Caray, Caray!

"LO QUE LA VIDA ME ROBO"
Gretell Valdez does an amazing portraying despicable characters & this is no different.

 

kpa
Kara Para Ask – Black Money Love – Amor de Contrabando
Episode 55 #1

Bahar drives up to a fancy restaurant, following Levent and Elif. Bahar can see them from her car and is very irritated. Levent mentions that the person they were going to meet is late. He asks Elif if she is OK. She nods yes. He apologizes for making her go to the restaurant, saying he could have had the meeting alone.
Elif: How could that happen? This is my job after all.
Levent tells the waiter they will order when their guest arrives. His phone rings, and the guest isn’t coming after all. [Is this the old trick of running out of gas out on a date?]
Levent: These guys are always like this. Always sick, always doing this. I just knew this would happen.
Elif: Well, I’m a bit more relaxed, I suppose. I wasn’t relaxed knowing we were not going to be seeing Bahar here. We need to listen to her even if she doesn’t have the same ideas.
Levent: Of course, you’re right. It wasn’t kind of me to impose on you. I’m sorry.
Elif: What’s the time? The whole evening’s collapsed. Come, let’s go.
Levent: I made them chill a bottle of wine for us. Let’s just have one glass. We can also talk about the things that we need to do before you leave, hum?
Elif: OK.
Levent calls a waiter over: Excuse me, our guests aren’t coming. May we have the wine, please?
Elif: We need to arrange a meeting with that PR firm. We need to find an advertising agency now.
Levent: OK, I’ll arrange everything
They look at each other for a short time.
Levent: And how are you?
Elif: Well, and you?
Levent: Me, me, the same, but you’ve changed. You seem happier.
Elif: Actually, everything had been going badly except for you and your ideas. My sisters are home now and we, we started to have fun at home as well. We sit and eat together. I was able to take a breath of relief.
Levent: Family. Family is everything. To family (he toasts and they touch their glasses together).
Bahar is still simmering in the car watching them interact so easily.
Elif: Have you arranged the dates of the launching times?
Levent: Launching times?
Bahar finally loses her cool and calls Omer. He doesn’t answer.
Levent: I’ve almost done everything. I’ll make a good report from it all and then they’ll start working with the magazines.
Levent: Asks for a taxi and offers to drop her off. He says even one glass of wine is a worry. He says the staff will return her car. She agrees. They walk out of the restaurant and Levent offers his coat. She feels the fabric absentmindedly, lost in thought.

FLASHBACK: Omer and Elif in car. Omer: I’m not sure what the future may bring for me. Personally, I think tomorrow will be harder than today.
Elif: Shut the voice up that’s inside you, then.
Omer: You think that’s possible?

Back to waiting for the taxi. Levent has to call her name to bring her back from her musing. They get in the cab together. Bahar goes into the restaurant and orders a double from the bar. The nice-looking bartender says it looks like she has a problem. She drinks it fast and says it didn’t do any good and for him to pour her another.
Bartender: And what are we celebrating today?
Bahar: To the ones that are born lucky, and to the girl who took my life.
Bartender: To the ones who always win.
Elif: One more for the ones who won.
She drinks it fast and then orders another.

Babachita
 

kpa
Episode 55 #2

Denizer mansion:
Levent and Elif get out of the taxi. She thanks him.
Levent: I thank you, even if we didn’t have dinner. Another time?
Elif (smiling): OK.
As he leaves: Oh, Levent, your jacket.
The camera shows someone is watching from across the street. It can’t be Bahar who is drinking in the bar. It is…Omer!
Levent sees him and raises his eyebrows at Omer, a gesture that looks like, I won this round.
After the cab drives off, Elif crosses the road to Omer.
Omer: The way I see. It, this guy’s always around when I’m not there. Maybe he checks in at the right time. Maybe you open your door just a little more for him.
Elif: Look, I don’t need to explain myself to you. We were coming from a business meeting, if you want to know.
Omer: Sweetheart, you just contradicted yourself there. You don’t have to make any explanations.
Elif: Look, I can go out, go to movies, supper with him. Levent is a friend of mine.
Omer: Yeah, of course, what we’re doing now is only because of the friend being an issue. For your information, that jacket didn’t suit you at all.
Elif: What jacket?
Omer: Oh ho, you got so used to it, you don’t even remember him putting it on. The long jacket. He’s such a gentleman. Said, give you my jacket because you might get cold. (Omer acts out this in a humorous manner.)
Elif: Oh, you’re really funny. I got cold and he gave me his jacket, that’s all it was. Gosh, now look what we’re talking about here. Am I right in guessing that you’re not here to talk about Levent with me?
Omer: It’s not my fault the subject always comes up.
Elif: Omer, enough! You become repulsive when you do this.
Omer: Elif, what do you want me to say? I just can’t understand you. OK, forget about it.
Elif: Good, that suits me just fine. I don’t want to listen to this anymore, either.
Omer: I had a chat with Sami. You and I need to talk about Rome.
Elif was turning to leave, but this got her attention.
Omer: So I came to fetch you.
Elif: So, tell me everything from the beginning.
Omer: The car’s over there. Come on, let’s not make the man wait. By the way, I can give you my jacket, you know, if you’re cold, don’t worry.
Elif: Thanks. I’m not cold anymore.

Bahar, back at the bar, gets her phone out and calls Omer again, but it goes to voicemail. Frowny face.

At the abandoned building, Omer and Elif enter.
Omer: Hey Sami, I brought Elif. Originally, she was going to have a coffee with her friend, but I made our apologies, so everything is fine now. We’re all good to go.
Elif: Tell me why you brought me and then. I will leave.
Omer: No need to be in such a rush.
Sami: Shall we get started? I have to be honest. We don’t know how much we can be around you from the beginning to the end of the whole operation, Elif. That’s why we have to be careful. Look, you must keep this pen with you.
He shows her that there is a small camera on the pen. Sami tells her they will be able to see exactly what she is seeing. Omer shows her how it works and how to charge it if the battery gets low.

Babachita
 

kpa
Episode 55 #3

Omer: We can see what you write. That’s why you must make sure that you write everything down.
Sami: Especially when you are going to the bank, you have to put this wire inside your clothes. I can have a lady come and show you all of this.
Elif: There’s no need. I’ve seen how to do this in all the movies. I’ll just attach it to my clothing inside.
Omer: You can secure it with double-sided tape. He shows her how to turn it on. The red light means it is recording.
Sami: If something goes wrong or if you are in any danger of any kind, use an Italian word like
Galo. You know Italian, right? Giallo.
Omer: And what is giallo?
Elif: Giallo means yellow, and it’s also a detective trick. Don’t worry, you’ll learn slowly.
Sami: Has Omer given you the phone? That is the only phone you are allowed to use to call us. We have to be really sure that no one is tapping in.
Elif looks at both of them: You mean you’re not coming? You said you’d be there with me.
Sami: Don’t worry about it. We’ll be right there with you. (He uses a white board to sketch out the plan.) So, first stage is from home to the airport. I will be at the airport. While you are coming to the airport two of our friends will follow you.
Omer: What did you say? I thought you said there would be no one else, Sami.
Sami: It’s to keep Elif safe, isn’t it? It wouldn’t make sense for you to do it. Metin knows you. The second part is the delivery at the airport. Understand? You will wait wherever he wants to wait. You will take the luggage that he’ll bring you. You will pass through security with no problem. We arranged everything. Also, I’ll wait for you, two seats behind you, and two of our other friends will also be on the plane but you won’t know where they are. Their only job is to keep you safe, Elif.
Elif: Omer?
Omer: I’ll be on a different flight but arrive at the same time, Signorina.
Sami: Don’t be in a panic, Elif. We’ll be there following you. Everything has been planned already. OK?
Elif: I know that you’ll protect me. It’s just two days. After two days it will be finished, and we will finally have our hands on Metin.
Sami: So, now the third stage is Rome Airport to home. They will pick you up from the airport and take you home and they will meet with Omer to follow you, so don’t be afraid.
All three stare intently at one another. Elif looks seriously at Omer and stands up to leave.

At Denizer mansion:
Elif goes through her things, packing and organizing her suitcase. She picks up a scarf (her mother’s, perhaps. She inhales the aroma intently and packs the scarf in the suitcase. Then she sees the box from Metin on the floor near the bed. She looks for a good place to hide it, and ends up putting it under the bed, but it’s still visible if one is looking carefully.

Omer is packing as well. Husseyn comes in the room, bringing him some tea. Husseyn asks him what he is doing.
Husseyn: I hope that you are not planning to leave home. You’re not angry with me.
Omer: Yeah, well I’ve been working on that and changing my attitude.
Husseyn: So, you’ll be coming back? What I’m talking about here is you can’t leave your family. (He has a lot of nerve, as Husseyn has plans to leave with Svetlana!). Where are you going? Are you going back home?
Omer: I don’t know, I haven’t decided yet.
The brothers stare at each other.
Omer: Everybody needs a breather now. Far away would be good. We all need a break.
Husseyn: Puts his hand on Omer’s. I will never breathe easy without your forgiveness. I will stand up for you. You’re right. I can’t be a good brother to you. What I did sucked. I was there like a headless chicken. I should have killed Ali there and then and I need to throttle Tayyar as well. But, I see you in my dreams. I don’t know if you can forgive me, but I am sorry. Can you forgive me? Please, Omer.

Babachita
 

kpa
Episode 55 #4
They stare at one another, and finally, Omer smiles. They hug.
Husseyn: This feels good, man.
Omer: Hey, your tea’s getting cold.
Both brothers fight back tears and drink the tea. Husseyn kisses Omer on the cheek.

Omer is leaving his mom’s house. Bahar walks up.
Bahar: Hi Officer Omer.
Omer: What are you doing here? And how did you know my address?
Bahar: I talked with your sister-in-law. She kindly gave me your address.
Omer: Well, you can say what you want to say and then go.
Bahar: OK. You’re a cop and you know about things.
She hands Omer the note from Sami that Elif had torn up and thrown out and that Bahar retrieved and taped back together.
Bahar: Who do you think could have written this card to Elif? Don’t get me wrong, I’m just worried for my friend. You know that her family have always had problems.

FLASHBACK to the recent meeting with Sami and Elif where Sami wrote the plans on a whiteboard. Sami’s writing matches that on the note.

Bahar continues: I wanted to know if there’s something else happening.
Omer thanks her. She asks him to tell her what he finds out. Then she leaves.
Omer crumples up the note and thinks very hard. Then he walks very quickly away from the house.

At a small store, Fatma and her husband Bekir (in a wheelchair) run into Melike. Melike greets them in a jolly manner and he responds similarly. [I know Fatma won’t be as cheerful!]. Fatma is rude and doesn’t greet Melike. She says they have lots of things to do and that Hatice will be back from school soon.
Melike asks: Why are you talking like this? What have we done to you, Auntie Fatma?
Fatma: As if you don’t know, Melike. People have died and the rest of us are left behind. Weddings, dances, parties, well I hope you’ll be happy with your new bride.
Melike: I want to stay calm, but you never stop talking. What can Omer do? Will he mourn for your lying daughter?
Fatma: My lying daughter? Was Sibel a liar?
Melike: Yes, Sibel pulled the wool over our eyes. It’s OK, but I hoped you would have stopped it. My mom came the other day, and you sent her from your house. It’s a shame a person must think like that. Give some thought to why Omer gave up on your daughter.
Bekir: Melike, please, these kinds of things can’t be discussed in these places. It’s not right.
Fatma: Slander! You just slandered my daughter.
Melike: I’m telling you your daughter was a courier. She was laundering money while Omer was with her. It’s good that Sibel’s death separated them.
Fatma: Don’t you slander my daughter. Of course, as you have found a rich way out now, you slander my daughter in order to cover your shame. Well, you will pay for this. Do you hear me?
Melike: That is enough! It’s not slander. Everything’s obvious. Anyone who wants to know can go to the police station and learn the truth.
Fatma: Look at me, girl.
Melike: You look at me and listen. You stop talking about my family, OK? We no longer want to have connections with people who do illegal things.
During this encounter, Bekir is looking increasingly ill.
Fatma: You look at me right now, girl. Look at me.
They are asked to leave the store due to their yelling.

Babachita
 

kpa
Episode 55 #5

Bekir asks them to stop it the arguing. Fatma finally realizes he is very ill and goes to him, trying to get him to respond. She asks them to call an ambulance.

Denizer mansion:
Nilufer tells Hulya she will replace the batteries in a remote and goes into Elif’s room to do so. She spots the box that Fatih sent Elif, that looks like the boxes he has sent Nilufer. It puzzles her. She gets the box and opens it. She finds the CD in a container that says to listen to it first. She puts the disc in Elif’s computer, and she hears Fatih gives Elif instructions.
Fatih (on the CD): Hi partner, I hope you’re well. Everything will be as planned. They will give you the bag on the plane. Just try hard not to panic. Just be a professional like you were the first time. Otherwise, I will get angry with you. Don’t get mad. Look what money has done for us. The first one was to save Nilufer, and this one is to save Asli. The third one will be for you. You’ll see. You’ll go there as your volunteered. You love money, I know that. We’re in-laws, so we will protect each other. Don’t worry. Just think about tomorrow.
Nilufer is very shocked. This proves that Elif was telling her the truth about Fatih forcing her to do this.

At the airport, Sami checks in. He spots Omer who is taking another flight. Omer walks up next to Sami and tells him they need to talk. Sami asks him what’s up. Elif walks up to the check-in counter. She spots them but keeps on walking.
Sami, angrily, asks if Omer is back to his trainee days: Are you crazy? We shouldn’t be seen together here.
Omer: Why don’t you answer me first and then you can bring me the [training] manual. What did you say to Elif that I told you in confidence?
Sami: Oh, this is not the place to talk about any of that. Look, this attitude of yours is no good for me. I had to do what I did. I had to be sure that your feelings would not take over and you would get arrested.
Omer: That’s why you did it?
Sami: That’s exactly what happened. We’re talking about people’s lives here, not a love affair. It’s time to get your head in the game, Omer.
Elif can see the two of them talking earnestly. She looks confused.
Omer: Look, Sami, I have never been disrespected by you until today, and I don’t want to ever be again. There’s also a human life involved here and you’re ignoring it. What you did to me is worse than Ali getting me fired.
Sami: Omer, it’s over now. Now just do as I say.
Omer walks off to check in for his flight.
Elif sees how concerned he is. He walks right by her in the airport.
Elif: Where are going, Omer?
He looks at her with a very unhappy expression.
Omer: Elif, I’m not coming along.
Elif: What do you mean you’re not coming?
Omer: Sami will explain everything. Looks like the two of you will be going together.
Elif: What do you mean? Why aren’t you coming, Omer?
Omer: I’ve been taken out of the operation. It will just be the two of you.
Sami is watching them.

One of the other team members tells Sami it’s time for them to go. Sami tells him to get on the plane and that he’ll bring Elif with him.

Elif (formally): Officer, just because you’re suspended,
Omer: Elif, don’t be afraid. You can trust Sami. Everything’s going to be fine.
Omer smiles at her and walks off.
Elif calls after him: I can’t do it without you.

Babachita

 

kpa
Episode 55 #6
He stops. They both look at each other.
Omer: Elif, it’s time to go.
He walks away, leaving her standing alone.
She turns and heads to Sami, stopping next to him and asking what is going on with Omer and why he’s not coming. Sami is very unhappy she is doing this. He tells her he will explain later.
Sami: You either get on the plane or it’s jail time. This operation has been done for your sake. Tell me now if you want to back out.
Elif clenches her jaw and heads to board the plane.
Sami follows at a safe distance.
Omer, still in the airport, looks at the flights on the display trying to make up his mind. He spots a flight to Rome and runs to get a ticket.

Denizer mansion:
Nilufer enters the room where Asli is sleeping. She picks up Asli’s phone and takes it out of the room with her. She calls a number but gets voicemail.
She leaves this message for Fatih: Call me as soon as you land. What kind of man are uou? How can you do this to me? How can you lie to me while looking at me in the eye. How can you do this to me?
Nilufer is very distraught.
She calls Mert. He answers, thinking it is Asli.
Nilufer: Mert, this is me, Nilufer.
Mert: I knew it! Can you explain the fact that you didn’t come home and you haven’t said anything.
Nilufer: Mert,
Mert: Drop it. Don’t bother to thank me. My father and I will always have your back in any situation even if you don’t think so.
Nilufer: Mert! I’m not OK at all. Will you please come?
Mert (changes attitude): Of course, what happened?
Nilufer: Don’t ask, please just come.
She hangs up and stands there crying.

On the plane:
Elif boards and puts her bag in an overhead bin. She takes an aisle seat. She keeps looking at passengers as they enter. She finally sees Sami boarding. He goes to a seat two rows back and sits in an aisle seat so that they both can see one another across the aisle. [They seem to be in coach, but in the front of the plane, so perhaps it is a commuter flight with all the same seating.]

Back in Istanbul at the store:
Fatma is desperately trying to get Bekir to open his eyes as they await the ambulance. Melike is distraught. Hatice shows up and begins CPR. Melike tries to help, but Fatma just curses her. The ambulance arrives.

On the plane:
Elif keeps looking back at Sami, who shifts uncomfortably in his seat under her gaze. A fligjht attendant tells Elif that one of her high school friends is in the back: She’s in the 32nd row wearing a navy shirt. Elif unbuckles her belt and walks back to row 32. Sami turns and follows her with his eyes. Her “friend” greets her warmly and tells her there is a handbag in her overhead apartment, the same as the one the “friend” has with her. It has “Elif” on it. She warns Elif not to make her brother angry by forgetting it when she gets off the plane.
Elif walks back to her seat. Sami instructs his man to check up on the girl and to follow her.

Denizer mansion:
Nilufer is crying in the garden.

Babachita

 

kpa
Episode 55 #7

FLASHBACK: On Fatih’s disc is the video from Elif at the bank laundering the money.
She hears him tell her: Your beloved sister is laundering the money, or let’s say she is doing her job.
Nilufer: Elif would never, ever do such a thing.
Fatih: Your father used to do it and now your sister has taken over. Check the dates. They will be the exact dates that your sister was missing. She is laundering the money with her man in Rome.

Nilufer continues to cry.

FLASHBACK: Elif telling Nilufer she’s done all of it just to save her so they can be together once again. I had no idea about black money until father died. That man is using you against me. Whatever ideas you think you have were put there by him. His only aim is to use me as a courier. You’ve got to listen to me, Nilulfer.

Nilufer continues to cry, holding her head, as she remembers this, and finally, Mert arrives. He holds her as she continues to cry.

At the ER
Husseyn and Elva drive up. Husseyn says he will check inside. Elvan asks what exactly Melike said. Hiusseyn said he couldn’t understand because she was crying. Just then the ambuland arrives, followed by Bekir’s family. Elvan calls out to Hatice. Hatice tells Husseyn that his heart stopped in the ambulance but they were trying to resuscitate him. Melike drives up, crying, and Husseyn rushes to her. He takes her inside, but she is collapsing from guilt.
Melike: I was there. I wish I was dead instead of him. (She falls to the pavement and Husseyn tried to comfort her.]. Melike keeps asking if she is going to be a murderer. She is crying desperately. Husseyn has his wild-eyed, fearful look as he tried to comfort Melike.

Babachita

End of Episode 55.

 

KPA 55

Excellent recap Babachita, thanks!

I agree the bartender was very cute! I kept thinking who cares about Levent Behar, look at that!!! :) I really don't see the appeal of Levent and I definitely saw the bartender's appeal but to each their own I suppose....

Behar did Omer a favor though she wasn't trying to.

I wonder if this reveal is enough to drive Nil away from Fatih? I'm guessing no, but we'll see.

Melike isn't a bad person, and she wasn't even wrong, but she lacked tack and compassion in confronting Fatima in that way and now she will have to deal with her guilt. It's sad, I kind of think Fatima deserved that treatment, but of course Bekir didn't.
 

kpa
55
Darcy, I have felt sorry for Melike all along. But, it’s hard because she’s so annoying!!! Elvan handles her so well. I think it’s lucky she’s her MIL. When everything hits the fan, she’ll need compassion. Do we know her background? I worry about her children with their behavior issues. There must be more to her story. I definitely like her more than Mukkades!!!

I think Fatih-Nilufer is a strong bond. But he needs to become a nicer person for me to want this relationship to succeed. What’s with those amulets? I wonder if they are tracking or recording devices. But, maybe they are on the level. Where did Fatih get them??? They are awfully clunky to have to wear them always.

Fatma is very hard for me to like. The actress does it so well. But, hers is a hard life. Hatice seems to have a good head on her shoulders.

Babachita
 

KPA

Melike is definitely light years ahead of Mukkades (though I LOVE that actress!!!) Melike has a good heart, Mukkades was self-centered. Self-serving and cruel. She took advantage of everyone around her and didn't seem to care about anyone but herself. Melike seems to actually care about her family including Omer - she just doesn't go about it in the right way.

 

kpa 56

Dondi,

I think your Saturday kpa episode 56 is on the Telemundo page. No problem, people can just go read it over there.

Babachita
 

KPA 56

Thanks, Dondi! Excellent recap as always! I'm commenting here even though I read on the Telemundo page since they aren't used to discussing KPA there.

I hadn't caught the part about Behar telling Nilu about Asli's pregnancy - I must have gotten distracted. I also didn't realize it wasn't Metin in the van.... I swear multi-tasking, and I need to spend less time together! Luckily, I have yours and Babachita's lovely recaps to right the course!

It'll be interesting to see if Metin can worm his way back in....even though he very well could be lying he could also have had a plan to trap Tayyar, free Elif and sail away with Nilu. He knows that Elif is working with the cops and he hasn't outed her so it's a believable story. I'm not routing for him by any means, but it's hard not to have some degree of sympathy for a man who has been treated the way he has his whole life.

Melike isn't a murderer but that is a tough situation. A man in bad enough health he can be upset enough by a few inflammatory words in front of the grocery store was a ticking time bomb with his days numbered any way you look at it - but that won't be comforting to anyone. On the other hand, they don't have to worry about the money for the operation now.... horrible I know, but I couldn't resist.

I'm a little tired of the stalled romance of all the couples in this show - Elmer, Arda and Pelin, they keep beating around the same bush with no movement or resolution... I don't even necessarily need a resolution right now just strike a different note, you know? I was so hoping Behar would start something up with the hot bartender just so we'd have a change of scenery/storyline - but nope. But the conversation between Elmer at the restaurant was boaderline fun/playful so maybe 57 will have something spicy?

I'll have 57 up sometime tomorrow - probably late afternoon to early evening.
 

kpa
#56 part 1

I’m (re)posting #56 here so it will be easier for any future KPA viewers to locate. Sorry for any confusion.

Elif arrives at the airport in Rome. She heads to a big black van, hands over a bag of money to a guy, and gets in. We don’t see who is in the van with her. She nervously looks around and spots Sami. And then to her great relief, she sees Omer.

Omer hops into Sami’s car. I thought I told you not to come, Sami says, give me one good reason I shouldn’t throw you out. Because you need me, Omer replies, look you’re right, I put my emotions before my work but that’s why you can trust me. The girl in that car is the love of my life, I don’t want a single hair on her head harmed. Even if you get angry and kick me out, I will protect her from afar. So let me help. The operation will end, and we won’t have to say another word to each other. Please put your anger aside for now and I will too. Sami smiles, okay, what do you say? Let’s get that bastard Metin. The black van pulls out and Sami follows.

Hospital vigil for Bekir. The doctor delivers the bad news—we couldn’t save him. Fatma screams and collapses. Huseyin and Elvan hold onto her. She shouts at Melike, you’re a murderer! You killed him! Melike cries.

Still following the van, Sami tells Omer he arranged a safe hotel for Elif and registered her under a different name. Omer asks, where will they take her? They will drop her off in the square near the hotel, Sami replies, then she will head to the hotel. There’s a friend of mine from the Rome police, he will support us as necessary. We will stay in the same hotel. Elif’s safety is paramount. I canceled your reservation, but we can arrange something again.

Sami continues, I did what you asked so I want something from you. You will not get into a romantic relationship with Elif until the operation is over, got it? Let your mind be completely on work otherwise I’ll leave you and nothing you do will be legal. Remember, you’ve been suspended. I don’t want anything to happen to you. You are my responsibility. Omer doesn’t look pleased.

Elif is dropped off. Sami and Omer spot someone who they think is Metin (Fatih). [I’ll call him Metin for now because that’s what they use in this ep.] Sami asks Omer, what do you think of him (Metin)? Omer says he looks like a kiddie. He doesn’t seem like the type to manage such an organization. Sami says he’s seen others like this who could easily ruin your life. Omer asks Sami to stick with Elif, and he will go after the guys.

Elif communicates with Sami and Omer. Metin isn’t here. I asked these men about him and they said nothing. What do we do now? Sami tells her to go to the hotel, check in and wait. She asks if Omer is with him. She thought she saw him at the airport. Omer answers, I’m here. She answers in Italian as Sami’s car drives past her, welcome to Rome, commissioner.

Elif arrives at the hotel as Sami’s car pulls up. Elmer briefly look at each other. Everyone walks into the hotel separately.

Henchie reports to Metin. Everything is good. We picked up the girl and went to the city center. She asked to be dropped off. Probably didn’t want us to know where she was staying. Metin assumes Elif is here with the team. But she doesn’t think I’m aware of it, he adds.

The henchie says he will find where she’s staying and put a tail on her. I didn’t want to do it without permission. No need to do that, Metin replies. Let her relax. Are they aware we are going to another bank? Yes. Listen carefully, Metin says, go bring me my guest now.

 

kpa
#56 part 2

Metin calls Nilufer. Unavailable. He plays the message Nilu left for him: what kind of man are you? How could you do this to me? How could you lie to me while looking me in the eyes?

Mert brings Nilu a glass of water. He asks what has upset her. Is it your idiot lover again? I really messed up, Mert, Nilu starts. I made huge mistakes. Asli walks by and listens in. What mistakes, Mert asks, you’re scaring me. Elif has done so many things for me, she sobs, but I didn’t believe her. She has sacrificed herself for me and Asli. What am I going to do? Mert says they will figure it out together. Asli comes over and sits with them.

Sami tells Omer he’s meeting with the Italian friend. Omer should keep an eye on Elif and let him know if there are any developments.

Omer surprises Elif with a visit to her room. He asks, how are you? I was worried about you. Are you sure you want to do this? Elif says, he’s (Metin) supposed to be here, but he’s not. What happens if he’s not here? Is the op a failure? What if we don’t catch him?

Omer tries to calm her. This will work even if Metin isn’t here. We will catch his men, and we will find him through the connections. Elif panics. If we can’t catch him, if this fails, that will be the end of me. I can’t lose my sisters. Omer really wants to hold her and comfort her but he can’t. She goes to wash her face.

After an awkward silence, Mert says to Nilu let’s go see where Hulya is with the coffee. We can talk as we go. Asli says that Nilu isn’t going anywhere, but Mert can go. Nilu says don’t be ridiculous. Asli pulls Mert by the arm and says Hulya went to Colombia to buy the coffee. She will prepare it when she returns. It won’t be ready for another month. Asli pushes Mert into the elevator. We reached the end of your allotted time. My sister and I need to speak privately about women’s things.

Nilu calls Asli out on her rudeness. Asli doesn’t care. She overheard and asks about Nilu’s mistakes. Start talking! Why did you dump Mert? Why won’t you explain this? Nilu admits she fell in love with the wrong person. Asli asks, and what does that have to do with Elif? Did you fall for one of her ex-boyfriends? Nilu says no.

Asli presses for an answer. Nilu explains, the man who kidnapped me was threatening Elif. To save me, Elif got into illegal business. I fell in love with the man who made her do this. Asli gasps. Elif didn’t go to Rome for the collection. She went because that man wanted her to. I found a CD and listened to it. You were mentioned in it, too. Why was my name mentioned, Asli asks, what are you saying?

Elif returns to Omer. She’s scared. Omer asks Elif to trust him. She gets a call from Asli—what do you think you’re doing? Elif says she doesn't understand. Asli replies, I’m talking about that crazy man, Metin and what he’s doing to you. Nilu told me everything and she made me listen to the CD. What is going on?!

Elif says she will explain when she returns. Asli demands answers now. Is it true you went to Rome to launder money? If this is true, stop and come back immediately. I’ll call the police. Elif tells her to calm down and don’t call the police. It will make it worse. When I return, I will tell you everything, don’t worry. Asli agrees and hangs up. Elif tells Omer that Asli knows everything. Asli grabs Nilu, don’t tell me you still see this man. Nilu says she doesn’t.

 

kpa
#56 part 3

Elif worries about telling Asli about everything. How do I explain about our mother? We’ll find a way, Omer replies. Elif wants to go out for a walk. Omer sneaks into the elevator before it closes completely. He tells her they can’t leave together but he doesn’t want her to go out alone. Give me a place to meet up in 20 minutes. She says no need. He asks her to send the location by phone.

Elif sends the location: Peace Café at number 3, Peace Street.

Metin tries calling Nilufer again. Unavailable.

Metin’s guest is Nedim, the bribed DA. Why did you bring me here, he asks, I need to be near my daughter. You will be, Metin replies, do what I tell you and then you’ll be with her. Nedim worries, did you do anything to her? Don’t offend me, Metin answers, I’ll get angry. And I can’t control myself when I get angry. What more do you want from me, Nedim asks. Metin says he needs moral support. This will open the door to a new life. Nedim asks, what will I do? We don’t hear the answer.

Elif walks through Rome and recalls better times there.

Asli paces and bites her nails. Bahar tells her to stop and Asli snaps back. She can’t be calm, she needs to find a way out for Elif. Bahar says she could help if she knew what was going on. Asli laughs, with your little brain Bahar? Do you think our family wants to share all our problems with you? Get lost. Nilu tells Bahar not to take Asli seriously. Nilu says they can go to another room. Bahar leaves the room. Nilu asks if she should get Asli’s meds. Asli says she doesn’t take sedatives because it will hurt her baby.

Nilu regrets explaining anything to her sister. She heads to the kitchen to ask Hulya to prepare an herbal tea for Asli. Bahar is in the kitchen making juice, and she sneaks Asli’s medication into it. Nilu says the meds will harm the baby. Bahar fires back, what baby? There is no baby. It was taken when she was in the hospital, and she doesn’t remember. Nilu is stunned.

Omer asks for directions to the restaurant in Italian. [Not bad]. He meets Elif. She’s nervous. She’s thinking about her sisters. My life is ruined, and I don’t know how to fix it. Omer replies, my mom says that something good always comes from something bad. It’s true. You and I are the best example of that. You can’t deny it, right? She can’t.

Elif admits she reserved this restaurant before she came to Rome. She wanted to celebrate his birthday. She hoped they’d have time to do it. And look, here we are, she says. Omer asks, on that day, why did you tell me you didn’t love me? She doesn’t want to talk about that. He continues, you arrange a surprise for a man you don’t love, and from far away? Is it worth it for a person you don’t want?

I just made a phone call, Elif replies, don’t exaggerate. Don’t do this Elif, Omer answers, your Omer is in front of you. If you lie, you better make it a good one. Otherwise, I’ll see right through to the truth. Please don’t do this now, she asks, I don’t have the strength for it. I just want time to stop. Let’s not talk about resentment. Let’s do something we’ve never done before. Let’s not argue. One condition, signorina, Omer says, let’s have some fun, like 2 tourists who came to celebrate my birthday.

 

kpa
#56 part 4

Huseyin and Elvan bring a devastated Melike home. Arda and Pelin are with them. Their kids worry that mom is sick. Elvan takes Melike to the bedroom. Huseyin sends the kids to the kitchen to prepare something to eat. Pelin says they arranged for the funeral tomorrow. Huseyin thanks them and apologizes for their trouble. Arda says it’s nothing, we knew Bekir Amca well, we played games, drank tea. God rest his soul, Huseyin replies. Pelin asks for Omer. He hasn’t been around. Huseyin says Omer packed his bag and took off. He has no idea where he went.

Cut to Elmer toasting to Omer’s Roman birthday celebration. Omer says this is his most interesting birthday ever. Because we are in Rome, she asks. I never celebrated my birthday with an ex-lover, he replies. We can leave if you want, she offers, we can never sit at the same table again. Omer says he is very happy where life has taken him, and she should herself the same question.

Elif threatens to withhold his birthday gift. It’s a pocket watch with an inscription: Be as beautiful as a rose, but don’t be as cruel as a thorn. Say something that will either make someone live or kill them but never leave them wounded—Shams. This costs a lot, Omer notes, how will I ever repay you? Elif reminds him of the present he brought to her office. I thought about giving you this before but then I gave up on us.

Omer laughs, you really hold a grudge, don’t you. If anyone else knew what’s happened between us, they wouldn’t believe it. We broke each other’s hearts from the first moment, Elif replies, from now on, don’t let our words hurt each other, let’s not allow this happen. Omer says let’s toast to that.

Omer asks, why Rome, why not NY, London? There must be a story. A film, Elif replies. Omer jokes, it must be Spartacus, that’s perfect for you. She jokes back, yes, that’s perfect for me. Then she adds, it’s Roman Holiday with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. One of the best movies I’ve ever seen. I heard of people who read a book, and it changed their lives, Omer replies, but you decided to live in a place because of a movie. She explains it’s a love story between a princess and a journalist.

Ah, a romantic comedy, Omer interjects. Elif says she won’t explain further. He’ll shut up and listen. She says it’s unlike others. The princess and the journalist unintentionally lie to each other, and their love is born from this lie. Omer says it’s interesting.

Bahar sulks out in the yard. Nilu comes out. Asli is doing better, and she thanks Bahar for her help. She couldn’t have dealt with it herself. You know Asli, she says things and forgets them the next day. Bahar says it doesn’t matter. She knows her place in this house. She gets up and goes back inside.

Muzzafer brings a guest up to the house. A college friend of Nilu’s. The woman rushes to hug Nilu. Nilu doesn’t seem to know this woman. Nilu picks up on something and plays along. Muzzafer leaves and the woman reveals why she’s there. She gives Nilu a phone—Metin will call you.

Metin calls. My beautiful wife. I heard your voice and the world is mine. I felt terrible when I received your message. Why did you send it? I saw the surprise you made for Elif, Nilu replies, I listened to it. You lied to me about my sister. Why did you badmouth her to me? Did you think I wouldn’t love you if I was with Elif? He asks her to listen to him. She continues, you’re still using my family! You’re playing with us. You don’t love me. A person wouldn’t treat loved ones like an enemy.

 

kpa
#56 part 5

Metin says he can explain. Come to Rome tomorrow and let’s talk. Nilu snaps back, why, will you make me launder money, too? He tells her everything will change tomorrow. My father will go to prison and Elif will be free of me. There will be no need for Elif to get involved in dirty business any longer. This was the only way. I really care about Elif.

Nilu asks, how can I believe you? Believe me, he replies, don’t doubt for one second my love for you. We will go somewhere and build a completely different life. I will be Fatih from now on. Please come to Rome and I will prove this to you. She hangs up on him and returns the phone to the woman and threatens to call the police if she doesn’t leave.

Elif continues to explain the movie to Omer. They go on a scooter tour all around Rome. They go into a market but then the police catch them. Omer asks, do the police take the princess back to her country? Of course not, Elif replies, it’s a movie. The princess acts beautifully.

Ah, the princess is a good actor, Omer says, does she deceive the police? This story sounds very familiar. Well, the journalist has done no less, Elif explains. He conspires with a photographer friend to sell the story about the princess. Omer agrees that’s bad. It gets worse, Elif continues. They go to the mouth of truth, a relief sculpture in Rome. Rumor has it that if you think someone is lying, you take them to the mouth of truth. The person puts their hand in the mouth and if they have lied, the statue bites their hand. That’s where it gets interesting. Do you understand?

Omer reaches over and it looks like he’s going to remove something off Elif’s coat collar. He moves his hand up slightly and brushes her cheek. I’m trying, Omer replies.

And we are out.

 

KPA 57 part 1 of 3

Melike is very upset about being a ‘murderer’ and is telling Huseyin all about how it happened as she cries in bed. Huseyin points out that Sibel was the real cause of the upset and that the words Melike said were true and not lies but Melike isn’t comforted. Turns out Sibel’s father didn’t know anything about Sibel’s dirty dealings (at least as far as Melike believes) until Melike spilled the beans and it was the shock of hearing the truth in front of the store that caused the deadly heart attack. During this time, wife #2 calls multiple times but Huseyin doesn’t answer.

Behar goes to Levent’s hotel room to confront him about cutting her out of the business dinner and his pursuit of Elif and for a minute I thought maybe we’d get some angry sex scene or something – cause there was some TENSION!!! But nope, Levent admitted to being in love with Elif and Behar slapped him and left. She claimed she will never allow him to be with Elif. Honey, he will never get Elif – forget about him and go track down that yummy bartender!

Elif is still talking about her favorite romance movie with Omer. Turns out it has a sad ending since the lovers are separated but Omer points out that just because they were separated didn’t mean their love died. The double meaning is clear and there are lots of deep longing looks between these two. It’s getting late and they should go, tomorrow will be a difficult day and then it will be over. Elif confirms that she has to enter the hotel alone when they get back, right?

Nilu is alone in Elif’s office, crying, looking at Elif’s picture asking for forgiveness.

Elif and Omer are walking back and talking about her past in Rome. Elif wants to talk about the full past including ex-boyfriends and first kisses but Omer can’t handle hearing about Elif’s ex’s and doesn’t want to hear about her kissing someone else. Omer tries to hold Elif’s hand and when she pulls away it devolves into another argument about their breakup and Elif lying to Omer. Omer admits to Elif that he knows Sami talked to her and that’s why he wasn’t going to come to Rome. Omer goes on about how Elif rejected him when he proclaimed his love for her and ended their relationship but Elif counters with the more than fair question of: ‘Oh, were we in a relationship then?’ She reminds Omer that he had already broken up with her because of the things she did to save her family. She tells him that it’s so easy for him to call her a liar and put the blame at her feet but he never put himself in her shoes, never tried to understand her. If he wants to think her a liar, he can think it, she hopes it makes him feel better!!!’ She jumps in a cab and leaves him alone on the street calling himself an idiot who ruins everything.

 

KPA 57 part 2 of 3

Sami is trying to call Elif who isn’t there of course, but she returns. When he asks where she was, she tells him that this city is like her house, she simply went for a walk. That’s fine, he says, I was just worried. Good night, Elif says, and stalks to her room. Sami is left in the lobby.

Elif is still pissed and in her room, she throws her balcony window open and stalks around. Metin calls and gives her the plans for tomorrow. He refuses to confirm whether or not he personally will be at the bank. Meanwhile, Sami is still in the lobby a few mins later when Omer arrives and he wants to know where Omer has been, that interrogation doesn’t get too far as Elif sends a text to Sami confirming that Metin is indeed in Rome and has contacted her.


We see Omer and Elif both in their separate rooms, both restless and thinking of their time together earlier. Omer finally texts Elif to ask how she is/test the waters, and a very tentative, cute text session starts as each lover’s face lights up more and more with each new message and it’s not long before Omer asks if he can come see Elif. He wants to give her something. Elif agrees and rushes to the mirror for a once over. Omer brings her a toy Pinocchio claiming she must not be a liar since her nose hasn’t grown more than Pinocchino’s. It’s a gesture well received and for the second time I’m wondering if we’re about to get something hot and heavy even though Omer only asked for a five-minute visit. Omer asks if Elif is able to sleep and she is too scared. He says everything will be okay and tells her his eyes don’t lie. He hugs her tight and definitely looks like he wants to kiss her but Elif pulls away and Omer sees her hesitation. He pulls her back into the hug and tells her he will protect her even if it costs him his life. In the end, there’s no hot or heavy but they do spend the night together – outside on the balcony on separate loungers.

The next morning, they wake up and sneak out of the hotel to have a real Italian breakfast! Elif rents a car for the outing and everything – you know since they have a whole 2 hours to kill, this is totally realistic! They talk and walk and eat and Omer tells Elif how he hated this town when he was first here but now, he thinks it’s the most beautiful but he could be in any town in the world as long as he was with Elif. Elif gives him a big beautiful smile. Back in the car, they drive around and see some more sights (It’s fun and interesting scenery! I have been to Rome) and Elif finally asks what Omer thinks and he says he likes it, Elif is thrilled. After a while, they are no longer talking about Rome and Omer takes Elif’s hand and asks her if she’d like to start over with him and she smiles and says ‘only if you pass the test’. Omer says what test? And she says, you’ll see. She gets out of the car and they are at the mouth of truth statue from the Roman Holiday movie. Elif sticks her hand in and pulls it out no problems, she has nothing to hide. Omer says he has nothing to hide and sticks his hand in and fakes getting it bit! Elif screams for some reason that defies logic but then smacks Omer good naturedly and says he lied about seeing the movie before and Omer swears he never saw the movie; she just described it so well that he could guess what happened. Elif sobers up and says, you passed the tested. Elif promises she will never lie again, not even if she thinks it’s for a good reason. Omer takes her head in both his hands and kisses her, gently at first but then the kiss grows more passionate and Elif wraps her arms around him.

 

KPA 57 part 3 of 3

Sami is in the lobby again…. wondering where Elmer are. He asks his backup dude if Omer is still asleep and doesn’t like the answer.

Elmer are walking the streets again, eating ice cream, holding hands, kissing, you know preparing for money laundering activities; right up until the time when they finally return to the hotel with giant smiles on their faces three minutes apart – Sami knows exactly what is up and mumbles to himself about what is he going to do with Omer.

Elif gets ready putting her mic and stuff on. Metin calls Tayyar and Tayyar points out it sounds like he is saying goodbye. Metin says not at all and refuses to give Tayyar all the operation details since Tayyar is suppose to be trusting Metin to handle it.

The operation is on! Elif leaves the hotel alone though both Sami and Omer give her instructions from far enough away that it wouldn’t be immediately obvious they were talking. Sami doesn’t turn toward Elif or look at her, Elif doesn’t look at Sami or Omer. Omer can’t help himself but to look directly at Elf when reassuring her that they will be right there with her. Sami and Omer are less careful and leave together in the same car. In the end though, they might as well have all huddled up and did a secret handshake because Metin is on the phone confirmed that all three of them have left the hotel! He himself is already at the bank and is entering the bank with the dirty DA who will now have to do the mission with Elif if he wants to be reunited with his daughter!!! Metin breaks off from the DA and goes off into what looks like a security room where he can watch the bank cameras and wait for Elif to arrive. It’s showtime!

 

KPA

This recap ended up on the short and sweet side - I think because there were lots of scenes of no dialog and just scenery. Which was honestly fun to watch! Rome is really a fun city! I spent very little time there when I visited Italy, but I enjoyed it!!! If I had Dondi's penchant for writing description's I probably could have described the scenes a little more but as it is, you have short and sweet this week! Hope everyone has a good one!