Caray, Caray!

Narcissism is one of the most common mental disorders of telenovela villains.  Many people have a very simplistic definition of it:  Muhammad Ali.  His "I am the greatest" is how many people see narcissism.  The sad truth is that it's far more complex than that.

Narcissists see themselves as the center of the universe.  Everyone else exists for their purposes and once they cease to satisfy them, they either become evil or non-existent.  They are incapable of dealing with their own faults and assign them to others as a way of ridding themselves of them.  In extreme form they can be diagnosed with Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

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Labels: amor, bravio, Fuego, QBA, robo, telenovelas, weekend

We've referenced this before, but with the recent incidents in Lo Que La Vida Me Robo, Mentir Para Vivir, and even the attempted rape in De Que Te Quiero Te Quiero we can't help but wonder whether novelas in general are going down a slippery slope that can't be tilted back.

In a previous discussion on this issue we seem to have come to the consensus that the rise of the narco stories came from the networks' desire to get more male viewers.  I don't know whether that's been working for them, but edgier has been the order of the day in all television and we need to ask ourselves whether there should be a limit.  In the US there is an irrational fear of sexual content in ad-supported television which until relatively recently hasn't affected the Spanish-language networks very much.  We're complaining here -- and justifiably -- when we become aware of hot love scenes being censored because they are censoring mostly scenes that show couples who actually love each other and actors who have the right chemistry to do scenes like that.  Why are television networks so afraid of the conservative moral watchdogs who -- if they were truly what they say they are -- aren't even watching these programs and theoretically shouldn't care about them?  These people don't control all the money in this country although they are trying hard.  We should not allow them to get a foothold into our private lives.

Why instead are they not censoring violence?  Violence is the real obscenity in modern society and the constant exposure to it takes away much of its shock value.  The occasional violent scene with bruises, bloodshed, etc., can be powerful; too many such and people will begin to shrug it off.  Is this some unconscious Darwinian element nobody has identified?

Villains are also becoming more perverse as we continue down this path. Porque el Amor Manda gave us a female villain who emotionally abused her own child (as in 5 years old in the opening of the story), Amor Bravio had a male villain who raped his own niece, even planning it so that it happened just as she became mayor de edad, and a sexual blackmailer forcing the heroine into her Tosca moment (as an opera fan I sometimes wish she would have taken the same action).   LQLVMR and PSMA are currently giving us villains of such extreme sociopathy they're making our flesh crawl.  Not an episode goes by on this blog that someone doesn't comment on that.

At the moment in a series like LQLVMR violence is the price tag we're paying for the otherwise good writing and the chemistry of the two leads.  I'm not ready to walk away from such a situation, but if Televisa reads this blog, this is to let them know that there is only so much violence we should be able to tolerate in the name of ratings.

Sound off, amigos.

Labels: bravio, Manda, mentir, robo, te-quiero, telenovelas, weekend

Anthony Comstock, Father of Modern Censorship

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Labels: Alborada, bravio, no-podia, QBA, robo, telenovelas, weekend

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Labels: Alborada, amor, bravio, Fuerza, mentir, no-podia, pecado, robo, telenovelas, triunfo, weekend

We don't get enough animals in telenovelas that are characters.  We saw many prize bulls [Salud!] in Amor Bravio, horses in others, but rarely do these animals have names or enough screen time.  Animals are such big parts of many of our lives it's hard to believe that more novela characters don't have pets.  The mascotas in novelas, though, are often amusing and endearing.

In El Cuerpo del Deseo, the hero had a dog who was smart enough to spot his master after his spirit changed bodies (Dog may actually be star Mario Cimarro's dog):


Cuando Me Enamoro had a beautiful horse named Gitana that was much beloved by the heroine:
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Labels: Amores, bravio, Cuando, cuerpo, eva, familia, Fuego, Fuerza, Indomable, Manda, QBA, telenovelas, weekend

One of the things I love about novelas is the kitchen scenes.  The kitchens of the mansions and haciendas all look like such welcoming places, full of Andalucian tile and gorgeous produce on the tables that one of the first things I would do if I won a huge lottery is buy a house large enough to have a kitchen like that.

We often note the food because hospitality is a dictate of the ancient gods and because it often demonstrates the relationship of the characters who are sharing the food.  We all fell in love with the cooking scenes in Amor Bravio that showed the bonding of Viviana and Rafael and the love between Piedad and her daughter.  The waitress in last night's restaurant scene in Que Bonito Amor explaining the dish she served Santos was clearly proud of it and of her country's cuisine.  She had a most welcoming attitude.  Gala of Un Refugio Para El Amor and Veronica in Porque el Amor Manda use food as a weapon of control; I cringe at the possibility that Valentina will have eating disorders when she's older.

So..... do you enjoy cooking?  Do you get creative with it?  Do you favor any particular cuisine?  Do you have a signature dish you contribute to potlucks and other parties?  Do you watch anything on the Food Network?

Finally, do you have a favorite food scene from a novela (just to keep this from being totally off-topic)?

Labels: bravio, Manda, QBA, refugio, telenovelas, weekend

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Labels: bravio

Gran Final Hour 2 - Parte 1
Capítulo #167

Lo Del Pasado:

When we'd last left DanCam and their posse, Dionisio had just called Daniel to negotiate with him over getting his baby daughter in exchange for his night of passion with Camila and the relinquishing of the ownership of La Malquerida. Camila had decided to help save his baby daughter by giving into Dio’s demands, though Daniel had absolutely forbidden it. Juarez gave them a workable game plan then to avoid Camila’s acceding to Dio’s obscene desires and demands.

Lo Del Nuevo:

At the hospital the ER doctor comes out and announces to Dan that Miriam is a bit up tight but she’s been given something to calm her down. Dan immediate asks about the aneurysm. The long awaited QTH? moment arrives as Dan explains why he’s confused and ER Doc informs them both and--of course--the entire waiting room of concerned friends and family that Miriam doesn’t have any aneurysm whatsoever and never did! ER Doc says he just did another battery of brain tests and is certain of it, in fact.

At the same time, Omar comes in to report to Dio in his hide-out that Issa had a run in with Leoncio who not only burned her hands to nubbins with acid, but also cut her tongue out like she’d done to him. The two share a couple of evil yuk-yuks over her inability now to speak and to ever testify against him or anyone else again. (Cara de muy disturbed de Viewerville. The only thing missing on Omar was a tinier tail, another pitchfork, his own set of horns!)

In the women’s prison’s clinic, Issa receives medical attention and then is released into the general population where, we note, she is dressed now in chic-est of prison dowdy. (Can’t help but wonder if those burned stumps will keep her from doing work assignments.) Issa overhears two inmates discussing how she’d murdered a priest, her own kid, and tried killing her new hubby, plus had planned on selling his ranch out from under him. They laugh at her being harmless now after being maimed [manca=handless, armless, legless, one-armed/one-legged….], delenguanated, and raped. She turns away from them and tears roll down her cheeks. (Viewerville slugs down a double shot of reposado and cheers. ¡Salud! Leoncerdo came through for us after all.)

Back in the hospital waiting area, Dan ‘n Cam deduce that Dr. Valtierra’s false diagnoses had to be Dio’s doing. Mariano suggests a case of blackmail or bribing Dr. Valtierra to get him to lie. ER Doc tells them if they want to lodge a complaint against him, feel free. “—Heck, yeah we’re going to lodge a complaint!!” Amanda and Osvaldo show up asking about Mir and the baby just as Dio calls back on Dan’s cell. Dan follows Juarez’s advice to refuse Cam as part of the deal since Dio has to hand over the M.Q. to Estevez in twenty-four hours or else. He puts the call on speaker and everyone there hears his demands to exchange the kidnapped baby for Cam and the M.Q.. Dan forces Dio to back down and to agree to accept only La Malquerida in exchange for Baby Aggie cuz he will not allow Cam to be part of the deal, period. However, Cam must drive the money there by herself and not dare contact the police! Dan insists afterwards that he’s going along for the ride to protect Cam anyway.
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Labels: bravio

Leo sneaks into Luzma and Pablo's room at La Malquerida,but has to content himself with sniffing her nightgown…gross!  He figures she's down in the kitchen, but she'll come up soon and he can surprise her.  Another nightgown snogger, this one is!

Rodolfo dreams of Natalia coming into his room to tell him she's been stupid and wishes she could have picked him and had the family she always wanted.  Rodolfo assures her it's not too late for love.  He wakes up before he can kiss her and is disappointed to realize it was only a dream.  He was so sure she was there.  Yet another rude awakening--Eleuterio comes barging in to tell him Augustina is dead.  "We have to hurry.  They're having the funeral here and we have to get things ready."

Piedad is likewise shocked to hear about Augustina.  Hipolito blames it on Dionisio.  Dorotea goes to get some candles.  Piedad says she's going  to Luzma's room, where she had left an image of the Virgen…and one malodorous, murderous sibling.


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Labels: bravio

Women’s Prison:  The crowd at on the prison yard is loud and chaotic.  Agustina takes the opportunity to climb the stairs of the water tower undetected. She stands in the dark at the top of the water tower, looks skyward and prays for forgiveness.  She tells the Great Deliverer In the Sky to forgive her – that she is doing this to save Camila from sacrificing her beloved ranch and the dignity of her own body to Demonic Dio.   Looking from the ground up to the tower, the crowd of prisoners watches horrified, as Agustina hurls herself from the top of the tower to the ground below.  The prisoners watch her fall to her demise, stunned into silence.   The yard remains silent for one moment longer.  Then all at once, there is a commotion among the prison comrades.  The mother-who-sacrificed-her-freedom-for-her-son prisoner tells the guards to hurry and call for help and call Agustina’s daughter that is what she wanted.  The guards push through the crowd to clear the area and to radio for medical assistance.  A suspicious guard questions the mother-who-sacrificed-her-freedom-for-her-son prisoner if she had knowledge about this in advance.  If so, she scolds her, this tragedy could have been avoided.  Our prisoner replies that this was Agustina’s final wish. She adds that her cellmate Carmela has a letter that Agustina wrote and it is to be delivered immediately to her daughter Camila.  The crowd is being cleared as as Agustina is splayed on the prison yard, blood trickling from her nose and mouth.

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Labels: bravio

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Labels: bravio

Capitulo 163: There Will Be Blood, Sweat, and Tears

Lo del pasado

Piedad tells Pablo that Luzma stayed with Natalia the night before to help her prepare; Eleuterio and Rodolfo slack off with some tequila and sympathy, Hipolito begins his new job, Amanda announces that the wedding will not take place.
Lo de nuevo:

Iglesia, Outside: Amanda delivers the apology announcement to their guests.

Amanda: I ask for everyone's attention, please. We are gathered today for the wedding of Natalia and Yago. I'm grateful that you are all here, but at the same time I must offer you an apology. [This gets suspicious expressions on the faces of Iago and Dionicio] because the wedding will not take place. (Camila has a curious expression)
Dionicio (angry): Why will the wedding not take place?
Iago: Why, Amanda?
Amanda: Because Natalia discovered what class of man she had for a father and also what she would have for a husband. (musical crash) Therefore, there is no wedding. Natalia is now in a place where neither of you will ever find her.
Dionicio: Tell me where my daughter is.
Amanda (firmly): No. Neither of you have any rights over her because Natalia hates you. Never did she take the name 'Ferrer' don't you know? Neither will she call you “Father” again.
Iago: Dionicio may not have rights over Natalia but I do because she is expecting my child. [Note, Iagho, that there will be consequences for that public declaration.]
Amanda: Ay, Iago, do you think you will be a good father? That you're interested in this baby? You rejected this baby when you found out she was pregnant! If you changed your mind it wasn't because of love for the baby or for my daughter; it was because of Dionicio's threats.
Iagho: I don't know what you're talking about, Señora.
Amanda: Don't pretend, Iago. Natalia heard you. You and Dionicio talking about your “deal.”
Mariano (beginning to get suspicious): What deal are you talking about, Amanda? (turning to Iago) Iago, answer me. (Iago looks at the ground)
Amanda: Iago sold himself to Dionicio, Mariano. (Cayetano looks shocked and upset. Isadora watches intently) He accepted money and luxuries to marry Natalia and alienate her from me.
Mariano (sternly): Is this the truth, Iago?
Dionicio (indignantly): Of course not!
Amanda: Yes, it is! (Camila looks over at Dionicio) It doesn't matter to me how much you and Iago deny it because Natalia, thank God, opened her eyes just in time. [Cayetano really looks as though he needs to sit down while Isadora pretends to be supportive] Because of this she has left here never to return. [String section flourish into a musical crash and all stare at Amanda as though she were Renée Fleming finishing an aria.]


Commune in Chiapas: We travel down a lovely river, spot a beautiful waterfall, and see the community greet Aaron on his return. He is accompanied by Luzma and Natalia; they have one rolling suitcase each. He introduces the two girls to them, saying they are there to find peace. The women offer to help them settle in and Aaron says they will eat together later. They thank him, Luzma saying that she hopes her mother and Pablo will understand. He tells them that Amanda will see to that.

Iglesia, Outside: El Diablo will not go down easily in any arena.

Dionicio: This will not end like this, Amanda. Nobody makes me look ridiculous. This is about my daughter and I have all the right in the world to know where she is!
Amanda: Because of your attitude, stubbornness, and evil you have lost any rights you could had over her.
Dionicio: You are very mistaken. You better tell me this minute where she is or I will – [We think he means to say “kill you” as he charges in at her.] (Camila and the other women step forward to shield Amanda while Osvaldo, Daniel, and Mariano run up to grab Dionicio. Daniel and Mariano grab him from either side and pull him back. Multiple utterances as Osvaldo goes to Amanda's side.)
Osvaldo: Unfortunately, this man has only knows how to do evil, but this time he [???] because you've lost, Dionicio!
Dionicio (struggling): Let go of me!
Camila (pointing): Leave, Dionicio. You better leave. Leave, por favor.
Padre Anselmo (striding in with robes floating like an avenging angel's wings): This is a house of God! It is for all but I cannot permit a scandalous scene. If you cannot respect that I – along with Camila – ask that you leave.
Dionicio (with calculated calm): Let go of me! (a slight pause, and they do. He stares at both Mariano and Daniel, meeting his eyes, then exits without further ranting)
Osvaldo: Good. Very good, Amanda! You did well, my love; I am so proud of you. You confronted this man to defend your daughter tooth and nail.
Amanda: Thanks. Thanks, my love. (turns to Daniel) Thanks, Daniel. (Daniel hugs her, kisses her forehead, and she leans into him.)
Mariano (shoving Iago away from their father): Once more I'm ashamed of you, Iago. How are you capable of doing this to Natalia? Don't try to deny it because the evidence is here.
Iago: I had to do it.
Mariano: No, you didn't. You're not getting away with this.
Iago: It's true, Mariano. I had no choice. Dionicio sent his men after me. They pulled me out of my car and threatened to kill me. If I didn't comply I'd be in the next world.
Mariano: Why didn't you tell me? Why didn't you denounce this man? (Amanda and Osvaldo approach) The other day I told you he was dangerous and you shouldn't be anywhere near himl, but you said nothing. On the contrary, you went out to meet with him.
Iago: I tell you I had no alternative.
Amanda: Yes, you did, Iago. Yes. Because as Mariano said you could have denounced him. But not only didn't you do that you accepted gifts and luxuries like that watch you're wearing. (looks at it. Mariano picks up Iago's left hand)
Mariano (as Iago jerks his hand away): Is this true?
Iago: Leave me alone. I've been humiliated enough with Natalia not showing up and planting me like this with her accusations and claims. [reclamos]
Amanda: Fortunately, my daughter didn't marry you. (walks away with Osvaldo)
Mariano: Never did I think you would be capable of sinking this low. (Iago walks away, with Mariano staring a hole into his back.)

Amanda hands letters to Piedad and Pablo to explain Luzma's absence. As she leaves, Daniel stops her long enough to tell her how proud he is of Natalia for this. He now understands the conversation from the other day was a farewell. He tells her he will talk to her later and bids Osvaldo to take care of Amanda.

Viviana and Camila talk; neither expected this wedding to end this way. Or not happen, as is the case. Camila borrows Vivi's cell phone to call her own, which is in the hands of Hipolito.

El Diablo's Lair, Outside: The string section sees the danger and gives the appropriate leitmotif, building it step by step up the scale. Hipolito has skeleton keys, which he uses to open the gate, then the front door. An alarm sounds as he opens the door and he runs around the corner without closing either the door or the gate. He answers the cell phone. Camila warns him that the wedding was canceled and it's likely that El Diablo will return promptly to his lair. He apologises, saying the alarm sounded as soon as he got the door open so he ran. He doesn't have the documents she needs. She tells him not to worry and to get back to La Malquerida. She looks worried as she ends the call.

Iglesia, Jardin: Piedad and Pablo sit on benches reading Luzma's letters. She aplogises for the manner in which she did this but needed to take advantage of Natalia's departure to go to a place where she can find peace and safety. She can have neither while Leoncerdo is still at large. She tells her mother to marry Hipolito and be happy. She tells Pablo to see a lawyer for a divorce so he can be free and suggests he take a long trip. The tone of both letters sounds like she has no intention of returning. They both cry, then run back to Amanda to ask where she is. She tells them she can't tell them anything other than that Luzma is safe. Camila interjects that it's important for their peace of mind that Pablo know whether she is alone or with Natalia; Amanda says the girls are together. They had told her not to tell where and she needs to respect their wishes. She takes leave of them. Daniel concludes that it's better this way until Leoncerdo is dealt with. Pablo starts to run off, but Mariano catches up with him for a man-hug and offering his help, being the strong big brother he is.

Iglesia, Interior: Piedad enters to pray to the Virgencita. Amanda follows her in to tell her that Luzma is with Natalia and Aaron in Chiapas. She couldn't tell her this in front of Pablo. She is sure that nobody can harm the girls there. Piedad thanks her and turns to the crucifix on the wall. Both women thank God. [We flies on the wall are hoping that nobody is eavesdropping on them.]

Reclusorio de Mujeres, Yard: Augustina talks to the younger of the two mothers she has met, who tries to reassure her that possibly Camila was trying to make her feel better and that Dionicio was just trying to jerk her chain with his threat to ravish her daughter. She is incredulous that this subhuman would actually do such a thing. Augustina wants to believe this, but doesn't look as though she can. She doesn't know what to think. She had begged Camila not to sacrifice the ranch, but there is no way for her to prevent this. “In truth, I would prefer to die than for my daughter to sacrifice herself.” The other woman tells her not to talk like this, but Augustina is desperate. “Do you know how it feels knowing that someone is about to rape your daughter? That wretch Dionicio would do it. I have to stop him. I have to do it if it's the last thing I do in this life.” As the music goes on in the minor key of mental anguish with some percussion accents she walks away from the other woman alone, staring at the sky.

Iglesia, Jardin: Cayetano sits on the bench, looking less alert than when they left La Buenaventura. [We wonder how Hissadora managed this.] He doesn't understand what Iagho did or why Natalia stood him up at the wedding. Hissadora tells him that Natalia discovered he was marrying her por interes and therefore ditched him. Cayetano doesn't get this, as Iagho has his share of La Buenaventura. Hissadora makes a comment about ambición, but then comments on how this made the family look ridiculous. She suggests they leave before the other people eat them alive. He gets up and they exit.

Mariano finds Rocio praying to the Virgen. He explains to her what this was all about, his hope that this has no effect on the baby, and she laments her earlier selfishness and what a bad example that was for Iagho. She is dying of shame over what he did. They decide to go home.

Cayetano says something about finding Iagho to give him a piece of his mind; Hissadora says he probably is back at the ranch and they start to leave. She thinks “Damn you, Iagho! It's your fault I can't kill Cayetano tonight as I planned.”

El Diablo's Lair, Outside: As they pull up in the black SUV, El Diablo asks what the police are doing in front of his house. Omar parks the car and exits, talking to the uniformed cops in front of the house. They tell him that they came in response to the alarm. They found the gate and the front door open but nobody is inside and nothing appears to have happened. “Are you sure?” he asks. “Yes. Your camera probably caught whatever happened. “ They suggest he check the recording. He assumes a calm demeanor, thanks them, then goes inside with Omar.

La Malquerida, Courtyard: Camila, Piedad, and Dorotea return to find Eleuterio and Rodolfo sitting in the same spot with an empty tequila bottle between them. She gets them to explain that. She then asks if Hipolito is back, but they haven't seen him. Dorotea says nothing but can see that something isn't right. Camila realizes that somehow they have been slacking and Eleuterio explains that Rodolfo was feeling bad because Natalia was marrying Iagho. Camila realizes they were drinking and tells them this was not the time or the place for it regardless of Natalia getting married... or not. Rodolfo gets a little more alert and asks why; Camila explains. Rodolfo asks where she is and they explain. Rodolfo wants to make fajitas out of Iagho, but Camila isn't taking any nonsense at this point. She orders them inside to have coffee and wake up because she needs them awake and alert. They apologise and start in the direction of the hacienda. Eleuterio comments to Rodolfo that since Natalia didn't marry Iagho... and Camila tells them to hurry up. The happy banda music ushers the guys off camera as Piedad looks with disapproval at the empty tequila bottle.

Commune, Luzma and Natalia's Quarters: Natalia isn't hungry; what should have been the happiest day of her life is one of the saddest. Luzma tells her she made the right decision. Natalia was imagining what the latest hours were like for her mother. But Luzma tells her she will help her take care of the baby and they'll be alright. It was an odd cuñada situation with her about to divorce Pablo as Natalia was about to marry Iagho and Natalia expresses concern that Iagho would try to claim their baby. Luzma tells her that Pablo would never permit him to do that. Luzma then asks her not to do for her child what Amanda had done. Don't invent a father that never existed. Don't say he's dead or that he was perfect. When the time comes, tell the truth. That you loved him but he not you, but that you are happy to have the child. Natalia tells her she is happy to be having the baby and she will be a successful single mother, like her own. [Grrrrr; methinks this lets too many men off the hook.] She then asks Luzma if she trusts Aaron's people to help her with her trauma. “not for Pablo, but for yourself.” Luzma says si and they hug.

Park Walkway: Pablo walks slowly, looking at the wedding picture on his cell phone. “Why did you renounce our love?” Other related questions, the sad renunciation song, and a few bars later he takes the letter out of his pocket again.

El Diablo's Lair, Study: El Diablo looks at his laptop for the recording from the front door security camera and sees Hipolito. “That's the chauffeur from La Malquerida.” “Are you sure, Master?” says his chief demon. “He was hear last night delivering flowers. He came to the door and Señorita Natalia let him in.” As he continues to watch other security recordings, including Natalia entering the study during the party he decides that she did this so they could rob him. “Natalia betrayed me. Leave me alone. Tell the police that unfortunately the cameras showed nothing.” Omar tries to change his mind, but doesn't get to complete a word. El Diablo tells him to leave him alone, so he does. As soon as he is out the door El Diablo makes a gesture of frustration, then rises from his desk and opens the door on the left of the sideboard behind him. There is a small safe in it. He punches in the code [Methinks it be 25257] and opens it. There is a pile of cash and the fake passports. No violent outburst so everything must be in place. He closes it, then turns back to the computer to see the recording of the day Augustina was standing outside the door of the study. He flashes back to removing the passports and the cash from the briefcase and locking them in the safe. “You thought to surprise me, but they were the ones surprised. This will have consequences for you, Camila. I'm sure you were behind this.” The horn section speaks of evil to come. He takes out his cell phone.

Cabaña: Camila looks at the photo of herself with Augustina and Ximena from the day that honored her tio and thinks about having to surrender her ranch and her body to El Diablo in order to free her mother. “Nobody must see, nobody must know, nobody can interfere.” Her cell phone rings and she answers. She listens with forced indifference as El Diablo tells her he knows what they tried to do. She asks whether Hipolito took anything.

Dionicio: So far, no. But everything depends on how you behave tonight. That will determine whether or not you get what you have demanded.
Camila: Ya, Dionicio, please let's be sensible. You'll have La Malquerida but why would you want to congress with a woman who despises you? Doesn't that matter to you?
Dionicio: Because I swear that for good or ill you will be mine. You had better be punctual and have a good attitude or you will add to the list of victims.

He ends the call and Camila looks truly defeated.

Laboratory Assistance Desk: Still clad in his traje de charro, Pablo arrives to pick up the results. He takes another look at the wedding photo on his cell as the receptionist fetches the envelope.

La Buenaventura, Study: Iagho takes off his jacket and tie as Hissadora watches him from the next room. She enters, telling him that his father wants to talk to him; he's very annoyed with him. He's upstairs in his room. Iagho gets defensive, blaming everything on El Diablo. She pretends to take his side by saying she understands. He seems to fall for it. Especially since she convinces him that between El Diablo and his own father he was being pressured. She suggests that he go away, take the trip that was planned as the honeymoon to put distance between himself and the issues. “Why don't you leave tonight?” “Alone?” “Well, you don't have to be alone long, do you?” She certainly knows how to play to this stepson's weak points.

Cabaña: Hipolito asks for another chance at El Diablo's lair, but Camila will not hear of it. She emphasizes the danger. She isn't – and can't be – sure that El Diablo will have her mother released before she surrenders La Malquerida but that will help prove that he is a swindler. Finally, she tells him not to tell anyone what really happened that day; that he was unable to get in and that he will try again tomorrow. Which will not happen. He reluctantly agrees.

El Diablo's Lair, Study: Estevez is in the guest chair, apologizing for the unfortunate timing but there is something he has to tell him. He met with the other shareholders and they convinced him he had to tell him something Hissadora didn't want him to know. It's a change to the entire deal. Hissadora is planning to leave him out of the part of the deal about La Buenaventura (which would make her the majority shareholder of the whole deal). They can't afford any more complications from this point on. Any more and they will take legal action against him and Black Widow Lazcano. As he tries to keep from exploding into an infernal ball of fire, El Diablo tells him not to worry, that he is well aware that Monday will be the final deadline. He will have everything ready. Estevez tells him he will expect him in his office at noon on Monday. He takes a last sip of his drink, wishes him a good evening, and exits. After the door is closed, El Diablo picks up his own drink, throws it at the chair, then paces in frustration. Scene-ender czrdas measure closes this little scene.

Hostal, Breakfast Room: Daniel and Amanda sit down to coffee, talking about how the events shocked not only El Diablo, but everyone else. He is still worried that the girls are alone without protection and Amanda worries us by telling him where they are. They will be together to take care of each other. Daniel realizes that this is why Aaron left when he did. Amanda is relieved that neither El Diablo nor Iagho can find Natalia. Daniel is sure she doesn't need to worry about Iagho, who never wanted to marry Natalia in the first place. It was only about El Diablo's threats. Daniel has a lightbulb moment when it occurs to him that if only Iagho would bring charges against El Diablo he can be arrested and Camila will not have to surrender her entire being to the devil. Amanda asks if he's sure Iagho will help, but he says he has to try. He gets up and exits to go over to La Malquerida. [Really, since time is at a premium now shouldn't he have called Mariano?]

La Malquerida, Kitchen: Piedad is very upset at how Luzma chose to leave. Hipolito tells her that it was easier to do this than to hear her begging her to stay. In due time she will be at peace when she doesn't have to worry about Leoncerdo or see Pablo. Piedad realizes he is right, and a few sentences later tells him she may have cancer. She will have the results on Monday.

Commune: Aaron introduces Luzma to an alternative therapist. Talk of how all therapies are not created equal and how this therapy is about her and her sense of inner peace, Pablo notwithstanding. Aaron tells her he wouldn't recommend this if he didn't think it might be effective. She agrees to try this.

La Buenaventura: Minor keys in the violins as we see Iagho in everyday clothes going over some papers. Mariano enters, enquiring about their father and Hissadora. Cayetano is upstairs in his room and Hissadora went out a little while ago. “Why?” Mariano relays what Pablo just called him about, that Hissadora had been poisoning their father with potassium. He checked the internet and it reported their father's exact symptoms (fatigue, lack of energy, memory loss) and soon he would have become a puppet [titere] she could manipulate however she wanted. Little do either of them realize that Hissadora is just outside the room eavesdropping and none of the three see that Leoncerdo is just outside the window also eavesdropping. “I see you want to kill Don Cayetano, beggar woman,” he thinks before slinking away. He doesn't hear that Pablo and Sherlock Juarez are on their way over to arrest her for attempted murder. Iagho -- and Hissadora -- son impactados.

¡No te pierdes los ultimos capitulos de este gran historia!

It's been a great pleasure to work on this series. I will be staying on for Que Bonito Amor, which has two of my favorite men, a good supporting cast, and – we hope – lots of good music. See you next Monday!




Capitulo 163: There Will Be Blood, Sweat, and Tears

Lo del pasado

Piedad tells Pablo that Luzma stayed with Natalia the night before to help her prepare; Eleuterio and Rodolfo slack off with some tequila and sympathy, Hipolito begins his new job, Amanda announces that the wedding will not take place.
Lo de nuevo:

Iglesia, Outside: Amanda delivers the apology announcement to their guests.

Amanda: I ask for everyone's attention, please. We are gathered today for the wedding of Natalia and Yago. I'm grateful that you are all here, but at the same time I must offer you an apology. [This gets suspicious expressions on the faces of Iago and Dionicio] because the wedding will not take place. (Camila has a curious expression)
Dionicio (angry): Why will the wedding not take place?
Iago: Why, Amanda?
Amanda: Because Natalia discovered what class of man she had for a father and also what she would have for a husband. (musical crash) Therefore, there is no wedding. Natalia is now in a place where neither of you will ever find her.
Dionicio: Tell me where my daughter is.
Amanda (firmly): No. Neither of you have any rights over her because Natalia hates you. Never did she take the name 'Ferrer' don't you know? Neither will she call you “Father” again.
Iago: Dionicio may not have rights over Natalia but I do because she is expecting my child. [Note, Iagho, that there will be consequences for that public declaration.]
Amanda: Ay, Iago, do you think you will be a good father? That you're interested in this baby? You rejected this baby when you found out she was pregnant! If you changed your mind it wasn't because of love for the baby or for my daughter; it was because of Dionicio's threats.
Iagho: I don't know what you're talking about, Señora.
Amanda: Don't pretend, Iago. Natalia heard you. You and Dionicio talking about your “deal.”
Mariano (beginning to get suspicious): What deal are you talking about, Amanda? (turning to Iago) Iago, answer me. (Iago looks at the ground)
Amanda: Iago sold himself to Dionicio, Mariano. (Cayetano looks shocked and upset. Isadora watches intently) He accepted money and luxuries to marry Natalia and alienate her from me.
Mariano (sternly): Is this the truth, Iago?
Dionicio (indignantly): Of course not!
Amanda: Yes, it is! (Camila looks over at Dionicio) It doesn't matter to me how much you and Iago deny it because Natalia, thank God, opened her eyes just in time. [Cayetano really looks as though he needs to sit down while Isadora pretends to be supportive] Because of this she has left here never to return. [String section flourish into a musical crash and all stare at Amanda as though she were Renée Fleming finishing an aria.]


Commune in Chiapas: We travel down a lovely river, spot a beautiful waterfall, and see the community greet Aaron on his return. He is accompanied by Luzma and Natalia; they have one rolling suitcase each. He introduces the two girls to them, saying they are there to find peace. The women offer to help them settle in and Aaron says they will eat together later. They thank him, Luzma saying that she hopes her mother and Pablo will understand. He tells them that Amanda will see to that.

Iglesia, Outside: El Diablo will not go down easily in any arena.

Dionicio: This will not end like this, Amanda. Nobody makes me look ridiculous. This is about my daughter and I have all the right in the world to know where she is!
Amanda: Because of your attitude, stubbornness, and evil you have lost any rights you could had over her.
Dionicio: You are very mistaken. You better tell me this minute where she is or I will – [We think he means to say “kill you” as he charges in at her.] (Camila and the other women step forward to shield Amanda while Osvaldo, Daniel, and Mariano run up to grab Dionicio. Daniel and Mariano grab him from either side and pull him back. Multiple utterances as Osvaldo goes to Amanda's side.)
Osvaldo: Unfortunately, this man has only knows how to do evil, but this time he [???] because you've lost, Dionicio!
Dionicio (struggling): Let go of me!
Camila (pointing): Leave, Dionicio. You better leave. Leave, por favor.
Padre Anselmo (striding in with robes floating like an avenging angel's wings): This is a house of God! It is for all but I cannot permit a scandalous scene. If you cannot respect that I – along with Camila – ask that you leave.
Dionicio (with calculated calm): Let go of me! (a slight pause, and they do. He stares at both Mariano and Daniel, meeting his eyes, then exits without further ranting)
Osvaldo: Good. Very good, Amanda! You did well, my love; I am so proud of you. You confronted this man to defend your daughter tooth and nail.
Amanda: Thanks. Thanks, my love. (turns to Daniel) Thanks, Daniel. (Daniel hugs her, kisses her forehead, and she leans into him.)
Mariano (shoving Iago away from their father): Once more I'm ashamed of you, Iago. How are you capable of doing this to Natalia? Don't try to deny it because the evidence is here.
Iago: I had to do it.
Mariano: No, you didn't. You're not getting away with this.
Iago: It's true, Mariano. I had no choice. Dionicio sent his men after me. They pulled me out of my car and threatened to kill me. If I didn't comply I'd be in the next world.
Mariano: Why didn't you tell me? Why didn't you denounce this man? (Amanda and Osvaldo approach) The other day I told you he was dangerous and you shouldn't be anywhere near himl, but you said nothing. On the contrary, you went out to meet with him.
Iago: I tell you I had no alternative.
Amanda: Yes, you did, Iago. Yes. Because as Mariano said you could have denounced him. But not only didn't you do that you accepted gifts and luxuries like that watch you're wearing. (looks at it. Mariano picks up Iago's left hand)
Mariano (as Iago jerks his hand away): Is this true?
Iago: Leave me alone. I've been humiliated enough with Natalia not showing up and planting me like this with her accusations and claims. [reclamos]
Amanda: Fortunately, my daughter didn't marry you. (walks away with Osvaldo)
Mariano: Never did I think you would be capable of sinking this low. (Iago walks away, with Mariano staring a hole into his back.)

Amanda hands letters to Piedad and Pablo to explain Luzma's absence. As she leaves, Daniel stops her long enough to tell her how proud he is of Natalia for this. He now understands the conversation from the other day was a farewell. He tells her he will talk to her later and bids Osvaldo to take care of Amanda.

Viviana and Camila talk; neither expected this wedding to end this way. Or not happen, as is the case. Camila borrows Vivi's cell phone to call her own, which is in the hands of Hipolito.

El Diablo's Lair, Outside: The string section sees the danger and gives the appropriate leitmotif, building it step by step up the scale. Hipolito has skeleton keys, which he uses to open the gate, then the front door. An alarm sounds as he opens the door and he runs around the corner without closing either the door or the gate. He answers the cell phone. Camila warns him that the wedding was canceled and it's likely that El Diablo will return promptly to his lair. He apologises, saying the alarm sounded as soon as he got the door open so he ran. He doesn't have the documents she needs. She tells him not to worry and to get back to La Malquerida. She looks worried as she ends the call.

Iglesia, Jardin: Piedad and Pablo sit on benches reading Luzma's letters. She aplogises for the manner in which she did this but needed to take advantage of Natalia's departure to go to a place where she can find peace and safety. She can have neither while Leoncerdo is still at large. She tells her mother to marry Hipolito and be happy. She tells Pablo to see a lawyer for a divorce so he can be free and suggests he take a long trip. The tone of both letters sounds like she has no intention of returning. They both cry, then run back to Amanda to ask where she is. She tells them she can't tell them anything other than that Luzma is safe. Camila interjects that it's important for their peace of mind that Pablo know whether she is alone or with Natalia; Amanda says the girls are together. They had told her not to tell where and she needs to respect their wishes. She takes leave of them. Daniel concludes that it's better this way until Leoncerdo is dealt with. Pablo starts to run off, but Mariano catches up with him for a man-hug and offering his help, being the strong big brother he is.

Iglesia, Interior: Piedad enters to pray to the Virgencita. Amanda follows her in to tell her that Luzma is with Natalia and Aaron in Chiapas. She couldn't tell her this in front of Pablo. She is sure that nobody can harm the girls there. Piedad thanks her and turns to the crucifix on the wall. Both women thank God. [We flies on the wall are hoping that nobody is eavesdropping on them.]

Reclusorio de Mujeres, Yard: Augustina talks to the younger of the two mothers she has met, who tries to reassure her that possibly Camila was trying to make her feel better and that Dionicio was just trying to jerk her chain with his threat to ravish her daughter. She is incredulous that this subhuman would actually do such a thing. Augustina wants to believe this, but doesn't look as though she can. She doesn't know what to think. She had begged Camila not to sacrifice the ranch, but there is no way for her to prevent this. “In truth, I would prefer to die than for my daughter to sacrifice herself.” The other woman tells her not to talk like this, but Augustina is desperate. “Do you know how it feels knowing that someone is about to rape your daughter? That wretch Dionicio would do it. I have to stop him. I have to do it if it's the last thing I do in this life.” As the music goes on in the minor key of mental anguish with some percussion accents she walks away from the other woman alone, staring at the sky.

Iglesia, Jardin: Cayetano sits on the bench, looking less alert than when they left La Buenaventura. [We wonder how Hissadora managed this.] He doesn't understand what Iagho did or why Natalia stood him up at the wedding. Hissadora tells him that Natalia discovered he was marrying her por interes and therefore ditched him. Cayetano doesn't get this, as Iagho has his share of La Buenaventura. Hissadora makes a comment about ambición, but then comments on how this made the family look ridiculous. She suggests they leave before the other people eat them alive. He gets up and they exit.

Mariano finds Rocio praying to the Virgen. He explains to her what this was all about, his hope that this has no effect on the baby, and she laments her earlier selfishness and what a bad example that was for Iagho. She is dying of shame over what he did. They decide to go home.

Cayetano says something about finding Iagho to give him a piece of his mind; Hissadora says he probably is back at the ranch and they start to leave. She thinks “Damn you, Iagho! It's your fault I can't kill Cayetano tonight as I planned.”

El Diablo's Lair, Outside: As they pull up in the black SUV, El Diablo asks what the police are doing in front of his house. Omar parks the car and exits, talking to the uniformed cops in front of the house. They tell him that they came in response to the alarm. They found the gate and the front door open but nobody is inside and nothing appears to have happened. “Are you sure?” he asks. “Yes. Your camera probably caught whatever happened. “ They suggest he check the recording. He assumes a calm demeanor, thanks them, then goes inside with Omar.

La Malquerida, Courtyard: Camila, Piedad, and Dorotea return to find Eleuterio and Rodolfo sitting in the same spot with an empty tequila bottle between them. She gets them to explain that. She then asks if Hipolito is back, but they haven't seen him. Dorotea says nothing but can see that something isn't right. Camila realizes that somehow they have been slacking and Eleuterio explains that Rodolfo was feeling bad because Natalia was marrying Iagho. Camila realizes they were drinking and tells them this was not the time or the place for it regardless of Natalia getting married... or not. Rodolfo gets a little more alert and asks why; Camila explains. Rodolfo asks where she is and they explain. Rodolfo wants to make fajitas out of Iagho, but Camila isn't taking any nonsense at this point. She orders them inside to have coffee and wake up because she needs them awake and alert. They apologise and start in the direction of the hacienda. Eleuterio comments to Rodolfo that since Natalia didn't marry Iagho... and Camila tells them to hurry up. The happy banda music ushers the guys off camera as Piedad looks with disapproval at the empty tequila bottle.

Commune, Luzma and Natalia's Quarters: Natalia isn't hungry; what should have been the happiest day of her life is one of the saddest. Luzma tells her she made the right decision. Natalia was imagining what the latest hours were like for her mother. But Luzma tells her she will help her take care of the baby and they'll be alright. It was an odd cuñada situation with her about to divorce Pablo as Natalia was about to marry Iagho and Natalia expresses concern that Iagho would try to claim their baby. Luzma tells her that Pablo would never permit him to do that. Luzma then asks her not to do for her child what Amanda had done. Don't invent a father that never existed. Don't say he's dead or that he was perfect. When the time comes, tell the truth. That you loved him but he not you, but that you are happy to have the child. Natalia tells her she is happy to be having the baby and she will be a successful single mother, like her own. [Grrrrr; methinks this lets too many men off the hook.] She then asks Luzma if she trusts Aaron's people to help her with her trauma. “not for Pablo, but for yourself.” Luzma says si and they hug.

Park Walkway: Pablo walks slowly, looking at the wedding picture on his cell phone. “Why did you renounce our love?” Other related questions, the sad renunciation song, and a few bars later he takes the letter out of his pocket again.

El Diablo's Lair, Study: El Diablo looks at his laptop for the recording from the front door security camera and sees Hipolito. “That's the chauffeur from La Malquerida.” “Are you sure, Master?” says his chief demon. “He was hear last night delivering flowers. He came to the door and Señorita Natalia let him in.” As he continues to watch other security recordings, including Natalia entering the study during the party he decides that she did this so they could rob him. “Natalia betrayed me. Leave me alone. Tell the police that unfortunately the cameras showed nothing.” Omar tries to change his mind, but doesn't get to complete a word. El Diablo tells him to leave him alone, so he does. As soon as he is out the door El Diablo makes a gesture of frustration, then rises from his desk and opens the door on the left of the sideboard behind him. There is a small safe in it. He punches in the code [Methinks it be 25257] and opens it. There is a pile of cash and the fake passports. No violent outburst so everything must be in place. He closes it, then turns back to the computer to see the recording of the day Augustina was standing outside the door of the study. He flashes back to removing the passports and the cash from the briefcase and locking them in the safe. “You thought to surprise me, but they were the ones surprised. This will have consequences for you, Camila. I'm sure you were behind this.” The horn section speaks of evil to come. He takes out his cell phone.

Cabaña: Camila looks at the photo of herself with Augustina and Ximena from the day that honored her tio and thinks about having to surrender her ranch and her body to El Diablo in order to free her mother. “Nobody must see, nobody must know, nobody can interfere.” Her cell phone rings and she answers. She listens with forced indifference as El Diablo tells her he knows what they tried to do. She asks whether Hipolito took anything.

Dionicio: So far, no. But everything depends on how you behave tonight. That will determine whether or not you get what you have demanded.
Camila: Ya, Dionicio, please let's be sensible. You'll have La Malquerida but why would you want to congress with a woman who despises you? Doesn't that matter to you?
Dionicio: Because I swear that for good or ill you will be mine. You had better be punctual and have a good attitude or you will add to the list of victims.

He ends the call and Camila looks truly defeated.

Laboratory Assistance Desk: Still clad in his traje de charro, Pablo arrives to pick up the results. He takes another look at the wedding photo on his cell as the receptionist fetches the envelope.

La Buenaventura, Study: Iagho takes off his jacket and tie as Hissadora watches him from the next room. She enters, telling him that his father wants to talk to him; he's very annoyed with him. He's upstairs in his room. Iagho gets defensive, blaming everything on El Diablo. She pretends to take his side by saying she understands. He seems to fall for it. Especially since she convinces him that between El Diablo and his own father he was being pressured. She suggests that he go away, take the trip that was planned as the honeymoon to put distance between himself and the issues. “Why don't you leave tonight?” “Alone?” “Well, you don't have to be alone long, do you?” She certainly knows how to play to this stepson's weak points.

Cabaña: Hipolito asks for another chance at El Diablo's lair, but Camila will not hear of it. She emphasizes the danger. She isn't – and can't be – sure that El Diablo will have her mother released before she surrenders La Malquerida but that will help prove that he is a swindler. Finally, she tells him not to tell anyone what really happened that day; that he was unable to get in and that he will try again tomorrow. Which will not happen. He reluctantly agrees.

El Diablo's Lair, Study: Estevez is in the guest chair, apologizing for the unfortunate timing but there is something he has to tell him. He met with the other shareholders and they convinced him he had to tell him something Hissadora didn't want him to know. It's a change to the entire deal. Hissadora is planning to leave him out of the part of the deal about La Buenaventura (which would make her the majority shareholder of the whole deal). They can't afford any more complications from this point on. Any more and they will take legal action against him and Black Widow Lazcano. As he tries to keep from exploding into an infernal ball of fire, El Diablo tells him not to worry, that he is well aware that Monday will be the final deadline. He will have everything ready. Estevez tells him he will expect him in his office at noon on Monday. He takes a last sip of his drink, wishes him a good evening, and exits. After the door is closed, El Diablo picks up his own drink, throws it at the chair, then paces in frustration. Scene-ender czrdas measure closes this little scene.

Hostal, Breakfast Room: Daniel and Amanda sit down to coffee, talking about how the events shocked not only El Diablo, but everyone else. He is still worried that the girls are alone without protection and Amanda worries us by telling him where they are. They will be together to take care of each other. Daniel realizes that this is why Aaron left when he did. Amanda is relieved that neither El Diablo nor Iagho can find Natalia. Daniel is sure she doesn't need to worry about Iagho, who never wanted to marry Natalia in the first place. It was only about El Diablo's threats. Daniel has a lightbulb moment when it occurs to him that if only Iagho would bring charges against El Diablo he can be arrested and Camila will not have to surrender her entire being to the devil. Amanda asks if he's sure Iagho will help, but he says he has to try. He gets up and exits to go over to La Malquerida. [Really, since time is at a premium now shouldn't he have called Mariano?]

La Malquerida, Kitchen: Piedad is very upset at how Luzma chose to leave. Hipolito tells her that it was easier to do this than to hear her begging her to stay. In due time she will be at peace when she doesn't have to worry about Leoncerdo or see Pablo. Piedad realizes he is right, and a few sentences later tells him she may have cancer. She will have the results on Monday.

Commune: Aaron introduces Luzma to an alternative therapist. Talk of how all therapies are not created equal and how this therapy is about her and her sense of inner peace, Pablo notwithstanding. Aaron tells her he wouldn't recommend this if he didn't think it might be effective. She agrees to try this.

La Buenaventura: Minor keys in the violins as we see Iagho in everyday clothes going over some papers. Mariano enters, enquiring about their father and Hissadora. Cayetano is upstairs in his room and Hissadora went out a little while ago. “Why?” Mariano relays what Pablo just called him about, that Hissadora had been poisoning their father with potassium. He checked the internet and it reported their father's exact symptoms (fatigue, lack of energy, memory loss) and soon he would have become a puppet [titere] she could manipulate however she wanted. Little do either of them realize that Hissadora is just outside the room eavesdropping and none of the three see that Leoncerdo is just outside the window also eavesdropping. “I see you want to kill Don Cayetano, beggar woman,” he thinks before slinking away. He doesn't hear that Pablo and Sherlock Juarez are on their way over to arrest her for attempted murder. Iagho -- and Hissadora -- son impactados.

¡No te pierdes los ultimos capitulos de este gran historia!

It's been a great pleasure to work on this series. I will be staying on for Que Bonito Amor, which has two of my favorite men, a good supporting cast, and – we hope – lots of good music. See you next Monday!

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Mena,
Umm, did I tell you?!  Maja showed up?!   I told you she was waiting for the big lug (aka “The Perpetually Distraught and Distracted Dan) to vacate his side of the bed.  I know there are those who would prefer to see, shirtless jammie time with Dan, but I for one, appreciate a scene or two with our Furry Four-Legged Friend.
Dell


Dell,
You made your point.
Mena


Camila’s Cabana:  Camila wish bubbles her hope of putting Dio in jail and adds a prayer to the Virgencita for good measure.

Warehouse de LaBV:  LeoSordido skulks about looking for anything to swill or snort.  He finds some toxic solution and takes a swig no doubt hoping to catch a buzz – kerosene, paint thinner or whatever.  His brain can’t get any more toxic.  The BV Rancheros interrupt his buzz and he hides while they talk about his infamy.  They leave and he thought bubbles that he has no care if anyone likes him.  He has found a knife and some acid.  His greatest glory moment will be when he has IsaVibora in front of him and he can seek his long awaited revenge.    He gets his maniacal grin on as he steals away with his tools of torture.

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Cap. 157 - Parte 1

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Labels: bravio, Karmageddon, weekend

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