Caray, Caray!

jefa

Thanks so much for the fine recap, dondi. A special thanks for mentioning that Mauricio Dominguez is the guy who arrested Gloria in Ep. #1. I've seen that actor before, most recently in El Amor No Tiene Receta on Uni.

Laura offends me by downgrading the intellect of our whole sex. She'd never have arrived in LA if Fercho hadn't been with her. How dumb do you have to be to give a coyote all your money up front? There was a teeny bit of humor, very unusual in this one, with Fercho's "arousal" in the trunk. Of course, we have to suffer days and days of Laura not finding out what a miserable jerk Bolillo is.

And speaking of that twerp, Bolillo telling a woman that she needs a man is unbelievable. He has the sex appeal of a lab rat.

Enjoying Jacinto's discomfort at losing his "front" of a happy marriage. I assume he didn't notice she was gone because he relegated her to a spare room a while back IIRC.

I predict that, whenever she gets out, as surely she will, Gloria will find the older woman's son.

Duque sure has loose lips for a top dog in the narco biz. He's constantly blabbing about the "big boss" and his thing for Gloria. Doesn't he worry he'll be eliminated for being a gossip?

Again, thanks for the recap, dondi. Your asides are primo!
 

jefa

I'll put up a quickie tonight.
 

jefa

#48 - Part 1 of 2

Esther (Mauricio’s plant in the women’s prison) describes a transfer that landed her in the same cell as Gloria. Gloria and Violeta say they’re not looking for trouble. Esther says her name is Jessica and she’s in there for money laundering.

Ed has a very touching scene with Dani and Amanda. He doesn’t want Dani looking up things about his mother online. He says that they’re a family. [There’s lots of foreshadowing in this one about Eduardo Torres imminent demise.]

I’m SO tired of Duque and his eyeliner planning Ed’s death. His latest plan is killing him when he comes out of a visit with Gloria at the prison.

In Los Angeles Fercho and Laura watch Miguel. Fercho urges caution, but he overestimated Laura’s IQ. She runs across the street, almost getting hit by a car, and embraces Miguel.

Juana calls Bolillo from a different cell and tells him about Gloria being in that prison in CDMX. She’ll protect Gloria if he convinces Duque to protect her.

Mati reminds Erna that she had already helped Jacinto once against her own sister and it turned out badly for all of them. Erna swears she’s on their side.

Miguel starts telling Laura he’s glad his father got her out of jail. He proudly says he’s now “Mike”. Arturo comes out and snarls at Laura, almost pulling a gun.

Gloria narrows her eyes at “Jessica” when she says she launders money for herself and not for a cartel.

Bacalau tells Venancio that Duque’s boss is coming to the city. He’s Nacho Pérez, and he’ll come disguised as a jueque árabe (shiekh). Venancio looks suspicious at his having this info and is told it comes from someone they have infiltrated in the Tijuana cartel. I’m also tired of Bacalau and his standing at attention. Venancio wants him to kill Pérez or else he’ll find someone else to replace him who’ll have the stones to do it.
 

jefa

#48 - Part 2 of 2

Laura gets right in Arturo’s face and tells Miguel about all the lies. Art calls the police. Laura tells “Mike” his father had her deported when he learned she was pregnant with him. Art bullies the boy into staying by saying his mother will be arrested in the U.S.

Gael blocks Yadi’s number.

Mati and Ed have a talk and then embrace.

Mauricio has one of those private room meetings at the prison with Gloria. He wants her to give up Venancio, and he’ll get her freed and all charges dropped. He tells her there’s a hit out on Ed. She clams up.

Bacalau meets with Duque to warn him of the attempt on Pérez. He says he’s still loyal to Estrada, just hates Gloria. [I’m not usually so bloodthirsty, but I kinda hoped Duque would shoot him.]

Ed meets with Nino. [Hey, Torres! A baseball cap and sunglasses aren’t really that good of a disguise, especially when you take off the sunglasses for the heart to heart.] Duque’s shooter lurks, as does Bolillo. It seems they can’t shoot while Nino is there.

Miguel refuses to work for his father anymore. Art raises his fist, but Miguel defies him and says that he hates him. Meanwhile Laura says she’s going to get some big bucks together. And, when Art relaxes, she’ll kidnap her son.

Esther offers Gloria the use of her phone (having one is suspicious right there). Violeta insists she leave for the private call. Gloria tries Ed without success.

Ed tells Nino he’ll try to prevent Venancio’s attempt on Pérez and maybe they’ll call off the hit on him.

BSC Juana burns the face of a prisoner who defies her.

Gloria can’t reach Ed and then calls Yadi.

Nino leaves. Duque’s hitman follows Ed. [I remember this guy doing something very stupid with the kidnapped chemistry students. It’s hard to believe Duque would choose him to shoot Torres.] Ed seems aware that he’s being followed. Before he left Nino gave him a gun. The hitman shoots twice. We see Ed raise his gun but not fire. Hmmm. This looks fishy to me. Bulletproof vest? I found it hard to believe that guy would get the drop on Torres when he seemed aware of the pursuit.
 

"JEFA"
Novelera: I will NOT be shedding any tears when Dumbass Laura gets deported or killed off! Sick of seeing her!

Yadi got blocked by Gael LOL.

What's Mauricio's angle ? I do NOT trust him at all!
 

jefa

Gracias, Novelera. Super job. Thanks for bringing up the chemistry students. I'd forgotten all about them and Luisa's maid who's terrified of Duque harming her son. Maybe the writers forgot them too.

ITA Torres is likely wearing a bulletproof vest and silly of him to think a baseball cap is an adequate disguise.

At last Miguel knows what a dirtbag his dad is.
 

jefa

Thanks for the recap, novelera. Great asides.

I also thought that Duque might shoot Bacalao. But I don't want his death to be too easy.

I loved how Miguel stood up to his awful father.

Friday recap coming shortly.
 

jefa #49 part 1

Brief rewind: Simon tracks Ed and shoots him twice in the chest before Ed can shoot back. Bolillo has been following the action. Nino hears the shots and heads in that direction. Ed must be wearing un chaleco antibalas because he gets up and fires at Simon. Ed is shot in the leg. Nino shows up, checks on Ed, and shoots Simon. Simon is still able to walk and comes to finish the job. Ed shoots and kills Simon. Bolillo witnessed everything.

Juana finishes torturing Frida. Esther was in the group watching. Gloria and Violeta enter the mess hall. Esther fills them in on what Juana did. Violeta says Frida knows Juana’s secrets, secrets she doesn’t want to come out. Esther asks Glo and Vi if they have beef with them. Not at all, Vi answers.

Vi pulls Glo aside and says, I think Juana’s secrets have something to do with you. Why else would she be afraid of you? Glo says let’s look into that. Vi says she’ll handle it.

Nino confirms Simon is dead. Ed realizes this was Duque’s hit. Nino sends Ed away.

Jacinto’s on the phone with Duque. A sheikh from Dubai is coming to invest in the state. You have to send the sheikh to CDMX on a private jet, Duque orders. Jacinto responds affirmatively. Duque adds, he must arrive safe and sound. Jacinto questions, why? Is someone after him? Just a figure of speech, Duque replies. Jacinto senses something is up. He asks if Duque wants to do business in Dubai. He says, remember me if you end up doing business with the sheikh.

Duque gets word that Simon is dead. He failed to kill Ed. Ed killed Simon with the help of a FGR agent—a guy named Nino. Do we kill Nino? Duque says no, that would cause a problem. But Torres will remain the target.

Yadi and Ramona are at it again. This time it’s because Yadi is going to visit Glo in prison. Ramona wants to go too. Mauricio and crew show up at the salon. Is this the establishment owned by Gloria Guzman? Yadi asks, who wants to know? Mau ID’s himself as DEA.

Ed visits Glo. They talk about Dani. She’s worried, how will he feel when he reads his mom smuggles drugs? Ed says he put the blame on Jacinto. Glo doesn’t want Erna around Dani. Ed says that Mati invited Erna to LA.
Esther is at a nearby table. She has a fake visitor. Move your lips but don’t talk, she tells the visitor, I need to hear what they (Ed and Glo) are saying.

Glo tells Ed a DEA agent came to see her. He wants me to spill on Estrada in exchange for my freedom. He told me you don’t have Estrada’s protection anymore and Duque ordered your death. She asks, is that true? Ed admits it’s true and tells her about the hit. Glo realizes that’s how Estrada got her transferred. Glo worries and Ed tries to minimize it. He would die knowing he saved her.

Mau and crew search the salon. Yadi and Ramona complain about him not having a warrant. Mau explains that Glo got 15 years. Yadi claims that was a set up. Mau asks, so who set her up? I don’t know, Yadi replies, but I just know that Gloria is innocent. Ramona steps in—what my coworker means is that we’ve never seen anything illegal here. Mau’s sidekick tells him the books look fine. Yadi says she will file a complaint. Mau isn’t fazed. Nothing was found and the inspection is over. Mau tells the ladies that the DEA will be watching them.

Jacinto bellows for Rocio. Have you heard from Erna? Nope. Jacinto goes to Erna’s closet and starts rifling through it. He berates Rocio for not having noticed that Erna left. Jacinto realizes Erna’s passport is missing.

 

jefa #49 part 2

An informer tells Juana the word is you’re afraid of Gloria and maybe that’s why you attacked Frida. And Violeta is trying to find out what you are hiding.

Juana calls Frida over. Don’t be scared, I won’t hurt you. I said I was sorry. If you don’t want me to burn your big mouth again, you have to help me.

Glo can’t believe what Estrada did. Ed says there was no choice. I couldn’t leave you in Tijuana at the mercy of Jacinto, Luisa and Duque. I asked Estrada to protect you. Glo is upset—I can’t go through this again. You have a daughter who needs you. I won’t let you sacrifice yourself. Ed says he will get her out, he made a promise. She’s ticked she wasn’t consulted. She wonders, what if I turn him (Estrada) in? I’ll trade Estrada for your life. Esther is listening.

Duque talks to the boss. They didn’t get Torres but he’s in CDMX and will handle it himself. The boss is not happy. He warns Duque he will have Debora take over if he can’t handle it. She doesn’t make mistakes. We see a little bit of the boss’ head from behind. Debora speaks up to support Duque. Now we see the boss’ hand and notice a gold bracelet on his wrist. [I can’t make out the engraving. Looked like an “M” but couldn’t see the rest.]

Duque tells the boss about the travel plans. The boss says, if everything goes as planned, the country will be turned upside down. Better still, everyone will blame Venancio Estrada.

Ed warns Glo that Estrada and co. know Dani is alive. She can’t risk Dani but she can’t let Ed get hurt. Ed has a plan. He knows the head of the Tijuana Cartel is coming to CDMX. Glo says that man is mysterious… he told Duque not to hurt me, but I don’t know who he is. Ed continues, Estrada plans to kill him. If I stop the hit, he’ll be indebted to me and tell Duque to call off his hit.

Castillo meets Duque. Duque hands over the details of the boss’ arrival. Castillo worries, Nacho is one of Mexico’s most wanted. The president put a price on his head. Why isn’t he traveling on a private plane? My plan is brilliant, Duque replies, he’s traveling as a sheikh from Dubai. Just make sure he leaves the airport without a scratch. Castillo would prefer that the trip be postponed. No way, Duque says, the boss has been waiting for years for something that will happen in two days. If anyone lays a hand on the boss, you’re dead.

Erna says she was rattled by Ed. Mati says Ed loves Gloria. Erna noticed and she also noticed he loves Dani like a son. Mati shares that she senses something is troubling Ed and that he’s in danger. [I can’t stand these two. They are both clueless about the danger caused by Erna’s visit. Mati as a “wife of an FGR agent”, should know better.] Jacinto calls Erna yet again.

Jacinto tells Luisa that Erna doesn’t answer his calls, but he thinks that she is with Mati. Luisa thinks they will be back soon because Glo is in prison. They will need money to support themselves. Jacinto is worried about his political career if word gets out about Erna. He asks Luisa to call Erna. She says Erna is mad at her. She gives him advice: a las abejas se las atrae con miel. Bees are attracted with honey. He doesn’t understand. She explains, don’t be so cruel to Erna and she’ll be back before you know it.

Yadi complains about the DEA. Ramona wants a thank you for saving them. They didn’t find a shred of evidence because of her. Tell Gloria when you see her. Yadi admits it’s true and thanks her, but she still doesn’t completely trust her because Ramona did the same for Maribel.

Laura is back from her trip and goes to the salon. They tell her the DEA came but found nothing. Laura tells them she wasn’t in Colombia. A friend helped her cross the border to the US to find her son.

 

jefa #49 part 3

Nino is still following Bolillo. He sees Bolillo meet with Duque out on the street. [doesn’t seem too smart to meet like that.] Duque grabs Bolillo by the throat. I said to help Simon if he needed it. Bolillo explains, there were too many people around. Duque wants Bolillo to take over the hit job on Ed.

Laura tells the ladies what Arturo did. And he scared Miguel so he wouldn’t leave with her. But she still has hope, and she needs money. She asks, what’s happening with the business? Are we still laundering money? Ramona replies, we can’t go back to work yet. Yadi suggests that Laura talk to Nino and mentions that he had something important to tell her. Laura calls Nino useless and doesn’t want to talk to him.

Jacinto leaves a pitiful apology on Erna’s phone, hoping for a reconciliation. She listens. Good grief, she answers the bastard’s call! I answered to tell you I don’t believe you, she says. Let’s talk in person, he replies, I’ll prove I’m not lying. I love you. You’re with your mother, right? [I almost threw the remote at the TV.]

Jacinto continues to lay it on thick. Erna responds, I’ve spent a lifetime waiting to hear you say those words. We can still save our marriage, he pleads, we can go to therapy, whatever you want. Just tell me where you are, and I’ll get you.

Nino holds a staff meeting about the high-ranking Tijuana Cartel members. We see a pic of Duque and a shadowy pic of the big boss. We know the boss is coming to CDMX but we don’t know why, he says. We do know that Estrada plans a hit on him at the airport. Our job is to stop the hit and arrest them all.

Laura decides to call Nino. She rips him for leaving hundreds of messages on her phone. He interrupts her rant—I have something important to tell you. She fires back, I managed to do something you and your agents couldn’t. I found my son. He’s shocked. You found him? Was Arturo with him? Yes, she snaps, you’ll only hear from me again when I’m happy with my son.

Nino replies, I admire your determination. That’s why I want to see you, but it can’t be tomorrow. I have an important operation. There’s something I have to tell you about Bolillo. He’s working against you. She doesn’t want to hear it and hangs up.

Jacinto doesn’t give up. Erna says, I’d love to believe you but I’m not an idiot. Mati returns from shopping and hears her. Who are you talking to? Jacinto? Have you gone crazy?! Mati grabs the phone from her stupid daughter. Jacinto says, you’re with your mother, I knew it! Is that you, Jacinto, Mati asks. He replies, I’m really sorry about this mess with Erna. I hope she’s not making trouble for you. Tell me where you are, and I’ll come.

We had to flee because of you, Mati exclaims, you are awful! You sent Gloria to prison! You’re turning Luisa into a corrupt politician like you, and you expect Erna to put up with your infidelity! Jacinto answers, your daughters have what they deserve. Gloria is a criminal, Luisa is greedy, and Erna is my wife. Our problems are not your concern.

Mati responds, we are dead to you! Stay away from us! Enjoy your life with your mistress! Mati hangs up. Erna blabbers, I’m so sorry. I answered to ask him to stop calling. The lies he told me. He swore he loves me, mom. Mati replies, you worry me. You really do. [the stupidity of these two is infuriating!]

 

jefa #49 part 4

Mau wants to keep an eye on the salon ladies. Esther sneaks away to call Mau on her secure line. You were right, she reports, Gloria works for Estrada. The head of the Tijuana Cartel is coming to CDMX and Estrada’s people are planning to attack him. I need specifics, Mau replies. There’s something else, Esther says, Gloria’s son is alive. I heard he’s living in LA with his grandma. This explains why she won’t give up Estrada, Mau says, she was protecting her son. Esther thinks Glo is gonna crack. She’ll need the DEA to protect her son, herself, and Ed Torres. Mau directs Esther to earn Glo’s trust and get as much info as she can before a cartel war breaks out.

Jacinto tells Luisa they need to roll out the red carpet for the sheikh. Luisa asks if he knows what business the sheikh is planning. Not yet, he replies, but we stand to make a lot of money. Luisa makes a wisecrack about Jacinto starting a harem with Rocio and Erna. He tells her he took her advice and left Erna sweet messages. She answered. She’s with her mother, but I don’t know where, he says. Mati took the phone, hurled some insults and hung up. Luisa advises Jacinto to keep trying.

Juana, Frida and another inmate confront Violeta. I liked and respected you, Violeta, Juana hisses, then I started feeling a dark energy around you, like you’d become my enemy. The others tie Violeta to a chair. Juana delivers a couple of bofetadas to Vi.

Nino reviews the operation with Ed so he can carry out his plan. Ed can help, he knows Estrada’s men. We can’t let them kill Nacho. Ed says, you’ll arrest the head of the Tijuana Cartel. He will live thanks to me, and Duque will let me live. Nino tells Ed that Bolillo is working with Duque.

The ladies open the salon so Laura can make money. Laura asks where the laundered money is being kept. Yadi says don’t worry, the money is safe, but only Gloria can know where it is. That money isn’t ours, it’s Gloria’s. When I see her, she will tell me what to do.

Frida hits Violeta. Juana asks Vi, what do you and Gloria want to know about me? Nothing, Vi replies as she works the ropes around her wrists and takes the blade that she hid in her sleeve. Then why did I hear that, Juana asks. Vi responds, tell me why you’re so afraid of Gloria.

Jacinto and Luisa meet with a man they think is the sheikh. He’s wearing traditional garments. Jacinto explains that his state is known for wines, which they export to the US, France and Germany. They haven’t broken into the UAE yet. [I’m 99.99% sure the sheikh is Muslim, and alcohol is haram for them under Sharia law in the UAE. I think there are exceptions for tourists and non-Muslims under certain conditions.]

A translator whispers to the sheikh. Luisa adds, tell the sheikh we have major factories that bring strong profits. Jacinto continues, as governor, I can offer great tax breaks. The translator says that the sheikh will review the offers.

Juana tells Vi that she’s doing this for her good, to clean her karma. Vi breaks her ties as Juana hits her with a metal bucket. Vi knocks down Juana’s helpers and starts choking Juana. Vi lets go and makes a run for it but she doesn’t get far. Juana and her crew brutally beat Vi. Gloria appears and takes action—Leave her alone! Why did you hit her?

Juana tells Glo to stay out of it. You wanted us to get along, but you aren’t. Glo asks, what’s your problem with me? Why are you so tense around me? I offered my friendship, Juana explains, we both hated Maribel. But you keep stirring the pot. Glo wonders why Juana brings up Maribel. Juana snaps back, I’ll kill you before you send your narco friends after me! She punches Glo. Glo punches back. With a little help, Juana subdues Glo and a sharp object is held to Glo’s head.

And we are out.

 

jefa

Loved your recap and your asides, dondi. Thanks again!

Mr. Google tells me that, yes, the DEA does operate in Mexico. I doubt they're as high handed as Mauricio. I just don't like the guy one bit. Are narconovelas manipulating me into disliking the ones who are supposed to be law and order? Don't like Esther either. I missed what was going on with the fake visitor. I thought something was said about reading lips.

Now that way-less-than-a-real-man Jacinto doesn't have Erna around, he's bullying Rocio.

I was right there with you desiring to throw my remote at my TV about Erna and Mati. I'm also screaming: "Mati, for God's sake, destroy Erna's phone."

I found it interesting the comment that Nacho has been waiting for years for something. Methinks he's planning a way to "be" with Gloria.

Duque is supposed to be the smartest guy in the room, but since Marlin died, he doesn't seem to be able to recruit respectable hitmen. Bolillo, please.

These writers are sadists. How many epis will we have to endure watching Laura not hear about or see the video of Bolillo in the strip club?

The sheikh thing is weird. ITA they aren't meeting with Nacho. From what we saw of Nacho, he's pretty fair skinned.

Sigh. I can't remember watching a novela (probably because I bailed on ESDLC after two seasons) with so many characters I can't stand. After finishing last night's cupful of evil, I tuned into a recorded episode of PBS's All Creatures Great and Small to get the bad taste out of my mouth.
 

OT, I read some of the comments just to see if there are OT news of upcoming shows. I'm so glad I bailed on this show after 1 episode!

Novelera I love all creatures great and small, both versions. I would like to rewatch the original series again some day.
 

UEFA

Dondi, thanks for bringing us every grim , disturbing detail . You are a warrior to watch and record all this dark drama. I am just reading the recaps at this point because the violence and killing is just too much . Its upsetting and exhausting .

So many terrible, violent people , but oddly , I am mostly looking forward to seeing that little weasel Jacinto crushed by a great , big, heavy anvil...squished.

OT..I am looking forward to " Velvet" . Bring on the beautiful clothes and human interactions ...please......hurry. Susan
 

jefa

Thank you everyone.

Yes, novelera, Mauricio made it very clear that he was working with the cooperation of the Mexican authorities. As for “Are narconovelas manipulating me into disliking the ones who are supposed to be law and order?” I think that’s a necessity for narconovelas to work.

It’s surprising that Duque has survived this long since he’s not as smart as he thinks he is. Choosing Bolillo is an example.

“I can't remember watching a novela (probably because I bailed on ESDLC after two seasons) with so many characters I can't stand.” ITA, but for me a large part of it is poor casting choices. IMHO, Glo and Ed have zero chemistry.

We all agree that Jacinto deserves “a great, big, heavy anvil”.

I can’t blame Kat and Susan for bailing. But I made a commitment to recap. I appreciate novelera for sticking it out, too.

I am also looking forward to Velvet. As novelera put it, “to get the bad taste out of my mouth.” I hope we can get a patio and recappers for that.

 

jefa

Gracias, Dondi. Your storytelling is a treat, no matter how loathsome (Jacinto, Bolillo, etc.) and idiotic (Erna, Mati, Laura, etc.) these creatures get.

I imagine the Jacinto actor is having a swell time behind the scenes. He's the closest to comic relief.

Mati is disappointing. I thought she was smarter than that.