Caray, Caray!

Hey all,

Gloria had a death in the family and has been laid low by a migraine. I don’t have a lot of time for one of my detailed mini-recaps, so here are the key 10 things that happened in no particular order:

1) Ivan plans a romantic dinner at Casa McGuire for Lucia with Benito acting as waiter and serving them the finest water in the house. They dangle their legs in the pool, listen to a 2-man serenade, and kiss.
2) Lucrezia pees blood and faints. The doctor has her do tests.
3) Antolin unsuccessfully searches all over town, in every hotel and under every rock for Saul. He threatens Gordo that he'll do more than leave a scar next time if he's protecting Saul.
4) Lucia allows herself to remember the face of her attacker. It’s Saul of course. She tells Ivan.
5) Ivan goes searching for Saul at his house and tells Esther it will be on her conscience if she helps a rapist go free. Ivan and Antolin conclude Saul has skipped town.
6) Saul calls Esther and spins her some story that Lucia was drunk, she came looking for him, things just went too far, and he didn’t drug her. If Esther believes this bull she’s an idiot. He begs her for money.
7) Post hypnotherapy session, Lucia has Ivan hug her, then they discuss what it is she wants to do about Saul. She doesn’t want any contact with him, nor does she want Perla to have any contact with him. She must decide if she wants to pursue pressing charges against him.
8) The Ag Assoc calls a meeting about the findings of the audit and require JJ to be there.
9) Gordo takes Saul to the rundown house of some relative 30 kilometers outside of Hermosillo. Saul complains bitterly about the conditions, not having a car, and not having money. They decide to put their kidnap Alex plan in play in order to get quick cash.
10) Camilo refuses to give in to MP’s blackmail threats in a satisfying “Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn!” moment.

Labels: Fuerza

It’s already 13 after the hour, the show hasn’t started yet, but the ads for La Que No Podia Amar are heating up. I hope Sharkbyte is watching, because it looks like his telenovia Ana Brenda has a juicy role, AND is flaunting her girls through the whole tn. But on to our tn.

Lucia has just had a major freak out in the park after being approached by S-s-s-aul and having to hear her rapist breath “precio-s-s-s-a” down her neck. Alex and Ivan come to the rescue and take the shell-shocked Lucia to the car.

Lucrezia has just dropped her idea of encouraging Lucia to marry Saul on Carlota. Carlota reacts like the rest of us, and she doesn’t even know Saul raped Lucia yet. She doesn’t think the Mondragon name is worth that much. Plus, Lucia’s opinion counts. Lucrezia thinks it’s just a matter of convincing her and wants Carly on her side. Just then, dazed Lucia returns flanked protectively by Ivan and Alex. Ivan tries to assure her that she’s home now and safe. He has Carly take Lucia inside and calls Benito to come pick Alex up, while trying to avoid Alex’s questions about why Lucia freaked out.

In the bedroom, Carly asks Lucia what happened. Lucia tells her what happened and that she’s sure it was Saul who raped her. She is filled with rage (rabia). In the living room, Ivan refuses to leave. He knows something is up with Saul and that’s why Lucia reacted that way. Stupid Lucrezia thinks Lucia is just down on all men in general right now.

Saul meanwhile is trying to cover his tracks and has tracked down waiter Paulito to convince him to keep his mouth shut about that money he gave him over a year ago to do him that little favor. Paulito claims to have a bad memory (I don’t remember anything), and that he doesn’t want to lose his job. Saul threatens that if he doesn’t spilt town, he’ll end up in jail.

Carly tries to convince Lucia not to be rude to Ivan and to see him. He’s worried about her. Lucrezia relates his message that he won’t leave until he sees her. Lucia agrees and then tells Carly that she’s going to do the hypnotherapy in order to fully remember. Lucia wonders how much Ivan knows about what happened to her. Considering the e-mail he sent her, Carly supposes he knows plenty. In the living room Lucrezia still spins this tale of bad feelings towards all men.

Lucia enters the living room to speak to Ivan. She doesn’t admit that she suspects it was Saul who raped her, but does admit that she is starting to have flashbacks and that it feels like the rape happened yesterday. She starts to get upset recounting the feeling of having the person on top of her. Ivan asks if she thinks it was Saul and she says she doesn’t know but admits that she’s starting to think so. Ivan thinks she should follow Bernie’s advice and go to hypnotherapy. He is sure that once she clearly sees the face of the person who did this to her, her fears will be replaced by rage. He knows she will come out of this strong because she is so brave (valiente). What that sick degenerate did to her does not erase her essence- the essence of a good woman, intelligent, pure.

Lucia brings up his forgiveness faux pas. He begs her to please forget that. He would have never thought she had been raped. He begs her forgiveness. It doesn’t matter to him who Perlita’s bio-dad is. “But it does to me.”

In Carly’s bedroom, Lucrezia has taken her rightful place as the Queen of De-nial. Carly can’t believe she would still consider that Lucia marry Saul. Lucrezia claims it's pure speculation that he raped Lucia. (Wow! Never have I felt this much of an urge to slap a character! Please Carly, do it for me.) Carly prohibits Lucrezia from bringing up the subject again. Lucrezia at least hopes that Lucia makes up with Ivan and fixes this “shameful” situation. (See my comment above.)

Ivan updates Tony at home. Ivan recounts how she recoiled from his attempted hug. He is certain it was Saul who raped her. He wants her to go to hypnotherapy. Tony wonders that if Saul turns out to be the daddy, will Lucia reject Perla. Ivan is sure she will not. She adores her daughter. But once Lucia remembers it was Saul, he will see to it that Saul rots in jail. Tony thinks they have to wait to see what Lucia decides.

Lucia is telling Carly that she believes she still loves Ivan, but can’t stand for any man to touch her right now, not even him. It’s not rejection or disgust (asco). She thinks it’s fear. Carly tries to tell her that not all men are like her attacker, and Ivan has always been a gentleman with her. She thinks Lucia should concentrate on the good memories of when they were together. Lucia points out that memories fade with time, which prompts Carly to ask if she really is still in love with Ivan. Lucia doesn’t know what’s happening to her.

Ivan and Camilo meet at the Ag Assoc and make final arrangements for the loan repayments. Then they get to talking about Lucia. Ivan tells Camilo about Lucia’s reaction to Saul, and he also concludes Saul was the rapist. Just then Antolin walks into the office and is happily surprised to find Ivan there. Ivan spills the Saul beans and Antolin is ready to rumble! Ivan and Camilo talk him down. Ivan thinks they have to approach the situation intelligently. He agrees to let Anto do some inquiries, but NO violence!

JJ tells Saul the marry Lucia plan. Saul says he doesn’t think Lucia would agree, and anyway she freaked out when she saw him. JJ is sure she now remembers and wonders if Saul was stupid enough to think she would never remember. “Well, yeah.” Saul admits that he slipped a mickey in her drink and she was unconscious when he did the deed. I guess JJ thought Lucia was just drunk when it happened because he calls Saul an infelíz and slaps him hard across the face. When Saul responds by begging JJ to help him flee the country, JJ slaps him hard again. Esther comes in wanting to know what’s happening. Saul says that he’s sure Ivan now knows and is going to put him in jail. JJ doesn’t think he deserves jail. He deserves to die! Saul is not deterred. Through teary eyes he begs JJ for money. He’s his son! JJ would rather be dead than be his father. He tells Sault to beat it. “Largate!”

Esther runs for JJ’s pills. He tells her he doesn’t ever want to see that animal again in his life. He tells Esther that Saul drugged Lucia to rape her.

The Three Musketeers (Ivan, Cam, Anto) discuss the situation over beers in a bar, while that damn “Sexy Smile” song plays in the background. Anto wants to beat the confession out of Saul. He thinks they should go to his house and drag him out. The other two urge calm. Anyway, Cam says, it’s not like that worked when they confronted him about being Lechita’s dad. Oh, well Anto showed him a lesson for that. Uhm, what? Ivan and Cam look worried now. What did Anto do? Anto just sips on his beer quietly. He only wants to help, especially since Ivan did so much to get him out of jail. Ivan doesn’t want any more talk of that. They are his only family and that’s what you do for family. Ivan thinks that the love they have for each other can conquer all the other problems they’ve had with each other. They’re brothers!

In Gordo’s new hideaway, Saul is trying to butter Gordo up into helping him. Gordo isn’t happy about being roped into Saul’s problems. He doesn’t have any money to loan Saul. His grandma does have a meager house out in the countryside where Saul could hide out. Saul is happy with that option.

MP calls Judith wanting them to go out clubbing like old times. Judith tries to beg off because she has work early in the morning. Anyway, her mom doesn’t want her hanging out with MP anymore. On cue, Esther comes into the living room wanting to know why Judith hasn’t told her about her boyfriend. Well, mainly because she doesn’t want JJ to be all in her biz, and secondly because she’s an adult and can make her own decisions. (Well, she wasn’t singing that tune just a second ago when she spoke to MP.) Esther doesn’t understand why she can’t present her boyfriend to them if he’s a good man. Judith refuses to continue the conversation and kisses her mother goodnight.

In Casa Galvan, Camilo has just told Celia about Lucia’s rape. She calls whoever did it a coward and Camilo reveals that they suspect it was Saul. Camilo just wants to hug and console her, but he knows that’s not what she wants. Celia thinks he needs to remake his life. He knows, but it’s a small town and it’s not easy to avoid her and vice versa. The biggest difference is that she continues to be important for him, but he means nothing to her.

Ivan calls Lucia to check in on her and Perlita. He would have liked to see Perlita. They make small talk about her taking Perlita to the pediatrician tomorrow, and about the car. She doesn’t have one to get around since hers is totaled. He thinks she should at least borrow that cute electric blue Beetle he got her, until she gets her new car. She continues to be stubborn about it. “As you wish. Goodnight.” Lucia’s mad that he just hung up saying goodnight, without even sending her kisses. (She's awfully confused about what she wants from this man, isn’t she?)

The next morning, Lucia is leaving the hospital and struggling with the baby to get a cab back to the ranch. Up drives Ivan’s taxi service. He pays no attention to her saying it was unnecessary for him to come, takes Perlita and puts her in the car, and asks how the appointment went. He had nothing better to do than come pick up a girl he’s known for over 20 years, who’s no longer a girl. Once they arrive at the ranch, he insists on walking her and Perlita all the way in. He coos at Perlita, calling her beautiful, and speaks about how he never knew Alex as a baby. He considers Perlita to be his baby. “But she’s not.” Ivan points out that Tony isn’t his biological father either. But they love each other and would give their lives for each other. In the same way he would give his life for Alex, Perla, or Lucia. He reminds her of their passionate love. He can’t believe she’s forgotten. He leaves her with her thoughts. After he leaves she begs him not to leave in a whisper.

Shot of the fields of healthy cartámo (safflower). Ivan and Camilo meet with the guy from the company that makes cooking oil (aceite) from cartámo. Lots of PSAs about how healthy it is, especially in the fight against diabetes. Blah, blah. Refer to my recap about the benefits of cartámo. Everyone is happy.

The next day, Cutberto’s in Camilo’s office complaining about how JJ has to pay for his recently discovered fraudulent dealings at the Ag Assoc.

Lucia and Bernie wait for Lucia to enter her hypnotherapy session. Lucia doesn’t know what’s happening to her. She loves Ivan, but when he gets close to her she feels fear and the need to reject him. Bernie is concerned. Lucia gets called into her session with the doctor. They speak about how she was drugged and can’t remember her rape.

Camilo and Anto discuss the audit the ranchers want done. Camilo speaks to Anto about all the JJ scams (tranzas) he’s already discovered. Anto tells him to forget about the promise he made to JJ to forgo the audit. Anto would be happy to see JJ behind bars. Speak of the devil! It’s JJ himself who’s come to see Camilo.

Lucia’s session begins and she’s put under. She begins to remember the rape and the doctor asks who else was there. She begins to weep. “It’s him! It’s him. It’s him.” (Whew! I needed a commercial break! Didn’t you?)

When we come back from break, JJ is hobbling into his old office and is greeted by the Brothers Galvan. JJ is surprised to find Anto there. Anto says he’s done with the crooked life and leaves. “Have a good day, if you can.” JJ assumes Anto is working at the Ag Assoc, but Cami sets him straight that Anto manages his ranch for him. They chat about the fact that JJ can’t drive himself but had to come by chauffeured driven car. (Poor baby!) “How are things, my friend Camilo?”

Lucia is trying to end the session before she can fully identify her rapist’s face. The doctor reassures her and makes an appointment for tomorrow. If she wants closure, she’s going to have to be brave enough to let herself see the face (rostro) of this man.

JJ is trying to guilt Camilo into not doing the audit. Camilo points out that it wasn’t JJ’s influence that got him the job, plus all the ranchers are calling for the audit. JJ thinks Camilo just wants to screw him over (me quieres fregar), and surely as the president he can just lie to the associates! Camilo says his duty (deber) is to show the associates the audit, and he’s just giving JJ fair warning. JJ tries to blame his accountant and Saul for the mistakes and fraud. Then he tries to use illness as an excuse. If he WERE healthy, he’d use his cane to chase Camilo out of his office. He then leaves, deftly using his cane to swing the door shut.

Bernie tries to talk Lucia into confronting her fears and allowing herself to see the face in her session tomorrow. Lucia isn’t a coward (cobarde). She needs to do it for herself and for her daughter.

Ivan asks David for Bernie’s phone number so he can find out how Lucia’s session went. Before he leaves, he actually pleasantly asks Judith how her (their) father is. He finds Camilo in Tony’s office seeking advice about the JJ audit situation. Tony thinks they can make an agreement (acuerdo) with JJ that won’t land him in jail. He’s already sick, his wife is ready to leave him, his kids are distanced from him, and he’s kicked Saul out of the house. Ivan’s ears prick up. Why did he do that, Ivan wonders?

Tony thinks it’s better to deal with the JJ situation the easiest way possible (por las buenas), and anyway, blood calls blood. Ivan is tired of hearing that nonsense. Tony is ticked at him again for being so filled with rancor and not having compassion, especially for someone who carries his own blood. Ivan still doesn’t look like he’s buying it. “Do what you want.” He walks out.

Lucrezia immediately starts pressuring Lucia to spill what she learned during her session. Lucia admits that her fear stopped her from going deeper in her memory, and ever supportive Lucrezia (NOT!) says SHE doesn’t believe Saul could have done something like this. She refuses to shut up about it, which ticks Carly off. Lucia tells them both to knock it off. She doesn’t even want to hear his name! Lucrezia STILL refuses to SHUT UP! Carly tells Lucrezia to go to JJ and tell him to forget this idea of Lucia marrying his disgrace of a son. And if Saul even comes within a meter of Lucia, he’s going to have to deal with Carly!

JJ complains to Esther about Camilo. She tries to calm him down. JJ prefers to be dead than in jail! Why did he take the money, she asks? Look around, he tells her. He did it for them. So that they could have a good life! Now look at his kids. David and Judith working for that gringo who stole his son, and Saul turned into scum (escoria), a despicable being. And he knows Esther just came back to him out of pity. He tells her to leave him alone, and she leaves looking dejected. (Honey, you already went above and beyond duty. Leave his a** again!)

Ivan visits Bernie at her place and they sit in the cage chair where she usually makes out with David. Bernie updates him on how the first session went. He relates his fears and worries about Lucia, especially how she rejects his touch. Bernie explains how she subconsciously identifies his touch with that of her rapist, and he doesn’t understand how she can feel in danger at his side. Bernie says it doesn’t matter what happened between them before. Lucia feels very vulnerable right now. She isn’t even really aware of how she’s acting right now. He needs to be patient. Ivan wonders if she’ll ever get past this. Bernie says you can’t be sure, but she believes so. Ivan wants to know what he should do; how should he behave? Observe her. Feel her out. He himself will then find the best way to help her. Ivan asks how did the memories get triggered in the first place? “It was a phone call from Saul.”

JJ meets with his lawyer. The lawyer’s worried about the audit too, JJ wants to know how they are going to get out of this. JJ reminds him that he’s up to his neck in this too, and can’t blame it all on JJ giving him orders. The lawyer agrees, but the ideas were JJ’s. Esther listens in as the lawyer suggests throwing all the blame on Saul. It won’t be easy since all the money was put in JJ’s account. Then JJ comes up with a brilliant idea. “My wife also has signatory power over that account!”

The maid nearly gives away Esther and almost interrupts, but Ester shoos her back inside the kitchen so that she can continue to listen in on the plan to frame her. The lawyer doesn’t think people will believe she was capable of such a thing. Esther goes running into Saul’s room looking for him, but realizes he’s already gone.

In her hotel, MP fixes herself a glass of mother’s little helper after a tough day of…I don’t know, filing her nails. She decides to call up Camilo and complain about him abandoning her. She is dying of boredom! He is too busy. It will have to be another time. She tells him that she’s starting to be under the impression that their “relationship” is only based on sex. (Hah!) He is surprised as the audience is that she thought it was something more than that. “You’re treating me like a whore.” (golfa) He tells her to take it as she wishes. He’ll see her tomorrow.

Lucia looks at sleeping Perla and tells her it doesn’t matter to her in what conditions she came to her. She loves her. She takes a call from Ivan. He tells her he’s not put off by her rejection. All he wants to do is care for her. She thanks him, but she doesn’t know if she can overcome this. She doesn’t want to hurt him and thinks he should forget her. He says he can’t forget her. He wants to know how he can help her. She tells him what the doctor said about confronting her fears. Only then can she once again have a relationship. “Do you want to try?” Lucia looks unsure of her answer.

Avances: Lucia tells Ivan the rapist was for sure Saul. Ivan swears to turn over every rock to find that asshole. MP threatens Camilo that if he doesn’t service her regularly, uh…take their “relationship” seriously, she’ll sing to the four winds that they started sleeping together while he was still married to Lucia and that HE seduced her. Ivan plans a romantic dinner for Lucia and they kiss.

Labels: Fuerza

Labels: Fuerza

Antolín points out to Camilo that JJ didn’t actually help him win the election, what with being in a coma and all. (Except that maybe his being indisposed was actually helpful!) He also asks Camilo to be his "testigo" (witness) at the "boda" (wedding).

Maripaz and Lucrezia wonder who's the baby daddy. Maripaz sees this whole incident as proof that Lucia isn't such a saint and figures she got knocked up by some random guy right after Ivan left. Lucrezia bemoans her fate at having two slutty daughters.

JJ wants to call work, so Esther lends him her cell phone and dials for him. He asks the secretary why no one came to see him and ends up talking to Camilo. He realizes Camilo replaced him and hangs up, cursing the ranchers for being traitors. He asks Esther if she thinks he's useless and starts whining about wanting to see Ivan again. He has a borderline tender moment with Esther and tells her he knows she's been the only one here for him, he knows he's been an ass, and he's going to change.

Lucrezia persists in thinking Lucia is lying about the baby's father. She thinks he's going to show up and blackmail them.

Ivan spends some daddy daughter time with the baby. Lucia comes up and he tells her he's convinced the results were a lab error. He can't wait for them to be a family and jokes about how the kids will have parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and even a dog!

Camilo tells his mom Lucia won't take him back. He can't imagine she had a one night stand with someone else.

Lucia and Carlota assume she was drugged and raped. She asks if she was completely dressed when Carlota got her into the shower. Carlota won't answer, so Lucia begs. Carlota tells her Cleto found her in the front seat and her panties were on the floor.

Berenice is blaming herself for insisting Lucia go with her to the club. David counsels patience and insists it wasn't her fault. Berenice asks David about Saul and he has nothing good to say about him. She assumes he didn't like Lucia leaving him for someone else. She remembers him being at the club that night and wonders…David thinks Saul is capable of anything. Berenice calls Saul repugnant.

JJ is home, in a wheelchair, and they've remodeled to accommodate him. He's an ass about it as usual, but at least apologizes for being an ass. He asks where Ivan is and Esther says he's not back from his "trip" yet, then distracts him by taking him to see his room.

Ivan reports to Toni that business is going well. Toni reports that JJ is back at home, but still thinks Ivan is his son who takes care of the ranch. Ivan wimps out on breaking the truth to JJ, so Toni will have to do it.

Saul calls from Hermosillo. He's doing well, almost back to normal, and will leave in a few days, but he's got to settle up his bill. Esther balks at the total, mostly because she can't get to the bank for the cash, but she offers to send him a check.

JJ complains to Toni about those damn ranchers taking advantage of his illness. Toni tries to bring logic to the situation and tells JJ to calm down, for all that's worth. He complains about not being able to find out what's going on with his ranch since Ivan is gone. He complains about the other kids and Toni sets him straight. He starts all the way back with bringing up Alicia Villagomez, but JJ doesn't really remember her. Toni tells her the story about Alicia having a son and JJ treating that son badly…well, that son is Ivan. JJ tries to remember and we get a recap of young Ivan's confrontations with JJ. He fixates on the fact that Ivan is his son, even if he has been a complete dick about him. He accuses Toni of "stealing" Ivan from him. "Who's going to take care of my ranch now?" Toni tries to talk JJ into apologizing to Ivan, but he can't get through JJ's thick skull and walks out. JJ fusses that Ivan is a bastard.

The judge gave Lucia custody of Perlita. There are a few days more to wait for the new DNA results.

And they pass.

Carolina tries on wedding dresses. She, Antolín and Arcelia choose a menu.

Ivan and Alex spend time together.

Ivan and Lucia meet with the judge to get the new DNA test results…and they came out the same as the previous test. Lucia goes running out of the office, Ivan hot on her heels. She screams at him that she doesn't know who the "real" father of her daughter is, like she told him before. She drives home crying and runs off the road.

She's conscious and able to get herself out of the car.

Saul walks back into the house, to a happy Esther. He says it only hurts a little and has trouble holding back tears. Esther tells him JJ is home and he wonders how much JJ knows. She tells him not to worry.

Antolin finds Lucia by the road, still sobbing. She just wants to go home. He gets her purse from her car and tries to convince her to go to the hospital. He asks her what happened and her response is "I don't know who the father of my daughter is." Antolín tells her the baby has a mother and that's what counts.

Esther begs Saul to see his dad, dress better, and speak more formally. Saul doesn't take it well. She tells him if he wants to keep living there, he'd better not question her and do what she says.

Lucia gets walked back to her room by her mother and grandmother. Antolín walks back out front just as Ivan is getting there. Antolín fills him in and tells him to call a wrecker to get Lucia's car. Lucrezia tells Ivan that Lucia won't go to the hospital.

Lucia insists nothing's broken. And that she doesn't want to see Ivan or anyone else.

Ivan tells Lucrezia what the DNA results said. He tells her it doesn't matter to him and he accepts Perla as his daughter and won't treat her any differently from Alex. He says he'll forgive her.

Toni gripes him out for not considering that maybe there's nothing to forgive, maybe she was raped. Ivan feels like an idiot.

Lucrezia is completely confused about what the hell is going on and how Lucia doesn't know who the father of her child is. Lucia says she was raped. Carlota fills her in on the details, as far as they know them. Lucrezia dares say the family is now completely dishonored and begs Lucia that no one can find out. Lucia assures her she can't say anything since she can't remember anything. Carlota chews Lucrezia out for her attitude and not taking Lucia's feelings into account.

Antolín visits Camilo and tells him he was helping a crying woman by the side of the road. "And guess who it was…."

The doctor says Lucia didn't break anything.

Camilo proposes building an office out there, but he'd rather just have a room at the Association. Antolín tells him to forget Lucia and reminds him that the wedding is on Saturday.

Lucia insists on being up and about and taking care of Perlita. She'll let Gloria take care of Perla, but she's decided she doesn't want to see Ivan or Camilo ever again. She goes to take a shower and mutters about feeling dirty.

Ivan gets the update from Carlota. Toni asks for the phone and talks to Carlota. She's not sure if Lucia would want to see Toni.

Toni tells Ivan that Lucia doesn't want to see anyone right now. He tells him to give her time. Ivan is all anxious to make her feel better, but he'd already been stupid enough to talk about "forgiving" her.

Which is exactly what she's complaining to Berenice about. Berenice reminds her that they both know that it's not her fault she was raped. Lucia can't remember anything, so Berenice suggests hypnotherapy, but Lucia doesn't want to remember.

JJ is learning that physical therapy involves massages from pretty PT's. Too bad he doesn't also realize that for her it's completely professional.

Antolin gives Carolina her engagement ring. In a pretty flower arrangement. She says she didn't need one, but he says things have to be done right. I love those two together.

Berenice advises Lucrezia and Carlota to just leave Lucia alone for a while. Until she decides she's ready.

Ivan ponders the rapists identity and what he'd do if he had the guy in front of him.

JJ's done with PT and Esther begs him to see Saul. Saul has had his makeover, though Esther nixes the 10-gallon hat. He still stumbles over "padre" instead of "pa." He shows off his ability to walk and claims a friend paid for the operation he needed. He offers to help JJ get his position at the Association back and asks JJ to give him a chance.

Yay! Carolina and Antolín get married. Squee! They manage to keep the kiss pretty clean.

Lucia didn't go to the wedding. She mopes around the house and is unfortunately found there by Maripaz. She's still all banged up from the accident and has to explain to Maripaz. Maripaz gloats over the baby not being Ivan's . She asks who Lucia cheated with, then jokes that she was knocked up by the Holy Spirit, so Lucia shuts her up with, "No, I was drugged and raped." We'll see how long her shocked silence lasts.

Ivan, that dumbass, is thinking about buying Lucia a car. Toni tells him money isn't the way to do this. He needs to be patient. He seems to have realized that Ivan sucks at that.

Gordo and Saul hang out. Saul wants to figure out how to get Camilo out of office. Gordo says he must have some flaw they can exploit. Gordo proposes they get Lucrezia to help them, maybe say he stole money or something. He calls the house and gets Lucia instead. His voice triggers memories of the rape and she drops the phone and runs off, crying. Gloria picks up the phone and Saul snaps at her, asking what happened to Lucia. He asks for Lucrezia and Gloria tells him everyone is at the wedding. Saul can't figure out why Lucia dropped the phone.

Lucia keeps remembering. She stumbles around her room. She ends up picking up the phone and tells someone she needs to see them.

Tomorrow: JJ wonders if Saul had something to do with Lucia's rape; Berenice and Lucia process; Camilo finds out Lucia was raped.

Labels: Fuerza

RECAP BY URBAN ANTHROPOLOGIST

Please provide any missing details. Gracias.

Antes

Lucia talks to the lawyer, Camilo's not cooperating, Antolin tries to talk sense, and Ivan and Camilo face off. Ivan talks to Lucia's lawyer.


Nuevo

Hospital, JJ's Room, morning: JJ is dressed and using a walker, frustrated as the doctor tries to reassure him that he will recover over the next few weeks if he works at it. Esther and the doctor come out to find Tony in reception. Tony explains the delicate situation regarding Ivan's paternity and asks about JJ's memory. The doctor talks in medical jargon about a lesion in the brain that is healing rapidly, but in general gives a positive prognosis. He advises against spilling the whole truth for a few days while JJ's brain recovers. Sounds like he knows his stuff.

Hacienda Curiel: Lucrazia is paranoid at a possible new kidnapping attempt and won't go out alone. At the news that Lucia is out with the baby and Ivan Lucrazia gets annoying again with her Harper Valley rant. Carlota tells her off as usual.

Maripaz' new den of iniquity / Camilo's office: Maripaz calls Camilo to lure him into her web. He tries to beg off but she persists until he agrees, telling her that they will have a lot to talk about.

Hacienda Curiel: Lucia and Ivan return to explain about the DNA test with regard to the divorce and custody.

Carlota: Where have you been?
Lucia: Camilo wants to take Perlita away because of the divorce so we need a DNA test to prove that Ivan is the biological father. (Hands the baby to Lucrazia)
Carlota: Ay, hija.
Ivan: In this way I can get custody of my daughter.
Lucrazia: Isn't this a little precipitous?
Carlota: We need to be prepared, Señora. Lucia and I are preparing ourselves precisely to avoid problems.
Ivan: In a few days we will have the results of the DNA test and it won't be that easy for Camilo to demand custody. Besides, he's fooling around with my sister. There is no better moment to file for divorce.
Lucrazia: Well, that doesn't mean they went to bed...
Lucia: Mama, you surprised them when they were practically naked.
Lucrazia: Well, that doesn't mean anything...
Ivan: Pardon me, Señora, but I don't think the judge will think the same as you
Lucrazia: And you two? What? You never did anything that –
Lucia: Ay, mama; por favor!
Carlota: Lucrazia, shut your mouth!

Ivan somehow manages to maintain a stiff upper lip through this craziness.

Lawyer Lavacida's (?) office: Camilo arrives for his appointment.

Casa Galvan: Carmen has the idea she no longer needs to work as a servant now that Camilo is the Ag Ass President. Arcelia reminds her that they may be poor, but they're honest people and she will have to do something. She refuses to be a servant, claiming she will do secretarial work in Camilo's office. Arcelia calls her on her B.S., and she flounces off. Another stalemate in this battle.

Camilo came clean about his dalliance with MP, but says that he will request that she deny it. The lawyer doesn't quite buy this, as he is aware that Lucrazia and Carlota saw the (circumstantial) evidence. Camilo says that there was no actual proof of any wrongdoing, but the lawyer advises him that the judge won't be that naïve. Camilo is determined to get custody of the baby. He starts talking about Ivan abandoning the pregnant Lucia (without admitting that Ivan didn't know she had been pregnant) and that he had previously abandoned the pregnant Maripaz. The lawyer says this could work in Camilo's favor, but asks him what his priority is;. Camilo replies that he wants custody of the baby because he loves her but that above all he doesn't want to lose Lucia.

Cada McGuire: Ivan is not prepared to lose either Lucia or the baby. He is sure that the DNA test will prove he is the father of Perlita and the judge will have no choice in the matter.

The anvil awaits.


Commercial Break that leads with a promo for La Que No Podia Amar.

Restaurant, outdoor table: Carlos and Judith are on a date. He tells her that her goodness shows through her beautiful eyes. He also says he loves her and that when JJ is better they will break the news to him. [This may just give him a heart attack, which would be best for both Judith and David.]

Casa McGuire: Ivan and Lucia talk over the phone about the upcoming divorce. Lucia is still worried.

MP's Web: They've obviously gotten it on, but Camilo asks her to lie about this if asked about it by the judge. She asks why and he says that he can't afford a scandal hurting his image due to his new position [Obviously he's been around Lucrazia too long.] and in the second place he doesn't want to give Ivan the satisfaction.

Hospital, Morning Saul has had his operation. He calls Esther to tell her that the prognosis is good and he'll be on his feet shortly.

Lawyer Zavaleta's office: The two lawyers talk about the case without their clients present. Zavaleta knows the entire backstory of the situation, including the fact that Ivan was unaware that Lucia was pregnant when he left Mexico the second time. Lavacida intends to paint the picture of Ivan as an irresponsible person who should not have custody of a child. Lucia has two choices: She can get the divorce but lose the baby or she can stay with Camilo. He believes she has everything to lose.

JJ's Hospital Room: Esther tells him that Ivan had to take a trip. JJ complains about Esther abandoning him to the tortures of hospitalization. She tells him off, saying she stuck around to help because he's ill, but if he wants her to go she'll go. He apologises, saying he's annoyed because he feels useless. She says she understands, but if he talks to her like that again, she will walk. He rolls his eyes with that merde-eating grin of his. The old JJ is almost back.

Judge's Chambers: Now it's on with Maury Povich off-camera.

Judge: Well, you all know that the purpose of this first meeting is to see if we can come to some agreement to avert the divorce.
Zavaleta: My client is not disposed to an agreement.
Judge: Very well. May I ask why, Señora?
Lucia: Our marriage had been good, Your Honor, but suddenly Camilo had insane fits of jealousy and my life at his side became impossible. I gave him an opportunity to change and he said he would but he couldn't control his jealousy and I don't think he ever can.
Camilo: She gave me the motive. When Ivan came back from the US my wife changed with me. She denied me physical intimacy
Judge: And you [both] don't think you can reconcile? That you can forget the errors of the past and change?
Lucia: No, I don't think so. (to Camilo) You'll never change. I can't go on with you.
Camilo: She's saying this because she's been hurt. Ivan won't stop pursuing her. But I'm sure we can still be happy again. Think about it Lucia. Give me a chance; what will it cost you?
Zavaleta: There is no agreement here and this will not end in a reconciliation. We can only pursue a divorce [forasoso?]
Judge: Under what article, licenciado?
Zavaleta: Under article number 425 of the civil code. For adultery. Señor Galvan deceived Señora Lomieli with her own sister.
Lavacida: There is no proof of this.
Lucia: Of course, there is. My mother and grandmother saw them together half naked and my grandmother will testify.
Camilo: Testify to what? What you want to see is --
Lucia: Por favor, have the guts to accept this.
Judge: I will have order! I understand that Señor Galvan is seeking custody of your daughter;.
Zavaleta: But, Your Honor, the biological father is Señor Ivan McGuire.
Judge: We'll see. We will continue when we have the results of the DNA test. In the next few days I will hear testimony about the presumed adultery, including that which implicates Señora Maripaz Lomieli. I will take these into consideration for the resolution.

All parties take leave of the judge and exit. Montage of scenes with Carlota, Lucrazia, and Maripaz and her crocodile tears. talking to the judge. We don't hear any dialogue because of the music bed. Finally, it's a few days later and we're back.

Judge: Well, gentlemen – and ma'am – I will render my judgment based on the evidence presented. In the matter of the divorce between Señora Lomieli and Señor Galvan on charges of adultery, the divorce is granted in favor of Señora Lomieli. (Lucia smiles as the suspense violins begin playing) With regard to the custody of Perla Galvan Lomieli demanded by Señor Camilo Galvan and Señor Ivan McGuire, (he looks at Ivan) the results of the DNA test requested by you to prove paternity is negative. Señor McGuire, you are not the father of this baby. (suspense music volume increases)
Ivan: This is impossible, Your Honor. I am the father of this baby girl.
Lucia: This can't be, Your Honor.
Judge: Perhaps the baby is the child of Señor Galvan?
Lucia: Camilo, you know the answer is No. That I was pregnant when we were married. Tell him. Tell him!
Judge: We can do another test to find the truth.
Camilo: Your Honor, the lady is right. I knew she was pregnant before we were married.
Ivan: I don't believe this. I don't believe this. Something's happened. I don't know. A lab error or somebody who could benefit from this result --
Judge: I recommend caution. This is very serious.
Ivan: I insist upon another test.


Commercial Break that leads with a promo for the terrorist documentary. As if the previous scene wasn't depressing enough.

Rancho Socorro: Lucia is crying, afraid of what the DNA results are going to mean. Ivan tries to calm her down, but she won't stop crying. She goes back inside and cries as she holds the baby.

Ivan: Ya, everything will be alright.
Lucia: I don't understand. I've never been with anyone else, I swear.
Ivan: Surely it's an error.
Lucia: But the judge will use this to decide custody of Perlita. That's what I'm worried about.
Ivan: We'll have to wait for new test results.
Lucia: But if it's wrong I could lose my baby!
Ivan (embracing her): Calm down, calm down.
Lucia: How can I? (She goes inside and takes the baby away from the maid, holding her) Nobody, nobody is going to separate us. Nobody. Nobody.

Lucrazia slithers in.

Lucrazia: Are you saying that Lucia has been with someone else?
Ivan: No. It was a lab mistake and that will be clarified.
Lucrazia: Because labs don't make mistakes like this, especially when the test is mandated. [something about legal procedures]

Carlota flashes back to the night Cleto found Lucia unconscious in her car and the evidence that something had happened to her.

Lucrazia: So, what happened then? The judge gave Lucia the divorce, didn't he?
Ivan: Yes, but nothing about the custody.
Carlota: Then what?
Ivan: Surely they're waiting for results of the test I demanded.
Lucrazia: Look, Ivan, I think you need to be a gentleman and put an end to this situation. Renounce your intentions toward my daughter and withdraw so Lucia can return to Camilo. Since he accepted her pregnant with another man's child what does it matter if the child is yours or someone else's?
Ivan: It's evident you are a woman without feelings. And very selfish. You have no love for you daughter Lucia. Con permiso. (exits)
Lucrazia: What did I say? At least he could have a little sympathy. [sentido] It would be better to avoid the murmurings that Maripaz isn't the only hija [cusca?] I have. They might even think I'm like this, fooling around with the workers or … I don't know only God knows.
Carlota (with a gesture of frustration): Shut up! You only say stupid things!
Lucrazia: What stupid things? It's obvious Lucia fooled around with someone else. What other proof do we need? You say things without sympathy; I don't understand anybody in this house! (Carlota exits to find Lucia).

Carlota (embracing her from behind as she sits in a chair crying): Hija.
Lucia: Abuela, I swear I never ---
Carlota: You don't have to tell me anything.
Lucia: The only men I've known are Ivan and Camilo. But with Camilo I only had relations after the wedding when I was already pregnant by Ivan.
Carlota (with a thoughtful expression Lucia can't see): What you have to do first is be calm.
Lucia: But I'm afraid that Ivan will think I've been with someone else.
Carlota: Ivan doesn't think that.
Lucia: But the results of the test –
Carlota: But the test could be wrong.
Lucia: It has to be. It has to be wrong.

Casa McGuire: Ivan and Tony talk about this. Zavaleta assures Ivan since judges are prejudiced in the mother's favor, but he suggests that Ivan marry Lucia right away to automatically share custody of the baby. Alternatively, he could wait for the test results. Ivan's not crazy about waiting another 10 days for another set of test results. Nor are we because there are only another 13 episodes left.

Ivan's temper is back and Tony denies that he thinks Lucia fooled around with anyone.

Restaurant: Camilo and his lawyer talk about this. No conclusions here.

Rancho Socorro: Lucia cries as she tells Ivan once more that she had never been with anyone other than him and Camilo. He believes her. He suggests that she simply file for sole custody for the moment and they will share custody when they're married. He hands her his cell phone so she can call Zavaleta.

Restaurant: Camilo and Antolin talk. Antolin warns him not to get mixed up with Maripaz. Camilo reminds him that he (himself) is neither a monk nor a saint. Anto advises him that if the urge hits he should find a hooker and pay her instead. Camilo asks whether Anto has done the Merry Piece and he replies “No. I'm not that foolish.”


Commercial Break that leads out with the crow's profile shot.

Casa McGuire, night: Ivan checks up on Alex, stroking his hair and kissing him.

Casa Lomieli: Carolina tells Antolin that no way would Lucia have been with a third man. They start discussing their wedding and even their future baby.

Park Bench, morning: Carlota talks to Berenice about the night she and Lucia went out clubbing. She tells her she thinks she saw Saul in the club, but she isn't quite sure. Carlota doesn't exactly tell her why she is enquiring about this.

Rancho Socorro: Antolin drives Carolina over so she can hang with Lucia. She brings a baby gift and tells her she will be getting married.

Casa McGuire: Carlota arrives and it almost feels like their earlier scenes. When she tells him how good and wise he is, Tony realizes that she's going to tell him something serious.

Rancho Socorro: Lucia and Carolina talk about their mixed feelings about their new situations. The happiness and the fear Carolina felt about her surgery and now Lucia's divorce; Carolina is now more optimistic than Lucia.


Commercial Break

Casa McGuire: Carlota and Tony talk

Tony: What do you think happened?
Carlota: I think she was drugged and raped. Lucia doesn't normally go out at night, especially to those kind of places, but her friend insisted.
Tony: Whoever brought her back to her home knows her and where she lives.
Carlota: Everyone in Alamos knows us.
Tony: I suppose you never spoke to her about this.
Carlota: No. In the beginning I couldn't believe it. I couldn't confront her with something this horrible. Now I'm hoping that the new DNA test will prove that Ivan is the father of Perlita. I don't know if I should warn her. She doesn't know anything. She is sure Ivan is the father.
Tony: We should hope for those results and then we'll see. I won't say anything to Ivan either.
Carlota: Thanks, Tony. When I talk about this I'm afraid. Never did I imagine this could happen to her. Never. I know in places like that girls can end up with stuff... drinks, pills, precisely so someone can take advantage of them.
Tony: Do you know whom she might have danced or talked with that night who could have done this?
Carlota: No. Her friend Berenice said she didn't see her with anyone. They were out only two hours.
Tony: Did they know anyone who was there?
Carlota: Berenice said that she thought she saw Saul Mondragon.

As the suspense theme begins Tony has the look of Impactada de Conocimiento.


Saul's Hospital Room: Saul is lying in his bed, happy at his progress. El Gordo comes to visit, entering without knocking. After what for them are a few pleasantries, Saul updates him.

Saul: You ran like a rat.
El Gordo: Better they said that I ran than stayed here.
Saul: Carmen would have had your head. I paid you. We had an agreement, but now I don't have to pay. Everything's fixed except my neck. Can't hide that.
El Gordo: Not so bad. You're looking well, dude.
Saul: Ayyy. With the therapy and rehab I'll walk again. Look. (flexes his left leg and ankle)
El Gordo: You're lucky. How did you manage to pay for the operation?
Saul: I didn't have to pay. My father is ill. He was in a coma. Can you believe that?
El Gordo: You don't say.
Saul: That desgraciado Camilo Galvan took advantage and became president of the ag ass. However I have the final satisfaction that I took a little while ago.
El Gordo: How did you do that?

Saul whistles through his teeth. He looks more repulsive than ever with his merde-eating grin. He is his father's son.

Casa McGuire: Tony lies about why Carlota came to see him, saying she came to see him about business matters.

Ivan: But I suppose you didn't just talk to her about business.
Tony: No. About many things.
Ivan: About Lucia?
Tony: About many things.
Ivan: But in all those things surely she said something about Lucia. What are you trying to say?
Tony: It was a conversation between Carlota and myself.
Ivan: But we should not have secrets between us.
Tony (shifts in his chair, clearly uncomfortable): Let's suppose that Lucia had a fling with someone and the baby isn't yours? Would you abandon them?
Ivan: Did Senora Carlota tell you Lucia had an affair?
Tony: We're only speculating.
Ivan: Never would Lucia have an affair with another man. She isn't that sort of woman.
Tony: You have the right of suspicion. It could have been revenge or desperation... or a misfortune. [desgracia]
Ivan: What desgracia?
Tony: An assault in the street?
Ivan: Do you think someone took advantage of her?
Tony: Ivan, I am speculating.

Cue suspense music.

Rancho Socorro: Camilo comes to see Lucia to tell her he's sorry for what's happened and that he loves Perla. When he insists that Perla will need a father she dismisses him. As he leaves Berenice arrives.

Berenice: This morning I saw your grandmother.
Lucia: You were here?
Berenice: No, she came to see me. Questions about the night we went out.
Lucia: Berenice, I told her I don't remember anything. I felt ill when I got home but I don't know how.
Berenice: You were ill from only one mug?
Lucia: I never drink much and I got sick, I don't know. Why is my grandmother asking about this?
Berenice: I don't know.
Lucia: I remember almost nothing about that night. What do you remember?
Berenice: First you were in a bad mood. I got up to dance with somebody and you disappeared. Girlfriend, did something happen?
Lucia: The DNA test results said that Perlita is not Ivan's child.
Berenice: No; that's impossible. Therefore whose? Camilo's?
Lucia: I'm sure she isn't Camilo's.
Berenice: This is very weird. Try to remember. When you left what happened?
Lucia: I don't know how I left. I was confused, upset. I went out to my car. I only remember Cleto escorting me through the door of my house...
Berenice: Drugged?
Lucia: I don't remember anything. I woke up in my bed. (pauses, in shock) Are you thinking what I'm thinking? I was raped! If I was raped, who is the father of my baby?


Avances:

Lucia confronts the truth. Maripaz trash-talks Lucia to their mother. There is an argument with Ivan followed by a possible accident.

Labels: Fuerza

As Gloria hasn’t had the chance to check in with us yet, I thought we should put up a discussion page before the end of the day. You can tell from my title what MY favorite part of last night’s episode was. :)

Here is the quick bullet points version of what went down:
-JJ has decided that Ivan is his prodigal son and demands that he come visit him. He couldn’t care less about Saul. He tolerates Judith and David. No one wants to break it to him that Ivan is his bastard son who hates him.
-Tony and David try to convince Ivan to have some pity and kindness in his heart for JJ and play along. Tony wants him to forgive, and tells the story of how he long ago forgave his wife who had cheated on him. Ivan can’t forget how JJ abused his mother and treated him as a child.
-Camilo starts getting too big for his britches already and gets a swelled head about getting to rub elbows with important government people. He drinks too much, to Antolin’s dismay, and babbles about beating Ivan now that he’ll have more power than him.
-Camilo gives Antolin management of his ranch so that he can dedicate himself full-time to the presidency.
-MP finds a man she CAN refuse and says no to Saul’s advances. She thinks about REAL man Camilo and is more turned on to learn he’s the new Ag Assoc prez.
-Ivan, Lucia and Carly go to see Lic. Zavaleta about Lucia’s divorce. They tell him Ivan is Perlita’s dad, and about Cam’s jealousy and unreasonableness, but don’t tell him about Camilo’s infidelity. Later, Carly says she is willing to testify about the infidelity if needed. Lucrezia opposes this, because of the scandal…naturally. Lucia finally asks her mother why her happiness is less important than MP? We’ve all wondered that too Lucia.
-Camilo yells at Zavaleta, who is the best lawyer in Alamos, that he will get the best lawyer in the next largest town. He refuses to give Lucia her divorce. He threatens Ivan that he will fight for custody of Perla. The DNA test doesn’t scare him because he doesn’t think the judge would look kindly on a guy who abandoned two pregnant women to run off to the States.
-Ivan and Lucia get frisky, despite Carly and the lawyer telling them to keep their distance—meaning NO SEX. For now, they stay strong.
-Antolin and Carolina, on the other hand…Anto doesn’t want Caro sleeping alone in the house at night. Either Rosa starts staying with her at nights, or he’s moving in. Guess what she chooses. He takes her to dinner at a nice restaurant and takes her shopping. Once they get home, the flirting and kissing begin, and they go to the kitchen to make dinner #2 together, since he’s a man with “ferocious appetites.” His words, not mine. He asks which bedroom should he take—Gerry’s, Alex’s, or hers? Any but hers, she says. But later that night, she can’t sleep. Anto can’t sleep either, and he comes knocking on her door asking to just share her bed with her. They try the back to back thing, but sleep is still not what either of them was wanting. Anto makes the first move, turns towards Caro and starts caressing her waist gently. He also starts nuzzling her neck, which leads to passionate kisses. Caro goes with it. (Yeah, I re-watched the scene a few times.)
-The next morning, Caro’s already up and bringing coffee and juice to the bedroom for them. Anto starts to apologize for pushing things the night before, but Caro does not want apologies. She’s very happy, and they express their love for each other. But Caro thinks they need to get married, like now.
-Caro and Celia meet for the first time since Caro regained sight. It’s a tearful, happy meeting. Celia is beside herself with happiness that the two will get married soon and offers to help Caro with all the preparations.
-Since she has power of attorney over JJ’s accounts, Esther decides to pay for Saul’s surgery. He’s over the moon. Wish I liked him so that I could actually be happy for him.

Avances: It’s Gerry Springer, Alamos style! The DNA test results are in, and…Camilo’s not the daddy (we already knew that), BUT neither is Ivan! (Some of us already suspected that.)

Labels: Fuerza

Carolina, Lucia and Tony leave the hospital in D.F. via the parking garage. Caro is so happy that now she can see that she can’t stop hugging Tony and Lucia and crying. She can’t wait to see the faces of all the people she loves. Tony gives her the good news about Antolín being sprung from jail. It’s the happiest day of her life!

Back in Alamos, Camilo and Anto arrive home to Casa Galvan. Camilo has loaned Anto one of his 2 sizes too small shirts and Anto makes fun of the snug fit. Hugs all around from Carmen and Celia, who says she never gave up hope. Lechita, who has obviously been left out of the “Tio Anto is in the hoosegow” discussions, wants to know where he’s been. “En el infierno!” He’ll tell her what it was like later. Anto asks about Caro and asks Cam to call Ivan to get an update. Camilo McBitterson angrily hands over his phone and tells Anto to call Ivan himself.

Anto thanks Ivan for all he and Tony have done to free him and done for Caro. Ivan tells him about the success of the operation. Anto is happily impactado. He kisses and hugs Celia, happy that Caro can see and that she’s coming back to Alamos that very day. Lechita still wants her explanation about what hell was like. LOL!

Ivan visits Carlota at the ranch. They chit chat about the good news about Anto and Caro. But what Ivan’s come to talk about is Lucia. He’s worried because the last few times he’s seen/spoken to her, she’s seemed distant and preoccupied. Carly guesses correctly that Lucia must have overheard the discussion between her and Lucrezia the other day. Ivan doesn’t get what the problem is with Lucia divorcing, or with him marrying his ex-sister-in-law. He also thinks that Camilo and Maripaz getting it on is their business. There are far worse crimes committed within families, like murder (he obviously doesn’t know that MP has that on her spiritual rap sheet too). Anyway, it’s not like HE came from a “normal” family situation. Does this mean he and Lucia will NEVER be able to marry? Carly suggests patience and giving Lucia time, but Ivan just wants his family to all be together already. He now wants a normal family. Carly blames herself for starting this whole mess. (Amen Carly.)

The Galvan clan goes to Don Silvestre’s grave to lay flowers, give thanks, and pay homage. Anto promises to live his life right from now on, in honor of his father. He notices something is up with mopey Camilo and asks Celia about it.

David and Ivan have a chat about the Ag Association. The members are getting antsy for a new president since JJ is out of commission. They want Camilo. Ivan has no problem with this, despite the Lucia situation.

Celia gives Anto an update on the Camilo-Lucia-Ivan situation. Anto is sympathetic, but doesn’t think Cam should or can fight against the fact that Lucia and Ivan love each other and have a child together.

Ivan calls Anto to tell him that Caro will arrive in an hour! Anto rushes off to his apartment to change, but first takes a moment to freak out to Celia that perhaps Caro won’t like what she sees. (Has he looked in a mirror?) Celia tells him he’s got NOTHING to worry about. In any case, Caro loves him and has always seen him with the eyes of her heart. She says a prayer of thanks to the Virgin.

Cutberto and the other ranchers try to convince Camilo to take the presidency over tequilas, beers and snacks. Cam plays coy. “Shouldn’t they advise JJ?” But it doesn’t take much to convince him. They toast to it.

In the hospital, Judith is worried about whether JJ will be able to recuperate his motor skills. Carlos hugs her in support. Lucrezia walks in on this scene and gives Judith a huge sh!t eating grin. Judith introduces Carlos Orozco to her as her novio. Lucrezia heads in the see JJ.

At Casa McGuire, Caro, Lucia and Tony are home. Caro says Ivan is just as handsome as she imagined. He blushes and Lucia jokingly tells Caro to watch it. Caro then hears the excited shouts of Alex who comes bounding into the room like a puppy. He rushes into Caro’s arms for a big hug. She takes his face in her hands and calls him precioso. Alex is just excited to show her all the stuff in his room.

Caro looks around and asks about Anto. For a second she thinks they’ve lied to her and he hasn’t been released. But, he’s just the final surprise. A voice just out of sight says, “How could you think I would let you down, Princess?” Anto comes into view from just behind Ivan. Carolina walks to him slowly, not taking her eyes off his face. When she reaches him, she closes her eyes and begins to feel his face, “seeing” his face as she used to. “You’re exactly as I imagined!” They hug, cry and kiss. “We did it!” (Lo logramos!) “Si, lo logramos y te adoro.” Everyone happily looks on.

JJ is acting like a big baby in the hospital, as Esther tries to feed him Jello. He tells visiting Lucrezia that he doesn’t want to live this way. (Where is that plug all the Mondragon kids were looking for the other day?). Lucrezia tries to cheer him up. “You’re young. (Hah!!) Strong. You have a lot to look forward to, like your ranch, and your wife who came back to care for you.” JJ scoffs. (I’m sure Lucrezia secretly says a prayer of thanks for dodging that bullet.)

Anto tells the McGuire crew that he’s eager to get back to work so that he’ll be able to marry and provide for Caro. He hopes JJ hasn’t fired him when he was in the pen. They all give him the JJ update. In any case, with the house and money Gerry left Caro, they can start their life together right away. Anto doesn’t want to live off his wife, he says, but Caro doesn’t care. If he wants, they can sell the house and start anew with the money from the sale. Anto just doesn’t want to be thought of as a kept man (mantenido). Ivan points out that he lives in his dad’s house and that doesn’t make him a mantenido. Lucia thinks it’s an outdated concept, and doesn’t make any common sense since his mujer already has a house.

Lucia excuses herself to go home and see Perlita. She tries to get out of Ivan taking her, but he insists. Caro picks up on the fact that all is not well in Paradise. “They’ve got problems.” Tony says. Caro thinks it’s time for Ivan and Lucia to forget about everything else and just enjoy their love. Just like Anto needs to forget this issue with the house. This whole time Caro and Anto can’t stop touching each other and she can’t seem to stop stroking his handsome face.

Lucrezia gossips to Carly about JJ. What a humiliation for someone like him. Carly feels bad for Esther having to come back and care for JJ. She hopes JJ has changed and has learned to appreciate Esther. Carly chuckles that Lucrezia was saved just in the nick of time. Lucrezia tries to play it off like she never intended to accept his proposal.

Lucia and Ivan enter her room and find Gloria asleep next to Perlita’s crib. After she leaves, Ivan coos over Perlita . He thinks she looks like Alex. Lucia says she doesn’t (well only in cuteness factor), but concedes there might be some resemblance since they are half siblings (yet another time she’s admitted Ivan is the father without coming out and saying it). Ivan asks Lucia what’s the first thing she’s going to do now that she’s a Licenciada. Lucia’s thinks he means professionally; he’s thinking divorce.

Carly tells Lucrezia about the Ag Association meeting and the proposal to elect Camilo president. Lucrezia starts singing her “Don Nadie” tune. Plus, he slept with MP! (OK. Now this is an issue for her?) Carly doesn’t see what that has to do with being the Ag Assoc president. Lucrezia calls him immoral! Carly’s like, say what!? And you think JJ has morals?! Lucrezia can’t answer that one. She tries to convince Carly not to vote for Cam.

Ivan tells Lucia that Carly is sure she overheard the conversation between her and Lucrezia and that’s why she’s being so hesitant now. Ivan doesn’t think there’s any reason for her to feel ashamed. Sh!t happens in every family. Lucia doesn’t think there are many more situations more shameful (vergonzosa) than hers. She does intend to get a divorce, but she doesn’t intend to immediately marry him. Ivan is on board with the “time” thing. He just wants Lucia’s assurance that they’ll work together to confront issues. He’s also fine with keeping a respectable distance in public, but when they’re alone together, he doesn’t see why they can’t act like what they are—two people in love. He gives her cheek a bunch of kisses, then a few quick kisses on the lips. He wants them to work shoulder to shoulder (hombro a hombro). They’ve already confronted so many obstacles, and they can’t let themselves be defeated now! Lucia gets with the program after this pep talk and starts kissing Ivan for realz.

At Casa Galvan, Anto starts waxing poetic about Caro’s eyes being like stars. Celia and Carmen tease him and call him corny (cursi). It’s joy all around the Galvan dinner table, until Camilo walks in. He wants to know why everyone is so happy, but does join in the teasing by saying Anto must have scared Caro off with his ugly mug. Anto teases back that Camilo isn’t the only galan in their family. He intends to marry Caro right away. They’ll live in Gerry’s house. Carmen thinks that’s a great stroke of luck. Mr. McBitterson doesn’t think it’s lucky to live like a moocher (arrimado). Anto throws it right back at him that he lived arrimado in Casa Curiel. Celia makes them knock it off before things get really heated and Camilo stalks off. Anto asks why Cam is so bitter these days. If he’s having woman troubles, why take it out on him? Cam needs to suck it up (aguantar) if he can’t make Lucia fall in love with him.

Camilo shows up at MP’s hotel door, AGAIN. He starts to complain about how happy everyone is. She’s shocked to find out Caro can now see, and more shocked and angry to find out Caro inherited her father’s house, while she is FORCED to live in a hotel!

The next morning, MP is still bitching and moaning about it, and has taken her complaint to Carly and Lucrezia. As his daughter, she has a right! She’s going to contest the will! She can’t believe her dad left the house to that worm (lombriz)! That woman is a nobody. Lucrezia brings up…THE SCANDAL. Then she somehow turns the blame on Carly for cutting MP out of HER will. Well, this is news to MP and it just gets her more riled up. She’s more determined now to fight Caro for Gerry’s inheritance. Carly tries to strike a deal with MP (doesn’t she ever learn?). She’ll change her will back, IF MP drops this idea of contesting Gerry’s will. This does not appease MP. By the time Carly finally gets around to kicking the bucket, MP will be an old woman! She has expenses right now!

Lucrezia advises her to find a small apartment to rent. Ah, hell no! Not when there’s a whole house that she could have to remodel and redecorate. Lucrezia points out that the house would also belong to Lucia anyways. MP is not deterred. She goes off to make a deal with Lucia.

Totally oblivious that MP is trying to kick her out of her house, Caro is looking at all of the objects in the house with new eyes, and relishing all the memories they bring. She thanks Rosa for all she has done for her over the years. Rosa wants to know if Caro and Anto will get married now. Of course, Anto will marry his Princess! First he needs to make sure he has a job, because no woman is going to maintain him. Caro calls him prideful (orgulloso), but she’s smiling and they can’t keep their hands off each other.

Lucia refuses to go along with MP’s plan. It’s not fair (justo). She tells MP to get a J-O-B if she needs more money for a place to live. MP thinks those are big words coming from someone who has a millionaire boyfriend. (You would think Lucia would point out that said millionaire is MP’s ex husband who’s paying a nice lump sum to her every month for alimony.) “Speaking of the King of Rome.” Ivan walks up on this scene. MP starts whining that her alimony isn’t enough. Ivan reminds her it’s what the judged ordered, plus he’s the one taking care of Alex. Even more reason to take the house from Caro. She flounces off. Ivan doesn’t think MP will be able to win. It takes years and resources to contest a will, and he knows MP doesn’t have the money.

Caro is packing up her Braille books (including Romeo and Juliet) to donate to a center for the blind. She’s pretty sure she’ll be able to quickly relearn how to read, as she was an avid reader as a child. Anto says he’s always known she was super smart, while he is a dummy (burro). Caro doesn’t believe this for one second. He finished high school. He could take an accounting course or something. As for the house, he does like it better than his apartment. Plus, there are two extra bedrooms for their kids. Caro teases that he’s in a hurry (apurrar), but Anto loves kids and wants to get a move on.

MP comes in to ruin this sweet scene. Anto wants to know what the hell she wants. MP makes her contesting the will threat. Seems she’s forgotten that Anto has plenty of dirt on her, but he hasn’t. He comes right out and tells her that if she tries to contest the will, he will have her thrown in prison for killing that woman. He still has a photo. Stupid MP thinks he destroyed the phone with the photo. He kicks her out on her skinny butt. Caro is impactada. “Antolin, you never told me about this.” Anto tells her there are MANY things about his life he has never told her, but he doesn’t want her to worry about it. “Let’s leave it in the past.” Caro only wants to know one thing—has he ever killed anyone? He begs her not to ask him. He made a promise on his father’s tomb. He’s going to stop being a lost soul, for his father and for her. They embrace.

Ivan and Lucia discuss the lawyer that will help Lucia in her divorce. The lawyer will try to keep everything on the down-low as much as possible. Lucia is worried that Cam will try to get custody of Perlita. Ivan says they will just say Perlita is his, and if the judge wants proof, they’ll just get a DNA test. Lucia worries about her mother and the scandal. Ivan wants her to be strong. He reminds her of how strong she was to achieve her dream of getting her degree. She wonders if he thinks they can really live in peace. It’s up to her, he says. She tells him she loves him.

Ivan picks Alex up from school. Alex wants to go see Lucia and Perlita, but Ivan says he was just with them. Alex brags about being the best in his class and Ivan tells him not to be so conceited. Later at home, Ivan speaks with Tony and wonders if Alex isn’t becoming a bit too spoiled. Speaking of spoiled brats, Ivan gets all pissy when Tony asks if he’s gone to visit his bio-daddy in the hospital yet. Tony tells him not to be so rancorous. If he forgave Gerry, why can’t he forgive JJ? Are you going to wait till he’s dead to forgive him?!

At the Ag Assoc, Camilo is acting coy again about accepting the presidency with JJ being sick and all. Anto is all for Cam becoming the new president, and also wants to know if he still has a job. Camilo doesn’t see why not since he was declared innocent, but he’ll check. Lucrezia and Carly arrive. Somehow Lucrezia thinks that threatening to never speak to Carly again if she votes for Camilo is a bad thing. The meeting is called to order.

Ivan calls Lucia, who is holding cute as a pink button Perlita, to remind her of her 12pm appointment with the divorce lawyer Zavaleta. She wants to postpone since mom, grandma and Gloria are gone and no one can help with Perlita. Ivan is cool with postponing, but wants to go with her when she reschedules. Lucia refuses. It’s a personal matter. Ivan points out that he’s involved in this personally too, or is she ashamed to be seen with him? No, but she doesn’t want to be seen with him publicly until she’s good and divorced from Camilo. Ivan agrees.

The Ag Assoc meeting heats up. Lucrezia and a few of the other ranchers want to wait for JJ to get better. Cutberto points out that JJ’s in bad shape and they can’t have a president that’s out of commission. In any case, the last time they met with him they were ready to throw him out.

Ivan finds Judith at the hospital and gets the update on JJ. He urges her to be optimistic. JJ’s mood swings from angry tantrums to tears, she says. She’ll check with the doctor to see if Ivan can see him.

Cutberto lays it out for the ranchers. Either they vote for a new president now, or they wait months for JJ to get better. Lucrezia and a few other ranchers are the only ones who vote to wait for JJ. Most vote to elect a new president. Cutberto throws out Camilo’s name and plays up all of his good points. Almost everyone is in agreement. Camilo makes his acceptance speech. He’s young, but he’s got education and experience. But above all, he’s a man of honor. He didn’t come from a rich family, but he’s a man of the land, like many of them. He brags about his hard work. He promises not to fail them! “Camilo, Camilo, Camilo!!”

Esther lets Ivan into JJ’s room. She thanks him for all he’s done for David and Judith. He says they’re good peeps and deserve it. He’s sure she’s responsible for them being good, responsible people. JJ wakes up and asks who Ivan is. When he says his name, JJ immediately recognizes that he’s his son. “Why didn’t you come to see me before like the others?” He then can’t remember the names of the other kids or how many of them there are. He wants to know why Saul hasn’t come to see him. Ivan tries to be kind and says that Saul is traveling. JJ’s personality hasn’t changed that much and he calls Saul irresponsible for traveling while his father is ill. He tells Ivan to sit near him and asks him what’s up. When Ivan answers him in the formal Usted form, JJ wants to know why. “I’ve always done so.” JJ thinks that’s good. That’s how to respect elders! He asks about how the ranch is going. Ivan plays along and says things are going well, even when JJ starts going on about how the ranch is the “patrimonio” of the Mondragon family. He can tell Ivan is a Mondragon through and through (de pies a cabeza) and is very smart/clever. “And THAT you inherited from me. I’m very proud of you son. Very proud of you.” Ivan tries really hard not to puke.

Avances: Lucia’s lawyer informs Camilo that Lucia’s divorcing him. He’s not happy about it, to say the least. He says he’ll get the best lawyer in Alamos! They won’t get rid of him so easily! Oh, but Lucia and Ivan have a card up their sleeve. Carly’s going to testify to catching MP and Camilo in the act.

Labels: Fuerza

Labels: Fuerza