Caray, Caray!

Diego catches Montero and Mariangel in a compromising position and seems none too surprised. He states that this has probably been going on for a while. Mangle demands to know what her husband is doing there and Diego says that he’s just trying to find out what type of woman he married. Montero spouts off that he won’t say what Diego saw is not what it seems because he’d be lying. MA tries to get him to shut up by saying Ricardo and Diego has fun commenting on her use of Montero’s given name. Monty tries to defend Mangle and states that the two of them have plans that don’t involve Diego. Diego says he’s not surprised to find the two as allies, they are very similar people. He doesn’t care that they’re together, but he does care that they drag him into whatever plot they’re hatching and ruined his life in the process. Monty takes offense and grabs for his sword and Diego tells him to unsheathe it all the way, he’ll fight him with only his fists. Monty changes his mind, Diego’s day will come and Monty will make sure he pays dearly. Monty tells Diego to give Mangle back her child, then lays a heavy kiss on her, and leaves.

Maria Pia tends to Fernando in the woods. He mutters that she didn’t get married and that when he learned this it gave him strength and he escaped from prison. He tells her he was wounded in his flight. She turns him over and says that his wound isn’t bleeding. Fernando says “then I didn’t dream it.” MP wonders what he didn’t dream and Fernando tells her that he was forgiven, she forgave me.

Santiago wanders around town and it is all abuzz that Fernando escaped from prison. Santiago turns the corner and spots the Cebolla/Onion brothers (he owes them money). SM wonders if they’ve come to LA for him.

Outside the Sanchez home, Monty finds Piza. He demands to know why Diego was allowed to enter the residence. Piza says that if Diego entered the home, he didn’t do it through the front door. Monty takes this as further proof that Diego is Zorro. Piza asks him pretty much the same. Piza tries to point out that proving Diego is Zorro is going to be a hard task because they tried before and it was dismissed because of lack of evidence. Pizarro advises Monty that he’s seeing enemies in every direction, some that aren’t really there (smoke screen to cover his own tracks so he can complete his assassination attempt). Monty says “I’ll kill Diego and then we’ll see that Zorro has disappeared. I swear it will happen.”

While the two men are having this conversation, Esmeralda and Camba are taking a stroll through town. Esme is using the ever-clever fan in front of the face disguise. She spots Monty and his right hand man and swears that she’ll see the end of them (all part of her plan for VENGEANCE!!).

Mangle and Diego banter back and forth about “their” son. Diego basically tells Mangle that he’s unwilling to treat his son as a commodity and he will not pay her in order for him to keep Alejandrito. Diego does say he’ll compensate Mangle for no longer being his wife. Mangle objects to this and demands that she wants her son. Diego laughs and says that she has no real interest in the child and he’s determined to protect his son from finding out just what kind of woman is mother really is. Mangle tells Diego that he won’t succeed in keeping her son from her and that it is going to cost him more than he ever imagined.

The Onion brothers spot Santiago and they start to rough him up. They want their money and SM says that he’s about to come into an inheritance. When the Onions demand. When his aunt dies. The brothers don’t like the sound of this and they rough him up some more. Santiago swears that he’ll be able to get them the money if they let him go. The Onions really want their money, so they agree, but if Santiago fails to get the money to them before their ship is scheduled to leave he’ll become shark food. Santiago mutters that he really needs Diego to lend him the money and says that anything SM is forced to do at this point is Diego’s fault.

Still on her stroll, Esme spots the Queen and rehashes with Camba about her mother being the true heir and all that stuff. Funny thing, Camba cannot understand a word, but the viewing audience is brought up to speed, just in case they’ve missed the last, I don’t know, 50 episodes.

The Queen talks with Padre Tomás. They rehash about how she doesn’t trust the Duke and she suspects that he knows everything that’s going on. TQ is convinced that DJ is planning to do something at the ball. PT offers her protection, because he’s got some powerful friends. TQ isn’t sure that there is enough time for PT’s friends to get there. Therefore, PT tells the Queen she needs to appoint Alejandro governor first thing at the ball. That way, when Sara Kali makes her appearance, Alejandro and his men will be able to protect both her and the Queen and DJ and Monty’s men can’t do a thing.

Alejandro and Almudena are together. Dena has flashes back to her finding Esme in the nursery with Alejandrito. Alej gets her to come back to the present and they talk about how cute the baby is and how much Diego loves him. The two discuss how Alejandrito looks like Diego. Dena smiles and Al questions what the reason is behind it. Dena says he’ll know soon.

Meanwhile, the two soldiers that Mangle asked to get the baby are approaching the hacienda. They are checking out the defense on the perimeter and deciding how they can best penetrate it. One thinks a rifle and a distraction is all they need. The other thinks a cannon might be necessary. This one’s not thinking straight, and his compatriot calls him on it. He says he’s just eager to get the job done because Mangle promised to pay them with money and “special” favors.

Monty and some of his soldiers terrorize the townsfolk. They round up some people and demand that Fernando Sanchez be presented. Monty sets a cart afire.

Diego and Bernardo walk the mean streets of LA. Diego starts to tell Bernie to inform Alej that the baby needs to have more protection because he doesn’t trust Mangle. It isn’t clear if Bernie gets the message, because Diego’s ADD flairs up and he spots the countessa. He decides to follow her.

Padre Tomás meets with Alej and rehashes his conversation with the Queen. Alej tells PT that Sara Kali is alive and will be at the ball. PT tells Alej he already knew this and so does TQ. PT tells Alej that TQ will be appointing him governor and that she’s going to need his help. Alej is pleased to hear of his upcoming promotion.

Maria Pia takes Fernando to the cabin in the woods and along the way runs into the faithful servant, Juan. Juan insists on going with her, but MP talks him out of is. She tells Juan to let Alej know she’s not going to the ball.

Santiago meets with Mangle and tells her that he’ll get the baby from the hacienda. However, he wants to meet her tonight and exchange the baby for the money. Mangle says that she can’t, the ball is tonight. SM is insistent. They will meet tonight for the exchange, at the north gate of the city.

Diego stops Camba and asks about the Countessa. Camba babbles and Diego figures out that Camba doesn’t speak Spanish. So he tries to use hand signs to explain that he wants to meet the Countessa.

Fernando tells Maria Pia that she’s going to be condemned for helping a fugitive. She tells him that she was condemned years ago, when she fell in love with him. MP tells him that when she heard he was arrested she knew she couldn’t marry Fonzie. Fernando says he was only trying to seek forgiveness from all the people he’s hurt. MP says she knows the Alej and Diego will be able to forgive him, just as she has. She can because Fernando is a changed man. FS says that there is a God because I can see that you love me. They kiss.

Alej fills Dena in on all the goings on with the Queen and PT. He tells her that he’s going to be appointed governor and that the Queen will need his protection because Sara Kali is alive.

Alej, back in uniform, goes out and gathers the workers on his hacienda. He wants any man who knows how to use a gun to join him. Diego finds his father and they rehash everything about the promotion and Sara Kali. Diego offers to join his father in protecting the Queen, but Alej tells him to just go to that ball as a guest.

DJ tells Misael that he’s worried that the Queen will find out the truth about his dirty deeds (ulcer 1). He decides that the only solution will be to make Mercedes/Sara Kali disappear and the make the Queen disappear along with her. Misael does not like this idea because surely the blame will be cast on them. DJ assures Misael that Zorro will take the blame for the Queen’s demise.

Maria Pia feeds FS. He feels uncomfortable being at the cabin because he remembers the last time they were there. MP tells him to forget the past, he’s changed. He says that is all thanks to her and they kiss. Then we are shown a brief image of the two of them are in bed together. WOW, that Fernando must have some stamina---he’s tortured, shot, and still can make it with Maria Pia.

Diego, playing the every popular Zorro version of the telephone game, tells Bernie all the stuff that’s going to happen at the ball (let’s see it went Queen to PT, PT to Alej, Alej to Diego and now Diego to Bernie----since Bernie can’t talk, I think he’s the end of the line). Diego tells Bernie that he thinks he’s missing something and Bernie asks if it is something to do with WIB. Diego says she doesn’t worry him.

SAM and Esme talk about how her son will be waiting for her once she is done with her mission. SAM says and her love, Diego, will also be waiting. Esme muses if it is her love or someone who used to love her that will be waiting.

The gitanos head into town, dressed in their costumes. Just a thought, do you think Sara Kali will be easy to spot, since she wore a mask for so many years. Anyway, I can’t tell who is who, but I think SK is disguised as a soldier in a mask---is that correct?

Tobi is dressed in drag as his costume. He looks like a cross between Phyllis Diller and Tori Spelling. He goes to meet with Agapito, who is impressed with his disguise. They talk over Tobi’s plans to get rid of Pizarro.

The Queen shows DJ her mask and they comment about it being a sad face. DJ wants to escort the Queen, but she tells him she’s going to be escorted by PT.

Zorro, up on a rooftop, overhears Piza talking to one of his men. They talk about their plan and how a gunshot and then a commotion will be their cue for escape. It isn’t clear what their plan is, but Zorro knows something is a foot.

Alej and Dena arrive at the ball. Alej is in uniform, without a mask. He poses in various positions around the ballroom. He gets his men inside.

Monty questions why Alej is wearing the uniform and why he has men positioned inside the ballroom.

Olmos is still imprisoned with Laisha. They talk about how both of them have made foolish choices because of love. Piza shows up and says that they’ll be escaping tonight. Olmos insists that Laisha be able to come with them. Piza says OK, after initially disagreeing, but if Laisha gets in the way, he’ll personally kill her.

Catalina is detained by soldiers, as per Piza’s orders.

The Queen arrives with her entourage.

Zorro sneaks into a room, only to discover that WIB is already there. He says, “You again.” END OF EPISODE/ Ulcer 1

Labels: Zorro

Almudena demands to know who Esme is and what is she doing with the baby. Esme puts the baby back in the cradle, turns around and says, “Aunt, it is I, Esmeralda.” She pulls down her ridiculous bandanna mask. Almudena is impactada. This is a red-letter day for Almudena – not only does she have sex with her husband for the first time in at least 6 months, she finds out that Esme isn't dead after all.

SM asks Diego what's going on with Esme. If he believes she is alive in the mountains, why hasn't he gone to look for her? Diego says that he has to wait until Bernardo recovers from his wound and then there's the masquerade ball. He'll go look for Esme after that. [It's a good thing Esme doesn't need rescuing. She seems to be pretty low on Diego's priority list.] SM then tells Diego that he has serious money problems. He had debts in Spain and has come to America to get the money to pay them. Diego asks how he plans to do that and SM hems and haws and finally says that he wants Diego to loan the money to him.

At first Almudena can't believe that Esme is real but she finally realizes that her 'niñita' is alive. Both women shed tears.

Mangle tries to convince the two soldiers to snatch little Al from the de al Vega's hacienda. She tells them that Montero knows about this but can't order it himself. The soldiers are concerned about what will happen after they take the baby since the de la Vegas are a powerful family. “Not to worry,” says Mangle, “at the Masquerade Ball, all the de la Vegas will be arrested for treason.” The soldiers decline her request saying that they don't take orders from civilians – even those backed up by Commander Montero. Mangle doesn't give up. She appears to be about to exercise her feminine wiles on the soldiers.

MP and Dolores [this is second time I've noticed that the director has used a mirror to show one of the participants in a conversation.] rehash the good old days when FS was courting MP. Dolores asks what happened to the jolly prankster. MP says that it was ambition and vengeance. He corrupted his heart by killing so many Indians, including Regina and then he went crazy when MP shut herself up in the convent and didn't tell him why she wouldn't marry him.

In the prison, FS finds out that MP did not marry Alfonso and that Alfonso left town. “This changes everything,” he says.

Esme only tells Almudena that Montero kept her a prisoner for a long time and told everyone that she was dead. Almudena wants her to stay at the hacienda but Esme tells her that she has things to do. Al comes looking for Almudena and Esme begs her not to reveal that she is alive to anyone. Esme runs off. Al asks why it took so long for Almudena to come back. She spins a story about the baby waking up. Al says that seems upset about something but she hugs Al saying that she is the happiest woman on earth.

Montero is torturing Pizarro's confederate to find out who is behind the plot against him. The guy refuses to talk and Pizarro walks in. Montero asks where he has been and Pizarro tells him that he has been working on the security for the Masquerade Ball. Montero accepts this excuse and curses the ball as another of his growing problems. He rehashes for Pizarro what happened with Leroy and the attempt on his life. “Not to worry,” says Pizarro, “I'll make this guy talk.” Montero tells him to get on with it and leaves. The guy on the rack is looking hopefully at Pizarro.

DJ has woken up the Queen and insists that she leave LA as soon as possible. He describes a city falling into chaos and Montero is not able to keep things under control. The Queen says that if she leaves LA, the terrorists will win. Besides, conspiracies in a hick town like LA can't be as bad as those in Spain – isn't that right, Duke? DJ squirms but agrees. DJ reiterates that Montero has been unable to keep Zorro from getting access to the Queen and urges her not to put her life in danger for a whim. The Queen says that she'll sleep on it.

The gypsies discuss whether Laisha betrayed them on purpose. SK says that now that they have lost the element of surprise, only a few gypsies should be involved. SK agrees and says that they should take advantage of the cover of darkness and move towards the city.

Montero comes to see FS in his cell. He still believes that FS was behind the plot to kill him. FS doesn't know what he's talking about, of course. Montero hits FS a couple of times and tells him that one of this confederates is on the rack now. If he doesn't confess, it will be FS's turn. Olmos and Laisha witness this exchange.

SM tells Diego about how he got into debt. A few seconds of the scene were not broadcast but some of SM's problems came from being involved with the “Hermanos Cebollos” - the Onion brothers. Anyway, Diego refuses to lend Santiago money. He offers him a job on the hacienda but SM is insulted at the thought of being a 'farmer.' He says that he will find a way to return to Spain with the money he needs.

Esme returns to her house and tells Garcia that she went to the hacienda and recognized little Al as her baby. She is sure that Montero engineered the switch when Mangle's baby died to fool Diego. Esme says that Montero wants to take Diego's money and land but it won't be so easy. She is waiting [as are we all] for the Masquerade Ball. Many lives will change there, including hers.

Diego, Almudena and Dolores are all wandering the halls of the hacienda in the middle of the night but nobody is with the baby. Almudena is sure that the baby is well protected. She tells Diego that he doesn't know the blessing that the child is and what happiness he will bring. [Esme did not tell Almudena that the baby was hers. Has she guessed?] Diego says that the baby is what keeps him going.

Pizarro “accidentally” kills his confederate while torturing him. Montero is annoyed. After he leaves, Pizarro apologizes to the dead guy. He says that there will be other opportunities to kill Montero. [You should take care of it yourself, Pizarro and not send incompetent subordinates.]

The gypsies are traveling and for the 1000th time Renzo says that he is worried something will happen to NAC and he wishes she had stayed behind. Once again, she says that she married him for better or worse and they are a team. They will be able to enjoy their marriage after the Masquerade Ball.

Esme and Garcia are dining. She tells him that she had to tell Almudena that she was alive because her eyes were so sad. Garcia asks if she saw Diego. Esme says no. She didn't tell Almudena about her plan. She is waiting for the Masquerade Ball. There her life will begin or end.

Diego finds Esme's rose and note in his closet. The note says, “Do you know who your wife's lover is?” Bernardo comes in. Diego says that they need to find out who the WIB is and what she wants.

MP comes to see Montero and demands to see FS. Montero refuses and is insulting to MP. “Fine,” she says, “I'll go to the Queen.” Montero warns her to be careful about what she does or FS will pay the price. He makes a vague promise that she can see FS in the future.

The soldiers come to take FS to the torture chamber. Olmos is convinced that they are going to kill him. The soldiers put FS on the rack. He has a flashback to the mutual assertions of love between him and MP when she was about to marry him in San Diego. This memory apparently gives him superhuman strength because he overpowers the two guards. [It appears that FS's second conversion into a poor man of God hasn't taken any more than the first one did.] Somehow, FS gets himself out of the prison and hides in a cart.

The Queen refuses to cancel the Masquerade Ball. She has information that the plots going on have nothing to do with her. She tells DJ that he doesn't seem like the loyal servant he once was an if he doesn't shape up, she is going to take firm action against him.

FS escapes from the area where the prison is located in the cart. As he tries to leave the cart, the two soldiers driving it see him. They fight and one soldier appears to shoot FS as he hobbles away.

Al tells Dolores that Almudena was acting strangely last night when she came out of the baby's room. Almudena comes in radiant and Al is impactado. She says that she is a new woman. [Why doesn't Al attribute her happiness to his lovemaking?]

Garcia is concerned that someone will recognize Esme is she goes walking around town. She dismisses his fears. Montero has done such a good job in convincing everyone that she is dead that no one will recognize her. Esme says that she needs to out to get information on the security arrangements being made for the ball. So out she goes concealing her face with a fan. [Why doesn't she wear a veil both in town and as WIB? A woman in a veil is not as noticeable as a woman with a bandanna tied across her face.] Anyway, who should be striding across the square while Esme is out there but Diego.

FS is staggering around the woods. He seems to have lost the soldiers. He collapses by a tree when who should appear but Yumalai! She tells him that she is Regina's sister and she swore to avenge her death with blood but now she's here to help him. Out comes her miracle flask. She tells him that she is going to save him for the same reason that he forgave her tribe. She has completed her mission and now he has to complete his, which is to change his life and repair all the bad things he has done to people. Yumalai does some healing which appears to be painful and then Regina is there. FS asks for her forgiveness. The next thing we know, MP sees FS from her carriage.

Montero goes to see Mangle and asks where her father is. “You have him in prison,” she says and then realizes that he has escaped. She demands that Montero find FS or he can mess up their plans. Montero says that he will find FS. Montero wants to fool around. He is annoyed that Mangle has not been herself. They kiss and Diego walks into the room. Mangle and Montero are impactados and the credits roll.

Labels: Zorro

ZORRO Monday July 9, 2007: "Where a rose by any other name is a threat."----

Zorro and the Woman in Black (WIB—mujer en negro would be MEN and that’s not so good--- aka Esmeralda) are fighting against Montero, his men, and the Duke’s forces. Monty calls for his soldiers to kill them, but in typical Zorro fashion, they are incredibly inept. Zorro proceeds to knock a few of them out and WIB does a good job utilizing her Amazon warrior skills and knocks out a few of the soldiers. Zorro asks who WIB is and why is she helping him (I can only comment that her disguise is as weak as Diego’s, so one would think that he’d be able to recognize her and while I’m at it, her bandana over the nose and mouth makes her look a little like a train robber and also doesn’t seem to be a really secure disguise---I mean I can totally see that thing slipping in action and revealing her cara). WIB throws Zorro a rose and he gets that confused/befuddled look on his face (Ed. Note: if Monty cannot figure out for certain that Zorro is Diego then he is an idiot, the look Zorro gave to WIB is the same look that Diego uses all the time to look like a bumbling idiot). This segment of the show ends with both Zorro and WIB having the tips of their blades located at Monty’s neck.

Almudena is questioning Mariangel about the poison; she wants to know why Mangle would do such a thing. Mangle denies doing anything. In fact, she places the blame on that maldita india and Diego taking advantage of the situation to smear her name in order to keep her away from her son. Dena is not buying it. Mangle makes a comment about Dena forgoing allegiance to blood and sticking up for Diego.

Monty tells Zorro to just kill him and I agree. However, Zorro doesn’t at this point in time. This gives Monty time to call for reinforcements and we are treated to foot shots of soldiers running. Monty says again, kill me now or next time it will be you who is dead. Zorro jumps on Tornado and take off. I didn’t see how WIB got out of the sticky situation, but apparently, she made like geese and got the flock out of there.

Mangle returns to her room at her father’s house and finds a rose on her bed. There is a note attached. It says that she won’t be able to escape the sword and the rose (hey, now the title of the show makes sense). Mangle wonders who left this threat.

Pizarro has pulled aside three of his most faithful men. He tells them Monty’s been a tyrant and needs to be stopped. Now is the time. Piza gives them a little run down of what they’ll need to do. One of the soldiers expresses concern because there are more of them than of us (ulcer 1). Piza tells him if they cut off the head of the snake, it will leave Monty’s men without guidance. Another soldier questions if what they do would be considered treason (ulcer 2). Piza tells them that they Queen will reward them for getting rid of Monty.

Esme has returned home and SAM was worried about her (ulcer 3). They don’t discuss in too much detail what just occurred with Zorro and Montero. Although, they do talk about how Esme’s son is alive and what a miracle that is. Esme tells SAM that she’s got to finish what she’s started (getting VENGEANCE on all of those who have harmed her, her mother, and her son).

Diego arrives in the Fox Cave and rehashes with Bernardo about the appearance of the mystery woman. Diego seems rather impressed with the woman and the different weapons she used. He tells Bernie that he will find out who she is and what she wants.

Esme and SAM talk over their plans for what needs to occur at the Queen’s party. SAM tells Esme that she still hasn’t gotten an invite, but Esme is not concerned, the Queen will follow proper protocol and invite her. SAM mentions that there is an attic, which will be a great place to hide Esme’s WIB clothes and weapons. SAM says that no one will think of the attic because the ladder to it is in a very narrow space. (Just a side note, the Secret Service makes several sweeps of the entire area before a presidential appearance—in fact, my friend works for OnMilwaukee.com and George W. came for a visit. She said that 10 days before his visit a Secret Serviceperson came to check out the location. The next day their were two and then the next day there were four. Her story basically was that they multiply each day as it gets closer to the visit and they left no stone unturned. They even did a sweep of all the surrounding buildings. So what I’m thinking is that if the Queen’s guards are any good they would search every nook and cranny, and then search them again. So I don’t know how sound SAM’s plan is, of course I’m basing that on 21st Century Secret Service---and we know that the stark realism of Zorro has never caused us to question the loopholes.)

Diego, now inside the hacienda, finds Santiago sitting outside his son’s room. Diego questions why SM would be there and the two of them discuss the safety of Diego’s child. SM offers to help in the protection, but Diego pretty much tells him that he doesn’t need his help. Diego goes inside to find Dolores fawning over the child. They talk about how they cannot believe such an innocent could come from Mangle. The comment is made how the child doesn’t even resemble Mangle, but does look like Diego. The whole time the baby is just doing the cutest things with his blanket---which makes me think that again, the stark realism comes into play---this baby is supposedly how old?

Esme is alone in her quarters. She has flashbacks to all the times that Montero threatened her child and also to the time that Pizarro told her the baby was dead. Esme sits up and says to no one but herself, my son is alive.

SM thinks about the deal he made with Mangle--$$ in exchange for Alejandrito. He walks over to the drawer in his room and pulls out a gun. He then puts it back. He looks troubled. Santiago is an enigma---I think he is basically good at heart, but is lacking in funds and is so desperate for money he agrees to do things his conscience will not allow.

Catalina is crying while Tobias is asleep. She’s angry that he’s catching 40 winks, so she wakes him up. They start to fight about Piza. She asks Tobi how he can sleep while she is stressed out about Piza wanting her to leave town with him. Tobi tells her that it is her fault, therefore she should be the one to stress. Besides, Tobi adds, you humiliated me with that man, why would I care. Cat begs Tobi to show her some affection, all she wants is for him to love her. Tobi isn’t persuaded. Cat begins to cry again and Tobi mutters to his pillow go ahead and cry because I’ve cried enough.

Piza approaches LeRoy at the weapons storage place. LeRoy questions why Piza is there and Piza tells him that he’s been assigned to watch over the weapons. LeRoy thinks this is odd because Monty didn’t tell him this and besides he’s Monty’s best man. He even brags to Piza that he is worth 10 men. Piza pulls out his pistol and shots LeRoy in the head, while his soldiers kill the rest of LeRoy’s men. Piza comments that what a great experience it was killing 10 men with one bullet. Piza tells his men that now there is no turning back. They are off to kill Montero.

Duke Jacabo confronts Monty about Sara Kali being alive and Monty knowing all along. Monty throws the blame on Fernando. He says FS is planning on using SK at some point in the future to hurt the Duke. DJ isn’t quite so quick to accept this, and all of sudden gunshots ring out. DJ and Monty duck for cover.

Renzo and Ana Camila (NAC) are discussing the upcoming party. He’s worried (ulcer 4) that she’ll be in harms way if she goes to the party. NAC asks him if Esme were there would he tell her not to go to the party. The two discuss Esme and Renzo tells his wife that Esme is a fond memory, but he loves her, NAC. NAC tells him that she married him so they could always be together. So that means she is going to the party with him. The two get romantic, but unfortunately for them, they are interrupted by Jonas. He’s come to tell them that some of the gitanos have returned from LA and they have bad news. Laisha’s been captured by Monty and she knows that Sara Kali is still alive. The three discuss if they should go ahead with their plans if there is a chance that Monty knows SK is alive. Jonas tells Renzo and NAC that SK wants to still keep their plan in place.

Monty and DJ are ducking underneath a desk and DJ asks Monty who was trying to kill them. Monty seems surprised that the Duke thought they were the target. Just then one of Monty’s soldiers comes in to tell the boss that they were able to run off the would-be assassins, and they killed one and captured another one. Monty tells the soldier to lock up the prisoner, he’ll be personally conducting the interrogation. He also wants LeRoy to be brought to town. DJ questions the Queen’s safety.

Piza gets news that the assassination attempt was a bust and that one of the men got caught. Piza’s worried that the man will talk under torture (ulcer 5). He decides he’ll take care of it personally. He orders his men to go back to life as usual.

Monty gets word that LeRoy and his men have all been killed. Monty is upset and worries that the weapons they were guarding are at risk (ulcer 6). He declares Marshall Law in Los Angeles.

Dena rehashes her visit to Mangle with Alejandro. He’s upset that she went alone. He tells Dena that Mangle isn’t worth any of her tears. Dena expresses concern that Mangle will try to kidnap the baby (ulcer 7). She wants to warn Diego, but Alej tells her not to worry---between him and Diego they will make sure that the baby is protected (this makes me think that something will happen to little Alejandro---I guess I just don’t have any faith in the great General de la Vega).

Mangle tries to get in to see Monty, but one of his soldiers tries to stop her. Not one to listen to orders, Mangle pushes her way through. Monty scolds her for being out and about. He tells her that the town is not safe right now. She shows him the rose and wants to know who would send her such a thing. Monty rehashes about Zorro and WIB. He tells Mangle that he’ll find out who is threatening them. Mangle asks, why me (I am so surprised she has to ask herself this question, she’s been making enemies left and right). Monty tells her to go home and lock the doors. She reminds him that it is best to kill your enemies, that way they won’t be able to destroy you (see, now I thought the expression was keep your friends close, but your enemies closer or then there is my enemy’s enemy is my friend, but I don’t think I’ve ever heard of Mangle’s expression).

Padre Tomás and Diego discuss the encounter with Montero and the arrival of WIB. Diego wants to know if the alliance sent someone to help him. PT says he knows nothing about this. Diego wonders who she could be and what’s her agenda. He remembers that there is a new woman in town, Countessa Bracamonte. Methinks he might be putting it all together.

Esme arrives at the empty (except for Tornado) Fox Cave. She fondles Zorro’s weapons and his mask. She vows that they will be together again. Sensing that someone is coming, Esme runs and hides behind Tornado. Bernardo enters and seems to know that something isn’t quite right. He fails to see that Tornado looks like a circus freak, with six legs showing in his silhouette.

Alej and Dena get romantic. They talk all mushy and Alej says he wants to hacer amor con Dena. They make like rabbits and Dena, in her afterglow, tells Alej that she would like to have a baby. This news makes Alej very happy.

Esme sneaks into Diego’s bedroom. She remembers the last time she snuck in there. She leaves a rose on his pillow. Couple of things I need to say here---have you ever noticed on this show that someone enters a room there always seem to be candles lit, but no one there---aren’t they at all concerned with fire safety? Also, Esme must know that Diego and Mangle split, because she left the rose for Mangle at Fernando’s house. If she thought they were together, she’d have left it for Mangle at the de la Vega home.

Santiago finds Diego and tells him that he wants to talk to him about Esmeralda.

Mangle asks two of Monty’s soldiers to do a job for her, she no longer has faith that Santiago will do the job. She needs that baby because she knows it is her access to the de la Vega fortune. So she tells the soldiers that she wants them to get her baby from the hacienda.

Dena gets up to get a drink and hears a noise in the baby’s room. She opens the door and asks--- who are you?.....we see Esme sitting and rocking the baby. END OF EPISODE/ Ulcers=7 P.S. Tonight's episode looks really, really good. I can't wait to see it!!

Labels: Zorro

Esme, Garcia and Camba at the cemetery. Esme is completely sure the remains in the grave are NOT those of her baby. Garcia believes her grief prevents her from seeing the truth. No way, says Esme. She’s certain – the blanket the dead baby is wrapped in isn’t the same as the one that swaddled her baby.

[in a spooky aural segue, the next scene begins with the sound of the crying of aforementioned baby - Alejandrito]

The whole chapel is impactado at Maria Pia’s “no acepto” to Alfonso. MP begs Alfonso for forgiveness. He implores her to reconsider, to try, but she’s resolute. He’s an amazing man, and this may be the biggest mistake of her life, but she’ll never make him happy. She was wrong to play with his feelings this way. He painfully lets her leave. MP apologizes to the guests – there won’t be a wedding today.

Alejandro follows MP to the entryway to see how she’s feeling. In an imitation of the new Fernando, MP asks her brother for his forgiveness, too. Can he support her even though she’s in love with Fernando Sanchez de Moncada? Alej wants to know what it is about Fernando that MP can’t seem to forget, to shake loose of. MP has realized that it’s useless to put it into words – and always has been. Although she can’t forgive him for Regina’s murder, she can’t stop loving him, even if it means she’s resigning herself to a lifetime of suffering.

Back at the gravesite Esme insists Garcia examine the blanket. It turns out she’s right. This is not the plain blanket Garcia used; it’s high-quality, complete with a crest. Esme recognizes it as the shield of the Sanchez de Moncada family.

In the interrogation/torture room, Montero has finished beating Fernando almost to death, but Fer revealed nothing, and has passed out. Monte orders Mejias to jail Fer with Olmos and Laisha. Fer should die fairly soon, and his body will be left to rot in the cell. Monte also orders Mejias to double the guards watching over the Queen; it seems there’s a plot afoot…

Esmeralda is livid. Mangle and Montero stole her baby! Are they putting one over on Diego? Or does Diego know it IS his baby with Esme? Whatever – all Esme cares about now is VENGEANCE!

Still at the chapel, Almudena tells Alej and Diego that she spoke with MP before the wedding and MP seemed unsure [What gave it away, Dena? The teary eyes? The face like she’d eaten 3-day old meat? Or when she said she wasn’t sure?!?] Diego and Alej break the news to Dena that MP was also impactada to see Fernando arrested that same morning. Abandoning his post as governor is high treason, but Monte is more likely using Fer’s arrest to cover his a-- with the Crown and the Duke.

Esmeralda, back in her rented rooms, is still incensed. She’s going to make them all pay! She’s going to get her VENGEANCE! Oh, right, and afterward she’s going to get her son back, because it turns out he’s alive.

OPENING CREDITS

Olmos and Laisha bond in their cell over their mutual hatred of Montero. If Laisha shows Olmos some kindness (a piece of fabric from her Gypsy skirt to clean his wounds), he’ll repay her when he arranges to be freed. He knows a secret that, when let out, will unleash hell. Buuuuuuaaaaaahahahahhaah!

Olmos’ associate – Gerardo? – gets a visit from Pizarro. Pizza needs to arrange the flight of Pizza, Olmos, and Pizza’s woman by sea, the night of the masquerade ball. G will arrange everything, but Pizza had better make sure Don Olmos is there.

Mejias throws the unconscious Fernando into the cell with Olmos and Laisha. Olmos is impactado; Laisha is smug – Fer is as bad as Montero. Laisha senses that Olmos is afraid of Fer and reminds him that now they’re all three just prisoners.

Garcia implores Esme to give up her plan for vengeance, which is very dangerous [ulcer #1]. She should rejoice that her child is alive. She admits that’s the only thing that makes her happy…but first! She has to make Montero and Mangle pay for the fact that her baby MIGHT have died. Garcia asks her about seeking out Diego. Why not reunite with him and rekindle their great love for each other? Esme will think about it…only after her VENGEANCE!

Mangle and Santiago (SM) meet up. Santiago knows she was poisoning Almudena, but Mangle asserts that Diego is concocting stories to justify taking the baby from her. Santiago is no longer interested in his PI mission to find out if Diego=Zorro. He even returns Mangle’s bag ‘o money. Diego is good, he says, but he’s no Zorro. Mangle has a new job for him, then – help her see her son.

Diego and Bernardo, in the town square, case the building where the masquerade ball will be held. The roof is the ideal escape route, but Z will be with Sara Kali. He’s got to be ready to rescue her if Monte and the Duke intercept her in the party. Bernardo spies someone, and when D turns to look, he sees the “Countess” [when did he learn who she was?], who is actually Esmeralda. [Except, you can’t tell it’s Esme at all, because the sheer black lace fan that covers only half her face makes it impossible, combined with her finely tailored dress, her height and figure, and long, thick, curly hair]

Santiago has standards; he won’t kidnap a baby. Mangle begs him, as a mother who’s only using money the same way Diego is, and Santiago finally accepts. He thinks he’s crazy to take the risk, and it’s going to cost Mangle a pretty penny.

Almudena visits the devastated MP in MP’s room at the hacienda. She reassures MP that Diego explained everything to Alfonso. In a curious about-face from her pep talk earlier that morning (in which she scolded MP to forget about Fernando and marry that good man Alfonso!) Dena tells MP that it’s better she and Alfonso didn’t get married, and they probably would’ve come to regret it pretty soon. MP fears that Fer is in danger from Monte (ulcer #2). She considers asking Alej to call in a favor with the Queen, but Dena cautions that asking Alejandro to intercede on behalf of the man who murdered his wife is asking a biiiiiit too much of the man. Instead Dena suggests that the two women pair up Cagney & Lacey style [Thelma & Louise? Lucy & Ethel?] to try to help get Fer released.

Olmos is helping Fer drink water, though Laisha believes Fer is gravely ill and close to death. Fer isn’t sure where they are, who Laisha is, why Olmos is there, and why Olmos is super-attentive. Laisha takes great delight in filling Fer in that his wife SK isn’t dead as he thought. Fer is impactado. Laisha tries to rain on Fer’s parade: SK is in route to the city; she’s going to attempt to speak with the Queen, and when she does, Friar Fer will be fried. Fer is actually pleased and relieved to hear that SK survived his gunshot; he doesn’t have to live with her murder on his conscience [thus freeing up his penance for the other 7,482 on his karma list…maybe he could get his own sitcom “My Name Is Fernando”] If he’s condemned to die, that’s God’s will. Olmos is puzzled to hear Fer speak that way. SK’s return is a great danger. They learn that Monte knows about SK, too, since Laisha gave it up in her torture session.

Duke Jacobo is getting his own bad news. Misael brings him the latest batch of intercepted letters from the Queen to her family in Spain. The Queen knows about SK’s existence. It appears Montero has been lying to DJ all this time about the certainty of SK’s death.

Pizzaro wants Catalina to start packing secretly. But leave Tobias at home for the masquerade ball. Pizza is going to kill Montero, then escape with Catalina. She doesn’t want to go, and begins to cry, but he ignores her.

MP is having a tete-a-tete with Padre Tomas. She never should have agreed to marry Alfonso, and she knows this may mean she’ll never achieve happiness, tied as she is to her love for Fer. PT observes that her love for Fer made her two marriages fail – the one to Alfonso, and the one to God [add Fernando to the mix from 20 years ago, and you’ve got the Runaway Bride, Zorro-style]. MP is scared for Fernando, now at Montero’s mercy in El Callao. Fer’s changed, and PT agrees: Fer gave up his wealth, his thirst for power, his pursuit of MP [and his beard!]. MP tells PT of her plan with Dena to beg Monte to let them see Fer. PT won’t have it – they will leave the snooping to him. PT makes MP promise not to try anything, and she nods [is that a promise? I dunno…]

Zorro is suited up in the Fox Cueva, informing PT of his plan to blow up Montero’s arms stash, after being led there by Monte himself, whom Z plans to kidnap. Z tells PT not to be worried [ulcer #3], he’s got it all planned. PT blesses him as he goes.

Esme is also suited up and ready for VENGEANCE. Garcia notices that her outfit looks a lot like Zorro’s. He knows they’re friends and all, but won’t Z mind her being a copydog of his outfit? Esme must dress in black in order to not be seen or recognized, not even by Zorro. She will the use the night to make sure none of her enemies sleeps in peace. Esme compares herself to the roses in a vase in her room – essentially, she’s capable of love, but also has thorns to defend herself [as well as crossbow, arrows, broadswords, rapiers, and a fan!]

Mangle enjoys a post-coital back massage as she lays splayed out on Montero’s desk. She catches him up on the latest developments, and he wants to know if they can trust Santiago with the baby-snatching. Mangle is certain; Santiago is hard on his luck, and he’s jealous of Diego. Monte’s bottom line is that he brings him his son. Unfortunately, Monte has to leave. He’s got a date with Fer for more torture to get info about SK. Mangle is anxious for the day when all their enemies are out of the picture and they alone will rule Los Angeles.

Santiago preps for the babynapping by casually chatting up Dololes. Who takes care of the baby? Can they handle it all by themselves? She helpfully informs him that the wet nurse Amalia knows her way with a knife, and not just in the kitchen. Santiago contemplates Dololes with a menacing look.

Mangle and Catalina have a girl chat in Mangle’s room. Cata fills her in on her tug-of-war between her gentlemanly, usually good-humored, sophisticated husband who’s not interested in her sexually but whom she loves, and the hard, brutish lover who treats her like an object and demands she run away with him. Guess who Mangle thinks is the better choice? After unceremoniously kicking Cata out with the pretext of being overtired, Mangle angrily answers another knock at the door…only this time it’s Dena. “Surprised to see me? Now tell me why you wanted to kill me.”

Monte gives Mejias orders en route to his torture date with Fer: Mejias is to inform DJ about Fer’s arrest. “Buenas noches, Comandante Montero” calls out a voice from the shadows – Zorro! Zorro fights Monte’s circle of guards before making it to Monte. He bests him, and Monte ends up disarmed on the ground, but a few seconds later, reinforcements arrive. They are the Queen’s armed guards, and take up position. Montero orders them to fire, but they are interrupted by a streaking arrow. The mysterious woman in black appears with her crossbow and approaches the group…

END OF EPISODE

Ulcer Count: 3

Labels: Zorro

EPISODE - July 5, 2007:
* D is stunned by Camba stopping the coach horse before it runs D over. Santiago comes by to check on D. D walks over to ask the lady (Esmy with face hidden by fan) if she's okay. He introduces himself. As he goes to take Esmy's hand, MA rushes up and pulls D aside, she needs to talk. Garcia leans over to tell Esmy they should leave now before anyone recognizes them. Esmy says in a minute, she's interested in watching the conversation between D and MA.

* Dena and Yumi meet in forest. Dena apologizes for not trusting, believe Yumi. Yumi understands the situation - two women in love with same man. Dena again apologizes for her actions. Yumi accepts although to her it isn't necessary. Yumi shocks Dena by saying she will stay there in the countryside. Dena doesn't understand why Yumi won't return to live on the hacienda. Yumi explains that the mountains are her home. They hug.

* Olmos still on stretcher, talks with Piza, reveals all that Monty wanted to know from him earlier. Olmos thinks Piza is there under Monty's orders. Piza has his own agenda and reasons for talking with Olmos. Piza wants Olmos to help him and his lady escape as well as take down Jacomo and kill Monty. Olmos promises to help him.

* MA scolds D for Dolly not letting her near her son, as well as Camelia pulling a knife on her to keep her away just now in the market. D looks back at coach and pulls MA away to a more secluded location (less scandal). Esmy, realizes the lady is MA, D's wife. Garcia reminds Esmy of MA's trick to get D to marry her. They yell out to Camba to go.

* D lets go of MA's arm. MA reams him for Dolores and Camelia's actions in the marketplace, as well as keeping her from her own son. D has every reason for the separation between his family and her. She is outraged. He stands up to her and defends his actions. They argue. He warns her that he is totally capable of defending his family. She threatens to go to Judge Quintana for an order forcing him to let her near her son, she's his mother. She storms away. Santiago greets her politely, she tells him to shut up as she passes him. Santiago approaches D; D vents his frustration with MA; they agree that MA is very dangerous. They leave.

* In hotel room, Esmy and Garcia have drinks and talk about D, her son, she says her heart is so hardened with hatred, she has nothing to offer D anymore. She has no reason to break up D's family. As well, she knows well enough that when MA wants something, she always gets it.

* Monty and soldiers find D and Santiago on the street. Civil conversation between mortal enemies/rivals deals with invitations to ball. Monty and soldiers leave. Santiago notes the air of hatred emanating from Monty; he also notes a similar disgust coming from D.

(cue theme song and opening credits)

* Toby dresses up as a transvestite and mumbles his plan of revenge against Piza.

* Piza and Cata in kitchen pantry. He wants to continue seeing her. She's scared of Toby finding them together. Piza wants her to leave with him. She won't do it, this is her home. Pish-posh, he tells her that she is his and to prepare her things. They are leaving on a long trip together. He will return soon to pick her tup and take her far away. He kisses her and leaves. Agapito is shocked as he spies on Piza and Cata.

* Ma finds Friar in her room. Friar Fer pulls down his hood. MA is impactado, "PAPA?!?!"

* Alej finds Dena on wooded trail. He tells her he has talked with all in the tribal camp; Dena says she just spoke with Yumi here. Alej is shocked and tells Dena that Yumi took her things and vanished into the woods. No one knows where she is. Dena is happy after her conversation with Yumi. Alej escorts Dena back down the trail. Yumi pops out from behind the trees to watch them leave.

* MA thinks Fer is playing an evil, dirty trick on her. Fer says the joke is his life so far. She's in shock and disbelief over his friar's robe and his attitude. Fer says she knows him so well, agrees with all her statements about him. She scolds him for abandoning her and leaving her with all the debts and no money whatsoever. He explains that he gave the money to finance Montero's battle plans. She's mortified by the revelation. Fer continues with his reasons. He advises her to give up on D, and return to Spain. She refuses to do either. She reminds him that he obligated D to marry her. He regrets it, as well as most of the horrific things he's done in his life. She thinks all the friar/monk stuff has gone to his head - he's turning as cowardly as her aunt Dena. She orders him to leave her house and go to hell. Fer pauses, tells her "God bless you daughter" and then leaves.

* Esmy and Garcia have breakfast in room. Garcia tells her where he found the maid servant. Esmy wants to go the cemetery - to visit and place flowers on her baby's grave.

* cue theme song as Esmy changes into her Dona Zorro wardrobe. "The moment of my vengence has arrived," she mutters to her reflection.

* Monty and soldiers march down the street. Monty gives them orders for security at ball. He realizes he left the map back home. He leaves alone, refusing to allow the soldiers to accompany him. In a dark stretch of the road, an arrow comes sailing at him and hits the post as he passed by. Monty gets scared, shoots off his gun and calls out the coward to come forward and identify himself. Nothing. Monty calls out to soldiers; the soldiers run over; Monty orders them to search the streets for the person who shot the arrow at him. Soldiers run away. Esmy hides behind the column with her arrow shooter. Monty reads the note attached to the arrow: "she wants in your bed, I'll wait for you in hell." Monty mutters response, 'we'll see about that. Don't play with me." He walks to his office.

* Monty finds MA waiting in his office. She tells him about Fer's appearance at her home - in friar's robes, like he's gone crazy. Monty thinks Fer shot the arrow at him tonight. MA asks what he's talking about. Monty shows her the note. MA thinks it may have been from D or Z. Monty grumbles. MA speaks about "their" battle plans. Monty asks for explanation. MA convinces Monty to let her help finish the final details. He agrees.

* Dona Z walks alone in dark, holding her arrow shooter. Soldiers appear and tell her to drop her weapon. She puts it down on ground. As they approach, Dona Z uses her WWE moves and kicks and punches the soldiers to the ground. She picks up her weapon and leaves.

* D is in his bedroom. B enters. D is happy and surprised to see him up and around again. They discuss Esmy, the search, and everything that is happening at the hacienda. D still thinks about her. (they have to have faith)

* Dena and Alej arrive back home. MP and Dolly, with little Alej, are happy they're back. Dena is happy about her conversation with Yumi. Alej notes MP's nervousness and asks about the wedding details. MP nervously answers and then excuses herself and leaves. Alej asks Dolly what's wrong with MP? Dolly has to tell them that Fer met with MP while they were gone. He asked for forgiveness and was wearing friar's robes; MP has been in shock ever since.

* Carola and Novicia finish setting up the church sanctuary for the wedding service and the bells ring.

* Dena is happily fixing MP's hair and veil, she's excited for MP's wedding. MP is still upset. Dena finally sees that MP is upset and stops. MP explains that she can't get Friar Fer out of her mind. Dena sends the maids away and has a private peptalk with MP and tell her to forget all about Fer, he will never change; MP thinks differently, she believes Fer has changed; Dena tells MP not to feel guilty about what Fer does and says. MP is scared, asks what to do. Dena orders her to go through with the marriage to Alfonso and live happily ever after with him.

* Alej and D talk as they get ready for the wedding. Alej is worried about MP; D says Fer is the love of her life and always will be. They discuss Fer's meeting with MP at the hacienda, hope that it doesn't interfere with MP's plans to marry Alfonso. Alej says that if Fer's change is sincere and true, Alej will forgive him but only if D also forgives Fer.

* Mejias reports to Monty in office that Friar has been spotted at doorway of church. Monty grumbles why he has appeared the day of MP's wedding. Monty tells Mejias that the Friar is Fernando Sanchez de Moncada, governor of this town, he is a delinquent and will be charged for all his crimes, debts to society as well as the crown in Spain. They leave.

* Camba, Garcia and Esmy arrive at baby's grave in cemetery. Esmy supervises as Garcia and Camba start digging.

* At church, Friar kneels at door, accepting alms for the poor. As Alej and MP are rehearsing the ceremony, they watch as Monty approaches Fer and they have a heated conversation at the doorway. Monty has Mejias stand Fer up. Monty reads him the charges and has Fer placed under arrest. Mejia and another soldier haul Fer away. Monty follows. Before MP can try to follow, Alej stops her and gets her to refocus on the ceremony.

* Esmy supervises Garcia and Camba digging up the baby's grave. She remembers giving birth and Garcia telling her it's a boy; then she remembers Monty grimacing about taking the baby away and giving it to another couple to raise, and she responding don't you dare take my baby.

* At the wedding, Alej escorts MP down the aisle and gives her away to Alfonso. He's enchanted and in love. She's nervous and doesn't want to be there.

* Monty drags Fer back to the prison courtyard. With soldiers and MA watching, Monty kicks Fer so he falls to ground on knees. Monty grumbles hatred for Fer into Fer's ear. Monty chuckles and orders men to take Fer down to dungeon. MA grumbles her own disgust as she watches.

* PT starts service. Alej whispers to D about Fer and Monty earlier. D whispers about the two being mortal enemies. Dena signals for them both to be quiet.

* Monty watches soldier whip Fer hard, as Fer's hands are chained above his head. Monty takes out his favorite multi-leather strand whip, tells the soldier to leave and starts whipping and demanding Fer tell him what he wants to know. Information about Fer's confession to MA about the financing of his battle plans, why he is fighting, why he shot the arrow at him. Fer mutters with each hit about his wanting to live a life dedicated to G-d, to be forgiveness from all those whom he's hurt and disrespected, how G-d will show him the way. Monty takes a hot branding iron from the burning coals and will see if Fer is a saint or going to hell. Monty brands Fer's backside. Fer grimaces in pain.

* Garcia and Camba look forelorn as they look at each other, the crypt and then up at Esmy.

* PT gets to the "vows" section of the ceremony. He asks Alfonso first, who happily proclaims, he accepts one hundred times over. Then PT asks MP the same vows. MP pauses, thinks, PT asks for a response, MP says NO! I won't accept! This shocks everyone present in the church. MP apologizes to Alfonso and says again that she can't go through with marrying him.

* Garcia tries to convince Esmy not to look inside the crypt. Esmy has to look. She approaches, looks down and realizes that the baby isn't her son! (ed. note: no, duh, that's baby M.)

Labels: Zorro

Diego denies that he is Zorro to SM. He is a simple, peace-loving landowner. SM says in essence that a leopard can't change its spots. Some men are born to power and Diego is one of them. Then SM tells Diego that he came to LA to find Diego. Their fellow students from the military academy are rich landowners. They have made a bet with SM and if he defeats Diego in swordplay, he will win a fortune.
“Fine,” says Diego. “Tell them that you defeated me and collect your fortune.”
“You don't understands,” responds SM. “To win I have to kill you.” Diego is impactado.

Esme meets Garcia at their rendezvous. Esme is ready to proceed with her plan to get justice and vengeance. Garcia tells her that her card has already been delivered to the Queen – by Camba. Esme is surprised that Camba is a reliable messenger since he doesn't speak Spanish. Garcia assures her that he and Camba speak the same language – 'vino tole.'

Garcia shows Esme the clothes he bought for her and she is pleased with his selections. He fills her in on the deal with the impoverished Count. He sold his title and his house in LA to Esme so now they have a place to stay in town. Esme compliments Garcia on his intelligence. Garcia tells her he's not doing all this for free – he wants to be the one who arrests Montero. Esme says, “consider it done. You will be there when Montero pays for what he has done.”

SM tries to force Diego to fight him. Diego succeeds in disarming SM and tells him that he never thought SM would sell himself for a few gold coins. SM laughs and tell Diego that he was lying. He just wanted to see if Diego had lost his skill. Diego tells SM that Zorro is much better than he is. SM tells Diego that he believes that he isn't Zorro. Diego warns SM not to go around talking about Zorro. Diego already has a lot of problems and he doesn't need any more. SM agrees in a mocking way and Diego reluctantly shakes his hand.

Al takes Almudena to a place with a nice view. He is proccupied and finally tells her that it was Mangle, not Yumalai who poisoned her. Almudena is impactada.

Mangle is pacing in Montero's office cursing the fact that Diego threw her out of the hacienda, she's lost a few days and the repulsive Olmos abused her. Montero is not sympathetic and just wants nookie himself. He tells Mangle that with all the problems he has with the Queen, SK, the identity of Zorro, etc., her problems are not important and maybe Olmos didn't do anything to her. Mangle is furious and fights him off when he tries to kiss her.

After the credits, Mangle seems to have gotten over her fury and is reciprocating Montero's kisses. She thinks Olmos gave her a potion and she says that she feels bad. Montero says that she needs a real man.

SM and Diego are in town. Diego tells SM that the whole city is under a reign of terror by Montero. SM asks why no one has stood up to him. Diego replies that until recently Montero had too many allies including FS. SM asks what happened to FS and Diego says that nobody knows. He abandoned his post and disappeared. Diego tells SM that he keeps his ability with the sword quiet so that he isn't seen as a threat to Montero. SM appears to accept this explanation but as he leaves he says to himself, “Quien zorro eres, amigo.” The English subtitles translated this as, “You're so cunning, my friend.” “You are as cunning as a fox,” would be a better translation but no English translation can capture the double entendre in Spanish.

[We know that Al is a famous general. We know that Diego went to the military academy in Spain and was the best swordsman in Spain. Some of Al's buddies from the army were surely at the academy. Is it likely that not a single word of this got to Al? We know from when Diego was preparing for his duel with Montero that Al didn't think Diego could handle a sword at all. What did he think Diego was doing at the military academy? I know it's pointless to expect logic here but until SM appeared, we didn't know how public Diego's military education was.]

Al tells Almudena about Diego's discovery of Mangle 's poisoning plot. She instantly is concerned that she refused to listen to Yumalai. Almudena wants to speak to Yumalai and beg her forgiveness. Al says when Almudena is stronger, he will arrange it.

Dolores tells MP that a monk with a strange voice has come to see her. Since none of the menfolk are home, Dolores is nervous about leaving MP alone with the man. MP remembers the monk that she saw in town who she was sure was FS. She comes into the room where he is waiting and says his name.

FS has come to ask MP's forgiveness and, surprisingly for someone who was a nun and was therefore in the forgiveness business, she won't give it. She can't forgive him for killing Regina right in front of Diego and leaving Al without love & companionship until he found Regina. [Of all FS's many sins, killing Regina seems one of the most forgive-able to me. He didn't know the woman he killed was Regina and he had had the traumatic experience of seeing his parents killed by indians. To me, keeping your wife in prison locked up in an iron mask for 20 years was a much worse sin that might not be able to be forgiven.] Anyway, MP says she can't forgive FS unless Al and Diego forgive him first.

Wow! We see Esme is a nice gown for the first time in ages. As was also apparent in her more revealing Amazon outfit, even though she had been locked up in a windowless cellar for 6 months, Esme managed to maintain the beautiful tan over her entire body. She given up her 'warrior' hairdo, too. Her hair is curly again. Esme thanks the seamstress who leaves as Garcia comes in. Esme asks if she looks like a Countess and Garcia, ever gallant, says that she looks like a Queen. Garcia once again asks Esme to give up her plan of vengeance but she says that it is too late. She then asks Garcia how her son died. Garcia doesn't want to say but Esme insists. She wants to know if Montero killed her son. Garcia says no. Montero gave the baby to Pizarro who left it in a cemetery. The weather that night... Esme stops Garcia. She has heard enough. She tells Garcia that she wants to find the baby's remains, bury them in a nice place where she can pray over them every day until she is reunited with her child.

Montero is fooling around with Mangle. He tells her that he wants her to bring him his baby. Mangle refuses and says that she is first going to negotiate with Diego and take advantage of the fact that Montero is going to announce publicly that Diego is Zorro. Montero says that Mangle had better be right about that. Montero says that if Diego is Zorro, he probably knows about SK and will try and protect her. That is, he will try and protect her if he makes it to the masquerade ball. Montero has a surprise for him. His men will be waiting to capture him. Mangle says that they soon will know if it is true that Diego is Zorro. SM is on the job and he so desperate for money that he will do anything. Montero says that if it is true, Zorro will be dead soon and Mangle will be his widow and inherit everything. Mangle says that she won't count on that. She can use the child to get everything. Montero tells her not to be silly. He wants her to bring him the baby. He wants to humiliate Diego and let him know before he dies that the baby is Montero's and that Diego will die without leaving any heirs.

Diego is in little Al's room. SM comes in and is fishing for information. Since Diego isn't interested in Mangle, has he fallen in love with someone else? Diego tells him that he does love a woman but he doesn't know where she is or if she is alive or dead. SM wants more details but Diego refuses.

Esme, now dressed in mourning, is practicing her swordplay with Garcia. Esme appears to be using a regular sword rather than the broadsword that the Amazons gave her. Naturally, she defeats him. He compliments her on what she learned in her 3 days with the Amazons. Esme asks Garcia if he believes that Diego still loves her. Garcia says that any person who had fallen in love with her would have to be crazy to forget her and Diego isn't crazy.

Back to Diego and SM. SM is impactado that Diego is in love with Esme. Diego tells SM that Montero killed Esme. SM tells Diego about his relationship with Esme and Mangle when they were in Spain. He was infatuated with Esme but Esme wasn't interested in him. SM says that Mangle was infatuated with him. She always liked a challenge. Diego says that who knows what is wrong with Mangle. He tells SM that he threw Mangle out of the house because she was poisoning Almudena. SM is impactado. He tells Diego that Mangle is investigating him because he told her that Diego is a great swordsman. Mangle offered him money to find out all his secrets. Diego is concerned but SM responds, “Our friendship has no price. Anyway, you aren't Zorro, although there are certain similarities. Trust me. I won't get you into trouble.” Has SM gone over to the good side? Hard to tell since he is a pathological liar.

Mangle goes to see the judge with the bad hair (Catalina's father). She tells him Diego has thrown her out of the hacienda and wants to know her rights with regard to the child. The judge asks if the child has been baptized and registered? Mangle says no. It was a difficult delivery and she was ill. The judge recommends that she take care of that right away. If Diego registers the baby and does not put her down as the mother or puts down the name of some other woman, Mangle will not have any legal rights with the child. Mangle is impactada. “How can this be?” she says, “I gave birth to the child.” The judge asks if there were any witnesses to the birth. Mangle says that there was a witness but she doesn't think he will be very helpful. Mangle tells the judge that she will take of matters.

Olmos is being tortured on the rack. No one is asking him any questions. He says, “Do whatever you want to me. Nothing can take away the pleasure of making her mine. She was mine!” He laughs manically, “Mine!”

Al and Almudena are in a carriage when Almudena tells the driver to stop. She recognizes a spot with a lot of yellow flowers as the place that she saw Regina in a vision when she was dying. [How can she tell? It was dark and there were torches.] Al asks her not to talk about it anymore. “But,” he says, “it's very strange. I come down this path every day to the hacienda and these flowers were never here before.” Almudena says that she has to speak to Yumalai right away.

Diego invites SM to the masquerade ball. SM relishes the opportunity to meet all the beautiful women in the city. Maybe the Queen will fall for his charms now that she is a widow. He and Diego are about to go look for a costume for him when MP asks to speak to Diego. She tells him that FS was just at the hacienda. MP believes that he has changed now that he is a monk and she tells Diego that FS has asked for his and Al's forgiveness. Diego says that he believes that anyone can change except FS. He will speak to his father but he doesn't think he can forgive FS.

At the indian village, Al tells Almudena that Yumalai isn't in her teepee. He will ask the Council of Elders where she is but according to indian customs, this is a guys only thing. He says Almudena looks tired and suggests that they go home and send someone to inquire about Yumalai later. Almudena tells him to stop treating her like an invalid. She feels fine and she must speak with Yumalai right away. Al agrees and goes off to find the Council. Alone, Almudena says that she had a bad feeling about the Yumalai situation.

Agapito is hiding at Tobias' house. He is nervous that Pizarro will find him since it is known that Pizarro is a frequent visitor there. Tobias tells him not to worry. He has a brilliant plan to destroy Pizarro at the masquerade ball.

Pizarro comes in to interrogate Olmos and dismisses the torturer. Pizarro apologizes to Olmos for not being able to help him before. Montero is watching him like a hawk and if he makes a mistake, he will take Olmos' place on the rack. Pizarro tells Olmos that Montero knows that SK is alive. That is why the situation is so dangerous. Montero will kill Pizarro if he knows that he tried to protect SK. Olmos' shouldn't have abused Mangle. Unfortunately, his fate is sealed. Pizarro's only chance is to kill Montero and run away from LA. He asks Olmos for his contacts.

Montero instructs his soldiers to search every inch of the walls of the room where the ball will be held to make sure that there aren't any secret passages where uninvited guests can enter. DJ comes in. Montero assures him that the ballroom will be secure for the Queen. DJ looks at Montero and says that he can see fear in men's eyes and he sees fear in Montero's eyes. Is there something he should know? [like SK is alive and at large maybe?] Montero says that everything is under control. DJ says that he expects that the security operation will not distract the invited guests. If Montero's men remove an intruder, they should do it quietly so that no one notices. Montero agrees.

PT tells the Queen that SK is alive and with the gypsies. The Queen is very happy. She wants to go visit her. PT warns her that if she acts openly, SK and all the gypsies will be killed. However, the masquerade ball will be an opportunity for SK to approach the Queen. The Queen is thrilled. If SK can get to her side at the masquerade ball, she will do justice and treat her as a sister.

Almudena sees more flowers like the ones where she had the vision. She picks a couple and Yumalai appears in front of her.

Dolores is walking around with little Al in the town! What a stupid thing to do. Didn't she get the message that the baby was to be kept locked up at the hacienda? Mangle approaches and says that Dolores has saved her the trouble of going to the hacienda. She demands the baby. Dolores refuses. Things are getting ugly when the wet nurse whips a knife out of her leg holster and protects Dolores and the baby.

Diego and SM are walking in some other part of town and SM is strewing compliments to all the ladies he sees. SM wanders off and Diego is nearly run down by a carriage driven by Camba. Esme looks out of the window of the carriage to see what is going on. She conceals her face with her fan while Diego gives her a confused look.

The credits roll.

Labels: Zorro

Alejandro tries to get Almudena to wake up. She is not dead; we know this because she is making some sounds---a cross between a pant and a sigh. Alej is noticeably upset.

Yumali is treating Bernardo while Maria Pia and Dolores pray over him. Dolo notices that color has returned to Bernie’s face. Everyone is happy because it appears the worst is over for Bernie. Yumi thanks Diego for trusting her to help heal his friend.

Mariangel asks Santiago to find out if Diego is in fact Zorro. She offers him money. He puts up a front of being offended, but in the end agrees to do what he can. Mangle promises that there will be more money once the job is done.

Alej calls everyone to Dena’s bedside. Dena dreams (she looks really beautiful in her dream). She is meeting Regina/Purina. She mutters that Regina has come for her. Alej asks Yumi to work her healing magic on Dena. He doesn’t want Dena to die. Yumi urges Al to talk to Dena, to tell her the things that she’d want to hear. Al tells Dena that he wants to start anew, to have children with her, he begs her not to die. Yumi joins into the mix. She asks Dena to believe that she would never hurt her and she mentions that she will be leaving, going on a trip. All the while Yumi is talking to Dena; Alej is posing beside the bed.

Olmos attempts to get into Mangle’s room at los de la Vega. Juan puts a stop to his plans. He tells Olmos that Dena is sick and Olmos does his best attempt to appear concerned.

Once Yumi is done talking to Dena, Alej demands to know about her trip. She says she’s going where Buffalo Blanca wants her to go. Yumi tells Al that there is darkness over the house, but it will soon pass. She tells Alej that the family must make sure to take care of each other.

Tag teaming, Diego pulls Yumi aside and he wants to know where she is going. She tells him that she’s got things to do.

Santiago counts his money. Mangle questions him as to why she ever loved him in the first place. They discuss how time changes things.

Olmos is impatient to be with Mangle. He talks to himself about how Selenia has made him handsome and that all his dreams are about to come true. He is tickled pink that Mangle is enchanted with him.

Diego goes to talk to Bernie. Bernie asks about Agapito and Diego says that he’s going to find him.

Alej holds Dena and cries for her. He tells her to return to him. Maria Pia and Dolores stand in the background, they are also crying. Dena dreams again, this time we get to see Regina.

Yumi is outside and she intends to find Regina/Purina. Yumi tells her sister that she’s waiting at the crossroads for her, that’s she’s ready to go with her. Meanwhile, Dena wakes up with a start and says that she’s left, Regina’s left.

Padre Tomás comes to los de la Vega. He visits Bernie and talks to Diego about the boys’ adventure in la selva. PT wonders about the mapdallion, and Diego brings him and the viewing audience up to speed. Diego also mentions that they found some of Esmeralda’s clothes. PT, ever the doubting Tomás, asks how Diego can be sure that those were Esme’s things and that she was on the ship that sunk and survived.

Esme, in the Amazon camp, has flashbacks to the all too familiar memories of her most romantic moments with Diego. Their theme song plays.

SAM and Camba have gotten clothes for Esme and they’ve managed to get the Count of Bracamonte to give them the necessary paperwork to continue with their plan of posing as nobility in order to meet with the Queen. SAM decides that Camba must learn Spanish and has the idea of “the word of the day.” He starts with vino (and just happens to have a bottle to get the vocab imbedded in Camba’s mind). Camba catches on quickly and SAM is sure they should celebrate with a drink or two.

Dolo asks PT to bless the home; she’s worried that bad things have been happening. Padre Tomás obliges. He then goes to check out the baby and remarks how he looks like Diego. This then segues into asking about Diego’s relationship with Mangle. Diego tells the priest that he’s asked Mangle for a separation and that Mangle poisoned Dena. PT doesn’t seem all that shocked. Diego also mentions that an old friend from military school is in town and that the friend mentioned to Mangle that Diego has great sword skills. PT wonders if Mangle has enough sense to suspect that Diego might indeed be Zorro.

Olmos visits Mangle in her room. He gives her news about Dena’s turn for the worse. Mangle is pleased, but she’s got other things on her mind. She hears the voice of Selenia saying that Olmos is attractive. The two give in to their passion. It gets a little steamy.

Diego introduces Santiago to Padre Tomás as PT leaves the hacienda. Diego then tells Santiago that it is dangerous outside the hacienda at night, so he suggests that he not wander about. SM asks if Zorro is one of the reasons it is so dangerous. Diego doesn’t answer. SM asks Diego to treat him to dinner and a drink. He then mutters that Diego has no idea how he’s been such a good friend.

Camba and SAM are drunk. SAM is being a sad drunk and he laments over the suffering his friend Diego de la Vega has done for his love of Esme. SAM then gets even sadder thinking about all the suffering that Esme has done since Montero took her baby away from her.

Things with Mangle and Olmos are full swing and just as Olmos reaches his climax, Mangle’s spell is broken. She goes ballistic on Olmos, pushes him off of her, and calls him all sorts of vile names. So there you go folks, we’ve been waiting for this union and although I can’t say it was anticlimactic, it wasn’t as intense as I thought it would be. I thought I’d get a few more laughs out of it, but I didn’t. However, I am glad that Mangle got a taste of her own medicine.

Monty and Pizarro are discussing the state of the city. Monty wants Piza to notice how calm everything is. The two men discuss their efforts to find out if Diego is Zorro. Piza says that he’s got men watching Diego’s every move—that right now he’s at the hacienda tending to an injured servant. Monty is excited, because soon they’ll know the truth about the whole Diego/Zorro thing.

Mangle’s rampage against Olmos has now headed outdoors. Conveniently, Monty and Piza are holding their conversation just outside the Sanchez home. Mangle, in hysterics, tells Monty to arrest Olmos and lock him up—he raped her. Monty is impactado.

The next day, Olmos is locked inside a cell and Mangle goes to see him. She is escorted to his cell by Monty, who decides to be protective. Monty tells Olmos that if he touches Mangle, he’ll kill him. Monty gives Mangle a kiss goodbye and Mangle plays it up to bother Olmos. Once they are alone, Mangle demands that Olmos tell her what he gave to her. He’s not telling, but he does let her know that she treated him terribly for so long and that he finally was able to make her his. He tells her that he’ll never forget that and neither will she. Mangle tells him that all she’ll remember is the disgust she feels for him.

Diego and Alej are eating breakfast and they rehash about how Yumi helped both Dena and Bernie. Alej wants to talk about Mangle; he noticed that she left the hacienda the day before. Diego tells his father that Mangle was the one who was poisoning Dena. Al is shocked and can’t understand why she would do something like that to her own aunt. Diego tells Alej that Mangle is capable of doing anything and that’s why he sent her away---to protect his son and the rest of the family from her. Alej questions what Diego is going to do about the poisoning. Diego tells him that since the authorities in LA are corrupt, there is no point (and since Mangle is in bed (literally and figuratively) with Montero, what’s the point---but Diego doesn’t know that yet). Diego tells his dad about the separation agreement that he’s trying to work out with Mangle. Maria Pia arrives at this point and drops the bomb that Sara Kali is alive and she spills the beans on the plans that the gypsies have for crashing the masquerade ball. Alej says it will be dangerous, but he’s willing to help. Diego looks intrigued.

Renzo and Ana Camila (NAC) arrive back at the gypsy camp. They’ve gotten the forged invites to the ball. Everyone is happy that things are falling into place.

PT is hearing confessions in the booth and Fernando, dressed in his monk’s robe, comes into the booth. Fernando begins to tell that he’s done terrible things and hopes that God will forgive him. PT tells him that God forgives all, as long as a person is truly repentant. Fernando identifies himself to PT, and PT is surprised.

Diego goes to see Bernie. He tells Bernie all the latest info on Sara Kali. Diego tells him that he’s going to need to get well soon because he’ll need Bernie’s help.

PT and FS are now having a face-to-face confession. Fernando tells the good priest how Brother Aaron saved him and then ordained him as a brother. Now, Fernando says, he’s going to devote his life to God as a way to seek forgiveness for all the things he’s done and to make amends to all the people he’s hurt. He asks PT to help him; to intercede with los de la Vega. He wants to seek their forgiveness personally, but doesn’t think that they’ll accept it. Padre Tomás tells Fernando that he doesn’t need him to intercede, if he’s truly repentant he can go to them on his own. God will help him find the way.

The Queen is reviewing her correspondences. She’s gotten a letter from the Contessa Bracamonte, seeking an audience with her. TQ tells el Duco that the contessa has the nicest house in town. TQ wants to send CB an invitation to the ball, but DJ is suspect. The Queen is insistent and it seems that Esme’s got her way in.

Esme leaves the Amazons. She thanks the women for all that they’ve taught her---how to fight and how to straighten your hair in the middle of the jungle without the aid of electricity and a flat iron. SSA tells Esme that she’s one of them now and will always be welcomed back. They give Esme a knife as a parting gift.

Santiago invites Diego to have a round of swordplay. Diego says that he’s really rusty and not very interested. SM won’t take no for an answer and they begin to spar. Diego feigns sword inability, but SM knows better. He starts to question Diego about his ideals. They reminisce about Paris and the whole “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité” concept. Santiago cuts to the chase, and asks Diego if he is Zorro. END OF EPISODE

Labels: Zorro

Labels: Zorro

EPISODE 96 - June 28, 2007: (Finales Capitulos)
* Monty laughs at MA for saying D is Z -- she's serious, he thinks it's ridiculous. She tells him what Santiago Michelin said to her about D's swordsmanship and military training in Spain and his experience in Europe. Monty still can't believe it - she continues on with Santiago's description of D in Europe - sounds exactly like Zorro. Monty is muy impactado.

* Santiago stops D, still in his caked muddy duds at the gate. D is mortified by Santiago telling MA about his past schooling and experiences in Spain. Santiago is sorry and wonders why all the secrecy. D explains briefly that his life in Los Angeles is quite different than his life in Spain, he wants to keep a low profile and just work on the hacienda with his father. Santiago says he understands and will help however D wants. Then Santiago asks D for housing and food at the hacienda with the promise to keep quiet.

* MA continues with the D - Z comparison, according to the description by Santiago Michelin. Monty is so impactado by even the thought he tries to condone the image as lies by Santiago to confuse her. MA is frustrated and tells Monty if he doesn't want to believe that D is Z, that's his problem to deal with. MA then goes on to use the prison escape and torture by D as proof that D is Z, she also brings up their son. Monty tells her to keep vigilent watch over D and let him know D's movements. Monty wants to catch D/Z.

* D runs into room, B is shivering under his bedsheet. D wonders where Agapito went to and left B like this. B signals that he was taken by Piza's soldiers. D can't believe that; he tells B not to worry, he will go get Dolly and be back soon. D leaves.

* Soldiers take bound and gagged Agapito to the forest where Piza waits. Piza dismisses the men. Piza takes off gag from Agapito - Agapito starts crying and pleading for pity and his life. Piza whips out his small knife and holds it to Aga's throat. Aga is scared; Piza wants to know what he did with SK's body; he demands to know. Aga cries, wails, and finally tells Piza that she is indeed alive.

* Leo reports to Monty; Monty orders vigilent watch around governor's palace for Zorro. Leo asks if anything else - Monty tells him about SK - they will keep watch for her also. Monty tells Leo that no one is to tell Duke Jacomo anything about these developments. Leo promises to keep quiet. Monty has premonition that this ball could turn into a chaotic bloodbath quickly. Leo leaves. Monty thinks to himself about MA's discovery and if he can actually prove D is Z, he has a way to get rid of D and his whole darn family. (he chuckles)

(cue credits and theme song)

* MP sits for tea at a restaurant with Cami and Renzo. Cami fills MP in on her happy marriage and life with Renzo and the gypsies. MP tells Cami her good news of her upcoming wedding, not to Fernando. MP invites them to her wedding - Renzo happily accepts. Cami then asks MP for a huge favor.

* D finds Santiago outside and asks him to take care of his friend, he has a fever and the surgeon was arrested. Santiago makes a sarcastic wisecrack; D isn't amused. Santiago agrees to watch over D's sick friend; D starts to walk away; Santiago asks for some money for food for him and the friend. D reluctantly gives him some coins and leaves. Santiago mutters to himself - well it's a start, first the favor then maybe some food and shelter later. Santiago bounds upstairs to check on this sick friend of D's.

* MA is with nanny Dolly, caring for little Alejandro. Dolly is going on and over over Alejandrito's appetite and demeanor (just like his daddy's). MA asks where D is; Dolly says with B, on hacienda business. MA starts digging for information on D's childhood behavior. As Dolly mentions all the virtues D has had forever, MA laughs and hopes little Alejandrito will have the same virtues. MA bends close to the little baby, sniffs and tells Dolly to change the little boy's diapers. MA leaves. Dolly sits and plays with the baby.

* Cami and Renzo explain SK is with the gypsies, they are asking PT for his help with plan, they explain that SK is Esmy's mother - MP knows that much - as they talk, MP agrees to help them however they wish. Cami asks her for help in getting them an invitation to the masquerade ball.

* Olmos (handsome, no hump) walks MA into bedroom and gives her report. MA is upset over her inheritance dwindling down to only two lousy old mansions in Madrid and one in Barcelona. Olmos explains about the debt-load her father amassed that had to be paid off. She thinks he's a "pinchon" - he suavely mentions and vows his loyalty and devotion to her and will help her make investments to grow back her fortune. She laughs. They kiss. She mentions her plan to get the de la Vega fortune. He asks for more information; she shrugs the question off and starts to kiss him.

* D, after cleaning up and changing, finds Dolly and Dena with little Alejandro. D tells Dolly she needs to come with him immediately, B is sick and needs help. Dena panics and wants details. D makes up a story about how B and Agapito were caught in a barrage of arrows - B was struck with two - D says Dolly needs to come now. Dena takes the baby from Dolly so Dolly can leave. D asks about MA - Dolly says she was asking for him - he thinks about it and then says he will talk to her later. They leave quickly.

* As MA and Olmos are kissing on the bed, they hear D and Dolly outside. MA runs to the window and watches as D and Dolly climb into carriage cart. She wonders where they are going in a hurry. Olmos (with hump) comes up with explanation/opinion. She turns back around to Olmos (without hump again) and asks about the notion that D is really Z. Olmos laughs and says it's impossible. She won't say where she got that silly notion. Olmos leaves. MA stands wondering.

* Esmy and her Amazon pals play "keep away with the ball" at the river edge. They go for a run through the forest. Dania comes to Esmy to tell her they will help her to confront her enemies in Los Angeles.

* MA enters D's room, searching for proof that D is really Z. She looks around the room, in the closet, she starts looking at the books on the shelf and stops as she looks at the red-bound books. She mutters if it is true, Diego, that you are really Zorro, you will pay for your contempt.

* On route to B, Dolly gets D to tell her the truth over B's injuries. D also reveals that MA is responsible for poisoning Dena. Dolly is muy impactado.

* Cami thanks MP for the help. Renzo explains to MP this is a very dangerous assignment. MP realizes it and still wants to help get the invitation for them. Cami tells her the meeting place at the specific posada in town. MP excuses herself to continue doing wedding preparations. MP leaves. Cami and Renzo share a kiss.

* On street, MP walks up to a poor friar seated at a doorway. She offers him money and a prayer. He pulls back his hood and she's spooked with the sight of Don Fernando. She runs away. He just sits there and watches and ponders the moment in silence.

* Esmy has wrestling match in Amazons hut.

* Dolly and D return to B's place. Santiago gives D and Dolly report on B's condition - feverish and shaking - Santiago asks why B doesn't talk. D explains he's mute. Dolly on glance says she was going to put oranges on his ears to help relieve the fever. Santiago is the bearer of gloom and doom about a couple cases in Spain where feverish people died because their brains fried up. D was polite and told Santiago to shut up. D introduces Dolly to Santiago. Dolly tells D to get the faith-healer. D runs out, Santiago follows. Dolly stays to care for B.

* D is at the gate, Santiago catches up with him to talk. D doesn't want to talk, doesn't think Santiago really can help. Santiago continues to talk. D reluctantly asks Santiago to accompany him to the faith healer and later he will take Santiago to the hacienda.

* MP stops to catch breath and collect her thoughts after coming in direct contact with friar Fernando. Fer still sits on the door stop and stares at her. Alfonso finds her on the street and asks what's wrong; MP says it's nothing, don't worry; Alfonso says if she's worried, he will be interested too. She wants to go home - he asks her to accompany him to a concert event that night - she agrees - they walk away together. Fer watches them walk away.

* With knife to throat and threat of death, Agapito stammers to confess the whole true story to Piza about how he helped SK survive and where she is now. Piza is furious for being tricked by Agapito and now he says Agapito must die. Agapito cries. Piza gets his gun from the holster on the saddle. Agapito hits Piza on the back of the head and Piza falls down on the ground, unconscious. Agapito panics and decides to find "Zorro" to help him.

* Toby follows Cata to the kitchen. He annoys her and badgers her about her relationship with Piza. He's jealous - she tells him she broke it off with Piza. He doesn't believe her and tells her if she continues to be with Piza, he will never sleep or touch her again. Cata laughs and mentions tells Toby that it's been months since he has even touched her in anyway. She leaves offended. He mutters about Piza ruining his life and marriage under his breath.

* Piza regains consciousness and stands up. He grumbles that Agapito will die - he will kill him.

* At the river bank, Esmy tells Dania about her and her mother's suffrage stories. Dania gives her encouragement.

* Faith healer does the ancient prayer ritual around B, still laying on his bed shaking. Santiago is skeptical. D explains the ritual and what it is suppose to do. Santiago bugs D with commentary. D leaves, Santiago follows. Dolly stays to watch/observe.

* Out at gate, D calls out to soldier. He asks if the soldier has heard or seen Agapito. Soldier hasn't; Aga hasn't even been at the prison. Soldier leaves. Santiago remarks about the strangeness of the town - D comments - Santiago makes a remark about D's life and says good to see you again and leaves. D grins and shakes his head about seeing Santiago again - D also wonders where Agapito is.

* Toby is sleeping in the chair in the kitchen. Agapito knocks on the door and wakes Toby up. Toby puts on his glasses and lets Agapito inside. Aga needs help; Toby thinks he needs a loan and refuses to give him one. Aga says no it's about the true queen and Piza; Aga helped the queen escape. Toby is intrigued and curious; Aga explains that Piza is furious and Aga needs Zorro to help protect him.

* D and Santiago find MA by fireplace at hacienda. D tells MA that Santiago has a tendency to exaggerate stories so take what he said before about D in Spain with a 'grain of salt'. Santiago formally greets her. MA salutes him. D says Santiago will be a guest at the hacienda for awhile. MA is delighted to have a guest at the house. Juan enters and asks about B. D gives a brief note to him; then asks Juan to prepare a room for Santiago, their guest. Juan leaves. Alej enters and asks D about B. D gives a brief update to his dad, then introduces Santiago. D and MA leave to have a private conversation.

* Jacomo and ML discuss Fer's abandonment of his post as governor. As Queen, ML has the responsibility to name a replacement. ML wants Alej to fill the position; Jacomo suggests Monty, due to his military experience. ML says that Alej has more than enough military experience as well as his undying loyalty through the years to the crown. Jacomo mentions the problems that currently exist between Alej and Monty. ML says if Monty has problems, he has to get over them himself - Alej will be his boss and he has to deal with it. ML tells Jacomo to draw up the papers. Jacomo excuses himself and leaves. ML grins.

* D confronts MA about the poison that she once tried on him she used to kill her own aunt Dena. MA is offended by the accusation of attempting to murder her own aunt. She defends her skillfully. D doesn't believe her; he wants an immediately and permanent separation - he will keep their son with him at the hacienda however she is to pack up and leave immediately. She's muy impactado.

* Dania and others sharpen their weapons by the campfire. Warrior guard runs back saying someone's coming. They stand and aim their bows and arrows in the direction of the path. Garcia and Camba approach waving a white flag. Esmy tells them it's okay, she knows the men. Dania tells everyone to drop their weapons. Garcia tells Camba to stay put on the path - the ladies are Amazons. Camba stays on the path. Garcia approaches Esmy apologizes for returning but he had to return with some important news. Queen ML will be hosting a masquerade ball and he thinks it will be the perfect place for Esmy to reappear and seek her revenge. Esmy is intrigued by the news.

Labels: Zorro