Caray, Caray!

Hola a todos! Hello everyone on Caray Caray!

During my recent vacation I flew to New York City for the People en espa~ol Mas Bello 2010
fiesta on May 20. As the blog's unofficial photographer, I was permitted to enter and
stand in the corner with the other photographers in the press room at the event.

Here is the link to see the photos I took both outside the venue and in the press room:


http://www.flickr.com/photos/locococonut/sets/72157624315803300


Jody

Labels: clon, Cuidado, dinero, entertainment-news, gavilanes, heridas, manana, mundo, pecado, sortilegio

Gabriel S. speaks about how much he has admired Daniela Romo his whole life. Daniela playfully corrects him and says, since you were little (to make her not seem so old). They joke around a lot about how nervous he was during their scenes, sweaty hands and all. But they both say wonderful/touching things about the other. Daniela then goes into how much she enjoyed their loves scenes. She got really into it and felt the desire in those moments when they were caressing, etc- she was very much enjoying it. Gabriel blushes and William grabs Jackie and jokes that they should leave those two alone.

Cristina asks if Gabriel’s girlfriend/baby mamma minds when he has love scenes and gets jealous. He says, no, and especially not when it’s someone whom she respects and admires like Daniela. He and his girlfriend met years ago when they were both in L.A. at different acting schools. Cristina asks about his choice to not be married. He explains that for him marriage isn’t the key to happiness. He’s quite happy with his girlfriend and daughter and not being married and that’s his lifestyle choice. Punto.

David and Chantal do a skit (in Bruno and Raquel mode) in the green room about being the last after Jackie (la flaquita), William, Gabriel and Daniela, and what’s up with that. Cristina welcomes them both out. Cristina congratulates Chantal on getting her figure back so quickly after baby. Her baby is less than a year old (didn’t catch how many months). They show a clip of the rumble on the stairs when Bruno was in his tight yellow briefs. Apparently this scene was MUCH talked about and Cristina wants to know the dirty details from David. I picked up that he couldn’t do the scene in boxers, because things would have popped out and been flashed, so it had to be the briefs. It was not his favorite scene to film. He got quite banged up and his toes even had to be taped. They talk about his antagonistic relationship with Cuco- who he really had to rile up to get him to bark at him. Therefore the two of them did not have a good relationship and David slips up and says that damned dog when he first starts speaking about Cuco. This gets some laughs out of his castmates, and David assures the audience that he loves animals.

Cristina asks Chantal about taking such an intense role. Chantal speaks about how passionate she is about acting and loves to work. She loved this role and felt like it was more complicated that others she had done before, and wanted the opportunity to portray this woman consumed by alcoholism. She started filming just 40 days after having her baby. Cristina asks about the strong theme of bisexuality, and they all agree that it’s a real lifestyle and that it was done with realism and without being offensive in the novela. Cristina asks how Chantal’s husband took her doing this role, particularly with these strong sexual situations. She says what a wonderful man she is married to- so intelligent and has told her that he wants her to be successful at her work. He does not watch her love scenes, however. Cristina comments that Chantal is following in the family business, having grown up with both a mother and father who are successful actors.

Cristina then turns to David and points out that acting was not the first field he intended to go into. In fact, he was in law school. David then talks about when he went to Miami years ago and that’s when he met William. Since David grew up with only sisters, William became like the brother he never had. They are very close. He then gets even more sentimental talking about what a wonderful family William, Jackie, Dani, Gabriel and Chantal were during Sorti.

Cristina shows us a day in the life of Gabriel Soto in L.A.: riding his motorcycles through the streets of L.A. (with a helmet on); going to the gym to do boxing training; and hanging out with his cute baby girl and girlfriend on the beach (he wants his daughter to grow up next to the water).

Cristina asks Jackie to share some stories about William’s eating habits. Apparently William eats A LOT, does not need to watch his diet (eats pizza, tacos, and all things fattening), never needs to go to the gym, and gets very cranky when he has not been sufficiently fed. JB recounts one day when they had taken a break from filming to eat, she had finished her lunch and Carla asked her to go get William so that they could start filming again. William had not yet finished eating and started a tirade at Jackie (he swears it wasn’t at HER per se) about having spent 15 years in Cuba with nothing to eat but bread and now should get to eat what he wants (his excuse whenever he is kidded about eating a lot). She goes into this tirade, perfectly imitating William’s accent and tone and the whole little tirade. This cracks everyone up, including William, and David jumps up to show physically how cranky William gets when he hasn’t had enough to eat- slamming his fist on the table, pacing like a wild animal and insisting he can’t film if he hasn’t eaten.

From previous previews, there was a lot more to this segment with JB getting up and doing some kind of imitation of someone (this seems to be her thing; remember her imitation of Elena), Gabriel shows his tattoos, including ones under his shirt, and Daniela sings. We get none of that because Cristina is showing the exclusive world premier of We Are the World in Spanish- Somos el Mundo. We see lots of Latin singing stars behind the scenes of the filming/recording the song, and then we get the song and video itself. Very well done, and for a good cause. Most of the money from the song sold on iTunes will go towards Haiti relief and to other causes that the We Are the World Foundation supports. Hopefully Chile will benefit too. There might be more of the Sorti cast stuff they didn’t show on the Cristina site on Univision.com, keyword (clave) Sortilegio.

Photos: http://www.univision.com/content/photoalbum4.jhtml?cid=2292908
Short clip: http://www.univision.com/content/videoplayer.jhtml;jsessionid=VWAE1ZIWONSR2CWIAANCFFAKZAABWIWC?cid=2302552

Labels: sortilegio

Tonight's lineup was:

Maria Jose & Alex

Victoria & Fernando

Bruno and Raquel

Most of the show was spent with Jacki and William. I swear he brought his own teeny-bopper fan club. He looked very handsome of course and Jacki looked beautiful in her red dress that defied gravity.

Daniella looked beautiful and who says older women can't have long hair. (Hear that mom?!)

Fernando, Bruno and Raquel will be interviewed next Monday I believe.

I'm not recapping this but wanted to post something so we could discuss it and not interfere with the first fabulous recap of Corazon.

Labels: sortilegio

For those of you who didn't get a chance to post yesterday, we are continuing the discussion again today.

Labels: sortilegio

At the jail, Lisette tells Maura how Ale was attacked in the armored car and that Bruno is a fugitive and the police are looking for him.

At Casa Lombardo the detective is telling Ale that Maura has confessed to all. Maura helped kidnap MJ, along with Dr Kruguer, Bruno, and Elena. Why is Ale looking so shocked? Ale says then that Useless didn't have any thing to do with it. Roberto asks if the police have news of Bruno. The Police think he is with Erick.

Lisette, at her house has a visitor. Erick! Erick comes in all smiley and has come looking for Maura. Lisette yells to him that Maura is in jail because of the kidnapping, the money transfer and even the assassination of Useless. Erick loses his smile. Lisette says he should know more than she does and Erick says no, and excuses himself.

Ale and MJ are going to their bedroom. Ale is tell MJ that Maura was obsessed and could not see reality. That Bruno took advantage of a puppet and you see what happened. She is in jail, while Bruno is a fugitive. I can't believe he is defending her. Ale goes on to say that what hurts most is his mother, and that when they find Bruno they will have to wait many years for him to get out. MJ says she is sorry for her also, but for Bruno jail is probably the only thing that can stop him, and maybe he will reflect and repent all he has done. Ale says he is tired and MJ kisses him and says they will sleep in each others arms.

Fernando tells Irene that he is really grateful now that he has recovered and likes her but he does not love her.

Felipe is telling Victoria that she can't spend every day thinking about Bruno, and her phone rings. Guess who? Bruno. Victoria asks where he is. Bruno says he is in a pigsty, in a barn in the middle of f****** nowhere, without food, without water. Bruno tells her he is h*ll. Bruno needs her help, he needs money. Bruno does not want to rot in jail. It would be better if he was killed. I don't know if that meant some kills him or he kills himself.
Victoria does not want him to talk like that and says ok. Felipe asks what does he want. Victoria says Bruno wants money to leave the country.

MJ talking to Ale says Victoria is going to the bank so that Bruno can get away? Ale says yes. She is to go in a taxi alone, then he will go. MJ crys and says no, no the beach is lonely and anything can happen. Ale tells her to stay calm that he has a gun that he will be careful and he loves her.

On the beach behind some trees Bruno and Erick are waiting and they see Victoria walking towards them. Erick asks if she came alone and what if she called the police. Bruno says she will do what he asked and tells Erick he is an idiot. Victoria runs to Bruno and says she brought what he asked. She came in a taxi that she left on the highway, and before she came she went to the bank. Victoria says he should give himself up, and says how can he leave the country all the borders are alerted, do you have a passport. Bruno doesn't have a passport. Erick watches. Bruno says he will cross the river. Can you imagine the son of Senor Lombardo crossing the border as a peon all because you preferred Ale. Not the one you gave birth to. You always preferred him. Bruno goes on to tell of all the things he did not get like MJ the Presidency etc. Victoria tries to reason with him. Ale show up on the scene. Ale tells Bruno to kill him if that is what it is going to take for his family to have peace. Victoria begs no they are brothers. Bruno says Ale is not his brother. Bruno pulls out his gun. Ale says do it you have already tried two times. Victoria is crying on her knees and Bruno kicks her away.
Bruno tells Ale to kneel down and say good by as he has the gun on Ales forehead. Commercial.

Ale knocks the gun away and they fight and now Ale on top of Bruno has a gun in Bruno's face. Bruno is scared. Ale yells that Bruno listen good or he swears he will kill him. Ale wants to leave, get out of their lives. Ale swears he will kill him if he tries to raise his weapon. Ale swears it for his son. Ale tells Bruno to get up. Bruno carefully gets up at picks his gun up saying it is his only option to leave the country. Bruno picks up the bag of money and carefully starts walking away. Bruno sees a sand bank and drops behind it and shoots Ale in the arm.
Ale is behind an over turned boat that is conveniently left on this lonely beach. Bruno realizes that he has no bullets and tells Ale to drop his weapon and they will settle this as two men. Ale drops his gun and they run to each other and fight in the surf. Finally a break in dialog! They choke each other. Ale is drowning Bruno, pulls him up to hit him again then drowns him again. Victoria runs into the water and asks that Ale release him but Ale can't help himself and keeps holding Bruno under the water. Victoria pulls at Ale, and Ale finally quits. Victoria tries to hold Bruno. Ale gets Victoria off of Bruno and carries her out of the water. It looks like Bruno may have swallow too much water, he is floating, but Bruno turns over coughing and then runs to Ale's gun that was dropped. Ale shields Victoria with his body. Bruno aims the gun at Ale and we hear gun shots and Bruno falls. We see Erick shooting Bruno. Victoria runs to Bruno and Erick runs for the money bag and runs away. Victoria is crying over Bruno, and now Ale is crying 'no, my brother, no' over Bruno while hugging him.

They have a funeral for Bruno.

Months later...

MJ, Paula and Pedro are visiting Elena. Elena says she doesn't have the words to ask for forgiveness for all she has done. Paula says the keep the talk short. MJ scolds, but Elena says Paula is right.
MJ says everyone makes mistakes. Elena says that some are more serious. Elena thanks them for coming. She actually thought she would never see them again. MJ asks her why. Elena says that Sandra did not get along with Jorge so she sent her to Spain and that is where she lost her. Pedro says she was your daughter, you could have returned her to me. Elena says many years had passed. Pedro says he would have cared and loved her. Sandra says she doesn't doubt it but things did not occur like that and she is paying for her errors and she accepts it. MJ says that she will always be their mother and that she will visit when she can. Pedro tells the girls to say good by cause he would like to talk to Elena. MJ kisses her goodby and Paula turns her back on her and walks out. Pedro takes a step towards Elena.

At casa Lombardo Victoria is telling Fernando, which I think he would know already that Ale and MJ are building a house on the beach. Fer says that is nice but he doesn't want her to be alone. Victoria tells him it is a vacation house, besides it is the law of life. Victoria asks about him and Irene. Fer tells her it didn't work out. Victoria says it is a pity. Fer tells Victoria that she can't plan his life and there is no point in discussing it.

Elena tells Pedro how much she regrets hurting him. Always, Pedro was a good man, and she never deserved him. Elena says nothing was sufficient for her. Look at how low she has fallen. She tells Pedro he should be shamed for loving some one like her. Pedro says he does not feel shame and neither does he keep a grudge.
Pedro says it was an error to think they could have a life together. It wasn't her fault or his. He has is daughters which is what he always wanted. We need to each walk our own road. Elena tells him he deserves to be happy.
Elena lets a tear fall.

Paula and Gabe are hold hands. I think she likes him much better now.

Ale visits Maura in jail. Maura tries to get closer but she backs off and asks for forgiveness. Ale says he forgives her and that it doesn't please him to see her in this place. All is forgotten. Good by. Ale leaves. Maura says good by my love, forever. I don't get it.

In bed Ale tells MJ that Maura should have known they were done, and he feels sorry for her, and that MJ should be certain that he did not send her love. Is that right? They tell each other they love each other.

A week later.. Victoria book has been released and Vitoria and Fer are walking on the beach. Fer asks her to read a poem out of the book. I can't translate the poem very well. It was about love in the hand the one did not dare touch and because of age withdrew the hand for him. Victoria tells Fer to read all of the poems because in every word and every silence he is there. Fer tells her he loves her and Victoria walks away.

Ale and MJ are talking about the baptism of the children. Ale says that they can get married in the church at any time. MJ see had been hoping that Fer and Victoria would reconcile so they could be the God parents but that it has not been successful.

Three months later Roberto and Victoria are picking up Rachel from rehab. Rachel looks happy.

Then we have a wedding. It looks like some kind of indigenous wedding. Maybe someone can explain here.

It looks like maybe the beach house that Ale and MJ were building when Fer comes jet skiing in and tells Victoria that he is going to live? there and is telling Victoria not to be so stubborn and accept. Victoria accepts.

No we are having a church wedding where the whole town was invited. Bells ringing. Pedro walks MJ down the aisle. They accept each other and then they all sing a song including the bride and groom. Then they are announced married. Maybe some one can explain the song. Then they have dancing where we see Katia, Rachel, Roberto and all dancing.

We now see the honeymoon. It is about time. I think they said some love words but I got caught up in the nice visuals and did not hear a word.

El Fin de Sortilegio.

Labels: sortilegio

I am typing this on a tiny netbook because my laptop is off getting R&R at the computer hospital - so I'm in a cranky mood, and am also disgusted with this lamest of last-minute sub-plots:

Lame computer disaster

An emergency meeting of the board of directors is called to discuss the withdrawal of 25 million pesos from the company funds, ostensibly by MJ. Felipe is first to ask, why would she steal 25 mil when she's already loaded and now doubly loaded (due to her inheritance from Porfirio)? Vic, as usual, is clueless and in denial. [Have you noticed she has to wear a "V" around her neck as a clue to remind her what her own name is?]

Bruno bops in all accusatory and triumphant. He's mildly impactado to hear about Jorge's death and Elena's imprisonment.

MJ visits with her dad and sister. Her jubilation upon remembering the exact look of the apartment the three of them shared is interrupted by a sinister phone summons to the board meeting.

Lisette stands behind a door and hears Maura and Bruno having one of their hysterical squabbles in which they reveal all their evil deeds.

After Bruno stalks out Lisette confronts Maura - who says "He made me do it. And it was the only way to get Alejandro back. That MJ destroyed my life." "But those are crimes." "You are intolerably smug!" "You should confess." "Lisette, promise you'll say nothing." Lisette says she won't tell. Maura collapses in tears. [Anybody who feels sorry for her raise your hand.]

At the meeting, general shock about the 25 mil. Bruno dances about saying "sooner or later it was bound to happen!" He doesn't think there should be an investigation, they should just chuck MJ in the dungeon immediately.

MJ: "I don't even know how to use a computer." "Your sister Paula did it for you. We know she's ambitious. And your dad, well, maybe you needed the money because he's a CROOK who did JAIL time for DRUGS." Lots of yelling.

Long story short, they get computer experts to analyze the hard drives and - nothing - but Paula says, "have you tried the ones in the computer hospital? Maura's is there, sick with a virus."

And voila, they find the telltale traces on Maura's computer and she tries to weasel out of it but is detained. Lisette comes to see her in jail, where she is being questioned.

End of lame computer disaster

Elena tries to use her daughter's lofty Lombardo connections to weasel out of jail but she gets twelve years. [Anybody who feels sorry for her raise your hand.]

Fer is walking with a cane. He says his helper Irene is smart and pretty - but she's not Vic. He can't forget Vic. Personally I don't see anything appealing about Vic, she's such a fusty wimp. But then, so is Fer. [I know a guy who is happily married to a woman twenty years older than he is. They are two happy fuddy duddies.]

Eric grumbles about Bruno to his relatives - he'd really like to kill Bruno, that sarnoso (mangy) dog. Bruno finds him and says, you gotta kill Alex. Eric says, I can hardly walk... [Remember, he was shot and Bruno splendidly stepped right over him while making a getaway, leaving Eric bleeding on the ground.] "Find me somebody."

Bruno meets with erick's acquaintance, a scary looking bald guy, and offers him 4.5 million pesos, but the guy wants the money right that second. Bruno amusingly says, "The banks aren't open!" and reluctantly forks over what's in his pocket. Not enough. So he throws in his watch, "it's worth half a mil! Now go find three buddies and a car."

At breakfast, Paula says she's quitting LombardoCo, she won't work someplace where her sister is unfairly accused, but Alex convinces her to come along with him anyway.

His car has a flat tire so they end up leaving in MJ's car, which for some reason is blindado (armor-plated). [Anybody know why?]

Bruno, gun stuck in the back of his pants, lurks near two little girls playing in the grass. And here comes Alex!

The baddies block the road with their car and all four of them face the car and open fire. Bruno is directly in front of the windshield firing right in Alex's face but even though the car looks polka-dotted by the time the bad guys get scared and run away...

... Alex and Paula are unharmed. They drive back to the mansion in the polka-dotted car. Alex carries Paula up the stairs and...

...I almost laughed seeing that Victoria still looked imploring, like, "Oh don't accuse my Bruno," even though Bruno has now stood in front of a car and shot a gazillion bullets which were supposed to land in Alex's face... she is disconsolate and trucks off to her room dragging Felipe on the end of her arm the way she always does. [Like Christopher Robin drags Pooh.]

Bruno goes to Eric's house and yells at him, "You have to hide me!" "We can't hide here, this is the first place they'll look." He takes Bruno to some trumped up, hmm, it looks like a cinder-block elementary school with a lot of hay bales in it. This is near Eric's cousin out in the country some place.

Bruno wants whiskey and fine foods, but they don't have money.

At least Bruno still has his purple scarf! He fondles his gun and holds it up to his head contemplating suicide I suppose...

... but during the commercial break he reconsiders. "If it's the last thing I do, I'll kill Alex."

Hmm, I got distracted so I don't know where Erick came up with a few pesos; he goes off to the store and comes back with food but Bruno yells, "This is only fit for pigs! You're keeping the good stuff for yourself! And don't think we're equals! I'm the boss. Hey, don't look at me that way! I said DON'T LOOK AT ME THAT WAY!" [Everybody who feels sorry for Bruno, raise your hand.]

Alex goes to see Lisette and tell her: "Maura's in jail and Bruno tried to kill me." Lisette recounts the conversation she heard between Maura and Bruno and thus Alex finds out Maura was involved in MJ's kidnapping.

At that very same moment, back at home MJ suddenly has a flashback and remembers! That Maura gave her to the kidnappers! She goes running and screaming through the house, Alex isn't there so she tells Victoria.

I'm sorry I have not lavished loving detail on this, my last recap for Sortilegio. Please feel free to add anything! Thanks for visiting Caray Caray!

Labels: sortilegio

Jorge announces to his clinic staff, which apparently consists of one shady-looking guy in a lab coat, and one nurse, that they've got some serious financial problems at the moment. He says they can't close, so they have to get Porfirio to put a clause in his will that will say that the clinic has to stay funded. Jorge wants these two to witness the clause.

Porfirio signs his will in the presence of lawyers, or so I assume, just as Jorge's posse approach the door. Isaias announces that Jorge, Elena, Dr. Skeezy and Nurse Weak-willed are there to give him a checkup. Porfi is annoyed, but asks Isaias to walk the lawyers out. They go out by a different door than the one Jorge came in and Jorge's posse don't see the lawyers leave. Perhaps this will be significant later…one hopes! Porfi greets his unwanted guests and tells them not to blow smoke…he doesn't think they give a rat's culo about his health. He supposes that since he's no longer supporting the clinic financially, they must hate him. Porfi leads them all back to his bedroom. Jorge orders Isais out and tells Porfi to let the order stand, since they need to talk about MaryJo. Once Isaias leaves, Jorge pushes Porfirio into a chair at his desk and says he needs to write out a new will leaving them half of his money…"We're not so greedy." Porfi says he'd rather die first. Jorge motions to Elena, who hands him a pillow. And then she has the gall to look freaked out when Jorge uses it to start smothering Porfi. Jorge lets up after a while and tells Porfi if he doesn't do as he says, he will die. Porfi agrees to do it, but says it's going to surprise everyone that he changed his will at the last minute. He guesses that Jorge will drug him and kill him, so really, what does he have to gain? He's going to die anyway. The other doctor and Elena both look worried.

Emiliano approaches the house. When Isaias announces who all is with Porfirio, he gets suspicious.

Jorge now threatens to harm MaryJo or the baby if Porfirio doesn't do it. Elena comes up behind him and very gently says that even if he wanted to warn them, an accident could happen to them at any time. Porfirio says he'll do it. He starts writing, but the pen is out of ink. Jorge gripes and asks the other doctor for a pen, leaving the desk. Porfirio reaches into a cubbyhole and pulls out a gun. I have to pause and cheer for Porfi. I don't even know what's going to happen at this point, but I'm just glad that he's fighting back. Porfi points the gun at Jorge and shoots him in the chest.

Isaias and Emiliano hear the shot and come running, but the door is locked.

Elena goes over and turns Jorge over and puts her hands over the bloody hole. Porfirio yells at the other doctor to open the door. Emiliano and Isaias come running in and Porfirio tells them to call the cops on those miscreants who thought they were smarter than him. Haha! Elena begs him not to and Porfirio laughs a laugh worthy of a villain. He says he wanted to see her begging. Emiliano tries to take the gun away, but Porfirio keeps laughing and won't let him. Porfirio ends up crying and collapses. Emilio tells Elena that they killed Porfirio and they'll pay. Isaias ends up holding the gun on the doctor and nurse.

Vicky didn't exactly enjoy seeing Fernando with his new girlfriend, but she supposes the other girl is better for him. Felipa isn't buying it. Felipa keeps calling her a "pera" (pear) instead of a "terapeuta" (therapist). She mocks Vicky and says she's taking work away from Cupid, putting couples together like that. Vicky tells her to cut it out. She goes into not being able to offer Fernando a "family" (hey, lady, having kids isn't the only thing that makes a family, and even so, having biological kids isn't the only way to do it) or the opportunity to grow old together. Felipa says you can't spend all your time thinking about the future, life is happening right now.

Alex and MaryJo are enjoying life. He carries her into the bedroom. She says she's all his…or at least she doesn't remember wanting anyone else. Ah, amnesia humor. Alex says now she's his wife and they're married "for real." The phone rings, but she begs him not to answer it. Alex says he should see who it is--Ezequiel will be busy cleaning up downstairs. It's Emiliano. He says a tragedy occurred and Porfirio died. Alex offers condolences. Emiliano says Elena and Freddy Krueger did it. He says the bodies are being taken away now for autopsy. He asks if MaryJo will come to the funeral. Alex says he will and they'll see each other there. Alex passes on the news to MaryJo. He doesn't yet answer her question of "how?"

The cops question Elena. She says they were just there to talk Porfi into giving back the money. She says that Jorge got desperate and tried to pressure Porfi and Porfi took out a gun and killed him. The cop asks if she wasn't aware of Jorge's intentions and she denies it. But the cop doesn't look like he's buying that. I wonder what the doctor and nurse are saying.

Ah, same cop, now questioning the other doctor. He says that Krueger was like a God to them, he was brilliant. The cop says they knew what they were doing. The doc says that Krueger talked about "convincing" Porfirio, but he (doc) got scared when Elena handed Jorge the pillow and Jorge used it to suffocate Porfirio. And the reason he didn't do anything to stop it was cause he was paralyzed with fear. The cop confirms that Elena gave Jorge the pillow to suffocate Porfirio with. Now the doc says that he didn't think Jorge was going to kill Porfi…just scare him a little, yeah. He has no idea what would have happened if Porfirio had refused to change his will.

Alex tells Vicky he doesn't know exactly how Porfi died. MaryJo cries and gets a hug from Vicky. She says her mom was arrested. Alex forgoes his honeymoon and says if MaryJo wants to go see about her mom, he's ok with it. MJ says she wants to "after all, she's my mother"…what the hell has that got to do with it? Honey, animals who eat their young have more maternal instinct than that woman.

Fernando gets tucked in to bed by Irene. Katia and Sami lounge about in bed with him. Katia says he really needed a younger woman. The phone rings and Irene answers. It's Emiliano, passing on the news. Fernando is concerned about Emiliano. Emiliano is really upset. His best and only friend died. The funeral is the day after tomorrow. Fernando wishes he could be there, but Emiliano says it's ok. He understands that Fernando can't be there, but he at least wanted to tell him and talk a little. Fernando says once he can walk, he'll go see Tio. Katia asks if Emiliano wants her to go. He refuses. Right now he just wants to be alone. He doesn't want to talk to anyone. Awwwwwwwwwwww.

Roberto reports that the Brazilians looooove the project and they want to start right away. Alex thinks this can revitalize the company. Roberto says they need to transfer 200 million pesos to an account, then the Brazilians will double it and they can all get started. Alex calls their account exec at the bank to let them know that Roberto is going to be making a transfer. Alex doesn't think the transfer will be a problem. They have an arrangement with the bank to move millions in smaller chunks. Alex tells the account exec the transfer order will be on its way soon. Alex says once the accountant is back, in two or three days, they'll make the transfer.

Maura calls the bank, claiming to be MaryJo's assistant, asking if her permanent checks are ready to be picked up. She tells Bruno that the checks are ready to be picked up tomorrow. Bruno tells her to offer to go with MaryJo to pick them up and he'll take care of making sure it will be possible to make the transfer. Maura is hesitant, but not hesitant enough.

Bruno calls and asks Roberto how the Brazil business is going. He's thrilled to hear that it's going to be so many millions and that Alex already called to let the bank know they'd be making such a big transfer. Bruno says he'll be in touch. Have they not already sent out a memo that says "Don't give Bruno any information about how the company is doing?" No? How about "Don't let Bruno in the building unless he's escorted by security and attending a scheduled board meeting?" Maybe somebody should get on that?

Porfirio's funeral. There aren't a ton of people there. Several of them look like they're his staff.

MaryJo visits Elena in jail. She asks why Elena did it. Elena's excuse is "Jorge made me do it." MaryJo isn't interested. She also doesn't want to hear about how Jorge is also dead. She asks what the cops have told her. Elena says she'll get a public defender. She cries and asks for MaryJo's help. She says she's sorry for abandoning her, but she fell in love. MJ's not interested in talking about that. She says they need to make sure that she pays a fair penalty, so she'll ask Alex to have his lawyer to do what he can. She lets Elena take her hands, but we don't see her face to see how she takes it.

The next morning Maura makes the call to MaryJo and tells her that her checkbook is ready to be picked up. She suggests that she swing by MJ's house and get her to sign a permission slip and then Maura will pick up the checkbook for her and give it to her later. MaryJo thinks that's silly. Maura politely insists, then suggests, "If you prefer, I'll come get you and we'll go together." MaryJo flashes back to Maura picking her up on the day she was kidnapped. MaryJo says she'll meet Maura at the office and they'll leave from there. Please, someone, think this is unnecessary. The bank is right across the street from the office. Please, just let MaryJo change her mind and pick up the darn checks herself.

No such luck. Maura offers to inspect and count MJ's checks while MJ signs the paperwork. She highly suspiciously gets up from the desk, turns her back to MJ and the bank officer, and calls Bruno to tell him she has what they need. She asks him for the millionth time if he's sure. Bruno says he'll take care of the rest and she shouldn't worry her pretty little head about it.

Alex's lawyer calls Alex and tells him that there is very little chance of Elena going free. We don't hear why. Alex asks what else they can do. Hey, come on, MJ said fair punishment, she didn't say "get her off."

Erick screams at Bruno for leaving him behind. Bruno uses Maura as an excuse. Erick asks about his money. He wants it tomorrow! But he hurts himself screaming about it. Bruno tells him to chill and reminds him, and the cousin's wife, that if he goes down, they're all going down. Bruno leaves. Erick has to remind the cousin's wife why they're all going down--the truck, the suborning of Gabriel and Meche to get Paula in trouble. The cousin's wife doesn't think it's fair for Bruno to do this to them. Erick says Bruno doesn't know the meaning of fair. He'd really like to make Bruno pay.

Lisette came back from DF and didn't even bother calling Maura to pick her up from the airport, knowing that Maura doesn't really care about her. She's feeling really good about helping Lety and Maura is as disinterested as always. Lety gets a call from Sergio and she's all flustered. She agrees to go out with him, just so he can thank her for helping Lety, of course. Maura gripes about him being a little nobody. Lisette blows her off.

MJ tells Pedro that Elena is in jail. Paula's glad, "That's what she gets!" Pedro reminds Paula that she's talking about her mother. So does Chucho. He says regardless of what your parents do, you ought to be grateful just that they brought you into this world. Well, fine, she can be grateful for being alive and also think her mother is a lousy creep, what's wrong with that? MaryJo is feeling pity for Evil Mommy knowing that she's going to jail. Pedro remembers what jail was like and how alone he felt, with nothing but his guilt to keep him company. Well, good, I say. She has at least that coming.

Vicky is still trying to convince Raquel to go to rehab. Raquel thinks it's no big deal, especially now that Vicky has custody of Little Vicky. Vicky reminds her how hard it is to stay sober and she doesn't think it's a good idea to wait for something to send her back to the bottle. Raquel says she'll go back to rehab tomorrow. Vicky thinks it will be a quick rehabbing, given that Raquel hasn't had a drink in a while. Vicky fills Raquel in on how Roberto is doing. Raquel cries, saying she wasted her life. Vicky says there's always a way to fix your mistakes. She points out how the baby is looking at Raquel and says she needs Raqui. Raquel takes her for a little while, but she doesn't really know what to do with her. She tries saying hi and she gives her a kiss.

Alex tells MaryJo that Porfirio left her money. He supposes that since Porfi left it to "Maria Jose Samaniego" it means that Porfirio knew she wasn't really his granddaughter and that he didn't care. MJ balks at taking the money. Vicky reminds her that she can always accept it and then give it to charitable organizations. MJ says maybe she could give it to the indigenous community (you know, the ones from way back, from the project that Fernando kept taking Vicky to?) Maybe this means she remembers that she was supposed to be doing something to help with that project? How likely is it that it would have come up in the midst of all the other information they gave her about herself?

Night falls. Bruno comes to Maura's office. Maura, like an idiot, logs him in on her computer. He takes MJ's checking account number from Maura and asks her how much to transfer…20, 25 million? Maura leaves it up to him and he opts for 25. Bruno says he'll erase the history from her computer. And for good measure, he gives her computer a virus. What are the chances that plucky Pau will end up being the one to dig out the information? Maura is hopeful that by tomorrow, like Bruno says, everyone will think that MJ embezzled money from the company to try to help out her loser dad. Bruno says from now on, it doesn't matter what happens, if she ends up in jail, too bad. Maura says if that happens, Bruno won't get her, so what was the point? To piss off Alex. Again. Bruno starts crying as he says "He didn't just take away MJ. He always got what belonged to me…my part of the inheritance, the presidency, my parents' love, everything. But he'll pay, with interest. I can watch him suffer as his little wifey gets sent to jail." Seriously? Crying? I don't care, man, I'm not going to feel sorry for you when that piano falls on your head. Bruno smashes his glass on the coffee table. As I'm typing this, Mr. 5ft opines, "Poor Bruno and his persecution complex. If it wasn't for his persecution complex, no one would be out to get him." From the mouths of people who don't understand Spanish.

Lisette is all disco-queened out for her date with Sergio. I dig the gold head scarf to coordinate with all the yellow and gold in her outfit. Sergio brought her roses and some kind of present. He asks if she's ready for dinner, but she invites him to have a drink with her first…just the one for her, though. He tells her she's obviously recovering well…or at least she's looking good. Awww. That's sweet.

Alex asks MaryJo if she still wants another house. MJ think its getting a little sparse around there, with Bruno and Raquel being gone, or soon to be. She doesn't want them to leave the house that Alex's dad built for him. Alex pulls out a picture of Big Tony and says even after 18 years, he still misses his dad. MaryJo does want to buy a house for her dad and a car for Paula. Alex agrees. He asks what about a present for him…hm? She comes up with a suitable idea for the man who has everything and to whom she is at least married in the eyes of the law. Drat, that's all we get, though.

Next morning, Raquel says goodbye to Alex and asks him to wish her luck. Alex says they'll all be waiting for her when she gets out. Raquel thanks MJ for being there and asks her forgiveness for always being so rude. She realizes that MJ makes Alex happy. MJ tells her not to worry about it…it's already forgotten. Ah, more amnesia humor. Raqui hugs Alex again and then leaves with Mom. MJ feels bad for Raquel, but Alex says it was time, and at least now she's doing it of her own free will. Alex says he needs to go to work. MJ says she'd like to go visit her dad and have a nice, long talk. Maybe if he tells her more about her life, she'll remember. MJ distracts Alex with kisses, even though he keeps saying he has to go to work. I know, sister. It doesn't work for me either.

Mr. 5ft and I are having a moment of beanie slippage, here. For me, I have a problem with Bruno transferring the money to MJ's account and that's it. It's her company, so who, realistically, is going to press charges? Plus, if the money is still sitting in her account, all she has to do is put it back. Alex isn't suddenly going to think she's lying when she says she has no idea how it got there. For Mr. 5ft, the issue is that it doesn't matter if Bruno wiped out Maura's computer, the bank's computer still knows where the request came from. He also finds Pau as tech support improbable, but he also thinks she'll end up getting the info out of Maura's computer. So, will this be another of Wile E Bruno's stupid plans that just fizzles, or is this the one that will work until someone steps in and saves the day?

Vicky and Roberto drop Raquel off at rehab. The doctors remember her. Raquel is concerned about phone privileges. The doctor tells her that since she's not coming in in a crisis state and she hasn't had a drink in a while, they'll let her make calls. Roberto wants a word before they take her to her room. The doctor and Vicky leave to sign papers. Roberto puts his arm around her and says he wishes he could stay there with her to cheer her on every day. Raquel says she doesn't deserve it. She hasn't been a good wife. Roberto says neither of them were good to each other, they just got into a bad cycle of trying to get revenge on each other because their lives didn't turn out the way they wanted. Roberto says he was only thinking about himself. Raqui says it was also her fault for not giving him a child and having one with someone else. Well, enough blame, says Roberto, "I just want you to know that I'm always here for you, whatever you need." Roberto figures it's never too late to start over, and at least they know their mistakes and how to fix them. Raquel agrees and says that's why she's checking back in to rehab. Roberto tells her that if she wants to try again, he'll be waiting for her, and this time she can count on him to be honest. He kisses her on the forehead and wishes her luck. She gets halfway up the stairs and then turns around to blow him a kiss. OK, ok. I'm a sucker. I'm cool with them getting back together.

Maura is antsy that it's been days and no one has figured out anything's wrong yet. Haha. Bruno says to chill, the accountant only went back yesterday. She gripes that she can't even work since her computer is busted. Bruno tells her to just get tech support to come get it and bring her a new one. Maura doesn't want to risk them fixing it and finding out what happened. Bruno reminds her that in order to do that, they'd have to get into the deleted files, which were on the hard drive, which he toasted. So, she should chill. Maura is not chilling. And I think the music people want us to know that yes, Bruno is an idiot and someone is going to fix that computer and find out who moved the money. Let that be a lesson to you, boys and girls…don't listen to Bruno when he says "no one will know." And also, don't let people do crime on your computer. Tell them to use their own. This has been a public service message from the "Ok, be a criminal if you want to, but at least be smart about it" foundation.

The accountant visits Alex. He made the transfer to Brazil, but he also realized that someone took 25 million pesos from the company till. It would have to have been a partner in the company. He shows Alex the paperwork. He tells Alex that he'll have to find out where the money went and leaves to do just that. Alex supposes it was Bruno. He calls him on his cell phone and accuses him of embezzling. Bruno calls him crazy. He offers to meet Alex at "his" mother's house.

Maura tells the tech guys that she doesn't know what happened, it just stopped working. Maybe she got a virus from an email or something. The tech guy tells her not to worry. They'll figure it out, and in the meantime, here's another computer for her. Maura thanks them and they walk out. She gets a call from Bruno on her cell phone. He tells her that they've found the embezzlement and Alex is furious and suspects him. He assures her, yet again, that it can't be traced back to her.

Vicky tells Felipa that her editor has lined up a bunch of interviews for her and is moving up the release date for her book. She would have liked to wait for Raquel, but she's ok with it. Bruno comes in, Cuco barks at him, and Bruno yells at him. Felipa says "don't worry, dogs don't eat other dogs." Vicky rolls her eyes and says she wasn't expecting to see Bruno today. Vicky tells him that Raquel went back to rehab. Bruno says he's just there to see her and Alex wants to talk to him because he thinks he stole 25 million pesos. Alex comes in and tells Bruno to show his latest account balance. Bruno refuses and laughs at Alex. Vicky tries to say that maybe it's a bank error. Bruno says they do have new partners now…Maura, Maria Jose…. Alex gets a call from the accountant and goes into the "salón" to answer it. Vicky asks Bruno again if he's sure he didn't have anything to do with it. Bruno reacts predictably. "Come on, mom. He thought I kidnapped Maria Jose and I didn't do that, did I?"

The accountant tells Alex that the money went into MJ's account. Alex tells him there must be some mistake, so have the bank review the transaction. Again, I maintain that all they have to do is put the money back and wait for Bruno to start foaming at the mouth. We'll see what happens tomorrow. Only two days left, so they can't drag it out long!

Labels: sortilegio

　
Capítulo 92

On another side of the manse, meanwhile, Victoria gets a call on her cell from Fernando asking her to please visit him the next morning. He has a surprise for her. He says he's also a little hurt that she's avoiding him. Vicki makes excuses about her busy schedule, but then reluctantly agrees to make the effort to see him. She quickly hangs up. Poor Nando is still saying his sweet nothings but to a dead line. As he continues to wax romantic, telling Vicki how much he cares for her and doesn't want to lose her, he realizes Vicki has hung up on him. If his tan weren't so dark, Viewerville could see the fifteen shades of red his face turns.

A bit later that evening up in Alex and MJ's bedroom, Alex tells Mary Jo that he's gotten all the paperwork done for their civil wedding ceremony. The blood test is all that remains and they can be married in eight days. She is thrilled. It will be a simple affair. They'll plan the religious wedding afterwards, of course, once things have calmed down. Mary Jo tells Alex she just had a memory about their going to see a priest before to discuss their wedding. He's thrilled that the old MJ is returning! Oh happy day! They hug and cry tears of joy together.

The next morning Vicki visits Fernando. He shows her his surprise: he throws off the cover and then stands up on his own! Oh happy day again! With her help he begins to take a few steps. He tells her that he's going to be the same as he ever was and now she knows that she has no reason to reject him. Vicki is suddenly uncomfortable as Fer pushes the point. She tells him they've had that conversation already. When he's 40 something she'll be 60 something. (The woman has apparently come to her senses and is now ready to sacrifice her lust/love so that he can have a normal life?) He'll still be in his prime, she says, but she'll be essentially drooling and doddering. He insists it doesn't matter to him, but Vicki says it matters to her. She mentions then how well he and his lovely therapist, Irene, get along.

Nando insists Vicki is lovely too, and they've shared some quality time together also; but more than that, they were lovers. He thinks it's just her insecurities and that she shouldn't let those get in the way. Vicki insists that Irene is more properly suited to him [adecuada] and, yes, a better age for him. This is the reality, she tells him, that he is refusing to see. (Was anybody else out there dying for her to tell him that when he grows up and gets to be her age, he'll finally see she was right???) Just then the housekeeper comes to tell them that Irene is there for her session. Nando's frown hits the ground. Vicki says she sincerely hopes he won't give up his much needed therapy sessions. She greets Irene and then gives him a definitive "Adiós."

Irene cheerily tells Fer about the session she's got planned for him (definitely a gal who enjoys her work) and about a rehab center nearby that has a gym with all the equipment he'll need for his sessions. Suddenly she realizes he's depressed and distracted. She asks him what's the matter but he tells her not to worry about it. He has her repeat what she was saying. FF>>

Once Vicki returns home Felipa asks her what happened with Fer. Vicki fights back her tears and says what happened was what had to happen and not to ask her about or mention Fernando to her again. She then has Felipa call Lic. Quiñones. In a shaky voice Vicki tells the attorney to start the proper paperwork because Raquel has agreed to give her legal guardianship of her baby daughter.

Later that day there is a board meeting at Lombardo, Inc. where all the business partners' new and confidential numbers to their company bank accounts are passed out. Everyone is supposed to memorize their number for security reasons and then to destroy their hard copies. MJ is a little nervous since she's unfamiliar with these sorts of things. Alex says not to worry because they'll teach her little by little everything that she needs to know. Vicki assures her it's a good system. Meowra purrs pleasantly and adds that they'll all be sure to be careful with this information. Raqhell chimes in idiotically, obviously forgetting that her twin is there, that "There aren't any thieves at their company." (Viewerville shares a communal snort.)

Wile E. Bruno notices MJ's discomfort with company procedures. He pays a visit to Meowra after the meeting. Meowra says she is done with being a part of his intrigues. Bruno asks if she'd be game if he actually found a way she could avoid getting her hands dirty this time. Her whiskers come to attention and her ears prick up. Bruno starts to explain that his plan has to do with the secret numbers (pin numbers?) in those envelopes they were all given. Rrrreow??

That evening Alex takes Mary Jo out for a romantic dinner to celebrate her beginning to get her memory back. There are long-stemmed red roses lying on the table. Something's up. He tells MJ she has no idea how much he wishes she would remember the first time they made love. MJ smiles and blushes. Alex says it was marvellous for him and that now, after nearly losing her, he recognizes how much he really loves her. She's the woman he'd always imagined he would spend the rest of his life with. Mary Jo smiles and blushes some more as Alex hands her a long-stemmed rose with a huge 3 carat engagement ring hidden in the center of it. He formally asks her to marry him.

Viewerville oohs and ahhs along with MJ. She tells him he didn't need to do this and that she never expected it!! Alex says they were already married when they first met, so they didn't have a chance to enjoy this moment before. All he's ever wanted to do since the first time he saw her was to love her, and uh, he's still waiting for her answer. Mary Jo says of course she will marry him! She wants to with all her heart. (Not that he --or we-- ever really doubted that she would.) Alex looks more than a bit relieved as he moves in for The Kiss that seals the deal.

Across town at another restaurant, Paula and Gabriel are also having dinner together. Gabe, it seems, has been told that he has talent, but needs to improve his technique. So, his newfound patron is sending him to Mexico City to painting school. Paula says go for it. He says he's excited, but on the other hand, he's going to miss seeing her and that makes him sort of sad. Pau sort of matter of factly says they've become good friends and so sure, she'll miss him, too. He adds that there's something else he has to tell her that he never dared to before because he didn't feel he was on her level; and because he knows she likes the good life and such and now that he's going to be selling his pieces he'll be able to kinda, sorta provide for her now. (Yawn.) Pau's eyes go wide as she waits for the rest of it.

Gabe smiles oafishly and hands her some jerky post card that has "Will you be my girlfriend?" scrawled on the back of it. (Oh. My. Gawd.) Pau smiles nervously--but it's really hard to tell why. She is either A) extremely flattered or B) terribly embarrassed at the way this guy comes across. (I vote for "B".) Pau says she'll have to think about it first. He really hopes she'll give him an answer before he leaves in the morning for Mexico City. She doesn't commit. (Uh, Gabe, that should be your first clue she's trying to let you down gently.) He says he would like to leave with the hope that when he comes back home he will be returning for his girlfriend. He wants her to be that girlfriend. (Pau, the pickin's are not that slim. DON'T DO IT! Give him a peck on the cheek and pray daily to the diosito that he finds somebody at school right away and forgets you even exist!) Pau smiles broadly but says nothing.

Mary Jo and Alex return home late from dinner. First they check in at the nursery and ooh and ahh at the babies. Alex says it's such a marvel that the two of them actually made such a perfect little critter as Tony. MJ says their entire love story was destined to succeed, even though neither of them thought it might. Alex says no, he always thought she was out there somewhere and that eventually he would find her. It was like a magic spell or a charm [sortilegio]. "Yes. A love charm." The two kiss. A minute or two later Alex is taking off his shirt for her (and us). Soon after that... well we know what comes after that. 'Nough said..... Mary Jo willingly, though modestly, gives herself over to her one true love again. FF>>

The next morning Gabe says good-bye to Pedro, Chucho and his big sis. (Viewerville notes with great relief that Paula didn't stop by for a last minute farewell hug or smooch.) Chucho is near tears and tells Gabe not to forget them. Meche is bawling like crazy and Gabe reminds her that it's not forever. He gives her an envelope with money to buy some nice clothes and to find a house for the two of them. It's time they moved out now that they are able to, he says. Chucho and Pedro say it's not necessary and that they like things just the way they are. Gabe reminds them that that was the agreement when Pedro first let them stay there, and he'd always promised Meche "a little roof" of her own.

Chucho gives Gabe his blessing and sees him out the door. Pedro and he try to comfort Meche and tell her this is all part of life and that nobody can stop the young ones from flying away. You can only wait and hope that they come back some day, says the grieving Chucho. FF>>

At the same time, Fernando and Irene arrive at the gym for a therapy session. They're going to start in the pool. She sincerely promises to be there to hold him up and to support him...always..... They spend the entire morning together while Fer works on various pieces of equipment and she lends lots of cheerful encouragement. At lunch Irene tells him that he's improving rapidly. Fer wonders why he seems to be her only patient. She tells him he is a special challenge for her, but more than that, she says as she puts her hand meaningfully over his, he is also her favorite patient. Nando is flattery-might-just-get-you-everywhere-since-I-seem-to-be-on-the-rebound impactado.

That night a conscience-stricken Fer makes one last attempt to call Vicki. Vicki refuses to answer. Felipa tells her that whenever a cell phone rings you never know if it might just be the last time. Vicki clicks her cell off and sighs. Her fling is flung.

The next morning Lic. Quiñones is at the manse telling Vicki what he told the judge: that Raqhell had a health problem and that the father of her child died. The judge had no problem whatsoever giving Victoria legal guardianship. Vicki is still worried that the baby won't have a paternal influence in her life. Lic. Q. reminds her that Roberto would and could be that if she allows him to come by and visit from time to time. Vicki smiles and says she's going to call Bobo with the good news. They decide then to register the baby with Raqhell's last name.

At Lombardo, Inc., Bruno is now telling Mau how easy it will be to do what they're planning. It's all a matter of a click on a computer key and wufff! Ready! She really wouldn't be doing anything bad that way. She already has helped Mary Jo before to get her checking account and credit cards set up, he reminds her. All she has to do is go to the bank again with Mary Jo and then memorize the account number from MJ's open checkbook. Afterwards, Mau will give him the numbers and he'll take care of the rest from there. He'll transfer the company funds from the computer to MJ's account and then erase any trace of the transaction from the system. Simple as pie.

Mau figures that then the partners will think that Mary Jo is trying to embezzle funds from the company and will accuse her of fraud. Alex should become "disenchanted" with Mary Jo at that point. Meowra's still got cold paws and doesn't know if she really wants to help him or not. Bruno tells her it's their last chance to get MJ. "Are you in or not?" Mau nods. She is in. (Viewerville considers the fact that Meowra has used up 8 of her lives already. So, either she hasn't learned a thing from Bruno's legion muck-ups or she's become an adrenaline freak.) Bruno says that now all they have to do is wait for the opportune moment and then strike.

Back in Toluca, Don Emiliano pays Porfi a visit. He's amazed at how well his buddy seems lately. Porfi says that seeing MJ and his great grandson has made all the difference. The one thing that the disagreeable Elena did for him was to tell him that MJ was actually Cristobal's. Don Emi suggests it could just be another one of her long list of lies. Porfi insists the baby looks just like Cristobal did at that age. Emiliano reminds him that all babies look like all sorts of people at that age, but Porfi says it doesn't matter. They're his granddaughter and grandson because that's the way he wants it, period. Even if they were not he'd want them to be, and that's enough for him.

At the Lombardo manse, Alex returns home early and finds Mary Jo in the nursery. He tells her the results of her DNA test. (Duhn-duhn-duhn-duhhhhhn!) Yes, she and Paula are sisters and Pedro is their true father. Mama was lyin' like they thought. Alex calls up Don Emi to let him know about the results also. Emiliano says he'd figured as much and that Elena was lying in order to blackmail MJ so she could get some of the inheritance money out of her daughter. Alex says he and MJ don't know what to do because Porfirio still thinks MJ is his blood relative and that MJ doesn't want to hurt him; but on the other hand, there is the matter of the will and Porfi cannot leave money to a person who doesn't exist.

That night Mary Jo tells Pau the DNA tests proved they were really sisters after all. Pau is thrilled not to have to tell their papi something else that's painful. They giggle and tease each other and then MJ asks Pau how things are going at work. MJ wonders what Pau actually does there. Pau explains that she is in "technical support" and works with failures in the computer system. Mary Jo hasn't a clue what that means, but it sure sounds impressive.

In another part of the house, Alex is having a chat with Vicki about what's still necessary paperwork-wise for the wedding. Lic. Q. is handling all of it, he says and assures her he will have it all completed beforehand. As for the guests, they want only the family there. As for witnesses, they thought to have Fernando and Vicki. Vicki is uncomfortable with that and figures that Fer would be too, so Alex suggests having Dr. Hernan instead. She agrees and he leaves to head upstairs to bed. Vicki stays to read her e-mail. Suddenly there's a new one from Fernando. Vicki weeps as she reads:

"Victoria: We've talked before about your qualms [escrúpulos] over what other people might say, and about the age thing, and all of that, but I thought that you had gotten over it [superar]. Later, after my accident I thought that you didn't want to be tied down to a man who was an invalid. But, I am getting better, I swear. Irene comes every day to take me to the rehab center. I swim and do numerous exercises. I also know that you want me to get involved with a much younger woman, but I cannot. I swear to you that I cannot. If that is truly what you want, then alright. Perhaps I'll find another woman; perhaps I'll marry and might have children. But, you will never stop being the love of my life.

Yours forever,
Fernando"

Vicki breaks down and sobs. (Does this give a whole new twist to the definition of "mama's boy" or what? Woe to the woman who has to compete with frumpy old hags to be sexy.)

The next morning at Mengele Manor, Jorrible Jorge gets after Elena to continue her emotional blackmail of her daughter and forcing MJ into agreeing to share her future inheritance with them. Elena immediately calls the Lombardo manse looking for Mary Jo. "--Well, have you considered our little chat?" Mary Jo says yes, but that she wanted to be sure first before she did anything. She and Paula had DNA tests done and it turned out that in fact they were sisters and that what Mommie Dearest told Don Porfi was a lie. Elena swears it was the truth. (Ok. What as a nurse and assistant to the Son of Mengele don't you get about the results of a DNA test being undeniably accurate?) MJ politely disagrees and says tests don't lie.

Elena tries to fudge it with another fabulous fib that Pau was also Cristobal's daughter. Mary Jo finally gets impatient with her and tells Mama to stop making things up. "--That was not what you told Don Porfi! Even if it were, the only father for us both is and would be Pedro Samaniego!" Elena nervously asks if MJ is going to tell Porfi. MJ says she'd rather not in order not to hurt him, but Alex feels that they might have to anyway. She then cuts the conversation short and says there's no reason to keep talking since she now knows that Mama does nothing but lie all the time. Click!

Elena tells Jorrible the bad news. "MJ and Pau took a DNA test and now know the truth that Pedro is really their father." Jorge looks menacingly off into the distance and says the time has come to make a decision.....

Across the way again at Porfi's place, Don Emi and Porfi are having another chat. Porfi notes that Don Emi is looking worried and distracted these days. Emiliano says he's just worried about him. He doesn't like the idea that his friend should be disillusioned if MJ proves not to be a blood relative. Porfi says the more he's thought about it the more he has realized that blood ties are not that important. What is important is the bond of affection he and MJ share. He knows that Mary Jo loves him and he loves her greatly, too.

Don Emi asks if that means he's has finally written his will. Porfi says he had it done a while ago and just made them all think he hadn't. Don Emi says well, supposing that Porfi put the name of his heir as Sandra Betancourt, who is dead, or Mary Jo Betancourt on it, and that since her real name is Samaniego, that then Mary Jo wouldn't be able to claim whatever he leaves her. Porfi says well, she'll just change her last name. Don Emi suggests there is her family to think about. Her father is just a humble, everyday sort. Money isn't everything for some people. Also, people have feelings. MJ might not like hurting her daddy that way. Anyway, she's already married to a wealthy man who has his own set of sensibilities [carácter]. Porfi could risk losing her affection by asking her to do that.

Porfi thinks it through and decides to give MJ a call. During their conversation he asks when she's coming to visit him. She explains she's had tons to do around there for the civil wedding ceremony which is only a few days away. Porfi gets upset thinking she lied about being married. MJ explains they were married and got divorced but are remarrying now. She says she'll leave that story for another day because it is too long and involved. Porfi chalks it up to their being crazy youngsters. Mary Jo invites him if he thinks he's up to it. He says thanks for thinking of him, but he's not able to travel now. He asks her before they hang up what name she's getting married with. She says she's marrying under her legal name, Samaniego. Porfi makes a mental note.

Meanwhile, Irene keeps coaching Nando. One day they're in the pool together and she dares to kiss him on the lips. He starts to object but she asks him to give himself a chance. They kiss again. (If you can't be with the one you love, love the one your with.--My apologies to Steven Stills.)

Across town, Vicki and Raqhell have a meeting with the judge over guardianship of little Victoria. He agrees to give Vicki legal guardianship due to the ill health of her biological mother. Raqui agrees and says she knows that Vicki will be a better mother than she would be; that Victoria always has been. Mother and daughter make their peace and Vicki promises that Raqui can visit with her baby daughter anytime she wants to. Raqui doesn't look that thrilled with the idea.

A few more days pass. Finally it's Alex and MJ's wedding day. Meowra, LIs, Katia, and Raqui are chatting it up with the rest of the guests. Fer and Irene are an item now. Fer introduces Irene to Lis. Afterwards, gossipy Katia tells Lis that she is sure there is something serious going on--like Fer and Victoria are quits--because Irene doesn't seem to be just his therapist now.

Inside the house in the kitchen, we see the hired help preparing the eats for the party. Felipa, Zeke, Art and the housekeeper gossip about how easy the premade hors d'oeuvres were to get ready. Simple, yes, but not as delicious as the ones Felipa would have made herself, says the housekeeper. (Yawn.) Felipa now has two dogs she's playing with. FF>>

Bruno calls home to tell Vicki that he read in a newspaper that Alex and MJ were getting married at the house today. Vicki says yep, that's right. Bruno says great, but why wasn't he invited? Isn't he considered part of the family any longer? (This is too easy. I won't bother.) Vicki explains that since the last few times he's been anywhere near Alex all they've done is fight and this is one day they wanted to go smoothly. Bruno wonders how they could just kick him to the curb so easily. He understands, he says, but then they've got to realize why he is so bitter towards them when all they've ever done is push him out of the way like that. Click!

As Bruno broods he tears the newspaper he's been reading to shreds and grumbles to himself. "Let them get married! They won't have the pleasure for long."

The time has come. The wedding starts as Alex and Mary Jo walk towards the judge through numerous flowered, metal archways to say their vows. A few hundred or so of their "closest family and friends", mariachi band and singer all cheer them on. The ceremony ends and they sign the book. Vicki and Hernan sign the book. A number of what might be Alex's old girlfriends--or cousins--then also sign as witnesses. (As Viewerville checks the crowd, it's hardput to find a single male guest there other than the judge, Fer, Chucho, Pedro or Dr. Hernan.) Alex and Mary Jo seal the deal with another kiss and then greet their guests with very broad grins. It may not be happily ever after yet, but at least this time it is legit and Bruno--thanks be to the diosito--is nowhere in sight.
　

　

Labels: sortilegio

Permalink posted by Jardinera654 @ 1:18 PM 132 comments

Sortilegio 2/11/10


From yesterday:
Victoria and Felipa--Fernando loves you. I know. You are right. I’m stupid. Well maybe just a little.

Tio was glad to see MJ and Alex. Alex has to tell Tio about Nando’s accident. He lies and says it was an accident at work and he broke his leg. He’s getting therapy. Tio wants to visit him and Alex tries to talk him out of it. He’s like a son to me.

Today:
The cops are visiting Elena. They want to ask her a bunch of questions.
Dr. Kruger is in Canada at a conference. She invites them in and cop #1 says they are interested in the kidnapping of MJ. They have a few questions. They want to know why she insisted that MJ was her other daughter Sandra. She says that they were confused because when they found her she was in a coma. The cops are looking at her like uh huh--sure. She continues explaining that Sandra was into drugs and they thought she had overdosed. The cop wants to know who found “Sandra” and Elena tells him about Useless. He was a friend of hers from Spain. He found her and brought her to the rehab in Mexico. No one ever suspected that Useless had switched Sandra with MJ? Of course not. So you went to Merida to see Sr. Lombardo. Of course. He took my daughter. And who told you where he was? His brother, Bruno. Ah—Bruno says cop #2. So when the doctor said that “Sandra” was really MJ they said you accused Useless. Didn’t you talk to Bruno about Useless changing your daughter for MJ? I didn’t say anything about him. The other cop chimes in and wants to know about Dr. Evil and suggests that what he gave MJ was not authorized by the medical association. Elena gets defensive and says that her husband does important research He is a serious doctor. Yeah, right. Cop #1 wants to know when Dr. Evil returns from Canada. She says she doesn’t know. The cops leave and they look like they don’t believe a word she said.

Over at Porfirio’s. Porfirio is in bed not looking very well. Iseas runs in looking like my siblings and I did when we would slide across the hardwood floor in our socks. Except he didn’t smash into the wall, break anything, or get grounded. He tells Por that his grandaughter is here with the baby. Por perks right up at that news. In they come and Por is overjoyed to see them. He is really taken with Tiny Tony. He’s very handsome and strong. He wants the nurse to give him a photo of his son. Look it is the same. Alex has the look like, “Not so much really, but ok.” He laughs that fake laugh that my first husband used to do when something wasn’t really funny. But he doesn’t comment. Por says this is the happiest time in my life. It’s a miracle. I have a granddaughter and a great grandson. My blood will continue. I am very satisfied. He kisses MJ’s hand. Tiny Tony makes the “I have gas face”and sticks out his tongue. What a cutie.

Back at Mengele Manor, Elena gets on the phone with Dr. Evil. She gets voice mail and leaves a message that he needs to contact her as soon as possible. The cops were here investigating.

MJ and Alex are leaving Por and heading back to the hotel. FF>>They say good-bye to Iseas. MJ wants him to take care of her grandfather. He assures her that he will. Don’t worry. FF>>

The nurse shows up at Elena’s. Elena wants to know if everything is ok with Porfirio. She spills the beans about MJ and family being there. She said he was happy about his granddaughter visiting. Elena looks impactada! She should--heifer. Elena gets on the phone with Dr. Evil. She asks how it is going and he says that they are imbeciles. They are afraid of advanced medicine. They aren’t real up on what he’s doing and are afraid and stupid. FF>> Then you are not interested in the investigation. They asked me questions about Useless, Sandra and MJ. Of course you answered correctly. Of course. MJ and her husband and their baby came to visit with Porfirio today. What child? The great grandson of Porfirio. Dr. Evil wants to know if MJ came to visit her. No. You need to go to Merida and talk to her. She is our only hope.

Nando is having his PT with the pretty therapist. She wants him to move his legs. Victoria looks on. He asks her about her schooling, and her family. Victoria makes her “I’m jealous but trying not to be” face and gets up and walks away.

Back at the Casa Victoria is telling Felipa how she’s not jealous. Ok, you keep on believing that. She is young and beautiful. He ignores me when she is there. Felipa is like don’t get your panties in a wad. She’s sure that Nando is just talking to her while they do their exercises. Vicky says they talk about things that don’t include her. All she has to talk about are things that happen at the house, and her kids. The competition has much more interesting things to talk about. Felipa thinks she is being silly. Yawn…FF>> Victioria is trying to convince herself that it’s better this way. Felipa says she has good news and bad news. Things are happening with her book deal. That’s the good news. The bad news is that Raquel wants to have Useless cremated and something I didn’t understand.

Emiliano is talking to Hernan who is glad to see him. He’s come to see his nephew. How is he doing? He’s better considering the accident was so bad its amazing he’s not dead. Tio looks confused. Alex said he broke his leg on the job. Dr. Big Mouth says it is understandable that Alex didn’t want to worry him. Nando is strong and young and with therapy he will walk again. Tio is impactada! He’s paralyzed?! Yes, didn’t I just say that?

Tio goes in to see Nando. You shouldn’t have come. Alex didn’t tell me the truth to not worry me. Hernan says his body is responding to therapy. You will get out of bed. Tio says he needs to know these things. They are family. Fernando says he won’t keep things from him again. FF>>

Vicky is talking with Raquel who is hugging the box containing the useless ashes of Useless.

Alex is talking to the cop. (Somebody fill-in here. It was way too fast.) The cop said they asked the same questions. Then who do we suspect? Alex says he knows who is responsible—dun, dun, dun—Quien? My brother Bruno. The cop says they checked him out and he is clean. (I guess that depends on your definition of “clean.” If his precious scarves are straight and his shirt isn’t rumpled then yeah--I guess he’s clean.) Alex wants to know what is going on with Dr. Evil. The cop says he’s in Vancouver. Alex wants to know when he gets back. Uh, we don’t know. He can come and go as he pleases. And besides he doesn’t have any motive. (I think I’m going to call him Inspector Clouseau because he is a moron). Mrs. Evil said that Useless took her but she wasn’t Sandra. There are witnesses that say that Useless didn’t take her. What about my wife. They erased her memory and put her mental health in danger. The mother gave authorization.

Dr. Evil is back in town and goes over to see Porfirio. Well, if it isn’t the esteemed Dr. Matasanos (quack—where have we heard that one before?) Dr. E wants to know how Por is doing. He’s just so happy since he got to see his great- grandchild. Dr. Evil says oh, swell, I’m happy for you. MENTIROSO! You know he’s thinking how unfortunate for ME. Por goes on to give him even more good news; He’s left all his stuff to MJ with the provision that she not give any money, not one red cent, ni uno centavo to your damn clinic! It’s done. Dr. E with a menacing face says “As you like it”(or as it pleases you.) I think what he’s really saying is “There will be blood. Oh yes--there will be blood.”

Alex wants MJ to have a DNA test done so they will know the truth. MJ is not so hot on the idea. FF>>

Dr. Evil wants Mrs. Evil to convince MJ to give them some money. Yeah I see that happening. She asks him why he can’t do it. He says because you are her mother for better or for worse. He continues to rant about others being stupid and imbeciles.

Alex buys MJ a car she is so excited. He wants her to take it for a drive. I didn’t know she could drive.

Victoria is talking to her agent. Fernando calls. She hesitates and then answers. He wants to know why she hasn’t been to see him. She gives him some BS about being busy with her book. He loves her and doesn’t understand why she is acting so strange. Tell me what is going on. She hangs up on him and cries.

Maura and Lissette. Maura gets a call. Mari tells her there is a meeting of the associates tomorrow. Maura gets upset about seeing Alex and MJ together.

Alex is talking to Nando. Nando is whining because Victoria hasn’t been to see him and doesn’t want to talk to him. Alex doesn’t know anything. Whiner FF>>

MJ is hanging out with Pedro and the baby enjoying a nice afternoon and talking about the wedding. Oh look, it’s the Wicked Witch of the West flying in on her broom—Maybe if MJ clicks her ruby slippers together 3 times a flying house will land on The Witch. EZ greets Elena with a very snotty Buenas Tardes. She says she’s here to see her daughter. EZ doesn’t look too happy and neither does Pedro. She wants to talk to MJ in private but Pedro has finally grown a set and isn’t having any of it. He gets upset and says if she has anything to say she can say it with him present. She looks down her nose at him. He says she is responsible for everything that has happened. If she was a real mother Sandra would never have been on drugs. It’s her fault that Sandra is dead. You go Pedro. He begs MJ not to go talk to her alone. MJ walks off with Elena and EZ makes a beeline for the house looking for Vicky. I didn’t know the old dude could move that fast. He’s always kind of reminded me of a turtle with his little bald head and that collar on his jacket. Pedro tells MJ that he’s here if she needs him.

Break

Elena tells MJ that Pedro isn’t her father. Yeah, so I heard. Elena swears its true. Vicky comes out of the house and asks Pedro what’s up. Pedro thinks Elena is trying to put one over on MJ. MJ tells Elena she doesn’t care if Pedro is her biological father—she loves him anyway. Now we get to the gist of the matter—we need money. JorHey is a brilliant doctor and they need money for the clinic. Pedro and Vicky scuttle furtively behind them. It’s cracking me up for some reason. MJ says she doesn’t have Por’s money so what does she want. Por is going to leave all his money to you. Don’t abandon us, don’t abandon the clinic. It’s not working so she tries—I’ll tell your dad that you’re not really his daughter. What a heifer. No redemption.

Back inside Alex, MJ and Vicky are talking. She must have told them what heifer said because she is upset and crying. Vicky thinks if she finds out for sure then Elena will never be able to hold that over her head. They try to convince her but she’s not sure.

Bruno knocks on the door of Erik’s cousin’s apartment. Ruh Roh, Shaggy! He wants to know what happened to Erik. She said he was hurt pretty bad and in pain. Bruno wants to know if he’s dead. And not “Oh My God is he dead!” But more like “Is the desgraciado infeliz finally dead?” She says no they went to the doctor. He’s doing pretty well. He gives her a card where to call him and some money.

Fernando is home!

Vicky is talking to Felipa when Raquel shows up. She said she’s feeling better but she feels really alone. Vicky says she could have therapy. Other people do it and they come out fine. Or you could take a vacation. She doesn’t like that idea either. To her credit she does ask about Nando. He’s ok. She’s surprised that Vicky hasn’t seen him but she thinks he’s too young for her. She leaves but comes back in and says sorry, I’m leaving.

Tio and Katia try to make him comfortable. He wants to see Sami. While Katia is gone Tio asks Nando about Victoria. Nando says she hasn’t come to see him. Tio says well call her then. Tell her you are home.

Chucho and Pedro. He’s back to whining and telling Chucho about Elena. Chucho says think about it—why does she want to talk to MJ alone?

Back to Elena and JorHey. They are trying to figure out what to do now. They need to get Por to change his will—by FORCE. Apparently they don’t know that “forcing” someone to change their Will makes it invalid.

MJ and Alex are explaining to Paula how Elena says MJ is the child of another father. Paula is really upset. She HATES Elena. Maybe Paula will get to be the one to get revenge on Elena. Four more days and counting!

Labels: sortilegio

Vivi in DC has graciously recapped this since our regular couldn't do it. Thanks Vivi!

Alex and Vicky return home and are greeted by Zeke who informs them that Raq is more calm, according to Roberto (who I guess is caring for her). Vicky wants to know what happened to Raq. They tell her about Useless and she gets upset that they didn’t tell her earlier because they were trying not to upset her with all that was also going on with Fer. She rushes to Raq’s chalet and finds her devastated in bed. Vicky kisses her as Raq cries and hugs her. Vicky tells her a hard truth, that now that she knows Useless will never return, Raq can finally move on with her life. She’s not alone, she has Vicky, Alex and Mini Vicky- people who love her.

Bruno meets Erik at a restaurant, gives him Mateo’s number, and orders Erik to find Mateo and kill him. Erik is reluctant at first, but comes around when Bruno offers him half a million pesos for the job. But first, Erik wants to know why Mateo needs to die and wants to know the details of Bruno’s latest dirty dealings.

Jorge leave Elena to her own devices and takes of to Canada.

Porfirio talks to Tio Emiliano and tells him what Elena said about Sandra and MJ being his real nietas. Emiliano questions if this is true, but Porfirio thinks sometimes it’s better to go on believing a lie than to know the truth. In any case, MJ is exactly what he would want in a nieta.

Detective Ortiz comes to speak to Alex and MJ about Useless and the kidnapping. Ortiz is impactado hearing about the twin switch and such. He wants to know how they found out Useless was a part of it and they tell him it was Bruno and Elena that fingered Useless. Ortiz wants to talk to them. Apparently Bruno took Alex’s last threat seriously, because he’s moved into a local hotel. MJ gives the cop Elena’s address willingly.

Fer has been moved to Hernan’s clinic. Fer thinks Hernan doesn’t like him (for obvious reasons) and is only helping him because of Vicky. He’s still feeling low, but when Katia arrives and she and Vicky remind that Katia depends on him and so do others, he decides to buck up, get with the program and start his physical therapy. Later she offers up her home for Fer to recover in. He refuses. It is obvious that he doesn’t want to be a burden on her or for her to take on the “nurse” role with him. The next day we see him with his very lovely physical therapist. Vicky and Katia watch for a while (I would too, if he was wearing those tiny shorts), but he asks them to leave. Vicky is jealous of the therapist, as she is young and beautiful. I would dismiss this jealously if it weren’t for the fact that the therapist Irene, is being played by one of the sisters from FELS. Why would they bring in a well known actress if she wasn’t going to play a significant role?

Bruno tells Maura he will take care of the Mateo problem. She panics, he is arrogantly smug. She’s worried about getting nailed for the kidnapping, he tells her that’s her problem since nothing can stick to him about the kidnapping (this conversation was very much like the one between Jorge and Elena).

Lisette and Letty at Luz de Vida in D.F.

Recap Part 2:
Alex gleefully brings the cops to Bruno’s hotel. Bruno looks worried at first but relaxes when he realizes they are only there to ask about the kidnapping and Useless. The cops wonder how Bruno knows so much about Useless and his kidnapping plans. Bruno’s all ‘I never imagined he would actually do such a thing.” The cops seem doubtful that Useless committed suicide. “Things aren’t always what they appear to be.” Bruno looks worried. As Alex and the cops leave, Ortiz tells Alex that the fingerprint and gunpowder residue tests were inconclusive. The amount of decomposition had something to do with this. Ortiz notes that it looks like Alex and Bruno don’t get along.

MJ goes searching for Raq in the chalet. She finds her curled in fetal position crying behind a chair. Raq thinks it’s all lies about Useless and wants MJ to remember the kidnapping. MJ has dreamt about a spacious room with a screaming woman, and thinks this was the kidnapping. Raq is sure that the woman screaming was Maura and that she had something to do with the kidnapping. She begs/demands that MJ remembers what she screamed, but MJ still can’t remember.

Paula and Gabe have lunch. His treat (of course). She thanks him because now one has taken her out in like forever. They talk about Fer and Gabe feels for him as he went through something very similar after his accident. Paula apologizes for not being more sympathetic with what he was going through at the time as she was so ticked off about being framed for his accident.

Bruno and Maura are in her office and upset that Alex and MJ have started an investigation into the kidnapping. Bruno worries that there are too many loose ends- namely Mateo, Elena and Jorge. They need to cover their asses and quick. Maura panics, saying she thought Bruno had it all under control, and blames him for getting her into this mess. If she falls, he falls with her.

Mateo isn’t answering Erik’s calls. His buddies remind him that they can’t keep living hidden like rats and need some cash. Mateo knows exactly where he can get some and calls up Maura to blackmail her. She’s still with Bruno who coaches her through the call. Maura and Mateo agree to meet at 2 AM, that she will pay him 300 thousand pesos, and that they will both come ALONE. Of course, Maura will bring Bruno and Erik to ambush Mateo, and Mateo will bring his two buddies.

Alex arrives home and heads to MJ’s/their room where he takes a call from Emiliano. Tio wants MJ to come visit Abuelo with Tiny Tony. He tells her Elena’s latest tale about her and Sandra’s “real” father. MJ questions if this is true. Later Alex comes into the room holding Tony and asks what MJ has decided about going to Toluca. She is going to go and she wants to bring Tony. Alex worries about her and Tony’s safety. “What if it’s a trap by Bruno?” MJ highly doubts this, lets Alex know how safe she feels with him, and that each day she feels his love more and more and feels her love for him growing. She gives both of her cute boys a kiss.

At the 2 AM meet-up, Mateo scares the bejeezus out of Maura who is stationed in her red sports car. Meanwhile Erik and Bruno, and Mateo’s two buddies hide in the shadows.



Recap Part 3:
They all have guns. Just as Mateo takes his cash to count it and is joined by his two buddies, Bruno shoots Mateo. Erik shoots one of the buddies. The other buddy shoots Erik. Bruno shoots that guy and walks over to Mateo’s body to recover the cash and Mateo’s incriminating cell phone. He ignores Erik’s plea for help, and is saved from being shot by a ticked off Erik only because he was too hurt to fire his gun. Maura in the meantime is panicking and screaming her head off. Bruno hops in the driver’s side of her car, tells her to shut up, and they drive off. Back at her Hello Kitty Mansion, she continue to freak out, calls Bruno crazy and a monster, and that she hates him. She wants to go back to her real life. Bruno tells her to basically man up.

Erik has made it to his cousin’s house and falls bleeding onto his floor. His cousin’s wife rushes out to get medical provisions. Later as they bandage him up, they urge him to go to a hospital. Erik refuses, but seems determined to get back at Bruno who left him like a dog in the streets to die, and on top of that never paid him the half mil he promised him for the job.

MJ and Alex make their Toluca plans over breakfast. She does not intend to tell her papa about the latest paternity developments as he’s already distraught over the whole Elena affair. While in Toluca, MJ will not visit Elena or inform her of their presence. The cops will go see Elena while they visit Emiliano to tell him about Fer and Porfirio, then Alex will deposit MJ and Tony at the hotel while Alex meets up with the police and get the 411. Detective Ortiz arrives to inform Alex and Mateo and buddies have been found shot dead. He wonders if Fer could have hired a hit on them. Alex assures him that Fer had neither the opportunity, nor is the type of person who would do such a thing. This seems to satisfy Ortiz. Alex informs him that MJ and Tony will be joining them on the trip to Toluca.

Fer asks Alex not to tell Tio just how bad his condition is, and to NOT let him visit him. Alex reluctantly agrees. In Toluca, when he, MJ and Tony are visiting Emiliano, Alex is clearly uncomfortable telling Tio a half truth. Tio insists on going to visit Fer who is like a son to him. MJ and Alex look guilty as they know that cat will soon be out of the bag.

The PoPo visit Elena, and she does not look happy to see them.

Labels: sortilegio

Ezequiel informs Vicky that there's been "an accident." No, I'm pretty sure those guys dumped Fernando over the railing on purpose. Fernando is in the hospital. Vicky cries and tells Alex what happened. Katia is there too. A doctor says he needs to get Fer into surgery ASAP. Hernán comes over and gets the update from the doc. He's got some spinal fractures and neurological something. Hernán asks for more details, so they go to doc#2's office to talk about their golf swings or whatever it is doctors do when they get together. I suppose they might talk about just how screwed Fernando's going to be, but who knows.

Alex starts asking Katia what happened. She tries to evade, saying she and Fer were talking and he just got upset and took off, but she ends up explaining about the sex tape. Vicky hugs Katia and cries.

MaryJo and Felipa are canangananga-ing the babies in the nursery. Raquel comes in, looking for Vicky. MaryJo tells her what happened to Fernando. Raquel's Good Twin has taken her place today. She feels bad for Vicky because she knows how much Vicky cares for Fer. She also makes some motions with her hands in the general direction of her offspring. She blames what happened to Fer on the bad neighborhood with no security. She touches little Vicky for about a second before she leaves, asking them to keep her informed. Oh, great, they're turning Raquel into a decent person now. I'll believe it when Ulises' death doesn't send her right back to the bottle. And maybe not even then. If the real Raquel had been around she would have come in looking for Vicky, given an "a mi no me importa" (I don't care) when told about Fernando, and called her child a "maldita escuincle" (damn brat). MaryJo and Felipa throw a frickin' party over Raquel actually touching the kid. Rosie comes in with MaryJo's medicine.

Hernán comes in and updates the family. Fernando runs the risk of ending up paraplegic. Alex says "no!" I agree, this is tragic, but it's not the end of the world, people. Especially because Fernando's job doesn't require him to do anything with his legs…checking out job sites could be problematic, but they could figure out a way around that. Plus he's rich and well-educated, so he can afford to buy or hire whoever or whatever he needs to make things work for him. Sorry, sometimes I just hate the way characters in TN's react to disability. I'm sure there are people out there who are paraplegic who still get up in the morning and go about their business and don't think it's the end of the world. Katia goes to Vicky for comfort. Hernán doesn't think there's a lot of possibility of Fernando avoiding his horrible fate. They've got to wait to see how he's doing after the surgery. Hernán tells them they don't need to stay, but Vicky and Katia insist they aren't moving. Alex says he's going home to update MaryJo, but then he's coming back.

Alex fills in MaryJo, who laments Fernando's youth, but she also thinks that being so young and studly, I mean, uh, strong, that that's exactly why he will get better. Alex says he doesn't know why Fer was in that neighborhood, that Katia told him that Fer left the office upset and he has the impression that it wasn't an accident, it was a confrontation with someone. Alex just wants Fer to be ok. Alex has got some serious bags under his eyes. The man needs some sleep. And serious stress reduction (preferably in the form of MJ getting her memory back and Bruno conveniently dying in a gruesome way). MaryJo says they've got to find out who did this to Fer.

Two random ladies complain to a man about a smell. Ah, these are Ulises' neighbors complaining to the super. They can't stand the smell anymore.

Hernán and the Red Cross Doc inform the family that Fer is awake, but it's too soon to tell if he's able to move or not. Yeah, those fancy surgery drugs will do that. Hernan's shirt is way too tight. I don't really like the baggy look, but buttons should not be strained like that. Vicky and Katia both decline the offer to see Fer because they don't want to cry in front of him and upset him. Katia looks like she's hiding behind Vicky. Alex will go, but he only gets a few minutes.

Raquel gets a call from the building super, Alvaro. He reminds her about the apartment and she says she may cancel the lease. He doesn't care about that, he cares about the smell. Raquel laughs it off and says "what do you want me to do?" She thought the place was empty. The super suggests a dead rat, haha. He offers to go check things out unless she wants to do it herself. Raquel says she'll come over, she has a lot of personal stuff there.

Alex tells Fer that he's got to fight, man. Fer says he can't feel his legs. Alex blames it on the anesthesia. He says the doctors are going to take good care of Fer. He asks what happened and asks if it was Bruno. Fernando says he got into a fight and the guys threw him off a balcony. He tells Alex it was Mateo and a couple of other guys. Alex had already heard about the sex tape. Alex says he will take care of it and that dumbass will pay. Fernando asks about Vicky. Alex tells him that both of his ladies have been there all night. Fer gets fixated on not being able to feel his legs, but Alex just tells him everything will be fine.

Maura and Lisette (in a cute hat) argue about Lisette going to Mexico City. Lisette has clearance from Hernán to travel. Maura gripes about her insisting on paying for Lety's treatment. Lisette needs some space from Maura after finding out about the sex tape. Maura is sick of Lisette's "aires de santurrona" (sanctimonious airs), and Lisette's sanctimonious response to that is "blah, blah, blah." I like Lisette better this way. Before Lisette can leave, the maid announces Alex. Lisette changes her mind and sticks around. Alex wants to talk to Maura about Mateo. Lisette takes a seat and says she'll stay since things are about to get good. Alex is upset that Maura let Mateo into her party and let him hang around Katia. Maura tries to claim that she didn't know Mateo was there and she's not Katia's babysitter. Alex asks how Bruno ended up with the video on a cell phone and asks if that wasn't Bruno's plan all along and Maura helped him. She doesn't answer, just makes a face. Alex asks her what she has going on with Bruno that she would do that kind of favor for him. Maura says she has no idea what Alex is talking about. Lisette has had enough. She tells Maura that maybe she wasn't in cahoots with Bruno, but she does know what Alex is talking about, she knew what was going on with Mat and she allowed it to happen. Maura says she thought it was a good idea at first, so that Katia could get over Bruno, but she didn't know what would happen. Alex says he hasn't known for a while if he should believe her. He tells her he hopes she doesn't have Fernando's possible paralysis on her conscience. She asks Alex not to think badly of her. Alex says she got the address of the fight from the paramedics and once he checks things out he'll know what to think of her. Once Alex leaves, Lisette tells Maura she'd better forget about Alex, because once he finds out what happened, he'll never forgive her. Now Lisette leaves.

Katia and Vicky hang out in the hospital waiting room. The Red Cross Doc offers to let Vicky go see Fer. She passes to Katia, but Katia passes back. Vicky ends up going in. Felipa comes up with two cups of coffee and gives one to Katia. Katia leans on Felipa for comfort.

Fer is sleeping. The RCD tells Vicky that the operation went well, but he's got to consult some other white coats to see if they want to do another surgery, or just take care of it with physical therapy. Vicky goes over to stand by Fer, but she has a hard time touching him. She keeps crying and patting him on the head. He wakes up and says he feels like a tank rolled over him. He wants to know what's going to happen. He can't feel his legs. Like son, like mother--she tells him it must be the anesthesia…or maybe the pain meds, yeah, that's it. He insists that he's paralyzed but no one wants to tell him. She insists he's not. Vicky cries and says whatever happens, she's going to be by his side night and day and she loves their conversations, and she loves him. She kisses him very carefully. Fernando says he'll only be half a man. She says he's a whole man. Well, a man-boy anyway. Tears all around. Woe is us.

Raquel pulls up at the apartment. The super meets her. Apparently they can smell it from outside. The super thinks an animal got in and died. Raquel is gagging as they get up to the door. Dude…the makeup guys went to town! Ulises is GREEN! I'm sorry, this is sad, really it is, Ulises, gunned down in his prime, Raquel losing the father of her baby, yes, yes, human tragedy…but GREEEEEEEEEN! I can't help it, I'm cracking up laughing. Also, I had jury duty for two whole months on a second-degree murder trial and I saw dead body pictures every day, so this really looks very fake to me. Anyway, um, yeah, Raquel has a meltdown and acts like she wants to touch him, but just can't bring herself to do it. She screams for help, while the super just stands there with a rag over his nose and mouth.

Alex and three of the neighborhood ladies are down at "la delegación" (the popo) saying they've got to find Mat and make him pay. The ladies have his name and everything. The cop asks if they have proof and all three ladies chime in about how they saw the whole thing go down, with their propios peepers (that's "their own eyes), yep, the saw the "guerito" (blondie) go over the balcony, mhm, they sure did. One lady even thought the poor guy was dead. And then the little group of them ran away…well, they're a "pandilla" (gang) don't'cha know, and they've been causing lots of problems in the neighborhood. Huh, I thought Mateo was a gigolo. Shouldn't he have been living in a nicer place? Maybe gigolo-ing doesn't pay like it used to? The cop asks why Fernando was there in the first place. Alex said he found out that Mateo had made a video of himself having "intimate relations" with Fernando's sister and uploaded it to the internet. Alex's phone rings and he excuses himself to answer it, giving the ladies ample time to gossip over the latest scandal.

It's Raquel, calling to ask for Alex's help. She retches while she's on the phone with him. She tells him that Ulises is dead, she saw it herself, he's in her apartment. She doesn't know what happened, but he had a gun in his hand and she doesn't know what happened. Alex tells her to calm down, he's on his way. He goes back into the room to inform the ladies and the cop that he has to leave now, his sister just called to tell him someone they know is dead in her apartment from an apparent suicide. Well, the cop can check that one off his bingo card. The cop asks if this might be related to the incident with Fernando, but Alex doesn't think so. If only he knew…"Well, let's see, Bruno, who has been trying to kill me for las ultimas 84 capitulos and/or take my wife from me and/or take control of my company, commissioned the sex tape from Maura who's been trying to get into my pants and/or get my wife bumped off for las ultimas 84 capitulos, who hired Mateo to slip Katia some roofies and make the actual tape (being that she's not into girls, so she couldn't do it herself), which is the reason that Fernando went over there and got his silly ass beat up. Many capitulos ago Maura convinced Ulises to hire Mateo to pretend to be my wife's lover in order to piss me off. Ulises slept with both my sister and my brother-in-law, impregnated my sister, and got her to rent him the apartment where his cold dead stinky body now lies, having been put there by a bullet to the brain courtesy of Bruno. So no, I wouldn't say they're related, no, except for everything ultimately being Bruno's fault." Alex tells the cop that recently his wife was kidnapped and the family had begun to suspect Ulises, who now lies dead and stinky. The cop suggests they both go right over and he bids the ladies farewell, saying they'll start searching for Mateo ASAP. He calls some other guys to come in and take written statements. The ladies buzz. This is about a year's worth of gossip in one afternoon.

Alex, having made a pit stop at a phone booth to pull off his shirt, revealing red, blue, and yellow spandex underneath, pulls up and is greeted by a hysterical Raquel. She swears someone killed Ulises. She's crying that he can't be dead, he just can't! Alex puts her in the passenger seat of his convertible and finishes parking it the rest of the way.

He also gags at the smell. The cop thinks it was days ago, but he's going to have the gun analyzed. Alex supposes that Uli killed himself because he felt "acorralado" (trapped). The cop is curious. Alex says all the clues about his wife's kidnapping pointed to Ulises and he probably didn't think there was any other way out except to kill himself. Either way, the cop wants to talk to Raquel. Alex puts him off until the next day, being that Raquel is hysterical, being that Ulises was her baby daddy. The cop nods from behind his hankie.

Alex calls Roberto and tells him Ulises is dead. Roberto knocks over a statue. Alex wants Roberto to meet him at the house. Alex hangs up, but Roberto is still holding the phone, in apparent shock.

Back at the house, Rosie and MaryJo are out front with the babies when Alex and Raqui pull up. MaryJo goes over to see what's up. Alex says he'll explain later and walks Raquel to her chalet. Roberto pulls up immediately after, tells MaryJo that Ulises killed himself, and runs after Alex and Raquel. MaryJo is impactada…but I'm not sure what kind of impactata. Could be "oh, no, someone killed themselves, how horrible" or "wait a minute, Ulises, I know that name."

Porfirio gets a visit from a terrified Elena. She makes some bland excuses for not visiting sooner. Porfi wants her to get to the point. Elena says she's there to tell him the truth…she hid something for years and it's time for him to know…she doesn't want him to die without knowing it. "Then spit it out!" From down by his knees, Elena gives the floor an annoyed look.

MaryJo is still outside with Tiny Tony and Alex asks where Rosie is. She went to take Mini Vicky for a walk. Alex tells her that Ulises apparently shot himself, probably because he felt cornered, but there's something about all this that doesn't feel right. He's going to go to the Red Cross to visit Fernando. MaryJo reminds him he's gone for about 48 hours without sleep…ah, hence the bags under the eyes. Alex says he'll go try to convince Vicky to come home and get some sleep and then he'll rest.

Elena spins her tale…she was married to another man when she met Cristobal…she ended up pregnant and she made her husband believe the baby was his, but it was really Cristobal's…she gave birth to twins…then Cristobal went away and she had another baby by her husband…then Cristobal came back and she couldn't stand being with Pedro anymore, so she left him and only took one of Porfirio's grandkids. "One of them," he repeats. Elena says it was Sandra, but Sandra died and Ulises kidnapped MaryJo and made them think it was Sandra. Porfirio yells that she's a liar and those girls aren't his son's daughters. Elena swears they are and she can prove it. Porfirio dismisses her and she goes running for Isaias to bring his medicine. Porfirio keeps ordering her out and tells Isaias to throw her out. She drops her fake-pious shawl revealing a truly enviable rack and finally leaves. Mr. 5ft thinks Porfi is faking feeling bad. I think so too.

At the Red Cross, Alex nags Vicky and Katia to eat, sleep, and bathe. They refuse. Alex tells them it's going to take time for Fer to get better and there's no point to them hanging around. Felipa tells Vicky to just go get some sleep and then come back. Vicky insists she wants to stay to get the results of the latest spinal scans. The doctor comes up then and says there's no need for another operation. Fernando is in a lot of pain from the surgery and they're giving him pain meds. As to him walking again, that's going to take time. Vicky finally agrees to leave. Katia also agrees to go, but she'll go to her house. They leave and Alex goes in to see Fer.

Porfirio actually was upset. He'd just gotten used to the idea of not having any family, but now that Elena has come around, telling her tale, he's not sure what to think. He knows Elena is a liar, but he would also rather believe he's not alone in the world. Porfi cries.

Fer has been sedated to deal with his anxiety. Alex tells him he's going to get better, he has to.

Katia is greeted by Sami, who by now has probably peed in everyone's bed and chewed up all of Fer's shoes. She just wants to hug him for a while.

Felipa puts Vicky to bed. Vicky doesn't think she can sleep. Felipa says life goes on. It breaks Vicky's heart to see Fer so down. Felipa tells her to have a lie down and she'll bring some tea.

Ezequiel asks Alex how Fernando is doing. Alex says badly. Zeke says that MJ and Rosie are feeding the babies. He offers to fix Alex some food, but Alex says no, he just wants to sleep.

Roberto tells Bruno that Raquel found the body. Bruno is intensely curious what the police had to say, but Roberto doesn't know. Roberto, however, is of the opinion that a head wound + a gun + he was alone = suicide. Roberto! I expected better of you! Bruno is sure he killed himself to avoid going to jail for MJ's kidnapping. Roberto thinks it's possible, but Bruno insists that's how it went down. Now Roberto looks slightly suspicious…or maybe that's me.

MaryJo finds Alex sleeping in his/her/their bed. She covers him with an absurdly small blanket and tries not to wake him up.

Elena tells Jorge that she told Porfirio her lie. She figures Porfirio will leave the money to MaryJo and then she'll tell MaryJo how much they need it and MaryJo will give them some of it. Jorge won't beg. Either way, the University of Vancouver is interested in his research, so he's outta there if they don't get the money. And he's not taking Elena with him. Come on, that rack's gotta be useful for something. It would probably liven up those faculty mixers. Hey, she could even seduce a student or two. Better yet, a lab assistant!

Jorge goes to his office and takes a call from Bruno. Bruno gives Jorge the update, although he still doesn't know what the cops have said. He's sure he did such a good job that the cops won't find anything. They hang up and Alex walks in and tells Bruno that now he's definitely being kicked out or Alex will turn him in for corrupting a minor and putting the video of Katia up on the internet. Bruno denies and whines about how it's his house. Alex says he knows Bruno and Maura did it and the cops are already looking for Mateo, so maybe Bruno doesn't want to be around when the cops find him. Alex leaves him with "and if Fernando should end up paralyzed…." Bruno is confused.

Vicky has changed into yet another matronly outfit. Come on, she's not much older than Elena, if at all, and Elena's showing a little cleavage, even if her outfits are fugly. A little cleavage could be just what Fernando needs. Alex starts to chew her out, but Felipa says she had a nap and a bath and she just didn't feel comfortable staying in the house. Alex offers to go back to the hospital with her. Felipa will stay home and pray.

Fernando is still sleeping, though his sedative should have worn off already. Hernán, Vicky, and Alex stand around wondering if now is the right time to tell him. Vicky says he suspects, but she couldn't bring herself to tell him. Fernando starts waking up. He asks why he was sleeping. Hernán says he needed the sedative to stay calm. Fernando asks why. Alex tells him there's something he has to know. He has a spinal fracture and part of his body is paralyzed. Fernando starts freaking out. Hernán says he can't move his legs now, but it's not definitive. Fernando thinks they're sugarcoating things and he's going to end up in a wheelchair. He starts crying that he can't live like that and he'd rather kill himself. Ugh. Yes, yes, I know a lot of people have that reaction at first, but maybe they wouldn't if they hadn't heard all these fictional people say it first. Vicky swears she'll stick by him and they'll find the best specialists, etc. Fernando doesn't want her to be stuck with "un invalido" (an invalid) but she screams at him that she's not going anywhere no matter what he says, got it? He might or might not, but I think Hernán finally got it.

Bruno comes looking for Maura. She tells him what happened to Fernando. He already knew that Fernando found out about the sex video, but he says he wasn't the one who put it on the internet. Maura tells him that the cops had better not find Mateo, 'cause Mateo will definitely spill the beans and then both Bruno and Maura are in a lot of trouble. Oh, wait, I think I see a flaw in her logic…. I was expecting Bruno to question her "we" but instead he tells her to just find Mateo and tell him to keep his mouth shut. Maura, however, has had it. She doesn't want any more trouble. Things have gone too far and she's tied up now not only in the sex tape scandal, but in the Maria Jose business as well. Bruno says his hands are clean on the count of MJ's kidnapping and no one can prove his involvement. Maura says her involvement can be proved and when Alex came over to ask about the sex tape, she could tell that he no longer believes a word she says. She doesn't want any more trouble. Bruno says he'll find Mateo. Luckily, in addition to the phone with the video, he also had another phone, which Maura happens to have the number for. Bruno says that when MaryJo gets her memory back, and when she remembers what Maura was saying, she's "frita" (fried). Yeah, yeah, she knows.

The Red Cross Doc says they avoided paralysis and he thinks if Fer gets his ass in gear, he can recover some movement with physical therapy. Vicky says they need to transfer him to another hospital. RCD says he agrees, they're not a specialist facility. Vicky asks Hernán to take Fer to his clinic and Hernán agrees, sadly. Do you think maybe Vicky was the love of Hernán's life? Maybe the writers can set him up with Fernando's new hot physical therapist? Or a nurse? Poor guy.

Pedro and MaryJo talk about Elena. MJ says she's still beautiful, she treated MJ well…although there were times they argued and Elena was harsh with her and would say ugly things, like that MJ was a promiscuous drug addict. MJ asks Pedro if he still loves her. I don't get the beginning of his answer while my DVR switches over to the next program. He starts talking about how he heard that Elena had gone off with a good looking rich guy. MJ says she could have at least been up front and talked to him about it. Poor Self-Esteem Pedro says he was just a poor nobody with nothing to offer her and he still is. Wah, wah, wah. Dude, that doesn't mean that when your wife's leaving you, you don't deserve to have her do it to your face instead of sneaking off while you're at church. MJ says he's a good guy, with a big heart. Pedro says Elena had ambition and it hurt him not to be able to give her what she wanted. That's so not my definition of "ambition"…going after a guy who could shower her with material goods instead of oh, I don't know, doing something on her own account to get ahead in life. Pedro figures she must have loved him at one point, but then, when the feeling fades, everything is different. MaryJo asks if he'd like to see her again, but he refuses. He says she's too pretty and it wouldn't be a good idea for her to see what he's turned into. MaryJo says it hurts her to hear what her mom did to him.

Gran Final on the 17th, feet in the sand, tears and drama. And Corazon Salvaje on the 22nd.

Labels: sortilegio