Caray, Caray!

Well, who’d have thunk they’d be able to put all the air back into that balloon? But they did, and in the process, they’ve filled up a whole bunch more balloons with a helium-like substance, lifting our hearts and our spirits, as every single plotline has taken off! So much was packed into this episode. Everything we love about our novela was on display, from humor to disguises, from boxing to life’s lessons, and of course, they left us with some MAJOR cliffhangers. The Gran Final promises to be Maraviguau!

We begin with Laverne and Shirley (‘s ugly big sisters), namely Beto and Mauricio, disguised as damitas to get close to La Monita, currently staying in a women’s boarding house.

Beto hopes this brilliant plan will both save La Monita and possibly get him a little time with some cute señoritas to boot.

Meanwhile, Aldo has found out that Luisa’s been defying Mau’s rules, and has been hanging out with the junior king of smooth, Andrés. Aldo thinks Andy’s equal to his scummy buds, the ones who tried to assault Estre, and reads Luisa the riot act. As big brother, she’s forbidden to leave the house. Luisa first pleads, Andrés is different. He’s noble (oh please. Ricardo in Pasión was noble, Andrés, not so much), tender, and he really loves me, not like Ivan, who just played with my feelings. Aldo says he’s in charge, and Luisa has to obey. Luisa bounds upstairs, screeching that Aldo’s telling her what to do is OVER.

Beto’s enjoying his muchacha status, showing Mau how to behave like a girl by shaking his tatas as Mau goes over to save Moni. Too late! Hissabel returns, she can’t find the headache pills, and Moni has to show her where they are. That’s fine with Beto , as he tells some of the girls how thin their waists are, how nice their boobies are (like a box of little surprises, un estuche de monerías, which can also mean a jack of all trades), until Mau quickly pulls him aside to put a halt to Beto’s hot hands, saying quieta (or keep still, or down, boy, in the feminine, of course). Beto reminds Mau they have to separate Moni from Hissabel (whom he sometimes calls Blancanieves, or Snow White, and sometimes Chabela, which I think is a nickname for Isabel, as it was used for the Isabel in Tontas.) The lady in charge shows them to their quarters.

Arnie and Rolu have dropped Xime off at her apartment, wanting to know which of them she’s picked. Arnie says don’t keep us on tenterhooks (en ascuas). She can’t decide this fast, and it breaks her heart (se me estruja el cora) to see them like this, but she has a plan. She’ll have a romantic dinner with each guy, and then decide. The boys flip a coin (se echan un volado), and Rolu wins – he’ll go first. They’re excited, but Xime gets a phone call, and it’s from the hospital. Jerónimo is dead! The boys rush to console her.

Cut to a wanted poster, El Chueco, a dangerous drug trafficker, as Paula and Cristian take note.

Paula’s excited, if they caught this guy, that reward money would be a godsend (caería de perlas), especially now that she’s going to be a mother! Cris faints.

In Hissy and Moni’s room, the television is broadcasting the same wanted poster, if you’ve seen this person, he’s armed and dangerous, report him immediately. Hissabel breaks out into uncontrolled laughter, she’s loving this. Moni doesn’t understand what the joke is, but she’s happy her Mom is finally enjoying herself.

And now we’ll see why, as we see Jero from the back, ready to have the plastic surgeon take off the bandages. The doc tells him it’s not important how handsome he is, just that no one will ever recognize him as Jerónimo Sermeño, who is now dead. How’d he pull that off? Simple. He also did some plastic surgery on a cadaver, made it look somewhat like Jerónimo, switched the papers, switched the bodies, and voilá! So no one will come looking for Jero. Jero is pleased to no end, ready for the bandages to come off, let’s see that new face. The doc unwraps slowly, gives Jero a mirror, and he likes what he sees (a guy with a crew cut, that unshaven look, a strong nose, and a big smile).

Too bad Jero hasn’t seen that wanted poster, he’s got El Chueco’s face!

Aldo’s not doing too well in playing with Dany. She wants him to put on a Beast face, remember, she’s Beauty.

Teresa comes downstairs frantic, Luisa’s gone, and she took all her clothes! Aldo knows she went with Andrés, says he’ll handle it, please don’t call Mau, but Terry nixes that, Aldo drove Luisa away with his harsh scolding, and Terry calls Mau anyway. Dany points out Aldo doesn’t need to put on a beast face anymore. He IS a beast!

Luisa arrives at Andrés’s apartment, suitcase in tow, tearfully explaining she left home after a big fight with her brother. Can she stay here?

Betita has another brilliant idea. He calls a couple of girls over, how about a pajama party tonight! He urges Gertrudis (Mau) to tell them what games they always play at these parties, like pillow fights, in our underwear, but when he mentions something like hide the stick….Mau has to put a stop to this again. Besides, he has to return to the D.F., Luisa’s having problems. Beto offers the Fantasmovil, but Mau says he’ll hire a small plane, and Beto has to keep an eye on Moni and Hissy – don’t let them out of your sight, no matter what!

Xime is mourning her dumbro (hermanolfo), unaware that right next to her is the new an improved dumbro, sporting black glasses and a pink ascot to go with his crewcut. As he listens, she bids farewell to her bro, telling him three things: Una, she’s the owner of Club Maraviguau, Dos, the day after tomorrow, Sal and Gabirú are getting married there, and she might get married too, to one of the Klunders, and Tres, she’s brought Jero’s secret smother cushion, which she dumps into the coffin. Too bad you can’t attend the grand opening, she tells the box, and leaves. You’re wrong, says the new Jero after she leaves, I WILL be there!

Rolu has the first date with Xime, at a quiet table inside Club Maraviguau. He declares his love, and kisses her hand. He wants to know if she picked him, but she’s not sayin’.

As Moni makes short work of Monstruo, the latest challenger, Betita, cute behind his fan, gets hit on by a hopeful guy. However, when Betty lets out one of his/her classic stinkbombs, even some furious fanning can’t hide the fragrance. Hissabel, sitting nearby, recoils from the smell, thinking it reminds her of Nieve’s son. Meanwhile, Monstruo has run out of gas, and Moni lets him have it with a monstrous roundhouse uppercut. The monster’s been mashed.

Andrés really does seem to be noble, as he tells Luisa that she can stay here tonight, but tomorrow morning, it’s back home where she belongs. And don’t worry about the sleeping arrangements. He’ll sleep on the floor, no problem. However, there’s a knock on the door, and it’s Mau. He’s furious. He tells Andrés he spoke with his parents, they gave him the address, and they’re also on their way here. He’s in big trouble. He firmly escorts Luisa out.

Time for Arnie’s romantic dinner with Ximena, pretty much a carbon copy of Rolu’s. They’ve poured the champagne, and Arnie pours out his heart. He loves Xime, so much. He never thought he could have a relationship, with all his problems, but then he met her, and she changed him, completely. Xime extends her hand (just as with Rolu), and Arnie is able to kiss it, having conquered his fears. So, has she chosen him? Xime gives him the exact same answer as Rolu. He’ll have to wait.

Moni’s so glad she beat that Monstruo, this is great, but can’t they stay in this town overnight? No, says Hissy, it’s better we leave now. They get in the car, head off into the night. Luckily, the orange Fantasmovil is right behind.

Mauricio has a fatherly talk with Luisa, who thinks it was all so unfair (injusto), that nothing happened, and she’s not a little girl anymore. Mau agrees she’s not a little girl, but at 15, she’s not a woman, either, she’s an adolescent. And he understands how she wants to fight with the whole world sometimes, and that’s okay. But can she just try to understand him a little? He might make mistakes, but she should be patient with him. And he understands how she feels in love, but she has to take things step by step. It may not be time for the next step. But always remember, she’s the most important person in the world for him. Thank you Daddy, she says. For what? Just for being my Dad, I love you. They hug. Mau points out she still does have to be punished for what she did, sneaking out. Her punishment? For a while, no boys. For how long? she asks. Until you turn twenty-five, he says, not letting her see his grin, and he walks upstairs. Ten years? That’s no fair! complains our reprimanded rebel.

Day dawns, and Beto’s got a brand new bag. With mustache, a cowboy hat and an amazing shirt with fringes hanging off the sleeves, he’s a total vaquero. He assures Mau by phone he has his eye on Monita, who’s being told by the local bar owner that there ain’t no fighters in this town. Dang.

The entire neighborhood has assembled, as Coni tells them she has an announcement. She’s returning the vecindad to them! Each one of them will get a deed to his or her apartment, this is what Valentina wanted. Marcos has brought an attorney, who will take care of the paperwork. Paula then says they can all buy things for their new homes with their “Coppel” credit cards, just as she’s doing (apparently a shameless product placement).

Gabi’s ecstatic. Tomorrow, finally, in the new Maraviguau Restaurant, she and Sal will get married. And this time, NOTHING can go wrong! Ah, but in the background, who’s observing this tender scene? Loriloca!

Ximena is again telling her two beaus how great they both are, Rolu for his passion and his looks, and Arnie for his tenderness, and the bravery he’s shown in overcoming his fears. She’d really like to have them both, but that wouldn’t be possible. Would it? They both shake their heads. Okay, in that case, tomorrow, in the Mariviguau Bar, in a double wedding (Gabi and Sal being the other), she’ll announce the winner, and marry him!

In the cantina, Moni’s attired in her pink boxing outfit, excited about tonight’s fight, apparently they DID find someone in this town. CowBeto (whom Moni thinks is a “norteño”, or northerner) turns out to be the MC, thrusting his stuff out as he introduces the invincible Monita with a hilarious nasal accent.

Then he introduces the challenger, “Old doll hair, Sermeño”, and Moni can’t believe her eyes. Good evening Monita, he says. He’s come to win the championship from her, and he’ll bet everything in this fight, even his life. Beto takes off his mustache, to Moni’s amazement, as Mau relates that the two of them have been following her from town to town, and finally caught up with her. Let’s talk. No, Moni wants to fight. Fine, says Mau, but if I win, you come with me, and without your Mom. You’re on. Mau swings, Moni ducks, Moni punches him in the gut. But he’s quickly up, and this time, instead of punching, he rushes forward, and kisses her!

Marcos has to admit, Coni (wearing a fetching white off the shoulder traditional Mexican blouse) really can’t cook. At all. Cesar agrees, he really doesn’t want to go right back to that hospital. Nieves starts to echo this until Coni stands up, and lets loose. She is not that perfect little cook and cleaner they want, and if that’s what they demand of her, forget it! She’s trying to change and be a better person, but this is too much, she doesn’t deserve to be treated like this! This has finally done the trick, as Nieves begs Coni to calm down, she’ll be the mother Coni never had. She’s teach her, she’ll be patient with her, and eventually she’ll be a good cook. Coni humbly thanks her, and the two go off to buy some more food.

This leaves Marcos and Cesar, who decide it’s time for a talk. Hombre a hombre.

Moni pushes Mau off, warning him not to kiss her again. He does, anyway. Hissy has a fit, telling Beto that he and Mau are not going to interfere with their plans. Beto pulls Hissy aside, tells her they know about the poisoning attempt, Coni gave her up, and the police want her for attempted murder. How you like THEM apples! He gets out his cell to call the cops, and while he’s dialing, Hissy takes a bottle, and SMASHES it onto his head! A second later, Moni connects with Mau’s chin, and Hissy grabs Moni, we’re leaving.

It’s the big day at Bar Maraviguau, people are rushing around making final preparations, Lalu exclaiming that these “express weddings” in the Sermeño family are going to kill him. And where’s the guy in charge of the food? Right here, says La Nueva Jero, now with a BIG scarf, playing the role of a gay french chef. Lalu’s immediately smitten, as Jero tells him the food’s gonna be “to die for”. After Lalu goes to tend to other matters, we see Jero wasn’t kidding. He’s got a handy can of powder, looks as if he may poison the poisson. On his way out, he bumps into Paula. Our clever sleuth never forgets a face. She thinks, oh my God, it’s that dangerous druglord!

She grabs a phone.

Arnie and Rolu are both looking sharp in their suits and ties, each convinced HE’LL be the one. Rolu proposes a pact. Whoever loses, agrees to give up Ximena forever. Arnie, not backing down an inch, shakes on it. The brothers hug.

Nieves is looking nice in her green outfit, trimmed with feathers. Her two gentlemen bid her to sit down.

M: Nieves, the time has come for the three of us to talk about what’s happening.
N: From your faces, I can imagine what this is about. Cesarín, I love you a lot, and you, too, Marcos.
M: But in reality, you don’t want to be with me or with him.
C: What you want, is to be on your own. You don’t really love me, Nievecita.
M: Me, either, Nieves. I represent the love of your youth. But you left that behind years ago, I don’t belong to your present.
C: Me, neither. If you accepted my company, it was only because Beto left Mexico, and you didn’t want to be alone, but as soon as he came back, everything changed (she nods).
M: You’d get the same from me, from him, from whomever. For you, the most important thing in your life is not a companion to share your twilight years.
C: The most important thing for you is your children, La Monita, and your Betito (Nieves tears up, nods). It’s with them you want to be, they’re the ones you want to give all your love to.
M: You never needed a man at your side Nieves, and that’s not going to change.
N: From the bottom of my heart, what I desire is to dedicate myself to my children, and later….to my grandchildren, when they arrive, when they fill this house with joy. Just as Constanza was not born to be a housewife, I wasn’t born to be anybody’s wife, that’s not my style. I’m a free soul and thank you both so much for understanding.
C: Nievecita, this very day I’ll leave the house.
M: Me too. I’m going to share with you the affection of our children, and our grandchildren when we have them, but nothing more, now is the time to leave the past behind. Okay? He shakes Cesar’s hand.
Nieves silently assents, eyes brimming with joyous tears.


Our guests are arriving at the Club, and we see Cris and Paula, he in a dark suit and red striped tie, she in a gorgeous deep blue gown. He tells her the cops are waiting for his signal, since this guy’s really dangerous. Rolu and Arnie are sweating. Sal looks at his watch, all we need is the brides, right? Well, here’s one of them, Ximena, breezing in wearing white gloves and a nice gray dress. And here’s our other novia, a white veil hiding her shy face, as Sal greets her, Gabriela, my love. She flips back the veil, here I am, but it’s Lorenza!!!

I’m ready to get married. Uuuuyyy!

And our fair Gabi is bound and gagged in some back room, struggling with her ropes, trying to call for help!

Moni’s in her motel room, lying across the bed in red pj’s, moping. She tells her Mom it really affected her to see Mau. Well, you have nothing to talk to him about, chides Hissy. But shouldn’t I even listen to him? she cries. I mean, they’ve been following us this whole time, he even put on gloves to fight with me, and all I’ve been thinking about is anger. She decides to go out for a walk.

Hissy looks in the mirror. La Momia betrayed her. No way will she end up in jail. She sees her pallid reflection telling her, you must kill Valentina. And Constanza has to die, too. Time is running out. She dials Coni, who picks up, and is shocked to hear her voice.


And so ends our penultimate episode. The table is set. The gun is cocked. The conductor has raised his baton. And now our Magnificent Man of Medicine and Mirth, Don Carlos, will thrill us with the towering conclusion of Un Gancho Al Corazon.

Vocabulario:

Un estuche de monerías – a jack of all trades, someone good at lots of things, literally something like a box of coins
¡Quieto! – down, boy (to a dog), or keep still
En ascuas – on tenterhooks
Estrujar – to squeeze
Echar un volado – flip a coin
Caería de perlas – would be a godsend, pearls would fall

Labels: gancho

Ahoy all, I'd like to thank all you commenters for hanging in there with us when Uni rescheduled our wonderful telenovela. It's been great fun and I have thoroughly enjoyed recapping with such an esteemed group of recappers and commenters. Gracias a todos!!!

We left Moni in the bar last night challenging the big dude to a boxing match and she's got 3000 pesos worth of serious to prove it. El Trucho (bogus, imposter?) says she's crazy, meanwhile his pals egg him on saying he's finally met his match (a shoe-form to fit the shoe, we learned that last week).

Poor old Mau sits in the empty space that was Monita's house while Marcos and Beto try to cheer him up, saying it's not his fault and Moni has just GOT to turn up. Beto's got an idea, Isa's sick so they should notify the hospitals to keep an eye out for her. Marcos stops them from rushing out because he's got an admission to make. Isa's not really sick, the doc was his friend and the diagnosis is a lie. Isa's in perfect health. Mau and Beto are impactado, however this is the last we hear of Marcos's lie tonight.

Holy cow, Trucho the Bogus, is a huge guy. Would a little squirt like our Monkey really be able to take this beast? Trucho tells her that God gave her those delicate hands for weaving, cooking, darning socks and underwear and for stroking her man, not for fighting. OK, I'm guessing she's going to kick his butt soon. He claims his prize will be to kiss her luscious lips, so she throws her money down, winds up and knocks him onto the floor.

Back in the hood Coni's doing her best to persuade Papa Marcos to take Nieves out to dinner followed by a night of love in his hotel room. This effectively kills two birds with one stone, she won't have to make dinner and she and Beto will have the house to themselves. Now all Coni and her bizcocho have to work out is will they eat their to-go sushi with chopsticks or with Milanesas and papas?

Our colorful and sparkly-shirted Snowball prepares to leave for her big date and Coni deliberately spills the beans that Marcos plans to propose again. But Nieves' gasp of delight is interrupted by a masked luchador messenger. She snips that she has no desire to see Don Cesar, but the masked one mumbles that Don Cesar is seriously ill and has been in the hospital for the past couple of days. Her next gasp, not so delighted.

Trucho rubs his jaws and knows the little lady means business. He agrees to the fight, 3K for him if he wins and 5K for her if she wins. She scampers off to get her gloves while the rest move the tables aside to form a ring. Isa is concerned, no not about Moni's health but for her 3K that might be lost. However Moni is confident that she'll win, heck she's the Mexican National Champ, so Isa, always looking to make a quick peso, lays a bet on the monkey.

Trucho gets the first hit and flattens Monita.

Mau arrives home to find his favorite cousin hanging with the kiddies. Xime tells him she's just given her husband the boot, they are getting a divorce, and she's starting chapter four which is the family chapter. Apparently Ximena's been getting good advice from the psychologist in residence, Dany.

Mau's got a check for Xime, remember when she sold her stock and loaned him the money? This is the payback with interest and Xime tries to decide how to spend it. How about giving it to Dany for her therapy sessions? Uh, no, Mau won't hear of it. OK then, she'll simply have to tear up the check. She starts to rip and..."just kidding" she giggles with her pixie grin.

Isa helps Monita to her feet only so she can yell at her for losing her 3K pesos. Let me guess, her mother's milk was acetone. Our little monkey's not about to be bested by the hulk so she challenges Trucho once again. She even gets in a few good jabs to his stomach and face, unfortunately he acts like a mosquito was bothering him.

Meanwhile Isa paces her room calling her daughter an estupida. Think Isa, think, where's the nearest bank? She calls the bank of Marcos and tells him if he wants to to see his daughter he'll deposit three million pesos into her account, if not he'll never see Moni again.

Trucho taunts Moni by telling her to give it up and give him a kiss so he can check out her moves in bed. She gives him one in the kisser all right, also in the nuts, the chin, the stomach, and a couple to the face. He drops like big gigantic sack of potatoes and the fickle crowd cheers their new champion, Mo-ni-ta, Mo-ni-ta, Mo-ni-ta!

Moni happily bursts into their hotel room shows mommy dearest her fistful of pesos. She won! See mom, you don't have to worry about money because your little monkey's going to win a lot more.

Back home Marcos skids into Mau's house ecstatically waving his cell phone. He heard from Isa and she promises not to hurt Moni if he will deposit 3 million pesos into her account. So why is he so happy? Because she made a grave error, the number she called from was stored in his phone and he traced it back to a hotel in Pachuca, they must be there!

The sun rises and it's another day. Mau's a bit miffed at Beto because they got a flat tire on the way and Beto wouldn't let Mau drive, thus losing valuable time. Mau suggests they go into the cantina first, no not for a chelada (poor Beto, so denied) but to see if anyone has seen Moni. And which cantina are they in? Why it's the very one where Moni won her match, que sorpresa! The owner tells them all about the little lady who beat up their doleful champ the day before. They snap their fingers...Monita!!

However the trail gets cold at their hotel. The soul brothers are discouraged to hear that their beloved monkey and her asp of a mama left town early that morning.

Over at the hood Coni is not at all pleased to see Nieves escorting their newest houseguest to the table. It's Don Cesar who is under the weather as evidenced by his flattened hair. He buries his head in Nieves' ample bosom and sighs that with her care he'll get better. Ay!! He sees Coni and shrieks...but not as loudly as Coni does. Her protests fall on deaf ears. Nieves demands that Coni quit lazing about and get back to her chores.

Now we've got Luisa taking advantage of her daddy's absence. She visits Andres to tell him that nobody understand her like he does. (Oh lordy, did that tired phrase ever sound fresh to me? I suppose so...a million years ago.) She announces that she intends to be his girlfriend no matter what her father says. I kind of feel sorry for the poor little schmuck. The sucker seals it with a pucker.

Marcos is bummed to hear the news about Moni but he urges the soul brothers to ask around town while he attends to urgent business at home. Since he's standing in the vecindad I guess we know what his business is. Coni trots up, a survivor of the worst experience of her life, a visit to the fish market. Ugh, the pushing, the nacos, the smell! And for what? So Don Cesar can have his Pescado de Ajillo ! Marcos blows a fuse when he finds out about Nieves' latest project. Nieves comes out, calls Coni a layabout (fodonga), which causes Coni to dump the fish on the ground, which causes Marcos to slip on the fish and fall flat on his back on the tiles. Oh my, Nieves is going to have her hands full!


Let's join a gab session between Xime and Estrella. Xime brags that she's on her own and happy about it. Estre's solo too because her little cub is leaving the country to continue his studies, but she's a bit more pensive. However at least she's getting some work. Xime wants to work too, maybe she'll invent something, or open a club called Maraviguau! Or wait, she has an idea but can't catch it, she grabs the air a couple of times but oops, it's gone. Oh wait it's back! They can partner up and open a fashionable restaurant bar of VIP megafashion where Estre can do standup comedy. Estre says they can call that place Maraviguau. "Hey what a great idea!" exclaims Xime. They shake on it.

Back at Nieves' Nursing Facility the two invalids begrudgingly share a bed. Marcos wants to go rehab in his presidential suite. Don Cesar seconds the motion but Nieves stands firm, arms akimbo, Marcos is staying right where he is so she can attend them both. Um, she's sporting two frogs on her head and one hanging from each ear. Sana sana colito de rana...one frog for each invalid.

The soul brothers find out from the bar owner that Isa and Moni are on their way to the town of Guasca for another fight. Now we have a montage of them looking for, and just missing, Monita in various bars having beaten various hunks. Meanwhile Xime and Rolu sign their divorce papers, Xime and Estre design and build their new business, more fights, more Moni victories, more victims, more money for Isa. In fact Isa seems truly interested in her daughter (the cash cow) for the first time in her life. I guess she never got the money from Marcos.

The montage ends with Luisa stomping and Aldo chomping. In summary, "I'm sick of you and dad not allowing me to see who I want!" "I'm your big brother and I can tell you what to do." "Is it OK if I go out with my girlfriends then?" "Duh, OK go." Dude, are you on drugs again?

Moni and Isa end up at some bar where the smarmily gracious owner welcomes her and kindly tells her she's going to be beaten for the first time. A huge Lurch-looking guy stands up, "Monita, meet The Monster." Caras impactadas de Isa and Moni.

The Monster snarls at her and our spunky monkey snaps her fingers and tells him she's beaten bigger men than him. The bigger they are the harder they fall. Another monster snarl and even Isa looks a little worried. As they leave for a bit of a rest before tonight's sold-out fight she leans over and challenges, "See you tonight...Monster." Dang, who says dolls don't have balls.

Xime, Estre and Lalu are in their decorating element. Lalu can't believe that these two single women aren't already lined up at the buffet of muscular workmen who are so eagerly trying to please the new owners. Ximena, in another acting tour-de-force, describes how the similarities of the workers to the two hermanos Klunder is making her positively schizophrenic. First one looks like Arnie with his little lamb curls. Then another one has a cute behind that's exactly like Rolu's. But wait, now it's Lalu's turn for a surprise. He run over and grabs lamby curls and buttkin and it's none other that Arni and Rolu who have agreed to work for free to help Xime out! They all grin and Xime admits this makes her very happy. She draws a little heart in the air and makes it beat with her hand.

Let's leave this exquisite silliness for a moment and join Gabi and Sal for some grown-up time. They are discussing the new restaurant bar with the goofy name and Sal tells Gabi he's reserved it this weekend for...their wedding. By the end of the weekend she'll be Senora Ulloa. Finally! (I hope. Where's Loriloca?)

Our galan and his soul brother seem to have finally caught up with Monita. The bar owner and his pal Monster tell Mau and Beto (whom they believe to be fight promoters) that Moni is staying at Pension Cuca Ruices just on the corner.

Tonight is the inaugural opening of Marviguau! Estre and Xime greet their first guests, Luisa and her beau Andres. The kids immediately start making out and of course Aldo arrives, sees his lying sis and wants to rumble. Esterella holds him back.

Xime summons the hermanos Klunder and they trip all over themselves running to their mistress. Rolu pleads his case, he signed the divorce papers but he'll scream a thousand times in front of the priest I DO! Arnie pleads his case. Xime probably wonders why should she decide and end this delicious attention? Well she can't decide because right now she has to give all her attention to Marviguau. It's either the club or them and she chooses the club, but she's certain that she really loves one of them and soon, very soon she'll decide which ONE of them is her true love. OOps, she forgot to say three things but she's just too busy.

Mau and Beto arrive at the pension and ask if they can come in. No way says the stern Duena, this is a pension for women only! They try to tell her it's important but she shuts the door in their faces. Beto has an idea...

Inside the grounds Isa tells Moni she doesn't feel well but no more doctors or hospitals. Moni tells her mommy dearest that this time they have spent together has been the best ever. Isa leaves to rest awhile and Moni thought bubbles about hapier times with Mau.

One of the lady guests runs over to Dona Cukita to excitedly tell her two classy ladies want to rent a room. Cukita agrees to meet them and the lovely young ladies enter. OMG, I guessed it was coming but it's still hilarious. Mau and Beto in drag (and looking extremely good I might add), sashay into the grounds. Beto hides behind a feminine fan and Mau casually glances around, looking for his Monita.

Manana: Mau wants to kill andres, Mau wants to fight Monita, Mau wants to kiss Monita, bar fight!!

Sana, Sana
This rhyme is said to have magical healing power. Parents gently rub or tap their fingers over a cut, bruise, or other injury in a circular motion, repeating the rhyme, and the injured child quickly feels better. "Sana" means heal. This song is in De Colores and Other Latin-American Folk Songs for Children by Jose-Luis Orozco.

Sana, sana,
colita de rana,
Si no sanas hoy,
sanaras mañana.

Heal, heal,
little tail of the frog,
If you don't heal today,
you'll heal tomorrow.

Labels: gancho

Alternate title #1: Where in the world is Valentina? (Thanks JeffMN!)

Alternate title #2: All the air comes out of the balloon. Can we put it back in? (Thanks Hombre!)

Kris is traveling today and the rest of the week so cannot do tonight's recap. You are all invited to drop by with your opinions and feelings on tonight's episode. If you wish to share your rendition of your favorite scene or scenes by all means feel free. I may combine recaplets into one recap, or just do a quickie if the spirit moves me. If several of us are moved then so much the better. The more the merrier I always say.

Tonight's title courtesy of JudyB. She's right, our characters just want to be loved. Don't we all?


From Carlos: Tano's call, informing him that Lobo is wanted in Chicago for spousal abuse and attempted murder was very well-timed, snapping Mao out of his grumpy pity party just as our new and improved Coni along with Beto deliver Wolfboy all bagged up in a net ready for delivery. Love Coni's little extra kicks to a helpless wolf. Nice hasn't completely dampened her enthusiasm for a little taste here and there of well-directed aggression. Her revelation of Isabel's thwarted attempt to poison Moni during the fight gives an urgency to find Moni and Isabel before Snakelady succeeds in fulfilling her malicious mission.

Meanwhile, a conflicted and very dramatic Ximy expels the Klunders, choosing to dress in the black raiment of a grieving widow, instead of the inflammatory scarlet she had originally planned to wear. Interestingly she invited her true soul mate Lalo over for consultation. Too bad that he nixes the strawberry daiquiris.

Taking the rejuvenated Sal's motorcycle to the vecindad to apologize to Moni, Mao finds the apartment abandoned. Oh no!

Thus begins tonight's rather fun episode. Next!

Sylvia pipes up: Sal and Gabi had their first "argument", she didn't want to ride on the new motorcycle that Sal just purchased that morning. However Mauricio, who had just exited the building, did. He needed it to ride over to Valentina's. If you know anything at all about how boys feels about their motorcycles then you'll know that Sal is a VERY good friend for loaning Mau his wheels.

JudyB's turn: Oh, and our alternate universe pixie DID tell Lalu that the reason she couldn't choose between the two bros was because she'd like to keep 'em both. So we're ready for our next telenovela!


Back to Carlos: As Mao is leaving on the moto Cristian and his retinue of cops arrive to take charge of Lobo. Hearing of Issy's plan to off Moni, Cristian has the others pile into his patrol car to accompany him to the 'hood to arrest the murderous reptile. Sal wants to drive. "Negativo."

The Puppy meets with his Cougar over soft drinks to tell her of his plan to study abroad as soon as he finishes high school. She has mixed emotions about this.

Iván makes it clear to the predatory Alejandra that he only has eyes for the screechy Luisa.

Sylvia again: Carlos is too modest to tell you himself that his beloved Coni, possibly basking in the good will generated by her role in protecting her new sister from El Lobo, reveals to Beto, Nieves and Marcos that Isa had planned to murder her own daughter during the fight. What was in the bottle that Beto swapped out wasn't water but...POISON! Caras impactadas all around.

And our dashing Man of Mystery completes it for us: As he walks outside, all the other characters arrive, and are impactados to hear that Moni and her Mom have left, taking everything. There’s no note, no clue, as to where they went. Estre’s not home, so they decide to ask the neighbors if anyone knows anything. Coni, holding her father’s hand, sadly tells Mau that Isabel is very dangerous, and she won’t stop until she’s achieved her goal. And her goal, says Marcos, is to kill Valentina. Mau is really shocked now.

Cut to a white Mercedes, tooling along the highway, Hissy at the wheel, Moni looking at cows. They stop at some town for a bite to eat, entering a rough looking cantina. We see a bald bruiser in a wife beater undershirt. Moni wants Hissy to take her vitamins, but Hissy says the topic of her illness is off limits, they’re just to enjoy themselves and forget about Hissy’s health until the final time comes. We’ll travel and leave behind all those people who hurt us. Moni’s sad, but she’ll try to be happy if Isabel stops talking about those people. Deal. Moni’s also worried about money, they got very little from the sale of the furniture. Hissy says she has money in the bank, and saw a branch (sucursal) in the town square. Moni should order some food, she'll go to the bank branch and make a withdrawal. She goes, Moni calls the waiter over.

Xime’s in mourning, black dress, black shades, as she solemnly descends the spiral staircase. She tells the boys her final three things. Una, we’re not talking about this again, the decision has been made. Dos, really Rolu, Arnie, I don’t want you guys living here anymore, and Tres, I really like this black dress, and I’m not changing it! Arnie is the first to say adiós. He’s sorry he fell in love with his brother’s wife, but he couldn’t help it. There was no way to stop what he felt. He leaves. Rolu won’t go so easily. He begs her (te lo ruego), give me another chance, give us another chance. Xime walks to the base of the staircase, dramatically turns, and tells him no. Their matri didn’t work, doesn’t function, he has to accept it, it’s over. Rolu’s getting tearful, and when his pleading doesn’t work, he decides to tell her HIS three things. Una, I’m not giving up, Dos, I’m going to stay very close to you, and Tres, I swear I won’t rest until I reconquer you, OK? Xime firmly pushes him out the door. She walks back to the stairs, turns, and says to herself “How difficult it is to be a woman loved too much by two men.”

Mau, having heard the truth, thanks Coni for saving Moni’s life the day of the fight. Coni remarks that Moni’s not her favorite person, but she’d never want to KILL her. They wonder how they could track down Moni. Beto suggests Alicia’s house in Moroleón, but Mau thinks that’s too obvious. Coni agrees, Isabel had this well planned, she never makes false steps, calculates everything coldly. Beto says Marcos and Nieves went to see if Cesar knows anything, and Paula and Cris are filing the police report. Coni promises she will help Mauricio find Valentina. Mau still isn’t sure he trusts Coni, though. Coni insists she will show she’s not the same as she used to be, that she’s very repentant for all she’s done. Only time will tell, says Mau. Aldo and Estrella walk in to hear the news.

Back in the cantina the bald bruiser is having an arm wrestling match with another big punk. Moni asks the waiter about them. He tells her those guys always bet, and the bald guy’s the town champ. And sure enough, he slams his opponent’s arm to the table. His name might be El Trucho (the trout). Hissabel returns, not looking too happy. She reports she didn’t have much money in the bank, and has to wait 6 months to withdraw what she has (glad I don’t use THAT bank). What are they to do? No money. The wheels start turning in Moni’s head, as she eyes El Trucho.

Back in the vecindad, everyone’s gathered to discuss the situation, which doesn’t look good. Cris tells everyone that tomorrow an alert will go out to police departments all over the area, that could work. He and Paula did call to Moroleón, and the apartment there is empty. Beto says no one knows Moni’s new cell number, and Hissy’s phone is off. Coni urges calm.

Lalu can’t believe Xime threw out both guys. He’d die just to have one. But what will you do now? Well, Xime’s been reading a book called “How to overcome a breakup.” Lalu wants two copies. Xime’s been stuck all day in Chapter One, but apparently it advises taking advantage of your new freedom to get to know yourself better. So she looked in the mirror, said Hello, and was amazed, the girl in the mirror was just like her. Her favorite color was pink just like mine, it was maraviguau!

Arnie’s cleaning, Rolu arrives, what are you doing in my place? I always lived here when I was single. Turns out they both own this house, in fact they grew up here. They both cross their arms, they’ll both live here, and they can each watch each others’ movements, because neither one is giving up.

Chapter One wasn’t getting Xime too far, so she tried Chapter Two, which said to reconnect with friends, and that’s why she’s talking to Lalu, her best “amiga”. Lalu thinks she shouldn’t have left Chapter One. She does have to understand herself. He thinks she actually loves one of the those Klunder boys, but has to figure out which. She disagrees, she has feelings for both, and can’t stand them fighting. She just wants to escape, have a daiquiri.

Arnie says if you’re gonna live here, you have to help clean, I’m not your maid. Rolu’s response? He starts slamming the broom into the sofa, knocking things over, causing Arnie to quickly don his blue surgical mask, horrified. They fight over a photo of Xime until it goes flying, crashing to the floor, the glass shattering.

Mau is moping in Moni’s barren abode. He remembers his last word, stay with your mother, you deserve each other. What have I done? he laments.

Moni and Ma have found a cheap motel room for the night. At least it’s clean. Hissy’s sad about the money, what are they going to do? But for her, returning is not an option. Moni promises she’ll get money, she has an idea. How much do you have left, Mamá? Three thousand meager pesos ($240.00). Moni takes the money, tells Hissy to rest, she’s going out. Isabel’s worried, Moni tells her Trust me, and walks out. Hissy has a bit of a headache, and when she looks in the mirror she looks very sick, very haggard. The sick Isa taunts her with Marcos’s words “Soon you’ll die, Isabel, your life has been useless.” Shut up! she tells her reflection. I think she’s actually losing it.

In the cantina, Trucho is winning it (another arm wrestling match), when Moni walks in, flashing her bills. I challenge you, she says. Trucho thinks a little girl like her shouldn't be out alone. But if she’s serious who’s her fighter, where is he? It’s me, says Moni, causing the whole place to break out laughing. Trucho thinks she couldn’t dream of beating him. Moni says in a boxing match, I believe I could. Tune in tomorrow for Trucho Talks Trash, but Can Moni Match his Muscles? ¡Ojalá!

Thanks y'all, these group efforts are fun. Guess what? I learned a dicho today that is perfect for us and also for Ximena, heh heh.

Dicho of the day:
Donde come uno, come dos (o tres) = the more the merrier (Lit. where there’s food for one, there’s food for two [or three])

Labels: gancho

Alternate Title: ISABEL IS SUCH AN ASP (thanks to Emilia)

This was a no good very bad day. Nope, the episode wasn't that bad, but the dialogue was fast and furious and I relaxed on my note-taking, knowing I could go back and recheck. And then guess what!? My recorder wasn't working. Grrrrrrrrr.

Okay, now that I've got that kvetch off my modest chest, let's get started. We get a brief replay of a drunken Lobo coming on to Monita and then the scene switches to a smarmy Andres coming on to Luisa. Fortunately a cranky papa Mauricio arrives, throws the punk out, sends a screeching Luisa to her room and that's that. If Marcos had arrived and dispatched Lobo, we would have had a perfect parallel.

Hissy has slithered out into the patio, sees Nieves and hisses that she's left Monita with Lobo so they can get it on together and move past this silly Mauricio romance. Nieves is horrified.

Aldo pops out after Luisa has stormed off and wants to talk to Pops about his marriage proposal. Mauricio sides with Estrella and tells him he has to graduate from high school, move on with his education and career. And THEN, if their love is real and he still wants to be with Estrella, they can get together. Aldo correctly points out the flaw in this reasoning: What about the baby? Then the discussion moves on to the upper-caste greaser Andres. He's a buddy of those creeps who tried to force themselves on Estrella. More reasons to keep Luisa locked in her room.

Phone rings and it's Nieves wanting Mauricio to come over lickety-split to save Monita. Isabel is coiled in the shadows listening. Evidently having Mauricio see the drunken lovefest is part of her plan.

Lovefest is not going well. Monita keeps pushing Lobo away (as Isabel told him she would) and he keeps pushing back saying he knows she wants him (as Isabel told him she does) and that she needs a macho man to take hold and dominate her. (this reminds me of a Frenchman I knew who told me the same thing. Fortunately he wasn't drunk at the time and I tried real hard not to laugh and hurt his feelings.)

Well, heck, let's pull away from this charming scene and see what Estrella and Ximena's most excellent joke is going to be. Estrella charges in, grabs onto a scrumptious Rolu (wow, fun joke from Estrella's point of view) rassles him to the couch and covers him with kisses; which, God bless 'im, he rejects and valiantly murmurs "I'm in love with my wife". Hey, I just want a quick romp ("titirito" =shiver, tremble) and Ximena doesn't need to know, answers Estrella.

Ugh. Back with Lobo. He likes a little sass ("rejega") but now to business. He knocks Monita out, jumps on top and proceeds to slobber all over her. (Hope you're not trying to have dinner while you watch this.)

Back to Laverne and Shirley, Mexicali style. Ximena arrives while Rolu swears he did nothing. Ximene plays the game well, castigating him for fooling around and in his own house. For shame. She looks blank for a moment, Estrella signals her to ramp it up a bit and she sputters on a little longer about how she KNOWS Rolu is unfaithful. Ah c'mon, jumps in Estella, it was just "calentura"....nothing serious. Well then I'm due a little "calentura" myself, chirps Ximena, grabbing Arny and telling him to whip her off to a room and "make me yours". Arny looks dazed, confused and eager, all at the same time.

That's enough for Rolu. Don't you dare touch my wife, he yelps. I'm incapable of betraying the woman I love! Nyah nyah time for the gals now. They're laughing and jumping up and down. Those guys...they fell for it hook line and sinker! Rolu and Arny both sulk. Which delights the girls even more.

Back at the barrio, Mau has arrived, looks in and sees Lobo licking around Monita's face, and doesn't realize she's unconscious. Double ugh. Hizzy slithers back, throws both Mau and Lobo out and the fun begins. Mau thinks Monita was drunk and takes a punch at Lobo. Beto joins in. Punches and counter-punches, a real melee until Christian arrives and puts a stop to it. Dang.

More glee. More sulking. Ximena wants to give Estrella an Oscar. Estrella recognizes her own fine actress skills. Further sulking.

Further acting as well. Isabel is in full loving mother mode comforting a dazed Monita and reassuring her that she threw those nasty men out and now everything is okay. Pounding at the door. Mom doesn't want Monita to answer it but she does. And encounters a huffy Mau who accuses her of rushing to replace him. And off he goes.

Back at the apartment, Rolu's recovered enough to start marking his territory again. The only one whipping Ximena off to a room is me. Even our Estrella blushes at that. Off they go, leaving a deflated Arny alone with our star. She's figured out that something's up with Arny but he won't tell. Not yet anyway.

Ah, another faithless lover. Ivan arrives at Mau's apartment to meet an outraged Tere. No he can't come in. How could he break Luisa's heart like that? Her first love, her first dream!...and now the disillusionment. Leave. Luisa overhears the conversation and we see her crying. Reconciliation just around the corner no doubt.

After the ads, a bloody but unbowed Lobo is pounding on the door again, while Hissy repeats her classic sermonette. Men are no good. Can't trust 'em, don't need 'em, they're all the same. How could Lobo assault you and Mauricio not trust you? Poor baby.

Our disconsolate Lab is at the cantina with Beto. Barrio soul brother reassures him that coffee is no good at a time like this. Accelerates the heart rate. Makes heartache worse. Drown it with tequila, man. Mau's bummed because he thinks it was a planned romance rather than an assault. He saw a bottle of wine and two glasses on the table. Beto, ever the smarter one here, points out that something fishy was certainly cooked up by Isabel. Just like she did with Mau and Estrella. Ya think? Let Monita explain. No, pouts our Lab. I won't go on insisting, begging. If she trusts her mom more than me, I'm taking my marbles and going home. (Lord, I'm tired of these spats, aren't you?)

Oh, nice comic break. Thanks, writers. Connie, looking like an exhausted Sophia Loren in Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, is slaving over a hot stove and turning an egg dish into pig slop, while Nieves sneers and Beto complains about being hungry. Some bickering back and forth but somehow Beto and Constanza manage to turn this into a love scene, gazing tenderly at each other in spite of the jibes. He's endeavoring to get her help patching up things between the ever-battling Mau and Moni. Will it work? Stay tuned.

Estrella is back and at the wash basin along with Monita. The former is chirping on about the great joke she and Xime played when she finally realizes how glum Monita is. A sobered up Lobo comes out (is it the next day?) apologizing for his boorish drunken behavior. Estrella reminds him that he just dropped by to say good-bye to Monita. Our little monkey says Fine, git! And Lobo exits to a song with the lyrics "Quiero que te marchas lejos...no te vuelvo ver". Indeed.

Beto and Constanza are still sparring. He's actually lost his appetite (no puede ser!) and keeps cajoling her to help put our humpty-dumpty couple back together again. After all, they're happy (d'ya think I'm happy cooking eggs when you don't eat! snaps Connie). "Me niego a mover un dedo para aydar a Monita". (I refuse to move a finger to help Monita.) But I suspect Beto will convince her.

Yes, it must be the next day because Rolu is crowing about the passionate incredible thousand and one nights packed into one hot romp that he had with Ximena last night. Sure hope Arny finds a woman he can love like that, big bro' adds with a sly smile. Xime fires back with three things: 1) you're talking about how romantic it was, would sure like to find out what happened 2) how come you say it was so good for us, when I wasn't even informed and 3) what did I miss? Arnie smiles. And the beat goes on. (thanks for the help Hombre)


Oh my. Back to our moody Lab. We see his profile (He IS good-looking. Gotta give him that) and he's remembering Tano's unfortunate chat about all the things Monita and Lobo have in common. Dany bounces down the stairs, finds out Mau and Monita are on the outs again and sets her daddy straight. SIT DOWN. LISTEN. WORK IT OUT. TALK IT OVER. WHEN YOU DO, I'LL GET YOU A LOLLIPOP.

Wow, we need more counselors like that. I love lollipops.

Of course, our nefarious counselor, Ms. Asp, is also at work with Monita. Love isn't real....not from men anyway. Only a mother's love is authentic, trustworthy. But you know, everything has a beginning and an end. And my end is near. So let's just forget the whole world and treasure our time together, my little one. Monita sadly agrees and Toxic Mom quietly gloats.

Back at the office, Marcos is offering Sal the vice-presidency and Sal's turning it down. He's worked his whole life. Now he's going to marry Gabriela, travel and enjoy life to the max. Marcos looks delighted. Clearly he's a sucker for romance, even if it costs him a fine vice-president.

Plan B: Constanza approaches Lobo (who STILL hasn't left town), rubs up against him, says she regrets that they were interrupted at the cantina, and while he's perplexed and befuddled, Beto slips a net over him, Connie gets in a few gratuitous kicks, and they haul him off to 'fess up about the assault on Monita to Mauricio.

And while that's going on, our little Arny is attempting to set the story straight with Ximena as well. He tries to tell her what he's been feeling. Those love letters were written by me. I love you madly, crazily.

Shoot! Now we're back with Mau and Monita again. Sorry, but I'm just sick and tired of their endless spats. I still say their marriage is going to be one long deaf and dumb dispute. However she does bring up a chronic gripe of mine. How many times can you hear someone say "perdoname" before you just want to puke? Otherwise it's the usual and she pretends she's actually replacing him with Lobo. Yawn. After the ads, the yada yada goes on. He fires back that she and Isabel deserve each other. I'm almost ready to agree with him. Hasta nunca Monita. Hasta nunca Mauricio. Ojala!

Arny's in full flow now. I know you're the wife of my brother but I can't keep quiet any longer. I love you, I love you. I wrote all those letters that he claimed as his. Xime is charmed. You mean " my mischievous glance, my tender gaze, my smiles that make your soul sweetly merge and melt with mine" are all YOUR words, Arny? Indeed. Double indeed.

Ugh. Back to Toxic Twosome. Monita and Mom. She needs a hug. She's blue. She told Maurico just what Mom told her to, word for word, and Mom was right. Nasty old guy doubted her. Same way he doubted me, sighs mama. Well, we don't need him. I'm ready to do all you ask, Mom, murmurs Monita. More quiet gloating along with pseudo-hug while Isabel reassures her that she will soon be over it. (well, yes, if Hissy kills her, she certainly will be)

Back to True Confessions. We're now talking about that wonderful bubbly feeling Arny gets when he looks at his cuñada-- like when you throw one of those fizzy pills into a glass of water. Like a mini-jacuzzi! chortles Xime. Well, I have a confession too, she continues. I wrote those letters that Lalu sent you, the ones that made you sigh with longing. So "estamos a mano" (we're even).

What do you mean by "estamos a mano" presses Arny. Are you feeling the same thing I am? Well that depends. Do you feel like biting into this apple....and do you have an itch in your left ear? answers Xime. Whoops. Wrong answer. Arny deflates again and Xime heads up the stairs. Where oh where is this going?

Our final scene is at the office. Sal is leaving in high spirits. Mau is dragging in, lowdown and blue. He's in full sulk, refusing all calls. Paula's in full gear, not taking any of that. When he refuses to answer the phone in Spanish, she re-enters and gives him the message in English, and some whatfor in Spanish and he finally answers. It's Tano from Chicago with scary news. Lobo left Chicago because he's wanted by the police for attempting to beat his ex-wife to death.
Gosh, do you suppose this means that Mauricio will ride to the rescue once again?

Previews:
We hear Constanza's voice saying that Isabel is a very dangerous woman who won't stop until she reaches her objectives. (Mau overhears)

Vocabulary:

prevalecer = prevail (what Aldo's love will do if it's real)
pantalones bien puestos = a guy who rules the roost; what Lobo purports to be while he assaults Monita
titirito = a sexy romp, a quickie...from the verb "titiritar" to shiver, tremble
rejega = mouthy, cheeky (what Lobo calls Monita when she resists his advances)
calentura = the "hots"
ya no aguantan nada = you guys can't take it (Xime and Estrella laughing at the brothers and their sulking)
el apodo lleva la penitencia = lit. the nickname carries the punishment. Isabel noting that Lobo has lived up to his savage nickname (after the drunken attack)
me das alas = you encourage me, you turn me on...Lobo accusing Monita of coming on to him and then pushing him away
"dees es urhent" = this is urgent, Paula's charming English

Dicho of the Day

El que con lobos anda, a aullar se enseña. You learn how to howl when you keep company with wolves.

Labels: gancho

Well you have to give Isabella her due. For the moment at least, with the Jero disc she has regained a great deal of lost ground, although the only one really convinced of her innocence is Valentina, but then that's all she really needs, isn't it? Let's reconvene in the boardroom with Mao, Moni, Gabi, Paula and Ximy, and finish watching as Jerónimo convincingly finishes spinning his yarn.

After implicating Oscar in every crime except the Lindberg kidnapping, including drugging Mao and Moni to frame them in order to extort Mao and when Isabel discovered him at Estre's, he threatened to kill Monita if she exposed him, thus exonerating Isabel, he tells Oscar that he is going to disappear in a place where the police will never find him, saying aloha as he waves goodbye. Those gathered around the table look dumbfounded. Ximena, bless her innocent ingenuous little heart, timidly waves back as the screen goes dark. Not surprisingly she gamely offers up tres cosas. "Una. ¡Yo sabia! I knew perfectly well that the camera makes one look fatter, but I never imagined just how much. Dos. Or maybe Jero does not photograph well. Y tres. Where was my hermanolfo going? Where has he gone?" Gabi reminds her that He ended up in a coma before he could go anywhere. Actually, Ximi is closer to the truth than she realizes. For Moni the important thing is, "My mama didn't do anything!" Well heck, this sets us back a bit. Mao however is not so sure. He thinks they should confront Jero. Strange that this disc should appear just now. In a rare moment of clarity, Ximena points out hat her brother is still in coma, "He's not saying much, in fact he can't even move." Gabi confirms that she has spent a great deal of time in his room and the police are waiting to arrest him as soon as he stirs. Mao is shaken but he grits his teeth and for the moment remains silent. Fuming.

Conferring with her new BFF, Snaky Lady lays out the rest of her plan to Jero of a way of avoiding the police and leading a normal life without molestation... plastic surgery." Jero's interested, "a nip here, a tuck there..." Not exactly what she had in mind. She was thinking along the lines of an entirely new face. Jero balks, pointing out that he is after all a very handsome man who is quite happy and comfortable is his current face, thank you very much. She visualizes him as ending up even more handsome, otherwise he will end up in prison. She tells him with money, anything is possible, "What do you say Jerónimo?"


Meanwhile, Isabel is wrapping things up with Jero. She still has plans for Valentina. He must remain in coma since surely Mauricio, Valentina, and his sister Ximena will be coming to check on him. She has arranged for this Dr Isquierdo, a plastic surgeon who will explain everything and take care of all the details. "This is the last time we'll see each other, our debts are settled." She waves bye. He looks troubled and doubtful.

Mao takes a moment in his office to chew out Iván over his little dalliance with Alejandra. Out of respect for Teri, he won't fire him, but he forbids him to come sniffing around Luisa. "Understood?" Iván meekly nods. He storms out, catches up with Moni and tell Ximena, who is still there, that they are on the way to the hospital to see Jero. Ximena is thrilled and insists on joining them, "Hospitals are very entertaining!"

Meintras tanto, Isabel is taking care of last minute arrangements with Dr. Isquierdo. She hands him a check, "I talked with Jerónimo Sermeño, he's expecting you. You know what to do." She abruptly leaves as he inspects his check.

In his room, Jero is practicing his coma skills as Dr. Isquierdo enters and introduces himself. Jero has doubts. As he draws up an injection he tells Jero not to worry that he is in good hands. Worried, Jero demonstrates with several poses how handsome he is. "You think that you can improve on this?" The Dr. reassures him all will be well as he injects a drug into the IV line. He tells Jero, "When I'm done, even your own mother won't recognize you." Jero ponders this. At least now he can free himself from his idiot of a sister. He tells the Dr. that he hates Drs. and hospitals though nurses are another matter. Dr. Lefty (notice that he wears his watch on his right wrist as do many southpaws including yours truly) tells him that Sra. López thought it would be prudent to wait a bit before the surgery but that he would not have to worry any longer about faking coma because he just finished initiating a temporary coma. Jero has questions but the deed is done. The Dr. counts, "Quatro, tres, dos, uno," as Jero drifts away.

Back at Moni's place, Isabel is packing as Lobo comes calling. He's there to say goodbye to Moni. She wants to know why he's leaving Valentina in Mauricio's hands. He tells her that Mao saved his life and besides, Monita has him stuck firmly in her heart. She can't believe that he's giving up so easily. If she wants something, if she can't have it by doing things right, then she will resort to less noble tactics. She would not take no as an answer. She accuses him of not being much of a man(without pants). She agrees to tell Moni he came by. It bears repeating, this lady is very good at this evil business. Lobo is wounded. She is pleased with herself.

Well great! At Mao's penthouse, Andres has arrived, guitar in hand, to minister an injured dove. Luisa thanks him for coming. Well of course, she was crying when she called him. She tells him about Iván's betrayal (a kiss for goodness sakes!). "¡Imbécil!" Andres is outraged, but hey, "Now you and I can be novios." Clever lad, you little creep. Well how convenient. He moves in for a kiss as we go to commercial. She doesn't resist.

At the hospital another Dr is checking on the now genuinely comatose Jerónimo as Mao, Moni, and Ximy enter the room all gowned up and masked as is the medico. Mao asks the Dr. to check Jero carefully. He does and confirms the obvious. "Yep, he's in coma alright with weak vital signs and barely detectable reflexes." Not quite a dead parrot, but pretty darn close. Ximena checks by loudly clapping her hands directly in Jero's face. The Dr. leaves. Now for a little hospital horseplay. Ximy wants to demonstrate how well Jero obeys her in this state. She picks up the paddles, charges the defibrillator and orders Jero to jump as she applies the paddles to his chest. He obeys. I can't help it, she could do this a thousand times and I would laugh. Mao, however, is appalled and snatches the paddles out of her hands and replaces them. Moni rests her case.

At Nieves' apartment, Coni is warmly welcomed by Marcos who was just about to keep Nieves company as she cooks for him. Beto is in a jovial mood, though Nieves is a little less cheery. She grudgingly gives Coni a chilly welcome, "Buena." Beto urges her to give Coni a kiss, she's fresh out of jail (botellón). Nieves admits that she is glad that Coni's not a criminal. Beto observes that Marcos gave his soul brother a penthouse. How about setting him and Coni up in a nice place. Marcos gets serious. He gave Beto a job so that he could support Coni, but they both must prove themselves to him. Beto as a responsible man, and she must prove that she has given up her hate and become an honest noble woman. Then they will have his unconditional support and not before. Until then they must get by as best they can. He offers to send his chauffeur to pick up Coni's clothing. Beto coughs and says, "Then welcome to your new home (morada)!" Now Nieves objects, she doesn't want this lazy girl (fodonga), who doesn't even know how to pick up a broom, around. Coni tells her not to worry,"I won't mess with your transportation." "Are you calling me a witch?" "I don't see anyone else." Beto restrains Nieves as the two continue to trade insults. Actually both seem to be enjoying the exchange. This arrangement should work out nicely.

Aldo appears at Estrella's. He wants to get married. She doesn't. She lists a number of reasons that this is not a good idea. Depressing as well as borrrring...next!

At Monita's place things are no better. Snake Woman is packing as M&M arrive. Moni tries to dissuade her. Mao is losing patience and biting his tongue. Moni begs as Mao seethes. Isabel thinks it over and agrees to stay on one condition, Mauricio must apologize and ask her forgiveness. Uh... sure. Closeups of serious faces all around. Who thinks that Mao will agree to this? I thought so.

An injured Wolf is drinking beer in the cantina as Issy's belittling words rattle around in his canid brain. He has a flashback to an even less happier time. He is confronting his wife with her betrayal with his manager. She tells him that he is not at her level. His manager is a real man who makes her feel like a woman. (Sara?)
Ouch. Lobo tells her that she is still his wife and moves in for a bit of canine aggression. We mercifully cut away. Back in the cantina he stands up and smashes his beer bottle to the floor. Now he's getting angry. Uh oh.

Over at Moni's Mao is ready to render a decision. "I won't swear to a lie." Moni reminds him of Jero's tape. He says that Isabel knows Jero. Isabel scoffs, "I haven't even met him." He reminds Isabel that in his office to his face she admitted to injecting him and Estre, removing their clothes, and placing them in bed together. "What an imagination!" She reminds Moni that she took a bullet for her. Mao's tired of this. He tells Moni to decide who she believes, "I'm telling you the truth." "I'm dying..." Now it's decision time for Moni. Place your bets as we head for commercials.

A happy couple joins a brooding Lobo in the Cantina. Coni is clinging lovingly to Beto as they take seats at Lobo"s table. An unsuspecting Beto goes off to get Tequila leaving Coni alone with Lobo.

Aw man, more Aldo and Estre. More reasons why it's best that he forget her and get on with being a teen. More protestations of profound love for her and his child. Protestations from me that they are wasting perfectly good time. He finally gets her to agree to reconsider once he has grown up. Next!

A drunken Lobo asks Coni, "What is a beautiful chick like you doing with that goodfornothing Beto?" He preens and poses offering Coni a feel of his muscles. She politely admires his body as he insists that she touch is arms and belly and thigh. She reluctantly does. He suddenly goes grabby and begins invading hr personal space in a big way. She protests and resists, he insists as Beto returns and forcefully urges him to desist. A scuffle ensues with the furniture being the biggest loser. Bad Wolf.

Moni is also in a protesting mood, "Why are you putting between the sword (espada) and the wall (pared)?" She pleads with both to reconsider their positions. Hasn't she been listening? Mao decides to help her out, "You know what Monita? I'm tired. All or nothing, chose her or me." Nobly, Isabel offers to make it easy by leaving, as she had planned, to go home and die alone. Well played, you evil harpy.Monita runs to her, "Don't go, mamá!" Mao's had enough, 'You've made up your mind Monita, I'm outta here." "No Mauricio, wait!" He looks back for a moment, shakes his head and leaves. Moni casts a hard look at mom, then hurries after Mao. Isabel smiles a satisfied smirk.

Moni follows Mao onto the patio. "Wait!" She wants to talk. She asks him to give her support. To give just a little. He tells her that he has knocked himself out for her and their. If she can't believe him now, it's useless. She gets angry and tells him to leave. She can always find a man who will give her support, she can't get another mother. Wow! Is this it for our lovebirds? Have we stuck by them all these months for it to end like this? Ouch!

Lobo has found his way back to Moni's. She's not home but the Viper invites him in.

Beto, who is battered and bruised, and Coni, who looks oddly pleased, are home. Nieves wants to know what happened to her baby. "I was defending my woman's honor." "¿Qué? She doesn't even have any honor." This sets of another spat with insults exchanged, but Beto decrees that the the three of them will live together in peace.

Too bad Isabel has no coffee to offer the snockered Lobo, but she does have some wine and suggest they have a glass and chat. He admits that he's angered by her questioning his manhood. She agrees that he is every bit a man but doesn't understand why he doesn't fight for Valentina since she's dying with love for him. "She told me so, and she's through with Mauricio."She tells him that she broke it off with Mao because she is in love with Lobo. She tells him that when Moni returns she will leave them undisturbed. "Moni will play hard to get, that's how women are, but she wants it. Pressure her and I promise she will desire to be with you." He drinks up. Yikes!

At Estre tries to convince Moni that she is making a mistake. She's persuasive but Moni is being... well... Moni. Xime shows up at Estre's door,"Ding dong." She needs Estre's assistance with the joke she has planned for Arnie and Rolu. "See you later, Moni." Moni heads home as Issy slithers by, unseen.

Andres is helping Luisa with her math homework. Thanks to him she should do well on tomorrow's exam. Have we gotten this young man all wrong? They bathe in each other's eyes for a lingering moment, then he pops the question, "Will you be my novia. I've always been in love with you." What the heck, why not?" They kiss as the front door opens and it's an already unhappy Popa Mao, "What's going on here?" He's not gonna be getting any lovin' anytime soon, so by golly, no one else will either.

Moni's home and our soused cur-wolf asks if there's anymore wine. Moni is not happy that he's in her house, drunk. He knows that she is sweet on him. "Why haven't we tried something more serious?" "The past is in the past. Get out!" Lobo turns predatory, "Why not recognize that you want to be with me?" He stalks his prey, "I'm crazy about you."He approaches her with a loco loopy loony lascivious look of lupine lust.

Dr. Judy. Help! Tell us something sweet and happy.

Carlos

Labels: gancho

Gancho bloggers, your show is about to end. We could sure use some of you on Dinero - we have no Monday blogger and if they're going to run two hours a night it would be nice to have more coverage!

Corazon Salvaje people, do you want to dump your midnight madness and become the new Dueña team? You'd get Colunga and Lucero and that magnificent villain David Zepeda (we loved, loved him in Sortilegio).

Pecado team, are you happy as you are?

any other takers?

Labels: dinero, gancho, pecado, salvaje, schedule, stud

Alternate Title: Snakes Rattle and Roll

With at least a week left to go before the Gran Final, we shouldn’t delude ourselves. Sure, Isabel’s been unmasked. Salvador has returned from the dead to be joyously reunited with Gabriela, and Estrella found her cachorro. Paula and Cristian tied the knot. Coni may have learned her lesson after all, by losing everything, and spending a night in jail. But Jerry’s still alive and kicking (well, not so much from his hospital bed). Rolu and Arnie are fighting like dogs for a very lovely, but loopy, bone. And what about our canny, coiled cobra? Can Hissabel really be defanged yet? No way. Our slithering serpent is just too sly. She’ll twist, she’ll turn, she’ll slide, she’ll hide, she’ll trick, she’ll plot with all she’s got, until Marcos, Valentina and all the others who’ve made her the way she is, suffer. A lot. If it’s the last thing she does on this Earth!

But first, let’s rejoin our other characters. Xime’s been charmed by her dueling Man-Joe’s, Rolu and Arnie, singing up a storm to charm our tipsy gypsy. Mau and Moni arrived at the hospital to check on Hissy, who instead of checking in as a patient, has donned blue hospital garb, visited Jerónimo, and made some kind of a deal with him.

After a few supportive hugs from Mauricio, Moni demands the nurse check again, are you sure there’s no Isabel López here? She’s sure. Mau figures she may have gone to another hospital, and since there are so many (really Mau, this is a novela, you’re in the only one), they might as well go home and wait. Moni reluctantly agrees.

Beto’s kidding Nieves about all her curlers (she has quite a bunch, to go with her pink robe), when there’s a knock on the door. It’s Marcos, and Nieves, appalled to be seen like this (she shrieks mis fachas, or my unsightly appearance), slams the door right in Marcos’s face! She rushes back to change, as Beto greets Marcos, who’s rubbing his tooth. A few seconds later, Nieves makes her grand entrance, no more curlers, hair wild, wearing a tiger print dress with the strap in her teeth. Rowwwlll!

Marcos has great news. Constanza’s innocent, and she’s getting out of jail in the morning. Turns out she couldn’t have killed Salvador, because Salvador just happens to have appeared! Alive? questions Beto. He and Nieves are having trouble getting their heads around this one.

It’s time to award the prize, a bottle of wine, for the best karaoke singer, and it’s between Rolu and Arnie. Both receive ovations, and our pugnacious pair try to get the crowd to pick them. Fair Xime can’t understand why they’d fight so much over a bottle of wine. No, says Lalu, they’re fighting over you, for your love. This is a bit much for Xime in her state, and she says she has to say farewell now. You’re going? asks Lalu. No, I’m gone, she says, falling directly backwards off her chair, dead drunk, out like a light. As her boys rush to help, we see Xime’s dream. Rolu’s smothering her with hot kisses, saying the hours he spends with her are driving him mad, he wishes time didn’t exist. Guess not, as Xime lifts up an hourglass, and there’s only one minute left. Then 50 seconds, etc., until (10 seconds early), Arnie bursts through the door, a rose in his teeth, big bouquet in hand, it’s time for HIS ten hours. Xime flips the hourglass, and Arnie’s ready. He lifts her into his arms, howls like a coyote, and up the stairs they go!

Back in reality, Lalu makes sure the two lovers don’t tear Xime in two as they carry her out of the bar.

Estrella is telling Aldo how great it is that the lies are over, she’ll finally get her best amiga back. Aldo agrees, but he also understands how disillusioned Moni must feel about her mother, the person she loved and trusted more than anyone else in the world. He felt something like that when he thought his Dad had betrayed him with Estrella, but it’s probably worse for Monita.

Mau and Moni arrive in the vecindad, she still shaken. Nieves comes out, and Moni asks for a hug. Nieves gladly hugs her. Moni is sorry for all the mean things she said to Nieves, but Nieves understands, and never stopped loving her. She also says Moni will be very happy with her handsome Mauricio, and the three of them hug. Next to enter are Aldo and Estrella. Moni says Mau should go home to his kids, so he and Aldo say goodbye. Moni looks at Estrella, can we talk? Of course, she says with a smile. As Nieves thanks the Virgencita, Moni and Estre go inside to rebuild their friendship.

They start with a hug, and Moni begs for forgiveness. Don’t worry about it, says Estre, I understand, with my reputation, but I’d never rob your boyfriend, although I did get to see him naked, and he sure is hot, you know

(she jokes, Moni smiling, playfully fake punching her). Seriously, says Estre, if I caught you with my puppy, I’d be super mad, too. Yeah, says Moni, I can just imagine your cachorro, just coming out of the shower, all fresh and clean….Hey, shut up, says Estre, but Moni was just joking, giving as good as she got, and they point at each other. Moni’s still sad, though, upset about her Mom, and also worried about her. Estre says she’s just tired, and they fall asleep comforting each other.

A new day dawns, and Coni, head on the ground, is awakened by the sound of Cristian’s voice. Time to move. Are they transferring me to the main prison? Negativo, says Cris, all charges have been dropped. You’re a free woman. She can’t believe it, and lights up when Beto, wearing a green “Soy verde” (I’m green) tee shirt, enters to give her a hug, declaring her macho cabrio has returned. She kisses him, filled with need and emotion. Marcos arrives and she tearfully hugs him. Coni still feels guilty about letting Salvador die, she knows she must pay for her crimes. Maybe not, because here’s Sal too, not dead. Coni cries tears of joy and relief.

In the vecindad, Moni is wistfully going through the photos of her Mom, when Isabel enters, hair strangely askew. They glare at each other a few times, and Moni finally asks where she’s been. Hissy says she went to a different hospital, and spent the whole night in the emergency room, “as if you cared”. Yes, she lays on the guilt trip. Moni confronts her about the trap she did to Mauricio and Estrella, Aldo told her about it, but Hissy says she never lied, everyone else lied. And who are you going to believe, a drug addict like Aldo? Well, says Moni, Oscar also said you were working with him. And Constanza also accused you. Oh, shoots back Hissy, you believe a killer and the woman who hates you despite the fact that you’re her sister, more than you believe me? (Oooh, she’s good).

We have another hug, this time a Coni sandwich, with Beto and Marcos as the bread.


Hissabel continues, don’t you remember I took a bullet for you? And you still believe all those others? Moni calmly tells her, Salvador isn’t dead (of course Hissy knows this, but she pretends not to), and he told me he did argue with you in Mau’s office. Well, yes, Sal had just found out how Mauricio helped me fake my death, and didn’t like it, but you know all about that, and I assure you when I left the office, Salvador was fine. Moni’s still not buying it, you still haven’t explained the thing with Mau and Estrella, you took the pictures. Hissy goes back to the martyr strategy, whining that Moni is hurting her, making her sickness worse. I just hope when you cry at my tomb, you’ll be sorry! She walks out.

At Grupo Sermeño, Paula, now the office administrator, is imparting her wisdom to Alejandra, you have to work hard to move up the way I did, don’t just look at the guys. Ale assures her she isn’t looking at any guys, but when Ivan walks past, her head turns and the eyes follow. Ivan goes to prepare coffee, and Ale offers to help him. No way, Paula has her make some copies. The elevator opens, and it’s Gabi, looking around nervously. Paula wonders why. Gabi’s worried about Lorenza. Paula isn’t up to speed, so Gabi fills her in (after Pau beams about how she finally had her wedding night, on the Highway Vieja Cuernavaca). Gabi explains that Sal’s alive! Paula wants all the gossip with every juicy detail (con pelos y señales).

Meanwhile, Alejandra sneaks into the coffee room, and starts sexually assaulting Ivan. He tries and tries to stop her, they have to work. Fine, she says, you work at making the coffee, I’ll make the crackers with jelly (mermelada). She dips her finger in the jelly (apricot, chabacano), rubs it on her lip sensually, then goes to feed him, and when he moves, she gets it on his suit. Then she LICKS it off. Well, that’s it for Ivan, resistance is futile, and the lip-locking begins.

Of course, at this point, Mau arrives at the office with Aldo and Luisa. Gabi and Paula are happy to see them. Then Moni arrives with a downtrodden look, she’s feeling guilty about her argument (agarrón) with her Ma. As Mauricio comforts Moni, Aldo and Luisa go to get them coffee, and I think we’ve had just about enough tender hugging and happiness for this episode. It’s time for some drama!

Well, first a little more of Moni moping, Mau comforting, saying she’s noble, but also intelligent (as if he would know). She shouldn’t let her heart rule her mind. Let the chips fall where they may, you’re not alone, you have me, and all the people who care about you. Gracias, she says.

Okay, NOW for the fun. Luisa and Aldo are shocked to see Ivan kissing Alejandra. Ale smiles sneakily, and leaves to let them work it out. Ivan wants to explain, but Luisa won’t hear of it, and SLAPS him! She runs out, he tries to follow, but then Aldo defends his sister, and starts fighting with Ivan. They take it out to the main office, and the fists are flying. No sooner have the boys been separated, than Luisa and Ale start, too, grabbing each other’s hair,


until Mau and Moni, rousted from their sappiness session, move in to restore order.

We now flip over to Xime’s house, as she gingerly takes the last step down the spiral staircase, wearing sunglasses, holding her head, mightily hung over. Rolu and Arnie have prepared a wonderful breakfast for her, replete with all sorts of hangover remedies. Rolu has mineral water with lemon and salt, Arnie orange juice. She wants coffee. Rolu has chilaquiles and aspirin for her. Ah, Rolu, you made chilaquiles? Well, no, it was Arnie. Oh, well, Arnie how nice to bring me aspirin. Ummm, sorry, that was Rolu’s idea. Doorbell rings, and Xime, holding her head, gets it. It’s a strange envelope. After telling the delivery man her name is Penelope Cruz….Perez, she signs for it. It’s addressed to Jerónimo Sermeño, not to be opened by his sister Ximena under any circumstances. Of course she immediately opens it. It’s a dvd, and of course they’ll watch it. Arnie’ll get the popcorn. Both boys rush to make the popcorn, but Xime says I also want…..tomato juice. They rush to the kitchen, as she says, I also want (they rush back in together)…..a soda with just a few bubbles. They rush out, she says, I also want (they rush back in)

…..two onion tostadas with a little avocado and a pair of flautas without cream but with lettuce. They rush out again, but she yells after them, Just kidding boys. I only wanted the popcorn. And the soda and the tomato juice. They rush out again. She’s loving this, in fact, she’s so happy, her hangover (cruda) is gone!

Aaaaoooooooo! The wolf is back, Lobo’s in the vecindad, runs into Estrella, who informs him that he might as well leave, Moni’s reconciled with Mauricio, it was cleared up that Mau and she never did anything. So hit the road, Jack. Lobo say he loves Valentina, and he’s not the type who gives up easily. He glares at her, and walks off, setting us up for some more trouble.

Mauricio orders Ivan to wait for him in Mau’s office, they need to have a serious discussion. Aldo is ordered to take Luisa home, he’ll talk with her later. Moni comforts her, telling her love is not so easy (that’s for sure!). As they get in the elevator, Paula pulls Gabi, Moni and Mau aside, and says they should fire that hussy Alejandra. Mau says he’ll talk with said hussy later, too.

Coni is just happy to be in the open air (al aire libre), with all the people moving around, the noise of the cars, she knows she’s made so many mistakes, she really wants to change. Ah, THAT’s the word I wanted to hear, says Beto, smiling, kissing her hands, he’s there to help. Coni’s made a decision, too. She’s going to return the vecindad to him, to Valentina, and to all the neighbors. All right! Beto kisses her, this is the best! She continues, she has nothing left, sold her boutique, her house, cleaned out her bank account, for the first time in her life she has nothing, she’s okay with that, but she doesn’t have anywhere to live. Don’t you worry about a thing, honey, says Beto, you have me, and I’m going to work night and day to buy you all the things you like, your fashion sunglasses, your expensive perfumes, your clothes, your handbags, everything. By the way, though, what about Monita, can you stop fighting with her? Coni needs time. Don’t worry, reassures Beto, step by step, with time, with saliva, and with muchas ganas (desire)….oh, speaking of that,…. Let’s get it on (he says porqué no vamos a lo oscurito a verle el esternon al peluche de mono huelo, which is something like why don’t we go to the dark to see the sternum of the smelly stuffed monkey, but you get the idea). She’s ready.


Okay, is Mauricio going to have all those serious discussions with everybody about responsibility and office procedures? Course not, Xime’s here, envelope in hand, and when Xime calls, duty stalls. She cries out Mao Tsé Tung, Monu, Gabirú, Pao, we have to watch this video, it’s urgentísimo, ajá! Mau protests, but he’s no match for Xime’s three things. Una, I came running here to bring it to you, Dos, it’s not going to win an Oscar, because he doesn’t exist anymore, and Tres, it’s very important you all watch it with me. Mauricio wants to watch it later, but Xime says it has to be “now, Mao”,

and Mau finally gives the green light. Into the meeting room they go. Paula tells Ale, whom she calls besucona, or Miss Kissy, to bring the coffee and cookies, and hers gets two sugars, so move it!

Xime promises it’ll be super revelador (revealing) and aterriguau (combination of terrifying and Wow). Cue movie, and it’s Jero talking, saying


Hello, dear Oscar. If you’re watching this video, then surely I’m taking a plane to a paradise beach where I’ll be waited on by beautiful and delicious women, enjoying all the money I’ve robbed from you. I’m really sorry your vacation has to be in jail, since I sent a copy of this video to my dummy sister. Hola Ximena. (she says, Hola Jero, how ya doin? We’re all watching, dumb-bro’, and gives him an air kiss). If I’m not wrong, my idiot sister answered my question and surely will show this recording to my cousin Mauricio and he to the police. Oscar, my betrayal of you won’t be complete unless I list all your crimes such as, for example, the death of Licensiado Araujo, of Detective Bocanegra, although I had no participation, of course. Gabriela, Gabriela, if you’re there, Salvador, your old man, smells like puke, but he’s not dead. Oscar has him hidden in a cabaña, the address is on the envelope in which I’m sending this video (thanks for telling me now, you creep, says Gabi). I also had nothing to do with this, right Oscar? Same for the time that you hid in the hovel of that saucy Estrella to sedate her and Mauricio, with the idea of extorting my dear cousin, and who is, by the way, not as handsome or clever as I am. I don’t know how Isabel López found out about that. Well, she went to the cabaña to scold you for besmirching her daughter. And for sure, you looked very bad, threatening that poor woman with killing Monita if she revealed your plans!

(You could hear a pin drop in the room. Wow!)

Yes, Hissy’s not dead. She’s just getting ssssssssssssstarted!!!!!!

Previews: Hissy manipulates Jero, manipulates Lobo, and manipulates Moni. The rattlesnake is on a roll.

Vocabulario:

Facha – appearance, look
Con pelos y señales – with all the juicy details
Mermelada de chabacano – apricot jam, chabacano can also mean vulgar
Agarrón – an argument or fight, literally, a grabbing
Al aire libre – in the open air, outside
Besucona – a gal who likes to kiss

Labels: gancho