Caray, Caray!

A.MAR #79 (Original #81) Parte 1 Notes from the Couch . . . "Everything Hits the Fan Edition" We have 9 episodes left after tonight.

Brisa Provides the Comedy
Brisa bristles at Valentín telling her that she played with Pascual's feelings. She admits she fell in love with her "puppy" but quickly qualifies it by adding "like a pet" because the love of her life is Gabriel. Valentín never wanted to believe the bad rep she had for being selfish but how she played Pascual has proven her rep to be worse than he could imagine.

Brisa goes to see Gabriel who tells her all about finding out who Iker's parents are. Gabriel says it is tough. She cheers him on as she usually does. A smiling Gabriel has to admit although she has annoyed him, he has to admit that she has always been there to support him, in her own way, and to move heaven and earth to help him. He thanks her for not abandoning him. She kisses him and then pulls back puzzled. Gabriel asks if she is okay. Brisa says that she has just realized that she is not in love with him anymore. He is no longer the love of her life but she knows who is. She leaves.

She goes to see Pascual. She has bad news for him and good news for him. The bad news is that she kissed Gabriel. The good news is that she is no longer in love with Gabriel but is in love with him. He is the one she wants to spend the rest of her life is. She kisses Pascual and he pushes her away. He informs her that they cannot be together because he is going to be a priest. She is shocked. She tries to change his mind but cannot. He has an appointment with Father Tomás. He leaves her standing alone crying in his house.

Perla's Problem Continues
Valentín has recognized that Perla has a problem and tells her how much he loves her but wants to know why she is rejecting him. He touches her and she sees el Tiburón in her mind She tells him it isn't him but her. She uses not wanting to leave her mother alone in the house as her excuse for not wanting them to move out. . She says there are so many things to consider. He tells her that they can handle any problem together and he will not pressure her about anything. She can decide what she is ready to do whenever she wants.

Perla talks to her doctor. Her doctor tells her that the best course of action is to be honest with her husband about what happened to her. Perla is afraid of what Valentín is going to think of her when he finds out that she was with another man. (NOOOO! The double standard??? Valentín was having wild sex with his police officer girlfriend and everyone knew it! This is the 21st century. Give me a break!) The doctor tells her that what she went through doesn't affect her value. Her husband loves her. Perla is too afraid of losing him.
 

A.MAR Parte 2

Iker's New Family
At Gabriel's and with Nicolás present, Marina tells Iker about that the night of the hurricane. She put her baby in the drawer of a dresser to save him.
That happened to be the same drawer that Gabriel found him in. Iker is her son. Nicolás adds that he is his father. He thanks Gabriel for all he did for his son. Iker is all smiles. He is the mermaid's son.

Later that night, Gabriel asks Iker how he is feeling. He is so happy that the mermaid is his mother. It is just what he wanted. Iker asks his father if they are still going on their sailing trip. Gabriel says they will have to postpone it since the mermaid and Nicolás want to spend time with him. Iker thinks it will be good to be able to see the mermaid more. Iker is worried about what is going to happen to him and Gabriel. Will they be separated again? Gabriel can't answer.

Nicolás thinks it is odd that they know that Iker is their son but they left him with Gabriel. Marina has to remind him that Gabriel has been the only father he has ever known. Nicolás knows that but doesn't want to hear it because he is the boy's father. It isn't HIS fault that he has been without his son all of these years. He looked for him for years until he couldn't any more. He and she need to become Iker's parents legally.

The next morning, Marina comes by Gabriel's house to pick up Iker for breakfast with her and Nicolás. She has the chance to talk to Gabriel who tells her that Iker is afraid that he is going to be taken from him. She tells him not to worry. She and Nicolás will never force Iker to do what he doesn't want to. Gabriel wonders what would have happened if they had gotten the correct DNA results in the first place. He thinks they would have stayed together.

Iker reluctantly goes out for breakfast with Marina and Nicolás. The problems start to arise when Nicolás goes overboard to try to please his son. Iker is overwhelmed by Nicolás's attention. NIcolás orders him double french fries. He brings him a pirate book. He wants them to go play soccer on Sunday. They can have a father and son afternoon. Iker informs him that he has a father: Gabriel Arenas.

When the food arrives, Nicolás is away from the table. Iker manages to cover his ceviche with hot sauce without being seen by Marina and soon Nicolas' eyes and nose are watering and he is coughing. Iker laughs behind his hand. Marina gives Nicolás some bread and water to lessen effects. She asks Iker why he did such a thing. He answers her saying he didn't want to come in the first place and he doesn't like HIM (Nicolás). As he regains his composure, Nicolás says it is only a matter of time. They have to spend more time together. Iker doesn't wnat to be taken from his father bcause of this man (Nicolás). Iker leaves. They go after him.

Iker is sitting on the beach and wants to be alone when he is found. Nicolás understands that he is going through a lot of changes and that he is a stranger to him but he has known him since he was in his mother's belly. He is only looking for a chance to get to know him. Iker says he is not his Nico. With Gabriel and Marina he could have a family. Iker gets up and starts to run. Nicolás shouts at him and grabs his arm. Iker tells him to let him go. He tells Marina he wants to leave.
 

AMAR Parte 3

When they get back to Gabriel's, Iker tells Gabriel what Nicolás did. Gabriel decides to discuss it with Nicolás who says he only raised his voice. Gabriel tries to explain how sensitive the situation with Iker is. Besides that, he is a very sensitive kid. Nicolás is only asking that Gabriel be open to sharing Iker with him and Marina. Gabriel agrees but adds that he will not force him. This is going to take time. Nicolás says he is not there to force anything but adds that it seems that Iker has spent his life doing whatever he feels like. Gabriel informs him that he will not have him coming into his home talking like that about Iker, shouting at the kid or yanking him around. Nicolás again expresses
his gratitude to Gabriel for what he did for his son but he must be aware that he and Marina could take Iker away from him right now even though that would not be the best for him. He suggests that they handle this in the most civilized way possible. They all have to be on the same side. That is HIS side, his real parents' side.

Marina tries to comfort Iker who is crying on his bed. He is afraid that now she is with Nicolás, they will want him to live with them. She promises she will never ever do anything to make him suffer. He is the person she loves most in this world. She asks him if he trusts his mermaid. He says he trusts her and calls her mother for the first time. They hug.

Nicolás is frustrated that he cannot be with his son more. Marina and Nicolás end up deciding to move to town to be closer to Iker. He is worried that she still might have feelings for Gabriel. She thinks he deserves the truth. Yes, she still has feelings for Gabriel but she isn't with him. She is with HIM (Nicolás).He promises to make it worth her while.

Sergio's Plan
Sergio comes to see Azul and assures her that his relationship with her mother will not affect what they have. She can always count on him. Estrella asks if he is going through with his threat. He repeats THREAT? No, everything that is going to happen is a result of the decisions SHE made.

Porfirio comes to see Fabián about his fight with Sergio. He is being removed as president of the union. He is not projecting the image that is required. He broke a rule in the union's handy dandy rule book. There were witnesses to the fight but he somehow cannot say what they are. There will be an election for a new president. Fabián thinks Porfirio will be looking for somebody that can be controlled. He promises him that he will not be silenced. Porfirio goes to see Nemesio and find out if he would be interested in running.

Juanjo has a job offer for Brisa. Alfa Sur is reopening. She is worried about things going badly with the union again. He says that they are planning on doing things differently. They have a new way of dealing with the union. She thinks not with Fabián. He becomes aware that she hasn't heard. Fabián has been removed as the president of the union. They will want her to help convince people to vote for their candidate to be president of the union.

Estrella goes looking for Fabián to tell him that Sergio is reopening his fishing company. Fabián suddenly realizes that Sergio had it all been planned. He tells her that he hit Fabián. He feels like it was a set up. He also feels like that no matter what happens things will be okay if they face it together. Estrella says she no longer has to pretend that she doesn't love him because she does. He says his whole heart belongs to her.

Fabián tells Valentín and Oliver that the fishing company is reopening. Fabián
says that at least hey know what is going to happen and how to deal with it. it is is going to hit the town quickly so they have to be prepared. Estrella arrives to tell them that they need to keep up with what is going on and the union election. They agree to work as a team.
 

A.MAR Parte 4

Sergio is going to hold a press conference at Alfa Sur. Before talking to the press, he deletes his happy family photos with Estrella and Azul. He announces that his fishing company will be reopening after having taken a break for improvements. They will also be rolling out more new projects to support the local economy. The well-being of the people who live there is their priority. All of the fishermen watch on Fabián's phone.
 

Los Hilos

Okay, the beautiful church is Iglesia de la Nuestra Señora de los Remedios in Cholula (near Pueblo) It’s on top of the largest pyramid in the world.

I’m still figuring out whether I’ll keep watching. The story is good and there are so many cast members that I enjoy. But I wish the writing wasn’t so cartoony.

I too wondered why Salvador’s mom would want him to go into the priesthood. It looks like he’s her only child. What about grandbabies? What about carrying on the family name? I gather she’s atoning for some past sin by giving her son to the church. But why is she so fixated on his making it into the Vatican?


 

LOS HILOS

Maggie, I just watched the first episode this morning and I agree with you about the writing. The way it is written makes it seem like a very old fashioned production. The dialogue seems so stiff. Once there is the time jump, will there be a difference? I also agree that the cast is top notch. I was impressed with the casting of Manuel Duarte as the young Father Salvador. He had the same features as David Zepeda the older Father Salvador. Thanks for the info on the location. I tried to find the ratings for this novela in Mexico but it turns out that Univision-Televisa is starting this novela first here in the USA. I do not know if I will continue watching.
 

CON ESA MISMA MIRADA
Univision-Televisa is taking one of its series off of its VIX platform and will be showing it in the 8:00 EST slot starting Monday 9/29. They did the same thing earlier this year with Diana Salazar (yes, I am still waiting for them to broadcast season 3!!!!) and other productions on Sunday nights.

“Con esa misma mirada” has two 8 episode seasons for a total of 16. Will they show both seasons? At this time, only Univision-Televisa knows.
 

A.MAR

Jarifa, what an episode! "Everything Hits the Fan" indeed. Your rendition of the action and the multitude of emotions was perfection.

Nicolas doesn't know his son; he loves him but it is not a familiar love but a love born of paternity. If he were a wiser and a more compassionate man, he would give Iker the time and space he desperately needs to try and sort things out. He would try to let Iker accept him in his own way. Marina honestly feels that "She and Nicolás will never force Iker to do what he doesn't want to". True on her part, not on his. Shared custody does not seem feasible, it appers a Solomon like decision will need to be made.

Conversely, Valentin (staunch defender of Pascual), "tells (Perla) that they can handle any problem together and he will not pressure her about anything. She can decide what she is ready to do whenever she wants". The epitome of true love. So sad that Perla is afraid of telling the truth (a huge double standard as you wisely noted).I did like the sage advice from the doctor who "tells her that what she went through doesn't affect her value. Her husband loves her".

The Gabriel/Iker scene was rather haunting "Iker is worried about what is going to happen to him and Gabriel".Gabriel has only the best interest of Iker in mind. He loves him ferociously and will always look out for his best interests. He will not let Nicolas treat Iker badly.

Brisa finally realizes Pascual is the true love of her life. I gather the priesthood will not be gaining a new recruit. I look forward to seeing how this plays out.

Sergio's scheme is out; now is the time for everyone to join forces and vanquish this snake once and for all. Finally, Estrella and Fabian are together! It would be gratifying if Brisa takes the job and works from within to help destroy Sergio. She has quite a bit to atone for.

Jarifa, just marvelous. Thank you!

Diana
 

CON ESA MISMA MIRADA

Jarifa, thank you for the info!

So this is more of a mini series...Perhaps there is hope Monteverde will air sooner rather than later.

I'm also chomping at the bit for Diana Salazar to return!

Diana
 

CON ESA MISMA MIRADA
I am right there with you on Monteverde. I need some laughs!
 

Los Hilos

After reading what some said here, I had to see the church! What a beautiful church. The fact that it’s on top of a huge pyramid is so Mexico! I looked at pictures that show it close to the big volcano Popocatépetl. That’s so Mexico!

The cast is excellent. We have Santamaría again, always great.

Soooo, I think I’ll start it and see how it goes. Maybe the dialogue will improve.

OT. I watched some of Monteverde on YouTube. It was great! I really hope to see it soon!!!

Babachita
 

OT/Hilos/Cholula/churches

While I was looking up that beautiful church I came across this one: Santa María Tonantzintla. You gotta see it - amazing tile facade and the interior is absolutely wild. It’s a few miles south of Cholula. Google!

Maggie