Caray, Caray!

velvet

#4 Alberto refuses Gerardo’s offer of his daughter Cristina on a silver platter, along with some big bucks.

Gerardo has two children, one of them male and named Enrique. He was a bad guy in Vivir de Amor with an annoying lock of hair on his forehead. He’s pretty nice in this one, not liking his father buying a husband for high maintenance Cris. Turns out their mother killed herself.

Pilar Márquez, Benjamin’s sister, offers to put the money Alberto needs into the company.

The women at Velvet have some kind of lottery thing going on. In Spanish it’s called una tanda. They all put in some money and one of them wins it. This time it’s Margarita. But Luisa goes home to her abusive spouse and, it turns out, her little boy. The money disappears; it must be Ramon, but she doesn’t dare accuse him.

Alberto meets with Chang Wei, but we don’t really see what he promises.

Cristina is planning a big birthday party for Alberta. Gloria tells Gerardo that no, Alberto doesn’t have a girlfriend.

Ana gives Alberto an origami crane and a cupcake for his birthday. But she’s planned a surprise for him on the rooftop.

Alberto meets with Pilar, Gloria, and Valeria. Pilar’s offer sounds good. But Valeria has outed her mother and Pilar’s scheme to get control of the company and Alberto refuses Pilar’s money. Valeria wants the designer job and is not best pleased to be told it will be Ana.

There are shots fired on the street and Margarita, who’s come out to meet a guy from a dating site, is terrified.

Mateo is quite the mujeriego. It looks like he’s about to put the moves on Clara, who got the job as Alberto’s assistant, when some other woman walks in and is all over him.

Cris sets a trap for Alberto, taking him to a museum. All kinds of mementos from Velvet’s years are on display, and it’s a surprise party.

Masked guys break into Velvet. Pretty sure they’re from Chang Wei and they make off with jewelry. Emilio arrives and saves Ana

Ana is with Alberto, and he sees the surprise she’d planned, things from Oaxaca. She tells him everyone is right about their being from different worlds. She breaks it off and says she won’t marry him.
 

"JEFA"
Let me guess: Annoying Laura is still annoying ?

 

Velvet
Novelera, thanks. You summed it up nicely. I watched after reading your recaps. I need cheat sheets with names. Another brunette showed up in the sewing/ alteration room that looks like Clara, but isn't. Jenny looks a bit like her too. Keeping them straight will be challenging.

Luisa should have just admitted her husband robbed her. She also should not be the one holding on to the raffle money since she has an untrustworthy husband. The others know he is abusive.

I have a little sympathy early on for Pilar. She has money, inherited? from dad perhaps, or she is a good business woman. She wanted a part in her father's company, it sounds, but was passed over in favor of the firstborn male it seems. I also feel a bit bad for Valeria. Too bad Gloria got so much. I'm of the opinion the children should have inherited closer to 51/49. Good for Valeria clueing Alberto on to the scheme Gloria and Pilar concocted though. I agree that she should work her way up through the ranks. She isn't that many years younger than Alberto - from the flashback scene it seemed to be only a 3 or 4 year difference in age. What has she been doing since leaving college?
 

OT

First, I want to thank novelera, Juanita and Kat for their recaps.

I haven’t been able to post from home from my laptop all week. (I’m at work now.) I’m trying to identify and solve the issue. I plan on doing a recap tonight and hope to find a way to get it posted over the weekend.

Modern technology is great… when it works.

 

velvet

Many thanks, novelera, for stepping up to provide yet another recap this week. And thanks, too, to Kat for adding some useful comments. And Kat, I'm so glad you've said you need cheat sheets with the names. I certainly do as well!!

In last night's episode, I liked the fact that Alberto is not intimidated by Gerardo and, indeed, is willing to criticize him. I loved his telling Gerardo to stop speaking about Cristina as if she is just a thing, an object. And Alberto goes on to say, "Cristina deserves a man who loves her, and that man isn't me." To be fair, Gerardo does then go and ask Gloria whether Alberto has a novia. I don't remember whether or not Gloria knows at this point about Alberto's feelings for Ana, but whether or not she does, she tells Gerardo that no, Alberto doesn't have a novia. Moreover, she says, "I think Cristina would be perfect for him."

I'm happy with Ana and Alberto as a couple, but I confess that I hate the scenes where they kiss. Somehow, they look to me as if they're eating each other's face. Rather than seeing them as passionate in these scenes, I see them almost as cannibals.

As much as I hate her, Gloria seems to me one smart cookie. She says just about the only thing that might convince Ana to give up Alberto: "If you love Alberto as much as you say, it's time to make this sacrifice for him." Yuck! As we see at the end of the episode, Gloria's words have worked. She tells Alberto they can't get married, and she gives him back the ring he gave her, telling him to "do the right thing--give the ring to Cristina." I hope we won't have to suffer through most of this novela until finally, at the end, Ana and Alberto are back together for good.

 

OT
I use my phone, lol.....I would be stumped trying to use my 8 y.o. laptop that I never fully figured out windows 10 on! I got it when I was garden club president and secretary so I could do things in Microsoft office, the 2007 version that I have a physical CD for.... technology is surpassing me by leaps and bounds. Looking forward to your recap. It would be nice if we could get a rotation of who does which night. I'm flexible so can do whichever nobody else can cover.
 

velvet

Thanks, all. Short recaps are pretty easy for me. I usually watch the whole thing and then re-watch the recorded episode to write what I want to say. Since I decided to do a quickie, I wrote very little just key words while watching to prompt my memory when I moved to the spare room where my desktop computer lives.

Kat, I don't share your sympathy for Pilar, although I understood the feminism behind it. In the first episode Pilar offers money, for a bigger percentage of the shares, to Benjamin. From what he says to her, it appears she's all about the money and would cheapen the status of their label, moving more to ready to wear than designer styles. My sense is that their father entrusted the company to Benjamin because he wanted them to keep on being Balenciaga or Versace. The plot, however, revealed that Ben's designs were stuck in the past...20 years ago was mentioned.

Yes, giving the money to Luisa to hold made no sense. In one scene someone, Margarita I believe, mentioned that Ramon had hardly ever held down a job. The camera kept lingering on her bag lying on the counter. Sheesh!

Dondi, we miss you! I was beside myself when I lost internet for days. I am a rapid touch typist, so do everything on a regular keyboard, connected to my desktop computer. When I am forced to type on my phone, I resort to my right index finger, a slow process indeed. So...your problem is connecting or the hardware of the laptop itself?

Juanita, you are so right about it taking a while to get the names straight. There are too many pretty young women! Two of them look so much alike. I think one is Clara, who wants to be the executive assistant to Alberto and the other is the nasty little Jennifer, daughter to Blanca. Regarding Blanca, I think she's not going to be as evil as she was in El Conde. There's a back story there. Yes, ITA about the "devouring" kisses of the two protagonists. I also have a bad feeling about their separating the main couple for a loooong time. That is definitely a feature of SO many classic telenovelas. The couple fall in love. The Other Woman creates suspicion, making it look like the galan has been sleeping with her (fake baby bumps often involved) until the last week when justice is meted out.
 

Jefa #64 part 1

Gloria and Mateo meet with Nacho in a parking garage. He’s not pleased to meet Mateo and threatens to kill him if he doesn’t leave. Mateo leaves. Nacho questions Glo, do you like that man? Glo tells him MYOB. Nacho replies, you are mine. I might work for you, she answers, but you don’t own me. Does this give you the right to do what you want with me?

Nacho continues, I worry “your life” will hurt my business. You bring a stranger without my permission, and you want me to include him in my business. Is he your lover? [that’s likely the real issue for Nacho.] Glo says that Mateo is an excellent telecom engineer. We need him so no one will spy on us. Especially since we know Duque is alive. Nacho plays dumb. Glo tells him about the attack on the salon and the phone call. Nacho plays the part—I had doubts about his death, I never saw the body. What will we do, Glo asks. I won’t let Duque hurt you, Nacho replies, I’d rather die.

Cut to Duque and Deb. He notes, I’ve been protecting and torturing Gloria for years. Getting rid of her is too risky. You’ll have my help this time, Deb says. Duque laughs, I don’t trust you. I don’t trust your jealousy. Deb says he underestimates women. We can be colder than men. When it comes to getting rid of an obstacle, we can be far more efficient. Duque replies, are you saying you’re better than me? No, Deb answers, we complement each other. We can get rid of Gloria without the boss knowing.

Mauricio speaks with his boss on the phone. He’s so sorry about Esther. She was an amazing partner. You can’t take me off this case. The boss is angry. He shouts, of course I can! You haven’t delivered any results. Mau asks for a few more weeks. He claims he’s about to take down Nacho and Glo. I’ve tapped their phones and sent you a report. The boss warns, if you don’t get results, you’re fired! Mau swears on Esther’s memory that he will dismantle the Tijuana Cartel and get Glo.

The salon ladies are having breakfast at Laura’s. Ramona is depressed. Yadi says she didn’t fully realize Ramona’s feelings for Jessica/Esther. Ramona answers, it’s better to be alone than to go through a betrayal. Laura opines, this is too fresh, you’ll fall in love again. Ramona fires back, never! From now on, I’ll only worry about myself. I don’t care what happens to anyone else.

Erna checks in with Mati. Mati senses Erna is sad and Erna replies, promise you won’t tell anyone, especially Gloria. The baby wasn’t kidnapped. Jacinto and Luisa planned it to get money from Gloria for Luisa’s campaign. Mati is horrified. Erna says, if Gloria finds out she will want to kill Jacinto. [please, Mati, please, tell Gloria.] What will I tell my son? His aunt killed his father? Mati agrees to keep the secret.

Mateo asks Glo about her meeting. She tells him Nacho is fine with him working for them. Mateo notes that Nacho is crazy jealous over Glo. Glo shrugs that off thinking Nacho just didn’t like a stranger showing up without notice. You and Nacho have no reason to be jealous, she says, we are not in a relationship. I don’t want one. We’ll keep it professional. She asks, will you stay? Or will you return to Colombia? Mateo opts to stay and keep things professional. [We’ll see how long that lasts.]

Glo says she will find him a place to live. He looks disappointed. She doesn’t want him to stay with her because she doesn’t want to confuse Dani. She wants Mateo to help with the security tech when she opens the new spas. He agrees.

 

jefa #64 part 2

Weeks later.

Luisa holds a campaign rally. Jacinto and a PR guy are by her side. The crowd cheers and chants. She promises them that she will carry on the splendid work of Jacinto. More cheers from the crowd. My favorite reporter, Orcajo, is there and he looks dismayed at the response. Luisa continues, if the opposition wins, they will undo all the current governor’s achievements [she left out: and end our ride on the gravy train.] Boos for the opposition. Luisa vows to work for justice without limitations. I will always place the law first. Orcajo shakes his head at the lies he’s heard.

Yadi and Gael look at the cost of building repairs. It’s a huge amount. Gael laments that he’s broke. But they are happy to be together and will find a way out of their situation. Yadi says she must go, today is the grand opening of the spa. Gael asks, do you think Gloria could hire me to paint or move supplies? Yadi says Gloria already hired a company to do that.

So, Dani’s being homeschooled. Mati has a talk with Dani. She doesn’t think Dani appreciates all that his mother does for him. When mom comes home, she helps you with your homework, she folds your clothes, she makes your favorite meals, and she takes you out when possible. Dani notes that they go out with guards who watch him all day. We never go alone. He leaves the room.

The ladies take a tour of the new spa, complete with a “secret space” for the real business. They are excited.

Orcajo approaches Luisa after the rally. Bravo, he applauds, in my years as a journalist, I’ve never seen such a convincing performance. I almost believed you intend to keep your promises. Luisa laughs, I hope you document the sincere love the people have for me. You learned everything there is to learn from the governor, he says, especially the lying.

Luisa threatens to sue him for defamation. Orcajo notes she’s not bothered by the shameless nepotism since she’s the gov’s SIL. Luisa counters, the people support me. They want me. She asks, what do you plan to do? Publish an article on your little website about influence peddling? What a great idea, Orcajo answers. Do it, Luisa dares, the people won’t let you tarnish my reputation with your lies.

Jacinto and PR guy are watching Luisa and Orcajo. Jacinto is pissed that Orcajo is always on the attack. He tells PR that he offered Orcajo a job in the campaign, but he fancies himself to be too honest. He’s a problem. PR replies, deal with it. Get rid of him. Jacinto answers, he (Orcajo) said things would be printed if something happens to him. PR guy says they all say that. If he had anything on you… Jacinto finishes the sentence… he would have used it already. But Jacinto adds he’s not willing to risk it now.

Mateo makes a call to Colombia. Madrecita? Did you receive the money and gifts I sent to the orphanage? She did. He continues, you know I live to keep the kids happy and provided. I don’t think I’ll be able to stop in for a while. He smiles, no, I don’t have a girlfriend, but I’m working on it. I’ll send you money and supplies whenever I can. Tell the kids I love them. Take care.

Bacalao brings bad news to Estrada. Sales up north fell through. No one is buying our merch. Estrada complains, nothing is going my way. Call Gloria, tell her I need to see her. Bacalao says he’s looked. She’s not interested in coming back. No matter to Estrada. He orders Bacalao to find her and bring her at once. I think I found a way to convince her to work with me, he says.

 

jefa #64 part 3

Yadi returns home to find Gael moping on the sofa. The doorbell rings. It’s Mauricio and he hands Yadi a copy of an investigation report. Nothing links Martin Larrea to any cartel. Nothing links him to the attack on the salon. Gael asks, what was he doing at the salon? We don’t know, Mau answers, but we did learn he killed Bruno Mendez. The DEA ruled out his involvement in the death of Agent Esther Smith. It’s all up to the locals now.

Before Mau leaves, Yadi asks, how does it feel to lose a partner because of your desire to screw Gloria over? We’re just doing our job, Mau replies. Yadi says, I think you feel you are on the right side, but you’re wrong. Gloria isn’t the villain. Mau counters, you’re wrong. It’s a shame it will be too late when you realize it.

Gael rises to his feet. Mau continues, prison isn’t a nice place. Mau leaves. Gael asks Yadi, prison? Why did he say that? I don’t know, Yadi replies. Suspicion kicks in and he asks, what do you do at the spa? Why are you against me working for Gloria? She squirms.

Laura is speechifying to potential spa employees. She uses Colombian slang, “viejas berracas” badass women, that the ladies don’t understand. Bacalao shows up and says, I’m looking for Gloria. Laura remembers seeing Bacalao talking to Arturo. It’s you, she says.

Nacho has called Glo and Mateo to come. He talks about the nationwide chain of spas. A pallet stacked with US dollars is uncovered. Nacho hands Mateo a tablet. A news article reads, “Mexican Bridge Moves Drugs Between Colombia and the US. Is it La Jefa’s Doing?” Nacho whispers to Glo, fame has heard your name… but you’re not at the top yet. Only I can help you get there.

What do I have to do, Glo asks. Nacho replies, this $50 million needs to make it to the US this week. It needs to be laundered and legalized. He asks, are you scared? Not at all, she replies, but what you ask is impossible. $50 million can’t be laundered overnight. We just opened the spa. We need more time. Nacho knows she laundered a lot more for Tlahuac.

Glo says she won’t go to prison again. Nacho assures her that won’t happen with him. Estrada said the same, Glo tells him. Don’t compare me with that geezer, Nacho replies, I’d get you out with a snap of my fingers. Not sure, but I think he says he needs her to take $15 million from the US and get it to Colombia in 2 days. Gloria says she can use the women working for her. Mateo pipes up, in Colombia, those who launder money for a living know the best way is to do it through political parties and candidates.

Bacalao tells Laura she’s mistaken. He’s never seen her before. She shakes her head and asks, where’s Arturo? ¿Sos parcero de el o que? Are you bros? Bacalao plays dumb. Laura’s not buying it. Where’s Arturo? Is he in Mexico? Is he with you?

Bacalao warns, you don’t know who you’re messing with. I’m here to see Gloria. Laura gives Bacalao a shove. If you want to know about Gloria, tell me about Arturo. Where’s Miguel? Bacalao pulls out a gun—I warned you! The job seekers scream and cower. Bacalao demands, call Gloria or I’ll pump you full of lead!

Gael wants to know why Yadi doesn’t answer him. What was the DEA agent talking about? He accused you of being Gloria’s accomplice. Accomplice to what? Yadi says she doesn’t know. She says Mau has had it in for Gloria since Ed died. He even suspected she killed Ed, but she was set up. Gael asks, then why is he still after her? Gael reminds her they made a deal after their breakup that they’d both be honest. When I ask about Gloria’s trips, the money she made overnight, you pretend not to hear but I’m not an idiot.

 

jefa #64 part 4

Yadi swears it’s nothing bad. Gael tells her she has his unconditional support. But if she doesn’t trust him… Then what, she asks, you’re breaking up with me? I don’t want secrets and lies in our relationship, he replies. Yadi comes clean. The spas are just a front. We, Laura, Ramona, and even Fercho… launder money for the Tijuana Cartel.

Ramona runs downstairs into the confrontation between Laura and Bacalao. At first, she thinks it’s a robbery. Bacalao says, tell Gloria that Estrada is looking for her. Be careful, he adds, Arturo works for the Tlahuac Cartel. You might find death instead of your son. He leaves. The applicants are shaken. Ramona warns them if they get the job, they might see worse.

Yadi explains to Gael, I never told you because Gloria asked me not to. We’re not doing it out of greed. Gloria needs the money to pay for Dani’s care. Laura needs to get her son back. Gael asks, do you sell drugs? Yadi is quick to deny that. Gael asks, do you know what I do for a living? Yes, you’re a topographer. Exactly, he replies, I’m great at reading blueprints and maps. I can read them and make them. Gloria needs someone like me. I want in. Yadi is surprised.

Mauricio and Dario look at info on Gloria’s latest accomplice, Mateo Restrepo. Born in Cali, Colombia, 35, profession unknown. He arrived in Mexico a few weeks ago. He did time 3 times. Stealing electronics, armed robbery, breaking and entering when he was young. He also donates to orphanages.

Mau calls Mateo a third world Robin Hood. Why is he working with Glo? Dario supposes they might be dating. They’ve been seen together. Mau doesn’t think so since Gloria just lost her partner. Dario reminds him that happened a year ago. [good grief, is Mau falling for Glo, too?] They speculate about Glo’s dealings in Colombia.

Gael continues to make his case for working for Gloria. He knows about boats. He knows large shipments of drugs are shipped by sea. Yadi warns him to stop. He can’t do anything illegal. He reminds her he’s being sued for fraud, and he needs money for his defense. She says she will ask Gloria for an advance on her pay. Gael wants to earn his own money. Yadi replies, Gloria lost 2 men she loved because of this business. I don’t want to lose you. [I hope Yadi didn’t give us a spoiler.]

Gloria helps Dani with his schoolwork. Mati sends Dani off to wash his hands before dinner. Mati shows Gloria a news item about Luisa. She’s ahead in the polls and expected to win the governorship. Gloria wonders how much money was spent to buy the votes. She realizes that Jacinto lied about the kidnapping to get the money from her. Mati confirms she just found out. Erna overheard Jacinto and Luisa talking.

Gloria feels like an idiot for giving them the money. Mati begs her not to hurt them. Gloria asks, do you think I’d kill them? I won’t do that, Luisa is my sister and Jacinto is my nephew’s father. Mati nods, yes, think of the baby. But I won’t sit idle, Glo snaps back. I’ll make sure Luisa doesn’t become governor and I’ll make Jacinto regret what he’s done.

Bedtime for Nacho. Deb pours him a shot of tequila so he can sleep better. She flatters him. He worked his way to the top and she admires him. Not like Gloria, she adds, who rejected you because she thought you weren’t good enough for her. You shouldn’t trust her so much. You’re risking your fortune and your heart for a woman who doesn’t deserve you. There are women who wouldn’t hesitate to die for you. Nacho asks, women… like you?

 

jefa #64 part 5

Laura and Ramona wonder where Gloria is. Ramona says call her. Laura thinks this is not the kind of info you give on the phone. And she has to tell her that Arturo works for the Tlahuac Cartel. Laura leaves for the night. Ramona stays behind to do paperwork. She looks suspicious as usual. We see her viewing Laura leaving the spa on her computer screen. She replays her earlier words—”I’m only going to worry about myself. From now on I don’t care what happens to anyone else.” Ramona grabs some cash and puts it in her bag.

Deb moves onto Nacho’s bed. I met you when you started to become who you are today, she tells him. You weren’t all that powerful then. Unlike Gloria… I saw your qualities, your manhood, your bravery. She moves in for a kiss that doesn’t happen. Nacho responds, Debora… I’ve been with all kinds of women. I’m not blind. I know you’re very beautiful. She asks, then why haven’t we ever been together? Because you’re special, he replies, because I trust you and you are loyal. I won’t ruin that for being horny. Deb is willing to take the risk and plants one on Nacho. They get busy.

Jacinto hands money to a guy, Baltazar. You know what needs to be done, he says. I don’t want any mistakes. Erna is eavesdropping. Luisa thinks Jacinto is making a mistake. Orcajo confronted us in public, in front of the press. If anything happens, it will be linked to us. Jacinto reasons, Orcajo has many enemies. He must disappear, end of discussion. Erna takes off before she’s discovered.

Gloria tells Mateo she needs to go to Tijuana and she’s going alone. He wants to go with her for protection. You can protect me by starting a communications hub here, she says. The DEA can’t track us down again. Are you asking me to create a lab to spy on the feds and the gringos, he asks. That’s expensive. We have money, Glo says, so get the best. I don’t want another Jessica. He thinks she’s paranoid. Are you with me or not, she asks. He backs off.

Dani enters the room and Mateo greets him enthusiastically. Dani is a sourpuss. Glo tells him to greet their guest. Don’t be rude. Dani replies, guest? He lives here. Mateo says Dani is right. We see each other every day. We’re family. He reaches out to Dani but Dani pushes Mateo’s hand away. We’re not family, the boy declares. You like my mom, but you’re never going to be my dad. You’re nothing like Eduardo! Dani walks. Gloria calls out—Daniel!

Erna runs over to Baltazar as he leaves. Where are you going? He says, I have to run an errand. It’s late, she replies, everything is closed. I have to deliver a message, he tells her. What message, she asks, to whom? You’d have to ask Mr. Jacinto, he replies. Erna tries to prevent Baltazar from leaving and Luisa wheels up and asks, why are you questioning him? She sends Baltazar off.

Nacho unbusies himself. He won’t continue. I can’t sleep with you because I don’t want to hurt you, he tells her. But she’s hurt and asks, don’t you find me attractive? He responds, you said it yourself, we’ve been working together for years. I respect and care about you. That’s all. He asks her to leave, and she goes.

Debora turns back and demands to know, what does Gloria have that I don’t? Nacho grabs her by the head and neck and cautions her—don’t speak about Gloria or I swear… You’ll kill me, she shouts. Are you going to threaten me like you threatened Duque? No, he answers, but I can send you to the US permanently. That way we can work together and keep our distance. She leaves in humiliation.

 

jefa #64 part 6

Erna confronts Luisa. You didn’t mind letting me suffer for my son. You and Jacinto faked the kidnapping! I overheard you! What are you going to do, Luisa calmly asks, tell Gloria? Erna hisses, I’d love to. But I won’t because I don’t want any more tragedies. I thought my baby was going to die! Why would you do this to your sister?

Luisa replies, after Gloria turned me into an invalid, I decided I wouldn’t let anyone beat me. I don’t care about stepping over others, including you. Erna calls Luisa cruel and shameless. A shameless woman who will be governor, Luisa answers. That’s if you win, Erna says. Stop feeling morally superior, Luisa tells her, you’re no better than us.

Erna defends herself. I’ve never gotten my hands dirty or used others. Luisa asks, do you see keeping your husband’s bastard as worthy of praise? He got his mistress pregnant in your house!

Gloria demands that Dani apologize to Mateo. Dani won’t do it. He claims that Mateo wants to replace Ed and JJ. He tells Mateo, leave me and my mom alone! Dani leaves and Glo shouts at him to come back. Mateo tells Glo to relax. Don’t boss the kid around. Glo says that Dani shouldn’t behave like that.

Mateo replies, he’s acting just like you. He misses Eduardo. He’s jealous. You mourned your loss, let him mourn, too. I’m willing to stay for as long as it takes to win Dani’s love… and your love. Gloria asks, my love? Mateo, we’ve talked about this. He moves in real close. I don’t know how else to say it, Gloria… but I’ve never felt anything like this before. I love you.

And we are out with a kiss!

 

Velvet #5

Just a few things of note. Ana sticks to her refusal to marry Alberto. The company and the fate of all the workers depends on Alberto saving the company, and he knows what he has to do.

Jenny is the inside snoop for Pilar. She learns a famous designer is coming to Velvet and lets her know. Pilar poisons his mind to the job by letting him know the company is on the brink of bankruptcy. Apparently this designer was insulted by Albertos dad as a designer. He really dislikes the designs that Velvet is doing.

Clara is about to celebrate her 3rd dating anniversary with Pedro. Margarita meanwhile has a crush on him. Clara gets a gift of designer shoes from Mateo? The CFO, since her fake heels broke. She needs to dress the part when she works in fashion.
Valeria notices a help wanted sign, recalls Alberto telling her to work her way up in the company and asks Emilio for the job as a salesperson.
Barbara, Christina's friend, is soon to be married and the bridesmaids dresses she wants are nothing like what she ordered. Christina suggests Velvet to make the style she wants and brings her to Ana to design them. Barbara likes her design.
Christina has a dinner date with Alberto. He mentions having spoken with her father. She interrupts him and defends her mental state. Later Alberto goes to Gerardo and tells him I understand your concerns about her. He accepts the offer of a loan in exchange for marriage to Christina.
Some bald guy with a goatee type beard comes to see Gloria. Not sure if she is at home or at the store. He has something on her and she owes him.
 

jefa

Another splendid recap, dondi. You are truly spinning straw into gold here!

Nacho's obsession with Gloria is not working for me. I can't tell if it's the actor or the plot, but I just don't see how he could have become an all-powerful drug lord. ITA on "that's likely the real issue". Nacho can't stand for another man to be in Gloria's life. I also cannot see what Deb sees in him. The writers have made her really love him, not lust after his fortune.

Ramona is going to come to a bad end. As you said, Viewerville has had suspicions about her all along. Gloria has seemed like someone who can add up a roomful of money just with her eyes. Not a good move to steal from her. Well said, dondi: "She looks suspicious as usual".

Didn't Gloria make Erna promise to pack up the baby and leave Jacinto if she helped get the child back? Erna just rolls along, dumber each episode. She already knows her sister is a snake; why tell her she knows Jacinto arranged the kidnapping?

Seems like they're working on Mateo not being a half bad guy, what with the orphanages.

I'm starting to feel about Bacalau the way I felt about Bolillo, tired of his remaining alive. At least the despicable Martín was bumped off.

Wow. Gael, who was so morally outraged at Yadira's online activities, has gone to the bad side after about two weeks of unemployment.

Oh, yes, Mauricio does have a thing for Gloria. Esther accused him of it a couple of weeks ago. Not sure where they're going with this.

Nacho, a shot of alcohol before going to bed is NOT a good recipe for a good night's sleep. Was "Bedtime for Nacho" an intentional play on words of the original movie: Bedtime for Bonzo?
 

velvet

Thanks, Kat, for the well-done brief recap. I had high hopes we'd end up with a full week of recappers since everyone was so NOT into a narconovela.

Boy, they only waited 5 episodes for Alberto to cave and marry Cristina. I was wondering if her friend was really called Bárbara or if it was a private joke between them since she calls her "Barbie". And the way they've made the actor up fits right in. Her makeup is SO perfect she might be made of plastic.

I didn't quite understand it, but I'm sure we'll see on Monday. Cris seems to have some plot cooking where Ana comes to her house and finds Alberto there.

I'm certain that, over the course of this, Ana is going to become a fabulous clothes designer. I am wondering if she'll stay at Velvet or go somewhere else to become a big success.

They're definitely showing Clara not caring as much about Pedro as he does about her. I predict Margarita getting him in the end.
 

velvet

Thanks very much, Kat, for your well-done mini-recap. Wow, Mateo really has a collection of women. I think Clara is the third or fourth that we've seen in just the first week. I gotta say, when I was much younger, I and many other young women were campaigning against women having to wear high heels and pointy shoes, given that the shoes were often not only quite uncomfortable but also damaging to women's feet. So when I see Clara delighted with Mateo's gift of expensive pointy, high-heeled shoes, I wince.
Oh well....

I confess I was a bit surprised and very disappointed that Alberto agreed to Gerardo's terms only five days into the novela. Though to be fair, I have to admit that it was hard to see any viable alternatives unless he were to give up on saving Velvet.

I'm really curious about the bald guy who comes to see Gloria. I'd welcome just about anyone who can make her life miserable. But it seems too early in the novela for him to be a serious problem for her.
 

OT?

Dondi mentioned several days ago that she was having computer problems and would try to do a recap of Friday's episode and post it over the weekend, so this afternoon I was happy to see that she had succeeded in posting. I started to read part 1, which began "Gloria and Mateo meet with Nacho in a parking garage." I've been watching Velvet, so I know who Gloria and Mateo are, but I couldn't for the life of me remember someone named Nacho. Uh oh, I thought. Is my mind starting to go? Then I looked again at dondi's recap, and this time I saw it was about La Jefa, not Velvet!
 

velvet

Gracias, Novelera and Kat. I enjoyed catching up with Velvet.

I'm not sure of the actual time period, but this TN has a 1950s vibe to me. Cristina's dad strong-arming Alberto to marry his daughter is just nuts.

Though Mateo is a player, I was charmed my him gifting the shoes to Clara. Totally understandable that a naive girl would fall for him. I'm still learning who's who, but Mateo and Alberto seem to respect each other.

It must be fabulous for the actors to show up for work every day knowing they'll be exquisitely dressed.

 

Velvet

I’ve been unable to watch a couple days this week so thanks for the recaps. I can try to do one on Monday or Tuesday if someone else isn’t planning on it already. Can’t promise to remember names- it always takes a couple weeks to get there- but I can try a shirt and sweet recap. They certainly didn’t waste time with the whole “ selling Christina into marriage” thing.

K
 

velvet

Thanks, K. No one has committed for Mon. or Tues. so far. We'd be happy to see your recap of any length either day.
 

Velvet

Niece, Mateo and Alberto are good friends. That's how he got Mateo to join the team. I think the time frame is current day. I'm pretty sure smart phones are in use. I'll look a bit more closely. The 50s styles are because Dad didn't move with the times. Actually I think that style has made a bit of a comeback.

Juanita, high heels are so bad for your posture. I know it goes with the modeling and high fashion flare of the show, but my preference is Crocs or flip flops. Of course with bad knees and hip, heels are out of the question.

K, sure will enjoy your recap, it will be fun working with you again. As mentioned I'm pretty flexible night wise so if no one says they have it I can do short recaps. I have a couple more weeks of recapping Juegos on the Univision page, but it's at 10 so I have an hour between the shows to hopefully do velvet justice.

 

Velvet

I could try a short recap of Tuesday's episode. Like K, I don't promise to get the characters' names right this early in the novela.
 

Velvet

I’ll see what I can do tonight and how many names I actually get right. :)

K
 

K, if you google Velvet 2025, there is a cast list. Pretty sure the IMBD thing also has one if you select "complete cast and crew link.
 

jefa

Gracias, Dondi. Terrific detailed recap.

"I won’t let Duque hurt you, Nacho replies, I’d rather die." It's bugging me that Glo isn't wondering why Nacho is so crazy for her. We've never seen Glo on the web researching anyone or anything.

Dani is annoying, but then he lost his "sister" playmate and fast buddy Miguel. Mati lecturing him on why he should appreciate his mom was sad to me because Mati named things that adults care about, not kids.

Ding dong, Martin is gone.