunken father. And that he vowed to be different to his children. This was stolen from him by Vargas.

Teresa, Pablo and Oleg arrive at the Buenos Aires hideout.

Charlie is analyzing the phone that was inside the bag Teresa dropped. He has found some called numbers and a voice mail. Charlie plays Faustino’s message for Ernie. In the message Faustino asks about TeamA and says his parcerito (homie) has found them a place to stay. They’ll have to chupar frio (suck on some cold air). He says he’ll send them the coordinates when he has them. We see Ernie’s triumphant grin as he and Charlie clink beer bottles. I suspect he thinks Faustino will call again with the location, and they'll have it.

Teresa has gotten a phone and is telling TeamP what happened. Waaay ahead of Ernie, she tells them to get rid of all their phones. They are to memorize her new phone number and contact her on it when they’ve gotten new phones. We see Faustino throw the phones in a stream on their way out.

Teresa, Pablo, Oleg, Batman, Anton, Sheila and Fedor are talking about the keys. Salvatore arrives. He says he’s leaving Buenos Aires. When Teresa gets upset, he tells her that they need to choose where they want to go, and he’ll get them away. Teresa gets frustrated. They have all three keys, but they don’t know what to do with them. Pablo breaks the bad news to Epi that they don’t know what to do with the keys.
 

reina3

#47 – Apocalipsis – parte 2 de 3

Epi and Delio are reviewing a document in Mexico City. It seems that “they” drew up this document. They have said that, since Aguilar is missing, Delio is to be the intermediary. Delio hates this! Epi tells him to cheer up. He always echas a perder el día ruins his day. They want the law put before the public ¡y ya! Delio is aghast when Epi says he’ll do it right away. He says that the public will be upset by this. It involves small prison sentences and nothing to compensate the victims. Delio then tells Epi that the generals are waiting.

In Washington, D.C., some aide of Senator Garcia confirms that “they” are holding him there (Aguilar, I assume). Garcia asks the guy if he can learn anything else.

We’re back to the room where Aguilar is being held, along with an interpreter. There’s quite a bit of back and forth, but Aguilar names his terms for throwing Epi under the bus. His wife, his children, and his mother-in-law are to be brought to the U.S. They have to guarantee that he’ll never spend a day in jail; that his assets won’t be touched; and he’ll be re-located to the city of his choosing. Plus, he wants it all in writing and guaranteed by a prosecutor. When she asks if his info is that good, he replies that it’s good enough to either get Epi to resign or to put him in jail. Kozar is delighted, but she tells the people helping her that Aguilar has to stay in that room until things are finalized.

Ernie meets with Gallardo and Julieta and treats them like he treats everyone who isn’t of immediate use to him. They’ll get no reward because she wasn’t captured. Gallardo rightly says that the lack of capture was the fault of the DEA, not the information that led to her. Ernie gives them a significant look telling them to forget everything. He puts a bill on the table and tells them the DEA is buying their coffee.

Teresa calls Estefanía. They discuss the fact that the video she took of Mortati admitting he knew about the rape is going to be made public. Stefi is going to leave there and go to the police to report the rape, AND Mortati’s illegal casino.

Oleg suggests that maybe they need to investigate Higgins. But Fedor's searches don't come up with a thing.

Julieta and Gallardo arrive at work. Mortati greets them in full hissy mode. He calls them traitors. He says they investigated Elena without his authorization. He’s furious, and he fires them both. He’s had their things brought to his office and wants them to leave immediately. Just then a couple of odd-looking cops in red windbreakers and black caps arrive to take Mortati to police HQ to make a statement about a crime that’s been reported about his complicity in covering up a rape and about his casino. As he's being hustled out, he asks Julieta to call his lawyer, and she reminds him that she doesn’t work for him anymore.
 

reina3

#47 – Apocalipsis – parte 3 de 3

Epi meets with three generals. He’s telling them to be objective. One of them tells him that la ley es una payasada y una ofensa. {The law is a joke or a charade and offensive.) He goes on to say that they’ve seen their comrades fall, and the widows of those men won’t see this as what he’s called it: a solution. Epi gets on his high horse and says they can’t keep up with this war…a war of the gringos. Always right there with a pithy remark, Epi says that he’s the president who has to take care of the forest, while they worry about a few trees.

Garrido calms the waters and says it’s a difficult issue. It perhaps would not be so bad to turn over a leaf and focus on other things. Epi loves this. He says: me gusta saber de que lado masca la iguana.. (Let’s see how the cookie crumbles.) He wants them all to be in agreement.

Bebita greets the generals with a big smile when they leave the conference room. Garrido lags back and tells her that the information she provided was very useful He says that Aguilar is now in the U.S. They must be up to something big. He thinks it has to do with Mendoza. He thinks the lawyer may strike a strong blow against Epi. He also tells her about the law that Epi plans to get passed to help his narco friends. He assures her the DEA doesn’t have any idea about her cooperation. He’s protected her.

Our Team is hitting a brick wall about the next step. They bicker some. We see Sheila moving the keys around and eventually fitting them together. Everyone runs over to see. Fedor says to look at the symbols. They’re in sequence like una clave (a code).

Faustino and TeamP are back in Colombia. He takes them to a place where he says he lost three years of high school. People are in an alley playing tejo, a very popular pastime in Colombia. Stones are thrown at triangular pieces that have gunpowder inside. With a hit, the triangles explode. After watching this a while, the group goes into a sort of General Store to buy things. Sofia says they’re eco-tourists.

The charming proprietor doesn’t sell cell phones, but Faustino convinces him he’ll definitely pay for an international call.

In Argentina, Fedor struggles with the symbols on the joined keys. Oleg has an inspiration and says it has something to do with the apocalypse. There are Four Horsemen: black, white, bay, and red. This lights a spark in Fedor’s big brain. “In what language was the Apocalypse written?” Pablo responds that it was Aramaic and then Greek. Oleg intuits that what’s there represents numbers.

Fedor says that the Attic numeric system was the oldest one used by the Greeks. Looking up something very old on his laptop, he begins dictating numbers to Teresa. Batman wonders if it’s a telephone number, but Pablo says that it’s coordinates. Fedor finds the place where those coordinates are and finds that it’s in an area called the Bosque de Arrayanes in Ecuador. They are thrilled by this place to look. Oleg even hugs Pablo!
 

reina3

Wow! Many thanks, novelera, for this excellent recap of a consequential episode. You helped me see several things I missed, as well as helping me understand some Spanish that had gone right by me, in one ear and out the other without coming near my brain.

I thought the scene between Sheila and Batman was well done. In addition to the points you mentioned, Sheila accused Batman of wanting a child to heal his wounds, and she asked him "What could I teach a child? We have to look at what we are." What she says is compelling. Nonetheless, I'm almost certain that she'll decide not to have an abortion, or she'll try to have one only to find that it's too late. It's true that LRDS tries to push beyond some conventions, but I doubt they'll show a good person like Sheila aborting a baby.

I loved the scene where Lorenzo has a hissy fit, gets taken away by the strangely dressed police, and asks Julieta to call his lawyer, only to be reminded by her that she no longer works for him.

I also liked the fact that just about every member of TeamA contributed to solving the mystery of the keys, starting with Sheila's recognizing that the 3 keys fit together. Oleg suggested that the symbols were numbers, and Pablo recognized that they were coordinates. And, of course, Fedor made it happen. I'm a little surprised that after all the mentions of the Horsemen, I never thought about the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse until Oleg, I think, mentioned it.

I'm really pressed for time (mornings are often that way), so I'll stop now. Again, MANY THANKS!!
 

reina3

Gracias, Novelera. This is a crucial episode and you brought details to light that I missed. I always love vocab, especially the slang.

I have to give Epifanio credit for being a great speechifier. He has certainly got the gift of gab.

Fedor, super smart as he is, made me laugh when he sat there a wee too long while Batman and Sheila went back and forth about an abortion. Most third parties would've known to immediately ease out of the room for such a private convo.

I guess Estafania is safe with the three amigos dead.

I got a kick out of Ernie treating Julieta and Gallardo like unwanted leftovers. They had a right to report Teresa, but then they were complicit in covering up for the three amigos.

On solving the mystery of the keys, I have to give credit to my fellow Caraymates here who have for some time been tracking with TeamA's solving the mystery of the keys.
 

reina3 Ep. 48 p. 1 of 2

The episode opens in Buenos Aires. TeamA has decided to split up. Teresa, Oleg, Pablo, and Anton will go to Ecuador to get the evidence. Batman, Sheila, and Fedor will join TeamB in Colombia. TeamA ask Salvo for help with the transportation to Ecuador and Colombia. Salvo says OK, but after that, you're on your own.

Epifanio and the General who forcefully objected to his plan talk. Apparently this General is on Epi's side and only pretended to oppose him so that the others would leave him alone. He tells Epifanio that the only thing that surprised him was Garrido's supporting Epifanio. He was expecting that Garrido would be opposed.

Teresa calls Epifanio to let him know that they've found where the evidence is. It's in Ecuador, in the Bosque de Arrayanes. She tells him they've fulfilled their part of the agreement. Now Epifanio owes them money, her freedom, and Pablo's father. She also tells him they have to leave Argentina carefully, since the DEA and Interpol are after them.

In Washington, Senator Garcia speaks with Epifanio by phone and tells him that Aguilar is about to cooperate with Kozar and the DEA. He asks Epifanio how Aguilar's testimony will affect Epi. Epi says it won't. Garcia says it will affect me. Epifanio tells him that Teresa has found the evidence in the Bosque de Arrayanes in Ecuador. Garcia tells him, "If I were you, I'd get my hands on the evidence ASAP."

Batman and Sheila are still angry with each other. Fedor tells TeamA, "Don't worry, I'll take care of them."

Pablo apologizes to Salvo for all the problems they've caused him. Salvo informs him that they've done him a favor: he's a millionaire! He explains, "there's a pilot in Tierra del Fuego with $30 million. He thinks it's his. But it's mine." When asked how he can find the pilot, Salvo says "He's flying my plane. It's traceable. Everything in the plane is mine."

Epifanio wants to go to Ecuador himself to see the evidence. He gets angry when Montaño wants to go with him. Epifanio and the General he trusts concoct a plan to enable Epifanio to go to Ecuador without anyone knowing. He'll go for a medical checkup. The general will arrange that only doctors and nurses he trusts will be involved. From the military hospital, Epifanio can leave for Ecuador.

TeamB arrives at the house Faustino has chosen because it will protect them.. It's very run down, is powered by a generator that hasn't worked in 10 years. He tells them that the important thing is that we're protected here.

Epifanio tells Bebita he's going to the hospital for a routine checkup. She offers to go with him. He tells her that's not necessary. She notes that he's bringing a lot of clothes for a short hospital stay. He claims he likes to be well dressed. She tells him she hopes everything is OK.

Batman, Sheila, and Fedor arrive at the house where Faustino and the others are staying. Fedor says he's never been in a place like this before. "It's very...picturesque." Mateo is clearly very jealous of Fedor, and Fedor realizes this, probably because he's grown fond of Sofia.

In Ecuador, Pablo approaches a man and asks, "Is this your car?" When the man says yes, Pablo hands him a very thick stack of bills and asks for the keys. The man hands him the keys. TeamA drive off in their newly acquired car.

Bebita removes the top of the toilet to retrieve the cell phone she hid there. She calls someone named Carlos (I think--but who is Carlos?) to let him know that something strange is going on involving Epi.
 

reina3 #48 p. 2 of 2

Ernie and Jane Kozar are together in Washington. Ernie tells Jane that he did everything he could to capture Teresa Mendoza. Jane tells him she doesn't want to talk about work. Ernie continues to try to justify what he did. Jane repeats that she doesn't want to talk about work. The next thing we see are various articles of clothes, plus at least one wine glass, strewn across the bedroom floor. Ernie and Jane are in bed. Ernie then turns to Jane and says, "That was different." "Different how?" asks Jane. "I guess I liked it," replies Ernie. "Me too...I think." says Jane. [I think what was "different" was simply that she was on top...we see her roll off him as the conversation starts.]

Charlie returns to DEA headquarters and is stunned to see people clearing out desks and piling documents in cartons. "What's going on?" he asks. He gets no answer. He asks someone else, "Who ordered this?" No answer.

Pablo and Teresa are talking. Teresa asks what freedom will feel like. She adds, "I've never felt completely free or in charge of my own life. Now that I'm about to get freedom, I don't know what I'm going to do." She tells Pablo about her past experiences, and she says, "Now I can't make a decision without thinking about the danger of being recognized or will something bad happen to my daughter." Pablo asks her whether she's ever been to Portugal. He has property there, in Oporto. "Its's a good place to learn how to enjoy freedom again. I'm thinking of taking my father there. If you want, you'd be most welcome." She thanks him but says it's not that simple. There's Sofia and Paloma and her son. I'd have to ask them before making such a decision." Pablo replies, "Just the fact that you'd consider it is good enough for me." Teresa replies, "Of course I'll consider it."

We see Ernie alone, getting dressed in Jane's bedroom. His cellphone buzzes with a message from Charlie: "You're being transferred. No one knows where. Your office is gone." Stunned, he confronts Jane."I just found out I'm being transferred!" She replies, "It was either that or letting you go." Ernie angrily says, "Instead of making me director like you said, you throw me out." He points out that he captured Aguilar and brought him to Washington. She replies that it was her idea to get Aguilar. She tells Ernie, "We're done here. Get out."

Ernie finds Charlie. "The bitch wants to push me out. Called me inept." Charlie asks, "Did she say anything about me? I need to know what's going to happen to me." Ernie replies, "I've got more important things to think about. Figure it out for yourself." And with that, the episode ends.
 

reina3

Thanks, Juanita. Excellent recap. That's General Garrido Bebita is talking to on the phone. She's using his first name.

Pablo has grown on me, not that I think he is end game for Teresa. That was a nice way to ask Teresa if she would consider settling in Portugal with him.

Ernie, and I guess by default, Charlie, being kicked off the case was a surprise. He was so upset he didn't give a second look to the guy driving him in the cab. Don't know if this means anything, but I suspect everything now.

Mateo is hanging onto his jealousy. I thought, "how juvenile," but then he is a juvenile.
 

reina3

Thanks very much, Niecie, for your interesting and helpful comments. I clearly didn't remember that General Garrido's first name was Carlos, though once you mentioned it, I had the feeling that this wasn't the first time Bebita had used it.

I too was feeling more postively toward Pablo in last night's episode than I had before. And, like you, I was impressed with the way he invited Teresa to stay at his place in Portugal, esp. his almost tender "just the fact that you'd consider it" response.

I'm really curious to see what the writers do with Ernie and Charlie. I confess I have little sympathy for either of them, given how nasty both of them have been shown to be. Every now and then I think, "these are the good guys who are protecting the USA from drug traffickers," but that thought doesn't last long in this saga where, indeed, drug dealers (esp. in seasons 1 and 2) are the characters I like best and root for.
 

reina3

Thank you, novelera, for a great Tuesday recap that cleared up some details for me. Always appreciate the Spanish vocab lesson. Thank you, Juanita, for following that up with a great Wednesday recap. You also clarified things for me.

Duh, I never thought about the 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse either, Juanita. This must be some earthshattering evidence!

I can understand Sheila’s fears, but I feel for Batman. I hope they have the baby.

IIRC, mwendwaE offered a crockpot theory that one of the DEA guys would switch sides. Looks like that could be Ernie, since Kozar screwed him literally and figuratively. No chance for Charlie. He’s definitely getting smoked by Faustino.

I think arrogant Epi is making a mistake going to Ecuador. Good. What was the point of Montaño not being invited to go? Will he make trouble?

I’ve started wondering whether there will be a season 4. We only have a dozen or so episodes left. Is there enough time to get the evidence to take down Kozar, serve Epifanio his just deserts, get revenge for Rocio, and rescue Pablo’s father? Will we get a cliffhanger?

Teresa’s got a bad track record with men—will Pablo survive? If so, don’t go to Porto with Pablo, Teresa. Yeah, he’s not a bad guy but I don’t think she really loves him. If this is truly the last season, I’d rather see Tesa and Oleg ride off into the sunset together.

 

reina3

Thanks so much, Juanita, for the excellent short recap. I appreciated the details. My book club had a lunch gathering instead of in the evening, so I just got back.

Wow, that Salvatore! For a tango bar owner he certainly has quite the resources. He either still owned or once owned the plane that was to be Sami's get-out-of-Dodge transport. I got a kick out of his thanking TeamA for making him a millionaire!

I think the sex was "different" for Kozar and Ernie because she knew it would be the last time and wanted to make the best of it for HERSELF!

Charlie is like a ticking time bomb. Knowing how dangerous he is, IMHO it was a bad move to blow him off the way Ernie did.

Charlie was teasing Ernie and hinting that maybe Kozar meant more to Ernie than he was letting on. Ernie scoffed, but I thought Charlie may have been right. This would be an especial blow to Ernie, if that's true. Kozar seems like a sociopath to me. How could someone roll in the hay with a man and apparently give her all knowing she was going to send him to Siberia? I was actually expecting him to get killed last night. But she wouldn't want blood on her carpeting.

It may be time for Mateo to make his big sacrifice. It is NOT going to work with them living in such close quarters. Sofia looked disgusted at his snarkiness when they are all supposed to be on the team. Fedor is a 100 times more useful than Mateo, and I suppose he knows it. Plus Sofia and Fedor have more in common, having lived similar luxurious but dangerous lives. I don't think Sofia is transferring her affections from Mateo, but his pettiness is wearing on her. His calling Fedor on picaresque was just ridiculous. Fedor was NOT trying to be rich kid making fun of their surroundings. I thought he was actually enjoying the "camping inside" flavor of their hideout.

I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop about Garrido setting Montaño up with that briefcase.

For a minute there I thought Epi was planning to surprise them in Ecuador. But then in a subsequent scene they talked about him coming.
 

reina3

Thanks very much, dondi356 and novelera, for your terrific comments.

dondi, I feel very much as you do about Sheila and Batman's baby.
Vengeance is certainly a strong motivator, so I can imagine Ernie's switching sides, but I so dislike the guy that I hope he doesn't. I don't want any reason to like him. Perhaps Charlie will do in Ernie, and then Faustino will kill Charlie. As for a season 4, I have very mixed feelings. Telemundo has a tendency to milk its successes until there's nothing left. I've been pleasantly surprised that season 3 is as good as it is, though I don't think it's as good as seasons 1 & 2. So part of me would rather see Telemundo stop while the novela is still really good. OTOH, season 3 is still better, IMHO, than most other novelas I've seen in the last few years, so perhaps a season 4 might still be worth doing. (I'm not good at making decisions :-)   )

novelera, yes, I think Charlie rightly sensed that Ernie liked Kozar, and thus her treatment of Ernie must be all the more painful to him. And for her to have super sex with him knowing that she's having him transferred.... As you say (and as even Ernie seemed to recognize), she's really a sociopath. I wonder what kind of fate she will meet. And I agree with you about Fedor being a better match for Sofia than Mateo. As for Salvo, you raise an interesting question about how someone in his position could have afforded to buy and maintain a plane.