Caray, Caray!

(Tonight's recap is written by Jody, substitute recapper for CherylNM )

Episode #93(?) - June 24, 2009:
* Jacinto and Camilo have a fierce confrontation about Gonzo's car which Camilo knows that Franco has outside the corral/stable area of the Elizalde plantation.

* Fr/Ed and Steve are in the office discussing Don Artemio (DA)'s birth certificate - they are curious about the connection to Manzanares' murder, and what Soledad's connection to DA is. Fr/Ed reads DA's mother is Ana Gregoria Bravo and the father is unknown - He's really curious about the evil shadow that's lurking over everyone's lives.

* DA makes a surprise visit to Padre Bosco at Parish San Rafael. DA wants to make a confession. Padre Bosco is muy impactado.

* Fr/Ed thinks Padre Bosco may help answer some of their questions. Gardenia enters and interrupts. She has serious problems with what's happening at the house and tells Fr/Ed that she quits. Fr/Ed acts muy impactado.

* Margarita is at home. Flor is in the depths of despair and still in her bedclothes. She's depressed not only about Vladimir but also not having a job with Grupo Lactos anymore. Knock at the door. Flor hides in her room. Margarita welcomes Fer inside. Fer is looking for Flor - she wants Flor to be her new assistant. Margarita goes to bring Flor out from the back bedroom. Flor cries happy tears.

* Gardenia attacks Steve for flirting around with Venus in the office - Steve tries to play dumb - Gardenia says she saw the two of them in the window. Steve stutters. Fr/Ed scolds Steve about what Gardenia says happened and says Gardenia is correct and says Venus and Martina need to move out immediately. Steve acts impactado and agrees with Fr/Ed. Fr/Ed tells Gardenia that she is not permitted to quit. Gardenia is satisfied by the results and leaves happily. Alone, Fr/Ed and Steve congratulate themselves on their very successful acting job.

* Barbie meets with Police Chief to give him the evidence and tells him they are dropping the charges against Damian - because he's innocent.

* In the confessional, Padre Bosco listens to DA's confession/orders. DA states that this confession will remain in secret for eternity (para siempre).

* Outside Las Animas house, Jacinto blurts out to Fr/Ed and Steve about Camilo's tantrum and threat over the car. Fr/Ed laughs and suspects that Barbie is behind it. Jacinto is frustrated and wonders what to do next? Fr/Ed has a plan and says that at the party they will start to take care of Camilo Elizalde.

* Barbie and Police Chief continue their discussion about dropping all charges against Damian and the Chief says that he will officially halt the search for Damian immediately. He leaves the office. Barbie immediately gets on her computer and sends off and email to Damian. When she's done with the email, she receives a phone call - from Adolphina at the clinic. Adolphina tells her the shocking news that Lili has escaped and disappeared from the clinic. Barbie is furious and demands to speak with Obregon. Adolphina tells her that he's not there.

* DA continues to give his confession to Padre Bosco - only leaving out all the details and specific names - he tells of the string of murders he's done and how he felt invigorated by them. He admires and respects people like Padre Bosco who don't have that blemish on their lives. DA tells Padre Bosco again that this confession will remain in secret. Bosco is impactado and nervous.

* Barbie gives Gonzo the shocking news about Lily's disappearance from the clinic. He's impactado and upset.

* DA continues to tell Padre Bosco how he wants revenge against the Elizalde family; that he is the evil cursed shadow that has loomed large over the family for years; how he was to destroy them and rid the world of them once and for all before he dies. DA wants to save Padre Bosco because they now share this secret confession. He retells Padre Bosco that he is bound by his position to keep this secret. If DA finds out that someone has heard about the information from this confession, that DA will kill him. DA then demands Padre give him a blessing.

* Fer is hard at work, talking on the telephone. Erika, all full of happiness and joy, enters the office. She is still totally curious about the mystery love of Fr/Ed's life. Fer stammers not to respond and change the subject. A phone call comes in - from her dad (Gonzo) - he needs to see her in his office now. Fer tries to leave quickly - Erika stops her and retells her excitement about becoming Fr/Ed's fiance. Fer finally leaves.

* In the hallway, Fer murmurs to herself how is she ever going to tell her best friend that she's in love with Franco.

* Damian responds to Barbie's email.

* Meeting of the family minds in Gonzo's office about Lily's sudden disappearance from the clinic. Anibal is visibly upset that his sister, the insane criminal, is out loose on the streets. Barbie enters and convinces Gonzo to let her go alone to the clinic. Gonzo asks Fer to accompany her. She says that's not necessary. Fer insists and doesn't take no for an answer.

* Lily, Martina and Venus are playing a board game and laughing. Fr/Ed enters and interrupts. He brings her a gift - the white king from her chess set. She takes it and hugs it to her chest. He tells Martina and Venus to get their purses and get ready to leave. Lily is upset that Martina has to leave. Martina leaves the room. Martina returns and Fr/Ed and Venus leave the house. Martina and Lily return to playing the board game.

* Fer recalls what Lily said on the tape as she stands face to face with Barbie in the hallway. Barbie makes a threat to her.

* Fr/Ed escorts Venus to the mall where they meet Steve. Steve takes Venus on a makeover shopping spree. Fr/Ed leaves for work.

* Rolando is in his office and tells Maria that the official investigator will be at the office to finish up on the espionage criminal case and he grumbles that he wants Anibal to pay dearly for this.

* Jaime and Maria are at his desk. She sifts through the files on his desk and locates the Grupo Lactos papers. She bluntly questions him on what the papers are doing there? He's impactado.

* Gonzo, Anibal and Camilo are arguing about the charges being dropped against Damian and whether he should be permitted to return to the company and the family. Anibal grumbles his disgust against Damian - Camilo cackles and makes riddles and jokes that only he understands. Camilo leaves - Gonzo tries to explain Camilo's cackling as best he can.

* Camilo stands in the hallway, mutters under his breath about Fey and Fr/Ed's budding romance becoming really serious.

* Venus' transformation - first stop the hair salon.

* At the clinic, Barbie barges into the office, Fer follows. Barbie asks where Dr. Obregon is. Adolfina says he's not there. Barbie insists on speaking with him. Adolfina says that he's no longer the director at the clinic. Barbie is impactado.

* In the office, Flor runs into Vladimir. He's stunned to see her; she scolds him for his attitude and flirting with her. He stutters. Anibal is stunned and demands to know what she's doing there? Flor just leaves without responding.

* Maria and Jaime meet with Rolando in his office. Rolando has some harsh questions for Jaime about the papers. Jaime is muy impactado and doesn't know what to say. Rolando suspends him from the company.

* Barbie and Fer continue to meet with Adolfina. Adolfina gives Barbie the letter from Dr. Obregon. Barbie reads it silently to herself - we see the image of Dr. Obregon as he writes his professional opinion about Lily's permanent psychotic status. Barbie is frustrated and furious. Fer wants to read it. Barbie continues to read with Fer looking over her shoulder. Barbie asks Adolfina when he wrote the letter. She tells them. Fer then asks when Lily disappeared. Adolfina says it happened at the same time as the letter was written.

* Gonzo and Anibal continue their argument about Damian. Rolando's phone call interrupts the argument. Rolando wants to know who Grupo Lactos suspects on their end. Gonzo says there is possible suspicions against Flor Campio. Maria enters Rolando's office and Rolando asks her for the name of the person who gave Jaime the documents?

* Fr/Ed meets with Padre Bosco in the church's office. They discuss the huge favor Padre Bosco did by helping Fr/Ed keep his Franco identity intact. Fr/Ed tells Padre Bosco that he is investigating all clues and leads to help him understand the secret his mother took with her to the grave. Padre Bosco knows about DA. Fr/Ed shows the birth certificate to Padre Bosco.

* Anibal tells his dad that he is positive Flor is guilty of corporate espionage. Barbie and Fer return to the office. Barbie starts to talk about what they found out at the clinic about Lily. Fer then rips into Anibal and attacks him and the family for their horrible attitudes against Lily for the past 15 years that she was in the clinic. Gonzo stands in stunned silence.
ADVANCE: Barbie starts to work to separate Fer and Fr/Ed.

Labels: manana

Click graphics to enlarge.
Some scenes are consolidated for narrative convenience.

Rerun of Barb coming back to the table where Gonzo is sitting alone. He's bummed out because his family is desmoronando (falling apart). What would happen to him without her dedication and love? She rewards him with one silent tear of joy and clutches him to her bosom.

Rerun of Aurora cleaning the full-length mirror with "Auxilio" on it. She's praying just to be on the safe side. Santi comes by. Aurora washes her hands before coming out to greet him and acts like nothing happened. She asks him about the dinner. He was mystified by it.

Aurora wants the two of them to take off. He asks if it's because she's bored. No, she says, his family is very nice, but she feels like she's in the way. She'd like to go someplace where she can work and go to school. He'd like that too, but they should wait. He promised Fer he'd stay, and he can't let her down.

Warner Music Group made YouTube remove the audio from the second segment of episode 91 because they didn't give permission for a song to be on YouTube, so I miss some of this part of the Aurora/Santi scene. It went by too fast on TV. Basically, Aurora wants to do something (maybe she's still trying to talk him into going away). Santi tries to talks mushy, but Aurora asks how much longer they need to stay. Worried by her attitude, he asks if there's something he doesn't know. Is she uncomfortable living here? She says she's uncomfortable having to hide her "origins." He knows his stepmom asks a lot of questions. He tries to get Aurora excited about the cheese fair. This seems to help. Now he'll leave her to rest for the evening. Goodnight. He leaves. She looks nervous.

Martina is grating cheese. Venus is pooped. It's hard, complicated work all day long learning to be genteel. Martina tells her not to whine. Venus demonstrates that she has learned the proper way to sit down and asks about Martina's father. He's doing fine. Martina tells Venus about her date with Dr. Carlos. They're novios! Venus is happy for her and supportive.

FrEd takes Lili to her new home, which looks like it might be part of a duplex or a condo complex. It's huge and luxurious and filled with flowers. (Not Miraflores.) Lili is stunned. Fernanda shows up, but approaches a little too fast. Lili is nervous and backs away. At a nod from FrEd, Fer tries again, approaching more slowly for a hug. Lili loosens up and returns the hug.

Fer shows Lili to her new bedroom. Lili loves it. FrEd gloats he knew she'd like a room with ventanales (big windows). Fer is grateful. He tells her that their mission is just starting and excuses himself to do an errand.

Fer serves tea to Lili. Lili asks about a CD. Fer plays it for her; it's Beethoven's Für Elise. Then Lili finds another CD she likes: Cyndi Lauper. Fer puts it in the machine.

Lili warms up, dancing slowly at first. She picks up a remote control and starts singing softly into it as she flashes back to when she danced to this song (which was already old then) as a kid, jumping on the bed and throwing pillows. She hands a spoon to Fer, and they begin low-tech game of Air Karaoke Hero. Their voices become stronger, and soon Lili is jumping around on the furniture and flinging pillows just like the kid she was in her flashback.

Afterwards, Fer fans Lili with a silver platter. (My sister and I have to make do with a crappy melamine platter. And a fan.) Lili wants to do it again. Fer says no, yes (i.e. okay, but not now).

Lili asks for Ed. Fer says he's gone. Lili is confused and asks where did he go? Fer sadly says that he's gone far away. Misunderstanding, Lili insists that he's nearby, caring for them. Fer, also misunderstanding, is touched by Lili's seemingly deep understanding of death.

It's dinnertime at Las Animas. Estiv is at the head of the table, flanked by Venus and Martina. FrEd comes home. Venus offers him dinner. He asks if Martina is ready to get the best news ever: Lili is out of the clinic; she's in her new home and asking for her. Martina goes for her jacket. Venus is sad to see Martina go, but FrEd says she's going too. Venus asks if that's the end of their classes. Estiv says no, and more that I miss thanks to no sound in this portion on YouTube. Venus answers excitedly, and then answers again in the fine-folks way.

Aurora gets a nightgown out of a drawer and heads for the bathroom. The bedroom door rattles. Is it a ghost? Aurora invites the doorknob-rattler in. It's Santi. Ha ha, hilarious, but in all fairness he doesn't know about the second mirror incident. He jokingly scolds her for inviting him in without asking who it is. He jokes about being a ghost who's dying of love for her. Kisses. Then he leaves her alone in her room.

She goes into the scary haunted cavernous bathroom and looks nervously at the mirrors. Yep, they're still clean. Then she hears an owl, or at least I think it sounds like an owl, but maybe it's supposed to sound like a ghost. Perhaps it is Moaning Myrtle. Aurora closes the window, but the sound persists.

Someone is lurking outside the window, dressed in a raggedy black costume and rattling chains. Er, I mean a scary figure is rattling chains, oh noes!! I catch a glimpse of the person's feet, but not enough to guess whose feet they might be. (Maybe it's the maid, or maybe it's Camilo doing double-duty on Operation Aurora.) In any case, the ghostly figure is wasted for now, because Aurora doesn't look. But she's nervous enough about the rattling chains.

Too bad they use modern toilets, because this would be a great time to empty the chamber pot.

Barb is muttering in front of her computer, impatiently waiting for Damian to write back. Damian's looking at his computer too, her last message: "Tell me the time and place. This is your last chance to get your life back. I guarantee you won't be sorry." Damian mutters "No, Barbara, this time things are going to be my way. You'll pay with your own flesh for what you did to me."

FrEd comes back to Lili's place with Martina and Venus. Martina and Lili reunite joyfully; Marti introduces Venus. I can't remember if Lili ever met Venus during her brief stay at the Big Cups, but they seem to hit it off now. Lili can't wait to show them her bedroom.

Alone in the living room with FrEd, Fer tells him how grateful she is to see Lily smile again. FrEd says she deserves it. He owed it to the Jinete of Justice. Fer has to leave, but Lili is so happy she doesn't want to spoil the moment by saying goodbye. She heads for the door, but FrEd asks her not to go.

She asks if he wants her to stay with Lili. He says no; she'll be fine with Martina and Venus. He wants Fer to stay so that he can prolong this moment of happiness at her side. She agrees, and they kiss. Easy kisses, this time. She says she's not offended; she's happy. It was a great show of caring, she says, smiling. And then she leaves!

Aurora comes down the stairs, upset. Babs just happens to be there to intercept her. "It happened again!" Aurora exclaims. She tells her about the bloody writing on the mirror. (I don't hear her say anything about the spooky noises outside.) Babs consoles her, but do I see Aurora throw a suspicious look over her shoulder? Eh, probably not.

Babs tells Aurora she knows what she's feeling. Aurora thinks Santi can help her find out who's doing this. Babs says go ahead, but he won't believe you. The same thing will happen to Aurora that happened to Babs. Santi and the rest of the family will think she's hallucinating, but Babs wants Aurora to know she's not alone. She can count on Babs.

Aurora wonders why this is happening to her. Babs says she wondered the same thing, but the padre told her that only sensitive people like them can have paranormal experiences. It's a pain from her past... the soul is searching desperately for help. "Why'd it choose me?" Babs says that, for example, maybe it's Aurora's mother. Aurora is impactada.

Aurora thinks she can solve the problem by leaving the hacienda. Babs disagrees and says it will follow her wherever she goes. That's what happened to Babs.

She asks Aurora to come back and talk to her about this whenever she wants to, because now they share a secret. "I see you not as my stepson's novia, but as my own daughter.

"Calmer now?" Babs asks. "Yes, ma'am," Aurora replies. "Please don't call me that - call me Barbara. Now we are united by a secret." "Thank you Barbara, excuse me." Aurora leaves.

"Mustia infeliz, your hell is just beginning," Barbara says to herself. Last week, I translated "mustia infeliz" as "pathetic loser." This week, let's go with "pitiful twerp" or "miserable pipsqueak."

Damian is at his computer, gloating to himself. "We will tantear el terreno (literally, feel out the ground, i.e. test the waters), my dear Hyena." Babs is getting impatient, but finally gets his emailed reply. "When I get proof that the charges against me have been withdrawn, then you'll have the good fortune to see me." This seems to please her, but here comes Gonzo. She closes her laptop and tells him she was catching up on email.

Gonzo asks what's worrying her. "Fernanda." He's worried too. She's changed. He plans to have a talk with her. Babs says (I think) that women sometimes don't want to discuss things that they think others will find silly. He knows that she's probably upset about the scandal over Damian, but he doesn't understand why she's taking it out on them. Babs says that Fer probably blames them for what happened. If they – that is, Anibal - hadn't turned Damian in to the police, they could have cleared things up with an internal investigation. But now there's no chance she can reconcile with her spouse.

But Gonzo says they had proof against Damian. Babs says she now has proof he's actually innocent! Babs explains the evidence that proves Damian's innocence. It goes by too fast to catch it all, but it has something to do with a credit card that was used to put down a deposit of exactly $3 million for some kind of cheese-making machine. I guess it was all just a wacky mixup! The company is willing to give them their money back.

Fer comes in and says that Erika is fine – she was depressed, but she's better now. She apologizes to Gonzo for the way she spoke to him earlier. He says he wants to talk later, but not now, about giving away his loot during his lifetime. Fer kisses him goodnight, but walks right past Babs. Babs says goodnight. Fer nods coolly in response. Babs asks if Erika was at home. Fer says yes. Babs thought perhaps Erika had gone to the doctor(?). Fer says no, she didn't feel like going out, and leaves.

"See, Gonzalo? Fernanda's different." Gonzo wants to help Fernanda. Babs says they must repair their error; they shut all the doors against Damian, but they need to make it up to her. They have to reopen those doors by withdrawing the charges against Damian. Gonzo agrees, but first he wants to get their money back. Babs will take care of it. He is grateful. She says she just wants Fer to be happy. When Fer gets back her confidence in Damian, she'll also regain her faith in Gonzo. Gonzo is full of gullible gratitude.

Aurora is just getting ready to go to bed when a shadowy figure passes her window. She sinks to the floor, panting in terror.

Fer is going to bed. Will a ghostly visitor pass her window? She prays to Virgencita to give thanks for FrEd getting Lili out of the manicomio. She sees a photo of her mother and asks Virgencita's help in keeping her mouth shut about Babs being a murderer. "I promised Franco... please help me keep my promise!"

FrEd arrives at home and thinks about the evening's kisses. "Fernanda, mi amor. Your lips have shown me that you feel something profound for me."

Camilo is playing with his horsey. Jacinto rides up on his bitchin' bike. Camilo taunts him. "I got down from my horse because I want you to understand perfectly what I'm going to tell you. So listen up good, loser Indian. Tell your patrón Franco Santoro - because he is your patrón, right? – good, so we understand each other, fool - tell Santoro that I, Camilo Elizalde, know he has control of my father's car. And he can do whatever he wants with it!"

(I can't wait to find out what FrEd wants to do with it!)

FrEd and Estiv discuss the birth certificate. FrEd has no idea what relationship could have existed between his mom and Bravo. Steve reminds him that Bravo hired Manzanares and tried to kill Padre Bosco. FrEd remembers that before his mother's death, she spoke of an enemy and mentioned the enemy again in a letter. Estiv says you don't have to be a great detective to know that Bravo's the big enemy.

FrEd wonders why his mother kept the birth certificate hidden in that box. What was she trying to tell him with this? The certificate says that Artemio is the son of Ana Gregoria Bravo and an unknown father. Estiv says this line of their investigation is closed off, but FrEd thinks the only person who might know anything about this, based on the dates in that certificate, is Bosco. And something about "a shadow of evil that weighs on all of us."

The padre is looking at his Bible. Artemio Bravo, the Face of Evil, enters the room. "Hello, Padre Bosco. I've come from far away. Tell me if this is a bad time." The padre asks, "How can I help you?" Bravo replies, "I want to confess." (The padre looks nervous. Does he recognize Bravo, or just sense that this guy is trouble? I can't tell!)

Next time:
Babs acts like a jerk.

Vague, non-spoilery YouTube advances: Gardenia is in a bad mood. A confession gives me flashbacks to FELS. Babs pays a dreaded visit.

Labels: manana

I hear those trumpets blow again, All aglow again, Takin' A Chance on love.....
Here I slide again, About to take that ride again, Starry-eyed again, Takin' A Chance on love....

Yes, we're knee-deep in romance already. Mauricio and Valentina have met in the rain (shout out to Querida Enemiga) and both are instantly smitten. (Is there any other kind of love in these telenovelas?)

She smiles and the rain stops. (A sign from God! Mauricio's officially in love. For sure now.) They have a little chat about her name. He wants to call her Valentina...it's means strength and bravery...but she usually goes by Monita...not because she's cute (mona) but because she used to hang from the trees like a monkey when she was little. Awww...he's even more smitten now. And he does this look well....absolutely brain-dead, head over heels goofy.

Of course the discussion also included how she was thrown out of the office for attacking Gabriela, the office manager. No problem. He makes arrangements for her to be hired by his assistant Salvador and all is well. Only problem?...he gave her a fake name...Ricardo...the name of his chauffeur. This will result in some misunderstanding and lively goings on later. Our heroine is super adorable and feisty, so watch out!

We take a break from our newly hatched lovebirds to check in with the losers. Beto's wondering where Mona's been all day and Estrella's worried about her dress, but she also gets in a few jabs about Beto living off Mona's earnings. That and his chronic need of a bath and deodorant may be part of what's keeping our little heroine pure up 'till now.

Back to the office. Gabriela's in high dudgeon because Mauricio is forcing her to hire the little musaraña (shrew) who almost strangled her to death. Calm down, teach her what she needs to learn, advises Mauricio. Gaby's idea is to put her to work dusting and cleaning along with her pal Paula and this is how she learns Maury's true identity. She finds him leaving the bathroom and shoos him out. You shouldn't be in the boss' office, and certainly not the bathroom! she shrieks. When she finds out he fibbed about his identity, there's hell to pay. But we have to sit through a few ads before we see the confrontation

Okay, here we go. It's pretty sexy. She's going at him great guns; he's not able to explain so he hoists her into the elevator, then throws her into the car (abduction fantasies anyone?) , tells her to fasten her seat belt (okay, no PSA's in my bodice rippers please!) and off they go. He explains, while driving at top speed, that he just felt sorry for her, wasn't making fun of her and now where are they going? Well, to look for the kids he's worried about.

Alright...the kids...sulky, surly Aldo, sweet, smiling Luisa and the little one, Dany, who's running a fever,dribbling snot and hanging onto her mama's picture. They've decided to run away and have holed up in a dilapidated, empty house. No food or medicine of course. And yikes, now a couple of tough hoods show up to give them trouble.

No problem. Help is on the way. Is Mauricio going to save them? Nope. He kind of stands there, wide-eyed, as our feisty heroine roars in, pastes a couple of good ones on the toughs (I've just a scant knowledge of the martial arts but I do know you never want to hit someone in the jaw with your little fist...it hurts you more than it hurts them!) but no matter...in this story, she knocks 'em down, saves the day, and our galan is even more in love.

While all this adorable mayhem is going on, Jeronimo is back at the office trying to put some moves on a very sulky Constanza. Fortunately Gabriela breaks it up and Constanza reminds the primo that they are going to have dinner tonight, the FOUR of them. (guess this means his goofy sister, some kind of Mexican valley girl type).

Back to the orphanage or whatever it is. The director is relieved and happy to have the kids back. Aldo continues to sulk. Luisa starts to thank Mona but she brushes that aside and gives her a kiss. She starts to shake hands with Sulky and they decide to knock fists instead. Okay, our heroine is warm and affectionate, she's also totally cool. And she loves kids and understands them. Do you get where this is going? SHE'S THE ONE! Alas, it's going to be months and months and months before, you know.....And while all this is going on, the little one has decided to sneak into the car. Uh oh.

Anyway, our smitten Mauricio insists on driving Mona home and tells her fer sure she has a job at his office, but not as the cleaning lady. She's going to be HIS secretary...answer his phone, arrange his papers, make his coffee, y'know, that kind of stuff. There's a lot of goofy, dazed smiling going on throughout all this. And of course she can't tell him where she actually lives, so she fakes an address, sneaks in when another woman leaves and somehow eventually makes her way back to her neighborhood and an outraged Beto. WHERE HAS SHE BEEN ALL DAY?

He's been cooking up a deal and thinks she can fight in Vegas. Wants her to take the day off tomorrow from her job at the "Chinese shop" (her little white lie) so she can interview. Estrellita just wants her dress back. Beto wants a kiss but he smells to high heaven and doesn't get one.

Constanza isn't faring much better with Mauricio now that he's home. He's ignoring her, preferring to shuffle through some "very important papers". Dany has climbed out of the car and is scoping out the grapes in the kitchen. Constanza is now following up on Jeronimo's gossip that Mauricio left the office chasing after another woman. Tight spot for our galan, but just then little Dany appears and lisps that she stowed away in his car because she wanted to stay with him. Get out the hankies, folks, I think we have an instant family in the making.

Once again, the beleagured director shows up with Aldo and Luisa to haul off the little darling. Constanza gingerly pats her on the head like she's afraid of lice and as soon as they leave, sighs "What a nightmare. Just imagine if they lived here!". Uh huh...tune in tomorrow.

Okay. My favorite scene. It's the next morning. Mauricio is looking just fine. Nice blue, form-fitting jogging shirt. Sleeveless, so we can admire his muscle definition. He's not a big guy but he's very nicely put together. Really well-proportioned. Should I go on? Actually the scene was brief. He starts thinking about Mona in the rain, and then about the kids. Funny how those two go together. Next he's home, getting some motherly bullying from Teresa. She won't let him drink cold water (actually he should) and insists on him taking juice instead. (what is it with orange juice in these telenovelas?) Then they get on the subject of settling down and having a family, but she hints that she doesn't think Constanza is a viable candidate. He appears surprised. So far, he's shown some nice deltoids but not a lot of I.Q.

Well, back to our lippy folks in the neighborhood. Beto and Estrellita are razzing each other while Mona tries to sneak off to work in a skimpy pink dress. Beto doesn't want her going anywhere looking that delicious, but Estrellita manages to distract him and how! He calls her a manzana podrida (rotten apple) and she tells him he's the worm (el gusano) in the rotten apple and oh my, he gets a new light in his eye as she sashays off. I think we've located some consolation for our about to be dumped Beto.

Mona, meanwhile, is befuddled by the office phone (She has my sympathies there. I'm a disaster on any kind of switchboard.) Gabriela arrives. Some sneers and innuendos
are exchanged but Mona asserts herself wisely, saying she wants to be taught but without being mocked. Way to go Mona!

Meanwhile, Jeronimo is in a restaurant, suffering through the ramblings of his sloe-eyed valley girl hermana. His erstwhile buddy, recently fired, comes in the restaurant and Jeronimo hides under a chair. Leaves sis with the check. When she protests she has no money, he advises that she offer her body and keep the change. His buddy definitely looks interested. Weird scene.

Mona has graduated from phone duty and is now making capuchinos for her galan and Salvador when who should ooze in but our skanky Jeronimo, ready to put the moves on the new office cupcake. She's having none of it.

She enters the office. Time stops. The heavens open up. Angels sing. Goofy smiles while Salvador watches and quakes in fear. How did you sleep last night, she asks Mauricio tenderly. Well, he didn't sleep well....he was worrying about those kids. More goofy dreamy smiles. But he knows what he's going to do now...he's going to adopt them. Of course, you can, she trills. More dazzling smiles and glazed eyes. It's Love Central.

And that's it for tonight.

Previews: Estrella notices there's a special light in Mona's eyes. She's met another man! She's falling in love. You bet, Estrellita.
And cranky Constanza, (and no wonder after two years of noviazgo) is asking What's my place in your life, Mauricio?

Vocabulary:
musaraña = shrew
un pesado de lo peor = a real creep
contigo no se puede = there's no dealing with you, you're impossible (Aldo, remonstrating with Luisa for not having brought along the medication)
el cuento de nunca acabar = the never-ending story. (the director talking about the kids running away)
el gusano = worm
la manzana podrida = rotten apple

Dicho of the Day:

Cada oveja con su pareja = (lit. there's a ewe for every ram) There's a special someone for everyone...and in this case, it's surely Mona for Maurico.

Labels: gancho

This wasn't the most exciting episode, but at least Lily finally left the building.

Fernanda hears Lily’s voice from the past on the tape – “It was Barbara! Barbara killed my mother!”

Margarita gossips with Jacinto, telling him about Flor’s new galan Vladimir. Flor shows up and says Fernanda told her in a couple days she’ll let her know if she was able to do anything about her job. She’s sad though, she says her heart has been broken!

Fernanda listens to the rest of the recording and gets increasingly agitated and upset, rightfully so. On the tape Lily explains that every time her father comes to visit, first they drug her up so she can’t speak. She wants whoever hears this recording to know she isn’t crazy! Fernanda is beside herself, she wants to run home and play this tape for Gonzalo right NOW. Fr/Ed shakes his head no. He looks so surprised that she wants to do this, but come on, it’s the logical thing to do.

Barbara phones Artemio and tells him that Franco and Fernanda are having a secret affair. Artemio says to bring Damian back into the picture so that when Fernanda is having an affair behind his back, Gonzalo will be so upset. This sounds so 7th grade.

Fr/Ed finally convinces Fernanda that someone powerful is behind Barbara and they need to get to that person, so they can’t torpedo Barb with this recording yet. Fern finally, reluctantly, agrees. She also says that Barb is everything to her father, this is going to kill him.

Flor talks through her pain, she feels so stupid for being taken in by Vlad. Gardenia storms in, all heaving breath and sexy, sorry I mean in a huff, she’s beside herself with Las Animas turning into a whorehouse.

Venus shows Martina all the things Esteve has taught her, walking, eating, drinking, sitting, etc. Esteve obviously hasn’t gotten rid of the gum full time yet, she chomps away the whole time. She confesses to being worried about who the person is she is supposed to seduce. I haven’t been keeping up with the recaps, my job is killing me lately, have we all assumed that it’s Camilo? That’s the only thing that comes to mind that makes sense, Venus can seduce him and Fr/Ed and Esteve can use him against his family.

Speaking of (ugh) Camilo, he is laying in bed watching TV while daydreaming about Aurora. He hasn’t seen her be a huge downer in all of her scenes, so he is still swept up in her nice body. I’ve noticed that she has gone to tight jeans now instead of big country skirts. Natasha comes in to try and get him in the mood with some champagne or wine, but he’s not having it. She then suggests pizza, he yells at her that he hates pizza. Basically he just acts like the ass he is and says he has to meet his family and leaves. Why didn’t he just say he had to meet his family in the first place? Natasha cries after he leaves.

Gardenia tells Jacinto and Margarita that she has had enough and is going to quit her job at Las Animas. She thinks Fr/Ed will be so upset when he doesn’t find her there. She is obviously jealous of Esteve paying so much attention to Venus too.

Fr/Ed brings a big bag of cash to Obregon. Obregon says Lily is ready to go. Fr/Ed goes to her room and tells her it’s time to go! Adolfina says goodbye and cries. They slooooooowwwwwwwwwllllllyyyyyyy walk down the hall and Lily stops and knocks on Ciro’s door. She goes into his empty room, Fr/Ed smiles and closes the door to leave her in there. She has an imaginary conversation with Ciro, he tells her to be strong, trust Fr/Ed and Fernanda, she’ll never be lonely again since he’ll always be with her, like a father.

The Elizalde family is all around the dinner table. Fernanda shoots daggers at Barbara with her eyes. Gonzalo announces that he’s distributing his estate now while he’s alive. In her head Fernanda screams “Asesina! Asesina!” at Barbara.

Obregon explains to Fr/Ed that he kept that recording all these years waiting for someone strong enough to take on La Hiena, and Fr/Ed is that person. Fr/Ed won’t shake his hand and basically tells Obregon to get the hell out of here. Obregon takes his “just in case you still didn’t realize I was totally gay” pink suitcase and leaves. Lily is worried and says if she goes home, her father will die. Fr/Ed says she is going somewhere else, somewhere safe, Martina will be with her there all the time. Lily is very happy and excited about this.

Martina walks outside and looks up at the stars, which are white dots on black construction paper, with some super lame special effect shooting starts thrown in. She swoons over Carlos. We see Carlos getting some water from a dispenser, he is daydreaming about Martina and water spills everywhere.

Fernanda’s phone rings, she sees that Fr/Ed is the caller. She sits there and lets it ring while everyone yells at her to answer or turn it off. She finally leaves to answer the call. Fr/Ed tells her he has Lily and invites her to meet them to help Lily settle in. Fern gets the address from him and writes it down. I have a feeling that her writing the address on a piece of paper will have some significance later on, it just seemed like there was a big show of “OK LET ME FIND A PENCIL AND WRITE THIS DOWN.”

Fr/Ed tells Lily that Fernanda is going to meet them, Lily is very happy.

Fernanda grabs her purse from the table and doesn’t know what to say about where she’s going, Tomasa comes in and says Erika called earlier. Fern says oh yeah, I’m going to see her. So, uh, later. Camilo says if Erika needs company she should call her NOVIO FRANCO SANTORO. He gives a meaningful look to Barbara. Anibal yells at Fern that family should come first, but Gonzalo excuses her to go. Barbara immediately gets up also, saying she’ll be right back.

Aurora eats dinner in her room, she left the main table before when Gonzalo announced his plan, she said it wasn’t her business. She goes to the bathroom to wash her hands, she looks down towards the closet and sees written on the full length mirror “Auxilio” in blood.

Barbara calls Erika’s house and pretends to be from the bank, she finds out that Erika isn’t home, she’s out with her parents. Now she knows Fern is going somewhere else.

Aurora cleans off the mirror, praying all the while. Santiago calls from outside, she pretends nothing is wrong.

Barbara returns to the table, everyone else but Gonzalo is gone. He is down, he feels old and disillusioned. He tells her how important she is and that she is the only real thing left in his life. Barbara squeezes out some tears and that makes him feel better. She hugs him and gives her evil happy eyes behind his back.

Tomorrow – Fr/Ed and Fernanda make out some more after getting Lily settled in.

Labels: manana

We can discuss the Tontas Cristina Show here. I don't intend to recap it. If anyone wants to summarize any important part, adalante!

From the Cristina web site, it sounds like the guests will be Jaime Camil, Valentino Lanus, Jacque Bracamontes, and Luis Manuel Avila (Sven/Zamora). Others might make appearances as well.

Jacque will probably talk about her new Televisa novela, Sortilegio. Jaime will probably talk about his next project, Los exitos Perez, based on the Argentinian Los exitos Pels. He might also discuss his movie, Recien Cazado which was filmed in Paris in late 2007 and will be released in theaters in Mexico soon. And Valentino? I guess we'll find out.

Labels: Tontas

Hello,

This will be the lineup my emails tell me:
Maggie: Monday
Julia: Tuesday
Gloria: Wednesday
Nina: Thursday
Chris and Cathy: Friday

If this is isn't right let me know, pronto!
Thanks all,
Melinama your blog mom

Labels: amor, Cuidado, schedule

Hey y’all, s’up? Another novela, another opportunity to meet estranged family members and laugh, scream at the TV, and gnaw our arms off as we follow our loveable-loser friends south of the border.

Our Mayan ancestors predicted the end of days on 12.21.12. Please, we beg you, come spend money in Mexico and view the Mayan ruins, spend money on our trinkets, and boost our burnt-out economy. When you’re done, watch “Un Gancho al Corazon:” it’s special because its not a painfully regurgitated mess of something that our predecessors invented fifteen years ago.

This is the story of Valentina—Val—who is a seemingly innocent hot little number by day and a spunky pink Rocky-wannabe by night. If nothing else, this show has taken typical Mexican gender roles and expectations and thrown them out the window. Every boxer has a motivation, and Val’s is to fight to pay for her wedding and keep her coach/boyfriend in the lap of luxury. “But my arm hurts.” “Get back in there and suck it up ya sissy.” Some people get the short straw and some people get all the breaks…

Mauricio—Maury—is the rich businessman of the show, and therefore lover of the female protagonist, and secretly arrives via private jet. He hugs Salvador, his business partner, who begs him not to drive fast. Everyone knows that Italian loafers make for a heavy foot…

Maury’s cousin and friend are the bad guys of the show who are involved in unauthorized business dealings on account of Maury having been in New York. While the cat’s away the mice will play! We know they’re bad because they grope all the office secretaries and drink Tequila early in the morning.

Back at the boxing event Val throws some punches and receives a few more. Sometimes you’re up, sometimes you’re down—it all adds to the dramatic effect. Eventually Val takes the final fall and the other chick wins the cash and the trip to Reno. Instead of kind words of encouragement after a tough loss, Val’s coach/boyfriend chews her out and then she goes to tell the lady with the monkey on her head (his mother) that he’s being mean to her.

Maury is clever and already suspects that his cousin is up to something and discusses the matter with Sal who is holding on for dear life. If we learned anything from the Bush/Cheney era it’s “Stay the path” says Maury as he goes left to center to face an oncoming semi. “I need that rush.”

Again, Beto (the coach/boyfriend) is chewing out Val for not using her right arm. She says it hurt a lot and then she punches him with her right arm. Enter eccentric, naïve mother who has the fashion sense of a fourth grader. Help is on the way and it’s just another day for another average Mexican family.

Back at Maury’s business Bonilla (the bad guy, but not related) is meeting with some realtors to seal the unauthorized deal. He just about shit’s himself when Maury and Sal unexpectedly break up the party and cancel the deal. So much for being in New York. I hate it when that happens.

Meanwhile Mommy is tending to Val’s wounds and Beto is still mad. So Val quits boxing and fires her manager/boyfriend.

Bonilla is stupid enough to admit to having a 15% cut in the real estate deal that went bad. Needless to say he’s fired and Sal is going to write his resignation for him.

As we find out, Beto is an ass who does nothing while Val works to support him and his mother. Now that the doctor told her she has to rest her arm for three months, he wants her to get another job so they can have beans and tortillas and throw back a few beers while watching the game. She can’t iron or cook, so she’ll have to sell chicle on the side of the road, or else work the streets like their neighbor. At least this way she might be on TV.

Jeronimo is Maury’s cousin who authorized the transaction, but “never knew that Maury wasn’t in on the deal.” Well, Jerry, when your cousin/boss has no knowledge of a “deal” it’s safe to say he hasn’t authorized it. But, Maury is an idealist and refuses to see things the way they are. “We just thought you wanted to be alone in New York.” “Well, let’s ask Bonilla about it,” suggests Sal. No need, I believe my cousin with my whole big heart. In walks the evil girlfriend with all the shopping bags and tight clothes. Why did she have to find out that her boyfriend was in town from his secretary of all people? Because he doesn’t really care about their empty relationship and is only interested in the sex.

Bonilla and Jerry get in the car and argue about who should have taken the fall. Bonilla threatens to tell Maury about what Jerry did, but then Jerry kicks him out of the car because he’s the powerful one.

It’s a relationship marked by sexual frustration and downright disgust. Little Val forgot her 8 year anniversary with Beto and explains that she hasn’t been in the mood for all these years because she’s been beat up so much lately. “Working the local boxing rings to keep you in hair gel and shell necklaces has taken its toll on me.” She doesn’t really care if he gets fat because she can use it as a pillow. She tells him this, but deep down she can’t get over the fact that she wasted 8 years of her life on this loser. Could you?

Sal tells Maury to find a new chick because Constanza is just not cutting it. So, in a work of cinematographic excellence, Maury and Val ask themselves at the same time “where is my other half?” Well they couldn’t possibly be on the same screen asking the same thing could they?

As it turns out Val is like Mama’s daughter she never had. This time next week Val will be training and running around like she used to. Val’s neighbor Paula works for Maury’s business and heard that they want to hire secretaries tomorrow so Val, who has no secretarial experience, will go for the job. You have to start somewhere…

Maury gets the whole welcoming wagon when he returns home. He wants to go to the bedroom with Connie before and after dinner. After having sex, Maury dreams that he fell asleep at the wheel of a burning racecar and some woman in a red dress pulls him out. Freud would tell us that this is his mother who abandoned him at a tender age. However, some of the greatest psychoanalysts were racecar mechanics. Maury’ mechanic interprets his dream to mean that he needs to return to the race track to relive his dream of becoming a famous racecar driver. This explains why Maury always wants to exceed the speed limit on local thoroughfares.

Even though she knew she needed a dress last night, Val waited until the morning of her interview to find a dress. Karla, the maid from Guapos lends her a dress in which she hardly feels comfortable. It’s more suitable for a karaoke bar, and she would certainly prefer to wear boxing shorts and a tank top, but this is a fancy work place and the beginning of a new life, so why not go all out.

Meanwhile, Maury takes the car out for a spin around the old racecar track. Maury is one of those hopeless romantic types who prefers to see the good in everyone. Sal, an experienced and trusted friend, warns Maury that Cousin Jerry is up to no good, but Maury insists that he is his only family member and therefore he will not question him.

So there’s this school where the roof fell in on the cafeteria. Then a social worker shows up and tells the one lady that a family wants to take little Daniela.

Val is practicing what she’s going to say in her interview and then Maury sees her. It is love at first sight as they both circle each other in amazement. Then Val goes to hide behind a pillar like a small child. Maury likes that in a woman.

Val is not pretty butch, she can’t walk in heels, and has some pretty crass mannerisms. It takes her every effort to walk in heels, but she’s not about to loose her sense of pride.

After about thirty more-qualified women pass through the interviews, the mean office manager refuses to see Val because she “doesn’t fit the profile of a professional secretary.” She’s dressed for a table dance or street walker, but not a secretary. Hearing this sets Val off onto a rampage and she attacks the manager until the security officers take her out to the street. She sits in the rain until Maury comes to her rescue. She explains that she is not a common street dweller and that she is simply brutish at times. She is bluntly honest and Maury loves that. “She smiled and the rain stopped.”

Tomorrow: Maury tells Val to go talk to Sal—“tell ‘em Ricardo sent you.” Who’s Ricardo?

Labels: gancho

After months of frustration, the writers have exactly one hour left to bring love to the good, punishment to the bad, and maybe redemption to one or two. Could they pull it off? Let’s see.

When last we left off, Judy told us how Paulina, in full cat burglar attire, had swooped in and snatched baby Santi. How is it possible! screams big Santi, now home, as Donato, Tina, Jaime and Isabel are speechless. All they can think of is that maybe a window was open. Santi will call the police.

In a hotel, Paulina is cuddling the cute baby, telling him that the first part of her plan worked perfectly. Nothing will happen to our little tyke. But Santiago will PAY. There’s a knock at the door, and it’s a nurse, dressed in pink. Pau shows her where all the baby stuff is (diapers, bottle, I guess Pau has planned pretty well). Pau’s going to go out for a bit. The nurse asks if possibly Pau is hiding the baby, and Pau covers, saying the baby’s father is violent, worse when he drinks, wouldn’t you do the same in my place? Nursie buys this drivel, not noticing Paulina’s smirk on the way out.

In the restaurant, Patricio is telling Irene about his movie project, Veritas, Prince of Truth, wondering if he’s boring her. No way, Irene’s fascinated, she even liked Pat’s wedding story (when Candy stripped and ran). This is way better than reading file (expediente) after file in her law practice. And she understands Pat’s pain, but there were good things, too. He should remake his life. Pat’s not ready, what with losing Patito, today is just not a good time to start over. How about tomorrow? Irene says with a smile. Or the day after tomorrow? Always negotiating, counters Pat, also smiling now. Okay, he’ll try. Well, with that out of the way, let’s enjoy the evening says Irene, as they sip their wine and look into each others’ eyes.

Santiago is criticizing Donato and crew for not guarding the baby well enough, when the phone rings. It’s Paulina, who immediately tells him that she took the baby. Santi is stunned, after all the months of anguish he’s just gone through, is she crazy? (no comment!) Paulina says it’s time for you to PAY for all you’ve done. Fine, what do you want, money? And where are you? Pau hangs up. Santi tells the others Pau’s a mental case, he’s going to her house, hopefully she’s there. Isabel counsels calm.

Pat’s home now, relaxing with a glass of milk, as a toy tyrannosaurus rex (whose face somehow reminds me of Pat) is walking in circles on the coffee table. He says to himself he misses his short and squat (chaparros) monsters (the boys). He looks through contracts, finds the baby’s vaccination record (cartilla de vacunación). He first thinks he’ll deliver it to Santiago tomorrow, but why not go now, he’ll see “Patito” again. Off he goes, telling the toy dinosaur not to fall off the table, he’ll be right back.

Pretty hands are clutching a rosary, two candles are lit, as Candy prays that Santi’s baby is okay.

Over at Santi’s house, he’s just walked outside to the car, leaving a message on the phone for Detective Ambrosini, when Pat shows up with the vaccination record, along with Patito’s favorite toy, a funny face which is making little sounds, but Santi fills him in on the “kid”napping, there’s no time to waste. Pat notes that Santi is upset (alterado), offers to come with Santi to help, and the two get in Santi’s sportscar, our two incredible guys working together.

And now for the scene that had me on the floor laughing. Lalo is playing with his collection of little racecars, especially a red one, wide-eyed, looking about 3 years old. Chayo enters in a huff, Ed’s relieved, she’s back, hooray, but she proceeds to pick up a decorative plate and SMASH it on the floor! Wait, wait, that was a gift from my mother! She smashes another plate. This time Ed laughs, nanny nah nah nah, THAT one was a gift from YOUR mother! Chayo says she’ll keep smashing stuff until he gives her the divorce. Oh yeah, you think you’re the only one who can break things, responds Ed as he grabs her psychology notebook, ripping it to shreds. The two face off, her bangs in her face, their jaws set in determination.

Santi and Pat are in the car, having arrived at Pau’s house, but all the lights are off. Hmmm. They’re about to go in, when Pau comes out with a suitcase. They watch her get in her car, and decide to follow.

A feminine hand grabs a toy red car, and Lalo screams “No, wait!” It took me a year to get that piece for my collection. He grabs her laptop, hoists it above his head, and she begs him to stop, all her information is in it, she won’t destroy his car if he’ll spare the laptop. Fine, but you first, give me the car. This enrages Chayo, who proceeds to tear the roof off that sucker (the car, that is), followed by BOOM, laptop destroyed, he’s stamping on it for good measure. More general destruction follows, Chayo even spilling Ed’s cup of milk all over the place, both are going wild, and I keep thinking these two are definitely made for each other, it’s sort of like a sweet version of War of the Roses.

The woman in black walks across the parking lot entrance to the hotel, unaware she’s being observed by our two heroes. They follow surreptitiously, and see her get in the elevator. In the classic scene, they watch the number on the outside of the elevator to see where it stops. Lucky for us, it’s on the 2nd floor (the building’s about 20 stories tall, and we viewers don’t want to waste time, we want our wedding!). Some of us note that a workman is working on the other elevator, and there’s a yellow caution sign. The other good thing about the 2nd floor is that our boys can use the stairs.

Alas, Chayo and Ed are crying over the spilt milk, the apartment is a shambles, they’re both sitting cross-legged on the floor next to each other, he’s trying to fix his little car, she’s trying to put the keys back on her laptop, neither with much success. She’s still pleading her case, and he finally says you win. “Then you’ll give me the divorce?” He nods sadly. Tomorrow morning he’ll sign the papers. She impulsively gives him a little kiss on the cheek, then looks away guiltily, he’s downcast, defeated, she gathers her purse and laptop, and walks out of his life forever.

Our amateur sleuths have reached the second floor, but there’s a long corridor, and who knows what room Paulina’s in? Not to worry, right on cue they hear the baby crying. They walk down the hall, getting closer, closer, then they hear Pau’s voice. Why can’t you shut up the baby, she demands of the nurse. Sorry, the baby’s hungry, and there’s no milk (good plan Pau, she brought diapers, the bottle, but forgot the milk!). She’ll get some, but when she steps into the hallway, Santi and Pat see her and she flees. Santi tells the nurse it’s their (Santi and Pat’s) baby, the woman that hired her is crazy, they’re calling security, please hold the baby and don’t let anyone in. They race off in hot pursuit, Paulina has descended the stairs, and as she runs past the elevators, she looks back at her pursuers, doesn’t see the yellow caution sign in front of the broken elevator, loses her balance, and falls into the empty elevator shaft! Santi and Pat are horrified, Santi races to get an ambulance, and Pat looks down the shaft to see Paulina, flat on her back, all dressed in black, apparently dead. (Oh how far you’ve fallen, dear evil Paulina). But she’s NOT dead, as we see her eyes flicker.
The next morning, Pat is at Meño’s house, filling in Meño, Gregoria and Candy. Candy is elated that Santi has the baby back, and they ask about Paulina, is she dead? No, it was only the second floor, but there’s damage to her spine (columna), and she could be paralyzed. The important thing is that the baby is safe, and Gregoria even asks if Pat’s shoulder still hurts. Nah, he’s a tough guy.

At Santi’s house, he’s feeding the baby, telling Isabel that after what happened, he NEVER wants to be apart from his son again. From now on, his priorities are his children and Isabel, that’s all. But what about Candy? inquires Isa. Well, he’s lost her. Santi tells Isa that he loves Candy with all his heart, but she no longer cares for him. Are you sure? Yes, he answers, if she still cared for him, she’d put aside her pride and come to him, apologizing for going to Pat’s house and caring for him all those days. Isabel doesn't say anything, but her expression shows what we all know.

Today Charly has to leave for Germany, and the family has gathered to see him off. Meño gives his son a heartfelt hug, telling him how proud he is, asking him to write every day. Gregoria gives him a Virgen de Zapopan y la Guadalajara card for luck, and don’t forget, be proud to be Mexican. They hug as she cries. Pat’s there too, and hugs him as well. Candy is standing behind Chava, her arms lovingly draped around him. Charly tells Chava to promise to behave, and they high five. Gregoria and Pat agree to be friends. Charly says he’ll miss Candy, too, and hopes she’ll be happy. She says she is happy, she has her baby, as she kisses Chava on the cheek. Charly asks if Candy is going to reconcile with Santiago. No, she replies, she loves Santiago with all her heart (see above), but he doesn’t love her. How does she know? Because if he did love her, he would have done something to show her.

We’re at the family lawyer’s office. I guess Chayo and Ed are finally going to do it, the papers are ready to sign, the lawyer (or judge, I’m not sure) tells them all that remains is to decide how to divide their belongings (gee, I thought you do this in advance, but don’t mind me). Chayo says all she wants is her freedom. Ed tells the lawyer that Chayo can have the house. When she protests, he says she should have a decent life, and he made her so unhappy, he wants her to remember him with at least a bit of affection. Chayo says not all their marriage was unhappy, and Ed agrees, remember when we first were together at the beach? She does. And Ed also wants her to have the car, the car in which they kissed many times, he wants her to have it, to remember the good times. And you, what will you remember of me? asks Chayo. As tender music plays, Ed says he’ll remember her as the most beautiful, cute, unique, lovely woman he has ever known, as the only woman he has ever really loved. The judge interrupts, it’s time to sign. Chayo takes the pen, but hesitates. Ed takes his pen, he can’t do it either. They look at each other, and filled with emotion and love, kiss deeply. Well, says the judge (tearing the divorce paper in half), one less divorce, I now declare you husband and wife, you may continue kissing the bride. Yes! as we viewers (me, at least) thrust our hands in the air in a fist of triumph, finally!

In Pat’s office, Arturo tells how he’s paying for all the repairs to the buildings, the people will all be safe and secure. And he never realized how good it would feel to do the right thing. But now he’s doing it, thanks to Pat. They both say they love each other. Arturo says he’s not going to bother Pat, Margarita or Gregoria now. He’s going to fix all the wrong he has done, and when everything has been made right, he’ll return and recover the time they’ve lost. (Okay, we have our redeemed character!)

In the hospital, Paulina has a brace around her neck, hair pulled back, a bruise on her forehead, and Mario has come to see her. The camera pulls back, and we see she’s sitting in a wheelchair, wearing a modest red, long-sleeved top, a gray blanket covering her legs, her hands clasped together like Whistler’s Mother. She tells Mario she’s paralyzed. Now, HE’s going to have to care for her for the rest of her life. No way, toots, he replies, have a great life, see ya! Not so fast, replies Pau. If you don’t do it, I’ll tell the police you killed Gabino’s father. I know exactly where you buried the body. So you decide. Take care of me, or go to jail (o me cuidas, o la cárcel!) So Pau has her anvil, and Mario his. Couldn’t happen to a more deserving couple.

At the airport, Charly’s walking along talking on his cell, when he looks up to see Lucía’s beaming face. A full mariachi band starts playing, there’s a big sign saying “Farewell (hasta siempre), Charly. Lucía” with a heart behind Lucía’s name. They hug, tears streaming down their faces. They tell each other te amo, and kiss. They gaze lovingly into each other’s eyes, as the band plays a romantic parting song.

At the Institute/Consultorio, it appears Hortensia has taken up Lulu’s lollipop habit, as Isabel arrives, she’s a little worried about Santiago. However, Santi’s not there yet. In the other room, Meño is telling the ladies the latest gossip, that Candy herself told him she still loves Santi. Back out front, Ed and Chayo burst in, feet barely touching the ground, cancel all our appointments, we’ve reconciled, and we want to celebrate! They proceed to make out quite sexily, as everyone looks on, mouths agape. When Ed wonders why they’re not all jumping with joy, Horti takes him aside to clue him in on the one little problem remaining in our cute little telenovela. The leads aren’t together yet, and there are only 15 minutes of air time to go! (well, she doesn’t exactly put it THAT way). Sole takes Chayo aside to tell her the same thing.

But first, a little more good news. Emiliano is in Pat’s office, the movie’s done! Okay, when does the promotion start? It’s already started, say Emil, close your eyes, 1, 2, 3! He unrolls the movie poster, Veritas, Prince of Truth, Pat thinks it’s incredible. They’re gonna celebrate. And the movie debuts September 2nd. Hooray!

As everyone gathers around, Isabel and Meño compare notes. Meño tells how Candy adores Santi, but thinks he doesn’t love her. Isa says, same here, but in reverse. Santi told her he loved Candy, but thought she didn’t love him. Everyone agrees that the two are crazy, but they have to do something. Candy and Santi shouldn’t be suffering for nothing (sufriendo en balde). Problem is, Candy and Santi have a communication breakdown, and won’t admit their true feelings to each other. What to do? The camera slowly zooms in on Meño as he says it’s coming to me, it’s coming to me (ya me está cayendo), I’ve got it!

Chava and Rocío are trying to play, but she wants to play girl games, he wants to play boy games. Donato to the rescue, Isabel says to come along, there’s a surprise. Let’s go!

At the Institute, we see Meño’s clever plan. He’s installed tiny microphones (and presumably speakers, but the producers don’t exactly worry about that part) in secret places in Candy and Santi’s respective offices. Candy’s is on the photo of her and Santi on the desk, as the Institutas look on. Over in Santi’s office, Ed has attached a matching mike on Santi’s picture of Candy, as Isa and Horti look on (good thing they still have those pictures, after “breaking up”). Ed yells through the walls, why do they even need mikes, the wall’s as thin as cardboard, you can hear right through. Meño responds, well it’s not brick (ladrillo), so don’t push on the wall, or it could come right down on you (gee, I wonder why they’re telling us this? :)). Now all they have to do is wait for Santi and Candy to arrive, and confess their great love.

Santi arrives first, asks Hort if he has any appointments. No, she says with a smile, but your mother and Mr. Ed are waiting for you in your office. Santi thinks that’s a little strange. Next, a somber Candy arrives in her red dress, asks Lulu if she has any appointments. No, she says with a smile (maybe I should just cut and paste from here on out), but Don Meño and Chayo are waiting for you in your office. Candy sees Santi standing there, says hello, have a nice day (hah!). They keep looking at each other, but of course, no one says anything more. Santi’s sucking noisily on a lemonade, and Horti tells him it’s bad manners (and I learn the word for suck is sorber).

Meanwhile, Pat welcomes Irene (dressed in a maroon or burgundy suit, her short skirt showing some great legs, and a low cut cream colored blouse) to his office. She reminds him of his promise to start enjoying life, and she’ll give him as much time as he needs. Even if it takes his whole life? Oh, she thinks it’ll be much quicker than that (we agree). She moves in close, touches his cheek, and he takes her hand, asks her to give him time, maybe she’s right. She smiles a smile that could melt an iceberg, and methinks the boy is hooked. I sure am!

Candy is typing on her laptop, as Chayo and Meño lean over in anticipation. Candy looks at them as if they had a screw loose. Chayo starts. Is it true what Don Meño told me, you still love Doctor Plastico? The two lean over the hidden mike. In the other office, Horti, Ed and Isa want Santi to admit he loves Candy. Ed tries to drag him down to the picture. What’s going on, asks Candy. Shut up and listen, says Meño. She hears a voice on some speaker. Ed is saying, just repeat what you told me this morning, repeat it, repeat it. Candy hears Santi’s voice saying fine, I love Candy deeply, but she doesn’t love me. Her eyes light up, finger on her lip, she looks up at Chayo and Meño, both grinning, she sees the hidden mike in the picture, shakes her head, thinking, you guys! Okay, says Meño, your turn, tell me what you told ME this morning. Fine, says Candy, and in a loud voice, leaning into the picture, says “I am crazy in love with Santiago, but he doesn’t love me. Satisfied?” (We hear this from Santi’s office, as he looks high and low for the mike). He finds it, rips it off the picture, talks into it, it’s not true that he doesn’t love Candy. As the friends go outside the respective offices to listen in through the doors, Candy and Santi proceed with one of their trademark stubbornfests, each challenging the other, if you really love me, come to my office and tell me. Of course, no one’s budging. Candy gives him one minute, and the countdown begins. Each thinks the other is coming soon, and that the other is full of him/herself (se esta dando su taco). But Santi remembers the last time this happened, it didn’t turn out too well. All of a sudden they both frantically rush for their doors, but the respective friends are holding them closed until Santi and Candy say the magic words and give in. Candy yells that her door is jammed (atorada), she’s going to lose him. In the hallway, Raúl, Sole and Gregoria arrive with Beto and Chava. Also Zamora, Toño, Jaime, Miguel (one of the abandonados, haven't seen him in a while), Lucía and Rocío happen to show up. Also Carlos, Tina, Donato, and probably 6 or 7 more cast members I left out.

And just like the deflowering of a virgin, Santiago BURSTS through the wall, his maleness on hyperdrive. The two still avoid each other a few seconds as they count down the rest of the minute 4,3,2,1, blastoff! They kiss desperately, then lovingly, as the entire cast comes in, oohing and aahing, then breaking into applause (as do we). We get a beautiful close up, slow motion shot of THE KISS.

And bam, it’s the wedding! No ceremony, just a replay of the above kiss, then we cut to two hands clinking champagne glasses, as fireworks go off on multiple flat screen televisions at the reception. They’re in a huge club, all pink and blue modernistic lighting, even the floor is pink, purple and blue luminescent squares, lots of flat screens projecting various images. Pat’s there with Irene. The crowd yells for another kiss, and Santi bends Candy back for a big one. He’s looking amazing in a white suit, a silver-white tie, Candy looks sweet and modest (for her) in a medieval type princess gown with a peasant veil.

And there’s even more good news. Chayo’s pregnant, Ed’s going to be a Papá! Santi wants to be the padrino. You got it, bro!

Pat is holding Patito/Santiguito, Irene in a fantastic red strapless dress at his side, telling the three kids that the movie opens September 2nd, he gives them movie posters, and they all shout in unision, Veritas, Prince of Truth!

Pat and Irene stand up to congratulate the wedding couple, Pat asks if he can watch the baby during the honeymoon, and Santi jokes sure, you can have him for two years. Irene adds, not to worry, we’ll take good care of him. You TWO? ask Santi and Candy. Well, answers Irene, we’re just good friends now, but it won’t be long! Santi hopes they’ll be happy. Irene says I hope we’ll be REALLY happy, and Pat kisses her!

The dancing starts, and we hear the Tontas no van al Cielo happy theme, which we haven’t heard for a long time, it starts with “She’s a woman in every sense of the word”. We see Santi and Candy in front of the big screens, now showing clouds and blue sky, they agree they’ve said hello to everyone, now they can be together, just the two of them. Santi jokes about wedding food, Candy just wants to be happy forever. Oh how corny (cursi) is my wife, he says. My wife! My husband! One more big kiss, and our prince and princess live happily ever after.

THE END

Vocabulario Final (quiz next week)

Expediente – a file or dossier
Chaparro – short and squat
Cartilla de Vacunación – Vaccination record (cartilla means booklet)
Alterado – upset
Columna – spine
En balde – in vain, for nothing
Sorber – to suck (as in lemonade)
Darse taco – to be full of yourself, think you’re it
Cursi – corny, sentimental

Not to be cursi, but it’s been an absolute pleasure doing these recaps. Although sometimes this show was a little frustrating, the Gran Final was exciting, fun, emotional and satisfying.

Labels: Tontas

Hi,
It may be my mail program or I may be spacing out, but I need to re-check the coverage for the upcoming 8pm show. So far I have:

Chris Ferro and Cathy: both want Friday (can either of you switch so we have more coverage?)

Maggie: would like Monday if Jody leaves or can switch days

I haven't heard from Jody, Julia, or Gloria. Please check in!

Anybody else want to throw a hat into the ring? We can always use new recappers as subs if there isn't a regular spot...

Labels: amor, Cuidado, recappers-needed

Barbara tells Aurora not to tell anyone that she is crazy.

Franco/Ed is pulling down a box for Dr. Obregon. He says what this package contains is worth the 2 million dollars you are going to give me.

Barbara tells Aurora that everything that is happening is very dangerous. Aurora questions how so, but Santiago comes in and interrupts. Barbara tells Santiago how much she enjoys talking to Aurora. And if Aurora wants to talk further don't hesitate to come to her. She leaves and Santiago questions Aurora what they were talking about. He doesn't trust Barbara .

Vlad tells Pris not to be upset with him over the situation with Damian. Pris tells him that he is protecting a guy that stole 3 million dollars from the company. Throw him in the street. Let him rot in prison. Vlad says he cannot because he knows our secret. Pris says there is no secret. This baby is mine and Anibal. Do you understand? You know that's not true replies Vlad. All I know is that I am married with Anibal and that I have a child from you. That's all replies Pris. Vlad wishes he never told Damian. He promises to fix the problem and protect her from Damian.

Damian is playing solitaire and putting a crap load of ketchup on his food. He receives an email from Barbara asking him to name a time and place to meet.

Vlad tells Pris that he is completely on her side and promises to persuade Damian to give up on his plans. What plans asks Pris. You know the plans replies Vlad. I will not let him bother you. Are you going to let me help you? Pris asks again what is his plans. He wants to tell Anibal about them and do whatever it takes to get his position back with the family. That's why we need to be united together.

Dr. Obregon opens the package and asks Franco/Ed to give him a tape recorder from his dresser. He hands Franco/Ed the tape to play.

Fernanda tells Gonzalo that she doesn't accept that Flor gave away company secrets. She thinks someone else with no scruples did it. Gonzalo says the only person with access to that information was Flor. Fernanda asks him why are the poor always the one found guilty?

Vlad tells Pris at first he didn't realize Damian's game. But now he knows that he is manipulating everything for his purpose. That's why I need you to tell me if I can believe in him or not. (what, can you not figure that out on your own?) Damian says that you are going to disappear from my life and I will never be able to know my child. Is that true? Are you going to leave me alone? Pris tells Vlad that it's very rare for a guy to behave the way he does. (meaning wanting to know his child) Well my name is Vladimir Pineros and I am a man who wants to know his child. Tell me if what Damian tells me is true. Are you going to disappear from my life and never let me know my child? Pris tells Vlad that she will not do that. He leans in for a kiss. Flor spots them and hides to look further. Pris gets out of the car and Vlad touches her belly and tells the baby bye and to take care of his mother. Flor is muy impactada.

Fernanda keeps defending Flor. You have no proof of her treachery. Gonzalo says Anibal fired her and I cannot override that in front of everyone. Oh so we are not going to do anything so that we do not embarrass my brother replies Fernanda. Well I also have a say in this company and since Franco/Ed wants to get started right away on the center, I will need an assistant. Are you thinking of Flor asks Gonzalo. Yes replies Fernanda. Will that be a problem?

Franco/Ed asks about the tape. (did I miss something? did he already hear it?) Dr. Obregon that he has had it for 15 years. Figured he might need it someday. Franco/Ed asks who else knows about this tape? Dr. Obregon replies just you. Franco/Ed calls him a name. Dr. Obregon tries to defend himself. He tells Franco/Ed to bring him the money and he will give him the tape.

Martina gets dropped off by cute Dr. Carlos and she asks him if he can visit her dad from time to time to check on him. Dr. Carlos says of course. Gardenia catches Dr. Carlos kissing Martina's hand and shakes her head. Dr. Carlos leaves and Gardenia tells Martina that this is a decent house and she cannot bring strange men over. Martina says whatever.

Esteve is teaching Venus how to walk, talk and act like a lady. He's pretending to be a waiter. She sits down in a chair unlady like and he tells her how to do it correctly. Looks like it's going to take a miracle to teach this chick to act like a lady. They go over drinks, cheese and walking.


Vlad comes home and doesn't kiss the wife I mean Damian hi. Damian asks Vlad if he talked to Pris. Vlad says no. Damian wants to know if Pris planted the documents. I don't know, why asks Vlad. Because something has happened. He grabs Vlad to show him the email that Barbara sent him.

Barbara tells the maid not to let anyone see her. Guess they are planning something else.

Vlad reads the email. Damian says that Barbara is a viper. First she takes me out of the picture and now wants to hand me my freedom. Vlad asks if he is going to see Barbara. That would be foolish replies Damian. Then why is she looking for you replies Vlad. I told you already. Something must be happening at Grupo Lactos. I am sure that Barbara has problems. Are you sure Vlad that you have not heard anything? Again Vlad says no. Damian tells him that he has to find out what's going on. Vlad asks Damian what he plans to do. I have no idea replies Damian. That is why I need you to find out what's going on. Vlad thinks that they know Barbara stole the 3 million dollars and that Damian is innocent. (he has a crazy look in his eye don't you think? he's losing his marbles) Vlad says that he overheard a conversation between Gonzalo and Anibal. That Damian was innocent and how they felt bad filing a report with the police.

Fernanda meets Franco/Ed at a restaurant. He tells her that everything is ready to take Lili out of the nuthouse. Fernanda can't believe how quickly it's been handled. He wants her to listen to a tape that will clear up alot of her questions. The tape has the voices of Dr. Obregon and Lili. Lili recounts everything that happened the day her mother died. (see episode/recap #3 for exact details) Fernanda starts crying. She asks him where he found the tape.

Damian asks Vlad were exactly does he wants to meet Barbara? Vlad tells him to be careful. Damian wants it to be a place where they can meet in private. Somewhere familiar. Vlad fixes himself a drink and tells Damian somewhere where she feels uncomfortable. Don't you think? Why asks Damian. So you can have total control responds Vlad. I have it replies Damian as he takes Vlad's drink from him.

Franco/Ed wants Fernanda to think if she wants to hear the rest of the tape. Because once she does, there is no going back.

Esteve wants to show Venus how to dance the waltz. They look really cute together. I like this Esteve character. He does gringo pretty well. Anyway Gardenia is pissed and can't wait til Franco/Ed comes home to tell him everything that has been going on. She hears music and goes to investigate. Esteve and Venus are dancing salsa. Gardenia thinks that they are doing bad things. Guess having fun is not allowed.

Franco/Ed asks again if she wants to hear the rest of the tape. Everything will change from this moment on. She does and he plays it for her. Fernanda hears Lili say that Barbara killed their mother.

Monday: Fernanda wants to tell that Barbara killed her mother.

Labels: manana

Yes, it was a dark and stormy night in Guadalajara and a number of tormented, twisted souls continued to suffer and cause suffering. Some begged forgiveness and eventually gained it. Others continued their wicked, dastardly deeds and paid dearly for it. Amidst the thunder and lightning, there were a few glimmers of hope, love and the promise of smouldering passion.

Okay, let's drop the purple prose and do a brief rundown of the first hour of the Gran Finale 'cause I'm ready to tuck this baby in. Aren't you?

First, the rehash: Charlie screens his video with Lucia by his side. It's so well-received, he's offered a beca (grant , stipend) to continue his work on this subject in Germany. Will our two lovebirds be separated, just now when they've refound each other? And our favorite narcissist Candy is musing with Santiago that her sister hurt HER very much....oh and also you, Santiago, but nevertheless SHE(Candy) feels bad...but her mother will feel even worse that Alicia is going to be arrested. Run Santi, run!

Now the new: The cops arrive at Meño's house with a warrant for Alicia's arrest. While they're downstairs, Alicia is getting the final cruel brushoff from Mario who refuses to give her even a dime for a ticket back to New York. Upon learning that the police are at the door, Alicia completely regresses to the state of a young child, wants to hide under the covers and have mommy save her... but to no avail. Gogo tearfully drags her downstairs and off Alicia goes to the hoosegow, wailing "Get me a lawyer!" as she departs.

Another annoying encounter between Candy and Santiago. She's still mewling about feeling bad for Alicia (shouldn't she feel bad for the months of Santiago's suffering!) and then they mutually kvetch about who ended their relationship. Neither will admit fault and she continues the pity party after he leaves. "Not even he understands," she whines. (Okay, you know I loathe the character of Candy. Just don't expect me to be fair or objective, alright. She gives me hives.)

Patricio, on the other hand, is admitting to Raul and Soledad that even though he misses Patito terribly, no one should have to suffer like Santiago did for the loss of his son. Raúl admits to conflicted feelings. Guilt that his sister could do such a thing. But happy that the baby has at last been reunited with Santiago. And hopeful that Marissa has now found a peace in the afterlife that she was never able to achieve here on earth.

Off they go with Beto, while Chava curls up with Patricio and promises that he and his brother will never leave him....in fact they'll come visit everyday!

A brief foreboding scene with Rocio and Paulina. The latter is miffed because she wasn't informed of Patito's return....after all it's thanks to her that Alicia was located and the true identity of the baby revealed. She weasels her way into the bedroom and keeps agitating to hold the little guy in spite of the fact that he's peacefully sleeping. We KNOW this doesn't bode well.

Meanwhile, plans are afoot for a fabulous fiesta celebrating Charlie's departure for Germany. And Lucia thinks she's going to go with him. Santiago, contentedly rocking his son and promising to care for him 24/7, 365 days a year surfaces long enough to put his fatherly foot down and say No way! Maybe when you're 18 but not now, little lady. He reminds her that he's the one who pays for the house, the food, and her clothing-- so no unilateral decisions on her part! We'll talk again in a year, he promises....when you're of age.

Alright, we break for some AARP Passion Time... the last PSA for old-folks-can-feel-it-too.

Arturo's trying to persuade Gregoria to quit grieving Alicia's arrest and think of herself, her own happiness and come and live with him, Prince Arturo! She confesses she's fallen in love with him but can't follow through. He's done too many bad things. (think Mafia, money-laundering and bribing a judge to give custody of Chava to Patricio) That's over and done with, he protests...and besides I did it with good intentions. Nope, nope, nope....the past can 't be erased like that. I can't trust you. We'll be separate forever. Sad cello music plays. (But honestly, I don't think any of us were rooting for that romance, were we?) Just then the TV magically comes on and our aged lovers learn that one of Arturo's buildings has collapsed and the poor residents are homeless. How wise that you've rejected me, muses Arturo. I'm paying for my old mistakes...but I'll always go on loving you. And I adore you, cries Gregoria. A passionate (but mercifully brief )kiss and that's it for Arturo and Gregoria. One story line down and a bunch more to go.

Charlie's at the restaurant, informing Meño of his Germany plans and lamenting that Santiago won't let Lucia go with him. Dad explains that adults simply don't want their children to make costly mistakes and presto! Charlie understands and all is well. (our last miraculous 20-second relationship cure)

Another estupida Santiago/Candy encounter. It's still about Candy and how she feels bad seeing Alicia in jail (She went to see her earlier. Alicia thought she came to gloat. No but Candy did tell her no bail. The charges are too serious. So much for sisterly comfort.) Yes, Alicia and I are very different but when we were younger, the three of us (remember there was a sister who died) had such fun playing together, Candy adds. Santiago, taking a positive tack, says I can't believe that the two of you, raised under the same roof (techo) by the same parents are so different. One could commit this atrocity while you....... Candy looks hopeful.... Surely he's going to tell her how marvelous she is! Surely! But alas, he stops and adds, I won't bother you anymore and off he goes. She's disappointed. Another opportunity to be adored just got wasted.

Night falls. With a vengeance. All kinds of wicked dastardly things are going to happen while rain lashes, thunder rolls and lightning blazes across the sky. Are you ready?

Arturo has left Meño's place and is now at Patricio's. The latter and Margarita are double-teaming old dad, telling him what a dreadful old reprobate he is. No forgiveness for you Pops! not until you make good on those wretched buildings. You've got a lot of money. Fix them up so people can live in them, even if it takes your last centavo, insists Pato. Arturo looks shocked at the idea. But Patricio wastes no time. He calls the sexy lawyer, Irene, asks her to come over and Dad caves. I'll do what you ask, he concedes. Perfect.

Meanwhile, a more tender father/son conversation is going on between little Santi and big Santi. Papa informs bébé that he was dying to tell Candy how marvelous she is (Candy was dying to hear those words also) but he didn't. Suddenly the lights go out. Then they come back on. But we KNOW something bad is going to happen. It's foreshadowing out the wazoo.

Now we're at the ruined building. Angry frantic people pulling their belongings out. Arturo promising to take them to comfortable lodgings until the building can be repaired. Policemen coming to arrest Arturo but waved off by sexy Irene because they don't have an arrest warrant. She smiles and purses her lips. Ay yi yi....Patricio...good things are comin' baby. Just hang in there.

Plans continue for Charlie's going away party and the whole gang (think whole cast) will be there. Santiago doesn't want to leave the baby and doesn't want to see Candy but Isabella insists that he can put his son in Tina and Donato's care for 30 minutes at least!...and besides, Lucia wants him there.

Well, I said everyone was going to be there, but it turns out two of them, Patricio and Irene (now in a sexy off the shoulder black top) are having a quiet dinner together. He's thanking her for coming out on a rainy night when she could have stayed in bed, watching a movie and eating a pizza. She opines that rainy nights are romantic and she did it all for him. Whoops. Too fast there, sister. Patricio quickly adds that romantic nights scare him. And goes on to tell how Candy was the great love of his life, perfect in every way (NOT! sez I) and how he's been unable to forget her. Clever lawyer babe counters by saying it's wrong to try and forget people. Rather one should learn to live with one's memories and then move on. Ah, but he could never fall in love again, he protests. That's because you don't want to, she replies. The lights go out. Then they come back on. Symbolic of a new beginning and a new dawn? You betcha. They clink glasses, lock eyes and toast each other with "Salud".

Bueno. One relationship ended (Gregoria and Arturo). Another beginning (Patricio and Irene).
In the meantime Charlie's party is going full swing and Santiago and Candy are looking like they might get together, when bloodsucking leech Paulina inserts herself between the two and latches onto Santi. He swats her off like the unwanted pest she is and lo, another vengeance plot is hatched. Paulina, echoing Marissa's words, vows to make him pay for what he did to her.

The lights are going out again at the house where Tina and Donato are hovering over the adorable baby. Tina sends Donato off for a bottle while she keeps vigil. But lightning strikes and he's scared. So he drags her with him (the baby will be alright for a moment, he protests) and right then Paulina, dressed in black like a cat burglar, swoops in and carries off baby Santi.

Meanwhile, the Charlie party continues full swing. Lots of sweet kisses between him and Lucia while the Mariachis play and everybody goes whoo-hoo. The dancing begins and Candy and Santiago, at opposite ends of the table, look at each other. She's running her finger around the lip of her glass (An unconscious gesture I know can drive men wild. Don't ask.) and he beckons her to come to him. She refuses. He indicates he's willing to come halfway. He asks about her sister. She's playing the same tune. ME duele mucho (I'M very upset).

And while we'd love to natter on about Candy's feelings.... wah wah wah.... feelings....We're far too upset because Paulina is heading off to God knows where with Santi's baby!!!!

And that's it for the first part.

Vocabulario:

beca = scholarship, grant
arrugarse = (lit. to wrinkle up, to get wrinkled) but means to put up with something, accept something. This verb came up when Santiago was having a little one-sided chat with his infant son.
en balde = in vain
darse su taco = I'm guessing on this one. Candy is musing that with men "se da su taco" and I'm thinking it means "give him his way" or "have to get their way", but I could be wrong. Native speakers or wiser folks....correction? Yes! Here's the correction, thanks to Hombre. darse su taco, or darse mucho taco means "he really thinks he's 'it'"


Dicho of the Day:

Matrimonio y mortaja, del cielo baja. (Literally, marriage and the shroud come from heaven.)
Marriage and death happen when God decides it's time; one has nothing to do with the decision.

Well, Marissa has fallen to her death. Not in her plans I'm sure. But will Candy and Santiago make it to the altar? Stick around for Hombre's recap and find out what the good Lord decides.

Labels: Tontas