Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Weekend Discussion 11/27/19: Comparing Cunas




There are only two versions of this story to my knowledge. The original Cuna de Lobos (1986) was so hugely popular that the streets of Mexico city were dead on the night of its finale. This was also at a time when Televisa had no real competition and there were fewer channels to watch. The story defied previous attempts at a remake due to many changes in scientific research and technology, not to mention a previous attempt by the wrong producer.

I have only seen the original up to episode 52 (out of 85) but even without the later details I agree with everyone that 25 episodes are not enough to tell this story. However, the seeds of a good remake are in the current one due to most of the following changes:

The Larios Family

The current version has most of the family younger than their counterparts in the original. The same age difference between Jose Carlos and Alejandro is in effect. What appears to be different is that the business owned by Carlos in the original is one formed several generations before him instead of by him, so the family's money is much older. In keeping with current trends at Televisa, their residence is more modern in the current version.
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Cuna de lobos, Capitulo 25 Martes Gran Final 11/26/19: Unspeakable



Once in a while one finds a criminal whose evil is not easily explained. Someone like Catalina Creel defies definitions outside of “psychopath.” However, that is too small a word for her. I was raised Catholic, so I still believe that there is unspeakable evil in this world and – sadly – that we cannot explain every example. I do not know whether I believe in reincarnation but if that were true perhaps Catalina is the reincarnation of someone the likes of LiviaDrusilla or perhaps Belle Gunness, who was never caught. – D.D.
Vega's body was zipped into a body bag and wheeled out of the makeshift operating room.
Luis' phone rang with good news. He called José Carlos to tell him that they had succeeded. He took his keys and left.
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Monday, November 25, 2019

Cuna de lobos, Capitulo 24 Lunes 11/25/19: Unbelievable



Many of the cleverest and some of the most hardened criminals are sometimes confounded by the presence of true evil. It is therefore shocking when one encounters true evil face to face and fails to see it for what it is. Being oblivious to it is worse than being shocked by it because that is when one is truly dead. – D.D.
Catalina spoke with Vega as he was getting into the all-terrain vehicle.
I will see you tomorrow and I will have another little job for you.”
I'm glad to hear you're more calm,” he said. “I'll have things to tell you.” He ended the call and told the driver to take him to the airport.
She wasted no time for the next step.
At your service, Señora Creel,” said the voice on her phone.
Proceed immediately with the preparations, Doctor,” she told him.
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Saturday, November 23, 2019

Weekend Discussion 11/23/19: Karmageddon for the Reptiles of Cuna de Lobos



I have concluded that the better title for this tale would have been Abismo de Serpientes. It would seem to me that anyone entering the territory of Catalina Creel is as much in danger as if he were entering Ilha da Queimada Grande. Wolves are monogamous, social, and warm-blooded. They love their young. They are the ancestors of and reproductively compatible with our beloved dogs. Snakes are cold-blooded and do not care for their young. They are also more prone to cannibalism.

We are so close to the end due to the endless twists and turns of this story and its unpredictability. Therefore, we have many points to consider. As usual, we ponder the fates of this Royal Family of Evil:
  • What do you think will happen to them?
  • If different, what would you prefer to have happen to them?
For those unaware, Mexico does not have capital punishment. Do your best to second-guess or outdo what is to come. – D.D.
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Cuna de lobos, Capítulo 23 Fri. 11/22/19: Catalina's Dilemma - Is it Claustrophobia or Are the Walls Really Closing in?

This is my last recap for "Cuna de lobos" and I would like to thank Urban and AnonFri for joining me on this recapping venture and making the coverage of this novela possible. It has been a pleasure working with you both.

On to the recap:

In Sierra Leone, Vega meets with Julius and informs him at gunpoint that Julius is now working ONLY for him.  He will not allow Gothier to get all of the benefits. Julius quickly agrees with a chortling Vega.   Suddenly, they are both cackling together but Julius realizes the danger of the situation.

An imbibing Catalina asks Francisco what he is doing coming to see her. He expresses his sympathies about Gélica.  He agrees that the "process" of finding  the killer will continue because the guilty person is still free.   Catalina agrees but without witnesses or evidence it will be difficult to trap her.  Francisco wonders about that since that person's good luck seems to be coming to an end. Catalina thinks that could end up being dangerous for others. He informs her that he gave José Carlos  all of the financial and operational records of Gothier. She does know what he is talking about, right?  Catalina asks him if he wants to commit suicide, too. He answers no but does want her to know that he is capable of turning her in. She asks if he hates her that much.  He wants to make a deal. He is going to turn himself into the authorities and will take the fall for all of the illegal business dealings they made together.  She wants to know in exchange for what. He makes it perfectly clear. If she does not go, he will turn her in.
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Thursday, November 21, 2019

Cuna de lobos, Capítulo 22 Thurs. 11/21/19: Gelica in Jail, Not Happy with Accommodations

This is AnonFri's LAST recap for Cuna. Let's give AnonFri a well deserved round of virtual applause for these great recaps. [Anita, who has been the gremlin posting them on the front page.]

Leonora is crying inconsolably in her jail cell. A guard calls out her name and tells her she’s free. Leonora walks one last time through the cell area and finds Luis and Jose Carlos at the end of the gates. She’s holding her clothes and trying to stifle her cry but upon hugging them, thanking them, and asking for forgiveness, she cries. She holds them together that way for a bit.

Leonora is soon outside at the Larios mansión and finds Catalina in the garden. She demands to know where her son is, but Catalina says “My grandson is with his father, as it should be. You can’t get near him.” She adds that Alejandro has full custody because she’s not capable of taking care of Edgar. Leonora claims that no judge will keep her away from her son, and when Catalina tries to hold her back from entering the home, Leonora tells her off. Alejandro walks out with Edgar in his arms and hands him over to Leonora. Catalina asks him what he’s doing, and he responds that he should have done this long ago. He offers Leonora a ride but she replies that Luis is waiting for her and she resentfully says she never wants to see him again. When she’s gone, Catalina tells Alejandro that Edgar is her grandson, this is his home and I’ll make sure that he comes back. He retorts “You’ll never change will you? You’ll never understand.”
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Cuna de lobos, Capítulo 21 Wed. 11/20/19: A Twisty Kinky Tale with a Strong Dose of Disillusionment

We pick up the story with Leonora in her cell being counseled by her "Catalina bought" public defender Figueroa.  He explains how they can get her a more favorable sentence and her baby back in her custody even maybe at a minimum security prison with her confession to Miguel's murder. She wisely asks if Catalina and Alejandro can do something to thwart their efforts and the lawyer knowingly says that they cannot do anything "legally".  He explains the court will act  to protect the infant and that they will grant custody to whomever can assure its well-being the best. Leonora looks hopeful. He asks if they can accept the deal offered by the judge.  Leonora barely nods.

At Luis's place,  Alvaro sits quietly while José Carlos and Luis talk about what to do next to help Leonora. They discuss that  Alvaro's testimony would have the same weight as the security guard's so they need something else.  Luis is ready to tell them that Leonora was with him when Miguel died and that Alvaro had a meeting with Catalina at the building at that time.
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Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Cuna de Lobos, Capitulo 20 Martes 11/19/19: J'accuse!



I often wonder whether true crime programs on television – including my own – make criminals smarter. Whether they do or not, they're good for ratings. This one will make a great novel someday. In the meantime it will serve as a social statement about how injustice can sometimes be bought. – D.D.
Leonora got her first experience of violence in the prison at roll call, when she failed to answer. The guard nastily told her that she was to respond when she called her name, then hit her in the stomach.
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Monday, November 18, 2019

Cuna de Lobos, Capitulo 19 Lunes 11/18/19: Blood, Sweat, and Tears


Lies, bribes, and sex as payment or manipulation are the stuff of psychopaths. It's a good thing I never went into law enforcement because I don't like thinking about how many people paid for crimes they didn't commit just because the killer had money. Or were induced into committing ones by other people with too much money. Maybe I'll pick up a copy of Double Indemnity and send it anonymously to Commandante Vega to shake up his world. – D.D.

Catalina – in her usual manner when stressed, angry, or triumphant – strew the papers on the table and threw over its top.
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Sunday, November 17, 2019

A SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM COUNTxALACRÁN TO CARAY, CARAY! VISITORS

WHO IS THIS LOVELY LADY???  DO YOU RECOGNIZE HER???


She is none other than Bernarda Saenz, viuda de Guillen (Jacqueline Andere) from La Otra (2002), one of most evil, disturbing villains ever. She is the epitome of the toxic mother. Her selfishness drives the oppressive manner she treats her daughters in order to satisfy her own desires.

Greetings Caray, Caray! visitors--

Some of you may know me already. For those that don’t, let me introduce myself. My nom de plume was CountxAlacrán. During 2015-2016 I was a recapper on several telenovelas, including Yo No Creo En Los Hombres, Yago and Que Te Perdone Dios. I posted comments regularly. Shortly after YNCELH, I left the recapping teams due to personal obligations.
The reason for this post is to announce my intention to create a website where my own recaps of Spanish telenovelas and possibly other shows, not available elsewhere, such as La Otra, can be ordered and purchased for a fair price.  I hold a B1 certificate in English, so translating from Spanish to English will be my primary focus.
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Thursday, November 14, 2019

Cuna de lobos, Capítulo 18 Wed. 11/13/19: Two Hits and a Miss--OR--Skulking with Alvaro

As Alejandro looks up from kissing Miguel, he catches sight of a horrified Leonora who is exiting as fast as she can. He goes after her and apologizes saying he didn't want her to find out like this. She tells him she heard everything that he and Miguel said to each other. She doesn't want to hear anymore. She runs away screaming for him to stay away from her.  Alejandro is visibly upset. Leonora sobs and screams at herself for being an idiot as she sits in her car. As she manages to drive away, Alvaro steps out of the shadows.

Ambar is talking to Francisco the best she can. She says she told him it was true.  He answers saying that Catalina admitted to it all. Francisco asks her to forgive him and adds that he should have believed her.  He informs her that Alejandro left in a desperate state and is rightfully angry. She adds that Alejandro had to know and to give  some time. Francisco isn't sure he can forgive himself. Ambar dissolves in tears and tells him he always refused to believe her. With tears in his own eyes, Francisco assumes the blame for Ambar's current condition because everything she said was true. Ambar tells him that Catalina is a . . . Francisco finishes the sentence with "murderer."
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Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Cuna de Lobos, Capitulo 17 Martes 11/12/19: The Time Bomb of Truth


Nobody in the world tells the truth all the time; life would be intolerable. However, too many lies told too long are time bombs waiting to explode. Nobody even thinks about the fallout until it's too late. – D.D.

Catalina removed the plastic bag and said “We still have much to talk about.” She sat down. “What did you tell José Carlos? What information did you give him?”
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Monday, November 11, 2019

Cuna de Lobos, Capitulo 16 Lunes 11/11/19: Confrontations


Confrontations are sometimes best avoided. Unfortunately, they also tend to be inconvenient, and with unpredictable outcomes.. – D.D.

José Carlos walked out of the delivery room and removed his gloves. He was greeted in her usual insulting manner by Catalina, who said, “You are too weak. You have nothing to do with anything here.”
You should be thinking about Leonora,” he replied.
Leonora is Alejandro's wife.”
Yes, and where is your son?”
You are pathetic. You really want Leonora. Or are you doing this just to annoy us?”
Do you really think I'm doing this in order to win the inheritance? The reason I'm staying close to her her is to protect her from you.”
Now I understand it all. Leonora is the motive for your rehabilitation.”
Yes,” he said, looking her straight in the eye. “You know what else? I am in love with her.”
Oh. There's nothing more ridiculous that to be in love with your brother's wife.”
One day, when Alejandro abandons her – and that will happen – I will be there by her and for her and neither you nor anyone else can stop me.”
That's if your adored one continues to survive.”
He glared at her as Francisco arrived and stood behind her. He was shocked at José Carlos' expression. He then looked at Catalina as she walked away.
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Saturday, November 09, 2019

Cuna de Lobos, Capítulo 15 Fri. 11/8/19: Time Jump

Diego continues his sexual assault on Catalina at the abandoned warehouse. The scene changes and she is face down,  still clothed, on a mattress with her hands tied behind her back.  Diego lies on top  of her also clothed and tells her how beautiful she  how good she smells.  She tells him he will pay for this. He says it will  be a hard thing to do from a jail cell because he plans to destroy her just as she did him.  Diego calls José Carlos, still in Sierra Leone, to let him know that they have some things in common that they need to talk about. He wants to take some information to the authorities. José Carlos suggests he goes ahead and  talks to the police unless it has to do with his attack on his aunt or diamond trafficking.  Diego informs José Carlos that the diamond trafficking has been going n for years now. José Carlos is well aware of that as well as Diego's contacts.  Diego adds that he should know that his stepmother is the leader of the gang.  José Carlos asks why is Diego telling him all of this.  Diego really doesn't know but tells him to come to a judgment and to take the appropriate action. He hangs up and approaches Catalina with a gun in his hand.  She has two choices, as he sees it, one is to turn herself in to the authorities and the other . . . he makes sure she sees the gun.  As she tells him to kill her calling him a disgusting pig,  he throws her on her back and points the gun at her face. She tells him to shoot her but he can't.  Frustrated with himself, he swears and puts the gun down.
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Thursday, November 07, 2019

Cuna de Lobos, Capítulo 14 Thurs. 11/7/19: Diego Will Be Back

Below is AnonFri's recap for Thursday's episode.

Diego prepares to leave but Catalina appears, holding a gun to his head. She tells him that his mistakes have been costly to her. He tells her that her biggest mistake was actually underestimating him. They struggle for the gun and it goes off but neither of them were hit. Diego wins, throwing Catalina breathless on the couch.

Francisco heads into the building to see Diego. He yells out Catalina’s name from the street. Catalina tells Diego she had the opportunity to kill him but didn’t, so they’re both even now. Diego hits Catalina in the head with the gun and heads out through a backdoor while Francisco forces open the front door and finds Catalina hurt on the floor. Diego drives off in his navy car.
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Cuna de Lobos, Capítulo 13 Wed. 11/6/19: Unruly Loose Ends

Catalina is meeting with Diego in her office. She has noticed he has seemed stressed lately and things and he is losing control.  As he protests to the contrary, Catalina reminds him about Ambar and then Luis's accident that almost cost her the life of her daughter in law grandchild.  He is just not cutting it and now there is  the situation with Sabrina. Catalina feels that he needs to go on vacation. He wants to know if he is being removed from the business  because he feels that he has been loyal in spite of knowing what he does. Catalina takes that as the second time he has threatened her.  He disagrees insisting he isn't that stupid.  Visibly upset, he wants to know what he can do to make things right again.  She gives him a task. Luis the reporter was snooping around yesterday.  She wants him to make sure that Luis understands he isn't to come around her or her family again. She still is offering the "vacation."   A knock on the door ends the conversation. It is Leonora who has come to get her for a photo shoot.
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Wednesday, November 06, 2019

Cuna de Lobos, Capitulo 12 Martes 11/5/19: Sabrina Full of Grace


Lies and long-term deceptions are the poisons of life. It doesn't matter whether people are rich or poor as long as they are honest with themselves as well as others. No monster ever wants to know that is what they are and many are not born to this, but become so because of what they do to others. Too many of them do not see this happening. – D.D.
Ámbar fired several times, aiming just a half meter beyond Catalina's left shoulder. Catalina – as cold-blooded as ever – barely flinched.
No, no,” said Francisco.
Tell me the truth,” Ámbar said. “Tell me.”
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Tuesday, November 05, 2019

Cuna de Lobos, Capitulo 11 Lunes 11/4/19: My Cup Boileth Over


Secrets and lies are a poisonous stew that left simmering too long will boil over the top, leaving a gaseous pollution in the air. These are not the stuff of wolves, who work together and love their cubs, but of reptiles and venom. Reptiles do not care for their young and are barely conscious of them; they act only in their own self-interest. – D.D.

Luis went to the meeting arranged over the phone and it was with Ámbar.
So you have evidence that Doña Catalina is a murderer? Why call me instead of the police?” he asked.
You know who Catalina Creel is. It's a miracle that I'm alive. She tried to kill me when I discovered that she and my husband were lovers. I was kidnapped, taken to another house, put in the garage, fed an overdose of tranquilizers, and thrown into a car trunk. I don't know what would have happened to me if I hadn't managed to escape.”
Does anyone in your family know about this?”
No. They are all convinced that I abandoned my husband. But she is only concealing her crime. She thinks I'm dead, so that's why I asked you to come.”
I don't understand why you called me; remember that I'm only a journalist.”
But you interfered in what was happening. You were at the new line celebration. You know they are criminals. You know about the trafficking in illegal diamonds.”
Because at that moment I was in the middle of an investigation –”
He stopped as Dora entered with coffee.
Thank you, Dora.” She turned back to Luis. “You can talk; I trust her.”
Dora looked at Luis, then excused herself and left them to talk.
I don't have more to say,” Luis said. “I had to abandon the case because of my boss's lack of confidence and because I had no proof of anything.”
I can help with evidence. Catalina and my husband think I'm an idiot, an imbecile who knows nothing, but I know what I'm doing and how to do it. You and I, if you help me, can do this so Catalia pays for everything she's done.”
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Saturday, November 02, 2019

Cuna de Lobos Capítulo 10 Fri. 11/1/19 Catalina and the Law of Unintended Consequences--OR--An Heir and a Spare

Over drinks with Francisco, Catalina expresses her concern over the phone calls she has been receiving but insists she is not worried.  Francisco thinks it is just someone who wants to frighten her.  Putting him on the spot, she asks what he would he be willing to do for her. He asks what does she have in mind.

Back at Francisco's, Ambar is lingering in her bedroom as Dora tries to get her to leave because she knows that Francisco is on his way home. Ambar wants some of her clothes. Dora asks her not to take any because she doesn't want Francisco to think she is a thief. Ambar doesn't think he would ever notice as he cares nothing about her. Dora disagrees and urges her to leave. As Ambar barely moves, she and Dora hear Francisco arriving with Catalina.  Out in the hall, Catalina wants to have sex but Francisco tries to get out of it saying it is just too soon (after Ambar disappearing). Catalina won't take "no" for an answer and soon she and Francisco are all over each other.  Dora and Ambar have managed to sneak into the kitchen on the way out.  Ambar grabs a knife as Dora tries to stop her.  Catalina hears a noise from the kitchen. Francisco becomes curious and goes into  the kitchen.  He sees Dora with the knife in her hand. She excuses herself saying she dropped it as she was putting it away. She looks and sounds nervous as she explains that she was just doing some ironing. Francisco reminds her how late it is.  She was just going . . . He gives her a half smile as she leaves but looks concerned.  He tells Catalina that he is sure that Dora saw them. Catalina doesn't care what the servant thinks and they are back at it. Dora and Ambar are still in the house. Ambar starts to wail after seeing Francisco with Catalina. Dora covers her mouth to keep her quiet and leads her out of the house.
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Thursday, October 31, 2019

Cuna de Lobos, Capítulo 9 Thus. 10/31/19

What follows is AnonFri's recap for this episode.

Alejandro has still not appeared. Jose Carlos starts to humor Catalina on what she will tell the press about the cancelled wedding. It would be a huge scandal. Catalina maintains her composure despite being a bit nervous.

Before leaving Catalina alone, Jose Carlos mentions that someone will be interrogated and she likely won’t pass and will end up saying that she was hired. (The murder he was framed for?) Catalina immediately calls Diego.

Leonora is throwing up in the bathroom. Alejandro asks if she’s ok. She says she is, but he’s not convinced. Leonora first asks him how his trip to Buenos Aires went. He said it went well, but that he needs to talk to her and doesn’t know where to begin. He tells her he wants her to understand him, in the time that he’s been gone he’s thought over somethings and was able to resolve many doubts and realize what he’s doing with her. Leonora lays out the pregnancy test before him. She tells him “This is what you’re doing to me: I’m pregnant.” This was her fourth test already.
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