Caray, Caray!

velvet
Monday, #6, 1 of 3
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This may be a little down and dirty because I think I’m getting a cold. And watching Cristina’s father sell her in marriage to Alberto isn’t helping. Alberto is clear that he only feels friendship for her but Dad doesn’t care. He wants his daughter happy. And he agrees to pony up the dinero that Alberto needs.
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Meanwhile, Ana enters the O… (Cristina’s family) house and is introduced to her brother and Barbie. Ana is going to design Barbie’s bridesmaid dresses. Then Alberto shows up and Ana is “introduced” to him to.
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Gloria is arguing with some guy I don’t know and he wants money. Apparently he is soeone from her past and will spill whatever that past is if she doesn’t give him money.
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Emilio is having a memory of asking a woman (Ana’s madre?) to go with him to New York. She wants to stay in Oaxaca but also wants to be with him. Someone sees Ben and her kiss.
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Ana was invited to dinner with the Christina family whose name I still haven’t looked up. “O…” They talk business and it’s not awkward at all for Ana.
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Back to Emilio’s memory. The woman is pregnant and turning down a guy. I thought it was Ben she was in to but it seems that was another guy? And Ben was the reject? Then back to current day, Pedro is asking for a loan so he can celebrate his anniversary with Clara. Not sure why he’s asking Ben. Is he related too?
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Margarita (the blond with the glasses) is talking to Clara (brunette) and reminds her that it’s her anniversary and she needs to get something for Pedro. Then there is talk about the money that went “missing”.
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Raul de la Riva. That’s a top secret designer that Velvet is bringing in to design a collection, we learn at the super not uncomfortable at all fancy dinner.
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Valeria tells Gloria that she’s going to be a saleswoman and mama isn’t happy. Valeria seems fine with it unless I missed something.
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Christina and Barbie are chatting at a bar? And there is a giant horse statue in the bar? Barbie thinks Alberto is with her out of pity but Christina doesn’t believe this. They toast something and Barbie rolls her eyes. She might be the smartest one of the rich people.
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Al and Ana chat on the roof. Otegui! That’s the Cristina family. (haven’t yet pulled up the cast list but will do that before next week). And for some reason Ana is berating Alberto about his being with Chris, but I thought she was the one who ok’d this. Pick a side, Ana.
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velvet
Monday, #6, 2 of 3
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Alberto has a plan! He’s going to borrow the money and pay it back before he has to marry Christina! Ana does not like this plan and that’s what she was update about earlier. She doesn’t like what he’s doing to Chris, and I agree. This is low. But Alberto argues that this is what he needs to do to be with her and save Velvet. And reminds her that no one knows they are together (thus ensuring that someone will find out very soon). Except that Ana isn’t having it anyway with this plan and she won’t be the other woman. She goes inside to have a cry and think about the two of them growing up together.
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Al fills his womanizer best friend about all this. Ana, meanwhile, is still having memories of Al while she stares at the red dress. Her friends, Margarita and Luisa, come in a support her while she cries.
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Mateo. That’s the womanizing best friend. He and Al are talking when Valeria comes in to tell him that she’s going to earn her place by working on the floor, with Emilio’s recommendation. Something like that. Good for her!
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In Al’s office, he looks like he’s signing his soul away to the devil when he accepts the Ortegui money. Which might be about right. Papa Ortegui reminds him that he now needs to get hitched to Cristina. (This whole thing is just ick. I didn’t like it the first time either but that’s the show).
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Ana gives Cristina the tour of the workroom and talks about the bridemaid dresses. Chris asks about her and Al having grown up together but Ana says she doesn’t know anything about his private life. Chris thinks she’s being discreet. Poor Christina.
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Enrique, Chris’s brother, threatens Alberto about Chris. I missed this but I think Ernesto is threatening to take away the store if he doesn’t make Chris happy? I missed this.
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Max walks into the store to his own theme song and is introduced to Max by Emilio. He is a manager or something that Valeria is going to work for. He notes that she has the same name as the store owner and she tells him she is family. He laughs but Emilio points out that she’s not lying. Poor Max. This can’t be good for him.
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Gloria gets pissy with Alberto about Valeria working on the floor. He points out that the workers are the face of the store and are just as important as he and Gloria. (What are the chances he’s paying them appropriately?)
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Now Al has beamed to the Chinese gangsters and talks about the money Ben owed them but I miss this. I can’t be interested in this story line yet.
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Cristina knows Raul de la Riva, the designer, and greets him warmly. She kisses up to his ego and invites him to meet with Alberto (I think) and he gives in.
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So apparently Marga and Clara are sisters. Marge and Ana talk about how Pedro fell for the wrong sister. then their mother shows up and (something). Clara is still at work and walks in on Mateo undressing. They talk about her following him on social media and he gives her a pair of shoes in her size. She rejects them and says goodbye to Mr. Mateo, trying to keep things professional.

 

velvet
Monday, #6, 3 of 3
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Raul de la Vega comes over for the big dinner (?) with Chris and Al and Mateo. Or maybe it’s just a business meeting. Nope. Dinner, where Chris and Raul are clearly close friends, and Al and Mateo are just background while Chris works at Raul to get him to work at Velvet. Al tells him Velvet is his soul, and Raul, taking his glasses off so you know it’s about to get serious, asks Al what fashion is to him. He gives an answer, something about women having the dress of dreams (maybe), but it ends with him saying it should be designed by Raul. Toast!
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Pedro and Clara celebrate their anniversary and it doesn’t seem to be exactly what Clara wanted. But he does give her a sparkly necklace and gets a kiss and then some in return. But someone knocks on his door and interrupts, and it’s Marga to tell Clara than mama is there. This kills the mood.
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The next day, Al and Mateo go to work and Raul is waiting for him in his office. His glasses are back on so he’s in happy mood. And agrees to come to work for Velvet.
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There is like 5 minutes left and Telemundo throws in a few minutes of commercials. Why are they doing this to me.
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Raul makes some demands of Al and he agrees and wants to know when Raul can start. The boys are happy he’ll be joining the team. On the sales floor, Max is introduced to the staff as a manager and there is a look between him and Blanca. I looked him up on the cast list and can’t find him so not sure who he is and what his deal is with Blanca. But Valeria is introduced too and staff claps. Like they have a choice.
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Ana walks in to Al’s office to see Chris kissing him. Dramatic music. End.
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K
 

"JEFA"
Howdy from the Alamo City CarayCaray Family. Looking forward to seeing the recap of last night's episode.

 

Velvet,
K, hope you don't actually come down with a cold. I was exhausted last night, watched Karsu, rather than this. If my granddaughter takes a nap (doubtful as she slept until 9) I'll watch it this afternoon.

It is extra hard to determine who people are when they do flash backs using younger actors. AI could probably solve that for us some day by using photos of the actors from their younger years. We'll never know what is real in the future.
I'll comment later if I note anything exciting.
 

Velvet

Who pushed his way into your house and starts eating your sandwich from your plate? Pedro definitely lacks social skills. Also, is it just me, or are they making a big deal about a 3rd year dating anniversary? Of course my husband and I only dates 15 months, but we certainly didn't celebrate the start of our dating life, which would have been tough to do as we met at our 4 week field training for AFROTC. I digress. I think all this celebrating is over the top. A nice card, maybe fix him a fancy dinner, and you're good. Flowers are always a safe bet from the guy.

Well he got her flowers and she is allergic. Oops. And he thought it was only roses. Well his heart is in the right place. Clara certainly isn't appreciative of his getting takeout food from an upscale restaurant. Better than spending 3 months salary eating in!

So is this designer the same guy that showed up.a couple of episodes back? I think it is.


 

velvet

Many thanks, K, for this delightful recap, which covers the episode well and with some much welcome humor.

I don't have much to add. I too am very curious about the guy who is threatening to reveal something about Gloria's past unless she comes up with at least $100,000 (whether that's dollars or pesos I'm not sure, but I'm assuming dollars, since the novela seems to be set primarily in New York). Alas, although any enemy of Gloria is OK by me, I fear it's much too early in the novela for her to be done in.

The flashbacks of Ana and Alberto meeting as children and again/still in their teens made me recall my surprise the first time we see him as an adult--all his gorgeous black curls have been replaced by straight hair! I mean, how did this happen? His hair wasn't just wavy, it was delightfully curly. Did the filmmakers assume that no one would notice the unlikely change?

Yeah, there also seems to be more to Emilio than has been revealed so far.
And when was he trying to get the woman to come back with him to New York? Was it the same time he brought Ana to live in New York?

I loved your comment after saying that Alberto "reminds her that no one knows they are together." You add "(thus ensuring that someone will find out very soon)." Yup, I'm sure you're right!

Wow, I find it hard to take Raúl de la Riva seriously. He exemplifies just about every unfortunate stereotype about gay men in the arts. But I guess that doesn't mean he can't be the terrific designer that Alberto thinks he is.

And who the heck is "Max"? Like you, I consulted a "full cast" listing, and there was no one listed as "Max" or, to quote Emilio, "Maximiliano Leon." Oh well, better to have the character without the listing than the listing without the character. And, as you point out, there's clearly some history still to be revealed between "Max" and Blanca.

As soon as Cristina started kissing Alberto on the lips, I knew that Ana's entry was about to occur.

Again, MANY thanks, K. And I hope you don't come down with the cold that's sending warning signals.
 

velvet

What a treat to get another of those hilarious recaps of yours, K! I always laugh all the way through. Thanks a million.

Yep, they keep throwing new people into the mix. I didn't catch the fact that the new guy at the retail outlet was the manager. I thought he was just one of the salespersons. And ITA about good for Valeria for wanting to be a key person in her father's company. And, of course, her status conscious mother hates the idea.

By accepting Gerardo's deal to marry Cristina, Alberto just fell out of the galán role, almost as far as his father out the window. I saw a preview that showed another handsome guy who's not yet appeared. My money's on that guy for Ana's future.

Alberto paid off the loan shark and was smart enough to get a receipt. Did Benjamin sign a promissory note? Do loan sharks use them?

ITA Juanita about the stereotype of a guy in fashion being gay. There was a real crude, limp wristed example in the very first TN I watched, El Privilegio de Amar.

Agree about Pedro walking in and taking a bite of Emilio's sandwich. Clara is totally the wrong choice for him. She's got dollar signs in her eyes. I'm surprised they've been together that long. She wanted to go to that expensive restaurant (with the French word Pomme in it, if memory serves). I'm confused about how much he'd save by getting their food as takeout.

As for the flashback, I thought it was Emilio eavesdropping on the scenes with the mother of Ana. And I thought young Benjamin was the guy in both flashbacks. She wanted him to move to Oaxaca, and he was completely acclimated to New York. Maybe his father, who founded Velvet, sent him to Oaxaca for an extended period of time to run the factory there. So, does that mean Ana and Alberto are half siblings? And is Ana's mother the woman in prison and she didn't really die in the factory fire? Or is that some other woman? Is Emilio really Ana's uncle or was he the guy who lost her mother to Benjamin?
 

jefa

Is Venancio EVER going to find out what a snake Bacalau is? He eavesdropped on Venancio's call with Gloria and alerted Arturo to Gloria's plans to get Miguel. Like Duque, he really, really hates Gloria.

Ramona steals some more money. Oh, boy. I'm sure the Four Musketeers will soon be Three.

Please, please, writers: Let this be the end of Miguel living with his ghastly father.
 

velvet

I missed your snarky recaps, K. Welcome back and thanks.

I didn’t think Max was a manager. Emilio introduced him to Valeria as a coworker. Later he told the group that Max had extensive sales experience. And yes, there’s something between him and Blanca.

The flashbacks were confusing for me too. Emilio and Ben were in love with the same woman, Alberto’s mother? Now she’s in prison but everyone thinks she’s dead? Did Gloria have something to do with that?

 

velvet

Novelera, I could be wrong, but I was under the impression that it was only the fancy desserts that Pedro got from the expensive restaurant. He tried to fix up his apartment to somewhat resemble the restaurant, but his efforts were lost on Clara, who was unhappy that he wasn't taking her to the restaurant for dinner. Like you, I kept wondering how their relationship lasted for three years.
 

jefa

#66 – Part 1 of 3

The worst father in North America (and possibly also in South America) continues shooting at the car with his own child inside. Gloria calls Nacho. He tells her not to go to the airport or to the border. If the boy is a citizen of the U.S., she’ll be in a lot of trouble.

Duque keeps pacing behind Nacho hoping Gloria has been shot when she falls silent. Nacho is beside himself.

Yadira puts on a little show for Jacinto with a sexy black teddy and some stockings with garters. Jacinto tells her he’s going to show her her Mexican roots. [The lie she used when she met him was that she’d been born in Mexico but lived outside the country for many years.] He offers to wear a condom; but, if she wants to do without, he warns her that his guys don’t miss. He yanks her onto the bed and is all over her. It’s all Yadira can do to keep from throwing up on him. A camera, hidden in a bouquet of flowers, records it all.

Gloria, Fercho and Miguel go into the tunnel to which Nacho sent her the coordinates. Something has happened to Miguel’s foot and he’s limping. I yell at the screen for Fercho to carry him; he’s not that big.

As he continues to do the whole episode, Duque drips venom into Nacho’s ear. He says that Gloria disobeyed him by leaving Tijuana for the U.S. He also flatters Nacho that Gloria is completely on his side now because she called him first for help.

Arturo finds the tunnel opening and follows them.

A group of women are being shown what their new jobs will be. Laura shows them how to carry themselves, looking pleasant and also proud. They’ll have Nacho’s money attached to their bodies by special fabric containers. Laura calls them fajas (girdles). Ramona also starts giving directions and Laura glares at her.

Luisa watches her opponent for Governor of Baja California, Quevedo, being interviewed about the killing of the reporter. Asked if he thinks Jacinto and Luisa are to blame, he just says they need to look at who benefits.

Luisa thinks the tea her maid brought her is too hot and throws it on the woman. Then she fires her.

Yadira has gotten Jacinto tied up, and it looks like she’s about to whip him with his own belt.
 

jefa

#66 – Part 2 of 3

The brother of Luisa’s opponent for Governor finds out about Gloria’s $1 million offer. He says he’s heard she’s involved in narcotrafficking. And he’ll leave the campaign if it’s accepted.

There’s a very enjoyable scene with Mateo and Dani playing some fútbol in a local park. Unfortunately, some guy calls Duque to tell him about this. This gives Duque even more poison to drip into Nacho’s ear, saying that Gloria must really trust that guy.

Things look bad in the tunnel as Arturo catches up with them, but Fercho kicks some rocks that block his way.

Back to the park. I notice that the scenes showing both Dani and Mateo doing some fancy dribbling with the ball are shot from the waist down. Dani has warmed up to Mateo and sincerely thanks him for getting him out of the house. Mateo says all the right things…that he’s not trying to be Dani’s father.

Erna shows a tiny spark of intelligence and gains the confidence of the maid Luisa fired. She finds out about who’s been visiting Luisa.

Some outspoken woman I hadn’t noticed before jumps into the center of the women being trained as money mules for the Tijuana Cartel. Her name is Alina Rodríguez. Laura is suspicious.

Yadi gets a call from Gloria. She has gotten dressed, shows Jacinto the camera, and leaves him there tied to the bed.

Duque keeps playing Nacho like a fiddle, getting him worried Gloria doesn’t respect him. [I’m still baffled about how this low self-esteem jerk ever got to be the big dog.]

Yadira is trying to get her car from, I think, where the hotel guys parked it. Sone flunky of Jacinto rescues him, and they chase after Yadira, who’s just peeled out of the lot.

Arturo calls Bacalau to say that it’s true that Gloria was after his son. He’s going to get him back. He’s flying to Mexico right away. Bacalau says he’s always happy to darle en la madre a Gloria (stick it to Gloria) without his boss knowing about it. Yay! Venancio is just inside a screen door and overhears. I’m pretty sure I’m going to get my wish and see Bacalau’s unhappy end.

Dani isn’t thrilled when Mateo scores on him. Then he says he has to go to the bathroom. Ah, crap! Duque looks on from the bushes.
 

jefa

#66 – Part 3 of 3

The reporters are circling Jacinto’s and Luisa’s houses. Luisa was right. Killing the investigative reporter was a very bad idea.

Jacinto and his compinche keep following Yadira. He tells the guy that she could sink him.

Erna calls Mati about the hordes of reporters and that Luisa’s lover is Duque Medina.

Yadira drives up to pick up Gloria, Fercho, and Miguel outside the drugs tunnel, but Jacinto is there threatening to shoot her in the head. Gloria and Fercho come out of some bushes pointing guns. Jacinto shoots off his mouth, and Gloria shoots his gun out of his hand. His assistant also is disarmed. Gloria tells Jacinto she should have done her sister a favor and killed him.

There’s another scene with Alina, who’s very glib practicing her role of speaking with a border patrol agent. She’s either going to be a star or they’re going to regret accepting her.

Arturo names his bullets for Laura and for Gloria before he puts them into his gun. [Didn't he say he was going to the airport. How's he gonna fly with his hardware? Oh, sorry. Telenovela Airlines has no scanners.

Luisa tells a group of reporters that there’s no evidence for what Quevedo has said (about the suspicious death of the reporter who’d said all the bad things about she and Jacinto).

Duque comes into the park’s bathroom. Dani recognizes him. There’s a flashback to when Cuervo was holding Dani while Duque threatened his mother to get the missing money. Duque tries playing nice, offering Dani a piece of chocolate. Dani has, I think, some dry bathroom soap in his hand and throws it in Duque’s eyes. He runs out of the bathroom shouting for Mateo. We hear a shot and see Mateo’s shocked face. Of course this is a cliffhanger.
 

velvet ep 7 p.1 of 3

Alberto and some of the other employees of Velvet are celebrating Raúl de la Riva's agreeing to work for Velvet. Cris starts to take over the conversation, and Ana leaves without retrieving the catalogue Blanca asked her to get. Blanca asks her where the catalogue is. An upset Ana replies, "I'm a seamstress, not a messenger." Jennifer, Blanca's daughter and apparently Ana's superior (?), is very nasty to her. Jennifer has clearly learned bitchiness from her mother. Max tells her he likes her style. (And that tells me all I need to know about Max.)

Ana tells Margarita about Gerardo's deal. Marga tells her, "I feel like smacking Alberto." Ana explains to Marga that she, Ana, told him to take the deal. The two women hug. Valeria comes upon them and says, snidely "Oh, so this is the crying room."

Gerardo tells Gloria about the deal. "I paid for a service, now Alberto must deliver." Gloria listens sympathetically, putting her hand on Gerardo's arm. He is not pleased. He removes her arm. She apparently doesn't take the hint, since minutes later she again put her hand on his arm.

Ana tells Emilio that her relationship with Alberto is over.

Blanca accidentally crashes into Max (at least I think that's who the guy is, though I'm not sure). She spills coffee on his uniform and takes him to a room where she gives him other clothes to wear. As he's dressing, Blanca's daughter Jennifer arrives. She tells Max she needs him downstairs so she can show him how to work the credit card machine, and she tells him he should hurry. He leaves. Blanca says Jennifer is acting a bit harsh with Max. Jennifer replies, "I learned it from you."

Alberto is being interviewed. He talks about his relationship with Velvet, and we see Cristina looking on and mouthing the exact words Alberto is saying. Clearly, they've worked on the script together. The one place where this wasn't the case is when Alberto is asked about his mother. He pauses, and then replies that his mother died when he was born.

Emilio's phone indicates he has a call. He goes off to be alone. Gloria comes up behind him and asks who he's talking to. "Wrong number," he replies. Gloria tells Emilio, "Alberto is going out with Cristina, and I want Ana to stay out of it." Emilio protests that Ana is not that kind of woman. Gloria replies that Ana has lied to us for years about Alberto. "Tell your social-climbing niece that her plans to exploit my family are over."

Alberto and Ana talk. Ana says she saw him kiss her. "She kissed me," he protests. He goes on, "You are the love of my life--I can't live without you. You can't abandon me when I need you most." (I can sympathize with him to a point, but....)

 

velvet, #7, p. 2 of 3

Clara and Mateo are supposedly working, though Mateo seems to be paying more attention to what he sees of Clara's breasts. He then invites her to have dinner with him--at La Petite Pomme.

Cristina asks Alberto whether she can invite him to dinner. He agrees. She goes into another room and calls to make sure a photographer will be there.

Ana has gone home and is miserable. Emilio brings her some Guava, something she enjoyed when she was younger. It makes her at least a little happy even now, in the midst of her misery. She tells Emilio, "I dreamed of conquering New York as Velvet's best designer. I never thought loving someone would be so painful." He tells her eventually the pain becomes less. She asks him whether he has ever had his heart broken. He replies that yes, he did. "I loved someone I shouldn't have."

Mateo and Clara are at dinner (if I remember correctly). They are asking about previous relationships. Mateo claims he does not have a girlfriend, and Clara insists she doesn't have a boyfriend. Mateo mentions that she is one of Velvet's best salespeople and asks how she does it. She says "I look at people and I just know what they want." Mateo asks, "What do I want?" Clara replies, You want what you can't have. And the more you can't have it, the more you want it." Mateo says, "You like danger and enjoy a challenge. Easy things bore you." They kiss.

Well, sure enough, Cris and Alberto are an item on social media. There are photos of them cozying up to each other. Luisa tells Ana that in the photo, Alberto looks like a hostage. Ana rejects that notion.

Clara and Marga are talking. Clara tells her that she and Mateo "made out last night." Suddenly Pedro appears. Clara leaves, and Pedro asks Marga whether Clara told her about last night. Presumably, he's referring to his attempt to celebrate their anniversary with dinner at home that included fancy desserts from La Petite Pomme. Marga of course knew about Clara's late dinner, etc., with Mateo, and rather than hurt Pedro's feelings, Marga tells him Clara said she was tired and went to sleep. Oops, so much for Pedro's feelings.

Raúl talks with Velvet employees about what he want from them. Not obedience, but "commitment, love, and passion for what we do." The look on the employees' faces suggests that they're moved by what Raúl is saying. He goes on to say that a bit of champagne is called for. Blanca of course informs him that drinking is not permitted during working hours. Raúl says sweetly "there's no better way to start a new venture. Trust me."

I think (but am far from sure) that we see Jennifer hiding and talking on the phone to someone, telling him that he needs to pay if he wants more of what she's offering (which I think may be no more than sexy videos of her, but perhaps they're just the come-on, I'm not sure). Anyway, she then receives a payment of $700. Seems a bit much if it's just sexy videos. Anyway, Max (I think) has followed her and heard her end of the conversation, and also watched her making erotic poses after receiving the money. Suddenly, she catches sight of him in her mirror. He assures her that he's not bothered by what she's doing, and he leaves to give her more privacy.
 

velvet #7 3 of 3

Mateo and Clara encounter each other after "last night." Suddenly, Pedro arrives and calls Clara his girlfriend. When he leaves, Mateo is angry that Clara had said she had no novio, but Pedro referred to her as his novia. Mateo accuses Clara of using him. Raúl arrives and this discussion ends.

Raúl tells everyone that he needs them to show him everything about Velvet. But we then see him discarding fabrics, etc. He's clearly unhappy with what he's seeing. "How can I create unless I have material I can work with?" he asks.

Cristina and Gloria talk. Gloria says she'd be delighted if Cris and Alberto got married. Cris informs her than Alberto hasn't even asked her to be his novia. Gloria responds, "Some men need a push. Perhaps you should take the initiative."

Emilio is on the phone. He asks, "Are you still in San Francisco? I need a favor." Emilio then suggests to Ana that she might be best off if she went away for a while, where she didn't have to see Alberto every day. He knows someone in San Francisco, and he has sent her some of Ana's sketches. Ana says, "San Francisco is the other end of the country." Emilio points out that that's what she needs, to get away. "You'll realize that you can have a wonderful life ahead of you." Ana expresses some more reservations, but finally she says, "You're right, uncle." And with that, the episode ends.
 

VELVET

Thanks Juanita. Just when I think I'm making progress in my Spanish comprehension I read these excellent recaps and realized I still have a long way to go.

I agree with you about Alberto having a point that Ana is drawing away from him when he needs her most, but they made their choice for the good of the business and she needs to stay away from him for her peace of mind. San Francisco sounds like just the ticket. Well be spared the devouring your face kisses for a while. Yay. Hopefully.

Is Raul gay or just acting the part to go with the job description. I'm not getting strong vibes that he is. That was the scene I didn't get without your translation, when Ana said she was a designer not a messenger.

Good to see Mateo actually has scruples. Married woman I guess are ok (first scene we were treated to with him hiding behind the curtain with the blond bimbo).

I think we will discover Max and Blanca are mother/ son. There was a telling pause when he asked if Jennifer was her only child. Is it a spoiler if you are just guessing? I also think Jennifer is just doing risque videos for top dollar. Good for her being an entrepreneur.

I especially liked the scene where Valeria was named top salesperson of the week? Thanks to Jennifer making her help her friend she was trying to hide from so she wouldn't see her in the salesperson uniform. I think I am going to like Valeria. So far I don't dislike her. She is willing to do what is necessary to make her way u.in the company.
 

"JEFA"
Novelera: Howdy from the Alamo City CarayCaray Family. Thanks for the recap of last night's episode; my personal thoughts:
*Everyone plotting to destroy Gloria for the upteenth time OMG. What is it about Gloria that they hate her so much ?

*Duque might've killed Daniel or Mateo.

*Arturo is getting on my damn nerves.

*Luisa is still freaking slippery. Something tells me she had the Investigative Reporter whacked.

*Yadira almost gagged on Jacinto, who was having sex with her.

*Wasn't surprised about the maid getting fired by Nutjob Luisa.
 

velvet

Thanks very much, Kat, for your interesting and insightful comments. I too like the idea of Ana's going away for a while, and the further the better (for her). So yes, I'd love to see her in San Francisco. I wonder whether she'll find a new love interest there. Even if she doesn't, she will probably be happier not being constantly confronted with Alberto and Cristina. And yes, I'll also be pleased at not having to see "devouring face kisses" for a while! :-)

You make an interesting suggestion about Raúl just acting gay to go with the job description. It's possible, I suppose, but for now I'm convinced he's not acting.

Hmmm...it never occurred to me that Blanca might be Max's mother. It certainly was clear that the pauses probably indicate Something Significant is being held back, but I had no thoughts about what that Something might be. And no, I definitely don't think it's a spoiler if you're truly just guessing. Guessing is part of the fun, and every now and then a guess turns out to be correct. This may be one of those times. We'll have to wait and see.

I haven't made up my mind yet about Valeria. So far, the signals have been mixed.
 

jefa

Gracias, Novelera. "Yay! Venancio is just inside a screen door and overhears. I’m pretty sure I’m going to get my wish and see Bacalau’s unhappy end." -- Whoopee!

I found myself cheering a couple of times last night. Yadi hoodwinking Jacinto. (But once she left the hotel room, why not pull her dress hem farther down so the top of her garters wouldn't show in public?) Glo shoots Jacinto's gun out of his hand. (I knew she could handle a gun, but didn't know she was a sharpshooter.) I hope the petite new trainee is on the level because she made me laugh with her swagger. Lastly, Dani foiled Duque's kidnap attempt and ran like hell. Got my fingers crossed he didn't get hit.

 

velvet

Thanks for the terrific recap, Juanita. You still have your "chops"!

ITA on "that tells me everything I need to know about Max". He seems very shady to me. What Kat was picking up on, I believe, is that Blanca was way too nice to a new salesperson, not her normal style. And she was willing to give him a replacement shirt for his training. She saw something around his neck, a medal hung from a chain and reacted to the sight of it. He quickly buttoned up, but later he stared at the medal and chain in his hand.

Valeria is kind of bi-polar, swinging widely between a character I like, gutsy. And then really nasty to Ana for some reason. I really enjoyed her sticking it to Jennifer about getting the best sales for the day. Jennifer definitely tries to use her mother's position with Velvet to treat other employees like crap.

Gerardo seems to have missed how little affection there is between Gloria and Alberto because he's invited her to a meal to get an ally in his marry off Cristina to Alberto campaign. And, yes, Gloria may be trying to get another rich husband with the touching stuff. Gerardo is SO not into her.

I haven't heard trepadora (social climber) for years. It was a staple in the older novelas of poor girl and rich boy fall in love and the rich family objects.

We saw a flashback of young Emilio admiring young Isabel who was singing in a female mariachi outfit. He introduces her proudly to Benjamin, the boss's son. But you can see the sparks fly between Ben and Isabel right away.
 

Velvet

I'll do tonight's recap if no one else is planning to.
 

velvet

Gracias, K and Juanita. Thanks to you both I'm getting the swing of who's who and what's happening.

ITA Max and Blanca have some tie. I just hope he has no interest in her daughter.
 

velvet

¡Muchísimas gracias, novelera! for your extremely helpful comments. I now better understand both the episode and Kat's comment about Blanca and Max. Also, I loved your choice of "bi-polar" as a way to describe Valeria. It fits my sense of her actions perfectly. Finally, I'm most grateful for your explanation of the flashback of young Emilio admiring Isabel. I was so unsure of what to say about that that I simply omitted any mention of it. Sigh.
 

Velvet #8 part 1

Las chicas velvet cry because Ana is leaving them for San Francisco, but they realize it's for the best and wish her well. Pedro is an honorary chica and adds his hand to the rah rah cheer grab. Valeria looks over her shoulder at them in the break room.

Jennifer finds Max outside enjoying a cuppa. She thanks him for being discreet and not saying anything. He warns her to be careful, the guys could become dangerous. He claps her on the shoulder as he returns to work. Uh, oh, she may like him. Not good if they are actually siblings as I believe.

Pedro asks Margarita if she has noticed a change in Clara, she's acting strange to him lately. Margarita blames it on the promotion. He asks how she is doing with Ana leaving. It. Must be hard on Ana seeing the man she loves with another woman. Margarita agrees as she is living the same dilemma.

Clara brings Alberto Ana's resignation letter. He can't believe it, Mateo tells him to let her go. Valeria comes in and cries the little designer is leaving.

Raul has a competition amongst the chicas to see who will become his right hand. Ana is going to do it, which seems strange as she is leaving. Alberto interrupts them and asks to speak with Ana. The two leave and get into a heated discussion in the area at the bottom of the stairs ( where they first ran into each other). He won't accept her resignation, pulling the I need you card. Chris appears and asks is this a bad time. Alberto says that Ana is leaving the company for a job in San Francisco. Christina is upset, the bridesmaids gowns! Ana assures her they are in production and is competent hands. Alberto agrees with her and in a formal boss voice wishes her well at her new job.

Mateo is giving Clara his lunch order. She tells him the reason she didn't discuss Pedro is she didn't want to mix business and her personal life. Just like he has all his intimate "friends". I like his nickname for her, Clara Salvadora. They argue on who initiated there kiss at the restaurant. He says I'm hungry so she huffs out. Mateo gives a slight grin. Yeah, these 2 will be an item. Whether he can give up his philandering ways is yet to be determined.

Ana is about to get on the elevator to return to the sweatshop when barbie steps out. Christina stops Ana. She really needs her. Is it money. I'll increase your salary...Ana says no, she has a contract and is leaving. The others can handle the designs. She leaves. Brilliant Barbie tells her she has a strange feeling about Ana. She's like a robot here at velvet. Just let her go.

Jennifer and Valeria are trying to talk their respective clients into outfits. Valeria seems to lose the interest of the lady she is helping. Max o serves. He tells her she wins on her beauty. (Possible match in the making with these 2? Mama won't like that). He then shows a customer so e jewelry and flirts with the matronly lady.

Back in the sweatshop the winning entry is Margarita. She didn't follow the pattern and designed the best silk rose. I'm just guessing it's silk. Ana's fabric choice was black. I guess she is demons being in mourning. Margaritas was a bright red. She gets the golden scissors. She cries. Ana asks Luisa to take over Barbie's bridesmaids dresses.

Alessandro meets with Gloria. She doesn't have money, but does have a pricey necklace to stave him off for a bit. She doesn't like his blackmailing her. He says it's Isabel that's the blackmailer. She's willing to do anything to get out of jail. She has a lot of Mexican contact is Mexico. Gloria says she'll never get out. She's guilty. She's an assassin.
Flashback to 1993 in Mexico. Gloria speaks to a handcuffed Isabel. She tells Gloria she didn't know Benjamin was engaged. She's pregnant. She is also in jail for a murder she didn't commit. She tells Isabel you'll never get out. Back to the present, Gloria tells Alessandro Isabel will never leave jail alive. Alberto won't know his mother is alive. Your wish is my command, as always, Gloria.
 

Velvet #8 part 2

Alberto is whining to Mateo about Ana leaving. Mateo thinks it's a good thing she is going, he'll concentrate on work. You've had a long distance relationship before. Al points out that before they were planning for the future. His plan is to have Raul's designs make the company fortune so he can pay Gerardo back before the wedding. Chris calls. He ignores it. Mateo reminds him Christina is not to blame and if Gerardo thinks you aren't fulfilling your end of the bargain it won't be pretty.

Chris is calling from the sweatshop. Luisa is showing her the fabrics the designs will use. Chris hates them, the fabric is low quality and common. Luisa tells her it's the best quality ( Raul would disagree,) and Chris goes bridesmaidzilla and tells her off big time.

Blanca is remembering Esteban telling her she is the love of his life. If you forgot who he is join the crowd. I actually thought it was tio's voice. Esteban is Benjamin's brother. Gloria finds her in Benjamin's office. She insults her. Reminds her she was abandoned by Esteban.

Blanca and Emilio reminisce and discuss the meaning of life between the rich and not so rich he falters a bit, but is ok.

Jennifer is hawking jewelry on the showrooms floor when she gets a message from one of her other "customers" he wants to meet her in person. He knows where she works. He'll meet her at the employee entrance. She goes out and wild wolf introduces himself (he looks like a younger Alessandro) then grabs her while she yells for help. Max rushes to her aid, and he has a switchblade! He overpowers WW and says stay away from her or I'll slit your throat. He shoved him away and says I have lot of friends in Manhattan. We runs off. Jenny throws herself into Max's arms thanking him. Blanca comes looking for her. She says thanks to Max and returns to work.

Margarita and Clara's mom is in town visiting. She brings lunch to the employees at the store, which isn't allowed apparently. I thought maybe she was selling the food? She and Emilio sit together in the cafeteria. She tells him this visit is different. She is leaving her husband, Luis. Don't say anything to the girls though. Pedro is eavesdropping.

Raul is in a conference room with Mateo and Alberto. No way can I design a collection in 6 months! Chris comes in with treats to eat but Alberto tells her to leave quite rudely. Mateo tells her he's under a lot of pressure with work. Alberto remembers his mission and sorta apologizes. Hell call her later. She walks away like a kicked puppy, which is about the way Alberto treated her.

She goes downstairs like a woman on a mission,grabbing Barbie along the way. Bipolar Chris is driving as she complains about Alberto ignoring her, treating her like dirt. Barbie fills her in on daddy dearests buying her a husband. He is no saint. Chris can't believe what she is hearing. She hates Barbie. She runs a red light and we have to wait through the commercials to see what happens
 

Velvet #8 part 3

Well she hit her head pretty bad. She's home. The Dr has given her a tranquilizer. To steady her nerves. Barbie's there holding her neck from probable whiplash. Dad asks what happened and Barbie fills him in on Alberto cancelling a date because of work, and the designer quitting, even after she offered her a bonus.

Gerardo and his son, whose name I've forgotten, talk about Chris. Gerardo thinks marriage is the solution. Brother thinks a psychiatrist is needed. Dad says that didn't help your mother ( sounds like marriage and children didn't help.her either, G).

Emilio gives some keys to max for his new apartment. Benjamin bought the building years ago for velvet employees to live in at reduced rent. Some of the apartments are let to non employees as the workforce has been reduced over the years. Emilio leaves, but then the door is knocked on. Max is surprised to see Jennifer. She lives there with her mom. She has brought Chinese to thank him for Defending her, and where did you learn to fight like that. His answer is, well this is NY.

The velvet chicas are at a bar for a going away party for Ana., Luisa is singing. Is it karaoke. She seems to be doing more than one so maybe she has a night job. Pedro, the honorary chica is there also with a hang dog look on his face. Clara asks what's up. He blurts out your parents are getting divorced and rushes off with Clara on his heels. Meanwhile Margarita is sad with Ana. Alberto shows up. You didn't invite me, but we need to talk. You can't leave. She says it hurts too much to stay and we get treated to them sucking face. But then she says I'm going. He leaves. Margarita comforts Ana.
Clara and Margarita confront Mama, whose name hasn't been spoken this episode, and ask is it true she and dad are separated. She admits it .

Alberto calls Mateo and tells him to cancel the meeting with Raul tomorrow. He's giving Gerardo back the money.

Max is doing pushups, bare chested, in his apartment. We see the gold necklace with a V on him. Someone is knocking. It's Blanca with his cleaned uniform. She asks him about the necklace. It's a necklace given to employees with 25 years of service. He says it's the only thing he has of his mother's.

Barbie is bringing Chris breakfast in bed. Meanwhile she is up and everything is fine in her happy little world. She insists Daddy is giving all money to help him. He will love me for my heart, not my money.

Blanca at work has a flashback to Esteban telling her about doing son after his dad's will is read.

Alberto is running in the airport trying to to catch Ana before she leaves ..too late.

 

velvet

MANY thanks, Kat, for this terrific recap. I love your style, especially in sentences like "Chris goes bridesmaidzilla and tells her off big time." I'm also in awe of how you can turn out a recap this good so quickly.

I had a bad moment watching the scene where Emilio is talking to Blanca and then suddenly seems about to collapse. He doesn't collapse, and he assures Blanca that he's fine, but.... In several courses I took in college, I was taught about Chekhov's gun--that is, if there's a gun hanging on the wall in Act 1, it has to be used by the end of the play. So too, I think/fear, with Emilio's faltering while talking to Blanca.

I was astonished when Barbie spilled the beans to Cristina about Gerardo's deal with Alberto. I thought that was a mean thing to spring on Cris, and I also wondered how Barbie even knew about Gerardo's deal.

The necklace that Max wears confuses me. Would Blanca have worked at Velvet for 25 years before Max was born? If so, wouldn't she have been pretty much past childbearing age, especially at that time?

I was holding my breath at the end of tonight's episode, hoping that Ana would indeed leave for San Francisco but fearing that something would stop her. It did really come down to the last few seconds. Whew!
 

Velvet
Juanita, I also had the same thought about the necklace. The only way I could justify it was perhaps Blanca got it from a parent . She was definitely a fresh faced young lady in the flashback scene. Did they dub her voice over to the young actress. I've always thought that would help us identify them so if they did I'm glad.

Barbie was probably told the truth by her fiance, Christina's brother. He was no fan of the deal and they probably have a good relationship that actually shares things

I was glad the kissing scene was more poignant and sweet this time. Perhaps the editors saw what we saw and coached the actors, lol.
 

Velvet

Gracias, Kat. Great work. Love your commentary. "Brother thinks a psychiatrist is needed. Dad says that didn't help your mother (sounds like marriage and children didn't help her either, G)."" -- ooh, snap.

Emilio was so rude to Chris. I don't expect that from a galan. It's not like Chris herself is forcing him into marriage.

I don't trust Max. So far he's too perfect. I'm getting a "I'm here for revenge" vibe from him.
 

velvet

Thanks SO much for the terrific recap, Kat. Like Juanita, I am astonished you can create them so quickly. I tend to be up very, very late when I recap.

So...I'm wondering if we have two sets of potential incest. Could Isabel be the mother of both Ana and Alberto? And what about Jennifer and Max? I didn't grasp the fact that Blanca would be unlikely to have both a 25-year necklace and an adult son owning that.

So...like father, like son? From your recap, Kat, I gathered that Benjamin may have been engaged to Gloria but fell for Isabel while in Mexico. And Alberto was informally engaged to Ana but is committed to marrying Cristina.

Isabel is definitely Alberto's mother. Believe it was said out loud last night.

Juanita, I also wondered, not about Chekhov's gun, but whether Emilio will develop something awful while Ana is in San Francisco.

Pedro gets my vote as the least appealing boyfriend.

There are two names beginning with E that have confused me. Esteban is Benjamin's ne'er do well brother, but Enrique is Cristina's brother. I was not aware that he was the guy Barbie was marrying.

Yes, that looked like karaoke that Luisa was singing. They showed the screen, maybe with the lyrics...not sure if lyrics were shown.