Caray, Caray!

velvet
It was a slow work day, so...

Juanita’s List of Suckiness 😉

THE BEST
Raul. Raul is the best. No hatred or vengeance here. Nice to the seamstresses below him but not a doormat to his “betters” (Cris). Fun drunk.

DEFINITELY GOOD BUT NOT RAUL
Ana. She’s the lead and is contractually guaranteed to be liked.

Emilio. He’s right about Alberto no matter how romantic Isabel wants to be. Al is married and serves no purpose to Ana except to mess things up and give us a show to watch.

Isabel. Not nearly as vengeful as she maybe should be towards Gloria. Yet.

Max. He didn’t actually sleep with Pepita, right? It was a silly flirt but he’s otherwise loyal to his true love.

MOSTLY GOOD
Marga. Good person but plays silly games with Pedro instead of just, like, talking to him like an adult.

Pedro. Ditto above. Also a bit of a clutz. It’s not THAT hard to stay on a ladder.

Luisa. Good person. Terrible choice of husband. Didn’t record some of the abuse to toss in his face during the custody hearings. Doesn’t the youth reord everything these days?

Clara. Annoying but not a bad person.

Mateo. Ditto

Rick. Taking care of Luisa but still stole a job from Pedro. But also Pedro is a dunce so maybe Rick should move up a level?

Blanca. Works hard. Actually works, which is more than some of these people do. A bit harsh but it’s for your own good. Does seem to care about her people. Has a boyfriend 20 years her junior so good for her!

Jenny. Is she coming back?

Carlos (temporary). He seems ok but if he has a bigger connection to Sara than we know, he better have a good reason for lying about it.

Rodrigo. Not sure if he’ll be back but was maybe more trustworthy than Carlos. Doesn’t own a helicopter or live in the Hamptons. I don’t really know the Hamptons but I’m sure no one that rich should be trusted so this is a good thing.
 

PURGATORY
Valeria. Wanted to work to earn her place in the store but also thought she earned that place after about a week of actual work. Might actually be good at this but also sleeping with one of the partners after learning that the guy was going to be a father. I don’t’ begrudge her sleeping with a married man- she’s not the one who took vows- but not THAT married man. Could be worse, could be better. Let’s see what she does when she legally owns her mother’s property. Might be fun!

Cris. Spoiled brat. Selfish and self-centered but admits when she messed up (after it no longer affects her). Probably more capable than her family gives her credit for but was treated with kid gloves by them instead of being given help so we’ll never know for sure. Will have to wait for the inevitable breakdown.

Alberto. I don’t care that he’s the galan; he belongs here for suggesting that Ana become his mistress after he marries Cris for her money to save his father’s store. Also married Cris for money in a backhand deal with her father to save the store. Never mind that Cris might have feelings. STILL tried to stay close to Ana knowing it hurt her. Emilio was right about him, even if he is backing off a little.

Teresa. Waiting to see what she does with Luisa and then will decide where she goes.

Sara. Waiting to see what she does with Ana. She’s rude, so far, but was also right to call out Alberto on his behavior to her.

SUCKS
Gloria. Obviously. And maybe more than we know.

Gerardo. Who sells his daughter’s hand in the 21st century? It’s so bad that even his rejection of Gloria can’t save him from this category.

Ramon. He is only redeemed because his kid likes him but he should be in jail.

That lawyer guy helping Gloria whose name I can’t remember.

Susanna. Using her kid to manipulate Pedro into free housing. Then again, NYC is very expensive so maybe this is justifiable.

Pants. There is someone out there who wants to have sex with a married man. This is not Marga. Ohhh! Valeria! He should call Valeria.

Lorenzo. Was he fired or is he still around?

Esteban. Benjamin’s brother who probably belongs here but I’m not sure why.

DROP DEAD
Enrique and Barbie. These two deserve each other.

Fernando. Already dead. Good.

recaps pending!
K
 

"JEFA"
I'll post my personal thoughts on tonight's upcoming episode later.
 

velvet
Monday, #36, 1 of 3
.
We start with all the super secret properties that are being given to Valeria. Valeria demands to know what’s up with this. Gloria dismisses her lawyer but never really explains why she’s doing this except to protect them and Val. Val agrees in the end without asking what the tax implications are. She really should have done that.
.
Down with the seamstresses where Al asks what everyone important (management) thinks about the proposed designs they are going to show Sara and Saghattan (or whatever it’s called). Val likes them. Cris says they’re nice enough, and also calls them “comun y corriente” because why be too nice? But they are a hit.
.
Down in Miami with Al and Ana. They stupidly checked the suitcases with the sample designs (never check anything that important if you don’t have to) and they call to let Clara know. Mateo calls is a grave problem and then Enrique enters the office and will probably make things worse.
.
Al and Ana meet with Sara and advise her about the designs not making it to Miami. Sara isn’t having it. She wants no more excuses and is not the least bit sympathetic before dismissing them back to New York. They advise the team back in NY and Enrique puts all the blame on Alberto.
.
Pedro is stalking Marga’s doctor who is at a park with the kid. He takes pics of them with a pregnant woman.
.
Val comes to see Enrique. He wants her to confide in him because they are friends, or “friends”. Val tells him her mom is acting odd and drinking too much, and then tells him that she wants to put everything in her name. Enrique asks if that includes her shares in Velvet and points out that she’d be in charge (something like that).
.
Miami. The suitcases with the designs that should have been carried on or shipped FedEx finally show up. Ana or Al (can’t remember who) calls Carlos for a favor to get them into the meeting with Sara’s dad, Sr. Sagahun (sp?).
.
Cris runs into Isabel who was carrying water or something, and the water spills all over Cris. She flips out and gets all Barbie-like about her outfit being ruined and it’s not like the stuff they (the poors) wear). Even Barbie sees that Cris needs to be taken away and scoots her out. Isabel is surprised and asks Blanca if this is the woman they think is so sweet.
.
Pedro shows Marga the stalker pics. Fast forward.
.
Al and Ana meet Sara’s dad and he seems much more reasonable than Sara. And they tell him the designs are there in the lobby or wherever they are, and then models come out wearing the designs and dad and Sara pay attention. Al looks pleased with himself.
.
Isabel seems Gloria’s man (Alesandro?) and freezes. Emilio notices and sees who she’s looking at.
.
Sr. Sag looks over the designs carefully and finally approves the deal. Al and Ana hug and the models clap. Yay!
 

velvet
Monday, #36, 2 of 3
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Barbie asks what’s up with Cris. She’s all worried about Al being in Miami without her, but Barbie points out they have more important things to do- getting Cris knocked up! They need to see the gyno to find out when she’s most fertile and get to Operation Pregnancy.
.
Al and Ana celebrate on the beach and Carlos comes over to congratulate them and mess up Al’s nice moment that he wanted with Ana, who is still not the woman he married. Kisses from Carlos (to Ana) and sad face for Al.
.
Carlos tells them he met with Sr. Sag and everything is fantastic! He congratulates them and invites them to celebrate. Al, who might be learning a thing, says they should be alone and he heads off.
.
Raul has opened up a bottle of champagne and Blanca reproaches him for drinking on the job. He tells her rules are made to be broken and they chuckle. Isabel comes down and is offered a glass but she says no and they recognize her funny mood (from having seen Alessandro). She leaves. Marga comes in and immediately goes off crying. She’s not in a mood to celebrate either. Raul doesn’t get it but it doesn’t stop the party.
.
Cris is on the phone with Al and hears the good news and will meet him whenever and she loves him. But she’s snippy when she hangs up because, as she tells Barbie, he never responds. Barbie tells her it’s fine, he married her, and when Cris tells her the gyno lab results are all good, that Cris will be a factory of babies. (Eww). But they are happy about this and toast. There was also snipping about the polyester line for the common folk but they are just being brats. Cris may be moving down a notch on the ladder of suckiness.
.
Al and Carlos are talking and I think it’s still the same day. Al tells him that they are leaving the next day but Carlos, it sounds like, wants to hang out a bit with Ana and will bring her back. Al talks to Carlos about how Ana has been with Velvet for so long that she’s like family, as though it’s Al’s responsibility to protect her, but Carlos makes sure Al knows that isn’t needed. And Carlos tell Al that he better enjoy his time with Ana while he has her because Ana is going places and will be flying away from Velvet soon. Good one, Carlos! But it’s all still civil enough.
.
Marga shows the pic to Pants, who still says this is his sister. He looks nervous though, and gets irritated and ends it with her by calling her “fria”. (So that’s probably not his sister). And Pedro is there to defend Margo for some reason. It ends with Marga throwing a punch to the doc but he gets out of the way and it lands on Pedro. Doc calls them idiots (not wrong) and he leaves. That may be the last of Pants.
.
Carlos tells Ana that Al asks him what his intentions were with Ana. She tells him it’s because they’ve known each other since they were kids. There is nice talk but Ana says he knows so much about her but she doesn’t know anything about him. His mother died but he doesn’t like to talk about his past. (suspicious).
.
Al has flown back up to NY all alone and is having a drink in his office. Mateo comes in to chat and asks what happened in Miami. Al feels lost (the whole Ana thing) and knows Cris is waiting for him. He feels bad because she didn’t do anything wrong. Al wants to stay and have another drink.
 

velvet
Monday, #36, 3 of 3
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Isabel tells Emilio about Gloria being responsible for the killing that she was blamed for. The other guy may have done it but Gloria was behind it. Emilio gets very angry and thinks Gloria needs to be behind bars. Isabel says it was too long ago. Emilio does tell Isa that Gloria has always hated Alberto, which hits Isabel hard. Emotionally, that is. Not like how Marga hit Pedro.
.
Cris is now drinking with Gloria, which is probably not going to help Operation Baby, and tells her that she wants to be with Al all the time. Gloria says it’s because they are newlyweds. And Cris tells her about wanting to have a baby now. Gloria toasts her.
.
Al and Mateo, meanwhile, have moved to a bar and Al is slurring his words, so they baby thing is probably not going to happen tonight.
.
Carlos walks Ana up to her room and they smooch. This is where the baby is going to happen if they aren’t careful. Ana cuts him off because they’ve been drinking and she doesn’t want anything to happen like this. Carlos says romantic things but he’ll give her the time she needs and she kisses him goodbye and goes inside. Then he gets an odd look on his face and weird music plays. Foreshadowing?
.
Raul talks to the seamstress crew about the latest gossip. It’s about Ana! He shows them a video where someone announces that Carlos, head of Saghun or whatever, has been seen with Ana Velazquez.
.
Isabel comes up to Val and tells her that she, Isabel, knew her father. That he was a good man and that Val has his eyes. Val is gracious about this meeting. Isabel tells Val her name and says she’s there if Val needs anything.
.
Al and Cris talk. Must be the next day because no one seems drunk. Cris doesn’t want Al to turn into her father, for whom work is everything. He gets it. Then she tells him that her doctor said everything is fine for a baby. Al thinks it’s too soon and they haven’t been married for very long. Plus the whole Velvet thing (so he doesn’t really get it). He tells her he is responsible for the family business but she tells him he’s also responsible for her and their family. (Al, some decisions are two yeses and one no. Man up and tell her). (He won’t).
.
Val carries boxes of pics into the office and Gloria wants to know why she’s doing this. Then Val tells her she met some woman from the store names Isabel. Gloria warns her against Isa, saying she’s not a good person and asking Val to trust her mother.
.
Marga and Pedro talk. Marga feels like a tonta. She stalked Pants online, as one does, and saw a bunch of pics of the woman, etc. Pedro tells her that if this didn’t work out it’s because Cupid is saving something beautiful for her. They hug.
.
Isabel gets in an elevator with Gloria. Gloria threatens to tell Alberto that Isa is his mother and to destroy Emilio if she ever comes near her daughter again. Isabel says nothing. When Gloria leaves, Isa looks like she’s having heart problems and asks the air for more time.
.
K
 

velvet

Wow, K! I loved your more extensive and detailed categories. And I agree with just about all your placements. Well, I'd probably put Rodrigo a bit higher up, since everything I remember his doing was clearly good. And unlike Carlos, Rodrigo doesn't smile too much. And after tonight's episode, I'm rather wary of Carlos.

I also loved your delightful recap. I was surprised and happy to see Pedro stalking Dr. p. And taking a very telling video of Dr. p giving his supposed sister a very unsisterly kiss. Not to mention his kissing her pregnant belly.

I also enjoyed your saying that "Al is married and serves no purpose to Ana except to mess things up and give us a show to watch."

I wouldn't be at all surprised if Enrique had something to do with Velvet's luggage not arriving in Miami.

As for Carlos, I too saw that strange look on Carlos' face after Ana went into her hotel room and closed the door. I hadn't noticed the weird music you mentioned, but that makes me even more suspicious. And putting that together with his reluctance to say anything about his past makes me all but certain that he'll turn out to be bad news. Or, to use the more technical term, "SUCKS".

I wouldn't be surprised if the video making the social media rounds showing Ana and Carlos kissing will cause Ana problems, both personal and professional. Personal, since she's likely to be seen by some as a gold-digging lower-class woman going after the very well-to-do Carlos. And Professional since she's trying to help Velvet win a contract from Sahghattan.

I do hope Isabel's seeming illness in the elevator is not deadly or debilitating.
 

velvet

K., I've just realized that the episode you recapped tonight is probably #35, not 36.
 

"JEFA"
Howdy from the Alamo City CarayCaray Family. My personal thoughts on last night's episode (it'll be super-short).

*Scumbag Duque taunting & threatening both Daniel & Annoying Laura. Plus, he eats the hamburger & french fries.

*Daniel appears to have another seizure while Fruit Seller & Scumbag Duque gleefully watch & plot more sinister schemes.

*Little Miss 3 Percent (Whacky Luisa) speaking with Gullible Matilde over the phone. Matilde is getting on my damn nerves too.

*Gloria is taking to Fruit Seller's residence or something like that.

*Yadira keeping the baby & she holds hands with Gael.

*Mauricio & DEA Mexico watching the usual suspects' moves.
 

Velvet

Finally caught up. I wanted to make comments on last week's episodes but decided to wait till the new week. I have a thought, or question about Gloria's offshore properties. I imagine she also came from wealth. She mentions giving Valeria her patrimony. Could it be that Gloria invested her family money, or inherited the properties from her parents? I wouldn't put it past her to siphon money from Benjamin, but I would think that wouldn't be that easy to do, unless that is what bankrupted the business. One would hope Benjamin was a better business man than that to allow stealing.

I have had a bad feeling about Carlos all along, especially as he is billed as an antagonist in the cast lists.

I hate to say this, but if Al was drunken slurring, then he must be drunk all the time. I imagine it is his accent (is he from Spain), but his lisping is hard to understand. I have to try and catch the shows as they are wired now. The CC are delayed by a lot on DVR so I tend to watch those without any captions, which makes it harder to follow.

Rodrigo was definitely in the good guy category IMO, Rick is pretty high up there too. Pedro is lucky he is employed as a handyman and hasn't been fired from that job! He would not make a good salesman.
 

velvet

Great list, K. I agree with most of what you posted. And you gave us a great recap, too.

Raul is the best.

Ana is good but she’s spent ¾ of the show weepily pining over Albert and missing great opportunities because of this.

Emilio is also good but he becomes stupid around Isabel.

I think Max is good with an asterisk *he slept with Pepita and gave being drunk as an excuse. But he’s trying.

I think Rick could move up a level. Pedro was never meant to be a salesman.

Jenny? Who cares? But she might yet have a part to play.

Rodrigo can stay put. But maybe Carlos can be relegated to purgatory. He’s more and more suspicious to me.

It is obvious it is that Cris needs professional help and it’s disturbing how everyone does nothing to get her the help she needs.

Ramon is missing and could be dead. A victim of Francisco.

Lorenzo was fired.

List can be updated as necessary. Thanks, again, K.

 

jefa #91 part 1

Yadira makes a decision, she’s having the baby. Gael seems to support her.
Dani is kidnapped by Mono.

Gloria and fam realize Dani is missing but wonder why he went out. They also realize he was connecting to the neighbor’s internet, and he received a call on his tablet. Glo calls the number and speaks to Miguel who says that Dani was taken by some men.

Mateo tells Miguel to go a restaurant near Laura’s house and wait in the restroom. Gael will come and get him.

Yadi still wants to get a DNA test but after the baby is born. She tells Gael if the baby isn’t his, he doesn’t have to stick around and raise him.

Fercho is out of surgery. He will be okay. He asks about Laura and Miguel.

Mateo calls Gael and tells him Miguel is waiting for pickup at the restaurant. Gael tells Fercho and leaves.

Looks like Dario will be alright, too. Alina and Mau are with him. Dario is determined to stay on the case.

Mau tells Dario that Anderson is furious. Anderson blames Mau for everything and thinks he’s interested in Gloria. It’s going to get complicated.

Dani is brought kicking and screaming to Nacho. Dani remembers Nacho as “a friend” of his mother. Nacho seems pleased by this. He tells Dani, I could have been your father, buy your mom didn’t want that.

Dani looks at Duque, you’re holding Miguel’s mom hostage. Duque approaches Dani and asks, how do you know? Dani takes a swing at Duque but misses. Dani asks, what are you going to do to my mom? Duque tells Dani he’s using him as bait to catch the big fish.

Glo worries that Dani doesn't have his meds. She wants to call Nacho to set up an exchange, her life for Dani’s. Mateo tells her to wait and trust him. He knows Duque’s hideouts, they can find Dani. Mati supports Mateo’s idea.

Mateo sets up his hacking equipment and tells Glo to make her call. She has to stay on the line for 3 minutes to get the location. Let’s hope that’s where they are keeping Dani.

Where’s my son, Glo asks. Danielito is on vacation, Nacho replies. I’m thinking of sending him to his father. Glo warns, don’t hurt my son or I’ll turn CDMX upside down. Nacho doesn’t care about her threats. She will pay with her son’s life. She forced him. Glo starts begging—I’ll do anything.

Meanwhile, a DEA hacker intercepts Gloria and Nacho’s call. Anderson and Mau are present.

Gloria tries to make a deal for Dani. She has to stay on the line for 40 more seconds to get the location. Nacho realizes that Mateo must be trying to find his location. Twenty seconds left to location. Gloria says, you can have Montoya back and Estrada’s routes. I’ll work for you and launder money. Please give Dani back. I want to spend a night with you, Nacho counters, that’s what I want.

Call ends. They were 5 seconds away. Mateo hung up. He saw the DEA was also on the call. DEA would have located them.

DEA didn’t get the locations either but Anderson notes that they got Gloria on tape admitting her cartel connections and money laundering. There will be no protecting her now. Mau states he’s not protecting Glo, she is an informant, and we had a deal. Anderson doesn’t budge.

Dani is put in with Laura. [at least that’s one good thing.] Dani tells her that Miguel was looking for her. He was with him but then the men showed up. Laura tries to keep Dani calm. She says Glo saved Miguel so she will pay her back by saving Dani.

 

jefa #91 part 2

Yadi tells Violeta about her decision. She’s keeping the baby even if it means losing Gael.

Gael brings Miguel to the hospital. He tells everyone there that Dani was kidnapped.

Dani isn’t feeling well. Laura bangs on the door for help. She tells Mono that Dani is diabetic. He doesn’t have his meds and he hasn’t eaten. You need him alive. Get his medication. Talk to your boss.

Miguel visits Fercho. Miguel worries about his mom. Fercho assures him they will find her. Miguel tells Fercho that Dani was kidnapped.

Duque tells Luisa that they are waiting for Glo to come get Dani. Luisa actually seems worried about Dani. Duque asks, since when do you care about your nephew? Mono appears and tells Duque that Dani isn’t well. Luisa hears. Duque says Dani can have food but no insulin.

Luisa pleads for Dani. He needs the insulin, he will die without it. She reminds him, you need him alive to catch Gloria. Duque disagrees. Gloria already took the bait. They don’t need the kid anymore.

Glo calls Estrada. He’s not in Mexico. He could send men but they won’t arrive today. Glo wants to call Nacho again. Mateo warns the DEA will find her. She doesn’t care. She needs to save her son. Erna says to use her phone.

Mateo has another objection. Nacho wants to sleep with Gloria, and he won’t have that. Glo states she will stay with Nacho for a night or a lifetime. Whatever it takes to save Dani.

Mono brings some food for Dani. Looks like a burger and fries. That’s all he could get. Laura tries to feed the boy, but Duque enters the room. Duque tells Dani he can get something else if he wants. Dani says he won’t eat in front of Duque. He’s too disgusted.

Duque taunts Dani. He shows him his damaged hand. Who do you think did this to me? Your mom. He shows Dani the bullet she used to shoot him. Duque orders Dani to eat but takes a big bite out of the kid’s burger. He leaves.

Glo calls Nacho. She accepts the offer to spend the night with him. But first she needs to know Dani is alive. She wants to speak with him.

Dani is eating. Mono comes to take him to Nacho. Nacho holds the phone, talk to your mother. Dani tells Glo, no mom, they said they’ll hurt you! It’s a trap! Nacho takes the phone away and tells Glo now it’s time for her to keep her part. We will be together tonight. I’ll send my guys to pick you up. Don’t have anyone follow you or something could happen to your son.

Dani faints.

Luisa gets a call from a surgeon. She’s surprised, Gloria paid for the surgery in advance. Luisa says she’ll be in touch to start the process. Luisa has a bunch of flashbacks to show she might be growing a conscience. She calls Mati and tells her about the doc’s call. Mati confirms that Glo set everything up for Luisa.

Mati tells Luisa that Nacho kidnapped Dani and Gloria is willing to do anything to save him. But it’s a trap and they will both be killed. Luisa says Gloria must save Dani, he’s sick. How do you know, Mati asks, are you in touch with that man (Duque)? For once, be on our side. If Duque trusts you, have him tell you where Dani is. Please help us!

Luisa says Duque could get suspicious. Mati pressures her. Do it for Dani. Gloria paid for your surgery so you can walk again. Luisa agrees to try. She adds, but don’t tell Gloria until I have something.

Dani is still out. Nacho says do nothing… God will decide.

 

jefa #91 part 3

Glo instructs Erna to go to the hospital and register Dani using the fake name she gave.

Mateo doesn’t want Glo to go to Nacho. There will be no escaping. Glo tells him he doesn’t understand because he doesn’t have children. He says he understands. He values Glo’s life more than his own. Nothing guarantees we will get Dani back, he says, they may kill him. Glo vows to find Dani and destroy Nacho.

Mati tells Glo about Luisa getting in touch with Duque.

Unconscious Dani is brought back to Laura’s room. She begs to get a doctor for him. No dice.

Nacho wants to prepare for his night with Glo. Duque says he will take care of it. [I’ll bet.] No mistakes, he tells Duque, and I want you all there. Duque replies, it will be a pleasure to be there with you. Nacho kisses Duque on the forehead and says, you’re the only one I trust. [let’s hope that’s a mistake.]

Duque gets a text from Luisa—I need to see you. It’s urgent.

Mateo’s plan is to watch Luisa’s hotel for Duque’s arrival, then follow him back to find Dani.

Glo says she still plans to meet with Nacho. Trust me, she says, I have an ace up my sleeve.

Nacho gives orders to his men. Some will get Glo, others will stay with Laura and Dani.

Duque makes an excuse so he can go to Luisa. Nacho lets him go.

Mateo and Gael are on a stakeout at Luisa’s hotel. Duque shows up. Mono is there too and waits by the car.

Duque asks Luisa, what’s so important? She hands him a drink. He puts it down. He’s got important stuff to do. She asks about Dani. He tells her Dani is having a diabetic episode. I’d love to watch him die, she says. Duque is confused, she wanted him to get treatment earlier.

Luisa shrugs it off as a moment of compassion. But then she thought of everything that Glo has done and wants to watch Dani suffer. Duque says that Nacho won’t like that. She starts caressing Duque and asks, so he’s not with Nacho? Where are you keeping him? [Does Duque realize what Luisa is doing?]

Gloria is brought somewhere. A wedding dress is hanging. She’s checked for a wire. She asks where’s Nacho? The henchie answers, he asked me to bring you here so you can get ready. The boss wants you to wear that dress. He asks that you also wear this on your wedding night. He hands Glo a bag. Sexy lingerie.

And we are out.

 

Velvet
About the list. I'm not in total agreement about Barbie. Yes she is a snob, but I feel she is a product of her upbringing. Since her husband is cheating on her, she needs to give herself the same advice she is giving Chris. I would put her in the purgatory list, personally. I haven't hated her as much as you all seem to.

I'm actually surprised Chris even discussed having a baby. I just assumed she would forgo birth control and concentrate on bedding al when she is fertile. It was a pleasant surprise to have her actually discuss it with Al and not just make it be a fait accompli.
 

jefa

Dondi, thanks for the past several episodes. I haven't been able to catch up until today. This TN has been something else, but I don't know quite what that is. ;> With just one week left, here's hoping Duque and Nacho get what's coming to them.

I'm glad at least all the good guys are together and forgiving of each other, even though Laura and Fercho (understandably) betrayed Gloria.
 

velvet

What ever happened to Pilar? Could she be working with Carlos and Sara to take over Velvet? Too bad she isn't close to Valeria who might soon have enough money of her own to take over. Sharing power with one person would be easier than sharing with two, especially if that one is having an affair with a married man.

K
 

velvet

LOVED the gradations of "suckiness", K. I'd mostly agree, but I don't think I'd leave Carlos in the "definitely good, but not Raul" category. You did qualify his placement with a "temporary" though. For me, I became sure he's got something up his sleeve by virtue of that complete change of facial expression after he'd just played the "honorable guy waiting until she's ready" card one more time. I can't quite figure it out. I can think of reasons for him wanting to harm Alberto, but what's in it for him in deceiving Ana?

I really enjoyed "No one that rich should be trusted."

Juanita, I also suspected Enrique sabotaged the arrival of the clothes.

Good on Pedro for unmasking Pants. But it is wearing on me that these two keep saying they're only friends when there are no further obstacles to a romance.

Cris and Barbie need a sit-down with some divorced mothers and get the lowdown on how effective children are in warding off divorce. It's really kind of 19th Century thinking.

Barbie wants to be with Alberto all the time. She's nearly always at Velvet, barging into his office. Dondi, I agree she should have had decades of therapy, but it's too late now. I think Alberto would have tired of her by now even if he really started out in love.
 

jefa

I did watch last night. Thanks, dondi, for doing recaps in spite of how tiresome the plot is. Of course, Yadira would have the baby. No "good" woman in the history of telenovelas has ever aborted.

I must admit the Dani actor is doing a good job of portraying diabetic comas. But I'm tired of it. I'm also now pretty sure Laura is going to survive. If they meant to kill her off, it would have been after she got Gloria on the phone.

Yes, it does seem that Luisa is growing a teeny, tiny conscience. From what I remember, she never disliked Dani.

I think I might have more patience with this if it weren't a series. Because it is, there's virtually no chance Duque gets killed off. Nacho, I'm not so sure.

Now I'm wondering about that beginning scene where Mauricio tells Gloria she's under arrest and IIRC handcuffs her. It's now seeming like a setup to me.
 

velvet ep. 36 p. 1 of 3

A note of clarification. Monday's episode was labeled as 36, but it was really 35. Today's (Tuesday's) episode is 36.

The episode starts with a repeat of the scene in the elevator between Gloria (hiss here) and Isabel. Gloria threatens to tell Alberto that Isabel is his mother, even though for all these years she pretended to be dead. She was the one who gave you away and killed her lover. Gloria claims that Emilio, will suffer, too. When Gloria leaves the elevator, Isabel seems to be about to pass out. Apparently that doesn't happen.

At Velvet, Max and Rick talk. Max says that since Rick is his best--and only--friend at Velvet, he'll tell him a secret. He's in love. Rick asks whether this means he wants a family, kids, all that. Max admits that he'd like kids--perhaps just one, but with her. Of course, Blanca is standing off to the side and hears the conversation. When Rick leaves, Blanca comes over to Max and says, "So you want kids." Max says that was before he met her.

Carlos again tells Ana that he doesn't want to rush her. She should take all the time she needs. Ana is pleased at what appears to be his understanding and considerate nature. I say "appears to be" because I'm no longer so sure that Carlos is what he seemed to be.

Meanwhile, Raúl is excited about the video of Ana and Carlos. He announces his excitement to some of the seamstresses. He then says he wants to hear all the details from Ana in private, and takes her away.

Peter, who may or may not be Pedro's biological son, announces that he's been accepted at a nearby school. He shows his mother a drawing he made of Mommy and Daddy holding hands with Peter.

Alberto tells Mateo that Cris wants to have a baby. Now. Before they can say more, in walks Cris. She too is excited about the social media video of Ana and Carlos. "Carlos is a great man," she says.

Peter says that he wants Mommy and Daddy to get married. Susan seems to discourage him from saying this, but he starts to say that "you told me..." In this same scene, Susan now denies that she became pregnant after sleeping with Pedro only once. "Oh no, it was an entire summer. A very passionate summer," she says. Upon hearing this, Marga faints--again.

Teresa comes to Velvet. She's wearing the new black dress that she ordered. She plans to wear it to Francisco's funeral. Luisa starts to say something about "that night" (when Francisco was killed), but Teresa stops her, saying "It wasn't you. That's all you need to know." She then tells Luisa "You'll never hear from me again." She tells her she is planning to leave the city and start a new life. She suggests that Luisa do that as well.

Clara is in Mateo's office. Mateo says Cris drives him crazy. Clara is surprised, she thought he was on Team Cris. She says that she (Clara) is on Team Ana. She then talks about the different way Cris behaves with men (very sweet and feminine) and with women (she orders them around, do this, do that). Barbie comes by, and as soon as she enters Mateo's office, she starts sniffing. She blames Clara's cheap perfume for making her feel ill. She then tells Mateo that she's suprised he hasn't been affected by it, since he has a very sensitive nose. She says to Mateo, "You always objected to my wearing perfume because you preferred the smell of my skin." She explains to Clara that in the past, she and Mateo had had a very short fling. She then leaves.
Clara gives Mateo a nasty look and leaves as well.
 

velvet Ep. 36 p. 2 of 3

Max tries to assure Blanca that he doesn't want kids. Blanca tells him she doesn't want to rob him of his dreams. He replies that he's a new person since he met her. "You're my family," he says. "That's enough." They then kiss. And kiss. And kiss.

Luisa talks to Rick about Teresa. She admits that at times she thinks that Teresa might have.... Rick says he's had the same suspicion. "But," he tells her, "it's not our problem." Luisa says she wants now to concentrate on her singing.

Isabel asks Ana whether she loves Carlos. Ana responds that she feels good with him. Suddenly, Isabel passes out. Ana calls out to Emilio, who comes running. A doctor comes and says that Isabel can stay at the apartment over night, but in the morning she has to come to the hospital for a complete exam. She's worried that that would be expensive, and she doesn't have much money. Carlos assures her that he'll cover all the expenses. He also points out that Sahgun paid for the cardiology wing where they're taking Isabel.

Barbie pays a visit to Mateo's mother and sisters. She announces that she's pregnant. They're all very excited for her. Mateo's mother expresses a desire to have a grandchild, but Mateo doesn't have a novia. Barbie tells her that Mateo seems to have a very close relationship with a woman who is secretary to the President at Velvet. Mateo's mother says he claims the woman is just a friend. Barbie informs her that when she goes to Velvet, she often sees them kissing. Snobby Barbie also says that given where Mateo's "friend" comes from, "I'd say she thrilled to have found a man who can improve her social and economic standing so quickly." Ouch!

Isabel is apparently well enough to return to work. She and Ana are sewing and talking. Isabel tells Ana that she has known Emilio for many years. "He believed in me when no one else did. Unfortunately, my heart belonged to another man."

Several of us on the patio wondered whether Sara, the daughter of the President of Sahgun Group, is the unnamed woman in white who approached Alberto in a bar and got him to tell her his problems. We now find that the answer is YES. In fact, the meeting in the bar wasn't by accident. She knew who Alberto was and wanted to know more about him. She admits, "A good hunter always knows about the prey s/he's after." Alberto isn't sure what she wants now. "You know my situation," he says. She replies: "Married to a woman you don't love; the one you love has another man." Alberto asks her what she wants. Sara replies, "To live. No more, no less. I'm not looking for love. Love doesn't exist." Alberto disagrees: "Love does exist."

Susan teaches Peter to say to Pedro, "I want a little brother or sister."

Blanca is upset with Emilio. She tells him that he's never done anything irregular before, but he has gone out of his way to help Isabel, who is not even a salaried employee. She says she could report him to Human Resources, but apparently she won't. Instead, she simply says, "You must have a powerful reason for authorizing this."

Enrique is proposing ways to deal with Velvet's poor financial situation without laying off employees. He suggests closing the Márquez Foundation. However, he's told that's impossible. "If that's the case, we'll have to close the factory in Mexico." Everyone but Mateo and Alberto leave the meeting. Mateo then says to Alberto, "I can't stand that guy, but he's right." Alberto utters a grudging "Yeah."
 

velvet Ep. 36 p. 3 of 3

Gloria finally opens the letter that Benjamin left for Alberto before he committed suicide. Gloria found the letter and took it, so Alberto has never seen it. In it. Benjamin urges his son not to make the same mistakes he did. Don't fight to maintain an empire if you're not happy. I'm leaving you in charge of Velvet, but you can decide if you want to keep running Velvet. I tried to extend my father's legacy, and Velvet consumed me. I wasn't happy. Only you and Valeria are the closest I've come to happiness. I was wrong to deny you the possibility of love. Like you, I was in love once. I loved with all my heart, but I lost.
I lied to you. Your mother isn't dead, she's alive in jail in Mexico for committing a crine. You can decide whether to see her or not. She cheated on me, but I did something much worse. I took her son from her. My only request is that you be happy, and take care of your sister, Valeria. And forgive me.

Gloria cries as she finishes reading Benjamin's letter. She realizes that Benjamin never loved her.

Cris and Carlos are chatting. Carlos explains how he and Ana met. "Your wedding dress wound up in my house. When I went to return it, the only person there was Ana. Cris says she's surprised that he's dating an employee of Velvet. (Looks like some of Barbie's snobbish elitism has rubbed off on Cris.) Carlos insists that Ana is the woman for him. He asks for Cris's help to make that happen.

Rodrigo is back! He's been out of town, but now that he's back, he has come to warn Ana. He asks whether they can go someplace private. Ana takes him to a separate room. He then tells her he has come to warn her about Carlos. "He's a cutthroat businessman, a tyrant, unscrupulous. He doesn't care what happens to others. Please be careful." Ana says that's not the compassionaate Carlos she knows. Rodrigo replies "No one gets to where he is so quickly by being compassionate. He can ruin anyone's life just by signing a piece of paper." And on that chilling note, the episode ends.
 

velvet

Great recap, Juanita. Thanks so much.

I think Rick picked up on something between Max and Blanca.

Susan-Pedro-Marga are becoming FF>>material for me.

I thought Ana would call 911 as Emilio asked, but instead she called Carlos who brought a doctor? That was strange.

It took me a while to realize Sara is Elizabeth Gutiérrez. She looks a lot different from the last time I saw her in a novela. Wow, Sara has no boundaries. Sucky. For a second, I thought Albert was going to take her up on her offer.

Why was Clara surprised about Barbie and Mateo? I thought Barbie hinted she had a fling with him. And didn’t Clara wonder how Barbie knew about Mateo’s home life?

Gloria really loved Benjamin? It wasn’t just for the money? I noticed she didn’t destroy the letter. I hope she doesn’t so it can be discovered later on.

 

jefa #92 part 1

Nacho sends a couple of maids to help Gloria get dressed for the wedding. Gloria has flashbacks to Duque killing JJ and burning her wedding dress. She tells the ladies she won’t wear the dress and orders them to bring Nacho to her.

The maid delivers Glo’s message to Nacho. He’s not pleased.

Mateo and Gael continue to wait at Luisa’s hotel and watch Mono, who’s waiting for Duque. Gael thinks it’s strange that Luisa suddenly wants to help Glo. Mateo agrees but says they have no choice but to trust Luisa.

Duque is getting suspicious of Luisa. She repeats that she wants to see Dani suffer and get revenge on Glo. She starts to undress Duque. Duque denies her request to see Dani. He can’t be seen with Glo’s sister. He says, my goal is to be the next head of the Tijuana Cartel. He moves in to kiss her, but she wraps his belt around his neck! Lol.

Laura tries to get Dani to eat. She begs the two guards to take Dani to the hospital. One of the guards is somewhat sympathetic. Laura goes to work on his conscience. The other guard says, you want us to get killed because we let you go? Laura continues to work on the sympathetic guy.

Erna is at the hospital speaking with Dani’s doctor. She tells him Dani is coming, and he needs to be registered under the fake name she provided. Yadi and Violeta meet up with Erna.

Laura continues to beg to get Dani to the hospital. The two guards start to disagree. The cold-hearted one grabs the other and they leave the room.

Mati prays to La Virgencita to keep Dani safe and to protect Gloria. Amen.

Luisa continues her game with Duque. She gets no info from him, and he gets no nookie from her. He leaves. She calls Mati with the bad news. Mati calls Mateo. Gael and Mateo follow Duque’s car.

Nacho comes to Glo. She tells him she agreed to be with him but not marry him. Nacho is disappointed in her. He thought she was a woman with values. Not someone who was up for a one-night stand. He calls her a cualquiera, and she takes a swing at him. He grabs her and reminds her he has Dani. She agrees to marry him, but he must let Dani go.

Duque and Mono head for Nacho’s wedding venue. Duque says he needs this wedding. He will make sure the whole cartel finds out about it. This wedding is proof that Nacho’s gone crazy, he’s marrying a woman who doesn’t care about him. And Nacho forgot that Glo betrayed him to the DEA.

The sympathetic guard calls Duque. He asks if they can take Dani to the hospital. Duque says no way. The guard tries to make a case… he’s got kids of his own… he feels bad. Duque doesn’t give a damn about any kids. He threatens to kill the guard if he takes Dani out of the house.

Duque tells Mono there’s a change of plans. He needs to go back to the house to make sure Dani isn’t taken out. Gael and Mateo follow.

Miguel promises Fercho that he will be a good boy from now on after his mom returns. He will listen to everything she says. He doesn’t want to lose her or lose Fercho. Hugs.

Fercho tells Yadi he can’t stay in the hospital. He has to help Mateo and Gael to make things right after his betrayal. Yadi tries to reason with him. He just got out of surgery. Fercho is adamant, he’s got to find Laura.

Mauricio updates Dario by phone. Alina is with Dario. Mau tells him they intercepted a call between Gloria and Nacho. Dani was kidnapped. What will you do, Dario asks. Nothing, Mau replies, because Anderson doesn’t care about Dani! He only cares about Gloria and Nacho.

 

jefa #92 part 2

Dario says he knew about the kidnapping. Mau is surprised—who told you? Alina tells Dario, don’t say anything. Mau asks to be put on speaker. He makes a plea to Alina. Stop thinking of us as the enemy. Help us. Dani, Laura, and Gloria are in danger. I promise after I capture Nacho, I will do all I can to keep Gloria out of prison. Alina says she only knows that Mateo and Gael are tailing Duque.

Nacho is furious. He cautions Glo, don’t tell me what to do! Especially after you betrayed me. Glo thinks it’s about the tunnels. Nacho says it’s her work with the DEA. She doesn’t deny it. He tells her to put on the wedding dress. She repeats she’s only giving him the one night.

He pushes her onto the bed and is on top of her. I’m done begging! You won’t humiliate me again! I’m not the “muerto de hambre” your friends made fun of! Glo asks, what are you talking about? Nacho backs off. He explains, you and I have known each other since we were kids. You are the reason I became who I am. Everything you’ve been through was planned by me.

Glo is dumbfounded. This isn’t about the 5 million JJ stole? No, no, no, Nacho says as he runs back to her and takes her face in his hands. You’re worth much more than 5 million. There’s another reason. You have no idea how long I’ve waited for this.

Duque arrives home. Mateo and Gael have followed. Fercho calls Gael and says, I want to help. Gael says they followed Duque after he left Luisa. He entered a house, but we don’t know if Laura and Dani are there. Fercho asks them to send the location. Yadi tries to talk Fercho out of going. He asks her to get his clothes. She gives in.

Duque kills the sympathetic guard. Mono asks, what’s next? Kill Laura and the kid, Duque replies.

Not many guards outside the house (they must be at the wedding) so Gael and Mateo get on the grounds easily.

Gael enters the house and starts shooting as soon as he spots Duque. Laura and Dani hear the shots.

Laura tells Dani to hide behind the bed. She grabs a broom and hides. She knocks out Mono when he enters the room and takes his gun. Laura and Dani make a run for it while the gunfight continues.

The wedding is delayed because there’s no judge.

Gloria comes to see Nacho. She demands the full story from when they were young.

Laura starts shooting to cover herself and Dani. She sees Gael and Mateo. The 4 head for the door.

The gunfight continues outside. Fercho pulls up in his trusty old van, everybody gets in, and they take off. Laura is happy to see Fercho, she thought he was dead. Dani faints again and they head for the hospital.

Nacho asks Glo, you don’t remember me, even a little? She doesn’t but admits his face looks familiar. Nacho says she was the daughter of a high-ranking cop and he was insignificant. I was the dumb fruit vendor in the neighborhood. We get the flashback. Nacho was bullied, Glo came to his rescue.

She remembers… he gave her flowers to thank her. Another flashback. Nacho gave Glo the flowers but was chased away by the bully claiming to be Glo’s novio. Nacho swore right then that he would never let that happen again.

Glo says he wasn’t her boyfriend, he was… Nacho interjects—he was killed in a robbery. Or that’s what everyone believed. Flashback. Nacho stalked the guy for days and ended up stabbing him and taking his watch to stage a robbery.

I was never the same after that, Nacho recalls, but I was afraid the cops would find me. I left for Tijuana and got into the business. I was already a killer, so the rest was easy. I became Don Nacho. But I didn’t do it for the money. I did it for you. I wanted to be powerful enough to win your heart. But you fell for that idiot JJ and married him.

 

jefa #92 part 3

Glo is horrified. She realizes Nacho spied on her the whole time. He asks, do you realize I made your life hell, so you’d need me? Flashbacks. Glo thinks about all the bad things that happened to her and pieces them together. She asks… why? Nacho replies, we had to get to this moment. I needed you alone and hopeless. Look! It was worth it! As of today… I am your everything.

Duque is pissed that Laura and Dani escaped. For a moment, I thought he was going to kill Mono. I guess he still needs him. Duque wonders how their location was found. Mono says maybe they were followed. Duque realizes Luisa betrayed him. That’s why she called him to the hotel. He will make her pay but first they have to go to the wedding. And they’ll have to make up a story about how Laura and Dani got away.

Dani is delivered to the hospital. Everyone is happy to see Laura and they thank her for taking care of Dani. Mateo tells them he has no idea where Glo and Nacho are.

Glo shouts at Nacho—you’re sick! Only a lunatic obsesses over a woman and kills the men around her! Why? Why? You hurt so many! I was kind to you! Nacho shouts back—that was your mistake! I didn’t want your pity! I wanted your love! But I wasn’t worthy!

What do you know about love, Glo asks. You killed my father, JJ, Eduardo, and the baby I was expecting! You’re a psycho! Nacho replies, your suffering will end when we marry. I’ll never marry you, Glo answers. He reminds her he has Dani. She grabs him by the lapels. If you hurt Daniel, I’ll kill you with my bare hands! Guards pull her off and Nacho tells them to take her back to her room to cool off.

Miguel is reunited with Laura. Miguel puts in a good word for Fercho, I finally know what it feels like to have a father.

The maid asks Glo to put on the gown. Glo makes an appeal, don’t make me marry him. He’s sick and obsessed. You must do something. The woman is sorry, she’s scared she doesn’t want trouble. Glo begs, Nacho kidnapped my son, he will kill him, please. The woman hugs Glo and says she’s sorry, she can’t help. Glo takes the phone from the woman’s pocket and orders her to leave the room.

Duque feeds Nacho the lie about Laura and Dani’s escape. The guards were killed. Must have been Estrada. Gloria is working with him. Nacho doesn’t buy it, she has nothing to do with the rescue because she’s been with him. Nacho is more concerned that the judge hasn’t arrived yet.

And we are out.

 

velvet

Many thanks, dondi, for your insightful comments. Yes, I think Rick did pick up something between Max and Blanca. When Rick first entered the novela, I thought he was a no-goodnik who was going to make life difficult for Pedro. But IMHO Rick has turned out to be one of the best and brightest characters in the show. He's been especially wonderful to/with Luisa; I wouldn't be surprised if he and she marry and stay together.

And yes, the Susan-Pedro-Marga sessions are becoming rather tiresome and predictable. I do hope that Susan's plans to marry Pedro are thwarted. Not sure what I hope for Peter. I guess it depends on what happens to Susan.

I don't recall having seen Elizabeth Gutiérrez in other novelas. Her role here is an interesting one.

I couldn't decide how to interpret Gloria's tears when reading Benjamin's letter to Alberto. I guess I so dislike Gloria that I find it hard to sympathize with her. Indeed, when she sobs at the realization that Benjamin didn't love her, I just shrugged. Like you, I hope she doesn't destroy the letter. There was a moment in last night's episode where feared she might.


 

"JEFA"
Dondi356: Thanks for the recap of last night's episode. Lots of twists & turns. Not surprised that the Sympathetic Guard got whacked by Scumbag Duque.

Duque must've had a horrible childhood to HATE kids.

Nacho has some ISSUES: Nice job on the flashbacks.

"VELVET"
Juanita: I knew I recognized Elizabeth Gutierrez in this Telenovela. I wonder how long before we got more folks joining the cast ?
 

velvet

Terrific recap, Juanita! Great details and, as usual, some insights into our characters' motivations.

Gloria, pfft! She's just the classic older woman villain. In the scene they repeated, she threatened to have Emilio fired for his favoritism getting Isabel a job at Velvet. My interpretation of "the goodbye letter" was that she was re-reading it. They've said some months, maybe six, maybe more, have passed since Benjamin's death. I find it hard to believe she'd resist reading it that long, plus it wasn't sealed. But maybe it never was.

I'm starting to feel like Pedro deserves Susan. If he was telling the truth about the one-night stand earlier on, then why doesn't he speak up when Susan says it was a whole summer. He just lets her ruin his life and never gets a hair from that kid's hairbrush. Susan also set up some kind of a mini salon in Pedro's apartment, totally against the rules of this building. And Marga fainting at Susan's devious plan, please.

Juanita, thanks for mentioning Ana perhaps calling Carlos instead of 911. I thought he just popped up like the clown puppet in my son's Pop Goes the Weasel toy.

Sara is offering Alberto guilt free extramarital sex. Guess we'll discover if he's the real galán at the end, depending on what he decides. Wow, Elizabeth Gutierrez. I may have seen her in something, but I'm not sure. I mostly remember the real-life telenovela with William Levy.

Enrique is going to keep on gumming up the works until the bitter end, it seems. Nepotism is alive and well in New York City, or that awful way he got rid of Raul and installed a complete dud would have disqualified him from working at Velvet.
 

Velvet #37 part 1

We start with Rodrigo warning Ana about Carlos. He is telling her as a friend and not be ause he is jealous. She has already been made unhappy by one head of a company, Al has nothing on Carlos though so be careful.

Valeria is mad that Enrique wants to cut the foundation her father started. I get the impression it helps the underprivileged pursue higher education. I wonder if Ana benefitted from it. They talk about their voting block they now control and hug with Val having a pensive look on her face.

Pepita corners max in the store room going so far as to undress to her bra. He tells her off. Leave me alone and find some other guy. I'm not interested.

Clara hides under her desk as the 3 sisters descend on her office. They are outraged the desk is unmanned. Mom sets Emily the dog on the ground saying attack. The pooch growls and barks at Clara who squeals and jumps out from under the desk with a pen in her hand.. eureka.

Margarita Luisa and Ana seem to be eating lunch in a park (Central Park?). They ask Ana about her new Beau and rave about how rich and good-looking he is. She tells them his courtship is strange. They think she needs to give it time. Ana thinks back on Rodrigo's warning.

Back to Clara and the 3 harpies. She asks are you looking for Mateo. No for you. You are his girlfriend right. Mateo arrives from the elevator. He chimes in saying yes, as Clara tells them no, they were but she broke it off. Mateo tries to shut her up by putting his hand across her mouth and she bites him, which shocks mom and the tias who call her a savage, which reminds mom about her savage little ankle biter, Emily, who is making her escape via the elevator. Of course the door closes on the pooch so the 3 with Mateo are heading for the stairs. Clara slumps into her chair.

Valeria is meeting with Al. She sees the reasoning behind closing the foundation. 100 jobs are on the line and they need to save the company. Al feels they will lose a part of dad if they cut what he formed. He just needs more time to find a solution. He warns Val to be careful around Enrique. His goal is to close the company.

Barbie visits Clara. How did the meeting with Mom and the aunts go. Clara accuses her of instigating it. Who me. Never. Clara says that she and Mateo are through. Barbie is amazed that Mateo has had 2 failed relationships in such a short time. Clara turns the tables on her, why the interest in Mateo. You're recently married and expecting. The 2 continue to spar with Clara getting the better of it IMO.

Mateo and Al are now discussing work in also office over some glasses of booze. Mateo can see where Enrique is coming from. They then discuss the new line. Al is skeptical it will be the salvation especially since Sara Saghun is involved. He tells Mateo he spilled his guts to her (about Ana) previously while drunk.. great, you are telling secrets to strangers now! Al says that's not all, she also propositioned me. I refused her, he hastens to add. Mateo is a bit envious as he describes her assets and muses over them wishing she'd come on to him instead.

 

Velvet #38 part 2

Luisa, in the atelier, finds a social media post with an alive and smiling Ramon somewhere in the world taking a selfie. She can't believe it but is happy he's alive. She hunts Rick down to share the good news. She's so happy she might write a song about it.

Pepita is gossiping about Max with another seamstress. She is furious max is through with her after promising her marriage and kids (lies, he was drunk and you were a one night stand). She has her suspicions who Max is with now and she swears vengeance like a woman scorned.

Barbie is trying to seduce her husband with a little success as pepita. He tells her why don't you go shopping. Looks like a new car is on her radar. Enrique is fine with that as he mutters anything that keeps you out of my sight. After she struts out Enrique looks at his phone and moons over photos of Valeria.

I'm falling asleep. Woke up at 4 a.m. I'll finish this tomorrow or in the middle of the night.
 

velvet

Thanks very much, novelera, for your always interesting comments. I loved your "Gloria, pfft!" Yup, that's about right! And yes, I too am still annoyed that Pedro hasn't listened to us on the patio about the need for a DNA test. As for Benjamin's letter to Alberto that Gloria made off with, I'm assuming that she was reading it for the first time, and that it has taken her all these months to get up the courage to do so. Somehow, her strong sobbing while reading it made me think she hadn't read it before. I was trying to remember whether the letter had been sealed when she came upon it. I don't think it was. I think Benjamin just tucked the flap inside the envelope, but I'm not sure. I AM sure that Velvet is about to start, so I'll end this now.
 

Velvet #37 part 3
Max is flirting with Blanca on the sales floor when who should make an appearance but Jenni! Max beats a hasty retreat. Blanca, in her ice maiden pose, does not give Jen a big hug like most mother's would do. Why didn't you tell me you were coming is her question. Jen wanted to surprise mom. (She succeeded). Jen tells mom she looks good, she's positively glowing.Jen is back for a visit and hopes to pursuade Blanca to move to Miami with her. bow they arrive at her apartment and Blanca does give Jen her hug there. Oops, a bottle of wine and two glasses are still on the coffee table. Jen notices and teases Blanca. Now I get your glow. Of course Blanca isn't saying who she's seeing. Jen circles back to her proposal. Mom could manage one of the stores Jen is working at. They pay double what she is making at Velvet and down there nobody knows fashion, and you won't be insulted by them hiring an inexperienced cohort to run the atelier. Here's my apartment we can share with a view if the ocean, etc. As she continues to rave about all the benefits of Miami Blanca gives a happy smile. She may not go, her life is at velvet, but she sure looks happy that Jen wants her with her.

Anna is in the atelier. Luisa sees she is distracted and wonders why. Ana tells her Rodrigo is back and told her things about Carlos that has made her worried. He is a ruthless business man. Luisa says that is normal. Ana goes on to say Rodrigo warned her to be careful, he's dangerous. That stops Luisa from her encouraging Carlos as a beau. She says if your inner alarm bells are going off then trust them, rich guys are untrustworthy.

Clara is ready to go home and asks Mateo if he needs anything before she goes. A hiss he says. She's mad at him for lying. He never told her he and Barbara dated. Mateo says it was an commission, not a lie. Does she want every prior relationship from his past ( that would obviously be a phone book size list if they still made phone books). As she turns to leave he says Barbara was a simple youthful diversion. Clara is the only woman he has presented to his mom and aunts as a significant other. Clara smiles in glee but wipes the grin off as she turns back to him saying I don't like sweets that others have nibbled on. Your like a used toy. Ah, but you can play with this toy anyway you'd like. (I do enjoy Mateo and hope he and Clara make it ). Mateo asks what's the problem with Barbie. Clara hates how she is always smirking at her and treats her like a servant. What do you hope to gain from this argument? That we break up. I guess not as they exchange a passionate kiss. She tells them this is not a yes, we are still in negotiations. A bemused Mateo agrees as she walks off.

Al is trying to convince Gloria to stick with him on not axing the foundation. Gloria comes out with a zinger. I don't want to lose everything. The poor are used to being poor., I'm not. He only wants to honor what his father created. Gloria tells him.his father took his life in front of this store. His dying there was proof Al needs to save Velvet. She then tells him he is like his mother and insults her. Al tells her to leave his mother out of it in which she informs him she was an awful person that tried to destroy the family. She walks out ( in her half black half white dress. She seems to like this style, the other day it was a black and red number).

Isabel walks down the stairs at Velvet and sees Allessandro from the back. She confronts him and accused him of being an accomplice in her arrest and framing. He tells her she is confusing him with someone else but she knows better. He warns her you live in a dangerous city, who knows what may happen on any given corner. Isabel says, here comes your partner now, as Gloria walks up. Gloria threatens her also. Isabel says I'm not that naive girl I once was, there are cameras recording everything here, etc. Gloria threatens her some more as she and Allessandro walk out.

 

Velvet #37 part 4

Rick, Margarita and Luisa are at their local watering hole. Luisa comes up so excited. The place has hired her for 3 nights a week. They toast to her success. Where's Ana? Margarita says she had an important date with her uncle or something.

Well the date is Carlos bringing the test results on Isabel. Isabel is not at this meeting in Emilio's apartment. HIPPA laws? Not for rich guys I guess, unless perhaps Isabel approves. Her condition is way worse than initially thought. Her heart has been bad for a long time and it has damaged her other organs too. She can only benefit from palliative care. She has a few months left, maybe. Emilio cries it's not fair. Her life has been hell. Ana comforts him. Carlos has an inscrutable look on his face during this.

Gloria is hitting the bottle again. Val comes home from playing tennis and calls her out on it. Gloria wants to talk, Val wants to shower and rest. Gloria wins. As Val sits down she tells her when your dad committed suicide the police asked if he left a noe. I lied and said no, but he did. Here it is. Read it. Val asks what does this mean. You father was a coward. He relieved Al of any responsibility. His mother is a criminal in Mexico serving a long term in jail. She is alive and now free. This woman could put us out in the street. Now do you understand me? Gloria continues to bash Al's mother (with lies) as she manipulates Val.

Chris and Al are out to dinner. She senses he is upset about something. He tells her he just spoke with Gloria who always puts him in a bad mood. Chris defends Gloria, she loves you, treats you like her own. Al corrects Chris, nannies raised me. Chris says she's always so nice to me and she is letting us stay with her.al tells her Gloria is deceptive. She always resented my mother. My father never spoke if her so I quit asking. I don't even have a single photo of her . Chris tells him you have the right to know about your mother. Chris thinks they should hire a PI to find out about her as Gloria can't be trusted to tell the truth.chris says her dad knows many. Let me help you.

Ana goes to Isabel's with the test results, which Isabel already knows. She found out from the doctors in Mexico, and her body is telling her the same thing. Ana is so sad for her uncle who adores Isabel. Isa tells her don't cry for me. I'm here with friends and I have things to do before I die.

Luisa is home and gets an unknown caller. It's Ramon. He apologizes for not calling Sooner. She is so happy to hear his voice. Ramon is new and improved, hopefully. He apologizes for how he treated her and hopes they can be friends as they have Michael between them. They arrange to meet soon.

Henni has brought Max a shirt from her store in Miami. She tries to pump him for info about Mom's mystery lover. She tells him she hopes to convince mom to move to Miami with her. Max is gutted.

Val is at home drinking a coffee. Chris comes down. Val asks for Al. He is at work, early meeting with Mateo. Gloria enters. Chris leaves. Val wants all to know the truth, Gloria doesn't want her to do anything stupid.


 

Velvet
This is numbered wrong. I cut and pasted it from the Univision page and the heading didn't copy so I redid it incorrectly. I was way too tired last night ....posting on the wrong page, barely keeping my eyes open ....
 

Velvet
Reread this. Val wants Al, not all, to know the truth. Also Henni=Jenni.
 

jefa #93 part 1

The maid’s phone is locked but Glo can still contact emergency services.

Nacho is fuming about the judge and the maid’s inability to get Gloria dressed. He decides to get Glo dressed himself. He barges in on Glo while she’s typing on the phone. She quickly hides the phone. [did she get through in time?]

Glo tells Nacho she’ll marry him but only if she speaks with Dani first to find out if he’s okay. Nacho says marriage first, then she can talk to Dani.

Dani is doing well. Granny and Tia are with him. He’s sorry he left without telling them. He wanted to help Miguel. He asks for Glo. Was she taken too? The ladies make excuses for her absence.

Dario is discharged. He’s going to see Mauricio. Alina asks him to do what he can to help Glo. He assures her he will. Mau calls Dario. I have something to tell you, he says, but no one can hear it. Not even your novia. We don’t hear it either. [Does he know where Gloria is?] Dario’s gotta go.

Mateo’s been busy hacking networks, but he still can’t find Glo. He asks Laura if she overheard anything. Any clues? She can’t remember anything. She feels guilty for betraying Glo, but they threatened her with Miguel. Fercho feels guilty, too. Mateo tells them Glo knows and understands.

Yadira holds Erna’s baby and she’s happy with her baby decision.

Mati talks to Luisa. Dani’s okay but Gloria is still missing. The boy keeps asking for his mother. Mati is also worried about Luisa being by herself. If Duque finds out she betrayed him, she’s in grave danger. Luisa won’t come to the hospital. Everyone there hates her. She thinks that Duque won’t hurt her.

Mati shares her worries over Luisa with Yadira. Yadira says you have to save her from Duque.

Duque orders Mono to go to Luisa. He says, call me when you’re with her and I’ll tell you what to do.

A judge finally arrives at the wedding venue. Nacho threatens the judge to do this quickly or else.

Glo is in her wedding dress. The maid goes to call Nacho to tell him Glo is ready. She can’t find her phone. She asks Glo if she took it. Glo denies it.

Dani thanks Mateo for saving him. He asks about Gloria again. Mateo says she can’t find a flight out of Tijuana right now.

Estrada calls Mateo. He’s back in CDMX. He hasn’t been able to reach Gloria. Mateo can’t talk in front of Dani, so Estrada asks the questions. Why isn’t Glo available? Is she with Nacho? Exactly, Mateo answers, let’s meet so I can fill you in.

Nacho explains to his crew, all dressed in black and holding machine guns, that today is a holiday and there’s no work. He’s getting married to the most beautiful woman on Earth.

Nacho leaves with the judge and Duque addresses the crew. The boss is getting married but who’s minding the business? We are going to lose millions. Am I wrong? What about the shipment headed to the border? It’s not going out. Neither is the one headed to the port. For what? So he can marry a woman who doesn’t love him? Our tunnels were destroyed because of her. She sold him to the DEA. Better pray, because when Gloria marries the boss, she will be our downfall.

Mati and Yadi show up at Luisa’s hotel. Yadira tells Luisa that Duque raped her. Luisa is shocked.

Nacho waits for his bride. The wedding march starts and Glo appears, holding a bouquet. The maids hold the train of her dress as she walks. Gotta laugh at the crew in black with machine guns lining the white carpet.
Nacho’s dream is coming true. He tells Glo, today the legend of La Jefa ends, and I make you Mrs. Perez. I’ll have you in my bed.

 

jefa #93 part 2

Mateo and Gael meet with Estrada. He’s happy to hear that Dani is okay. He can’t understand why Glo gave herself up to that idiot Nacho. Mateo replies, you know Gloria, she’d do anything for her son. Estrada realizes that but how can Glo think Nacho would return her son? Gael says they warned her. Mateo says they have to find Gloria before Nacho realizes Dani’s gone. He asks about Estrada’s men. Estrada says they are searching places Nacho frequents, but no sign of Glo.

Luisa is shaken by Yadi’s revelation. Mati barks, don’t you care what that bastard did to Yadira? Yadi turns to go but Luisa stops her. I’m not a saint, she says, I’ve done many questionable things in my life [ya think?] and I don’t regret them either. But I’d never help a rapist. [well, it’s nice to know she draws the line somewhere.] She asks Mati to help her pack her bags.

It might be too late. Mono bangs on Luisa’s door. The boss has a message for you. Yadi warns, don’t open it. He’s going to kill you because you betrayed Duque. And my presence will anger him. Luisa tells the ladies to hide. Mati mentions Yadi’s pregnancy. Another surprise for Luisa.

Mono lifts a key card from a housekeeper’s cart and enters the room.

Estrada gets a lead on Nacho’s whereabouts. He’s getting an address. Mateo thinks if Nacho’s there, so is Glo. Nacho has a lot of men with him and that’s a problem for Estrada. He doesn’t have enough men to attack. Mateo tells him he can stay home if he’s scared, but he’s going to save Glo with or without Estrada’s men. Of course, Estrada’s not scared, he says let’s go.

Luisa starts yapping at Mono. When Duque finds out about this, he’ll set you straight. We’ll see about that Mono replies. He dials Duque. I have a surprise, boss. He shows Duque that Yadira and Mati are also there. Duque is thrilled—3 birds with one stone. Luisa calls Duque a pig. I admired you! I thought you were smart… and a little classy [?!] But I learned you raped Yadira. You disgusting coward!

Blah, blah, blah, Duque responds. He tells Mono to kill Yadi first so Luisa can watch her new friend die. Mati shouts, you can’t kill her! She’s pregnant! Mono says it’s a lie. Yadi isn’t showing. Yadi yells back, of course I’m not! It’s just a few weeks! Duque realizes. Luisa asks, is the baby Duque’s? Yadi says she doesn’t know.

The wedding ceremony starts. The judge says hold hands and make your intentions known. Nacho starts, I, Ignacio, take you, Gloria, as my wife and I promise to love and respect you in good times and bad. In front of the judge and these thugs… I can’t remember the rest… but—I do. The judge asks Glo, do you take Ignacio Perez as your husband? [and it’s time for a commercial break while she thinks it over!]

Mono asks Duque for instructions. Mati speaks up, Luisa didn’t betray you. I came to talk to her and Yadira came with me. You have no reason to hurt them. You’ve hurt my family but I doubt you’re capable of killing your unborn child. Duque asks for the truth, is it possible I might be the father? Yes.

Gloria hesitates. Nacho prompts her. He’s in a hurry to get to the wedding night. She looks around then starts, I, Gloria… I’m here to join you… Ignacio… The ceremony is interrupted by a huge explosion at the entrance. An army of men enter.

Duque runs. Mono shouts, what do I do? Mati hits him with her handbag. Mono falls and Mati starts kicking him.

It’s the DEA to the rescue. Mauricio shouts, get Perez! He can’t get away! Shoot if you have to! Someone asks, what about Gloria? Mau wants her alive. Don’t hurt her! Dario is there, too, straight from the hospital.

 

jefa #93 part 3

Gloria runs for cover. So does Nacho. Nacho thinks Glo betrayed him again.

Luisa picks up Mono’s gun while the others beat him. Luisa tells Mono she’s going to kill him.

Duque appears from the hedges, holding a gun. Your time is up, Nacho Perez. He fires a couple of shots but misses Nacho.

Gloria is getting away and Nacho goes after her.

Nacho saves Duque from getting shot.

Gloria makes it over to Mau unscathed. She tells him they have to find Dani. Mau says Dani is at the hospital getting treatment. He’s okay.

Gun fight continues. Nacho and Duque head for cars they have stashed. Duque is shot in the leg. Nacho is forced to leave without him. Mau catches up to Duque as he reaches for a gun—don’t you dare!

Mono staggers out of the hotel. Luisa isn’t sure they should have let him leave. Mati says all that matters is they are alive. She’s happy that Luisa is now on their side. A security guard comes into the room—a beaten man left here. Luisa says that man broke into her room to steal. Find the thief! The guard leaves and the ladies laugh.

Duque is taken away. The hunt for Nacho continues. Nacho shoots Mau but he’s wearing a vest so he continues.

Estrada, Mateo, and Gael show up to the party. DEA is there, so Estrada can’t go in with his men. Mateo and Gael understand. They head in.

Finally, Nacho is surrounded by DEA. He says to himself, I’m not going to prison, I’d rather die. Mau tells him to drop his weapon. There’s no way out.

Mateo and Gael are stopped from going further by a cop. Mateo drops Mauricio’s name. Tell him Mateo Restrepo is here. Mateo is let through. Gael has to wait.

Mau announces, Ignacio Perez, there are warrants for your arrest in Mexico, the US, and Colombia. It’s over. Your ride is here. You’ll be taken to a maximum-security prison and then extradited to the US. Nacho holds out his arms wide and laughs.

Mateo makes his way to Gloria, and they embrace. She asks about Dani. Yes, he’s fine. Laura’s fine, too. He asks why Glo is in the dress. Nacho did all of this so I would marry him, Glo replies. Mateo asks, did you get married? No, the DEA showed up, Glo says, I stole a maid’s phone and called emergency services. I asked for Mauricio and gave the location.

Duque is walked past Glo and Mateo. How the mighty have fallen, Glo quips. You’re going to pay for all you’ve done. Nothing’s changed, Duque replies, the boss got away, no one will find him. He’ll make sure you never rest again.

Glo doesn’t understand why Duque hates her so much. He says, you took the two things I valued most… my fingers… and my brother Marlin. Glo counters, you killed two of my partners, took my womb, made my son sick, and sentenced me to a life on the run. Duque laughs, you’re just good for fun and revenge. She slaps him.

Nacho is cuffed. He stares down Mau.

A helicopter arrives. Glo tells Duque his boss won’t get away. Duque tells Glo, you haven’t won yet. He calls Mateo and Gloria traitors. Gloria tells Duque to sleep with one eye open. Duque says the difference is he’s not scared like Glo. There’s a first time for everything, she answers.

Duque blames her situation on Nacho. He only followed orders. She tells him you’re both in DEA hands now. Duque repeats it’s not over.

Mau shows up and tells Duque that Nacho will be taken to a maximum-security prison. Duque asks, how did you find us? Glo tells him about the maid’s phone.

Duque shouts at Mau to arrest Gloria. The president wants her, too! Duque is taken away.

Glo tells Mau she kept her end of the deal. I gave you Nacho and Duque. He promises to find a way to help her. But he has to arrest her now.

And we are out.

 

velvet

Thanks very much, Kat, for this excellent recap, complete with your delightful side comments.

It's no wonder that Gloria would have no objection to getting rid of the Márquez Foundation. It helps under-priviledged young people she doesn't know or care about. At one point, she even says she doesn't want to spend money on people she doesn't know.

Wow, Pepita may be more dangerous than she seemed. I think she may realize that Blanca is the woman Max cares for, and I wouldn't be surprised if Pepita tries to harm her. Or at least give Blanca more motivation to join Jennifer in Miami. [Though I'd be surprised if Miami salaries are twice those in New York, as Jenn claimed. I'm under the impression that New York is one of the most expensive cities in the US. Surely salaries would have to reflect this.]

I'm glad Alberto warns Val to be careful re Enrique, and points out that Enrique really wants to close Velvet.

I loved your description of Blanca's "ice maiden pose." And also the following about Clara and Mateo: "Does she want every prior relationship from his past (that would obviously be a phone book size list if they still made phone books)."

I'm glad that Luisa advises Ana that "if your inner alarm bells are going off then trust them...." Certainly in the scene where Ana, Emilio, and Carlos are discussing Isabel's very serious health problems, we see Carlos sitting there with, as you say, an "inscrutable" expression on his face. I found it eerie. Perhaps Ana noticed it as well. Though perhaps not, since she was so focused and upset about the health report.

At the end of the episode, I had the feeling that Val may tell Alberto about the letter.
 

"JEFA"
Dondi356: Awesome job with the recap of last night's episode. It seems to me that the President of Mexico is hell-bent on having Gloria arrested & sent to prison.

I still do NOT like or trust Luisa for obvious reasons. She's well still EVIL.

Something tells me there's more players to this crazy conspiracy.
 

velvet

Fantastic recap, Kat. Thanks.

These people sure drink a lot of alcohol.

Blanca must make a very good salary at Velvet, and she has a good deal with the housing. ITA, novelera, I don’t know if Miami could match that. One thing that’s better in Miami is the winter weather.

That call from Ramon was creepy. Where did he go? Why did he go? Why is he back? He’s up to something. Luisa is too trusting.

Gloria is trying to get ahead of everyone. I hope Val blows up her plans.