Caray, Caray!

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

Paloma finally, finally, finally blows out the candles on her birthday cake. 18 years old (though I think it’s actually the next day)! Freeeeeeeeeedom! Rufi says she hopes her next 18 years will be as happy as the first 18. Rufi! Mean!

Hugs all around. Emiliano and Paloma hug for way too long. Romina makes a pass at Gabriel. He passes.

***
Everyone shakes what their mamas gave them until the witching hour, and eventually all the guests drift away until only Paloma and Gabriel remain, dancing a sexy bachata. Pulling her close, Gabe murmers in Paloma’s ear. “Don’t go home. Carlota is evil. Let’s get out of town right this minute, while the getting is good.” Paloma considers it a moment. In the back of her mind, she has a hazy recollection of some mopey dude who keeps bugging her, but who is it? Well, doesn’t matter. She looks deep into Gabriel’s eyes and intelligence osmoses straight from his brain to hers. Suddenly all those deaths and all those years of abuse don’t seem so random—Auntie Maim is out to get her! And everyone else in town is just nuts! They grab their wallets and Gabriel’s keys and run to the car.

As they drive by Doc B’s house on their way out of town, a shadowy figure in the shrubbery catches Paloma’s eye. Was that a giant vulture? Before she’s even finished the thought, they are out on the highway, and soon Unreal del Monte is a speck in the rearview mirror.

Meanwhile, the would-be intruder falls out of a tree and into an open well. Doc B comes home, after dropping Rufi at home, and sees the cap off the well. “Whoops, careless of me,” he thinks, and replaces it, noting the weird shrieking sound coming from inside. “Wells have the strangest acoustics in the wind,” he remarks.
***
That last bit may have only happened in my head. Back to what happened on screen:

Carloca sits in her car outside Rodolfo’s house and fondles her lace scarf thing with an evil glint in her eye.

Diana uses three phones simultaneously to try to reach Samuel. She incants her message “call me, whatever time it is” over and over and tries to tell herself he would never deceive her. He loves her and they are going to marry soon.

Slimy Sammy is boozing it up with his super-mellow “business” partner. Partner says the investment is not doing well. Sammy frets. The house will be lost! He’ll be ruined! He can’t move out of the country again; he has no place to go! “Don’t worry. You’ll be fine,” says the partner, totally unconcerned.

Back at the party, Angélica tells Paloma that she’s moving, and Miriam is taking her place at the platería. Also, that twit Anamar has signed on, supposedly to work on exports but mainly to work on Emiliano. Gabriel pulls Paloma away, saying he has another gift for her. He leads her by the hand into the bedroom, which gets Emo’s blood boiling.

Crazy Cruel leaves her car and heads for the hedge, carrying her purse and wearing high-heeled boots.

Camila fixes dinner while Orlando sets the table and opens wine. They are both thrilled that Paloma is Cris’s daughter. Cami wonders what Cris is doing about Carloca’s deceptions and Orly tells her that Eugenio is helping him with that; he’s an expert at such things. Camila wants to be present when Paloma finds out who her father is. It will be such a happy moment!

A black-gloved hand reaches through a window and pulls the door lever. Then, Carlota enters through the door, which opens on the other side, away from the windows. Did I see that right? It was strange. Carloca wanders around the house, talking to herself, but not turning on the lights, so we can’t tell that the house is a collection of other set parts, primarily, it seems, from Diana’s house.

Gabriel gives Paloma his art kit and books. He says he doesn’t need them anymore. She wonders how she can thank him for all this. He has a good idea. They step close together, Paloma gingerly fingers the wolf suit, lips slowly near…

…after the break, we get to imagine that they kiss while looking at the back of Paloma’s head. They pull away, Paloma remarkably not freaking out, and Gabriel says he knows how she feels about him, but the one kiss was enough; that’s it for them forever. Paloma leaves the room and Gabriel looks blissfully happy.

The party rolls on. Some dude appears to be doing the limbo. Good for him. Rufi and Eugenio hold down the sofa. Don E asks what Carlota is all about, fundamentally. Rufi says she’s a very unsatisfied woman. Don E says an unsatisfied woman can be worse that the devil himself. Totally, says Rufi. Carloca can destroy everything she touches.

Liliana sharpens claws with Romina, as usual. Lili says eventually the truth about Romi’s baby will come out. Romina flounces away to try to get Emo to leave with her, but he doesn’t want to go. She taunts him with musings as to how Paloma will thank Gabriel for the party. Emo flees her toxic presence, and Germy slides in to fill the void. A few wiggled eyebrows and sly suggestions later, Romina says goodnight to Paloma and departs, followed immediately by Germs. This is not lost on Lili.

Carloca relaxes in Doc B’s dim house, pouring herself a drink and reminiscing about her previous four murders. “They all made me get rid of them,” she crazies. “This will be Rodolfo’s last night, and then everyone else will realize they have to change their attitude toward me. And Paloma will never leave me, unless I decide to send her to the other side as well.”

Camila and Orlando enjoy their dinner, at least until Orly starts talking. He invites himself to accompany Cami to the ceramics factory tomorrow. She insists that it is her business and she doesn’t need help. Then he wonders if she will rent or sell her house. ¿Qué? He starts doing a little backtracking and justifying…he wants to buy her a new place, away from the memories, something that’s theirs together. Just as Cami starts to calm down a little, Mr. Clueless says their new house doesn’t have to be in Real del Monte. It could be at the beach, or in another city. Say, isn’t Houston lovely? Cami chugs her wine.

Eugenio finds Gabriel alone in his bedroom, huddled and sniffling. “This is no way to party!” says Don E. Eugenio thinks Gabe should enjoy all the time he has left by dancing and being with Paloma. “And force the woman I love to watch me die?” asks Gabriel. “I am a desahuciado (dispossessed, hopeless) man. I have nothing to offer.”

The party people are terrible dancers, but they’re having a good time. Lili pulls Emiliano aside to inform him of Romina’s and Germy’s coziness.

Back in the bedroom…
Eugenio: I would give my life in exchange for yours.
Gabriel: I know…everyone knows they are going to die, but no one really believes it, or they think it will happen when they’re really old. But I know I don’t have much time.
Eugenio: And that’s why you’ve lived so intensely, in a hurry to leave an impression. But you’ve exceeded your limit.
G: I know I’ve been living on borrowed time.
E: You’ve already survived longer than the doctors expected. Who knows; maybe you’ll be here a lot longer.
G: No, I can feel that my time is coming to an end. I’ve lived my way, and I want to die my way.
E: Maybe you’re just afraid to enjoy life with Paloma, only to leave.
G: Exactly. I can’t be so selfish and make her suffer even more.
E: But Paloma’s presence is such a gift to you. She’s making you so happy! Don’t reject that.
G: Yes, I’ve been happier than ever, but it’s all ending.
Fierce hug.
E: I am so grateful for the time I’ve had you here.
G: I love you, papá!
E: I love you more.
Lots of tears. Then an advertising break so we can find more tissues.

Emo stands around being a total aguafiestas while the others dance. Doc B gives him the address of his new house in the D.F. and says Paloma would kill him, but he’s a total romantic and doesn’t want things to be over between them. They discuss getting the results of the paternity test; sounds like it will be at least a few more days before Emo can pick them up.

Eugenio and Gabriel rejoin the party and Paloma asks Gabe to dance. Emo glares, and Eugenio looks wistful and melancholy.

Germy and Romina can’t even make it into the house to get frisky; they’re still in Germy’s car. Romi seems to think they can’t go inside because although she’s separated, she’s still a married woman. Yes, all the more reason to get busy on the freaking street. Germs thinks she should give up on Emiliano and get together with him. She doesn’t think he can support her and the baby in style. “You don’t need money, you just need my kisses,” he says. Well, she’ll take them, whether she needs them or not.

Doc B escorts Rufi home and they marvel anviliciously that finally Paloma is of age and they can all leave and start a new life together.

Carloca continues skulking around the doc’s house and gloating that they won’t get away.

Rufi gets sentimental about all the memories in the Manor of Misery. Yay, Iñaki! Love him.

Eugenio tells Paloma that he owes her, because he’s never seen Gabriel so happy as he is around her. Gabe asks her to dance. It’s a slow song, and he says he wants her to remember him whenever she hears it. They dance super-close, slowly swaying. Emo glares. Just when they’re looking a bit kissy, Emo rudely interrupts to say goodnight. Seriously, dude. STEP OFF.

Doc B pulls up in front of his house as the Cellos of Doom remind us that this is Not Good. He goes inside.

Paloma once again tries to tell Emiliano Goodbye PARA SIEMPRE, but he won’t accept it. “Too bad,” says Paloma. “Romina says she’ll never leave you. My life is not with you.” “Is it with him?” Emo asks. Paloma looks over at Gabriel, politely twiddling his thumbs in the corner while Emo makes a pain of himself. “Yes.” They hug for a long time with much anguish and theme music until Paloma pulls away and goes back to dancing with Gabriel. Atta girl.

Rodolfo takes his pajamas from under his pillow and heads into the bathroom.

Paloma and Gabriel say they don’t want the night to ever end. They dance some more. The other guests seem to have left. Hey, maybe I’ll get part of my fantasy.

Emo is back in his hotel room, being a moony mooner and tormenting himself with memories of all the times he’s seen Paloma with Gabriel. This all just serves to remind me of how much more I like Gabriel.

Doc B puts his jacket away and turns around as Carlota steps out from behind a screen. “¡¿Qué haces aquí?!” Carlota says he isn’t going to steal her Paloma. “She’s an adult. She can leave if she wants to. Get out of my house!” “Okay, I will. But first…” Carloca aims a pistol at him, and the lighting in the room magically adjusts so that it only shines on her evil eyes.

Mañana: Carloca fires the gun. Does the doc meet his doom? Then, she cheerfully brings a flaming birthday cake to Paloma in bed.

Labels: amor

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

We have lost our Tuesday recapper. Any takers? Here's what happened tonight, minus all the funny stuff:

Alejandro and Rafael are both in need of cold showers after being rejected by their respective erstwhile lovers. Rafael gets his shower, but Alejandro - probably because she can't take showers in her condition - instead goes in to work at 5 in the morning, after a noche de perros (I guess that means, like barking all night keeps you awake).

She calls Rafael, it's still dark! and makes him come to work straightaway.

Julieta needs money for books so she goes to Rafael's dubious friend Pepete at the billiard party and asks him to sell some of the expensive wedding booze for her. He doesn't want to get involved (fearing Rafa's wrath) but tells her where to find some rich folks who'll buy it.

Marcos is still kissing harlots (sitting in his fine new ride) when Ale calls him to say he doesn't need to take her to work, she took a taxi. Speaking of which, does Marco work? Ever? He also tells Ale he is in the midst of "fecund and creative activity."

Suzanna, perplexed to see Ale at work so early, says "You can join me in a salute to the sun! Tai Chi [etc]" Ale turns her down and says invoices are her equivalent. Susanna sees there's a problem, is distressed to hear Marco and Ale haven't "done it" since the accident, and utters the warning seen above.

The sales force straggles in, Ale's already yelling. They see she's even grouchier than usual and will eat them alive in their daily sales meeting. In that meeting, before their rousing close, she tells Claudia to button up her blouse, "I don't want to see your 'products,' that's only for selling cars."

Finally Rafa gets a chance to start making calls from his list of clients (the list stolen by his co-workers) and finds they've all been called. He tells Alejandra.

Labels: dinero

Alternate title: CAN I TELL YOU THREE THINGS?
Alternate title II: PROMISCUOUS, PERVERSE AND HORNY
Alternate title III: THE HAIR SAYS IT ALL
(ps. I know with "alternate" there should only be two. But work with me here.)

Today was a day of satisfying confrontations. Jacqui guesses that Estrella is pregnant and wants to know the next step. She counsels against abortion. Aldo finds out the truth and is ready to step up to the plate and be a dad. Katja, after being pushed and prodded, gives a reluctant confession and apology to Estrella. Estrella slaps her a good one! (okay by me, since Katja wasn't really sorry, anyway) Jacqui, who has witnessed Katja's perfidy and lack of real repentance, apologizes to Estrella for her daughter's behavior. Estrella then blasts Jacqui for raising up two such poisonous daughters. Ximena confronts Connie about being an ugly bitter person who mistreats others. Mauricio defends himself from Marco's accusations and together they seem ready to reach an understanding about how to protect Valentina. But not before Mau characterizes Marco as arrogant...as arrogant as his daughter.

Well, heck, that's pretty much the episode. Want more? Okay, here goes.

We begin with a very hungover Jacqui facing the horror of cleaning up in a shared barrio bathroom. Does it have a roof at least? she asks anxiously. Well, a partial one is Estrella's none too reassuring reply. In spite of her hangover and baño anxiety, Jacqui picks up on Estrella's slip of the tongue earlier and guesses she's pregnant...and by Aldo, no less.

In the meantime, Connie is spreading her good vibes and universal love around the office, telling the bereaved Gabriela that she's fired, along with Pau. That's when Gabriela gets the additional news that Connie has divorced Mauricio and been awarded every last penny and shares in his business, along with those miserable kids. Yep, Connie and Dad are the bosses now...and you, Gaby?...you're outta here. What's more, after I beat that chimpanzee in the ring, I'm tossing out everybody in her little neighborhood.

Time for the first of Ximena's three things....to Connie: 1) You're the worst person ever. 2) If you think you're going to beat Moni in the ring, you're crazy. She's the freakin' national champion, for gawdsake. and 3) Can I get your little black dress after Monita destroys you?

Time to check on Nieves. She's dragging her behind, in spite of the sparkling maroon streaks in her coiffed hair. What's bringing her low is Cesar's desertion and Beto's decision to become a priest. Monita arrives and pooh-poohs the whole thing. He'll change his mind. Next thing you know he'll want to be an astronaut. And Cesar's crazy about you. This must be a misunderstanding. Beto gets a little huffy about their doubt of his vocation but nobody pays him any mind. Well, once he's in his priest's robes (sotano) and listening to their confession of their "pecaditos" (little sins) they'll change their tune! Secure in the knowledge that Beto could never take up a profession that didn't include women, Moni promises to talk to Cesar and straighten things out. But wait! Nieves isn't sure she wants him back. Dum de dum dum.

Back to Estrella's fashion emporium. She's picking out just the right outfit to replace Jacqui's tequila soaked pantsuit. There's some hemming and hawing from Jacquelinay but the alternative, an outfit from Nieves, doesn't suit-- so she's up for it. And it's not bad. With the sunglasses, she has a certain rakish charm. What designer? Santiago. Never heard of him. The Santiago tianguis (outdoor market). Ya' think I can afford designer clothes? Get real! Jacqui promises to get it dry-cleaned and returned to Estrella, after she gets home.

That settled, Jacqui gets down to the real business at hand. Estrella's lived her life but Aldo's just beginning to live; he's only a kid. What are you going to do with a baby? Estrella confesses that she wants to lose it. Jacqui, who's been relaxed and tolerant up till now, looks shocked.

Whew. Just when things started getting heavy, Xime lights us up. Connie, Marcos and his nameless lawyer, are sitting in the boardroom with glazed eyes, while Xime gushes about her love letter from Rolu and Arny's romantic missive from Lalu. They're going to be a "maraviguay" couple.

Basta ya ! Let's get down to business. Marcos slides over a chit of paper with a figure on it. That's my offer and it's non-negotiable. Take it or leave it. Xime squints and wants to know what these zeros mean. Connie assures her it's plenty...enough for Xime to buy anything she wants. Even the Castillo de Chapultepec? Alright. Not that . Now sign! Marcos and Connie wait. Faces grim. Will she or won't she?

Well, same question for Estrella, verdad? She's telling Jacqui about her lifelong dream of being an actress, her audition with Ms. Nesma (Hey, she's a buddy of Jacqui's. Who knew?) and how she's slated for the part of the sexy lover. And boom! she goes into an hilarious mini-drama, complete with a pastiche of the Connie-Beto coupling, for Jacqui's benefit. Alas, the conditions of the part require no pregnancy. And in a few months she's going to show (have a "panzona"). What's a chica to do?

Which is precisely Ximena's question: She's so nervous she's "sudando hasta las manos".
(breaking a sweat even in her hands). Mauricio arrives just in time to keep her from signing. He dismisses the offer as ridiculously low. Scribbles a new sum on the paper (Wow, sez Xime) and sails it down. No way, answers Marcos. That's it. Take it or leave it, says our newly macho galan. The tipping point? Ximena threatens to start talking about Lalu and Arny again. Done. Accepted. Signed sealed and delivered. Yay! Best part of the scene. Connie looking like she's having a gall bladder attack. Marcos looking the same. Savor the moment, folks.

Awright. Estrella and Jacqui are still talking about the baby...and the possible regrets if she does have it....and resents it...when sass! Aldo and Katja arrive. Overhear the conversation and now Aldo knows. You lied to me Estrella, he sighs. And we break for an ad.

When we come back, it's to the office. Marcos is seeing the nameless lawyer out and apologizing for the time wasted. Connie is seething at Ximena and wants to know what she'll do with all that money. 1) I don't have to tell you a thing. You're bad bad bad. 2) Mauricio is not "alone', the money is for him 3) Don't mess with my cousin. You're no saint yourself.
Well said, Ximena!

Things are heating up back in the barrio.

Estrella: you got into my bed, Aldo, to make yourself "a man". You never cared a thing for me.
Aldo: I love you.
Estrella: Yeah, right! You talked about me like I was a prostitute. Those stupid cowards came after me, thanks to you. At least have the guts to admit it. You're an imbecile who wanted to have some fun with me and boast about it at school.
Aldo: Yes, I'm an imbecile. I blew it. Please forgive me.
Katja, during all this, is looking guilty....but not saying a word. Skank.

Whoa. Suddenly we're back in the office where Marcos is reaming out Mauricio in a similar fashion. He doesn't want to talk business, he wants to tell him what a wretch he is, messing with two women at the same time. Stay away from Constanza. I'd love to, quips Mau. Just give me back my children. Stay away from Valentina too. You have no right! Oh yes I do. Both Connie and Valentina are my daughters. (cara impactada--Mauricio)

Brief return to barrio. More bitterness. Aldo wants to know why she didn't tell him about the pregnancy. 'Cause it doesn't concern him. How do you even know it's yours? Gals like me dole it out to anybody, don't you know that?

Longer return to office. Marcos admits that Isabel was in his past but so what. The main thing is Mauricio is a wretch who, through his despicable actions, has caused hatred and contempt between his two daughters. No way. Okay...the usual. Monita is "la mujer de mi vida". I'd give my life to make her happy. Etc. etc. etc. She doesn't need you, snarls Papa. Neither one of them. They have ME. I'll give Monita my name, make sure she has what she needs and I'll protect her from animals like YOU.

Well, speaking of animals. Estrella's now talking about the two scummy classmates of Aldo's who came and threw money at her and attacked her. Aldo made them believe she was a slut.

Aldo admits he was foolish. So thrilled about being her novio, so happy that he couldn't stop talking about it. His first time....and it was wonderful. But no, I never said you were a slut. That was Katja's doing. Jacqui's head snaps up. What did you do Katja? she asks.

And now the worst "apology" ever. Katja reluctantly sidles up. Admits she wanted to break up Aldo and Estrella. But hey, everyone knows you're "easy". Bueno ya, perdoname. Big slap. Richly deserved.

Exit Katja. Jacqui apologizes for her daughter but Estrella won't let her off that easy. You ask forgiveness but you're the woman who raised those two spiders (Connie and Katja). You're the pharaoh, the head of the pyramid. You're responsible for the way they turned out. Exit Jacqui. (Dang. I like Jacqui. Not the best of mothers but let's let Katja and Connie be responsible for their own actions.)

We've got more blah blah with Mauricio. Marcos doesn't understand why Mau thinks Monita needs protection from Isabel. We hear about Mau's immense cariño for Monita. Well, Marcos isn't letting him near any of his daughters. They're both unhappy and it's YOUR fault. I'm NEVER wrong. Mau: Nopis. Connie gave you the wrong idea about me. And you're an arrogant so and so. Just like she is.

Making progress is our Mauricio. He goes on to explain about Isabel's abandonment. Her threat to tell Monita how much she hates her if Mau doesn't help her play out her fake death. And only his great love for Moni led him to help Isabel. Marcos looks thoughtful. Realizes that Isabel has lied to him about a number of things. Is actually listening. Wow.

And Ximena is listening to Connie....who's still looking like she's in the midst of a gallbladder attack. Ojala! Ximena, ever pert, asks that Connie "no me claves la mirada" (don't glare at me). You're an imbecile snaps Connie. I maybe expected you to waste all that money on strawberry daiquiris, but never thought you'd give it to Mauricio!

And now....three more things: Ready?
1) Mau is my cousin
2) Not leaving him bereft after all the horrible things you did to him.
3) I need a mirror to protect me from your evil gaze! (as Xime holds up a little hand mirror to shield herself).

And there's more. Our pixie is glad Roberto's free of Connie now. Her former amigosa gets more bitter and ugly every day. And Xime hopes he can find a woman worthy of him. He'll never find anybody like me, sniffs Connie. Yeah, promiscuous, perverse and horny, retorts Ximena.

Back to the endless Mauricio/Marcos discussion. Our galan explains how he was protecting Monita from learning of her mother's hatred of her. He wanted to leave her with a memory of a mother's love and a tender, heartfelt reconciliation. Yes, but that's an illusion, points out Marcos. Isabel gave me a completely different story. Said she faked her death so Valentina wouldn't suffer watching her die slowly, little by little, from the disease. But I guess you dug your own grave, helping her fake it, didn't you, Mauricio? Perhaps. But I wanted Monita to believe her mother died loving her. If you can doubt my love after that, well, too bad.

And now...now that Marcos knows the truth? Well, let's confront Isabel. No can do. She's left her hotel and no one knows where she's gone. (Well, Connie knows. But our two fellas haven't sussed that out yet.)

Barrio time again. Aldo reaches out to touch Estrella. She angrily shakes him off. Let me hold you, he begs. What's going to happen to us?
E: You'll go on with your life. I'll go on with mine. Forget about me.
A: How? You can't ask me to do that.
E: How? That's your problem (bronca).
A: I WON'T leave you. It's my problem too. It's my baby too.
E: You're not ready. It's a mistake. The very worst thing that could happen. I don't want this baby. I want to lose it.

Oh my. Hard to see a happy ending here. Will be interesting to observe how the writers work this out. Ideas, anyone?

Now we're at the gym. Don Cesar is in a splendid blue suit and aqua shirt. Absolutely horrible hair. Worse than usual. Clearly a metaphor for his great distress. The hair says it all. Monita is there to get the two lovebirds together again. Alas, there's only one lovebird. Cesar. Nieves enjoyed his company, accepted his tenderness, but she wasn't in love with him. Not like he was with her.

Okay. Here's the "take-home message". Get ready. Monita reminds Don Cesar that with Love, well....it's like Boxing. Never throw in the towel. Never give up. So you're against the ropes in the first round. You pick yourself up and go at it again. You taught me that Cesar! Follow your own lessons.

Great place to end the episode, right? Wrong. There's more. Marcos wonders why he should believe a scoundrel like Mauricio. Well, if you don't....ask Monita. She can tell you. Marcos admits that Isabel is very manipulative. And Mau points out that she and Connie are in contact. So Monita is clearly in danger even if Marcos has forbiddn his daughter to hurt Moni.

And sure enough--the two vipers appear in the next scene. Isabel's in the apartment sipping what looks like a whiskey. Connie sails in and gets reprimanded for not knocking. And the latter informs Isabel that it's HER apartment and she'll come in without knocking anytime she darn well pleases. Does Marcos know where Isabel is? No. Good. Let him forget I exist. Fair enough, but now I want to talk "sin tapujos" (frankly). Just what's up between you and my father.

We knew each other 30 years ago. I was madly in love with him but he was about to marry another. You know her. Nieves Ochoa. Cara impactada, Connie. And there we end.

Previews:
Oscar, busy collecting more frequent flyer points to Hell, threatens Connie. Remember, you're the one who broke Salvador's cellphone. And your fingerprints are on it. If the police know, and they find out he didn't die in Venezuela, they'll figure you killed him. Another cara impactada, Connie.
And Aldo asks Estrella to marry him.

Vocabulary:
cohete aguamieleras = that's what the closed captions said. Help! Any idea, Jarocha?
Sylvia suggests it was actually "jicote aguamierleras", a type of honeybee. Possibly a term of endearment? Or this type of honey as an ingredient in a hangover remedy?
arañas fumigadas = lit. fumigated spiders. in other words, two dames drunk as skunks
descreido = disbelieving. Monita, about Beto's plans for the priesthood.
panzona = belly "three-monther"
la chiquis = little kid
mira la trompita = look at your face! Beto, kidding his mother about her glum look
cara de fuchis = icky face. looking like there's a bad smell
sin tapujos = frankly, no holds barred
bronca = problem, something disagreeable
maraviguay = marvelous in a gay way
creaste la fama de prostituta = you started the rumor that I was a hooker, you ruined my reputation
sudando hasta las manos = sweating right down to my palms
no me claves la mirada = don't stare at me or don't glare at me
sotano = priest's robe
pecaditos = little sins
tianguis = outdoor market

Dicho of the Day:

Las mentiras tienen patas cortas. lit. Lies have short legs or feet. In other words, eventually the truth will come out. Well, some of it did today. But there are many more lies to uncover.

Labels: gancho

Friday: Luz is knee-deep in orphans at the school. The social worker thinks she’ll make a swell mother. Chris visits Mac’s grave. He’s going to protect Paloma from Carlota, he assures her. Paloma doesn’t think Romina will give Em a divorce and she’s ready to start a new life. Carlota has lunch with Don E and tells him about losing her dad, her brother and her sister. Her life has been very hard, porbrecita. Paloma is like the child she never had. She tells Don E she likes how he’s full of life. He tells her he likes the same thing about her. She thoughtbubbles about how she’s going to make him pay for getting Chris off. He thoughtbubbles about how they have nothing in common. They smile and chink glasses.

Ultimas semanas!

Anamar is doing a little work at the plateria. Her dress is doing a lot of work, because there’s so little cloth and so much to hold up. Em is surprised to see her on the computer looking over their exports. Man, he’s got good eyes to see her screen from across the room. Anamar says it’s my specialty, remember? She says she’s doing work there now. Neat, huh? she says. No, he says, we’re never going to be anything more than friends. To translate literally, he says Don’t confuse the things. So maybe he did actually notice her boobs. We don’t want them confused.

Carlota primly tells Don E that she doesn’t usually go out with men - it doesn’t look proper and the man might misunderstand. He says You’re free and single - and also beautiful. She sighs that it’s easier for a man. He turns on a smoke machine of charm, saying Let’s think of this as a business dinner, shall we? I can’t be your personal lawyer. I want to leave when Gabriel decides to, plus I’m not the kind of lawyer you need.

I’m a trial lawyer, and a moral woman like you (the subtitles say “immoral.” Ha! Freudian slip) wouldn’t run afoul of the law. She says But a lawyer like you could give me the level of security and protection that I feel I need sometimes. I’ll think about it, he says.

Nighttime, or maybe it already was.

Chris offers Rufi some hot chocolate. He thanks her for hinting that Paloma is his daughter. She’s glad they won’t tell her until they are safely in Mexico. Chris says he wants to move there too, if Paloma will allow him to be around her.

They chit chat about Chris’s mother, and Rufi admits it makes her a bit jealous that Paloma will have a real-for-real grandmother. Rufi is a little tearful and Chris hugs her and laughs and assures her that nobody will take her place. The music noodles happily and I can almost see fat little Disney bluebirds singing over their heads.

Orlando and Camila arrive at Romina’s home. She wants to talk to Romina alone, so he drives off.

¿Qué haces aquí? Romina asks her mother rudely. Camila says How are you? As if you care snorts Romina. Em has left me for that new girlfriend. Camila says It’s not her. You knew it would turn out like this. Romina says she doesn’t want to be miserable like Camila was when Samuel left years ago.

Camila says it really shook her self-confidence but after time she realized it was the best thing that could have happened to her. She tells Romina that yeah, Em is a great guy, but if he doesn’t love her, their life will be awful. Romina weeps that she thought the baby would do the trick and now she doesn’t want to live without Em.

Orlando and Em are at a nice restaurant. Orlando urges him to re-think this whole divorce idea. Em says he’s 100% sure, and he’s going to go find an apartment. Orlando urges him to stay with him, but Em says no, he’s starting a whole new life, on his own.

Romina is packing in her room. She’s sad. So many memories, she says. It’s flashback time! Mac is giving her the pearl necklace.

Oh! Just one flashback. That’s it? Just one memory? Guess so, because Rufi comes in and gives her a pep talk about her having a spanking new life, but Paloma still looks wistful.

Carlota comes in and calmly asks if there’s anything she can do to persuade Paloma to stay. No, says Paloma quietly. I’ll be in touch and I’ll come to see you when I turn 21. Carlota says so the money is all you care about? Paloma says no, but I need it to turn my dreams into reality, to finish up my studies.

Paloma says I do thank you for all you’ve done for me. It’s a weird way to show it, says Carlota. I can’t imagine this house without you in it. I want you to know that nobody has done as much for you as I have, that nobody has loved you, or sacrificed for you, as I have. Tears well in her eyes. She leaves.

Paloma says it’ll be hard for her here alone. Rufi says she’s reaping what she sowed. If she’d been different with you, you would have wanted to stay.

Carlota is in her lair, looking mad. She dials her phone. We see Dr B in his house, which is stacked with boxes ready to go. He answers his cell. Carlota thanks him for taking responsibility for Paloma, and says that she’s already starting to miss her. He says he’ll be picking up Paloma and Rufi the day after the birthday party. Carlota says she’ll get Paloma’s papers in order to give to him.

She hangs up and says Enjoy the last hours of your life, Doctor.

Daytime.

German calls Don E and chews him out about costing him his job. He isn’t going to go down alone. Want to hand out some real justice? he says. The person who put the noose around my neck, and around Chris’s, is Carlota.

Why should I believe you? says Don E. German says because I have proof. We see him pick up a big manila envelope. Meet me tonight.

Whoo hoo! Now we’re getting somewhere.

Now Dr B is visiting Mac’s grave with a big bunch of flowers. He addresses her out loud and says he knows she loved Chris, and he will take good care of Paloma, whether Chris goes back to being a priest or not. Paloma is approaching in the background with just one flower because – remember? – she’s poor and can’t afford a whole bouquet like Chris and Dr B. She hears this last bit. What does it have to do with me whether Chris returns to the priesthood?

Good catch Dr B! He tells her that Mac told Chris to watch over Paloma. Dr B hopes she can make up with Chris. Paloma says she doubts it, plus they’re leaving town anyway. Dr B says leave the door open…. He was you mother’s true love.

Okay, we leave Macarena all snuggly under her roses and get back to what we watch this show for: pure evil.

Carlota is checking out Dr B’s hedges again, this time by broad daylight. She peeks in his front door. A neighborhood maid passes by and Carlota stops her and asks her if she knows anybody looking for work. Didn’t Dr B have a maid? The maid says yes, Katita, but she’s already found something else. She’ll ask her, though.

Joel and Rafa are happy that Luz has helped them by finding an export market. And here they thought they were on the verge of bankruptcy! Rafa’s cell rings.

It’s Camila. He’s startled to hear from her. She wants to talk to him about something, and no, it’s not Em and Romina. She asks if they can meet tomorrow. He hangs up, surprised that she’s in Real del Monte, and that she wants to talk to him.

Em is in his hotel room, trying to focus on working on his laptop. He gives up and heads for a shower.

Paloma and a few friends - okay, her only friends - discuss whether Em will come to her party.

Looks like it’s almost party time! The friends and Paloma bring food, and set up Gabriel’s studio.

The sun sets.

Now the guests are here. Paloma has on a pretty little black dress and her little hairbow is actually black and white instead of just white. Go wild, girl! Gabriel takes her hands and tells her she’s lovely. Behind her a voice says For once we agree. It’s Em. Paloma gazes at him. Gabriel watches.

Em hands her a little gift box. She starts to walk away with Gabriel when Em catches her arm and says aren’t you going to open it? She does and it’s a medal on a chain, probably a St Christopher. He says it’s to watch over her, since he can’t. She exclaims over it, then looks over her shoulder at Gabriel, who is watching.

Paloma tells Em that she hesitated about inviting him, but he had been so important in her life that she wanted the opportunity to say goodbye. Maybe this can be the start of a beautiful friendship? she says.

I don’t think so, says Em. I can’t be the friend of the woman I love. The woman I will always love.

Mooning, sulking, and now this. Why can’t poor Gabe, who’s expected to keel over at any moment, get the girl at least before he goes to the Great By and By? Let’s have some cosmic justice. You don’t catch him moping and throwing scenes even though he sees his heart’s desire yearning after whiny Em who right now is looking like no prize.

Don E is coming into a nice restaurant and heads for the bar. He’s talking on his cell to Madeleine who is on cloud 9 about her talk with Chris and the hug. Don E tells her she has another nice surprise coming. She wants to know what it is, but he won’t tell.

She wants to know what she can do for him in return for his kindnesses. Don E says what I want nobody can give me. Nobody. I want a miracle for Gabriel.

Romina tells her maid that going to Paloma’s party is a major drag, but she’s going because she’s not going to let Em be there on his own. He’s for her, and her alone! If Paloma tries to get her hooks into him, she will go after Gabriel. Now, that guy is good-looking! Really? says the maid, getting excited.

Orlando has dropped in on Chris. Manhug! Nice you’re free… thanks, how’s the moneymoon?… great… blah blah. Chris says he’s reconciled with his mama, and Paloma is his daughter. Orlando is impactado at this last morsel. Chris tells him that whole fake daddy thing was set up by Carlota. Chris hopes he’s good enough to be Paloma’s dad. Prison must’ve been hard on his self-esteem. I mean, a while ago they were about to make him a bishop or something.

Orlando says it’s just like what happened to me – finding my child when I was already an adult. And our two children are in love with one another! They yuck it up. Thigh slappin’ time.

German has arrived at the restaurant. Don E, not even looking up at him, tells him to make it short – he has a party to get to. German sits down and comes right to the point. He haltingly tells Don E that Carlota paid him to torpedo Chris. Then she screwed him over - she didn’t even pay him after Don E won the case, and she withdrew her support at the law firm, so his boss fired him.

She’s not the guilty party, says Don E. You are. You should never have let yourself be bought. I learned my lesson, says German. Don E says I don’t know if you did. What has all this got to do with me? German says you’re honest, incorruptible. You’re the only one who can unmask her and show her for the monster she is.

Okay, says Don E. Whisky?

Carlota is in her bedroom with that lace shawl thingy on again. She’s fingering it. Rufi knocks and comes in with a tea and Carlota very slowly starts to slip it from her shoulders. Rufi wants to know why she isn’t going to the party. Carlota curls a lip and says I already told Paloma. Rufi says Dr B is coming by for her shortly.

Carlota says she’s going to go to bed. Rufi says have a good night, and off she goes. Carlota looks calculating.

Back to the party, which actually looks pretty dull so far. Gabriel thinks it’s nice everyone share this important day, and Paloma thanks him for making it possible. Romina comes in and tells Paloma that she couldn’t miss saying goodbye. Even though they’ve become distant, she loves her and is going to miss her. She hugs Paloma, who looks very skeptical. Over Paloma’s shoulder, Romina smiles triumphantly at Em.

German tells Don E about the two wills. He’s sure that one was made up well after Paloma’s parents died. He has copies of both.

Don E says I wouldn’t bother with all of this if it weren’t for Paloma. And German? Don’t even think of messing with me. You do, and I’ll be all over your sorry little hiney. Don’t worry, says German. I told you I learned my lesson.

Romina goes up to Em and tells him she didn’t know he was coming. He said he didn’t know she was either. I couldn’t miss it, says Romina. Right, says Em, you couldn’t miss an opportunity to bug Paloma.

Romina comments to Paloma that she’s going to be 18 in a few hours. Paloma says then she’ll start to feel different. Romina says she did. Paloma says she’s glad Romina came, as it couldn’t be easy to show up now that she’s going to be divorcing. Never, says Romina confidently. Em and I are going to be together all our lives. I’m never divorcing him.

Carlota is about to leave the house. She opens the door and gasps. Chris is standing there. Chris says I wanted to take this opportunity to talk to you when Paloma wasn’t home. And don’t tell me you were headed for her party. Carlota says I was just checking because I thought I heard something.

And why do you have your purse? Chris asks. Carlota says Oh, I just found it on the table there. Chris says I just came to tell you that I have decided not to tell Paloma that I’m her father. I don’t have anything to offer her. They’re leaving for the DF tomorrow and I don’t want to get in the way of the life that Dr B can give her.

Carlota smiles and says So you’re doing it for her good? Chris says the truth is that she doesn’t want to be around me and I’m worried that it might make her lose even more respect for me. Good idea, says Carlota. You’ve definitely decided? For now, says Chris.

Are you going to return to the priesthood? Chris says I don’t know yet. For now, I think it’s just best for me to live a regular life. I just wanted to let you know about my decision. Good night.

She closes the door behind him and smiles with satisfaction. Without God, without a daughter. Excellent news.

The guests have blindfolded Paloma and they bring in a cake with candles and sing Las Mananitas Congratulations and hugs.

Dr B presents her with a tiny box. It’s the engagement ring he bought for Mac, and he says she’s the person it should belong to. Paloma is touched. Em comes up and asks if he can give her a hug. She says okay.

We see German in the background, and Romina too, watching Em and Paloma. Their hug is long. Gabriel watches sadly.

Romina suggests to Gabriel that they console each other . Gabriel says I thought you married Em because you were in love with him. Yes, smiles Romina. But just because I’m on a diet doesn’t mean I can’t look at the menu. Gabriels says the menu isn’t available. Romina says am I not your type, or what? Con permiso says Gabriel, blowing her off.

Carlota has arrived in her car outside Dr B’s. She has that lace shawl with her. She fondles it and stares at his house.

Avances: Congo line time at the party. Looks like Gabriel is going to kiss Paloma. Romina says something to Em about his fabulous love, but the background music is too loud for me to make it out. Carlota scales the hedge and we see her gloved hand on the latch.

Labels: amor

Labels: gancho

Last time: Elena realizes Jorge is gonna let her take the fall alone if the "Ulises did it" ruse fails; Alex and MJ are off to Toluca to tell gramps something. Maybe the truth!

Lisette has her new friend Lety over to the luxurious digs. "When our parents died, they left us well cared for financially... so I can pay for your transplant and treatments, and I'll go to the city hospital with you." They embrace and frolic.

I am SO bored by Fer and Vic. Rehash: Raquel has promised to stop drinking if nobody denounces Useless; Fer gave Katya a dog to make up for the lack of Bruno. Vic will publish her book of poems under her own name. Fer acts like she's then going to be famous and he will be so proud to be her boyfriend. [In real life the publishing of a volume of poetry does not make a big splash in the news.]

Raquel defends Useless to Maura, who is patently skeptical - after all, it's in her best interests for him to take the fall. "Everybody but you, Raquel, believes him to be guilty, right? Your family believes that, right?" She offers Raq a drink. Which Raq turns down! And leaves.

Paula tells everything to Roberto; she wants Useless to Pay (unaware that he already has). Roberto is a little sad to hear that the hope of saving Useless is an incentive powerful enough to get Raq to stop drinking when he, Roberto, couldn't. Nevertheless, he hopes this will help her be a better mom.

Pau is impressed with his sagacity and niceness. He says "In future, go first to Gabriel, he can learn to understand and help you." [I think Gabe's a bit of a mouth-breather, but whatever.]

On the way to Porfirio's, at MJ's insistence Alex drives to Elena's place. Elena and MJ embrace. "I was worried about you, Sandra." "No, mom, I'm MJ and this is Alex my husband and the father of my child." "Oh, sorry, I fell for Ulises' deception." "Well, ... I'm your daughter, still."

Elena asks anxiously if Porfirio knows yet. Alex says it's time to tell him. Elena is all, "No, no, it would be cruel, please don't, no no no."

Back in the car, MJ is afraid all the news will devastate her faux-grandpa; Alex says this whole farce was set up to extract money, and there should be no more lies!

Elena keeps trying to interest her "husband" in this problem but Jorge is preparing to throw her in the piranha tank. He now hopes the news about not-Sandra will kill Porfirio; Elena says if it doesn't, Jorge may lose his medical license.

Jorge says all this was Elena's idea and he washes his hands of it. "You would abandon me to my fate? You are the cruelest, coldest man in the world." He reminds her of all the lies she told, and he uses nasty air quotes to remind her that they aren't even really married! [Remember, she deserted our sweet lachrymose Pedro, she never divorced him.] "And you did it for ambition, for the hope of marrying Future Nobel Prize Winner Me - so resolve your own problems."

Porfirio exclaims happily to see Sandra/MJ! She introduces Alejandro - "Oh, this is the famous photographer?"

Porfirio berates Sandra/MJ for leaving without even saying goodbye. He calls for tequila, everybody says he shouldn't, he says he'll die anyway. He gets his tequila.

MJ tries to calm him with the "vacation" story but Porfirio presses hard - he knows it's a lie because the servant saw Elena alone in town when she was supposedly away - tell the truth! She calls Alex "mi amor," Porfirio asks "is he your boyfriend?"

"No, we're married and have a child, I'm not Sandra." (Just then Elena, who has been pacing nervously outside, calls Porfirio but he refuses to take her call.)

Evidently, Alex and MJ tell Porfirio everything and then say he should rest. "You've deceived me all this time? That fox Elena, she never married my son? " MJ: "I didn't mean to deceive you, I thought it was all true!"

Alex explains about the memory-erasure, which doesn't interest Porfirio, who goes on to ask Emiliano: "Et tu?"

Emiliano: "I was afraid for your health, that's why I didn't tell you - and why I told MJ to come back."

Porfirio: "I am completely alone."

MJ: "No! In the short time I've known you, I've grown to love you." "For money!" Alex: "No, she's got oodles of her own moola and I'm more than capable of supporting her also."

Porfirio suggests a game of chess but then changes his mind and sends everybody away, saying "Don't tell the buitres (vultures) that I know."

Elena runs up to them outside. "We didn't tell Porfirio The Truth, he still thinks I'm Sandra." Elena is wobbly and grateful. Alex and MJ are leaving for their ride home but MJ suddenly tears away and runs back to embrace her mom and say "Adios."

Porfirio: "I want to sleep - or perhaps die."

Alex and MJ have a little squabble in their hotel room - she says he didn't even want her to say goodbye to Elena. Alex: "But she hurt you and deceived you." "But it was all Ulises' fault." "But she abandoned you and Paula when you were little." "OK, you're right."

Emiliano calls nephew Fer: "They told him everything. He was so hurt. He is my oldest friend. My only friend. When he goes, I'll be completely alone." "You have me." "But you're so far away." "How about I send you Katya? She's nicer now. And she's got a great dog."

Again Elena reports to Jorge. He crafts some complicated new lie to save their butts: part of it was that she should say MJ and Sandra were actually daughters of Porfirio's son. "So what? Even so, MJ won't share the inheritance." "Make her." "Not easy with that husband of hers around."

Next day, Alex and MJ go back to say goodbye to Porfirio and he's in a much better mood. "Though you're not my grand-daughter, I'd have liked to have had one like you." "And I'd like you for a grandpa." "You have a kid, really?" Alex: "We'll bring him next time." Porfirio says, don't wait too long...

Breakfast table debriefing at the Lombardo's. Blah blah blah. Paula wants the guilty to be punished and when she gets too abrasive Alex reminds her not to be late to work, the chauffeur will take her. She pouts and flounces out, indignant to be treated as an employee. Alex apologizes to MJ for being firm with Paula but she's a a bit of a "rebel" - MJ agrees.

MJ comes to see Alex and her sis at the office. Maura enters. Paula doesn't like to see Maura, especially near MJ, who can't remember what a jerk Maura is. Maura acts nice, offers to take MJ to the bank and set her up with her new checking account, help her with the papers she has to sign... we don't like any of this.

Raquel goes to Dr. (I always want to call him Dr. Placenta) and says she hasn't taken a drink but she needs SOMETHING. She wants drugs - he suggests she try rehab again and not leave till she's really better.

Lisette likes Katya's dog. She tells Katya about Lety. The two girls agree they used to be bad but are becoming rehabilitated.

Then Katya tells how Maura set her up with Matteo. "I took something... and thangs happened..."

The girls search for Katya's name on the internet, and - Dang! Somebody has uploaded that video of her getting it on with Matteo! Since Maura gave the cellphone to Bruno, it must have been him. They need to go tell the story to Fer!

Lisette yells at Maura, reminds her "I know about your Mario Aguirre trick," says she's ashamed of her.

Fer listens to Katya and Lisette and then goes and finds Bruno and throttles him. Bruno: "Let me go, you imbecile, it's not my fault your sister is a whore." Bruno tells Fer where to find Matteo, and laughs his brittle psycho laugh. I love Bruno, what a great villain.

Alex works his magic on MJ and gets her to agree to have a civil marriage soon and then a church wedding with all the fixings, and they'll baptise Tony the same day - as they had planned to do before MJ was kidnapped.

Fer goes off to find Matteo's apartment, it's in a squalid barrio with lots of ugly homeys around with nothing better to do than follow Fer up the stairs. When Fer starts getting in Matteo's face, they all gang up on him, beat him and kick him and - thrown him over a Stairway of Doom. He falls to the pavement.

Matteo and the homeys run away. Neighborhood ladies, who saw it all, cluck and fuss and send for an ambulance. Fer is "grave." He asks the ambulance guy to call Alejandro. Ezequiel takes the call - Alex isn't home, but Vic gets the news.

Feb 17th is the last day of Sortilegio.

Labels: sortilegio