Caray, Caray!

VENCER LA CULPA

Another good one as we get revved for the final episodes. I will post a recap tomorrow morning.
 

VIDA #19

Notas del armchair, mostly from memory. Written close to order of events.

--► Porfis, add to or correct any errors and omissions.

Bless his heart, Rafa is sick of everyone treating him like a child. He knows they’re all hiding something from him. Andrea tells him she will investigate and get to the bottom of it.

Lorenzo tells Paula that once the land is transferred back, he plans to tell Rafa that he’s his bio-dad. (I think I understood this correctly?)

Rolando arrives unannounced, uninvited, and tries to seduce Paula, whose skin is crawling as much as mine was. Ew. Just ew. She turns him down, says she needs time. Rol points out she has time for smoochies with Pepe. Paula has flashbacks to their hot liplock session on the dock. Rol gives an Oscar-worthy performance of feeling rejected and hurt.

Emi catches Diego trying to run away from home and talks him out of it. Next day, Diego shows up at Rolando’s house where he’s having breakfast with Natalia. Diego says it was Paula’s idea for them to spend more time together, and he asks Rol to take him into the city for a photo exposition. (WHAT is Diego up to?) Diego also wonders why Natalia is there so much?

Sweet scene where Teo gives Pepe a Best Dad Ever trophy. Awwwww MAL shows up with two large plastic trash bags full of birthday gifts. We actually see her smile! Well, until Paula shows up with Pepe’s lost watch she found. Then MAL does MAL and ruins the day, accusing them of adultery,yadda yadda yadda. Later on, Evil Mother of the Year tells Teo it’s all his fault (I sincerely hope I got that wrong…please correct if I did) the morning went badly.


Pepe tells Paula they cannot keep seeing each other. Her fiancé had his dad arrested (Paula had no idea…cara de impactada!) and he’s sitting in jail as they speak. He points out she is going to marry Rol and he’s going to try to make his marriage with MAL work. He really doesn’t need any more drama or problems. (how long do we think that will last???)

Isa tells Lorenzo that Alex was arrested. Cara de impactada on Lor who had no idea what Rol did. He calls his attorney, the evil Natalia, then tells Isa to hop on his motorcycle and they’ll get this jail thing sorted out.

--► Last, Pepe’s hairstyle IS a thing. Hmmm. I saw a server in a restaurant this week with the same. exact. style. I had VIDA flashbacks during lunch. That was distracting. Not sure which man wore it better. LOL
 

VIDA

Doris, your wry, wonderful recap was the perfect antidote to another dreary winter day.

"Paula has flashbacks to their hot liplock session on the dock" had me smiling away.

"Rolando arrives unannounced, uninvited, and tries to seduce Paula, whose skin is crawling as much as mine was". It also made me skeeve. His crying and mewling is equally disturbing.

Even I knew something was up When I saw Diego actually smiling when he was speaking with Rol. He obviously senses something is up with Nat; I can't wait to find out what his plan is.

MAL did tell sweet Teo that everything is his fault and she shook him quite violently I thought.

Paula and Pepe can't stay away from each other. Paula was absolutely beaming returning his watch.

My favorite scene was Rafa sprinting across the street as his mother approached. There is something about him that I like.

Diana
 

Thanks Doris, I enjoyed your entertaining recap. I hope everyone(Paula and Lorenzo)get really annoyed with Rolando. He had no right to charge Alex with anything. I can’t believe the police didn’t check on the “attempted murder victim”.

Poor Teo. His mother is toxic. She hasn’t even bothered to fully learn sign language. Lucky he has a great dad.

Hoping Diego can stop the wedding. Funny how Rolando was going to call Paula to check that it was ok and Diego mentions Natalia being over there!

My skin crawled too. She better figure out you can’t marry someone you don’t want to kiss!

Rgv Chick, thanks for you great recap yesterday. And thanks for the info on MAL knowing about Isabel and Alex. I probably heard it but didn’t understand what was being said. Sadly that’s a regular occurrence.

Liz
 

VENCER LA CULPA #70 Part 1


*MANUELA is having a hard time with Carmina in her office. It gets worse when Carmina goes to leave anda passes thought the lobby loudly proclaiming Manuela a hypocrite standing up for solidarity between women but stealing her husband. She also accuses Manuela of slapping her. Angeles and Julieta stick up for her. Carmina finally leaves warning that Manuela is capable of going after anyone's husband, yours could be NEXT!!! Carmina finally leaves.

Leandro stops by to see Julieta. Manuela asks him about Carmina thinking they have a romantic relationship. He assures her it is only business. Manuela is the only woman he loves and he is there for her. He knows how things are between them but he needs her to be well for Julieta's sake. He is willing to do anything to help her.

Heliberto and his mother talk with Leandro. Leandro needs something to really scare Manuela. Leandro dons't think their plans are very professional so he is going to tell them what they are going to do.

Angeles tells Ricky that ever since she went to the concert, there has been a photo of her, that was taken there, on the social networks. There have been some people positing that they remember and admire her and they want to meet up with her. She has agreed to go.

Julieta is in tears with Chiro. He tells her that her parents are only using her. it must be so horrible being her. Susana the Younger tries to be her friend and consoles her. She tells Julieta they have so much in common. Neither of their mothers has time for them. Neither is comfortable with their bodies. Their parents are separated. Julieta has to smile.

Manuela chats with Amanda. Amanda asks if she has gotten more messages form her attacker. Maunela lies and says things have calmed down. She tells Amanda what she doesn't want to hear. Pablo is not violent like Leandro is. He forced her to live with him and put Lorena in that psychiatric hospital. Amanda looks for excuses for him saying that he recognized he made mistakes. He loves his children in his own was. Manuela calls him a manipulator and a liar and some day Amanda will find out.

On Saturday, Julieta is going out for lunch and visiting with her father and grandmother. He is waiting at Manuela's for her to get ready.

Angeles goes outside to wait for her taxi to her fan get together but before it comes, one of her biggest fans is there to pick her up! News to her, it is the president of her fan club knows to us as Fidelia. Angeles decides to go with her. Heliberto is driving. Manuela had made arrangements for Angeles to call her when she reached her destination. Instead, she gets a photo of her mother in the car with Fidelia and Heliberto. The message is for her to stay where she is and to not tell anyone. If she doesn't follow orders, the "star" she calls her mother, will pay with her blood. Leandro comes in and wants to know what is going on. He wants to help her. She finally tells him that they kidnapped her mother. If something happens to her mother, it is going to be her fault. He asks why?? She finally explains that it has to do with revenge. A man once sexually assaulted her and she killed him.
 

vida
Thanks, Doris.
I thought Lorenzo told Paula he would have told Rafa he was his father if Pepe hadn't shown up. Paula tells him he has to wait till Isabela is prepared to face what's coming and that they mustn't hurt the family.
I imagine we are supposed to be glad Paula is so determined to be with Pepe, but I wasn't charmed when she said she wants to be friends and still seemed to think this was a good idea even after Pepe said he wants to give his marriage another chance. I mean, how does she think that will ork when his wife reacts like this to her? No woman would like this I imagine. But Paula is rather self-centered when she says it does her good to be with him. This makes me wonder if it's a common behaviour among those who areterminally ill. If Rolando was a decent man and was in love with her,I would still find it quite strange that she is basically like 'I'll be friends with this other guy but marry you out of convenience.' Earlier Paula told Pepe they couldn't be together so her now changing her mind feels so...I wouldn't want someone to treat me like this. She also talked about how she wished German was there to help. It appears this is the first time she has serious problems with her kids because she's been neglecting them for so long. Or was German the one who looked after them more? It's a funny wish because if German was alive, she wouldn't have had issues with Diego.
I'm sick of Isabela and her 'hwe don't have to give him reasons why we want him to stay away from that family. What matters is that he does what we say.' Is she that stupid? Rafa already guessed she and Lorenzo were lovers. How does she expect to control a person who is an adult?
 

VENCER Part 2

*Nico tells AMANDA that he went along with Everardo because he knew he would have made his life miserable if he had ever divorced Tamara. He is sure that Leandro would have been right there with him because he taught Leandro. . . Amanda refuses to hear any criticisms of her son. She knows that Leandro never did the terrible things that he and Everardo did. Nico warns her that one of these days she is going to realize that he was telling the truth about her son and that she will have to live with the guilt of him being jailed for something he never did. After she leaves , Amanda thinks back about what Nico said. She decides she needs to talk to Dulce.

Tamara is moving out with her kids. Amanda tells Tamara about what Nico said. He thinks that he was set up but Amanda says she doesn't believe him.

Dulce comes to see Amanda. They chat and then Amanda questions her about how exactly she found out about her needing a worker in the first place. Dulce says it was Nora Pardo. Amanda thought it was Nico. She didn't know Nora. Dulce says that maybe Nora saw an ad. Amanda never placed an ad. Dulce is confused. Amanda feels so bad about what Nico did to her being the husband of her daughter and all. Dulce continues squirming.

On Saturday, Amanda waits for Julieta and Leandro at Leandro's office. There she witnesses a frustrated Irineo telling a woman called Andrea that she shouldn't come to the office anymore. She knows that Leandro doesn't like it when she comes to the office. It is good that he isn't there yet. She needs to grab the files she needs so she can manage them outside the office. Andrea says okay and that she is leaving.


*Joel has overheard the entire conversation between PALOMA and Cecilia. He confronts Cecilia about sleeping with Franco while they were engaged. She confesses she has HIV. He is concerned about his health since they have been together for years. Did Franco give it to her? Franco arrives on the scene and Joel punches him in the face. Franco offers his usual weak-willed excuse saying he MEANT to tell him but never did. He is among the worst of friends. Joel can't take it (and I barely can't) and grabs him by the collar and slams him against the wall as Franco whines saying that he deserves what he is doing to him and more. All he can do is apologize. Joel asks if he thinks that is enough. Joel says Franco disgusts him as he is thinking that if they had not suddenly been reunited neither Cecilia or Franco would have ever told him about the HIV. Franco says he distanced himself from Joel with the understanding that Ceciia was going to tell him about about everything. Cecilia will not let Franco off the hook and neither does Paloma. They BOTH were responsible for what they did. Ceciiia explains that she takes medication so as not to transmit the HIV and they have always used protection. Joel thought that they were just postponing having kids and that the pills she took were for high blood pressure. Franco knows all he can do is apologize. His punishment will be his guilt and losing his friendship. Cecilia tells Paloma that she had no right getting involved in their relationship.

Franco asks Paloma how Joel found out. She explains that he overheard her conversation with Cecilia. Paloma says that she is left only having more doubts about Franco. She asks if she can trust him. He answers asking if he can trust a person who talks about things that are none of their business. Paloma doesn't think they can have a relationship without trust. He wants them to think it over. She doesn't think they can get the trust that has been lost back. He tells her that he loves her more than he thought he ever could anyone. He hopes that she can forgive him someday. She tells him it is best that he leave.

Paloma tells Tolita that losing Franco is the worst she has ever felt. Paloma contacts her parents and tells them that their daughter needs them. (REALLY?) Paloma's parents decide that she never needs to see Franco again.
 

VENCER Page 3

*Susana the Elder gives ENRIQUE the good new about Amanda paying the settlement on her behalf to Leandro. Although she is so very grateful, she thinks the time has come to break off any relationship with Amanda and her family. He will think about it. Yaneli encourages Enrique to pursue Amanda. She adds that family is important but it can also be toxic. Nobody but him can fight for his happiness. He goes to thanks Amanda for paying Leandro. The settlement was abusive. She saw paying it as the only way to save the situation and is upset that he insulted Leandro. He saw it as telling the truth. She says that is why they will never be able to be together. She doesn't dislike Susana but has a hard time dealing with her bad moods. They both apologize and Enrique leaves.

*PABLO thinks better about his punching Leandro, goes to see him and apologize. They should treat each other with respect. He feels bad for what he did. Leandro's lip curls in disgust as Pablo leaves.

Dulce has settled into Pablo's place and they are getting along. He tries to ferret out more information about who gave her the phone but she is not talking.

Pablo tells Carlos that he used the apology as an excuse to see what Leandro's office was like. He must keep records of the deals that he does there. Carlos says that he has been investigating and there are lots of rumors about the dirty deals Leandro is involved in. There must something they can get him on.

Franco comes to see Pablo to tell him that he cannot continue to work for him for personal reasons. Joel is on his heels explaining those personal reasons. Franco is a despicable traitor with HIV. Pablo doesn't like that he is defining Franco by his medical condition. It doesn't speak well of him. Carlos explains you cannot discriminate against a person due to HIV. Both Franco and Joel end up quitting.


*On Saturday, YANELI is going camping with Axel and will be home the next day. Genaro is having stomach problems.
 

Vencer

Thanks, Jarifa. You captured all the despicable ones and the ones whose lightbulb is starting to flicker.

Yay, Amanda is having some doubts about Nico being with Dulce and about Leandro being a golden boy.

Yay, Dulce's hairstyle change is softer and more becoming. That front braid was too harsh for her hairline.

Too bad Paloma's parents won't leave well enough alone and let Paloma decide herself whether to be with Franco or not.

Yaneli seems to think Genaro's stomach pain is a ploy to stop her from going camping with Axel. But the poor boy looks like he needs urgent care.

Angeles being kidnapped is too horrible. I hope the locos at least have the decency not to touch a hair on her head. Knowing Helena Rojo was so ill makes watching this scene even tougher.
 

VENCER

Jarifa,

Another exceptional recap of more dark deeds, relayed perfectly.

Leandro has so many layers of evil, one more devious than the next.

I have no idea what Leandro wants. Was Manuela just a challenge at first, to be charmed, used and then discarded? I can’t decide if he cares for her at all or totally detests her. If he cared in the least bit, wouldn’t he have been livid knowing Manuela was raped and that her defending herself from the attacker was justified?? Knowing how Heliberto has stalked and terrified not only Manuela but Julieta, why would he let it continue and worse, recruit him and his hellish mother for more evil machinations.

Does Leandro know of Julieta’s relationship with Chiro and that he is Heliberto? If not, would that change anything??

I hope he doesn’t plan to have Angeles killed.

Pablo was smart to check out Leandro’s office. Finally, a small thread of hope.

I know that people make mistakes. My issue with Franco is not necessarily had an affair but that he never followed up ensuring Cecelia told Joel not only about their affair but her HIV status. He skirted responsibility for his part and for not apologizing to Joel. As his best friend, he deserved better.

I like Susana the younger but she is wrong in that Manuela doesn’t have time for Julieta. She has gone to great lengths to make more time for her daughter.

Amanda’s radar is up, finally sensing that all may not what it seems. What a horrible revelation she will have.

Diana
 

VENCER

Thanks, all.

Niecie, I hope that Yaneli is right about Genaro's situation. I do not think I can take another trip to the hospital because one must be coming for Pablito with his continual drinking of that vile tea. I hadn't noticed Dulce's hai. Thanks for the shards cup. I will have to take a look. : )

Diana, "Amanda’s radar is up, finally sensing that all may not what it seems. What a horrible revelation she will have." I think they are doing a really great job with her slowing realizing what the truth could be despite her desperation to want Leandro to be a good guy. " I like Susana the younger but she is wrong in that Manuela doesn’t have time for Julieta. She has gone to great lengths to make more time for her daughter." You can say that again. I am currently watching "Mi marino tiene màs familia" again and the same theme of the working mother who is supporting her children but is still despised by them for not spending enough time for them is present in two storylines.

As for Franco. He is just so "meh" about everything even in his apology. I am so tired of his long faced sad sack look. Paloma is way too much a busybody for my taste. She and Franco deserve each other. Can we close the book on them now?
 

VIDA

"I thought Lorenzo told Paula he would have told Rafa he was his father if Pepe hadn't shown up."

Thank you, waterlily, for clearing up my confusion. It takes a village ... or ... a Patio.
:-)
 

VENCER

"As for Franco. He is just so "meh" about everything even in his apology. I am so tired of his long faced sad sack look. Paloma is way too much a busybody for my taste. She and Franco deserve each other. Can we close the book on them now?"

Yes. Please! There are so many other fascinating stories and this just continues to circle the drain.

Diana
 

Vida.

Doris, thank you for that snappy recap.

MAL is a bitter itch if I ever saw one.

Liz, I am writing this down .." You can't marry someone you don't want to kiss."

Lor looks absolutely joyous to have this bouncing baby boy. It will be interesting to see what influence Lor has on Rafa . Maybe he can give him a scarf and get that knit cap away from him . I want to see Lor smooth out Rafa's rough edges . Well, I ,at least, want him to convince Raf to not take off bottlecaps with his teeth. Ouch .

Angry Diego actually smiled ( kind of evilly) when he was baiting Rol.

Does Renata ever go home?

I have had enough of Isabel.

Susan
 

VENCER

Diana, that was perfectly put: "There are so many other fascinating stories and this just continues to circle the drain."

 

Vencer

Thanks Jarifa, another great recap. I’m ready to just concentrate on Leandro and everyone in his orbit. Regarding Franco, I think Joel thinks Franco gave it to his girlfriend/wife. Is he only mad at Franco? I couldn’t tell.

I’m really worried about Manuela’s mother. Heriberto has killed before. And Leandro is pushing him to really scare Manuela. I say that is not love. Leandro is one sick person. Amanda will be devastated when all is revealed. I’m not sure why Amanda and Enrique are letting their kids, mainly Susana, come between them.

Sweet scene with Julieta and Susie. Susie is a sweet girl.

Carmina was horrible. And she had lost her husband on her own. By being herself. I think Pablito will get dangerously sick and the doctor will have the guts to report her. That’s the only way I see her out of the picture.
 

Vencer

Jarifa, thank you for a wonderful report as darkness falls.

The one bright spot was Dulce and Pablo talking .

Watching that awful mother and son trick unsuspecting Angeles into the car was upsetting , especially knowing that Helena was ill in real life .

I hope that Carlos uncovers some evidence of Leondro's dirty feelings .

Franco has a lot of baggage . Paloma should walk away ,but I think they may end up together. Franco is a Wishy washy high maintenance guy.

Hmmm...who was the woman who was hurried out of Leondro's office? Is she a person in charge of his nefarious business...maybe human trafficking , which has been a popular subject in many telenovelas lately ? Just a guess. Susan
 

"VENCER":

Jarifa: Body Count steadily increasing non-stop. Can anybody stop Psycho Leandro & his cronies ?


 

Oops! This was me, Liz
 

I guess I can reply on phone but on ipad it shows up at the end of the comments! Liz
 

VENCER LA CULPA #71 Part 1


According to the Uni website, the gran final is now scheduled for Friday 2/16. So five more episodes rather than six? Do I hear the Uni clippers doing their work?? Will they pull out a double episode? Doesn't look like it a the present time but who knows??


IT WAS ALL A RUSE

"When fear drives us out of our minds, we can end up putting our trust in somebody who doesn't deserve it."

The kidnappers threaten Angeles with cutting up her face with a knife as she calls for help from within the locked car. Angeles informs them that she knows exactly who they are and they are blaming Manuela for something she did not do. Rosendo was sexually abusing Manuela and she defended herself. It was an accident. She wonders how they knew that Manuela killed Rosendo and not Soledad. Fidelia insists she has the evidence to see Manuela rot away in jail. They drive her out to the forest where they threaten to shoot her. They end up abandoning her with no phone.

Leandro promises a distraught Manuela that he will get Angeles back safe and sound and why wouldn't he ? Unknown to Manuela and her family, he orchestrated Angeles' kidnapping to begin with. Leandro tells Manuela and her family that he is in contact with the police commander. He has wonderful connections due to his great reputation as a lawyer. He puts on the best act ever. Everyone is impressed. (His name should be Leandro Hubris Govea) He tells them that the car Angeles is in is being tracked by cameras throughout the city. In the midst of all of these "calls", Leandro is in contact with Fidelia and Heliberto to find out exactly where they left Angeles. He has his moment of supreme triumph when he delivers Angeles to a grateful family but especially to a very grateful Manuela. (Mission accomplished? ) He tells Manuela there is no need for thanks. They are family.

Angeles tells them all how Leandro appeared even before the police did. Everyone is very impressed. Pablo tells Manuela she has to file a complaint with the police. Leandro takes over saying that is his job but now the important thing is that Angeles is safe. Julieta is seeing her father as a hero! Sounding almost like he is accusing Leandro of something, Pablo comments what great connections Leandro has with the police who again chalks it up to his success as s lawyer. Everyone respects him.Now he is going to make it his business to protect Julieta and Manuela from her attacker.

Manuela thanks Pablo for being there with her. Leandro watches them kiss goodbye and has a hard time controlling himself. Pablo asks Leandro how he can best help in this situation. Leandro says he can't. He needs to know that as Julieta's father, he is always going to be a presence in this house just as Pablo is going to always be a presence in Pablito's life. He is going to be connected with Manuela just like Pablo will be connected to Carmina. Pablo asks what his intentions are with Carmina. Leandro says that Carmina could better answer that. Leandro has one more thing to tell Pablo. He and Manuela share a very special connection, trust. That is why she she would tell him things before she told them to him. An example would be WHY what happened today happened. Pablo asks what that might be. Leandro says that is very confidential and he cannot discuss that with him. It is all about "family ".
 

VENCER Part 2

Manuela tell Angeles she is not sure what to make of Leandro with his sudden assistance because whenever Leandro helps, it is never free.

Amanda expresses to Leandro her fear for Julieta after Angeles' kidnapping. She sees Manuela's job as being very worthwhile but dangerous. Leandro agrees and is asking for her help in convincing Manuela that he, she and Julieta leave the country for a while. She doubts she can help him there but adds that he also needs to forget about any kind of romance with Manuela and rather try to have a civilized relationship for Julieta's sake. He mentions Nico being moved to the penitentiary for his trial. She asks him if he thinks that Nico is really guilty. Leandro has no doubts. He is a despicable human being. That is why his father had no use for him. Amanda reminds him that his father was no pillar of virtue, either. She heard of some corrupt things he might have done as a lawyer. Did Leandro ever hear about any of that? Leandro's answer is : Of course not! His father TAUGHT HIM ALL HE KNOWS and he did well even though he had his defects. He was not corrupt.


FRANCO: DIFFERENT RUSE SAME DAY

Franco is walking on the street looking at his cellphone (What could happen????) He is hit by a man on his bike and ends up on the ground with a bloody forehead. Suddenly there is a group of men around him helping him up and asking if he is okay. One of the men gives him his cellphone back and Franco limps away. He does not look well as he stumbles along and thinks back on his relationship with Paloma.

It is evening and Franco stops at a food stand to eat. A guitarist plays and sings a sad song in the background that mirrors Franco's wanderings. "Sigo caminando sin mirar atrás." (I keep on walking without looking back.) He thinks of Paloma and she thinks of him. He offers to buy the singer some tacos. All is well until he goes to pay and realizes that the men who helped him earlier might have given him his cellphone back after his fall but took his wallet. His cellphone is dead. He ends up in jail over night.

After getting out of his night in jail, Franco goes to the hotel where he was staying and is not allowed back to his room even to retrieve his things and medications until he pays his bill upfront. The desk clerk won't even let him charge his phone to transfer the money he owes. Franco goes off shouting he doesn't get how nobody trusts anyone these days not even when they know you or tell you they love you! Is it all going to hell because of what he did in the past???


THE SIREN CALL OF LEAVING IT ALL BEHIND

Paloma tells Tolita that she wants to move somewhere far away and start over. She wants to find something that actually fulfills her. Tolita tells her to take her time and really think about it. She just had a bad breakup add that is not when people make good decisions. She would be without love and without a job. That is not what Paloma wants to hear.

Paloma tells her parents her plans to leave town. Her parents agree to support her if that is going to make her happy. She wonders if they are agreeing because that is the best for her or just to keep her away from Franco.
 

VENCER Part 3


RUSE #3 AKA GENARO HAS A BELLY ACHE

Yaneli tells her brother that her trip with Axel is now off since he is so ill. Genaro thanks her but reminds her that family always comes first, doesn't it??? Axel has heard Genaro is ill and comes bearing medicine and broth that he made himself. Surprise!!! Yaneli is going to join the rest of the friends at Manuela's house. Genaro is worried he could kick the bucket while she is gone. Yaneli tells Axel to look after her brother. If he gets worse call the doctor. Suddenly, Genaro is feeling better and when Yaneli is gone, he asks Axel what his true intentions are with his sister. Axel laughs saying sounds like something out of a telenovela. He only want to love Yaneli and share their happiness together. Genaro is not happy with that answer. Axel explains that is the truth and he will always tell him the truth. Axel realizes that they were raised differently in different times. Before, men were in charge and controlled things but now men and women should grow together as a couple with each of them having total freedom.

Yaneli and Axel have sex. Before, she asks him if he is afraid. He says no and asks if she is. She answers no. (BAD TRANSCRIPTION IN SUBTITLES: It was transcribed as "Tienes protección?" /Do you've protection? when it really was "Tienes miedo? / Are you afraid? )

JOEL IS READ THE RIOT ACT

Carlos tells Joel that he is out because he mixed his personal life with his work. It was not professional. Joel presumes that they let Franco go, too. He say they didn't have to. Franco resigned and asked them to keep Joel on and to support him.


CARMINA IS WARNED SHE IS PLAYING WITH FIRE

Carmina tells Nancy about her supposed moment of triumph in Manuela's office letting everyone know who Manuela really is. Nancy is not impressed and tells her to concentrate on Leandro. Nancy notices that Pablito is looking a little strange. Carmina writes it off to missing his father. Nancy disagrees saying he looks like he is ill. She asks Nancy if that tea is working. Carmina answers that it would be impossible for her to hurt her child.


ENRIQUE THE CURMUDGEON

Susana the Elder is SUDDENLY seeing that her father is not looking very well. His color is bad and he is looking really old. Nacho is worried he might have cancer like their mother had. Enrique, looking worse for the wear, curtly tells them the lab tests came back and he is in the clear. They want to celebrate but Enrique tells them in no uncertain terms he is neither in the mood or feels up to any kind celebrations. He angrily stalks away to go rest.


DULCE IS PUT ON NOTICE

irineo tells Dulce that THE BOSS wanted him to talk to her to make sure she doesn't fail them. Their confrontation with Nico in court is coming up and she better memorize what she is going to say. She is not sure she can. She gets so nervous having to tell so many lies with Nico right in front of her. Irineo says she will have reason to be nervous if she betrays his boss through what she says. All she has to do is say what they tell her as if she were a puppet just affirming and denying. He doesn't want her to get "smart" like she did before. All she wants is for her and her family to be left alone. She also wants to know what they did to Nora; where she is buried. He tells her to bring flowers to any cemetery because only God would where her remains are. She was run over in an accident. Dulce should be satisfied with knowing that. Nora had nobody to claim her body. He thinks that Dulce might have had some idea of the evidence that Nora had against the boss. Dulce answers that she knows nothing about that. Irineo is impressed that after all she has been thought she still has tears for others. He likes her so he is going to give her some advice. Forget bout Nora and act as if she never existed. She could end up claiming her body next to her father's or her little brother's.
 

VENCER Part 4

Dulce remembers getting her last phone from Nora. She needed to talk to Dulce because she had evidence that could be used against Leandro . Now that she had it, she was afraid that something terrible could happen to her. She only trusted Dulce. She had stored the evidence away and wanted to give Dulce the passcode to where it was stored in case something happened to her. Dulce was afraid being in possession of something like that. Nora saw her as a warrior who would see that justice would be done if she were no longer there. Dulce finally agreed and asked for the pass code. Nora was getting more and more upset and said it was better to see each other in person. That never happened because the next sound that Dulce heard was Nora screaming.

AMANDA'S SEARCH FOR THE TRUTH

After getting no useful information from Leandro about Nico. Amanda talks to Paloma about Nora Pardo. She tells Paloma she has her doubts about Nico's guilt and she is trying to get things straight in her own mind. The missing part is Nora Pardo. She was not only Dulce's legal rep but was the person who told her about the job at her shop. Paloma knows nothing except that supposedly Nora claimed Brayan's body but it turned out that she was dead by the time Dulce disappeared. Paloma says something else doesn't make sense. She is referring to the day Manuela and Yaneli came back to Dulce's apartment and it was all thrown over. Why would Nico have done that after getting rid of Dulce? To hide something that could be used against him? Amanda is going to see the prosecutor. She needs to know the truth.

PABLO OUT OF THE LOOP

Pablo stops by to see Pablito and Carmina is upset he didn't call. He is informed that rules are different now. Anyway, Pablito is out with Nancy. He wants to be involved in his son's life. She says if that were true, they would be together. Pablo is turned off by the same old same old. He can't be with somebody that lies to him, hides things from him and manipulates him. She finds that strange because Manuela is doing the same thing to him. Funny how Manuela tells Leandro everything. Carmina would never tell Pablo what she knows about Manuela because it is just too serious.
 

VENCER Part 5


Pablo goes to see Manuela and is disappointed that evidently she does not trust him because she has not told him what is really worrying her her. She admits it is a very painful thing to talk about but she will tell him now. We see a flashback with her narration. Her mother was a widow who agreed to live with a man named Rosendo. It seemed like he was going to be very good to them but that was not the case. Instead, Manuela's own personal hell started that day. He was after her from the get go and she was constantly trying to avoid him. He told her not to move and to cooperate or he would do it to her any way he wanted. She was like any other victim who started to believe what he told her. She came to believe that she was responsible for what was happening to her, that she provoked it. She was afraid if she told her mother what was going on, she would cause her great pain and sadness and she would throw her out of the house because Rosendo was her husband. One day she was fed up and tired and she and Rosendo got into a fight when she wouldn't give in to him. She pushed him away and he fell down the stairs. She didn't want to kill him. She only wanted to be left alone. She took her mother to the body and told her about her life being hell since the day they moved in. He forced her to be with him whenever he wanted. Her mother asked why she never told her. it was because Rosendo said that her mother would never believe her and blame her for coming on to him because he was her husband. Manuela just couldn't tell her because she felt was all her fault. Her mother was beyond shocked and told her it was Rosendo's fault and hers because she should have been aware of what was going on. Her mother believed her and at that moment, she decided that she was not going to allow this event ruin Manuela's life. Her mother was going to take responsibility for Rosendo's death and she did. The story was not done and the worst was yet to happen.


DING DONG : JOEL CALLING

Joel shows up at Paloma's door. He needs to talk to her.

FIN
 

VENCER

CORRECTION

Part 4

Dulce remembers getting her last phone CALL from Nora.
 

VIDA #20

Here are my notas del armchair. Please (!) fill in with anything else I missed. I think there is a scene I left out and I can't remember. Scenes did not necessarily happen in this order but are pretty close. And we have two (yes, two!) shirtless scenes.

We open with Isa riding behind Lorenzo on his motorcycle and she is wearing the biggest smile. They arrive at the jail just as Alex is walking out...and he sees them. Alex & Isa have another "discussion". He cannot believe Isa rode up together with Lorenzo and tells Isa that she has been distant ever since Lorenzo arrived. He doesn't know what's going on, but he is tired of it all. Same-old, same-old.

MAL gave Pepe two birthday coupons: one is a kiss, the other is a bucket of cold water. He finally chooses the kiss and it's a little peck on the lips. Closed mouth. MAL decides that is NOT what she had in mind and goes in for a passionate kiss. Ew. Pepe pulls back and the Patio cheers when he wipes her kiss off his mouth with his shirtsleeve.

MAL thought they were "getting back together". Pepe tells her he needs time, he's making a big enough leap in claiming the kid as his but don't pretend we'll be back together like before, that this is ONLY for the sake of the kids. MAL is clingy, etc. (nothing new here)

Paula is livid with Diego for defying her and going into the City. She is also livid at Rol because he didn't tell her he had Alex arrested. She goes ballistic over the phone with both of them and Natalia is impressed enough to comment on her ferociousness. Probalby also worried Paula will dump Rol. Dear Nat does not want to lose her meal ticket, so she tries to convince Paula that he has been madly in love with Paula forever.

Shirtless(!) Rafa is working on the tree house with Lorenzo, while Lorenzo is acting like an idiot telling Rafa he will bring him into the company after the tree house, etc. Seriously, I'm surprised Rafa isn't scared off by all this crazy talk. I would be wondering QTH?

Natalia arrives and we can see her drooling over shirtless Rafa; she's looking like a dog eyeing steak.

Diego tells Rol that it was convenient that Germán died, that he was probably waiting for Paula. Rolando says Paula is his reason for living while Diego looks like he wants to barf. Diego tells Rol he isn't going back home. Rolando says "oh neck no, you're going back" In two weeks you WILL HAVE TO OBEY ME, I WILL BE YOUR STEPFATHER! (yikes) Rol is giving strong signals that he'll be an opressive, dominating stepfather. Run, Diego, run!!!

Meanwhile, Paula has an attack of sanity; she is obviously having doubts about marrying Rolando.
(We are, too.)

Paula goes to the restaurant and is muy confused when she sees Marco working there she wonders why Lorenzo fired him. Marco tries to make it okay. That was a weird scene. (If these people would all just communicate...!) Paula asks Pepe to go take a walk with her, even though they decided to avoid each other.

Long story short, they talk, it's nice, they start to kiss. Real besos. Next thing ya know, Pepe is ... shirtless!!! and they're rolling around on the grass besando. Who knows what happened next(?!)
 

Vencer

Jarifa, you outdid yourself putting meat on the bones in this one. Your subheadings were inspired!

Gran fin, TV announced last night will be on 1/19.

Pablo was shrewd to suspect Leandro’s oh so smooth resolution to Angeles’s “kidnapping .” Maybe Pablo will be involved in Leandro’s unmasking? The suspense is building with new Nora/Dulce background. Sort of dreading because thinking will be big.

Young Yaneli seems the most together of all of them! I can see her as a doctor. And Axel is a sweetheart, supporting Yaneli, even chicken broth and patience with Genaro .

Thanks Jarifa, Clara
 

VENCER

Jarifa, your thoughtful recap was sensational. Thank you for the care and sensitivity with which you related the lurid and shocking details. This story continues to launch a massive assault on our sensibilities even as we are still struggling to process previous atrocities.

I really enjoyed “Sigo caminando sin mirar atrás." (I keep on walking without looking back.)”

What a living hell young Manuela endured, obviously terrified to tell the truth. Her mother believed her immediately when she told her of her stepfather’s abuse. He ingrained in her mind that she would believe him and not her. What a terrible tragedy.

And Leandro, beaming in the appreciative eye of his “family” whom he has completely hoodwinked with his “heroics”. At least Pablo eyed him cynically.

Leandro specializes in rubbing salt in the wound when he told Pablo “He and Manuela share a very special connection, trust. That is why she would tell him things before she told them to him. An example would be WHY what happened today happened.” That said, while Pablo looked very grave as Manuela told the story, I hope he will remain the strong galan he appears to be and continues to offer his unconditional support. And love.

And yet “the story was not done and the worst was yet to happen”. I’m speechless.

Franco has a very, very bad day. I have little hope Paula will go anywhere although I think she can do far better than Franco.

Poor Dulce. Whatever did happen to Nora??

The light is starting to dawn bit by bit for Amanda…

I knew Genaro was faking it!!

A final thought. Leandro must be planning on killing Fidelia and Heliberto, right? Angeles can ID them and would think it will become too dangerous to keep them alive.

Diana
 

vida
Thanks, Doris.
'an attack of sanity' lol. I still find it rather disturbing that attack manifests itself in impulsivity. Pepe said it doesn't do him any good having her near but Paula doesn't seem to care because she says it does her a lot of good. I mean, she was already focused on her business and not on her kids, now it's the same, only she is focused on what she wants instead of everything else. She seems rather self-centered to me somehow. If she has doubts, why the hell go this far with Pepe? She might be marrying out of convenience, but I'm not a fan of her behaviour. Another thing is that her secrecy won't help her form a closer relationship with her kids. She supposedly wants to protect them, but I doubt all these random decisions she keeps making will help her achieve this. It's going to be the same as with Rafa and his family. When Diego told her she nneglected them due to her focus on her business, Paula's response was that she left the company a month ago. I was like 'so what?' I do think she should have said she knows that she didn't pay them enough attention, saying she left her business a month ago makes it seem she doesn't like admiting she messed-up.
I hope Rafa won't get involved with Malena, which is an empty hope I bet.
Isabela wants to bury her head in the sand. Alex points out they have issues. But for how much longer will we have to deal with Isabela's 'he can't know the truth' and 'I'm so worried' attitude? She might want to pretend it's all to protect her family, but a bigger reason is that she is a coward. I don't see how they are going to keep the family unity founded on secrets and lies.
 

Vencer

Thanks, Jarifa, what a great detailed recap. Thanks for the info on the protection. I was surprised when I read that and then the “no”!

I thought Pablo looked a little suspicious of Leandro with the kidnapping. They all should be. Leandro got there before the police. And obviously the police never talked to Angeles.

I thought it was cute that Genaro was faking his illness. A caring big brother who isn’t ready for his little sister to grow up!

So Nancy doesn’t think Pablito looks well. I didn’t realize that. Maybe she’ll be concerned enough to actually do something.

I’m glad Amanda is getting suspicious of all that’s happening. I didn’t realize Everado was a lawyer, and a shady one! And taught Leandro all he knows. I do feel sorry for Amanda, she’ll be devastated when she learns about Leandro.

Liz
 

Vencer

Jarifa, thank you for another excellent recap as this saga spins and turns.

What did Nora know? She evidently was Leondro's amante , and she found out about his dirty dealings.

I have a feeling that Dulce is going to tell the truth . She holds the key to exposing Leondro.

What is Leondro's plan for Genero? That poor guy cannot catch a break. I think Dulce will talk if Leondro hurts Genero.
.
I hope that writers dont sacrifice any of the innocents .

Franco is such a sad sack. Trouble just follows him. He is like a bad luck magnet. I feel sorry for him, but he is the king of bad decisions. I think Paloma will take him back . Susan


 

Vida

Thanks Doris, great notes. I will say Rafa never impressed me until I saw him shirtless. With a shirt on he looks heavy set. I do believe he was holding his stomach in!

Wow, Rolando had people in the restaurant staring shocked at him. Diego must have had a sixth sense about him.

Poor little Teo wouldn’t play with Suzy, that was sad. Then he gets so excited at the chance of seeing his mother.

I’m glad Paula told Rolando off. I hope she stays mad at him.

Marco is our comic release. He sure looked surprised to see Paula!

Some beautiful scenery where Paula took Pepe. But did she really think there was a place he didn’t know about! I wonder how old she is in this? Too old to get pregnant, I hope.

Liz
 

VIDA

Doris, thank you for your fine and fun recap.

Lor and Isa radiated happiness after their ride down the road; Alex is more than painfully aware. Not sure why Isa continues to stay with Alex, it is clear it is duty, not for love.

I love watching Pepe with Teo, he is so loving toward him.

Diego is shrewd and will be a painful thorn in Rolo’s side. I couldn’t be happier.

Rolo (Lizardo) has a long tattoo down the inside of his arm; so does Rafa (Pedro Moreno). Is this a new trend or has it been around a while and I never noticed? 😊

Natalia was practically drooling at “Shirtless(!) Rafa…”; not that I blame her! He did not look disinterested…Uh oh.

Paula looked beautiful in her long gossamer dress. I’m not quite sure how the situation evolved but it obviously moved at lightning speed. Interesting that we only saw “Pepe ... shirtless!!!”

Diana
 

VIDA

Thank you , Doris .

That scene of Pepe and Paula rolling in the meadow was shot in an interesting way. I dont think we saw Pepe's chest, just his back. Paula is always in pants and a jacket, but now she has on a lovely dress.

I still cannot buy Valentino as a galan. The roles I saw him in were all supporting roles. I do love his interactions with Teo. He seems good at sign language and is portraying a very loving, affectionate father.

Why did Pepe even go to MAL with the kissing coupon? He should have just ignored it . He had to know that MAL would take advantage of the chance to plant a big , fat kiss on him . Susan
 

VENCER

Clara, a big THANK YOU for setting the date of the gran final straight. i was going by what was posted on the Unvision website where I rewatched the episode this morning. I didn't watch the commercials during the show last night or today. Nobody ever knows what they are doing these days in TV land. Glad you enjoyed the subtitles. It was a lot fun writing this recap. I agree about Axel. he could be a keeper.

Diana, thanks. The flashbacks with Manuela and Rosendo were absolutely disgusting. I now can understand Soledad sacrificing herself for Manuela. "Leandro specializes in rubbing salt in the wound when he told Pablo “He and Manuela share a very special connection, trust. That is why she would tell him things before she told them to him. An example would be WHY what happened today happened." You called it with Leandro and his smug delivery. Leandro never misses a chance to try to take Pablo down a peg or two.

Liz, thanks."I’m glad Amanda is getting suspicious of all that’s happening." "I do feel sorry for Amanda, she’ll be devastated when she learns about Leandro." I agree that is going to be bad. Amanda's character has frustrated me the most in this novela but now it looks like she might be one of the characters who will show the most growth. I am amazed that she is pursuing the truth no matter where it might lead.

Susan, thanks. "I hope that writers dont sacrifice any of the innocents ." I so agree. We have had enough innocents fall victim to the villains. "What did Nora know? She evidently was Leondro's amante , and she found out about his dirty dealings." I had thought that Leandro was all about getting to money of his that Nora had taken and was surprised to find out that it was a code to wherever she was hiding evidence that could send him to the big house.

 

VIDA

Doris, your notes from your armchair are delightful, especially with your sides which mirrored my reactions to scenes. Thank you so much! I also have to say that I loved your "rumination" about Paula on the previous page and...ITA!!

I can understand why Paula dropped her previous priorities to concentrate on her children, but she is now so focused on making up for lost time that she doesn't realize how she is still being controlling and thinking only about what she wants despite what her children feel and want. And now she has added Pepe to the list of people she is trying to control...because he makes her feel good! WT???

Waterlily, "Isabela wants to bury her head in the sand." Most definitely!! ...and bury her "secret" that so many already know! We'll see how long that lasts! Meanwhile, Lor is making strides in getting close to Rafa.

Liz, "I’m glad Paula told Rolando off. I hope she stays mad at him." From your comment to the TN gods' ears. We can always hope they listen, but they usually disappoint :-/

Diana, "I love watching Pepe with Teo" I do too! Pepe sure makes up for the wicked, toxic mother!

Susan, "Why did Pepe even go to MAL with the kissing coupon? " I was wondering the same thing. I was really hoping he'd go for the bucket of cold water. DRATS!!

Seems like our protags are making some really stoopid moves. I hope this gets better because it's starting to "circle the drain" (thank you, Diana :-)
 

VIDA

Thanks everyone for your kind comments.

Pepe, though a really nice guy but isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer, probably didn't choose MAL's bucket of water coupon because she would melt, just like the Wicked Witch of the West, and our telenovela would end far too quickly. He probably has figured out he's in a telenovela.

I, too, noticed Paula wearing a dress/skirt. Makes me wonder if they "moved any sofas/furniture". Skirts provide easier access than pants. ;-)
 

Vida

Doris....ha...skirts\dresses vs pants . Cinderella , A caray commenter years ago told me this fact when we were watching Big Ed Yanez in " Amor Verderos(?)"I think . Erika Buenfil always wore dresses and skirts , and I wondered if she ever wore Capris or pants . Susan


OT...I watched several episodes of " Griselda" on Netflix . Sofia Vergara is doing a good job as is Alberto Guerra who was in an Azteca telenovela " Para tuya Alcapulca." This show is based on a real woman drug lord . I did some research , and the show is not sticking to the factual facts .
 

OT...whoops..."facts "not " factual facts"
Susan
 

Minas - Part 1/4 - Some thoughts on the Gran Final

Super late thank yous, but it's been such a hectic week!

I was disappointed by the Gran Final, but it could have been worse. I had a bad feeling some good guys would die, but thankfully they didn't go there.

Emi ending up with Leo turned out to be inevitable, like we suspected. This relationship was written so weirdly. Emi, fiercely fighting against evil and Leo, just standing there. Leo was such an odd galán. I can't even call him an anti-galán, since if we go by the rules, that would mean he has some characteristics that aren't galán-like but he's ultimately the galán. This guy has TOO many that aren't galán-like.

Dan getting into witness protection with Sara and Romina was so out of the blue. Where did that come from? And now the rest of the characters won't be able to see them anymore? I found an old comment of mine in which I said they can't have them leave because then Leo would never seen Romy again and that doesn't make sense for a Gran Final. I'm still of that opinion. Everything is supposed to be sunshine and rainbows at the end and this just doesn't fit. Sara getting redeemed after everything she's done and Emi donating her organs to save her was too much. I get that it was a plot propeller so that Emi stays in the hospital in episode 107, but still. In La Patrona, the prota didn't donate her organs to Sara's counterpart, but still couldn't leave her home in the Gran Final. The whole donation thing didn't exist. Such a strange addition, me thinks.

Speaking of people who don't deserve redemption, Míriam. Gosh, this storyline is getting on my nerves. I'll quote Waterlily: "Sebas and Míriam ending up together makes me want to write fanfiction." (This had me cracking up for 2 minutes straight, brilliant!) The pure white character, Sebas, ending up with the morally gray (to black), Míriam. Why? Sebas deserves better. Míriam never acknowledged her mistakes, it was always someone else's fault. She got irritated when Sebas seemed like he wasn't going to end up with her. Congratulations, I guess, she wins the grand prize. And that while being obnoxious the entire telenovela.

Rob's ending was expected by me. I was suspecting she'd go loca when she started confusing people for Mauricio, even though he was already dead. But the eye thing was ridiculous. And I was laughing so hard at the whole beauty thing. Was it supposed to be so ridiculous? At least she kept calling herself La Patrona. But Emi forgiving her, not only for everything she's done to her, but to people like Ignacio, was too much. If I were Ignacio I'd be pissed. So what's the message here? Forgive everyone, not matter what they've done to you, otherwise you're not a good person? It irritates me to no end. And I almost forgot to add that the whole monologue was strange, I'd rather it with Roberta woken up.

Joaquina was another strange character, hopelessly devoted to Roberta. Okay... Rob harmed her in so many ways it doesn't matter if she once helped her.

Aleida, Jenny and Orlando's ending was the one I enjoyed the most. And I'm glad they didn't have Aleida be with someone at the end. You can be happy without a partner. And I'm not sure if she was the one who ordered the thugs to beat up Fidel, but if she was, thank you! His sorry butt deserved it.

Speaking of the devil, Fidel and Ezequiel ending up in prison was alright I guess. Although I thought Fidel was going to die, I'm happy with this ending for him as well, as long as he can't leave the prison, which he can't.

Cayetana leaving like this and she, Mar and Gael finally stopping acting like they're in kindergarten was both refreshing and too sudden. I'm glad there's some peace though, finally.

Gigí and Marat... Too sudden after Marat going after Zaira. And I think Jenny needs her mom after all this, Gigí going to run off to Uzbekistan is a bit weird.

Zaira and Tigre are another "what do these people see in their partners?" couple.

Patricio and Addled too although I thought they weregoing to end in prison for some reason.
 

Minas - Part 2/4 - Some writing/acting comments of mine

Since the previous comment was too long:

Zaira deserves better.

Patricio got what he deserved. Addled too although I thought he was going to end up in prison for some reason.

Does anyone remember what happened to Flor?

Over to the general writing...

I think it could have been SO much better. The writers are probably not going to read this, but in the 1% chance they do, I hope they take it as constructive criticism from a viewer and not as bashing.

It has had some out of character moments and dragged out storylines. It has had some weird relationships. But I think one of the biggest problems was that the stories did not develop simultaneously.

I don't know why, but it felt like every storyline was developed in different times, in the wrong times. Zaira with Tigre and Marat, for instance. Their love triangle was oddly placed near the end of the novela. Why? Sebas/Míriam was dragged out for way too long. I absolutely hate them as a couple, but if they wanted them to end up together, I think they should have started the relationship later on and cut out some scenes with Sebas clinging to Emilia.

IMO the whole Orlando/Flor thing should have been cut. I'd like it more if they had kept it clear we'll get Orlando/Jenny and develop only the drug storyline, with Flor, but without Orlando/Flor.

And please, if you want some character redeemed, make them redeemable. Sara went against her own mother for power for crying out loud!

And honestly, what's up with the galanes recently being so... Well, like Leo? Why can't there be balance between women "needing" them and them being completely useless?

And now over to the acting...

Livia Brito isn't my cup of tea, but she was good in the revenge scenes. I don't buy her happy scenes for some reason. Has she ever played a villain? Maybe having less pure happiness scenes would be better. Although I have to admit she did tragic scenes well.

It's kind of hard to judge Osvaldo de León harshly, because I think the writing ruined his character too much. I think he got sick of Leo as much as we did. I don't buy their romance with Brito, but again that might be the result of writing.

I've seen Anette Michel get much hate for her portrayal of Roberta, but I disagree. I liked her. She was supposed to be insufferable and she acted well. I think the real reason for the hate is because this is the remake of La Patrona and Christian Bach SLAYED the role of Antonia Guerra. She was so perfect in the role I keep thinking "Antonia Guerra" every time I see her name mentioned. QEPD. I want to judge the acting individually though.

I tremendously enjoyed Sylvia Sáenz as Sara. I think she nailed it! She was the perfect Sara in my opinion. I hope to see her in something else in the future.

I liked Rodrigo Brand as Dan. I totally bought he was so madly in love with Sara. I think these two slayed it and I really liked their scenes together.

Carlos Gatica did an outstanding job as Sebas. I think he deserves a galán role after this, an actual galán though, not a Leo one.

Cynthia Klitbo is one of my favourite actresses because she can portray literally everything with ease. I've seen her in Mujer de Nadie and Juego de Mentiras and she was outstanding. This time it was Zaira. Exceptional work as always!

Michelle Orozco did a good job with Míriam. I can't judge her harshly because of the writers' nonsense.

Mayra Rojas was a good Joaquina. She made the scenes believable and I give her much credit for being able to film that scene with Roberta asleep turning into Gambit/Terminator/any other character with red eyes without laughing. I think I'd be cracking up every time.
 

Minas - Part 3/4 - Acting comments Part 2, Comparison with La Patrona

Karyme Lozano was perfect as Aleida! I really enjoyed her acting. I really, really hope I'll see her somewhere else soon!

Alejandro Camacho did a good job with Tigre. Again, I can't judge him harshly because of the writing. I've seen him in Falsa Identidad as he was fantastic as the evil step father of the galán. I do think the writing was an important factor on the acting in this one.

Lizzy Martínez was another one who portrayed their character perfectly, IMO. I liked her acting from the first time I saw her in Mi Secreto. She wasn't present for many episodes, but she slayed her villain role. I remember myself thinking "I hope they give her a bigger role in the future" and here we are! And a tough role a well, since Jenny was so obnoxious at first, but turned into a good person at the end.

Moisés Peñaloza did a wonderful job with Orlando. He was very convincing and I enjoyed watching his acting.

Omar Germenos was a wonderful Fidel. Also very believable acting and a great portrayal.

Arturo Posada did a great job with Ezequiel. His facial expressions though, LOL perfect!

Katixa Mecerreyes (?) was a very believable Cayetana. She only was present for a few episodes, but she was very good in her role. I have a hunch she is good in emotional scenes. I just get the vibe. I'd like to see her in a bigger one.

I liked Valeria Burgos as Marijó and Edward Castillo as Gael. They also did a good job.

Alma Cero was a wonderful Gigí. I think her character was a tough one because of the later transition into a better person.

Rodrigo Murray SLAYED it as Addled. Exceptional work! His scenes with Sáenz were so full of emotion, since the two were perfect in their roles. Outstanding.

I can't say too much about Pedro Sicard (Marat) because he only here for only a few episodes! I don't think we were given an opportunity to see him in very intense scenes to tell.

Raúl Orvañanos was a very believable Patricio. I bought the loyal sidekick role he had. Good job.

Priscila Solorio was a good Flor!

Another one with not that much screen time was Adolfo de la Fuente (Mauricio). He was amazing! Terrific job!

Special kudos to the younger actors!

As for the comparison with La Patrona, I have to say La Patrona wins for sure. No offence, but the writing was much better. LP had so many interesting things that were cut, like my all time favourite couple, Antonia Guerra (our villain) and Rodrigo Balmaceda, the non-corrupt cop that came in San Pedro to catch the person behind all the crimes. That was SUCH an interesting storyline that was absent in Minas. Such a shame, because I loved that one. I've already talked about Lucas, so I won't do it again. And the characters had really aged up, so we had more interesting storylines. Plus, the LP's Aleida (Constanza) and Danilo (Lucho) didn't have new identities, they hid behind some full body burkas and pretended they are from the United Arab Emirates. We had a funny scene with that version's Ezequiel hitting on Lucho because he thought he was female. And Lucho just kept leaving because he obviously couldn't talk and have his cover blown! Another BIG change was that that version's Romy, Lucía, WAS the galán's kid. LP's version of Sara hadn't met with Lucho from the get go. They met while trying to separate our prota couple near the end. The galán told Irene (Sara) that he will marry her, but he will always love Gabriela (the prota). Lucía was named like that after Gabriela's mother.
 

Minas - Part 4/4 - Comparison with La Patrona Part 2 and Final Rating

Another 11 big changes were: 1) LP's Marijó and Gael (Valentina and Max) died in a car accident caused by Antonia (the main villain, "Roberta"). This was so shocking that I thought they were going to live, but nope. It was an interesting twist, though. 2) Tigre died in the mine explosion. LP's Zaira, Fransisca, ended up with Gastón, a character that doesn't exist here. He was a journalist who had a radio channel and exposed everything that was happening in San Pedro. 3) We didn't have Cayetana, but Cecilia. Ceci was Gaby's son's girlfriend and was somehow related to LP's Joaquina (Poncia) - who, btw, was nothing like Joaquina, she contributed greatly to Antonia's downfall and was Antonia's cousin, not sister. 4) Irene (Sara) had two sisters with different storylines. There wasn't a drug storyline. 5) The LP Míriam had a MUCH smaller role and didn't contribute that much to the story. 6) There wasn't a Sebas exactly, we had a character that was friends with Gaby at the start but didn't last for many episodes. The dude that was against the galán (named Alejandro) was Lucho, our Dan. 7) Chacón, who was this version's Ezequiel, played a HUGE part in taking the villain down. Antonia shot him in order to save Rodrigo the good cop because she was in love in him and at the end Chacón shot her for revenge. He died, but she didn't; she ended up quadriplegic and NOT crazy. 8) The LP Gigí, Prudencia, did NOT become empowered and was NOTHING like Gigí. She ended up getting killed by Antonia, but she had been so annoying that I was grateful. 9) The LP Zaira, Fransisca, was able to see visions from the present/future. It was VERY interesting and although it was a bit deux ex machina at times, I was disappointed when I didn't see it in Minas. 10) We had other characters that were cut, like Alberto, Ramón and Macario. 11) One of the most important, the galán WAS the son of the main villain.

There are other differences too, but I think these are the biggest.

Overall, if I had to rate it like I did with Invencible:

1) Main Plot - 5.5/10

As an idea: 6/10
I LOVE these kinds of plots. I'd give it 9 but I cut 3 because I always thought a remake of La Patrona wasn't a good idea.

Practically: 5/10
For all the reasons I mentioned. I am disappointed.

2) Secondary Plots - 5.5/10

As ideas: 6/10
Many LP ones where stretched, others cut, some added but not quite satisfactory.

Practically: 5/10
For the reasons I have mentioned.

3) Characters - 6/10

As ideas: 7/10
Pretty good job when the telenovela started. I have my disagreements but good overall.

Practically: 5/10
Mostly for the out of character moments, which was a huge minus. See the other parts for more information.

4) Casting+Acting - 7.5/10

Casting: 7/10
Good job, I agree with the majority of the cast. They did their roles spectacularly.

Acting: 8/10
I really enjoyed the acting. Up to now it's my highest rating.

5) Gran Final - 5/10

At the middle of the telenovela: 6/10
Okay, although I disagree with some things.

After the end of the telenovela: 4/10
The later storylines were weirdly developed for the Gran Final, IMO.

Overall: 5.1/10
 

Minas

Weirdo, that was a good analysis of the show . Even though I was disappointed in the writing , the acting was good . I enjoyed all the excellent recaps provided so faithfully by you, Diana, and waterlily and all the interesting comments .

I look forward on going on another wild ride with all of you. I also am looking forward to seeing some of these actors in other shows .
Susan
 

MINAS

Weirdo, thank you for your careful and insightful analysis.

I especially enjoyed reading about some of the differences from the original...especially that Romi was the galan's biological father. The first version seemed to have a higher fatality rate and I am glad that overall, that wasn't the case in "our" version.

This was simply too long and added to our frustration with the writing. Leo was the primary casualty of bad character development and the storyline suffered immensely from it.

I thought the acting was first rate especially as the actors had to deal with what they were given. The casting was good but I think Livia did her best acting in crises situations. Her performance lacked a certain believable kindness and compassion.

Aleida, Orlando and Jenny was my favorite story with Danilo and Sara second. Sara may not have deserved redemption but I love Danilo and am glad Romina has her mother.

I so enjoyed our patio's journey together...

Diana
 

OT/TELEVISA:

Mexican actress Renata Flores passed away from over the weekend.

 

Minas Finale

Sorry this is so late. Just congrats to Weirdo, Diana, and Waterlily for their hard work on this tale. I agree with most of their comments on this. The worst thig about it was the writing which was haphazard at best and truly ludicrous at worst. Since I didn't see the previous version I can't comment on the comparisons.

My nit-picking:

--- As Emilia went "undercover" we had to wonder how nobody in that socially incestuous little village didn't recognize her. After all, how many women are miners? She had to have stuck out like a sore thumb. Had she been replaced by another actress Livia Brito could have continued in the flashbacks.
--- Wardrobe for Livia Brito had too many things too risque for a woman of Victoria's stature. Not believable.
--- Since Emilia's and Leo's wedding took place about a year after the earlier events, shouldn't her hair have been 5 or six inches longer on her wedding day?
--- Joaquina was not actually caring for Roberta at the end; this was all Roberta's crazy taking her mind over. We should have had a shot or two of her in a padded room with a giggle jacket.
--- Emilia was written as near-saintly. No way would any normal person forgive Roberta or donate a kidney to Sandra. Neither were deserving and I would also think that Emilia's doctors would tell her that she should not get pregnant after giving up a kidney.

Kudos to all the actors who did the best they could with all the bad writing.
 

Vencer

Gracias, Jarifa. Excellent recap.

I'm nodding in agreement with everyone's comments. Leandro is so smug, but - yay! - Pablo is starting to see through him.