Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Mañana es Para Siempre, Tuesday, September 29--Ep #155: Free! Lili!

Whoo! What a night last night! Let's see what's in store for us tonight…

Franco can't figure out why Fer is being so cold. He begs her to tell him. She tells him she doesn't want to go on if they don't have a future together. He says he understands, or at least he thinks so. Fer says they need to stick to the important topic at hand. Franco makes the mistake of asking her to at least call him by his name, Franco, and insists that it is his name. Fer is upset that he's asking her to trust in a man who's dedicated his life to destroying her family based on a plan that he (Franco) has, but won't tell her about…is that it? Franco says there's another way of looking at it. That Artemio has been weakened and they can use his weakness to rescue Lili and stop Barbie. But Fer is upset that he won't explain his strategy and that unfortunately she has to keep relying on him. "So, fine, whatever, what do you want me to do?" Fer asks. She needs to hightail it over to Purificación and convince Aurora to go with Barbie, just like Barbie wants. Without saying a word (unless "ah" counts) she grabs her purse from the desk and storms out of the office. Me. Ow. I'd love to be able to say I've never pulled a "well if you don't know why I'm mad, I'm not telling you!" but unfortunately I can't. It's been a while though, in my defense.

Out in the hallway, Daddy NoBucks (since he handed it all over) sees Fer and wants to know if she dropped the charges against Cami. He gets angry when she says she hasn't because now his poor little Cami is going to get transferred to prison. Oh noes! Gonzo experiences some chest pain and grabs the wall for support.

At the jail, a shoeless Cami bitches to the guards who come into his cell that it's about time they got him out of this rat hole, "They've even stolen my tennies!" The guards cuff him and break the news that he's being transferred to prison. He yells and screams that there must be some mistake, he wants to talk to his lawyer, etc. Across the way, some of the other inmates whistle at him and one waves the stolen shoes. That's priceless. Don't drop the soap, Camiiiiii.

Barbie comes home to a drugged out Lili and insults her, as per usual. Lili is not only knocked out, but is tied up and has tape over her mouth. Overkill.

Lucio gets into Jacobo's car and reports no news. They're parked outside the Colegia Buena Esperanza, aka Nun Central, and they watch Fer's so-not-stealthy car drive up. Jacobo wonders who she is and Lucio fills her in. Lucio calls her Damian's wife, but Jacobo clarifies that she's ex. Does this mean she really is or that Jacobo's just pointing out that she dumped Damian's sorry ass? Jacobo tells Lucio not to get distracted, they're supposed to be watching Aurora. How are they supposed to do that if she never leaves the convent?

Fer tells Aurora they've got to talk. She says that Barbie talked to her, said she was sorry for everything, and wants Aurora to go with Barbie the hacienda. Fer can't take her because she has to pick up Santi, and the plan is for the two lovebirds to meet at the hacienda, so Barbie's going to drive Aurora over. Aurora is really happy. Fer makes her excuses and takes off. Aurora says she'll get her suitcase ready. She thanks Fer for the second time, giving her a big hug while Fer looks guilty. Nice to know Aurora's beanie is back on and in working order.

Franco informs Artemio that Fer is on board, so Barbie should be coming over soon.

Esteve walks into the office and asks Franco how things are going. Franco focuses on the positive, that if all goes well Lili will be home today and he, Esteve, and Venus will be on a plane headed back to New York. Esteve asks if Franco is sure, because everything Franco loves is here. Franco says the woman he loves doesn't love him, so therefore Esteve is incorrect. How does Esteve keep from smacking this guy? Franco's cell rings. It's Fer calling from her car to inform him that Aurora is waiting for Barbie. As soon as he thanks her, she pulls the headset off and remembers Gardenia telling her that Franco is Eduardo. She remembers about a second of their magical night together and then cries ugly. And remembers some more and cries ugly some more. And remembers some more and then finally lets a sob escape. And remembers some more and lets a tear fall and hyperventilates. And remembers waking up with "Franco" and cries some more. At least she pulled the car over. Pobre de Fer.

Barbie comes to the convent to make the pickup. Jacobo and Lucio see her. Lucio informs Jacobo that that's La Hiena. Aurora tells the Madre Superiora the plan according to Fer. MS gives her permission to go.

Fer is still crying in her car. She remembers asking Franco many wardrobe changes ago to tell her the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. I knew that would come back to haunt him. Fer gets a call on her cell from the Madre Superiora. MS is worried because Barbie is there and Aurora wants to go with her. She wants to know if it's true that Aurora and Santi will be meeting up at the hacienda. Fer lies. And tries not to sob.

Aurora is packing, but Barbie tells her they're going shopping, yay! So, no need to pack. Because Reformed!Evil Barbie has all the time in the world to shop with her little girl. I vote Aurora asks for a pony. Aurora, however, doesn't want to go shopping because they'll be late to meet Santi. Barbie says that's fine, they'll go shopping another day. Barbie starts helping with the folding and the packing. She wants Aurora to call her Mommy, but in the meantime, maybe Aurora can just call her Barbara? Uh, doesn't she mean Rebecca? Already the new Mommy is being clingy, wanting to go down the hall with her baby to say goodbye to the Madre Superiora. Aurora is like "geez, Mom, can't I go say goodbye to a nun without a chaperone?" Barbie tells her to go while she takes Aurora's bag to the car. As she zips up the suitcase, Barbie smiles a big creepy smile.

On the phone, Artemio tells someone "her real name is Rebecca, Rebecca Sanchez. If she tries to leave the country, I want you to stop her. For whatever reasons you want. The bigger the complications for her, the better your pay." Oh, sure, he's got bribed customs agents. How did this guy make all that money? They'd better clear that up before the end or I'll go nuts thinking about it!

The Madre Superiora tells Aurora that she called Fer herself to confirm, so she's less worried, but she's still going to worry until Aurora calls her and tells her that she's with Santi. Aurora thanks her and gives her a hug. Then she hugs the other nun whose name I can never remember. The other nun talks about how she's going to miss Aurora, but is happy for her at the same time.

Santi is anxious. He's yelling at Fer that if within a reasonable amount of time, Barbie hasn't told them where Lili is, he's going to call The One Cop In All of Mexico City With a Name (Cmdte Lozoya) and tell him to put out an APB at all airports and points of exit to keep Barbie from leaving the country.

Barbie and Aurora drive off together. Barbie tells Aurora that Fer is so happy for them both now that Barbie will be around to take care of Aurora and the baby.

Fer has finally gotten to the office and she calls to tell Franco that the Madre Superiora called to let her know that Aurora was leaving with Barbie. He asks her to come to Las Animas because, ahem, for the security of the operation, ahem, it would be better if they're together when Artemio calls to tell them where Lili is. Riiiiight. Fer, in her office, throws up her hands and makes a face, but doesn't say anything to Franco. Yet. Commercials.

Fer ends up saying she's on her way over. She calls Flor and asks her to send Gardenia in.

Barbie pulls up in front of the Mansion O'Evil, telling Aurora it's an "obligatory" stop. She has to hand over some documents. She asks Aurora to wait. I guess this gives Jacobo and Lucio time to make the grab? Aurora rings the doorbell at the gate.

Inside, Artemio is reviewing Barbara's file. He's got the Amanecer newspaper with a headline reading "Pyromaniac Girl Kills Her Parents" and the El Meridian with the headline "Incinerated By Their Daughter" along with a mug shot of Baby Barbie and other assorted papers. He stacks everything up as his phone rings. "Yes? Send her in." He closes the folder. Barbie walks in with her manila envelope of everything Gonzo owns. Artemio says she must have had a reason for taking Lili, since she's not in the habit of helping out unfortunate women. Barbie says she'd least of all help that crazy woman. She hands over the manila envelope with the notarized papers that transfer everything from her name to his. She asks for Rebecca Sanchez's file. He opens it up and flips through it, pulling out one of the newspapers and the mug shot and asking, "Are you thinking of resurrecting the girl who killed her parents?" He grins. "Yeah, I remember, you burned down the house because you didn't want them to get cold, right?" "Whatever, I'm over it." Artie says she's over it thanks to him, for getting her out of the "correccional" (reformatory). He says without him she wouldn't have a life. She'd either have been meat for a prison or meat for a brothel. Dude, she's been sleeping with Gonzo for 15 years and you're going with "hey, you would have been a prostitute if not for me?" The gall of this man. He wonders what exactly she thinks he owes her. All she wants is her file back. He says he understands she has her own plans now. She says he's always so suspicious. "Give me the file and I'll give you back Liliana Elizalde." Wow. He's good. Didn't even have to ask. He's a pro, this guy. He only barely gloats.

Fer tells Gardenia that she isn't sure how long she'll be out of the office, but she begs her not to tell anyone else the truth about Eduardo. You mean other than Jacinto, Margarita, Esteve, Silvestre, Flor, Padre Bosco…am I leaving anyone out? Gardenia agrees and swears to Chuchito. She asks Fer if she's going to marry Eddie. "Don't ask me that question again, Gardenia!" says Fer before she leaves the office for the second time today. Poor Artie, he's gone to all this trouble, and really the company would have run itself into the ground without his interference.

Artemio tells Barbie that now, with Eduardo Juarez around he doesn't need Rebeca. "I warned you and you ignored my warning. Soledad Cruz's son is alive. Everything we did was a lost cause." Barbie asks where he is, but Artie tells her if he knew, she's the last person he would tell. "All the years I invested in you were worthless." Ouch. "At last, we'll be done with this. Tell me where Liliana Elizalde is and when the person I send to get her has her in front of them, THEN you'll get your papers back." Barbie says Lili is at the Elizalde's country house.

Franco thanks Fer for coming. "You've got nothing to thank me for, FRANCO. After all, she's my sister, not yours." Franco's phone rings. We hear Artemio tell Franco "When you trust me, call me back." Franco agrees, hangs up and tells Fer. "We're such idiots. Barbie had Lili stashed at the country house. You know, where we used to go to be alone together?" Only with fewer words. Fer is impactada.

Aurora rubs her belly and tells it they'll be with its daddy soon. It will have a family and she's grateful to God that her Mommy is mending her evil ways, all thanks to the bump.

Barbie paces and gripes that she has to wait. Artie comes in, followed by Hilda with a bucket of champagne and two glasses. Artemio offers Barbie a glass to toast with. He chuckles that she can trust it, he didn't put any narcotics in it. Barbie looks at the glass, but checks her watch. Artie does drink some and then says he gets the impression Barbie's in a hurry. Her excuse is that Gonzo is waiting for her to have dinner with him. Artemio points out it's not the first time she's stood the old geezer up.

Fer and Franco have arrived at the country house, where Fer doubts that Lili is really there. She thinks its another of Barbie's lies. Franco says that Artie is waiting for a call to find out whether Barbie was telling the truth. They find the glass of milk with the knock out drops. Franco tastes it (idiot!) and says it's fresh. The head for the bedrooms and find Lili. Drugged, mouth taped, and tied hand and foot. Fer tries to wake her up and gets a little frantic. Franco says they'll get her out of there and take her to the hacienda, but Fer wants a doctor to look at her. Franco carries her out. Lili, that is.

Gonzo whines on the phone to Barbie that the house is empty and there's no one to eat dinner with him. He says he wants to wait for her. Artemio notices Barbie is hesitating and offers to leave the room so she can speak privately. Barbie says, and I kid you not, "I heard you, but don't count on me. And better you get used to eating alone." She hangs up. Gonzo stares at the phone wondering what just happened. Tomasa asks him if she should serve dinner or wait. Gonzo throws a glass of water at the table, breaking it, and announces that no one in this house is having dinner tonight. So, uh, he's sending himself to his room with no dinner?

In Franco's car, Fer holds a still sleeping Lili in the back seat. Franco calls Esteve to tell him they're on their way. He wants Jacinto to wait for them at the door to carry Lili in (uh, how many days ago did he have broken ribs?) because he has to leave right away. He asks if Steve called a doctor already, which he has. Franco tells Fer the doctor is on the way. He tries to talk to her again about what's wrong. She says she'll tell him when it's time. Franco starts to call Artemio, but Fer tells him to wait. She reminds him that once he makes that call, Barbie gets her papers and takes off with Aurora, and then what? Franco says he thinks the best thing to do is play it clean. Fer doubts Artemio is playing clean, even though they now have Lili. "What's to say that this wasn't a plot between him and Barbie?" Franco says he doubts it, because Artie wants to get his daughter back.

Barbie has some champagne and cools her heels in Artie's office. Now it's Artie's cell phone ringing. Franco tells him that they have Lili, but it appears she's been drugged. He asks what assurances they have that Barbie isn't going to skip the country. Having Barbie right in front of him, Artie obviously can't answer, so he just says "thanks for the information," and hangs up. He tells Barbie that Liliana is safe. Barbie scoffs at the idea of Lili being safe in Artie's hands. "That's a huge contradiction." Artemio goes to the safe and pulls out Rebecca's file. He takes the documents out of the leather folder and puts them in a blue paper folder. Barbie grabs it and flips through it quickly. She confirms that everything is in order and hopes they never see each other's faces again. Artemio smirks, which freaks Barbie out. As she walks out of his office, he starts chuckling. Barbie cannot walk fast enough to get out of there!

Jacinto, Venus, Martina, Esteve, and Fer all walk Lili into the house, Jacinto carrying. Franco drives away.

Barbie leaves the compound with a big smile on her face. Until she sees that her SUV is empty. Ha, ha, hahahahaha! She anxiously approaches, calling for Aurora, "daughter!" She sees Aurora's purse, but tosses it back in the SUV as she rings Artie's doorbell again and starts banging on the gate.

And the doctor on call is, of course, Martina's Dr. Carlos, who assures Fer that Lili is fine, she just needs some time for the drugs to get out of her system. He tells her that he recommends they give her lots of water and he'll prescribe a diuretic so that she pees out all the drugs faster.

Artie tells Borja (previously the grave digging guy) via phone that he'll give him more specific instructions later. He sits drinking something on the rocks as Evil Barbie in full-on Protective Mama role storms in, clocks Artie on the back of the head with an elbow, then grabs his tie and chokes him with it, yelling "What have you done with her? Where is my daughter? I want my daughter!" Artie can't breathe to answer her. "You damned bastard! What did you do to Aurora?" Artie sucks in enough breath to say he doesn't know, but Barbie doesn't believe him. "You already did whatever you wanted to with me. You stole my youth you subjected me to everything you wanted. I turned into your slave. In all these interminable years, I've done nothing more than obey you so that you could quench your thirst for vengeance. I turned into the creation of your own evil. But understand that it's over. It ended when I found out you'd lied to me, swearing that my newborn daughter had died. You had my daughter. You were capable of hiding her from me. I hate you! I hate you! Know, know that I found her and I won't let you hurt her. I won't let you do to Aurora and my grandchild what you did to me, what you did with me. Give her back to me now! Give her back to me because with the same hate you fostered in me, I swear I'll make you pay for my entire disgrace." She drags him backwards off the chair by his tie as Franco comes running in. Barbie tells him not even to try it. "One step and this bastard dies! This is between me and Artemio, don't get involved. I want my daughter! I want my daughter!" Franco screams at her to stop or she'll never find out where her daughter is. He repeats that if Artemio dies, she'll never find out where Aurora is. She lets go of the tie and Artemio lies on the floor, gasping. Franco yells at her to get out of there and he'll try to find out where Aurora is. Barbie listens to him and leaves. Franco helps Artemio back into his chair and loosens the tie. Artemio gasps and coughs. Franco tells him to be calm, he's fine now.

Lili wakes up in Franco's bed at Las Animas. Her vision is fuzzy as she sees Fernanda. She starts to freak out, but Fer talks her down. Martina cries as she takes Lili's hand and says hello. Lili's still pretty blissed out from the drugs and kind of half dozes as everyone fawns over her. Including Venus, who comes in with a tray of juices for all the gals (I'll take some vodka in mine, if you don’t mind!). Lili is happy to see her too and exclaims (albeit weakly) "Venus!" Fer realizes what Lili just said and turns to look at Venus. Fer asks Lili why she called Lovely "Venus."

Artemio chokes out that Rebeca came in like a wild animal and accused him of taking Aurora. Franco looks at him suspiciously. Artemio explains that Barbie left Aurora waiting outside in the car. He says Barbie must have thought she wouldn't be in there for long. Isn't that what they all say. Don’t leave your kids in the car, people! Franco asks if Artemio's sure that he had nothing to do with Aurora's disappearance. "Oh, yeah, that's right! Between the champagne and the choking, I forgot that I'd given secret orders to my henchpeople to snatch the girl once Barbie was inside. My bad!" No, of course Artemio denies it. Franco doesn't know if he should believe him, but Artie says he has no reason to lie.

Lili and Fer continue their bizarre conversation (I mean, they haven't seen each other in several wardrobe changes, can't they talk about something besides Venus/Lovely? What's Lovely got to do with it?). "Because that's her name." "But when did you meet her?" "I don't know, I don't remember." Martina hurriedly offers Lili some orange juice. Lili wonders who lives in this house. Without answering her, Fer tells Lili she's in a secure location. Lili asks where Evil Barbie is. Fer says Evil Barbie will never hurt Lili again. Martina asks if Lili's hungry, but Lili is only sleepy. Fer says she'll stay with Lili while she sleeps. Venus and Martina excuse themselves. Fer looks curiously after them. Fer repeats to Lili that they're together and nothing bad is going to happen. She finally says that they're in the house of some friends. Lili cries about seeing her daddy. She doesn't want to go to the hacienda because Evil Barbie is there. Fer hugs her and reassures her. Ciro appears and nods at Lili. She calms down and lies back down. Fer says she'll never be away from Lili again and thanks the Virgen as Lili goes back to sleep.

Evil Barbie accosts the Madre Superiora, screaming that she just left Aurora in the car for a second! The Madre Superiora is surprised to hear that Aurora is gone. Barbie is convinced that MS knows where Aurora is. She begs MS to tell her and says she'll do anything. MS is understandably confused. Barbie tells her not to be cruel and tell her everything she knows. MS says she's sorry, but since Aurora left with Barbie, MS hasn't know where Aurora is. Barbie weeps.

Aurora is locked in someplace. She's banging on the door asking to be let out while outside her little room, Lucio and Jacobo play cards. Jacobo says they're waiting for instructions from Damian (not to Aurora, just to Lucio and purely for our benefit).

Barbie drives down the road, distraught, and puts on her headset. She calls Franco and tells him she needs him. She says she needs to talk to him urgently in her office. He says he'll be there in half an hour. Artemio says he supposes Franco has to leave, but he wants Franco to live up to his half of the deal now. Franco says he's a man of his word. Artie tells him to sit down and tell him where Eduardo is. "Eduardo Juarez is dead, and he has to stay dead!" Artie is confused. Franco says there's no trick. Eduardo is dead. He had to die so that Franco Santoro could be born. Artie huffs and puffs. Dun dun dun!

Labels:


Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Gancho Tuesday Sept. 29 '09 Beto's In Trouble And So Am I

My oh my...just when I was feeling cocky about not bothering with youtube versions, my Univision went on the blink. Fortunately Carlos was able to give me the link to the episodes and I know I missed a lot, but here's what I got on first go-round. (And after this I'm fixing myself a big drink!)

The new stuff begins with Christian and Paula discussing their future. They have very different ideas about where it should go. She wants a ring and a wedding veil. He can't even say "ca...ca...casarme" without turning green. Nope, what he suggests is that they live together first to see how they get along. Oh sure, she snaps, and then you change your mind and I go home to dad "empaquetada" (with a bun in the oven). She's not buying that particular line.

There's a little misunderstanding going on with Katja and Aldo also. She's saying unkind things about Estrella, including calling her a "zorra de cien pesos" (basically a two-bit whore) and bless him, he's defending his actress friend. This minor spat is settled with a kiss and then a few more. Ah...young love...or young infatuation...or just young hormones. Whatever...it's a great way to end a spat.

The discussion between Beto and Mom isn't being settled quite as easily. She's berating him for losing his job again and wondering when he'll ever settle down ("sentar cabeza"). He's defending his decision to train for a fight with Mauricio because then Moni will finally see that Beto's more of a man than that old "doll's hair" fella.

Señor Doll's Hair has just arrived home to find Aldo and Katja lip-locking. A little "ahem" is enough to send Katja on her way, but actually Mau is all for the new relationship. She's a nice girl (is she? I haven't decided) and the right age for Aldo. But what about Estrella? Aldo assures him that's all in the past and he's going to give himself a chance with Katja. Given Mau's relationship with Connie, this hookup seems all wrong but whatever...We'll see where this leads. Ideas, anyone?

Meanwhile Estrella and Moni are dishing about the latest developments with the Lucha Libre. Estrella is thrilled at the thought of the menfolk battling for love of Monita. Monita thinks it's all about macho pride but our romantic actress disagrees. And now on to the topic of choice...Tano stayed all night. Totally special. He's a good guy and Estrella really wants it to work. And Aldo...ah, he's just a "mocoso" ( little kid)

Fortunately, Tano, who's now at Mau's house, seems equally enthusiastic. Estrella's cute, spontaneous (that's for sure), fun...it's all good. And what's more, now that he knows about Mau's upcoming fight, he'll look for the best trainer available. But if he's fighting about Moni, what's Connie's situation? There's some mumble mumble about Connie being "illusionada" but Mauricio loves Valentina with all his heart. In other words...situation murky. As always.

If there's a unifying theme to tonight's action, it has to be poor Paula's quest to have someone...anyone!...listen to her dilemma with Christian. She spends all day trying to have first Moni, then Gabriela, then Ximena pay attention to her woes but comes up empty. One day you'll want to talk to me and I won't be here, she fumes. Pobrecita.

And poor Beto! He's being ground to a pulp by our muscular Costeño and doesn't like it one bit. Costeño reminds him that they stand to make a lot of money from the grudge match between him and Mau, but Beto assures him that for once, money doesn't matter. He wants to win for Monita's sake. (Is our Beto bruto really "distinto" as he promises? Wait and see.)

Sal is in Mauricio's office trying to talk business and how to rein in Jeronimo. Mau's distracted and musing that Tano's going to find him a trainer. Gaby is equally distracted in the coffee room. Paula's doing her best to unload the Christian-live-together-or-marry dilemma and Gaby can't quite focus. More sulking. Pobrecita de Paula.

And pobre de Jeronimo (of course I don't mean it). Oscar's having to hand feed him, his mouth is so banged up. But did the blows damage his brain? This question is left hanging. Oscar maneuvers him into signing some papers giving him power of attorney over all his shares, should something happen to Jerry. Anyone hear anvils falling? Sure hope so. Jerry still has enough sense to resist signing but Oscar helpfully guides his bruised little hand into a signature on all the papers.

Well, Paula's not the only one with "boda" on her mind. Connie has now invaded Mau's office and wants to talk about room rentals, music and menus. He's not interested. The business will go under if they don't get a handle on Jerry. So she scoots. Wise move.

Sal meanwhile is trying to make Gaby see reason about the dangers of not only Jerry but Oscar as well. And they were both behind the accident and the precipitous drop in share values. No way, insists Gaby. Jerry's garbage but Oscar is her savior and she won't hear a word against him.

Our dark prince enters the office at this moment and Gaby rushes to greet him. Papers are dropped. She picks them up and in a mere glance seems to realize that Oscar is indeed pulling a fast one with Jerry and his shares. He grabs the papers and sends her off for a cappuchino...but our gal is thinking a mile a minute. Hey, we always knew she was too smart for this cheesy guy.

Whoops...but our favorite cheesy guy is in trouble. Jeronimo is pressing charges against Beto and his Lucha Libre gang for criminal damages and homicidal intent. Lordy those are serious charges, and while Christian is reluctant to arrest him...after all, he's knows he and Beto are buds...he has to do it. The law is the law. But amor is amor, bleats Beto. No good. Off he goes to jail.

Another futile attempt for female solidarity. Paula tries to talk to Xime but our little gal hears the word "police" and immediately starts in on her brief film career.

Next we see our misunderstood Paula helping Monita and Gaby set up the conference room. Ximena's there too and our four gals decide they have to band together to foil Jerry and save Mauricio. Did I say four? Suddenly there are FIVE! Yes, Connie slams her hand down on the table. As the future esposa, she's part of this or it's not going to happen. After some brief bickering with Paula (she's dismissed in importance as a simple "afanadora" cleaner) they make the pact. And since everyone admits that Connie's got great legs, she'll have the task of seducing Jeronimo.

Okay. Back to juicy romance. Tano has arrived to take Estrella out on a date. Nieves does her best to deep-six the relationship, calling Estrella promiscuous whatever and a discredit to the barrio of decent folk. Tano cuts her short, telling her people driven to criticize others are just making up for an emptiness inside. Well said Tano!! Our sour little Nieves is left with something to think about.

Tano and Estrella exit stage left and in comes Don Cesar. Man, I love this guy's hair. He is one piece of work. Alas, he's got bad news. Beto's in jail. Mom is sure that Mauricio's behind it all, even if Jeronimo is the one who pressed charges. Right away, Señor Mamita is on the phone to Monita, begging her to get Beto out of jail. No way. There's a lot of classic blame-shifting. Nieves: Your fault he got fired. Moni: He asked for it. And if he's stupid and irresponsible, you made him that way. Nieves: Your lies are what did him in. All he's ever done is love you with his whole heart. You're not washing your hands of him this easily!

Okay. Both these ladies need counseling and Beto need to grow up. But then we wouldn't be having this much fun, would we? Okay, we'll let 'em go on fighting.

Paula's still wandering the office trying to find a listening ear. Gaby's doing her annoying "chiss chiss" sound to get Moni's attention and sic' her onto Jeronimo. Jerry's taking a tough line, mouthing stuff about having a "mano duro" but allows as how he might be persuaded to change his mind if Monita is "really nice" to him. Guess he's an equal opportunity lecher. She coldcocks him and that's the end of that discussion.

Nieves makes a brief appearance at the jail, to let Beto know (flanked by Costeño and the gang) that she's not paying bail. "Me estas dañando" Beto wails. His theme song.

Next Nieves hits the office, vowing to not budge until she has a face to face with Mauricio. Monita caves and says she'll try and help Beto. She can't fail him, even if he deserves it...but go home, Mom!

Meanwhile, the master plan to derail Jerry and Oscar has now shifted to the Gabriela front. He's wolfing down food at the restaurant, as a prelude to a hot night with Gaby, and she's watching with barely hidden glee. Whoops...he feels bad...his stomach hurts...excuse me, and he rushes off to...well, no need to go into that. And Gaby blithely says she hopes it goes well. Lots of ways to interpret that statement.

And on another front, Connie waits in seductive splendor for Jerry. Xime is shocked by how "mujerzuela" (slutty) she looks but assures her that bro' should be there any minute. After all, Xime told him to come right home so she can sell him all her shares.

Great! Someone's coming in the door. Xime scampers upstairs. "Come in Jeronimo,"purrs Connie. I'm waiting for you."

Oh Lordy. It's Mauricio. Looking shocked. Connie's grabs a pillow and covers up as best she can. And on that cliffhanger, we end.

Previews:
There were several different scenes, including Ivan asking Luisa to be his "novia" but the biggie was a confrontation between Nieves and Constanza. Nieves says that if Connie doesn't do what she asks, she's going to spill the beans about her romps in the hay with Beto. I think our Connie has met her match.

Vocabulary:
Oh the heck with it! Whatever you got during the recap is it for tonight.

Dicho of the Day:
Well, guess what. Can't find my Dicho book either. This has been a no-good, very bad day. But thanks to Carlos it wasn't a total loss. And now for that drink!

Labels:


Amor Monday, September 28, 2009: Carlota has a nice day

Friday we saw Carlota in her doily swearing she was going to make Mac’s life one big long screaming nightmare. As if she hadn’t already.

And sure enough tonight here is Rufi helping sobbing Mac into a chair in the kitchen. Mac wails how could she? and Rufi throws a prayer heavenward that Paloma will forgive Mac.

In her room, Paloma has her photo album of her parents open and is sobbing while she looks at the photos. Mac pounds on her door, begging to see her. Flipped out Paloma screeches I don’t want to see you! Don’t call me hija! Leave me alone! Across the hallway, Carlota leans on her own doorway and smiles smugly. Mac shakes her head at her and gives up.

Padre Chris is about to get in a car and leave, but Inez and Elisa (another church lady) spot him loading his suitcase and they run over in a panic that he’s leaving permanently. He assures them he’ll be back in a few days. Carry on ladies, he says, and they say okay, relieved.

Paloma on her hands and knees with her elbows poking up and her face practically buried in the carpet looks like one of those horror movies where a person is about to turn into a giant insect. She remembers Mac explaining that she gave Paloma away so she could have a stable family life. It looks maybe a little lightbulb has gone off in her head. She jumps up and runs out of her room.

Mac in her room is praying ayudame to the Virgin. Paloma comes in and Mac is thrilled, but Paloma is on a mission. She wants to know who her father is. Tell me! Mac just looks distressed. Tell her, Mac!

We can only dream.

Mac says he was the love of her life, but now he doesn’t belong to the world of men. ( I was worried Paloma would think he’d had one of those operations, but apparently Paloma is too pure to think of that.) You mean he’s dead? she wails. Mac nods yes.

What was his name? Paloma demands. Mac says it’s not important now, and it’s better you should think of Javier as your father. Paloma’s not settling for that, though. She starts frantically rummaging through Mac’s things, looking for the Box of Secrets and the photo she knows was in there. She finds the box, opens it and… empty. She goes nuts.

I tore up the photo, Mac swears. Paloma screeches that Mac’s secrets are now her secrets too and she wants to know his name. Mac says he was a wonderful man, a man who loved her as much as she loved him. You are the child of that love, Mac says.

Paloma: Why did he leave then?

Mac: He didn’t know you were on the way.
.
P: Why didn’t you marry?

M: We wanted to. We would have made a family and been so happy and he would have given you so much love.

P (sobbing) Then why…?

M: Destiny separated us and that’s why I had to do what I did. I’m sorry, that’s all I can tell you about your father.

Well, this should keep us busy for a number of episodes.

Inez is on the phone with Diana, telling her that having Romina in the house probably isn’t a good plan. It could lead to ….things. Like what? Diana wants to know. Inez says like intimacy between Em and Romina. Diana says that would be great! Inez is shocked and says but they’re not married. Diana scoffs and says you weren’t stuffy like that when you sang in the cabaret. Inez says that was just singing.

Diana arranges herself on the couch says believe me, I’m not sorry about any of the men I’ve had in my life. And you know what? Orlando was the best. Inez says oooo! Would you go to bed with him again? Diana says I sure would, but he probably hates me. But we could really catch fire. Inez says and Rafa? Diana says, well, sure, if he drops by for a conjugal visit. We women have that power you know, we just have to know how to use it.

If Romina can seduce Emiliano, she says, all the better. She’s really rich and one thing this family definitely lacks is money. And if I help her, she’ll reward me well, I’m sure.

That was fun, but now it’s back to Paloma, still unglued. She wants to know what Mac is hiding and why she won’t tell her at least her father’s name. Mac says what I want is for us to talk now, so that you understand that what I did was out of love. Paloma wails don’t you understand that in one moment my whole world exploded? That everything I believed isn’t true?

M: I know it’s hard for you, and for me too.

P: Please don’t tell me half-truths – tell me everything. Who was my father? If you don’t tell me, I won’t forgive you! I won’t talk to you until you tell me! I have to know! You didn’t just abandon me at birth, you abandoned me when I most needed you – when I thought I was an orphan when my parents died. I really could have used a mother then!

M: But then we were closer than ever.

P: As my aunt – and you let Carlota be my guardian.

Mac stutters about the will, and how there was nothing she could do.

P: (yelling) Of course there was! You could have fought for me, no matter what the will said.

M: Carlota wouldn’t have let me.

P: As my mother, you would have more rights. You let her mistreat me! Why did you do so little? You abandoned me twice!

Carlota is out in the hallway, not even having to press her ear to the door since Paloma is shouting. She smiles her smug Carlota smile.

P: You have never loved me as a daughter.

M: Yes, I always did, just in silence!

P: And when were you thinking of telling me? Never, right? If it hadn’t been for Tia Carlota, I never would have found out, right? Don’t expect me to regard you as a mother now!

Out in the hallway, Carlota is gleeful.

Camila is in Orlando’s office’s waiting room. He’s surprised to see her there. She reports that she was able to talk to Romina and she needs to talk to Angelica to get her head straight, apparently not paying attention to the fact that Angelica is at work. But doting Orlando doesn’t mind and says she’ll be out in a minute.

Now Paloma is weeping over a picture of her parents. Why didn’t you tell me? It’s all so clear now that I think of it. She has a sepia flashback to a childhood talk with Mac when she asked Mac why she didn’t have any children and Mac told her I don’t need anybody but you. You are my only hija. Paloma says we’ll play pretend that you are my mother.

Carlota cuts into this loving scene telling little Paloma to go take a bath. After she leaves, Mac says why don’t you like us to show affection? Carlota says just because. And because you’ll confuse her and I don’t want her to forget that Sagrario was her mother. You agreed! Paloma overhears this and comes in and says What did you agree to? Why do I have to remember that? Mac says because everyone has just one mother.

Wow, Paloma sure has a good memory.

Now Paloma picks up a picture of her and Mac and sobs Why? Why did you let Carlota treat me so mean when I was little? Why didn’t you stand up to her? Why?

Orlando gives Camila some coffee and she fills him in on Romina looking for her dad and he wonders why that’s a problem. Camila says she wants Romina to come home. There’s something about Diana that she doesn’t think she’s the best influence. Orlando offers to help dig up Samuel and says just get the information that Romina has so far. Camila takes him up on it.

She remembers that he had something on his mind when he came by her house last night. What was it? He says oh, nothing pressing. We can talk about it later. He kisses her on the top of her head.

Angelica and Em finish up a work discussion and she asks if he has a new cell, because his mother has been calling the office number. Em is bummed and says he doesn’t want to talk to her – she’s mad at him for leaving the house when Romina came to stay. He fills her in on what happened. He knows his mama would love to have him back with Romina and he just wants to stay out of the whole thing.

Carlota comes into Paloma’s room but Paloma throws herself on her bed and says she doesn’t want to see anybody. Carlota says it’s too bad her parents died – she never would have known the truth. Paloma says she wishes she didn’t know it now.

Carlota tsks that she never was in favor of keeping the secret. The timpani go boom. She says the pain of a deception is horrible. Paloma looks up from her pillows. Carlota says It was hard for me to see her get all your love when she didn’t deserve it.

Paloma says Sagrario and Javier accepted me as a daughter. Carlota says they couldn’t have children, and when Mac wanted to get rid of you, I rebelled. I suggested that they adopt you. Paloma says but my birth certificate doesn’t say anything about me being adopted. Carlota says Sagrario promised to keep the secret. She even went around in maternity clothes while Mac stayed hidden.

Paloma says did Mac ever think of abortion? Carlota says over my dead body! She had done enough bad stuff without committing a crime like that. Only Sagrario, Javier, Rufi and I knew. Oh, and our father. He was so devastated by her pregnancy that he dropped dead of a heart attack. Mac has felt guilty ever since, and in a way she was at fault. And she’s felt guilty sometimes about adopting you out, so she changed herself into your “adorable” aunt.

Come here, my love, says Carlota and Paloma cuddles into her arms. Carlota says ever since you were born, I strove to protect you, to care for you, to save you from the bad influence that Mac was in your life. Everything I did, I did so you would be a good woman, not like her. Paloma’s frown suggests that Carlota may have overplayed her hand.

Nope, I was wrong. Paloma says I hate her. Carlota says I know. Now you can trust only me. I realize I’m not your mother… I just never knew how to show you my love. Paloma clings to her and sobs.
At this juncture it is pleasant to contemplate the gory deaths of previous telenovela villains and to wonder what variation or combination of those await Carlota.

Chris is back at his home church talking to Padre Benito. He says he really didn’t want to leave Real del Monte before he confronted Carlota about everything she did. Padre B doesn’t see how the Carlota thing has anything to do with his big crisis of doubt. Maybe he’s in love? He has to pick: the church or Macarena.

Rufi has brought Mac some tea and is trying to soothe her. Mac says she had no idea that Carlota had so much venom in her that she would even destroy Paloma. Rufi thinks that Paloma will forgive Mac if they just talk. Mac says they already did and it didn’t work. Rufi says give her time to absorb the news. Meantime, say a rosary. Mac takes her rosary in hand and gets down on her knees.

Padre Benito advises Chris that God’s love takes many forms. If it weren’t for Mac, you wouldn’t have become a priest. Chris throws his hands up. Padre B says maybe this is just a test of your vocation. He reminds Chris that it’s been 20 years since his romance with Mac and things tend to get romanticized over time. Chris says I feel like our future was cut off prematurely. Padre M says that future is in the past and don’t forget you’re married to God now. (Is this true? Are priests the Grooms of God?) Who do you love more, God or Macarena? Chris looks exasperated. Padre M says when you know the answer to that, you’ll know what to do.

Romina and Diana are playing Chinese checkers. They gripe about Em – Romina’s sure he blabbed to Camila that she was at Diana’s, and Diana is annoyed that he doesn’t answer her calls. Romina says mine either. I’m going to have to go by the office and find out why he blabbed.

Romina: My mother can be difficult.

Diana: Maybe that’s why your father left?

R: Probably.

D: If you were my daughter I would have done anything to keep your father with you.

R: My mother is all about herself.

D: Do you think they could get back together? Because I’ve heard your mother is going out with someone.

R: I don’t want to talk about him. I can’t stand him. I don’t know what she sees in him.

D: Well, he’s not your father. Don’t you think parents should stay together?

R: Sure.

D: Why don’t you tell Emiliano that you believe a child should do everything to keep its parents together?

Diana says we’re a good team. Romina jumps all of her marbles.

Paloma asks Carlota that since her father was the man that she and Mac were both in love with, can she tell Paloma his name? Carlota says that’s between you and Mac. I don’t want to cause any more pain in this family. I don’t want Mac to hate me. Paloma says I think you two have hated each other for a long time, but sometimes you love each other.

Carlota says you must understand her health is fragile. I don’t want this to end up in a tragedy. Paloma says you should have thought of that before. Carlota says I know. It was just the emotion of the moment. I get so tired of living a lie. Let’s just wait and see if she tells you.

I have to know, begs Paloma. I need to know who I am, where I came from. Carlota is all fake kind saying we have to consider Mac’s health. When she’s better, maybe she’ll speak from the heart without lies.

Angelica and Camila are at the outdoor café. Camila realizes she shouldn’t have pulled Angelica away from her work, but Angelica says Orlando wants to please her. Camila says when they first started going out, she didn’t think anything would come of it, but he’s constantly surprising her. Angelica gets a faraway look in her eye and says what a fine fellow he is. She catches herself and snaps her attention back to Camila.

They get to the point: Samuel. Angelica thinks it’ll be good for Camila to get that resolved and over with. She also thinks Samuel might be wanting to get back together, plus Romina will be wanting the same thing.

Rafa comes into his old house and is surprised to find Romina there. Romina explains and when Diana come into the room, Romina is smart enough to leave them alone. Diana explains that Camila isn’t able to give Romina the support she needs. Rafa says and you can? He drops the subject and says he wants to talk about them. Diana is excited that there will be a reconciliation. He says no way. What’ll it take to buy my freedom?

Romina and Aaron are walking and discussing their plan which doesn’t seem to be working now that Aaron can’t say he and Paloma are novios. Now he has to think of a plan B. They both agree that Paloma is acting a little different lately.

Aaron takes his glasses off, which makes him look like more of a threat. He is seriously interested in Paloma, plus he doesn’t like losing – anymore than you do, he adds. Romina explains that she’s staying at Em’s house and sooner or later he’ll cave. Aaron says good, when he does let me know and I’ll let Paloma know. Then she’ll want payback time.

Diana tells Rafa she made a vow until death do them part and she’s keeping it. Rafa says if you were religious, I’d buy that, but you’re just trying to aggravate me. There’s no love left. Diana says I’m going to be your wife until my dying day. Rafa says there’s ways to get a divorce, and you seem to want to turn it into a fight. Diana says I have ways too. Let’s see who wins.

Em ( the only happy guy tonight, but that’s because he’s clueless) is at work and leaves the umpteenth message on Paloma’s cell. He decides to try the main number at Paloma’s. He gets Rufi who says she can’t get Paloma right then and no, no there’s no problem. He says to tell Paloma it’s about the church thing. Rufi says okay and hangs up. Doesn’t anybody ever say goodbye when they hang up?

German comes up to Romina on the street and gives her a playful hug. He says you know you wanna. Romina says wow, such an ego! German says Lili said the same thing. Wanna go…? Romina says no.

German says he knows she’s staying at Em’s. Romina is surprised but suggests that she and Em had a hot night last night. German laughs and says he knows she’s lying. She keeps up her story. He gives her a kiss and she pushes him away. He says I’m going to Mexico City tomorrow and you could come and we could go to the address where your father was staying. Romina looks serious. German says see you tomorrow.

Rafa and Joel are talking in the office. You know, just regular guy talk. Okay, maybe not, you be the judge. Joel reports that he had a nice time with Monica, but he’s still pretty affected by that whole thing with Sofia. Rafa reports that he talked to Orlando and was really annoyed that Orlando seemed so sure of Camila, plus now Diana won’t give him a divorce. Joel says didn’t you tell me that you kissed her? Rafa says yes, but with no divorce….

Romina bursts into Em’s office, giving him the opportunity to say ¿Qué haces aquí? She’s mad because he doesn’t answer his cell and because he told Diana where she was. He says he’s sorry it upset her, but it was the right thing to do. She says she feels totally betrayed. He says don’t exaggerate. You need to work things out. She comes around his desk and says I need you. He escapes and says it’s obvious we see the things very differently. Romina says that’s why I come see you - I know you’re right. Please don’t turn your back on me. She holds out her hand.

Avances: Paloma rebukes Rufi for keeping the secret. She wishes she were dead and sure enough we see her passed out on a park bench. Em is alerted.

Labels:


Monday, September 28, 2009

MEPS 9/28: Fr/Ed gets what Damian didn't. Gardenia gives up.

Whipping through the house with Fr/Ed behind him, Artemio finds his guards lying on the floor. Hmm, seems he cannot trade Lili's corpse for the Head of Ed, as he had planned, because Barbara stole Lili away -- after giving "Greco's Renowned Drowsy-Drink-Drops" to all his guards (plus Ms Bagel-Bun) in champagne she told them Artemio had sent along to celebrate some big business success.

"Barbara told us you commanded we tip our glasses," whines Bagel-Bun. The bodies on the floor are dragged away.

Barb throws Lili on a bed: "You won't get hurt if you behave. Shout as loud as you like, there's nobody to hear you. Now, put on your PJs and go to bed." Cero appears and reassures Lili.

Barb calls Artemio and reports that she has the cargo. He's furious; when he tells Fr/Ed, Fr/Ed narrows his eyes and shakes his lips in dudgeon.

Fr/Ed's cat-burglars are pacing at his house, worried. Fr/Ed appears and tells the whole story. Fer calls Barb. Barb, driving, grinning maniacally: "I was expecting your call." Barb's on her way to Fr/Ed's house to negotiate, so cat-burglar Santi has to make like a banana and split. The Mud Queens also leave.

Fr/Ed updates Father Bosco, who advises: "Get Lili back and then get out of here while Fer still thinks highly of you, thinks you're an honest guy. Let her remember you kindly."

Barb arrives, Esteve leaves. Barb congratulates Fer on her ferocity: "You must have inherited it from me." Long story short: "I'll give Lili back, and disappear forever, if you two convince Aurora to leave the nunnery with me." "But she's bearing Santi's child!" "No, she's bearing MY grandchild. You have till noon tomorrow. If you fail, then I'll just kidnap her anyway and you'll never see Lily again." Barb leaves.

Fr/Ed tells Fer, "We should tell Barbara's plans to Artemio and provoke a fight between them." "Oh, I get it, because Artemio thinks Aurora is dead!"

Meanwhile Artemio is soliloquizing about Barbara: "One who betrays me doesn't live to betray another day." He sounds like Darth Vader.

Suddenly Fr/Ed is at Artemio's office and tells him Barb's motive is - Aurora Mendoza! Artemio is impactado and grouses: "Barbara's the worst mistake of my life. She's a fatal weapon, I educated her that way, but I always knew if she found out her daughter was alive all her hate would be focused on me."

"What do you care about Aurora?" asks Fr/Ed. "I'm her father. I've only seen her three times, but to know she existed was an intense consolation to my soul. Aurora is the only thing I made without hatred in my whole life. Barbara knows I ripped that kid from her arms at the moment of birth and said she was dead. All I can expect from Barbara is destruction."

Scene change. Fer to Fr/Ed: "What a whirlpool all this is! Before the s--t hits the fan I want to say how much I've appreciated you and come to depend on you." "Let me look at you," he murmurs nicely, "for as long as I can. Soon we separate forever. I love you more than you can imagine, I've loved you since forever and will love you until forever." Kisssss.

Etcetera. Where did this giant bed with red satin sheets come from? More etcetera. Commercial. More etcetera. Two aging virgins finally get some. They spend the night in the red bed of amor and then swirl about in a hot-tub (I guess) overlooking a fabulous CGI view.

Meanwhile somewhere Gardenia is crying and saying, "Eduardo, I'll love you forever, even though there's no future in it! You're not going to leave!"

Barb packs her diamonds into a suitcase. Daffy arrives and mildly wonders why he didn't see her last night, she says it was some business meeting, now she's going out, he says he'll see her at dinner, she thought bubbles "You'll be waiting a long time, because today I start a new life." Meanwhile Daffy thoughtbubbles: "Ah, Barbara, she's a haven of peace in my sea of troubles." Heh.

Fr/Ed to Artemio: "we can work together and keep Barbara from absconding with Aurora." "What do you care?" "She's expecting Santi's baby!"

"Oh, eeuwww, my grandchild is an ELIZALDE? My blood is mixing with theirs again? This is an irony of the worst writers! I want to barf!" Fr/Ed says the two of them can work together to stop Barbara. "But what do I get out of it?" "Your mother's diary and the Head of Ed."

"Why is Eduardo hiding?" "He isn't hiding, he's agazapado, crouching down, waiting for the right moment to attack! He's been waiting ever since Barbara Greco unfairly accused him of abusing Fernanda Elizalde!"

"You seem to know him well." "Well enough to know that you and the Elizaldes caused him the greatest pain a person can take." "No, ME! I had the worst pain!! And in total war, there are always innocent victims! That boy defied me and made me his enemy to the death!"

Fr/Ed implies he knows where Barbara is, but he won't tell Artemio because she has Lili, somewhere... Artemio says Barbara will be coming by to get her dossier, because it will be important to her to start her new life with a clean identity. "So I'll make her tell me where Lili is, and then you have to give me the Head of Ed."

At the office, por teléfono Fer explains all to Santi.

Gardenia comes in. "Why aren't you wearing your uniform?" "Because after I say what I've come to say, you're going to fire me." Long story short, after asking "did you know Santorito is in love with you?" she tells Fer: "Fr/Ed is Ed, I've seen his passport." And Margarita and Jacinto have known all along. And this all came about when he came back from Gringoland and saw what had happened to his mother, and he decided he'd had it with the Elizaldes. "He couldn't even go to see his mother buried." Fer remembers her agony, seeing his name inscribed on his mother's tomb...

Gardenia says she told Errika Ed was in love with Fer, and admits that she (Gardenia) has been in love with him forever. "With all my heart, but he was always in love with you. But I don't want him to leave and the only way to keep him here is if he marries you." Fer has the commercial break during which to think it over.

Greco's Renowned Drowsy-Drink-Drops appear again: Barb forces Lili to drink them. The ghost of Cero points out to Lili, "Drink or she'll kill you."

Damian's sleazeball cousin says the plans are underway. Damian: "Give Lucio a message, he'll know what to do." That's it for them tonight.

As Gardenia leaves Fer's office, Fr/Ed shows up and wants to talk to Fer, who takes a minute to collect herself. She says he can come in. He wants to tell her all the plans, he's in a good mood and wants a kiss, she slithers away from him and gets angrier and angrier. He keeps asking why. "You want to know why, MR. FRANCO SANTORO?"

end of episode.

Labels:


un Gancho al Corazón Mon 9/28/9 Let's Get Ready to RUMBLE!!!


We begin tonight with a replay of Moni's more or less triumphant return from her brief odyssey with Mao which was skillfully and artfully described by Hombre de Misterio. Therefore we begin tonight's adventure with our Hombre's words:

"Beto and Nieves go into their apartment and proceed to argue about Moni. Nieves thinks he should have more trust in Moni, no one’s stealing his girlfriend. Maybe not stealing, more like borrowing, but he won’t stand for it. Nieves convinces him to calm down, be happy for Moni, and when she returns, he can ask her whatever he wants.

And here she is. The whole crowd screams as Cinderella returns to the barrio. Estrella can’t believe it, she’s so happy she has to pinch (pellizcar) Moni. They ask if she found her mother, but the answer is no, and Moni doesn’t even want to search anymore. Beto comes up, gives her a big hug, saying Monita, my heart, my life, my little cutie, and Nieves hugs her, too. Beto says he was so worried. Yeah, so worried that you got drunk, adds Estrella. Moni apologizes for not calling, but the lines were down. No matter, says Beto, I just have one question for you. It’s very important. Between you and Mauricio, is there something? That is, did you sleep together last night? Well, Moni HAS promised to tell the truth, and it looks as if she’ll answer this one………..on Monday."


Well, it's Monday so let's see what our girl has to say. Now for our formerly creative Moni this would have been a pan comido (piece of cake); for the new improved version, this presents a challenge. Not accustomed to telling the truth even if it's as effective as a lie, Moni reverts to her boxing skills and deflects the question countering with a jab, "How can you say such a thing?" Well said. Unfazed he presses his case. Careful Beto, don't ask about things that you really don't want to know. Exasperated, she recounts her adventure up to and including passing the night in Mao's embrace. Now Nieves becomes the inquisitor. She wants to know what Moni has learned about her mom. We're stating to sense that hay un gato encerrado (we smell a rat) over what Nieves knows of Isabel Lopez. She seems relieved when Moni says that she knows no more than she did before. She is rescued by Pau and Estre. As they saunter off, Estrella turns and hurls a silent taunt toward a steaming Beto who acknowledges it with a gestured threat of his own. Nieves turns to Beto and asks if he noticed. Yes, he notices the horns sprouting from his forehead, but no, it's that Moni is now being truthful with him while he's still deceiving and betraying her with Mao's novia. Nonetheless, Beto vows vengeance on his ex-brother and for emphasis assumes the trademark stance of el Fantasma Vengador. He's off to the gym to rally the troops.

Teresa is relieved to see Mao safe and sound, as is Connie who embraces him warmly and then informs him of her valiant rescue of the kiddies from the evil clutches of Jero who was going to evict them from the castle. Teresa confirms this though she seems puzzled by Connie's motherly concern. Mao begins to tell her of his ordeal, but when he mentions Moni, Connie tells him that she doesn't care about the details, she is just happy that he is safe and sound. Hey, I could get used to this new improved Constanza. Mauricio is wondering who abducted Connie and replaced her with this pleasant android.

A pensive Aldo is at school remembering his shock at finding Estrella with Tono. His ruminations are invaded by the appearance of a bubbling Katia, freshly back from Italy, flashing all manner of silent signals that she is available. The wedding is back on and it looks like they'll be getting to see each other every day. Neato, huh? A little less thrilled than she he turns to walk away but she informs him that Mao is back s they stroll off together to tell Luisa and Dani.

In the office, Sal, flanked by Gabi, is bemoaning recent events and attempting damage control by phone when Mao appears. They are delighted that he is OK, but Sal urgently needs to speak with him, so off they go to Jero's office. There they find Jerónimo seated comfortably behind his desk. In Mao's absence Jero has taken advantage of a precipitous drop in the value of Groupo Sermeño, owing to speculation about Mao's demise, to acquire an equal position in the company to Mao's, 45%. Now he has equal say in the operation of the company and is thinking about queering the deal between Groupo Seremeño and Fabrimex. A proposition very important that Mao has put together. Jero then shoos them from his office. This latest maneuver by Jero is pretty impressive. Looks to me like Ximena gains a bit of power since she holds the other 10% of the stock.

Luisa is thrilled that Mao is safe. She hurries off, leaving Aldo at the mercy of a sweetly predatory Katia. She confirms that Aldo is a free agent and coincidently so is she, sooo... Catching Aldo off guard she moves in for a kiss. He resists at first, but, what the heck. ¡Beso! Rather tame, but then these are kids.

In Sal's office Mao is admitting that it's not as though Sal hasn't warned him on numerous occasions of Jero's perfidy, Now they must wrest control of the company from his greedy hands. The door opens and Ximena, nudging Connie aside, bursts in, joyful that her primuchi (Ximenese for cousin) is safe. Connie catches up, pulls her back, and marks her territory with a kiss on the mouth. Mao endures. He instructs her to let him know immediately if Jerónimo attempts to molest her again. he leaves and she makes herself at home, collapsing comfortably into his chair. Ximena mirrors the satisfied collapse with similarly outstretched arms. How nice that her cousin was so disturbed finding out about her and Jero, Connie beams, and the Fantasma Vengador too, Connie scowls.

Katia and Aldo are still kissing, warmly but chastely. Ivan interrupts and is informed that they are novios by Aldo. "Yes for an hour, fifteen minutes, and thirty seconds," adds Katia. Uh oh, she's one of those. He is underwhelmed and leaves. They pick up where they left off. Well OK, since he seems willing.

Oscar is conferring with Jero in his new office. Now that he is on top he'll need Oscar as his loyal assistant (fiel perro) a position that Oscar rejects. Jero still needs his help. Jero, like a cat, thinks that he is self-sufficient, but actually he is Oscar's pet, a kitten, "Say meow." Jero seems awed. Connie replaces Oscar, "Here is my kitten," boasts Jero as Oscar leaves. She messes with his mind by pointing out that he can never replace Mao. She has been in bed with both, and well...Jero just doesn't measure up. Ouch.

Ivan is studying in the kitchen. Aldo comes in for a glass of milk, "You'll go blind with so much reading." He is greeted with a cold shoulder. Ivan is miffed by Aldo's apparent dumping of of Estrella. I understand, but Ivan doesn't know the whole story, does he?

In the coffee room Moni and Pau confer. Moni whines about Mao, but this time it's not all about her. Pao faces a dilemma. Cristian has asked her to come live with him up north. She's tempted, but doesn't want to move away from her friends. No problema. Moni will help her convince him to stay.

Connie has come seeking assistance from a rather chilly Nieves, who cautions her about tuteando so quickly with her. Now, actually this has the potential of being a formidable team. She is wanting to marry Mauricio and wants Nieves to push Beto to marry Moni. She is offered coffee but prefers green tea which Nieves doesn't have but offers to go to a neighbor's to get some. "No,thanks." She offers Nieves money. Nieves is offended but does agree to cooperate.

In the coffee room, an emboldened Pau makes progress with Cristian, she loves his exciting police stories and especially enjoyed him showing her the morgue. She brings up marriage, he chokes briefly, but then agrees to marry her. After all he is afraid of nothing, but he certainly looks worried.


Estrella see's Connie taking her leave of Nieves, and doesn't like for a minute this unholy alliance. She makes a call...to Aldo?

Moni bring Mao his capuchino and lingers to offer encouragement and support as he whines about his problems with Jero, "...a rock in my shoe." They embrace and kiss just as el Fantasma Vengador, looking like a dissipated Power Ranger, pops in, without knocking, surrounded by his wrestling buds from the gym, who make an interesting menagerie themselves. Surprisingly, we aren't really surprised by their presence. He is angry and confronts Mao with the circumstances. Mao tries to say something but Beto , without asking permission orders, "¡Tú callate la boca! ¡Sí, te tuteó, tú cállate la boca!" ¡Bravo,Beto! Clearly annoyed Mao claims, "We were simply talking." "Yes, cheek to cheek (ccahete a cachete)." Mao fires Beto and threatens to call security which evokes a mocking, unison "Oooh," from Beto and his goon squad. He then vents his disappointment in his former hero and gestures the implied threat of future reprisal as he ushers out the support group.

Impressed and frightened Sal and Gabi look on as Beto, whom Jero identifies by scent, seizes the opportunity to avenge Connie. He places him in a headlock, gouges his eyes a bit, then releases him to the violent ministries of his entourage. Appalled, Gabi insists that Sal call up security. The wrestlers pause and look to Sal. After a moment to consider, he signals for them to continue the pummeling. Anyone who is playing the gancho drinking game, that is, a drink for every blow struck, should consider suspending play at this point. Moni sees the action through the window and steps through the door, holding it shut to prevent Mao's exit. Finally Paula and Cristian arrive. He attempts to quell the riot, ordering everyone, "Up against the wall!" (ya gotta like his spunk) but is met with the derisive "¡Oooh!" from the wrestlers, this time a little less in tune. Gab offers to call for backup. Once again,"¡Oooh!" Beto relieves Cristian of his batón and as more security personnel arrive a melee ensues. Sal is drawn into the fray as Beto orders Moni to release Mao. Mao however tosses a heavy jug through the glass and steps out to face Beto. "Maurica (marica= girly-man), tú y yo, masca contra la cabellera de pelo de muñeca vieja (you and I, mask against the hairdo from the hair of an old doll) and he assumes his stance. (Now the CCs said something a bit different that didn't make a lot of sense to me. This is what I actually heard. Please feel free to jump in.)

Estrella finds Aldo outside the movie theater, and tries to make up with him and explain about Tano, but surprise, surprise, Aldo really doesn't have time. He has a date. With Katia who has just scurried up. They kiss. Estrella wilts.

Beto and Mao are shouting at each other but an idea has struck Casteño. Haw about a real match between the two? The idea catches on. Mauricio will need two weeks to train. Mauricio extends his hand to shake with Beto but withdraws it just as Beto reaches for it, grabbing and holding...Moni's right bubi. (This scene was on You Tube but was cut out for our viewing on Univision, but I put it in the recap anyway.)

"What's happening?" she asks no one in particular as she removes Beto's hand. Cristian, disheveled but game, offers to press charges, but no need, they will settle matters in the ring in two weeks. Beto gathers his troops and they back into the elevator. As the doors close, Beto farts.

Moni fusses at Mao for agreeing to such a thing, Beto will puree him, but he wants to hear no more. Moni storms out vowing to give Beto an earful. Sal is wheeled into Maos office by Gabi. Poor Jero is the last to recover, vainly calling for help, he struggles, unaided, to his feet.

Outside the theater, Aldo presents Katia as his novia to a rather unenthusiastic Estre. I had been feeling bad for Aldo but now my heart goes out to Estrella. When she leaves, Katia presses Aldo about his relationship with Estrella but he is worried that they will miss the movie so he rushes her inside. Good thinking, my boy.

In the office, Gabi and Sal are warning Mao of the danger and stupidity of this agreement to face Beto in the ring, Gabi wonders about testosterone in the brain, but he is adamant. Oh yes, we want to see this genetic line preserved.

As they head down the stairs Beto thanks his gang for their support. He tells them goodbye and urges Costeño to bathe...with champu. Moni catches up with him and without warning, starts throwing punches, promptly knocking him down. She calls him a collón (coward). He can't just stand by and let blondie steal the future mother of his eight children, he points out. She is not happy with any of what just occurred and warns our reeking wrestler that if she got back with him it was because she thought he had changed, "If you get into the ring with Mauricio, you lose me, forever." Oooh!

Carlos

Labels:


Sortilegio - Hi Everybody!

Hi everybody. I'm Connie and I'll be recapping the Thursday night episode of Sortilegio. I studied Spanish from the 4th grade through 3 semesters in college but it is so true that if you don't use it you'll lose it. When I met my boyfriend 5 years ago (he's from Guatemala) it got me interested in relearning Spanish. So I bought some CDs and started watching the Telenovelas and Spanish TV in general. Now I watch in Spanish with no subtitles and get most of it. Occasionally I will just not be able to figure something out and if that is so I'll will let you know so that all you seasoned Spanish speakers and recappers can help me out. I may not have vocab to share right away but I will eventually get there. Looking forward to it. See ya!

Labels: ,


Sunday, September 27, 2009

ENDA: Friday 9/25/2009 "Paloma Learns the Truth, but not the Whole Truth"

Romina is having dinner with Diana and Emiliano. He doesn’t appear too happy about being part of this little group. Romi flirts and Di comments on what a cute couple they make. E wants to escape and offers to go get the fruit. Di insists she’ll do it, hoping that sparks will re-ignite if she leaves the two of them alone. It’s a futile hope, but she’s delusional. Ro comments to E about how lucky he is to have a mom so wonderful like Di. E reminds her that Camila is a great mother.

Padre Mateo is waiting for Padre Juan Cristobal. When PJC returns, Padre Mat demands to know where he was. PJC says he went to find Carlota. PM isn’t happy to hear this and says that it’s a bad idea, PJC shouldn’t go looking for Carlota and stir things up from the past. PJC says that Carlota came looking for him, so he was merely responding to that. PM again reminds PJC that it is best to leave the past in the past. PJC says that things are complicated. PM is worried that PJC will stray from his path. PJC reassures PM that he should have confidence in him and that he’s sure there is light at the end of his path. PM hopes it is light and not darkness.

Rafael and Joel appear to be having a meeting with Rafa’s divorce lawyer. The lawyer urges Rafa to come to some sort of agreement with Di or else the divorce can be dragged out for years. Rafa says that Di appears to be stalling. The lawyer tells Rafa that in his opinion, everyone has a price. So all Rafa needs to do is figure out what Di’s price will be and then the matter can be settled. Rafa’s not so sure, but he wants to get things moving. The lawyer advises Rafa to not get involved with another woman while he and Di are still married. It will complicate things and swing favor toward Di if she can slap an infidelity accusation at Rafa. The lawyer restates that it is important for Rafa to get Di to come to an agreement sooner, rather than later.

Emiliano makes some phone calls. He comes downstairs with a packed bag. Both Di and Romi are surprised to see this. He tells the ladies he’s leaving. They both try to talk him into staying. He tells them it is OK, he’ll be out of the house however long it takes for Romi to sort things out with Cami. Romi says she feels terrible pushing him out of the house. He tells her it is OK. He won't listen to their insistence that he stay home and he leaves.

Paloma and Macarena are still at Cami’s house. Mac is comforting Cami and Pal is busy making phone calls, searching for Romi. Lando arrives and wants to know what’s happened. Cami fills him in on Romi leaving home. He tells her that he’s sure she’s OK.

E heads to Germán’s place. He can stay there as long as he needs to. Germie says he’s heading to the DF for a couple days. E gives Cami’s house a call. Pal answers. She fills him in on Romi’s leaving. He tells her he already knew and that’s why he’s calling. He lets her know that Romi’s at his place and will be staying there. He’ll be staying with Germie. He knew that Cami would be worried and he wanted her to know where Romi was, even though Romi didn’t want anyone to find out that she was staying at Emiliano's.

Rufi tries to talk to Cruelota as she’s eating her dinner. She can tell that Cruelota is upset with her. Cruelota doesn’t want to talk. Rufi tells her that she knows she has a heart, it is just that she closed it off years ago. Rufi is sure that her heart can be opened (I'm convinced Rufi is wrong on this count). Cruelota isn’t in the mood to take advice from the hired help and let's Rufi know she doesn't care to discuss it with her.

Pal and Mac are leaving Cami’s. As they are saying their good-byes, Mac urges Cami to remain open to the possibility of love. Pal overhears this and tells her aunt that she should follow her own advice.

E finds a green camisole stuffed in the cushions of Germie’s chair. He teases Germie about it and Germie is uneasy.

Pal and Mac come home and Cruelota chides them about messing around in everyone else’s business. She taunts Mac, trying to get her to tell Pal what’s really been going on. Mac is unwilling to fall prey to Cruelota’s taunts. She and Pal head upstairs.

Germie calls Lili and tells her that she looked quite lovely when he saw her earlier. She isn’t happy to hear from him. He says he thought they’d be able to remain friends. She ends the call. After hanging up, she wonders when she’ll be able to forget him.

The next day Mac is telling Rufi what to tell Cruelota if she asks where Mac has gone. Cruelota walks in on the conversation, so Mac tells her she’s headed to the church. Cruelota ponders if it is an ulterior motive that is taking Mac there. Mac tells her she’s got a clear conscience and she leaves the house.

At school, Lili fills Pal in on the phone call she got from Germie. She admits that it upset her a little. She and Pal talk about Emiliano. Lili confides that it makes her a little happy knowing that Pal and E’s relationship has put a monkey wrench into Romi’s plans. Pal asks what she means. Lili says that Romi was trying to get E to sleep with her. Now that plan has been thwarted, Lili is delighted.

Mac goes to see the family lawyer. She wants to see Javier’s will because she is sure that her brother provided for Paloma. The lawyer tells her he can do that, once they get Cruelota’s permission. Mac knows this is a ruse and she gives the lawyer a piece of her mind before she leaves.

One of the nuns has a conversation with the Mother Superior about Angelica. She believes Angie was really good with the students and it was a mistake to fire her. MS listens and is willing to admit that she might have fired her in haste. She wonders if Angie would be willing to come back.

Mac goes to Cruelota and lights into her about having to get her permission to see Javier’s will. Cruelota comments on how bold Mac has become since PJC has returned to town, but the strength she’s found in him isn’t real because he’s now a priest. Mac isn’t in the mood for Cruelota’s taunts and tells her that she knows that Javier and Sagario left Paloma well cared for and she’ll prove it. Mac tells her sister that she (Cruelota) has underestimated her (Mac) when she didn’t realize that Mac would be willing to fight tooth and nail to protect her daughter. Paloma walks in on this last bit of the conversation and demands to know “what daughter?”. Cruelota pounces-“Tell her, or are you still holding onto the secret you’re afraid to break?” Mac tells Cruelota -“Be Quiet!” Pal insists on being told what’s going on, she’s got a right to know. Cruelota goes on to tell Pal that Mac had a child and because she was ashamed, she gave the child away to her brother Javier and his wife. “You see, Paloma, your true mother is really Macarena.” Paloma tries to digest all of this and asks Mac if it is true, “are you my mother?” Mac cries. Cruelota fans the flames some more trying to get Mac to speak. Paloma doesn’t want to hear it from Cruelota, she wants to hear it from Mac. Sobbing, Mac admits that she is Paloma’s real mother. Pal struggles with the idea that Mac gave her away, that she was ashamed of her, that she didn’t care for her. She asks Mac “Why?” Cruelota goads, “Tell her why you gave her away, Macarena.”

Padre Mateo gives Padre Benito a call. He’s worried about PJC and fears that his obsession with his past might pull him away from the priesthood.

Mac tells Paloma she made a choice that she thought was the best for Pal. Pal tells her it all was a lie, her whole life has been a lie and that Mac sent her away. Mac tells her that she was always there, always near to her. “But you lied to me my entire life!” Mac assures Pal that she’s always been important to her. “No, I’ve not been important. It was more important to guard your dirty secret!”, Pal tells her and we can see that Pal’s words are like sharp daggers being stabbed into Mac’s heart. Cruelota is there to pour salt in the wounds and tells Pal that Javier and Sagario adored her and that she was in every way their daughter. Mac sobs more upon hearing these words. Mac implores Pal to listen to her, she calls her “hija.” Pal lashes out and tells her to never call her “daughter”. “You were ashamed of me and now I’m ashamed of you,” the daggers are going deeper and twisting. Mac tells Pal that she was so happy when she learned she was pregnant, the happiest woman ever. Pal doesn’t believe her. Mac begs her to let her explain, she can explain it all. Pal doesn’t want to hear it and she runs off. Mac goes after her, but breaks down crying in the doorway. The camera pans to Cruelota, now awashed in her purple glow. She is smiling, cruelly of course.

Cami goes to Di’s to talk to Romi. Di pretends (rather poorly) that she has no idea why Cami is looking for Romi there. Cami tells her that she knows Romi’s staying with her. Di gives up the lie and says that Romi left for the day, but then Romi’s cell phone rings and Cami recognizes the ring tone. She starts to holler for her daughter.

Pal collapses on the floor of her room and mutters “it can’t be, it can’t be.” She cannot believe it.

Mac turns on Cruelota, “How dare you!” Cruelota tells Mac that she is a coward and would continue to hide behind her disguise of the ‘perfect’ aunt role. Well, she won’t be doing that any longer. Mac says that she’s going to protect Pal and to make sure that Pal is given what Javier and Sagario set aside to provide for her. Mac will prove to Pal that Cruelota has been hiding her inheritance from her. Mac tells Cruelota that Pal will be leaving, going to school, getting out from under Cruelota’s control. Cruelota tells her to go ahead and push the matter, but do it and suffer the consequences. Cruelota tells Mac that her little secret will become common knowledge among the townspeople. Mac says, “Don’t you threaten me!”

Pal remembers Sagario’s dying words, that Pal should let Mac be like mother to her. Pal also remembers other tender moments she had with Mac…one time when she told Mac that she felt like a mother to her.

Di eavesdrops as Cami and Romi have words.

Cruelota tells Mac that if she pushes the matter, she will not only let the whole town know about Mac’s “child of sin”, but she will make sure that Pal learns who her father is. “Don’t you dare!” Mac yells. “So, what do you think they’ll call her…child of sin or the priest’s daughter?” Cruelota asks. “You’re sick!” Mac tells her. “You’re a slut.” Cruelota replies.

Mac later seeks comfort from Rufi. She sobs that she’s lost her daughter, that Pal hates her. Rufi tells her to cry and let it all out. Mac sobs that she would have never believed how much Cruelota hates her.

Padre Mateo tells PJC that he talked to Padre Benito. They both think it is wise that PJC go back to DF for awhile. PJC insists that now is not the time, he can’t postpone this conversation he needs to have with Cruelota. Mat says that PJC needs to go and go soon. The conversation will have to wait. It appears that PJC agrees to leave later that afternoon, but he tells Mat that he will be speaking to Cruelota at some point down the road.

Cruelota is sitting at her vanity, putting on her lacy collar. She mutters into the mirror that Mac will pay dearly for stealing the only man she’s loved. She mutters that today is only the beginning of the nightmare in which you will live. END OF EPISODE

Labels:


Saturday, September 26, 2009

MEPS 9/25/09: The M-I Team Gets Goose Eggs or the Case of the Purloined Prize

Capítulo #15_?

First, the obligatory rewind: Babs and Gonzo make plans to visit Cadmilo in the calaboose the next day as long as they get back home before 7 PM, since she has a meeting at the Association afterward. Alone, the conscience-stricken Gonzo considers what a shattering blow it will be for Santiago once he finds out that Aurora’s baby is actually Cad’s. Fernanda tries returning Aurora’s call later that evening, but she only reaches the mother superior. They discuss Fer’s suspicion that Barbara now knows Fer’s been visiting Aurora at the convent. Barbara is determined to get Aurora out of that convent come Hell or high water. As she holds up the bottle of Gonzo’s knock-out drops she says she is certain she has a means to guarantee it.

The next morning Damian gives Lucio Jacobo’s phone number to set up a meeting for further instructions on the plan to get Aurora out of the convent before Barbara can lay hands on her. He tells Lucio that for some unknown reason, the girl has turned into an obsession for Barbara. “She is Barbara’s Achilles heel. We’re going to grab the candy before she can get it into her mouth.” Lucio, our illuminating literary, promises to do whatever it takes to see Barbara Greco crying and broken, hiding in the corners and afraid to be seen, “like the doll in La Muneca Fea, [The Ugly Doll = a Mexican children’s song]. (Uh, sports fans, if you doubted this guy was mentally or emotionally stunted before, this is proof positive.) He and Dam shake hands, now that they’re best buds in the Big-House, and Lucio lights out of there like the Devil to freedom. Dam is left to gripe to himself about Barbara. He tells himself he’s going to spend every minute of his time there planning a way to get even with La Hiena for stabbing him in the back [puñaladas traperas, and another slobber-in-your-cervesa song reference, if it matters].

Barbara calls Artemio and tells him she’s just put the properties from Gonzo into his name per their agreement and, at noon the next day, she’ll be there to hand the notarized documents over to him in exchange for the file on Rebeca Sanchez. Artemio says that was the deal and he’ll fulfill his end of it. She wants to know what his plans are now. He tells her about his meeting with Padre Bosco at 8 PM that night to dig up and verify the remains of Eduardo Juarez. If those are his remains, then he’ll be handing over Lili, “—or what’s left of her!” He allows himself a few snickers. Lili walks into visit with him at that point and he hangs up.

Lili is all smiles and asks Artemio if he’s still angry with her. He gripes at her that he’s still disappointed in her for handing over his mother’s diary to Franco Santoro without permission. Because of it, he says, she’s signed her death warrant.

Across town in Santiago’s hotel room, Fer says she’s getting nervous thinking about having to rescue Lili from Bravo’s place considering it’s got to be full of guards, guns, alarms and security cameras. They’re waiting for a call from Estev once he leaves for San Rafael.

Back at Las Animas, Gardenia shows up to make a play for the affections of Eduardo one last time. “Eduardo, why didn’t you marry Errika?” He says apparently some obliging person stuck their oar in and told her he was interested in somebody else. “—Did you fall out of love with Fernanda?” He is sick of going over the same old same old, he says, but she says she’s hoping she might still have a chance with him. He tells her she’s got to accept the fact he only thinks of her as a sister and that’s all he’ll ever think of her as. He is in love with Fernanda Elizalde and that’s something he cannot change. As for her, he hopes she’ll find somebody to love and who will love her as much as he loves Fernanda. He admits then, that since his love for Fer has no future, he’s now decided to leave there for good and he’s not ever comin’ back. Denia runs off crying. (Could it be that Denia finally gets it?)

Back in the big city, Slick, aka our favorite slimeball, Lucio, enters the Shanghai Chinese restaurant for his big meet with Jacobo. Jaco seems to think about as much of him as the rest of us. Think Pink Panther rejects south of the border. “Damian Gallardo sent me. I am coming to put myself at your disposal.”

It’s visiting hours at the county calaboose and Cad gets a visit from Gonzo and Babs. (From the looks of it, he has apparently heard about those group showers cuz he doesn’t seem to have gone anywhere near soap and water.) He is whining to Gonzo that he’s got to get out of there soon because they’re getting ready to transfer him to prison. Gonzo says Cerisola is doing his best to get a stay so Cad will be kept in the county jail for a while longer. Cad wants to know if Fer is coming to dismiss the charges like Gonzo was supposed to have asked her to. Gonzo can only tell him that he’s told her already. Cad gets angry. He warns his father off the two of them and to be careful. Then he threatens Loafly if he ever comes face to face with her again. Daddy Doofus shakes his bony finger and scolds him. Cad’s got to mend his evil ways. What he’s done to Aurora is unforgiveable, blah, blah, blah. Cad zones out.

Babs tells Cad his father is right. Cad gets the hint and says, fine. He’s ready to give the kid his name and even marry Aurora. Just get him out of that hell-hole and fast. PLEEEEEEASE, Papi? He promises never ever to do anything nasty again.

Ninja Night, 7 PM: Eduardo is in Padre Bosco’s office at the church and the two wait for Artemio Bravo to arrive. Santi and Fer show up at Las Animas. The gang's all there: Martina, Venus, Estev, and Jacinto. They thank them all for agreeing to take such a risk in helping them rescue Lil. Estev tells them that Fr/Ed should be with Father Bosco by now and then if Bravo shows up as planned, he’ll call them all in one hour.

Eddie and Bosco walk out to the graveyard. Bosco admits to Ed that the grave is a fake. Bravo can dig all the way to China but he’ll come up empty. Once he realizes that, there’s no escaping him. Ed says that at that moment then, Eduardo Juarez is going to make his appearance. Bosco shakes his head in despair.

Back at Las Animas, the A-Team (looks more like AA with those ball caps and parkas) goes through the equipment: a lock pick, a portable sound amplifier, walkie-talkies, and a handgun with rubber bullets. (That’s right. This is a family friendly firearm--even though they could still shoot an eye or two out if they’re clumsy enough. Disclaimer Time Out for the kiddies and the emotionally retarded. Beanies off, class? PSA #J-654: Do not try this at home. Duh! If you ain’t been properly trained, then you’re just askin’ for trouble, y punto! Ok. Beanies back on everybody while I jump off my suds-box.) Estev asks if anyone has doubts at this point. Naturally, nobody backs out.

Ninja Night, 8 PM: At the parish church, Bosco takes Eduardo to a side room for him to hide from Bravo. He gives Eddie a rosary and tells him to pray. Suddenly it’s Maria Callas or some such blaring out operatic strains that nearly hide the sound of the doorbell ringing. (Seems that sound tech’s been tokin’ again.) Bravo has arrived. Bosco gives Ed his blessing and asks God to protect them both. He leaves to answer the door. Ed makes the call and tells Estev that it’s time. Operation Lili-pad is a go.

Eddie picks up the rosary. Bosco opens the door and lets Bravo in. The Mission Improbable Team springs into action as the disco-electrico beebops in the background and the screen splits into 2, 3 and even 4-way. So, it’s a tow-truck with a hydraulic lift and a basket from the Cable Guy.

(OMG! Timewarp alert!) Bond flick flashbacks! We’ve got Jaws Borja doing the digging for Hugo Dax Bravo. (Hubby and I can hardly wait for the steel to start glinting the second the guy opens his mouth.) Once the cadaver’s dug up, H.D. Bravo’s trusted eeevil Dr. Higadera will do the necessary tests on it for verification. Padre B. and Bravo’s baddies head outside to the grave.

Estev calls Eddie and tells him they’re on their way. Ed makes sure that Jacinto knows he’s not to take his eyes off Fer the entire time. He tells Estev then to figure on two hours to complete the operation. He hangs up and prays for their protection.

Jaws starts to dig but Bosco stops him and stalls for time by praying. He and Ed begin the Lord’s Prayer in stereo (well, it would have been if the sound editor had been sober at the time).

Outside Bravo’s manse, Fer and Jacinto sit in the yellow FJ as lookouts. She radios Santi to tell him if they don’t come out in an hour she’s going to call the police. Jacinto tells her not to worry because God and the virgencita will protect them and get them all out fine. In back of the manse, meanwhile, the rest of the gang gets into the lift basket. Estev’s no tow-truck operator, but he’s apparently spent a few nights at the Holiday Inn Express. He starts the lift and puts Martina, Santi and Venus up top without a hitch. Martina and Santi go inside. Venus stays out on the roof and waits to signal.

Inside the church, Eduardo bravely fights back the tears as he remembers the letter his mother wrote him (4/3/09 -cap. 34) warning him of the enemy she’d protected him from and reminding him she’d always be at his side, watching over him. At the same time, Fer remembers listening to the taped recording of Lili’s tearful, first interview with Obregon at the clinic when she revealed that it was Barbara Greco who had really killed their mother. “Jacinto, life has been so unfair to Lili.” ‘Cinto reminds her to trust in God and that soon it will be over. She covers her eyes and tells him she is anxious to make it up to her sis and fill her up with love. (Ok. Ok. I admit to pausing for a Kleenex moment here.) Marge, prays that the virgencita will protect them all and bring them back safe and sound. Most of all she prays that she will protect Eduardo from the merciless man who threatens him.

Santi and Martina begin to silently search upstairs for Lili’s room. Martina whispers that the place is so large it’ll be extremely difficult to find it. Fr/Ed calls Santi to see how things are progressing and says he’ll keep Bravo entertained while they continue looking.

Venus radios Estev that there’s still nothing. He tells her no news is good news and to stay calm. (Personally, I think she was just looking for an excuse to play a little with their new toys.) “Cambio y fuera! [Over and out!]

Borja gets tired of digging. Imaginary scissored steel sparkles as he tells Bravo that they’ve sent them to Hell and back digging and it’s long past time since they should have hit pay-dirt (so to speak) and that casket. Bravo signals to Bosco it’s time to ‘fess up [tener la palabra = speak up] cuz he smells a scam in the works. Bosco assures him there’s no deceit and that today is the day he will find Eduardo Juarez. Borja keeps digging. Ed keeps peeking out the window to check on Borja’s progress and gets antsier by the minute.

Back at the mansion, Santi says it’s strange that there doesn’t seem to be anyone there. Martina thinks it’s because they’ve already realized they are there and just want to catch them red-handed. Santi doesn’t agree because he says the alarms would have already gone off by now. Martina takes another look see and says she thinks she’s found Lili’s bedroom.

Meanwhile, Borja stops digging and concludes the gravesite is empty. (It took 7 feet worth of dirt to figure that one out?) Bravo tells Bosco he hopes the priest wasn’t stupid enough to try to fool him. Bosco says he is definitely right about that. “Priests are not that dumb. You don’t have me digging for oil, now do you? Tell me. Should Borja continue digging or not?” “—No! Not now. No.” Bosco throws his hands up in the air in frustration while inside Ed checks his watch and looks to the cross on the wall for answers. (Viewerville waits on pins and needles hoping the diosito is checking his messages this time.)

Upstairs at Bravo’s, Martina and Santi finally enter Lili’s room, but it appears to be empty. Martina finds one of Lili’s sweatshirts on the floor, but the rest of the room is empty. Santi realizes then that they’ve taken her and left. “She’s gone!” Martina weeps in frustration as Santiago immediately calls Fr/Ed to tell him the bad news.

Outside the digging stops and Bravo asks Bosco what they’re waiting for. “--To resolve your anxieties, Artemio, and I assure you that is what is going to happen here.” Bravo orders Borja to fill in the grave. “Are we leaving, Padre? There is nothing else here for us to do at this point.” Bosco tells him to wait. Bravo asks if he’s going to pray a bit more. “You can pray here for the rest of the night because you’re going to need those prayers.” Bosco asks what he means and Bravo wonders if he really needs him to explain. “You are very bold [osado], Padre for having agreed to meet me here just to open up an empty grave. But, I shouldn’t think we will waste the time. Why? Because now I haven’t the slightest doubt. I am absolutely certain that you have always known where Eduardo Juarez is!” (Viewerville bites its nails in angst.)

Suddenly Fr/Eduardo appears out of nowhere and yells over at Bravo. “Artemio! I have Eduardo Juarez!” (Good timing cuz Viewerville’s nails are now down to the quick.)

The M-I team is in a shambles. Operation Lili-pad’s a bust. Everyone is now out front yelling because Lili’s no longer at the mansion. Confusion is the name of this game. Fer and Santi are totally distraught. Fer frantically screams that Lili has to be inside and they just didn’t look hard enough. Martina explains to Fer that the house was totally empty, even the woman who guards Lili was gone, she says. Santi blocks her from entering and says somebody got there ahead of them because the room was messy and looked like Lili’s things were taken at the last minute. All they found was her sweatshirt. Venus thinks it was the guards because the whole house was completely abandoned. Estev asks if Fr/Ed was told and Santi says yes, he told him. They’re supposed to meet him back at Las Animas. Fer cries at the news. “Santi, how long is the fate of our family going to be in the hands of Artemio Bravo?” Santiago hugs her as she screams in frustration and hugs her sister’s sweatshirt.

Back at the gravesite, Fr/Ed tells Bravo that from now on if he wants Eduardo Juarez, he’ll have to deal with him. “--With you?” Bravo turns to Bosco and threatens him. “—This is going to cost you dearly, Padre, and you know what I’m referring to.” Fr/Ed yells back at him. “--Are you referring to Liliana Elizalde?” Bravo looks back over at Franco and raises a bushy brow as Fr/Ed gives a viable explanation. “It was I specifically who asked Padre Bosco to fake this grave because I have extremely formidable reasons to believe that YOU were the one deceiving us and that Liliana is dead!” “--So that’s what you think, Santoro?” Fr/Eddie stares him straight in the eyes. “—Do you have any proof to the contrary?” “—And what would I get in exchange?” “—What you so greatly desire: I will hand you over Eduardo Juarez. Yes. That’s right. I have him and you will have him in front of you the moment you prove to me that Liliana is alive.” (Heart palpatations. Whaddaman!)

Bravo cracks a slight smile and turns to go. “—Think it over well, Artemio!” Bravo barely turns before replying over his shoulder. “—I have nothing to think about.” He begins to walk away. Our boy Fr/Eddie yells back and ups the anti. “—I wouldn’t be so sure of that!” Bravo pauses but keeps his back to Santoro. “--No?” Fr/Eddie plays his high card. “--If you are declaring war against me, I will destroy your plans for revenge by handing over your mother’s diary to Gonzalo Elizalde!” Now he’s got Artie’s attention!

Speaking of Gonzo, he’s eating din-din alone at the hacienda. Tomasa comes in to tell him Pris is coming down. Pris sees the empty table and asks where all the others are. He says Babs is at one of her Association meetings and Fer hasn’t stopped at home all day. Gonzo thinks Fer is avoiding him because he asked her to withdraw the charges against Cad. She still hasn’t, though it’s high time she should have, he adds. (What is it about rape or assault and battery this grizzled old goat still doesn’t get? I just want to throw my hands up in the air and scream!) Pris avoids the obvious and mentions Anibal is off at the Dairy Industry Conference in Rio. Gonzo apologizes for completely forgetting, all things considered. She tries to comfort him and says things will get better for everyone soon. (Cue the violins.) He says that he’s come to think his family is falling to pieces. (Pinch me!) What hurts most is seeing his children suffering.

Back at the gravesite, Bravo starts a game of chicken. He threatens Santoro saying that all he has to do is give the order and he can fill that empty grave with his and Bosco’s bodies. Fr/Eddie counters and says he knows that perfectly well, but (in another classic and most satisfying Mexican standoff) he adds that Eduardo Juarez already has orders that if he does not return in a couple of hours, he’s to give that diary directly over to Gonzo. All he asks is proof that Lili Elizalde is alive. In exchange he’ll give him over Eduardo Juarez. Bravo asks if Juarez will be alive or dead. “--Alive.” Bravo accepts and suggests they go to his house immediately to prove to him that she’s perfectly fine. Fr/Ed agrees. Bosco looks at both of them like he’s ready to hang up his spiritual spurs. Bravo adds a condition that Santoro’s not allowed to leave until Eduardo Juarez is there in front of him. Fr/Ed says fine, but he’s got a condition of his own: the moment Eduardo Juarez appears, Liliana Elizalde is to be set free. Bravo accepts the deal.

At Las Animas, Fer has finally lost it. She pulls out her cell and starts screaming to Estev that she’s got to call Franco immediately and have him demand her sister back. Estev stops her at the last second and makes her realize that a single call can cost Franco his life. She joins the rest of the sullen group and they sit and wait, wait and sit, for some word from Fr/Ed.

Fr/Ed and Artie return to the manse to find it completely abandoned. Bravo wonders where his guards have all gone. He starts screaming for Hilda. Eduardo starts looking and yelling for Lili. Realizing Santiago was correct, Eduardo grabs Bravo by the collar and demands to know what Bravo has done with her. Bravo throws him off and yells back that he has no idea where she is. The two stand there huffing and puffing at each other.

At the summer house, Barbara is pleased as proverbial punch with herself as she pulls tape off Lili’s mouth. She literally has her eyes on the prize.

Labels:


Newer›  ‹Older

© Caray, Caray! 2006-2022. Duplication of this material for use on any other site is strictly prohibited.

Protected by Copyscape Online Plagiarism Finder