Caray, Caray!

Hola! It is I, 5ft Latina! Do not adjust your computers…your tireless blog mom will be back for tomorrow's recap. We just like to keep you on your toes :)

Feliz Cumpleaños to our faithful commenters, Cielo de Levy (cumpliendo años hoy) and Elna June Sonoma (quien cumplió años ayer)! I sent William Levy out to do strip-o-grams, but I fear he may have gotten lost in transit. Darn! Well, maybe we'll get some shirtless scenes in your honor tonight.

Fernando's great uncle passes on the party invite to Fernando and tells him he caught the old guy's eye as a potential mate for his druggie granddaughter.

Sandra!MaryJo is out in the yard, swinging, when Elena finds her. She tries to get SandyJo to chill out, but SandyJo is convinced that stepdaddy is a very, very bad stepdaddy. She's also angry at them for not bringing her back from Spain by force if she was into such bad stuff. She thinks they just should have made her come home. Elena tells SandyJo that she's smart, so she should be able to convince grandpa that she's ok. Also, Emiliano Alaniz will be there and "she" has met him before, so she needs to act like it. SandyJo wants to come clean with grandpa and tell him that she was on drugs, but she's not anymore. And she doesn't care if that loses her the money. Elena tells her to knock off the crazy talk, but SandyJo just walks away from her. Elena may just be figuring out that Sandra 2.0 is just as willful as original recipe Sandra, especially when you piss her off.

At Maura's pink palace, Lisette and Katia lie about how Katia found out that MaryJo has been kidnapped. Maura says Alex isn't doing well, although he did finally make it to the office today, after spending the last two weeks at home dressed like Hugh Hefner (maybe I added that last part). And she doesn't take kindly to Katia's suggestion that she ought to be thrilled because now MaryJo is out of the way and Maura can have her wicked way with Alex. Even Lisette tells Katia to just shut up. Yes, Katia was a latecomer to the game, but she is quickly catching up to Paula on the Shut-Up-O-Meter. The maid announces the arrival of Alex, causing Katia to start squealing that maybe he couldn't stand being alone anymore. Shut up, Katia. Alex gets a hug from Maura and an update from Lisette--she's scheduled for surgery soon, but she has to keep up with the chemo in the meantime (hence the turban that matches the couch). Alex asks for a word in private with Maura, sending Katia into a squealing fit before he's even out of the room. Damn! Shut up, Katia! Poll: What's more annoying? Katia's squeal or Bruno's tsk-ing? If you'd committed some heinous crime and had to be sentenced to spend the rest of eternity in a cell with either Katia or Bruno, who would you pick? Lisette doesn't like that Katia seems to be taking delight in the misfortune of others.

Elena and Bruno talk on the phone. Elena thinks it's risky to talk to SandyJo about Bruno, especially because Katia bandied his name about so freely at her uncle's place. Bruno suggests they use his middle name and tell her that he's "Damián." Great idea, B…she's got drug-induced amnesia, so she probably won't remember having seen The Omen. He also says they ought to use his second "apellido" (last name)--we'll have to wait to see what that is, because I don't remember Vicky's maiden name ever being mentioned.

Alex wants to question Maura again about the kidnapping. She complains that she's told the story to, like, everybody and just wants to forget now, but Alex thinks she may have overlooked a vital detail. She says they were talking about the house, four guys came in, and what happened happened. Alex asks who knew they were going to be at the house at that time, but she doesn't think anyone but the real estate agent's office and Felipa knew. Alex is antsy--the kidnappers only called the one time and they haven't heard anything since. Maura reminds him that she is also upset about her sister's illness. She suggests they share their troubles. No, not like that. Her hands all over him are shouting it, though.

Fernando and Alex are at a restaurant. Fernando praises Alex for getting out of the house and says that work will be a good distraction for him. The problem is that all Alex can think about is MaryJo, even at work, and he's worried about her and worried that it's been 2 weeks and the kidnappers haven't called again. He'd do anything to get her back. He's worried that they might have killed her already, but Fernando tells him to chill, he has no reason to think that. Fer says there are lots of people who have been kidnapped who have some psychological issues, but they do come back alive.

Another week passes.

Bruno is sending Erick to Toluca and he doesn't want him saying goodbye to anyone before he goes. Erick mutters curses under his breath.

Bruno walks in on John and Roberto having a conversation. There's no news about MaryJo. John leaves to go do something and Bruno asks Roberto what he's doing in the house. Roberto is waiting for Vicky so they can go pick up "the girl" from the hospital. Name the damn baby, already, people, what are you waiting for? He'll probably give her a cheesy, sentimental name, too, but it's got to be better than "girl." Bruno asks what's it to him, since the little brat isn't his anyway. Roberto says she's not now, but once he finds Ulises and gets him to sign over his parental rights…. Bruno, ever helpful, says that's not going to happen unless Roberto wants to go all the way to Argentina, or to HELL to find Ulises. That slip is going to cost you in the end, Bruno D. Coyote. Roberto is suspicious that Bruno mentioned Argentina. He was under the impression that Ulises had gone to Madrid after his girlfriend Sandra. Bruno hems and haws about not remembering where he heard that Ulises had gone to Argentina. Vicky comes downstairs. She tells Roberto that it's all settled, they'll put both babies in the same room. Rosie thinks she can handle them both, and if not, they'll hire another nurse. For some bizarre reason, Vicky turns to Bruno and smiles at him as she says they're bringing the girl home. Why does she think that he would (a) care or (b) regard this as any kind of good news? Bruno takes her aside and says he's leaving. He'd been thinking of starting his own business anyway and so he's going out of town to meet with a developer who appreciates his talents. Which ones? Only being able to button his shirt halfway and having lousy follow-through on his nefarious plans? He gets in a bunch of digs about how he's going all the way to Mexico (state) so they should all be happy cause they wanted him gone anyway. Vicky tries to get all maternal, but he tell her to save it. She drops it and tells John that she and Roberto are heading to the hospital and will be back soon. John is unconcerned. He'll smoke his stogie and monitor the situation. Roberto comes outside and tells Bruno this is quite a surprise. Bruno says once he lost hope of ever getting the presidency (dig, dig) he looked into other options so he can finally have what he's been looking for. "Power?" asks Roberto. "Hm, yeah, and something more," Bruno replies. All those cryptic comments are going to bite you in the ass, and soon. Ultimas Semanas, baby, that means the heavy hand of comeuppance is waiting just around the corner to smack you down like a bug. They walk off, and Bruno looks over at John, who heard the whole conversation as he stood outside smoking. John looks like he might be suspicious of Bruno. That would be nice.

Mmm, the Corazon Salvaje promo looks tasty :D

Elena is trying to give SandyJo some last-minute pointers on the way in to grandpa's house. Jorge just tells her to talk as little as possible. She pretends to remember the butler. As he leads them inside, Elena chooses this precise moment to tell SandyJo that she has a boyfriend. SandyJo is not pleased, but asks for his name so she can fake it in front of grandpa. She repeats "Damián" to herself. Porfirio demands they get out of the way so he can get a look at SandyJo. She says hello, but she's rather cold. She apologizes for not coming back sooner. Elena makes excuses about Sandra wanting to finish her studies and then prods SandyJo to give her grandpa a hug. He makes a remark about her bad manners in not greeting his friend, but he's smiling the whole time. He keeps griping, mildly, about her not coming home on her vacations. Elena makes excuses, but he only has eyes and ears for SandyJo. She apologizes, again, for not coming home sooner. She refuses a drink, even when grandpa tries to insist on a toast. He seems to like that she stands her ground and says she doesn't like alcohol, so he tells the butler to bring her a "refresco" (soft drink). He asks about her boyfriend, but cuts her off before she can stumble over his name. He doesn't really care who the guy is, cause he's got one lined up for her. Emiliano tells him to back off, the kids these days aren't into arranged marriages. SandyJo tells him, very firmly, that she would prefer to choose her own boyfriend. Oh, he loves this. Girl's got "carácter" (strong character, both literally and figuratively, but sometimes I've heard people use it as a euphemism for someone who is really just a jerk).

Back at home, Elena talks to Jorge about her misgivings. She's worried that grandpa will try to insist on hooking SandyJo up with Fernando and that Fernando won't buy their story about the twin thing. And that Bruno won't listen to reason. She doesn't think he'll just go away because he ought to for the sake of the plan. Jorge asks if she's suggesting they just put everyone in a coma, the way they did Ulises. Aha! So he's not dead! Well, good, if that means he can sign over paternity to Roberto at some point. Elena is surprised. Even she thought that Jorge killed him. He didn't because he thought Ulises might come in handy at some point. She asks what they're going to do with Bruno and Fernando and he just walks off.

Fernando comes downstairs to see Katia reading a magazine. He asks, but she says that's not all she does, she also goes to visit Lisette and Maura. He suggests a weekend outing, but it's not what she had in mind. She was thinking the beach, but he was thinking of the party Porfirio is going to throw. Katia can't stand the idea of going to a party with a bunch of old people dancing old people dances and eating "papillas" (mush). And the fact that this party will be thrown for Sandra, who is MaryJo's age, does not convince her. With that pair of "old guys" throwing the party, it's bound to suck. She flits off upstairs while Fernando looks like he'd like to strangle her, but doesn't know if he can get away with it.

Now there's a pink crib in the nursery. Felipa is glad that she looks heartier than before, even if she'll always be small for her age. Alex, thank you dear, says they really can't keep calling her "the girl." He suggests Raquel, but Felipa is horrified, "and what if she turns out like her?!" Roberto was thinking Victoria. Alex likes the idea, and so does Vicky. Roberto tries to suggest that they can call the little one "Vicky" but Vicky says no, "Victoria, like her grandmother". So now we have Tiny Tony and Mini Vicky sharing a room. Alex asks if Raquel knows. Big Vicky was thinking of going over to tell her tomorrow and asking if she wanted to come over to the house and see her, but she doesn't think anything's going to get Raquel out of that house. She's waiting for Ulises. Roberto's not offended. He tells Alex that Bruno told him that Ulises went to Argentina, but he thought that Bruno was going to Madrid after his girlfriend, who is supposed to be back soon. He went to Toluca to talk to her mom, but she didn't know where Ulises was. And BTW, he saw a picture of Sandra and it's amazing how she looks like MaryJo. Yeah, Alex knows.

In her room, SandyJo is having a really, really nice dream. About swimming with a really hot guy. But there are also images of a nursing baby in there. It wakes her up. She wonders who that guy is.

The next morning, she prays to the Virgen. Elena interrupts her. SandyJo tells her about the dream. First there was a baby, then she was with this guy in the water. She felt that they loved each other very much, but she doesn't know who he is. She couldn't see his face in her dream, but she's got the kid's face burned on her brain. Elena says she must be starting to remember. It must be someone important to her, maybe someone from Madrid. Here comes Bruno, aka, Damián. He greets Elena and brings SandyJo some roses. She accepts a kiss on the cheek. He tells her that he already knows what's going on and it's ok, he loves her just as much as he did before. She takes off. Elena is pissed that he said that without consulting her or Jorge. He thinks it will build rapport between them. And also, he doesn't like having bosses. Elena looks alarmed. Yep. Better put another cot in Ulises' room.

Damián!Bruno catches up to SandyJo and spins her a tale. He understands about the drugging, hey, who wouldn't in a strange country, feeling abandoned by family. He tells her that they lived together in Madrid. That they were lovers and he tried, oh, how he tried, to get her to quit the drugs, but he got tired of it and came back to Mexico. He apologizes for hurting her so much. She apologizes to him for having failed him.

Fernando tells Alex about the party invite. He'd like to go along too. He says if Sandra is so identical to MaryJo, it might give him the illusion of having her back. He knows she's not MaryJo, but he needs whatever solace he can get. Fernando says he doesn't have a pretense for inviting Alex. Alex says if it's a big party, there's no problem. There will be lots of people and he can just hang out in the background, to watch. Fernando says he'll ask his uncle, but he thinks Alex is sick. Alex agrees.

Elena informs Jorge that Bruno has shown up and that he told SandyJo that he already knows everything. Jorge isn't upset about this. He thinks it shows Bruno's determination. Unlike Elena, he's not worried that Bruno will marry SandyJo and take the money away from them. If they go down, Bruno goes down too. He thinks Bruno is a good ally. Elena doesn't think they should tell him about the party, since Fernando is already invited. Jorge says that does present a problem.

More storytime with Bruno. He was taking a break from working with his family's company. They live in Merida. He has a mom, a sister, a brother, and two "sobrinos" (nieces and/or nephews). It's a big family, but he doesn't get along with them. He's working on opening a resort. He knows everything about her life and he'll tell her anything she wants to know. He said they were lovers because they were, even though he did leave. But now he wants to get her back. He never stopped loving Ma…er, Sandra. She turns away to avoid kissing him. She says she's not accustomed to letting strangers kiss her. He'll wait. He's patient. He asks her to go out to dinner soon. She giggles.

Alex sits behind his desk and stews. He looks at the pictures of MaryJo on his phone and cries. He shoves a bunch of stuff off his desk, picks up his bag, and leaves. Mari tries to remind him about his afternoon meeting, but he ignores her. Maura goes running out after him.

Bruno tells Jorge that he's not after Sandra or MaryJo or whoever's money. He just wants her. Jorge says he needs the money. He shows Bruno a document. He tells him that he wants half of Porfirio's money. Bruno is fine with it, but he needs Jorge to know that people know about MaryJo's twin, so that means Sandra has to disappear. Jorge is aware of that.

Fernando is out with some random woman called Norma. Who he has apparently been talking to about Alex's problems. Norma invites Fernando to a party at Rolando's. She's ok with it being just as friends.

Alex vents to Maura about the lack of a call from the kidnappers. He yells at her when she suggests that MaryJo might be dead. Maybe things went badly, maybe she resisted, who knows. Alex says he was on the island, both he and Fer never thought they'd be back, but they came back. So he doesn't want to give up on MaryJo. Maura, the ever friendly, hugs him and says he may have to. It's only been two weeks people, sheesh!

At Raquel's place, Meche is cleaning. She tells Vicky that Raquel went out. Vicky tells Meche to let Raquel know that they brought the baby home and she's doing fine. Meche wishes Raquel would take an interest in the kid.

Raquel is over at Maura and Lisette's griping to Lisette and Katia that Maura has kept her hanging, waiting for the info of a lawyer so she can get a divorce. She serves herself a drink. Oh, now she's never going home. Lisette makes excuses, but Raquel says Maura just isn't the same lately. Katia says it's because she's busy trying to get Alex back, but Lisette objects. She's just being supportive, which Raquel says is Fernando's job. Raquel is giddy to hear from Katia that they saw Fernando out with a girl his own age. She hopes it means her mother's not going out with him anymore. She finishes her drink and reminds them to remind Maura that she's still waiting on a lawyer's name. She takes off. Lisette gives Katia a hard time for being so "venomous." Katia gives Lisette a hard time for being such a goody-goody lately. It's the mortality. Katia doesn't think Lisette is going to die, but Lisette's hedging her bets. Katia changes the subject, wondering where Bruno is. Lisette rolls her eyes and tells Katia to quit thinking about him.

Felipa sings to Tiny Tony. Some song about how mommy's a rat and daddy's a rat and baby's a little hungry rat. Alex drives up. They fawn over the baby. He'll have lots of girlfriends and be bigger than daddy. Cuco's jealous of the baby.

Upstairs, Roberto is cooing over Little Vicky. He talks about taking her to the park when she's older to teach her how to play fútbol. Rosie says maybe dolls or something. Hey, Rosie, come into this century, will ya? There's nothing wrong with athletic girls. It would probably be good for her health for her to do something active.

In Toluca, Erick comes up to Bruno in a restaurant and reports that he got Bruno a new cell phone and looked at some houses and apartments. He cheerfully asks how things are going with MaryJo. Bruno gets pissed off and tells Erick it's none of his business and he never asked him to sit down. He tells him to go away and eat somewhere more appropriate to his station. Erick smiles as he leaves. Oh, yeah, Erick's revenge will be sweet.

John wants to have a talk with Alex, Roberto, and Big Vicky. John finds it strange that this kidnapping happened in Merida, which is a pretty safe place, and that the kidnappers haven't gotten in touch again about the money. He suspects this might not be a normal kidnapping, but revenge, or an "ajuste de cuentas" (settling up of accounts). For once, Alex blanks and says he hasn't done anything to anyone that anyone would want revenge on him. Plus, if they were pissed at him, why did they take it out on MaryJo? Roberto says that "those people" don’t think that way and they're just looking for easy money instead of working hard to earn it. John proposes another possibility, that MaryJo faked her own kidnapping to run off with a boyfriend. That doesn't go over well. John apologizes, but says they have to consider all the possibilities. Why hasn't he asked for a list of all the people who are mad at Alex yet? Shouldn't he have done that already and been casting his suspicious eyes at Bruno? Shouldn't he have been told about the twin sister in Toluca and gone to interview the family? His last theory is that MaryJo is dead. Alex starts screaming now that she's not.

Pedro is a wreck. Paula et al try to comfort him, but he can't stand it anymore, the lack of news. He is angry that they keep thinking Alex will fix it. If this was about money, it would have been fixed already, but obviously there are some things money can't fix. Pedro goes to lock himself in his room as Paula apologizes for him and has a breakdown of her own.

Tomorrow: Fernando suspects the truth and Alex rages some more.

Labels: sortilegio

Labels: dinero, recapper-intro

Welcome all! I'm not promising to do this regularly - we really need a whole bunch of new recappers if you want to see this novel get Caray coverage! - but I thought I'd start us off anyway and see if we get any more volunteers.

Though most of the cast showed up tonight, I'll only mention the ones that moved the plot forward.

A beautiful wedding, the kind our telenovelas usually end with. A big white limo with flowers, lots of applauding extras, big church, long loving kisses, a fabulous vacation in Hawaii...

Wake up Alejandra, it's just a dream! She snaps back to reality -- at her desk in the car dealership ... she and her fiance are having a civil ceremony tomorrow and the big church wedding on the weekend -- and then the trip to Hawaii. But there's an awful lot to be done in the mean time.

Alejandra has spent 2 million pesos on this wedding, money she doesn't exactly have. She's not worried, though, because some florists in the next town have just promised to buy 19 trucks; she'll go by this afternoon to get the signatures (and the hefty commission).

Her travel agent tells her several times she better not be late to the airport for the Hawaii trip or she'll lose the whole 301,720 pesos.

Her boyfriend Marco, this is what we know about him so far: (1) he doesn't comb his hair; (2) he might like Alejandra's father to die and leave her moola; (3) he is indigent, and a moocher; (4) he has extravagant tastes; (5) he informs his empty booze bottle, "You don't know what I'm capable of."

Marco talks her into seeing a big luxurious apartment. With her wedding expenses, she doesn't really have the money for it. But the real estate agent pushes her hard: he'll give them a great price, but only if she signs today and comes up with the money. She's worried, but after her fiance walks out she signs with the guy - as a big big wedding surprise for her soon-to-be-hubby.

About Alejandra, we know (1) she is pretty, but cold-blooded when it comes to her career, and to the people who work under her; (2) she is very organized and expects all her plans to be carried out to the letter; (3) she is a workaholic living beyond her means; (4) she has a friend, Susana, who does not like Marco; (5) she has a father, Jorge, who has a bad heart but she doesn't seem to know about it because Marco talked to the doctor and is not sharing information (if she knew how ill her dad was, she might postpone the marriage, endangering Marco's meal ticket).

She will get a honking big commission from the florists, but not till tomorrow. She she needs the money today, as a deposit on the house and to pay the rest of her big boda expenses. She asks her boss for an advance and, although he does a happy dance when he hears she's sold 19 trucks, he will not give her an advance until the customers have signed on the dotted line. So she secretly mortgages her father's house, just for a day. If all goes well, she'll pay off the banker tomorrow and get the deed to the house back.

Things don't go well. The florist doesn't have the money today. He'll have it tomorrow - but that's too late, she needs it now. She leaves his house furious. Driving home in the rain, she wonders how she'll juggle this. Her cell phone, just out of reach, keeps ringing...

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Let's turn our attention to Rafael now, who, like Alejandro, is a salesperson. He is suffering troubles similar to hers but less upscale ... He has high self esteem; he talks happily to himself as he prepares for his day of selling unneeded merchandise to any customer he can scare up.

As Alejandra drones on giving a lecture to the sales staff at the car dealership, he's stuffing his inventory, bras and panties and dvds, into his sample case.

In contrast to Ale's selling of cars in a sterile, pale wasteland, Rafael is a seller of every messy little whatever he can get his hands on. He lives with his mother and sister and tries to keep the family afloat financially. He has just managed to scrape up money for overdue bills and puts it in ma's hand - but then sis tells him her university bills are due tomorrow!

He visits an office building. The gatekeeper is inclined to throw him out - salesmen are not welcomed - but he sweet-talks his way in and shows his wares to a bunch of giggly dames who love his undies (especially after his lively demonstrations of their effects on men) but have no money today, he'll have to come back later.

His friend/business associate Pepeto complains about the booze Rafael sold him - a couple of the bottles were awful. He introduces Rafael to his cousin. The cousin says he'll buy a batch of undies - and will pay tomorrow.

But Rafael needs his sister's tuition money today. Feeling safe because the cousin has promised the dough, Rafael gets a loan from a guy (I think he knows him) with all the stuff in the house as security. Ie the little family will lose everything, even their big flat-screen tv, if he doesn't get the money back to the guy by tomorrow. (At a 10% interest rate.)

But the cousin doesn't come through with the money! So Rafael goes to the cousins store. He's indignant to see all his stuff for sale there. Since he hasn't been paid, he starts stuffing the bras in a black garbage bag - then the cousin and a couple goons show up, beat him up and throw him first out of the store and then head-first into his car.

Like Alejandra, and in fact right behind her, he's driving home in the rain, wondering how he'll juggle this. He keeps trying to call home...

So they're both worried and irritated...

Alejandra, distracted by her money woes and the incessant phone calls, driving erratically, reaches way over to get her phone. As she wobbles, Rafael (in his not very safe car) starts passing her. A truck comes right at him. He veers back into her lane. She soars off the road! Her car rolls many times and bounces to the bottom of the hill!

People do not survive a fall like this but the previews indicate that she does.

Labels: dinero

Rafael's people:

Rafael.
Vicky. Rafael’s girlfriend 'La Pajarita'
Jaime. Rafael’s best friend. Julieta’s boyfriend.
Julieta. Rafael’s sister
Leonor. Rafael’s mom.

Alejandra’s people

Alejandra.
Marco. Alejandra’s novio. Attorney.
Susana. Ale’s assistant and friend
Jorge. Ale’s father. (Alzheimers.)
Rosario. Jorge’s sister.
Vicente. Marco’s accomplice.
Lic. Francisco. - Ale’s boss

Auto Siglo dealers
Nelson, ‘El Dandy.’
Edgar, ‘El Zorro.’
Claudia, 'La Buenona'
Rosaura, ‘La Casada’
Ramiro. 'El ¡Ay, Dios Mío!' Worst salesman.
Isabel, ‘La Generala'

Ismael. 'El Bebé'

Other Auto Siglo staff

Zetina
Germán. ‘El Teórico’
Juan, 'El Trapito.'
Clarita. Bookkeeper for dealership
Edecán ‘Autos Siglo’
Edecán (gofer) Milly
Doña Dolores. Café owner

Family, etc.

Don Gastón. Vicky’s dad
Pancho.
Filepe. Vicky’s brother
José Tomás, ‘Pepeto’. Rafael’s buddy
Elvira. Ramiro’s wife
Suegra. Elvira’s mom
Azucena. Alvarez servant.

Coming in later

Arcadia. Rags to riches.
Rubi. Works at a nightclub.
Marian Celeste. Competition??

Labels: dinero

I am Pata, I am new to all of this recapping and blog stuff but I will be attempting to be the wed Eve recapper for HQDNS. My Spanish skills are fair to middlen, depending on how many cervesas I have had. My best friend when I am watching novelas is my DVD player/writer because it allows me to rewind then slow-forward and read the CCs. My spelling is not the best but i am to old to figure out spell check. so half the time I dont know that I spelled a word wron. My writing style is very similair to how I talk. I tend to ramble and let participles dangle. ( I am from the Mid west ) I am an x-Peace corp volunteer, where I learned my basic spanish skills in Hondurus, many, many mnay years ago. It is also where I learned how to say cervesa por favor. I am a pediatric nurse and have been at it for a long time, so very little grosses me out. I love spanish novelas and have been watching them for a few years now but have only recently discovered Caray Caray. ( Around "los tontos no van a heaven" time) I am looking forward to being the wed recapper and Hope i will do Caray Caray proud. I am also asking for all the help I can get from all you expereinced recappers out there. I am a slow learner but once I learn something it usually sticks. Well at least through the rest of the day, so be patient with me. Corrections, additions , and stuff that i may totally miss, please feel free to correct add and stuff. Wells thats about it with me, I am simple sweet and sassy, and a little bit shy. Looking forward to wed. (oh please ,oh please, oh please ,I hope this posts)
Pata

Labels: dinero, recapper-intro

[I owe the making of this recap to the likes of Evan Williams Honey Liqueur, benadryl, ibuprofen, extra strenth cold capsules, and lots and lots of trees who gave their lives for my box and a half of Kleenex, without which I could not have made it through the show, let alone written the recap. --ed.]

Labels: sortilegio

Amy (a.k.a. latidosdecorazon) has volunteered to recap the new show on Fridays! Hurrah! Anybody else? Vivi?

Labels: dinero, recapper-intro

After the frightening events of the last few days, including a near rape of Estrella, and a heart attack for Salvador, we’ve been hoping for some relief, some happiness, some comedy. So many times, our villains have been bumblers, making far-reaching plans, conniving, striving to get money, power, and whatever else makes their evil hearts quiver. Most of the time, however, La Monita has appeared to save the day, as has Cristian, and even Beto. But not today. As Thomas Paine said “These are the times that try men’s souls”. So without further ado, let’s see what evil hath been wrought. In order to give you a better idea of what makes these evil guys tick, I’m going to try to give you a villain’s eye point of view. How would Oscar tell the story? Of course, he wasn’t in every scene, so in the other scenes, I’ll have someone else give you the scoop.

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Oscar: Okay, guys, that wimp Sal seems to have a heart attack or something, bfd, wait, he’s gonna hit me in the chops? I’ll just kick him in the chest. Twice. Ya like that, softie? Hah, he’s down on the floor. Oh, you want an ambulance? Whoa, Coni darling, don’t you dare try to call, I’ll just rip the phone out of the wall. I can’t believe Connie’s kneeling down next to him, is she sorry for the nerd? I think she said she WANTS Grupo Sermeño to buy the vecindad. That way she’ll not only own everything of Mau’s, but also everything of Moni’s. Ah, that’s the evil Coni I know.

Beto: What is my soul brother doing? He seems to be viewing some kind of black and white film in his head. Okay, now I see. La Mamá of Monita really didn’t give him a choice. If he didn’t go along with her, she was going to tell Moni she hated her from the day she was born. The other choice was that Isabel would act real nice to Moni for a few weeks, then “die”, and Moni would have those happy memories. Okay, I get it, but Constanzia saw that dame earlier today, she may be getting close to the truth. Know what, bro’? Moni had better not find out, because that would destroy her life! Ooops, speak of the devil. So, Monita, you ask whose life is going to be destroyed? Uyyyyy!

Oscar: Well, I’m checking this joker’s pulse, I guess he’s still with us, but I’ll let Coni stew about it a bit. Listen babe, we’re not calling an ambulance, and certainly not the police. I’ll handle everything. We’re both in this, and it’s better that you leave. And don’t you dare breathe a word that either of us was even here. Oh, you’re not a murderer? Who cares? You’ll do just what I say. Yeah, I’m grabbing her shoulders, so what? She ain’t gonna cross me.

Beto: Well, if Moni wants the truth, I might as well let it out. It’s something really big. (Mau looks worried). It’s life changing (Mau is more worried). It’s that…..I now know who my Papá is! Moni tells me, Great, but what’s that about destroying someone’s life? Oh, well, he’s a famous person on TV, and if I go to find him, he’d think it would destroy his life, you know how those celebrities are. Anyway, I confronted my Ma, and she spilled the soup. So who is it? It’s Juan José Origél, El Pepillo is my “papillo”.

Oscar: So, Connie, you say we have to get rid of the body, maybe put it in the trunk of my car? Sorry, there’s no room in my trunk. You ask if I collect cadavers in my trunk? (if you only knew). Calm down, hon’. Everyone knows Salvador is going to Venezuela tomorrow. I’ll make arrangements for someone else to take the flight in his place, and no one will be the wiser. So leave, and let me handle this. Okay, she’s leaving. Babe? Who was that woman who wanted to see Mauricio? What do you mean, none of my business? Well, fine, but remember, when you get divorced, we’ll settle accounts. There she goes, I think I’ll just give Sal a little kick, the bum. Oh, he’s whispering something. “Gabriela”. Hah, how touching. Here’s a little red rose I’ll drop on your chest, you loser.

Beto: So, Moni, you ask if I’m sure about this Papá thing? Oh, here comes my jefa! Looks like her hair’s all done up purty for the bachelorette party Gabi’s having tonight. Let’s see, some little curls, pink bows, red feathers, she’s still pure Nieves. Moni’s asking Nieves what’s up with my Papá? Nieves seems to be dodging the question, saying she has to get dressed up for the party, she wants to look good when she talks to her consuegra Jacqui.

Paula: Estrella’s really upset, I’ll see if I can get her out of her funk by getting her to go to the bachelorette party. Ah, she doesn’t want to go, doesn’t want to do anything, she’s so upset about those boys, and Aldo, I can understand that. Look, Estre, lots of guys brag about their conquests. Right, not Cristian, and not Mau, but look at Beto and the other nacos, they all brag. And women gossip about stuff, too. Oh, she’s telling how those boys almost had their way with her, if Moni hadn’t saved her. She wanted to fight, but was so scared. I’ll try to calm her down. Wait, here come Beto, Mau and Monita. Mau’s asking Estre why she’s crying, and if she had a problem with his son.

Aldo: What went wrong? I’m sitting here in the dark (no, of course I’m not crying). Wait, I remember that guy Oscar said I could call him anytime. Where is that phone number? Ah, right here in the drawer. I’ll call. Damn, here’s Katia walking into my room without knocking! What do you want, Katia? Right, you want to be friends, you want me to tell you what happened, well, sorry, I really need you to leave me alone know, so out the door you go. Good, she’s gone, I’m calling that number.

Estrella: Hmmm, El Príncipe wants to come into my room to talk. Well, I guess I have to be nice, but I really can’t tell him what happened, no way! So, Príncipe, why was I crying? Well, I’m just sensitive, you know how we actresses are, living life in each moment. Aldo, sure everything’s fine with him, just fine, just, ummm, fine. Ah, you don’t believe me, you’re taking my hands, looking into my eyes, you want me to be honest. Well, okay, you’re right, Aldo and I had a little argument, you know, that happens with all couples, no? And I didn’t become Aldo’s novio if the first little problem I have, I’m supposed to discuss it with his Dad. No, we’ll handle it, don’t you worry, now I just have to get ready for that party (I hope he bought that act).

Paula: Right, I’m just gossiping with Moni about Aldo and Estrella. We’re both agreeing how much of a problem they have, she won’t go for the pregnancy test, and if they had the baby, well Aldo’s really not ready for that, and it would be quite a mess (she said sería una movida de tapete así toda cañona, which I guess is it would be a move of the carpet, totally like a cannon, or maybe pulling the rug out from under him). Hmmm, wonder if Estrella’s telling Mau the truth right now? Oh, here he comes. Seems fine, just says Aldo and Estrella had their first little lover’s quarrel. I guess she didn’t tell him. Whoa, here comes Nieves, look at her! She’s got on a shiny pink top, and THIS pocketbook looks like a little doggie with a bow. Where does she buy those bags? She’s had a cow, a lion, and now a puppy. And here’s Estrella, ready to go. Mau will take us to the party, but I see Moni’s asking him to drop us off at the corner, so those two won’t be seen together. But look at him kissing her! They’re walking together pretty close for two people who don’t want the people to see them together.

Jackie: Welcome to Ladies Night! We’ve got red heart balloons, lots of red, pink and white flowers, this Nieves is a trip, talking about doing three passes through the neighborhood, showing off her outfit, what does she mean, asking if she needs to hang herself up on the wall, or mortar (colgarme el molcajete)? I guess she thinks her outfit makes her look like a decoration. She thinks she looks better than I do, when I’m wearing this fur coat? Ah, I’ll humor her. Yes, dear, you look divine. Oyyy, she’s telling me how she got her nails and toes done, and what? And if you tip them, they’ll file your corns and bunions (te liman los callos y juanetes)? Too much information. I think I need a drink.

Nieves: Uh oh, here comes Moni, looking pretty in a white dress with an orange top, and Paula, also nice in her blue print dress. What do you mean, you want the truth about Beto’s Dad? What do you mean, was it a lie? Well, um, well, what did you want me to say? He asked me, he insisted, and the truth is very painful. Isn’t it better Beto is happy, thinking his father is a famous person, than knowing the ugly truth? (Viewers, the parallel to the Moni/Isabel situation is quite evident here). So, girls, you ask what happens if Beto tries to confront El Pepillo? Ain’t gonna happen, that dude’s got guards, reporters can’t get near him, nor can girls, so my Betito, the mutt (chucho) he is, won’t even get close to him.

Mauricio: Guess I’ll call Sal’s cell. Hmm, no answer. I’ll leave a message, Sal, what happened with that lawyer, please call, ASAP. That should do it. Hmmm, I’m worried about Connie and Isabel, too. If I only had a brain.

Estrella: I’m standing here, feeling out of place, slowly munching on some little snacks, alone, down, and Gabi’s gabbing away with Ximena. Gabi’s so happy about her marriage, picturing her honeymoon, kids, what things’ll be like in 20 years. Not me, of course. Oh, there goes Xime with her 3 things. Una, Salvador is a real man (un tipazo), he’s got a few years on him, but he’s great. Dos, he adores you, and you’re going to be very happy with him. And Tres, Estrella seems to be somewhat absent from this party. Oh, they’re asking me if I had problems with Aldo. No more, girls, we broke up. Oh Xime’s cheering me up, telling me not to worry, I’m pretty, I have a great ability to attract men. And also a great ability that they leave? Xime! Gabi’s suggesting Tano. No, he’s just a friend. What, Xime, you’re suggesting your brother in law Arnoldo? Sorry, girls, at this point I don’t want any Aldos, Tanos, Arnie’s no guys, really.

Isabel: I love standing here in my hotel room in front of a creepy orange curtain doing nothing, just letting the evil music play. Ah, there’s the doorbell. Who could it be? I’ll just walk over in my severe, belted dress and heels and see. Oh her, the Momia. I don’t feel like talking to her, but here she comes, walking into my room with that attitude. Well, we’ll see who’s in charge.

Jackie: Game time, girls, I’m going to hand out these toilet paper rolls to everyone. Hmmph, that naca Nieves thinks we ate too much food, and need to get it out. No, sweetie, these rolls are to dress the novia, it’s a game we play, and some of the games are erotic, so watch out! Ahhh, they liked that part, they’re all getting into the spirit, wrapping paper around our Gabi.

Isabel: I know who you are, the Momia, Valentina told me all about you. Bad things, you ask? For sure. Now get out. Oh, you want to talk. I don’t. You ask if I know what I’ve done to you? Sorry, I don’t care. So you’re taking my hand, putting it on your belly, telling me that my car crashed into you, and you were pregnant, you lost your baby. You want twenty minutes of my time. Fine, sit down. You want to know all about my “death” and most importantly, how Mauricio sullied himself (se enlodó). Fine.

Oscar: Hey, folks. Missed me? I’m out here in the pitch dark (except for my car’s headlights), shoveling dirt on that scumbag lawyer. Yeah, I needed more room in my trunk, so he’s six feet under now. Yeah, I know his pesky little twisted, bloody hand is still sticking out, I’ll just cover it with some more dirt. Ah, the cellphone’s ringing. Good evening, Mauricio, aren’t you calling a little late? Aldo? Ah, you say he gave you his phone. Well, what’s up? Right, I said you could call anytime, but I’m a little busy now. What, you say you can’t sleep, you can’t relax? (Hmmm, I’ll just hold my hand over the phone and get into this ambulance. Yes, here’s Salvador, unconscious but alive, some tubes attached, and this EMT guy I hired says he’s stable now, he doesn’t have to go to the hospital). What’s that? You want your money, young man? Well, you’ll just have to be patient. Aldo? No, I can’t come tonight, a relative of mine had a heart attack and I can’t leave him alone. I’ll never leave him alone (I think I’ll stroke Sal’s forehead menacingly). Try to rest, Aldo, I promise I’ll call you tomorrow. Bye. Ah, Salvador, I see you’ve opened your eyes but can’t move. It seems your best friend’s son is returning to drugs. And you, you’re dying here. What a shame. Drugs kill, you know.

Isabel: Okay, we have a deal, Momia, but I don’t trust women like you. Ah, you don’t trust me, either, but you admire me? Why? The plan I devised (urdí) to fake my death. Well, circumstances can make one do all sorts of things. But I’ll comply with my part of the deal, I’ll be patient, but I assure you, you don’t want me as your enemy. I see she’s getting up, telling me good night. Well, good night, Momia. Oh, you say your name is Constanza, and it bugs you to hell (se revienta) when I call you Momia. Fine, I’ll keep that in mind. See you later. Momia.

DAYS LATER

Mauricio: Well, I’m sitting here in the office, and Gabi, looking nice in a black and white dress, she forgot I wanted the afternoon free, she seems preoccupied. She’s telling me she hasn’t been able to locate the lawyer or Salvador, she’s left lots of messages for Sal, and his cell is always off. She says she’s a bunch (manojo) of nerves, and when she’s nervous, she eats. In fact, yesterday, she ate a whole box of cookies. I’m telling her I called the director in Venezuela, the meetings have been fruitful (gotta get that food image in), so he must be there. She’s not convinced, tells me Ivan is waiting to see me. Okay, there she goes, taking four or five cookies I had conveniently sitting on my desk.

Oscar: Here I am at an outdoor café eating with Jerónimo, talking on the phone. Yes, the guy I set up in Venezuela is doing his job to make it look as if Sal is there. Good. Hah! Jerry’s so clueless, he’s happy that Sal’s “trip” took him out of the way, and he’s grateful we haven’t heard from that lawyer. If he only knew. What did I do to buy the lawyer’s silence? Everyone has his price, Jerónimo, the important thing is we’ll get the money to buy the vecindad. Jero’s telling me pretty soon we can knock down that tenement. But Jerry, Connie’s still sticking her nose in things wanting to “own” Moni’s neighborhood. So, Jerry, you’re impatient for your money? I’ll deal with Constanza, and you don’t need to know how. So split. Besides, I’m waiting to meet with someone, and your presence would not be good. So leave. Ah, there he goes. Of course, I’m stuck with the bill as usual.

Mauricio: Gee, when I was Ivan’s age, did I wear a navy blue shirt with white collar and cuffs, and a red tie? He really looks a little silly with that long black hair. Oh wait, he’s talking. I think he said he misses Luisa. Well, I’ll tell him to be patient. As soon as I get my divorce, he’ll have more time with Luisa. I’ll give him a nice pat on the shoulder, everything will be just fine with Luisa, you won’t lose her.

Coni: I was reading the script, and since Mauricio just said Ivan can’t lose Luisa, I’ll immediately cause just that to happen. I’m wearing a sleek blue grey high waisted summer dress, several necklaces, and I just happen to have dug up that musician boy Andrés, the one from Luisa’s school, who’s here with his acoustic guitar. Luisa, dear, look who’s here!

Andrés: I brought this guitar with me because it always gets the chicks. I’m also wearing my shirt open three buttons, so I can’t miss. Let’s try the sensitive approach. Um, why so sad, Luisa? I’ll pretend to be a good listener. She’s telling me she hates the Momia, and she and her sibs are suffering. I’m not really believing this, but I’ll play along. So Luisa, what about your novia, Ivan. He’s just a friend? (Yes!!) Well, Luisa, I know how to make all the hurt go away. I take my guitar, play a totally out of tune chord, and the actress playing Luisa actually keeps a straight face! Now THAT’s acting. Anyway, the sound man knows that although I can sing, I can’t play guitar worth crap, so they dub the guitar along with my voice, and I start my seductive song of luuuuuve. Lots of waking up, the sun, the morning, thinking of you (pensando en ti). Just to rub it in, I understand the director showed some shots of Ivan crying, recalling his kisses with Luisa, tough luck, bud! Ah, yes, Luisa’s perking up. I sure do love myself (whoops, I mean Luisa).

Oscar: I’m really getting bored sitting at this table. Ah, here comes my mystery guest, young Aldo. I’ll give him some cock and bull. Ah young man, I know what it’s like to grow up. My old man once locked me up in the basement for a week. So I understand your pain. You don’t have to live like that, with a dark gray vision of life. You need colors! (Did I really say that?). I slide a little baggie over towards him, filled with blue and white pills. I lean towards the dupe for effect, raise my eyebrows. With these pills, all your troubles will go away. Believe me. He takes the pills. Ah dear audience, you’ve just seen a master at work. I, Oscar, am the king of evil. Carlota on ENDA? Just a pretenda. Bruno on Sortilegio? Well, nothing rhymes with legio, but I’m badder. Believe me. Huuuuah! You can COUNT on it!



Previews: They ask “Who was that masked man?” I think he’s been wrestling with his identity for quite some time, but he’s a Tonto. I, Oscar, however, am tanto, tanto, tanto better than he ever was!

Vocabulario: I buried it throughout this recap, just like I did to that licensiado!

Labels: gancho

Friends, we're in a predicament. The Gancho team is true to their show (yeah team!) and will follow it to its new afternoon time period. But this leaves us with a new novela in primetime with nobody to review it!!! This has never happened before. Curse you, Univision! So - does anybody want to step up and do even a sketchy job on this novela? Email me at jane@mappamundi.com. Thanks!

This title echoes the marriage ceremony closer "Until Death Do Us Part" - should we call it "Until money do us part?"

It took me 3.5 hours to get it off my computer! It's called "Internet Security 2010" so beware!!!

Anyway, on with the synopsis, translated from the Univision site:

This is the story of Rafael Medina, a very ?lighthearted? (alivianado) guy who almost does the impossible to live through the day: he sells all kinds of things, like perfumes, lingerie, wine, smuggled goods, everything. Altogether it's barely enough to support him, his mother Leonor, and his sister, whose college bills he's paying. He's always running against the clock and for that reason, sooner or later it was written that he'd have an accident. Just his bad luck, this mishap occurs with our leading lady, Alejandra Álvarez Del Castillo, an executive with an automobile dealership who's at the point of marrying Marco Valenzuela. And what's the result of this bad luck? Instant emnity.

That's how it goes, things happen, so Rafael has to confront them. His future is in Alejandra's hands. He'll fall prey to her lack of control and thirst for vengeance as she forces him to sell his life and mortgage his spirit in order to pay for his mistake.

In order to get out from under, it occurs to him to ask for help from the father of Vicky, a girl he's been with for some time. The problem is he wasn't in love with her, and the two brothers-in-law and the father-in-law have him in check all the time.

Doors close one after another and he can't see any other solution than to turn to that very same Alejandra. When he shows up, she thinks he's fooling with her and puts him in his place, but after analyzing the situation she decides to let him work off his debt. Rafael accepts the challenge and thus begins his ordeal.

After a few months of working together, united by previously unanticipated circumstances, they realize they've developed a mutual attraction and strong emotional dependence. Marco and Vicky try at all costs to keep their respective mates.

"Until money separates us" is a story emphasizing humor and love. There are no villains nor crimes, only misunderstandings that lead us into surprising situations. It's a telenovela with a parade of beautiful women and comical characters, giving it a fresh and innovative tone which is sure to captivate you.

Labels: dinero, synopsis-cast

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Labels: index

Comments section for ENDA's Friday episode.

Labels: amor

Eugenio, Gabriel and Luz chat. She suggests that she can show Eugenio her gratitude by finding him a girlfriend; she and Gabe laugh over Eugenio’s protests.

Lili convenes a meeting of the Lonely Hearts Club asks Paloma how to live apart from the one you love. Gabe comes in and wants to take Pal out. Emiliano enters with a bouquet of flowers and says not so fast, she’s coming with me. Pal takes offense to Emil deciding things for her--if she goes w/Gabe it’s because she wants to, not because she was pressured. So you’re going with him? Yes indeedy, Mr. Needy. Gabe goes outside to wait for Pal while she explains to Emil (with Lili still in the room) that wasn’t a question of love why they’re not together, it was the circumstances, which they can’t change. I want to keep living my life . . . You aren’t for me--that's a reality.

German and Romina run into each other on the street. Practically drooling, he notes that she got her figure back. He wants to start things up with her again and claims he’s about to hit the big time and thus will be able to give her the life of a queen. She starts to walk off and he grabs her and kisses her.

Emil pouts while Lili tries to convince him that since he’s with Romi--who's never going to leave him--it’s logical that Pal’s moving on. Lili is glad that Pal is not closing herself off to love. More pouting.

While still kissing Romina, Germs sees Carlota walking by so quickly pulls away and says he has to leave. Romi informs him that she won’t be his lover again because she doesn’t like cowards. Get lost for good. She tells him she has a better option elsewhere.

Eugenio asks his secretary to have Licenciado Martinez find out everything there is to know about the Espinosa family. She then tells him Madeleine Martelli called and dials her up for him. He and Madeleine are on a first-name basis and it has been awhile since they last talked. When he tells her that he’s in Real del Monte, she says what a coinky-dink, me too. She wants to meet with him right away.

Carlota arrives at the dispensario where Ines and another church lady are working. They look at Carlota weird because of how stuff came out at the trial and now Mac’s reputation is ruined. Carlota pretends to be sad and upset that she knew about Mac’s trampiness and had always tried to steer her down the right road, but didn’t succeed. You don’t know what I’ve suffered with Mac’s double life. And poor Paloma, boo-hoo-hoo, she who adored Mac like a saint.

Romi cries to Camila that her papa robbed her (i.e., cashed the check and didn’t buy the baby furniture). She’s upset that he robbed his own daughter, and that she defended him so much and went against Cami on his behalf. Cami is hurt that not only did he still Romi’s money, but he also stole her smile. Romi wants to see him and tell him what she feels; Cami declares it’s time for him to see that Romi’s not blinded by him anymore. Romi asks Cami to go with her and Cami agrees.

Samuel and Diana are playing cards. He starts working his con on Di, saying the business deal he was expecting is finally done. But the problem is that it will all be for naught if he can’t show that he has some property or put up a property as a guarantee, or something like that (my captions disappeared). He needs someone with a property who can act as a guarantor. Diana asks if her house will work. Yes, but don’t even offer, because I’m not going to accept--it’s not right. Di insists on helping him and suggests that 1) they don’t tell Emiliano & Rafael and 2) leave Real del Crazy and live together in his Mexico City apartment. He accepts and says he loves her, with all his soul.

At the hospital, Emil holds the baby while simultaneously looking tragic and thinking that he’ll continue to do everything to help his kid.

Gabriel takes Pal to the countryside to ride “motos” and he has come prepared with racing outfits, helmets, etc.

The doctor tells Emil that she’s happy with the baby’s development and that he’s responding well (despite Romi not wanting to breastfeed or visit the baby). And Emil and Pal visiting with the flute player was very good for all of the babies in the nursery.

Angelica asks Orlando if Miriam can stay with her for a few days, he says sure. He wants her to tell Dario that she’s not alone, she has friends that will help her unmask him. Angelica wants Dario to understand that he should respect her and the others that he plagiarized even if they don’t have anyone to defend them. Orly admires that Ange is fighting for what’s hers.

Romi and Cami confront Samuel in the hotel lobby. Romi accuses him of ripping her off and lying, etc. and says this is Cami’s business too because all the money Romi has is thanks to Cami. Cami had to be both father and mother to her at the same time. Sam tries to claim that he’s the only father there, but Romi declares that she doesn’t have a father anymore; he’s the opposite of everything she thought and she doesn’t want anything to do with him. After they leave he looks like he’s got steam coming out of his ears.

Montage of Gabe and Pal riding some type of all-terrain vehicles and having fun.

Emiliano mopes (natch) in his office. He tells Orlando “I lost her” and whines that he’s not her priority anymore, waa waaa waaaaa. In addition to being obtuse, Orly appears to suffer from the same forgetfulness that plagued Macarena (and still plagues Pal), because I think only a few hours have passed since he told Emil to follow his heart and stalk Paloma, but now when Emil laments that he and Pal are going their separate ways, he’s saying “oh well, maybe that’s what you have to do.” Emil says “I just want to make her happy, Papa”. Orlando can’t hear the rest of Emil’s tale of woe not because of the loud music, but because all he can think of is himself and that Emil just called him “dad.” He points it out to Emil, who didn’t realize he said it--he thinks maybe now that he has a baby, that makes it easier to understand Orly.

Madeleine tells Eugenio she’s worried about Cristobal, because he’s her son. Eugenio is impactado so she explains that she had him before she met Pierre (I got the feeling that Eugenio knows her through Pierre--maybe he worked with him?). Maddy is sure that Cris is innocent and thinks this case isn’t being managed well (ha!). Eugenio asks what if he’s guilty? She’s certain that her intuition isn’t wrong and doesn’t care if she has to spend all of her fortune to prove that her son is innocent. Eugenio cautions her that he hasn’t practiced in years, but she’s certain that if his son was in this situation he’d do the impossible to save him (hmm, foreshadowing, anyone?). She begs him to defend Cristobal and he agrees.

Cristobal tells German that he’s worried about Paloma and wants to see her so he can tell her everything--he needs to do this in order to have peace.

Eugenio doesn’t like injustices, so if this is what’s happening with Cris, he’ll do everything he can to help him. Maddy asks him not to tell Cris that she was the one who hired him to take the case. He tells her not to worry.

Romi and Cami are back at the shop--Romi asks for forgiveness. “I was so unfair with you. You’ve been the best mom in the world. You’re always going to be with me? You’re never going to leave me, right?” Camila promises they are always going to be together. And now they have Sammy to unite them (Romi says not “Sammy”, she doesn’t want to name him that now). Romi cries that it would be easier to be with the baby if Emiliano was there too; Cami tells her not to miss the incredible experience of being a mother. Romi asks her to come see the baby with her and they hug and cry and say they love each other.

More Mopey-ano, this time thinking back to the conversation with Pal at the beginning of the episode and wondering “why did you go with him?”

More Gabe and Pal riding ATVs.

Eric and German glare at each other in the office. When Carlota shows up, she and German go into his office--she wants to know why he didn’t tell her what happened in the trial. Oh, it didn’t occur to me. She reminds him that she’s paying him a lot of $$$, so he better be at her service. And don’t tutear me. But we kissed, Germs protests. It was a mistake, Carlota says. On her way out she tosses an envelope of money on his desk, which Germs then thumbs through while Eric scowls in the doorway. In addition to having no scruples, Germs apparently doesn’t have peripheral vision, because Eric stands there for some time before Germs notices he's there.

Out on the sidewalk, Carlota crazy talks about how the only one who can control her with just one kiss is Cristobal.

Romina goes to Emiliano’s office and cries about her dad robbing her. “He doesn’t love me,” she weeps.

Gabriel and Pal have a picnic. He says a bunch of stuff about how there’s more out there than what’s she’s lived in Real del Monte, there’s a whole world out there to discover, paint, etc., and the failure of one love isn’t the end of love altogether.

When Emil reminds Romi that her mom has always been there for her, she says but not the men--my father’s love wasn’t real and neither is yours. She asks Emil to love her and hug her so he kisses her on the forehead a couple times. She takes advantage of the moment to plant a big kiss on him.

Carlota comes home and yells at Rufi because Pal isn’t home yet. Rufi comments on how Pal must feel upon learning about Mac and Cris, and Carlota hopes that’s the only secret she finds out. Because if she finds out that Cris is her father--a man who’s a sinner, blahblahblah--I don’t want to imagine how that will affect her.

Emil's phone rings so he breaks off the kiss. He says he shouldn’t have kissed her, he got carried away because of her emotional state. Romi says this kiss could be a new start for them, but Emil repeats that he doesn’t love her. She insists that she wants to start over, and that includes “you and my baby. Thank you for that kiss--it was unforgettable.” Dun Dun DUNNNN!!!!! Be sure to join us for our next episode, Emiliano Jones and The Look of Doom.

Labels: amor

Carlos, I couldn't resist transforming your comment into tonight's title. I hope you don't mind. Anyway, my other ideas were in extremely poor taste so this was my only hope.

Folks, it was a tough night tonight in Gancholand, maybe the worst ever. A good thing happened, and then there was all the other stuff...


We start with wash day in the barrio, Ivan's not doing it right, etc. Then we move to a scene that sends a chill into any woman's heart, hell I'm sure it sends a chill into most men's hearts too. Estrella is being held down by two strong lads who want to have a "little fun" with her. They didn't come to this sewer (cloaca) for nothin' and they want somethin'. Monita, at the wash basin with Ivan, doesn't take Estre's cries for help seriously but finally, "Ahi voy, I'm coming!" Monita sets down the wash and runs into Estre's house.

Hooray Super Monita! The stupid baboons think she's come to join the fun, "Fresh meat!" they say, but our strong little monkey pulls the schoolboys off of her friend and schools them right proper. A few punches to their faces and stomachs sets them packing. As they run away whining for mommy Aldo rushes in wondering what in the heck his "pals" are doing there.

Estre sobs to Aldo that this is what his bragging to the whole school has led to, his friends thing she's a slut (golfa) and they tried to rape her.

Over at Grupo Sermeño Gabi and Sal are thrilled for Mau. Gabi blabs a mile a minute that she's so happy Mau and Moni have resolved their differences. She's sure her romance and love with Salvador are contagious and soon everyone will catch it. Poor Sal can't seem to get a word in but no matter, Gabi is saying it all. Mau tells them his divorce with Coni is war but he'll win. He says nobody and nothing will come between him and Valentina. Oh dear...anvil time. But at least Gabi and Sal are happy at last. Right? Right?

Estrella, who was unable to defend herself against the wannabe rapists, now uses her strength to lash out against Aldo. Because he bragged about her intimate life they now have nothing to talk about. "Largate!" she screams! Of all the ways to tell someone to beat it in Telenovelalandia "largate" seems to be the worst. Aldo tearfully tries to explain but Estrella is on her own tear. She yells at Moni to throw the kid out (sácalo) and Moni finally convinces him to leave. Estre screams "Largate!!! I'm not pregnant with your baby!" as she pushes him out and slams the door shut. She cries on Moni's shoulder that she thought he was grown up but he's just an immature brat (escuincle). This was a tough scene where nobody came out a winner. However it could have gone much worse for our Estrella so let's be thankful for that.

Back at GS it's revealed that Sal plans to travel to Venezuela tomorrow for business. Tonight even simple facts like this seem sinister. Gabi butts in and starts yacking again, this time about their suspicions of Jeronimo and Oscar's shady dealings. Sal thinks Gabi talks too much and should come up for air. Then when she tries to add her two pesos worth about Jero he tells her to shut it, he knows just a little more about business than she does. (Then why did you sign Jero's contract Sal? And when did you become suspicious? Oh yeah, it was AFTER Gabi expressed her suspicions.) Sal tells Mau he's suspicious of Jero and Oski's great deal (ganga). Yes, he signed their documents but he arranged it so they can't have any money until after Licenciado Araujo investigates and reports back this afternoon.

Gabi stops Pau on her way out and asks her to deliver her wedding invitations, or maybe bachelor party invites, to all her pals in the hood. Pau is envious and bummed cuz Chris avoids marriage talk. Gabi tells her to have confidence in herself. Pau also speaks a decent "Very good thank you" in English as evidence her classes in English are working. She talks about being promoted to secretary to the president but Gabi gently smacks her back down to recepcionista. Anything but the janitorial closet should do.

Jero and Oski, fresh from their failed visit to the bank, question Sal about the lack of funding, what's the problem, does Sal need more details (pormenores)? Sal says the answer is easy, he doesn't trust them. He needs to investigate. If everything is OK then tomorrow the bank will release the money, BUT if not watch out.

Oski runs after Sal with a letter opener but of course Sal is gone. They sit down and try to figure out what to do next. This is a problem, if Sal and Mau discover the deal is Monita's neighorhood there will be hell to pay and millions are at stake.

Speaking of the hood, Beto comes home to find his ma getting ready to go to Gabi's despedida. I think she means bachelor party (despedida soltera). She's still got her baby bottle earrings on and is fishing for compliments on her getup. Mau joins them and Nieves leaves the men alone. Beto sits down to tell Mau his problem...

Gabi and Sal again? They sure are getting a lot of screen time tonight. She makes a point of saying she won't see him later that night because it's her bachelor party. Again, an innocent statement that sounds sinister.

Beto tells Mau that Coni has asked him to help find proof that Mau is Furia Enmascarada. As if that's not bad enough he has other news. Beto asks Mau did he know that Monita's mom is alive? Cara impactada de Mauricio.

Mau asks Beto why does he think Moni's ma is alive? Beto says Constancia saw and told him. In fact she bumped right into her. (Hah, nice choice of words, little does he know.) Beto is supicious of our dim hero's reaction and immediately suspects Mau already knew. I think hanging out with Coni is making Beto smarter or maybe just suspicious because he reasons that Mau must have helped Isabel. Beto wants to know how Mau could hide this and Mau wants to know how much Coni knows.

Again with the Gabi and Sal. They're out to dinner making goo goo eyes and discussing their wedding. Sal apologizes for wasting so much time and Gabi says no importa they have forever ahead of them. Oh no, oh yes, oh crap! He tells her that he leaves early in the morning so don't worry about him; he calls her the future Mrs. Ulloa, his savior (salvador) and the love of his life. Clearly they are doomed as evidenced by their perfect happiness.

Beto refuses to listen to Mau because Mau knew! He knew how Moni felt and said nothing? Mau explains that Isabel had him in her hands. Isa hates Monita and he felt it would be better if Moni thought her mother were dead than if she knew her mother was alive and hated her. Mau gets a bad pain in his stomach and Beto asks him if he needs to take a dump (dar portaza a la rata, we've seen this before). Like I said before, I don't write it I just translate it. If Mau were a female he would surely be pregnant, but he's not so what new diabolical plot line to our writers have in store for us? Anyway, Mau tell Beto that they have to work together to keep Monita from finding out.

Back at Grupo Sermeño Sal tells Gabi not to do anything crazy and she happily and ignorantly leaves after a brief PDA. Licenciado Arauja is there and confirms Sal's, supicions, the plans are false and the property is a neighborhood with families. The pics those slimeballs showed Sal were of another property. He hands Sal the real pictures and, oddly, Sal has a black and white flashback of this very colorful neighborhood. In his colorless recollection Gabi comments what a lovely neighborhood it is and what friendly people live there.

If any of you readers imbibe now would be a good time to pour yourself a stiff one. Be it wine, whiskey, tea or anything else, get it now.

Oski, waiting in front of the building, answers his phone. It's Jeronimo who is bugging him every five minutes. Oski tells Jero that the licenciado is inside with Sal and surely they will figure out the the property is Monita's neighborhood then this plan will be their downfall (nuestra derrota). Oski insists he will find a way to make sure Sal isn't a hindrance to them. Suddenly Oski sees Isabel walk into the building. I guess he recognizes her.

Licenciado Araujo leaves and as the elevator doors open Isabel walks in asking for Mauricio. She says she is Isabel lopez, the mother of Valentina. She tells Sal she is more alive than ever and Mauricio knows it. Witch.

Outside, Oski pays off Araujo's taxi driver to leave. He sees Araujo, says sorry your taxi had to leave and can he give him a ride? Clearly Oski's slimy reputation precedes him because Araujo refuses. Oski says they need to talk so Arauja had better join him for better or worse. Araujo refuses because Oski and Jero are slime and he suggests Oski get himself a good lawyer. Holy Crap, as Araujo walks away Oski grabs him and smashes his head against the wall once, twice, thrice. "Nobody's going to get me!" yells Oski. Araujo crumples leaving a smear of blood on the wall. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot????

Sal tells Isa he's Mau's confidante. Why is her business with Mau so mysterious? He can only imagine it's nothing good. Sal presses until Isa answers that she and Mau had a contract...and he helped her fake her death. Satisfied?

Mau tells Beto that Isa isn't a good person, she hates Monita. Beto asks then why did she come around asking forgiveness? Because she was very sick and needed a marrow (medula) transplant from her own daughter. Beto thinks this sounds like a friggin' telenovela what with the MEDUSA transplant and all. (Good malapropism there Beto.) Mau tells Beto that he fooled Monita for her own good. Isa is cold blooded and Moni can't know her mother is alive.

Oski roughly throws the limp Licenciado in his trunk. He sees Coni drive up and hides behind his car, the little rat.

Sal has a hard time wrapping his head around Isa's comment. He starts rubbing his arm and heart; Sal's heart attack is pretty much right on cue. Isa doesn't notice, she leaves her number with Sal to give Mau. Meanwhile Sal is losing feeling in his left hand. He tries to follow Isabel while rubbing his left arm and accuses her of only coming for more money. If that's what it's about just tell him how much she wants. Naturally Coni walks in and overhears. Oddly neither of the women notice Sal is having a serious attack. Are they blind? Isa tells Sal that Mau has 24 hours to contact her. She has ice for blood and does a great job of ignoring Coni.

Isa leaves and Sal grabs Coni to prevent her from following. Coni pushes him away and she starts to leave too. By this time Sal can hardly stand, he tries to call Mau and gets weepy Aldo. Where's your dad?

Poor Aldo is still sobbing over Estre. Sal wants Mau's number and writes it down. Of course evil Coni listens and snatches the phone away and eats the number. Hey, shouldn't she be over her food cravings by now?

More Mau and Beto with Mau asking Beto not to judge him before he knows all the truth. Mau flashes back to the creepy scene where Isa explains she loathes Monita because will always remind Isa of the horrible thing that happened to her. Monita is the product of that violation. Isa gives her word that if Mau helps Isa then Isa will never come back. After the operation she'll disappear. The scene goes on MUCH longer but we get the point. Mau tells Beto that's the only reason he agreed to help, so that Monita would never know how her mother really felt about her.

Sal is clearly having a heart attack (or stroke?) and now Oski walks in to further agitate our Sal. Stupid Sal, instead of sitting, continues to scream at Oscar and tells him he'll see him and Jero in jail. Finally Coni looks concerned and asks him to calm down. Of all the dumb things, Sal decides to give Oski a punch. Of course Oski starts beating Sal. Coni tries to call for help but Oski grabs the phone out of her hand as Sal falls to the floor. Coni runs to Sal, quickly runs through her litany of excuses and concludes with "Forgive me Salvador, forgive me!"

Sigh...end of episode.

On a brighter note, I spoke to Schoolmarm Jeanne a couple of days ago and she learned a couple of new dichos that I'll share with you:

Yo no soy uno por poner un alacrán en la espalda = Can't pull one over on me, I'll keep a close eye on the situation (I'm not someone to put a scorpion on my back)

La persona no ha nacido que puede contar mis muelas = The person hasn't been born who can put one over on me. (The person hasn't been born who can count my molars)

Labels: gancho

Well, I did end up with no laptop tonight so I'm posting this before I leave work. Please recap/comment away. Tonight looks like it will be an exciting episode.

Labels: sortilegio