Caray, Caray!

I will start where my TiVo stopped last night. Tomasa comes to tell Miranda that Alejandro has come to see her. Miranda makes a big deal of telling Tomasa that Alejandro can have nothing to say to her. Maybe he should talk to Bertha, etc. etc. but in the next scene Miranda is down there talking to Alejandro. Alejandro wants to know why Miranda is so bitchy all of a sudden and after a lot wasted time, it comes out. Miranda is jealous of the way Alejandro treated Flor at the wedding (after he found out she was his half sister). He’s not going to tell her that, of course so he says, ‘Fab is like a brother to me so Flor is like my sister.’ Miranda is not convinced and says, ‘You go after Flor and I’ll take Fab.’ Alejandro is shocked that she still holds out hope for getting Fab. He tells her that she has to find someone who can make her forget Fab. ‘Like you, I suppose,’ says Miranda. We have a flashback to the stolen kiss in the garden when he first met her. After more witty byplay, Alejandro and Flor end up kissing passionately. Gonzalo interrupts them. Miranda tells her father that she isn’t starting anything with Alejandro especially since you are investing in his company, and getting rich, right? [It’s not clear to me why this would prevent Miranda and Alejandro from getting together.] Gonzo says that with the current financial crisis, it is Alejandro who has made the good investments unlike many others. Miranda looks discomfited.

Meanwhile, Rebeca is asking Gonzo if he is going to hold a grudge against her and her son. ‘You think I’m capable of harming your son?’ says Gonzo neatly not answering the question. Flashback to Gonzo telling Fab that he doesn’t forgive traitors and once Flor buys the farm, Fab had better make himself scarce or Gonzo will kill him.

Bertha is in Cesar’s apartment. He tells her that Gonzalo can’t meet 10% of his clients’ losses and is ruined. ‘So we are the winners,’ says Bertha. ‘I don’t know about this ‘we,’ says Cesar and then Bertha shows she is on Cesar’s team by having sex with him. In a post coital conversation, Cesar complements Bertha on her skill as a lover and she says that we are just business partners, no more. Cesar replies, ‘Of course. I love Miranda.’ This spoils the moment for Bertha. Cesar tell Bertha about what Fab said to Miranda at the wedding.

Back to Miranda, Alejandro and Gonzo. Gonzo tells Miranda that Alejandro hasn’t done anything unethical. This is just business. Miranda continues to be nasty to Alejandro and Gonzo tries to stop her saying, ‘don’t piss off my prospective business partners. I need them.’ After Alejandro leaves, Gonzo tries again to explain to Miranda that his business is in real trouble. Miranda says that she will come to the office and work on the problems. Gonzo tells her to stay away and she decides that his previous interest in training her to take over the company was only a means of getting her to forget Fab. It didn’t work. ‘I continue to love him,’ she says.

Now we meet the evil gangster, Sanson. Juan has gone to him to try and persuade him not to take on his brother Raul. Sanson refuses. Juan leaves and Carola arrives. Sanson tells her that because of Juan, he lost a brother. Now Juan will find out what that feels like. Very tough.

Renata, Lasagna and some other empty-headed chicks are in a bar talking (I think) about having sex for the first time. A couple of Sanson-istas arrive with masks on and rob the place. Raul and Lasagna lock eyes as he grabs her purse in the way that happens when characters in a novela fall in love forever.

Bertha tells Cesar that if she were him, she would sell all the family property and put Rebeca and Fab out on the street. Cesar says he can’t do that because Rebeca would complain to Gonzo. Bertha responds that if Gonzo finds out that Fab told Miranda to wait for him, he’ll have all Gonzo’s support against Fab. As for Rebeca, if Cesar is good, Bertha will tell him a secret about his mother that he will find very useful. ‘Oh really,’ says Cesar when he is interrupted by a call on his cell phone from Miranda. She wants him to help her when she shows up at the office tomorrow. He agrees and after they hang up, Cesar says to himself that their future together will be glorious.

In her bedroom, Miranda has a flashback to her conversation earlier in the evening with Alejandro that ended in the kiss. She asks herself why she is thinking about Alejandro. She loves Fab and that’s it.

Alejandro is complaining to Fernanda about Miranda’s high-handed ways. Then he asks her what she wants. Fernanda is asking for help from Alejandro to get Father Santiago Buenaventura to hide the truth about Fernanda from Miranda. It appears that the good padre is Alejandro’s uncle.

A maid tells Tomasa that Bertha told the servants at the hacienda that Miranda refused to raise their wages and now they are angry at her and are going to sabotage the cacao harvest or something like that. Right on cue, Bertha appears. She wants Tomasa to convince Miranda that what she was told earlier, namely that her mother and Fernanda were in love with the same man was untrue. If Tomasa does this well, Bertha will let her see her grandchild who is now pregnant. [This has to be Nuria.]

Bertha is primping herself up for something, probably making a move on Gonzo, when Renata and Lasagna burst in with the tale of being robbed at gunpoint at the restaurant. Renata is behaving like a three-year old who had her lollypop taken away but Lasagna is cool. Bertha says that she will Alejandro and tell him what happened but Lasagna says that she already called but he wasn’t home. She says that Alejandro was probably out with one of his legion of admirers. She tells Bertha that he likes them young and rich. Being neither young nor rich, Bertha is not pleased to get this information.

Raul comes back to his house with his loot. He is identifying his victims from their driver’s licenses when Juan interrupts him. Juan gives a little speech about how they weren’t raised to steal things and he will never put a stolen tortilla in his mouth.

The padre doesn’t want to get involved with Fernanda’s lies and Alejandro can’t persuade him either. At that moment, Miranda comes in. Fernanda leaves. Miranda tries to tell the priest not to trust Alejandro because he only acts for his own benefit. She is surprised to be told that the padre is Alejandro’s uncle.

Busy Bertha has a meeting with Veronica, Renata’s drug supplier. Bertha wants Veronica to spy on Renata too. Veronica tells Bertha that Renata believes that Bertha is her mother. Asked if this is true, Bertha says that we all know Renata is not playing with a full deck. Bertha pays Veronica and gives her instructions about what to do the next time they are out together.

The priest tries to give Miranda spiritual comfort but when she reveals that she still loves Fab and she need only wait until her sister dies and they can be together again, the priest says, no. Fab, as the husband of your sister, is now forbidden to you.

Flor, on her honeymoon, has consulted a doctor in Miami about her symptoms. He tells her that she is pregnant. Fab comes in and she gives him the great news – ‘you will be a daddy!’ Fab says no, this baby will not be born. She hits him. Back in their hotel, Fab tries to tell Flor that her health problems won’t permit her to have a baby but she doesn’t buy it. Then he says it isn’t convenient to have a baby now. Furious, Flor says that the honeymoon is over. She wants to go back to Mexico and will have this baby with or without Fab.

Fernanda and Alejandro wait in a restaurant hoping that the priest doesn’t spill the beans to Miranda. Alejandro is in favor of telling Miranda. She has to find out sooner or later. ‘And what are you going to say to Miranda when she finds out whose son you are?’ asks Fernanda. ‘We’ll see,’ responds Alejandro. Fernanda asks if Alejandro is still planning to carry out his plan of vengeance. ‘Yes,’ says Alejandro. ‘Gonzalo was the cause of my father being an invalid and his suffering. He has to pay.’ ‘And if that comes between you and Miranda?’ asks Fernanda. ‘She doesn’t have eyes for anyone other than Fab,’ says Alejandro.

After receiving spiritual guidance from the priest, Miranda says that the other reason she came to visit was to ask about ‘Doctor Fernandez.’ Father Santiago has a flashback to his adamant refusal to help Fernanda. However, the priest lies and tells Miranda that he doesn’t know much about Dr. Fernandez. Then he changes the subject and asks Miranda what she feels about her mother. Miranda tells him that she was a bad mother and is nothing to her. The priest protests but Miranda is adamant in her hatred for her mother.

While they wait to find out what the priest tells Miranda, Fernanda asks if Alejandro feels anything for Miranda. Alejandro says, ‘not really, not what you are imagining. Between us there are a world of differences. I am a man - she is just a spoiled girl. Then he leaves to see Gonzalo and the TiVo ends.

Labels: heridas

Gonzalo and Miranda are in the study continuing their conversation about not turning to alcohol to deal with their problems. Gonzalo admits that "Today I realize that I made a mistake in everything." He wanted to make everything good for the girls and now he doesn't know what harm he has caused them. Miranda promises tomorrow will be better. The two hug and walk out of the study together just so Miranda can go to her room and fantasize over Fab. She cant get his words out of her head. No one needs to know that she will wait for him. Meanwhile Alejandro cant sleep in his very feminine bedroom. He recalls telling Flor that he will separate Miranda from Fab. There is only one way to do that, marry her.

Renata is upset about Dr. Fernandez. She informs Miranda and Pamela that she ran off the doctor and it would be best that the doctor not return or she will do it again. Its the doctors fault that Gonzalo wants to lock Renata up in a rehabilitation center. Miranda cant believe it. Renata insists their father said this to her himself last night. Renata quips how strange that Miranda who is so smart and observant hasn't realized what the true intentions are of that social climber! Renata snaps a little at Pamela and then continues her tirade against Miranda. Renata wants Miranda to keep Fernanda away from her, the house and above all their father. She continues telling Miranda "Dont be stupid! Open your eyes! Dr. Fernandez wants our Dad!" Renata says she will leave Miranda some homework to think over and later when Renata is calmer she will explain it to Miranda. Renata storms off and Miranda and Pamela call her crazy. Miranda then asks Tomasa to call the hacienda staff. She has something to tell them while Bertha is busy in the library with Gonzalo.

**Im going to try the writing style of Chris for the following:
In the library Gonzalo questions Bertha on why she told his daughters that their mother went off with another man. It was his story to tell! She tells him it
B: was the best thing to do, with the girls knowing the truth it made them side with you more. Thanks to me they are on your side now. So the interrogations and explanations stop now Gonzalo.
G: You're wrong Bertha. I give the orders!
B: Darling your not in a position to give orders.
G: I only hope that you remember that your time here with us lasts only as long Florencia lives.
B: Are you sure?
G: Of course.
B: Gonzalo lets forget the things of the past.
G: Do you think Im stupid? How am I going to forget the bad that you did to Florencia? Calling her telling her that I had run you out of the house You put her life at risk and you didn't care. You hid that Renata took drugs, you interfered with Mirandas relationship and acted ridiculous in the wedding. What other surprise do you have reserved Bertha?
B: Fine Fine I realize I made a mistake. After all everything has its remedy. Besides today, all these incidents are weapons against Fernanda.
G: Dont try to put out the sun with a finger! You put at risk my daughters life! B: Dont get mad Gonzalo we don't win anything arguing! Now we have something more important that should unite us.... You cant hide from me that you are on the verge of bankruptcy! Right? And with the arrival of Fernanda things change radically. Let me help you. You alone wont be able to.
G: What are you prepared to do?
B: For you, for your daughters I am capable of doing whatever thing. Gonzalo Let me show you my loyalty.
She then goes in for a kiss but he shoves her away and leaves her standing. Via thought bubbles she thinks that when she has him at her feet she will destroy him like she has his daughters.

Miranda tells the hacienda staff that the only one who gives orders is her. Additionally she tells them that La Senora Bertha has no authority and if she orders them to do anything they are to inform Miranda immediately. Miranda wants to go to the quinta "El Mangler" to see the doctor. As she heads off one of the workers tries to get her attention but she doesn't hear him.

Back in the hacienda Miranda runs into Bertha and asks her if the time to talk is now. Bertha doesn't want to talk but Miranda stumbles on asking her if Bertha told Gonzalo that Bertha loved the same man that her mother loved? And thanks to Bertha's tricks Fern and the man separated and that Bertha did the same to Miranda and her sister? Miranda wants to know who the man was. Mirnada tries a few threats but they don't seem to go over well. Bertha doesn't answer any of Mirandas questions but tells her it is better to leave the dead alone.

Tomasa asks Gonzalo what will happen now that Fernanda is back. Gonzalo snaps and says Fernanda is only back as a Doctor for the girls. Tomasa asks him to get back with Fernanda and he snaps at that also. He says Florencia wants him to marry Bertha. She wants him to marry Fern. Is he a puppet to do whatever she or someone else says?! Miranda walks up as he finishes his tongue lashing to ask what happened with his conversation with Bertha. He snaps at her too saying Bertha is here to stay while Florencia is alive. She knows that so make sense of it!

Carola comes to visit Juan. She knows he wants to cross the border. He agrees that he does, things are going from bad to worse. Its the only way he knows how to help the family. She lets him know that if he leaves Raul will join the Samson gang. The gang is preparing a big attack and they are recruiting boys like Raul.

Miranda, Tomasa and Pamela talk about Gonzalo and Bertha. Maybe there is a secret between them? Tomasa lets them know that Flor asked her father to marry Bertha. Miranda tells them to go into town and she is going to change her clothes.

****A little more.

Gabriel the worker who tried to get Miranda’s attention earlier, talks to her at the stable. He tells her he has wanted to talk with her since Chocolate died. Miranda asks if Bertha had something to do with Chocolates death. He looks down and then she tells him not to worry that was all she wanted. Bertha walks up just as Miranda leaves. She calls Gabriel Gabino, and wants to know what Miranda told the hacienda staff. He tells her that Miranda is the only one to give orders. SO Bertha tells Gabriel/Gabino to call the staff again. Hmmmmmm!

Cesar and chat. Wait I thought Miranda was going riding thus she was at the stable. Well anyway, Cesar and Miranda chat. Cesar says for your tranquility I realize you don’t know anything. Miranda cuts him off telling him to spit it out. He tells her that San Llorente Inversions is on the brink of bankruptcy. Gonzalo is almost in the ruin. What he wants is for her to be careful so everything doesn’t turn into a scandal.

Carola and Juan pick up where they left off. Juan went to school with Sanson. Juan cant talk with Sanson because the guy hates him for not joining his gang. Juan decides to wait to talk with Raul, without his parents knowing. Juan thanks her and says he owes her one. Carola kisses Juan and tells him that he owes her nothing .

Fernanda , Tomasa, some other woman and Pamela have drinks in town. Fern tells the ladies how she felt like she could die when Flor gave her the cold shoulder, and when Renata tried to run her off. Pamela lets Fern know that Miranda wants to investigate who is la Doctora Fernandez. Fern is worried. She wants more time. She talks about Santiago who knows little about Fern. She says that she will talk to Santiago. He has to help her.

Bertha tells the staff that she has a big problem with Miranda and the problem affects everyone. The problem is that she asked Gonzalo to give everyone a raise but Miranda said no. The staff is upset. She tells them thank you for coming to talk with her. She appreciates them and she will continue to insist they get a raise. The staff says to them she is still the boss. After the staff leaves she tells Gabriel to not say a thing to Miranda. Gabriel reminds her that the staff is already the best paid of the area. How can she make fun of them by telling them that story? Bertha tells him he has been warned and slithers off.

Labels: heridas

We pick up where Gonzo is giving Rebecca ultimatums. She must find out the identity of Fernanda's protector. Rebecca is all nervous and begging him to forgive her, and for what I'd like to know. Get some backbone Rebecca! You're going to need it.

Flor and Gonzo are doing the wedding dance. She tells him he shouldn't be alone, he needs to get hooked up with a female companion, someone like... "Not Bertha," says papa. Flor whines, "But why not, she's been like a mother to us, dedicated herself to us body and soul. Who better? I implore you, marry Aunt Bertha! Now, stop making that face. I'm not asking you to marry the devil." Gonzo says there's not much difference between the two. Flor wonders is it because he loves another woman? He says there has never been anyone else, not since her ma abandoned them.

Bertha interrupts and Alejandro conveniently asks Flor to dance. Bertha says she's pleased to see Florencia so happy. Ahhh, what papa wouldn't give to see her smile more often. "Too bad Fernanda doesn't think like you," says Bertha, "she comes determined to reclaim her place among her daughters, didn't you know?" Gonzo says Fernanda would never harm her daughters, not like Bertha has done with her intrigues against Miranda. Bertha chugs a glass of champagne.

Alejandro tells Flor she can depend upon him for anything. She thanks him for being like a brother to Fabricio. Alejandro tells her he would like to be a brother to her too, and she looks so angelical. "Angelical? Are you ever wrong," she says, "this should have been Miranda's wedding, she should be wearing this dress." He tells her that Miranda will recover, there are no wounds that time cannot heal. Flor says he's charming and she wishes Miranda would pay attention to him. If only a man like him could make Miranda forget Fabricio then Flor would be happy. Alejandro promises her that he will do whatever is necessary to help Miranda forget Faby forever.

Fabricio and Cesar get into it. Faby calls Cesar a disgrace. Cesar retorts that the "quinta," the house in mexico, the bank accounts, they are all his whether Faby likes it or not. Mom is going to have to leave because that's the house that Cesar is going to live in with Miranda after they marry. "Mama's not leaving and you'll never marry Miranda, at least not as long as I live." Cesar tells Faby to stay out of his way. Faby taunts, "Whatcha gonna do, kill me?" "If it's necessary," hisses Cesar under his breath.

The two poor kids, Juan and Raul, are at home talking about their financial situation. Raul's great idea is to sell tacos to the students at the university who always arrive at school with empty stomachs. Juan says no way is dad going to let him. I happily noticed at this time that they have dressed this "Juan" actor in a shirt at least one size too small so that his biceps bulge out as he walks around. Nice bit of work that. Juan tells Raul the taco plan will interfere with his education and degree and the possibility of him finding better work in the future. "We're not stupid Juan, a university degree doesn't guarantee anything," snaps Raul. Juan says it's exactly for that reason that he's going across the border and he's not telling papa who will try to stop him. Once he gets to the border he'll tell them but they won't be able to do anything about it. Mama Amparito arrives from shopping and Juan goes into the kitchen to help her unpack. Raul thought bubbles that he will find a way to keep the family together.

Fernanda stands by a waterfall and has a flashback. Bertha is telling Fernanda's daughter that mommie is a "ramera", a whore. Fernanda asks Bertha to help her but Bertha the Uber Perra tells Fernanda that her own immorality has brought disgrace upon the family...so GET OUT! Gonzo yells from the background "If that woman doesn't get out I'll also kill her daughters!" Yikes! Fernanda begs Bertha not to let him hurt them, says goodbye to her daughter and leaves. Flash up to the present and Gonzo is in her face. The sadist coos "I like that, you tremble when you hear me." "You're wrong," snaps Fernanda, "I'm not afraid of you, I'm somebody else now and you don't know me. By the way, tell me when Florencia's illness began." Gonzo tells her it was the very night of her betrayal. After she left they went to the emergency room. Flor was never well again and it's all Fernanda's fault. Now leave. Fernanda says she doesn't take orders from him. She's waiting for her daughter, she'll leave after she says goodbye, and when she gets back it will be she, Fernanda, who takes care of Flor or Gonzo will really regret it. Gonzo's pissed, "Hey, nobody threatens me!" Fernanda shows some guts, "I do!"

The newlyweds are about to leave and are saying their goodbyes. Faby promises Alejandro that he will treat Flor like a queen today and forever. Alejandro is acting very protective of Flor. Naturally Miranda notices and jealously points out to Pamela Alejandro's new affection directed at Flor. "His attitude is not normal. He must be interested in her." Pamela tells Miranda to stop imagining things, enough already. Alejandro and Flor embrace. "See, I toldja," says Miranda unhappily.

Raul leaves the apartment. In the street he furtively looks around and then goes to visit a blonde chick, Carola. She looks like a ramera. Raul wants her help getting into a gang run by some guy named Samson. Carola doesn't want Raul to do this, because once you get in you can never leave. "You can't just go in and out like your own house." Raul must do this, otherwise his brother will head for the border. For them the most important thing is family so they must stay together. The logic in this eludes me but he's an adolescent, so there you are. Carola wisely points out that the family won't be together if Raulito ends up in jail or worse, so no, she won't help him. "Fine," says Raul, "I'll look for Samson on my own."

Weddings are tough on everybody and Fernanda is having a weepy night. Pamela joins her at the waterfall and says she doesn't know how to tell Fernanda this but Miranda feels that none of the three sisters are children born of love. Miranda is sure their mother left them to be with another man because she never wanted them. Fernanda assures Pamela that at the time of their births she and Gonzalo were infinitely happy. She swears she is going to fix things somehow. Miranda arrives and Fernanda tells her the sacrifice she made today for her sister will be repaid by thousands of blessings. Very soon there will be another man in her life, one worthy of her. Miranda says she doesn't want to love. "Love inflicts mortal wounds, and the worst of it is that we keep on living." Fernanda offers some dimestore philosopy, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger."

Flor throws the bouquet and Bertha body blocks Lasagna so she can grab it and gloat in front of Miranda. "I hope it works for you." comments Pamela. "Flowers only serve to emphasize a pig's filth," says Miranda. Good smack-down, but I'm noticing that no matter what anybody says to Bertha, her expression never changes. Must be residual nerve damage from her face lift.

For the third time tonight Flor says her goodbyes to all, this time snubbing Fernanda. Miranda pouts and Cesar, getting progressively drunker, uses this as an excuse to suck up to her. Faby doesn't like this (I don't want you but I don't want anyone else to have you either) so he hugs Miranda and whispers in her ear "Wait for me, I'm going to return." What a jerk!!! Then she smiles hopefully at him. Somebody slap her! Cesar flashes back to when Faby said Miranda would never be Cesar's because she still loves him (Faby). Cesar thinks "We'll see, stupid, we'll see." Actually, Fabricio is being such a jerk I wish Cesar would off him this very second.

Fernanda, crying again, is approached by Squeaky (Renata) who reams Fernanda out for spilling the beans about Renata being a druggie. In a mouse voice and raccoon eyes she orders Fernanda to leave "her" house.

Faby and Flor leave for their honeymoon (finally!) driving down a road lined with giant sparklers that ignite as they slowly roll by. The bright sparklers display a weeping Miranda sagging against a column. (Miranda has a perfect Lucille Ball "Waaaaahhhh" mouth in this scene.)

Later she is seated and Alejandro joins her. He's happy to see her more calm. "Sometimes calm precedes the storm," she comments, just as Bertha approaches. Bertha wants Alejandro to escort her to her hotel but Miranda gets possessive, "No way, he's with me." Bertha scowls, or maybe she smirks, it's hard to tell because she only has one expression. Anyway, Alejandro wisely excuses himself from this potential catfight. Miranda says Bertha has much to explain and she, Miranda, will wait in her room for Bertha to join her. Bertha has no intention of meeting Miranda. "We'll see who gives the orders around here," she mutters to Miranda's back.

Gonzalo and Alejandro are talking business. Gonzalo is anxious about the fall of the stock market. Alejandro says a strong economic crisis is approaching and many business will fail. He knows it's a difficult time and he doesn't wish to press Gonzo, but they have a signed contract and have not yet begun construction on the hotel. Gonzo says his capital is solid. The delays have been bureaucratic, not economic, and he will honor the contract including interest for all delays incurred. Alejandro says that's spoken like a man of honor. He sees he has not made a mistake choosing Gonzo as a partner.

Pam tells Miranda to stop pacing. Bertha won't come to the room when Miranda wants, only when Bertha wants. Miranda wonders where the Doctora is. Tomorrow she's going to look for her. The Dr. doesn't know how good her words made Miranda feel. They have so much in common, she's so tender. "So maternal," adds Pamela. Miranda says the Dr. inspires confidence in her, yet there is a sadness in her eyes, a contained sadness, like a muffled scream. (Do people really talk like that?) Miranda is going to befriend her and when she finds out what has happened in her life she will help her. She's going to be such a good friend that she's going to investigate the Dr.'s past. Pamela looks worried at this revelation.

Gonzo asks Alejandro how his businesses are doing. So far so good, says Alejandro. All his capital is in gold reserves and precious gems. Gonzo says if complications ensue with the construction he can propose an alternate plan here at the hacienda, something to do with exporting cacao. He only has to convince Miranda to agree to the plan. (Aha! It's probably in her name.) Alejandro is surprised that Gonzo has to check in with his daughter, this isn't the famous Gonzalo San Llorente he's heard so much about.

Gonzo tells Renata that he is cancelling all her credit cards and when they get back to Mexico she's going to have a 24 hour guard. If she takes drugs again she's going straight to rehab. She bugs her eyes and tries to squeak but he shuts her up, thank goodness.

Rebecca is trying to worm the info out of Fernanda that Gonzo wants, i.e. who is Fernanda's protector. She tries to be sneaky but obviously Fernanda thinks she's a bad actress because she can see right through her. "You're so transparent Rebecca. Tell Gonzalo my protector is very rich and infinitely powerful." She's going to find Daira, Lasagna and Alejandro and have them take her to a hotel in town.

Cesar, looking very drunk and sweaty by now, is lurking nearby and speaks to Rebecca after Fernanda leaves. A typical loud drunk, he doesn't care which of his brother's guests hears him, he wants nothing to do with Faby. "Why do you hate your brother so," wails Rebecca? "Because he's an imbecile, a disgrace. Do you know what he did before leaving on his honeymoon? He whispered little hopefuls to Miranda, that he would return." Rebecca is stunned, "it can't be, my perfect Faby isn't capable of such baseness." Cesar threatens "we'll see what Gonzalo says when he finds out Florencia is his wife and Miranda is his lover."

Gonzo is drinking alone in his study. Miranda enters for a heart to heart. Gonzo says he doesn't understand Renata, why does she have to use drugs? She has a life most women dream of, a house, car, money, travel, clothing, what else is there? Miranda says Renata is missing a mother. "But you and Florencia turned out OK, you never used drugs." Miranda says it's not fair to compare them, they are different people. Anyway, Renata doesn't even remember her mother. She's not reproaching Gonzalo, just telling him the situation with Renata. She's very sweet to him.

Fernanda tells Daira that Gonzo will investigate her to find the identity of her protector, he will put the pieces together and figure out it's Alejandro. "But not until Alejandro wants," assures Daira. She says don't worry about Al, however they may have committed a grave error in telling Bertha that Daira was married to Alfredo. Alfredo Correction: Alejandro enters, Rebecca wants Fernanda to stay. Fernanda says she needs strength for all she hopes to do. Al says he's with her, but she should rest because it's been a long day.

Gonzo pours another drink. "Your third," says Miranda. He says she has no idea how he feels. "Whoa," she says, "and you think you know how I feel? Today was a wedding that should have been mine, Florencia is dying and Renata is out of control, that's why I don't want to drown my sorrows in alcohol." Gonzo says she's right, he's an egoist. He asks her how she really feels. Miranda says she feels there is a battle of feelings within her and she can't control them, not the least of which is Fabricio. Gonzo blames himself for all this, he allowed Flor to stay with Fabricio, made it easy for them to get together. Today he realized that he has been mistaken about everything. He wanted to do a good thing for them but he realizes that's no longer true. Miranda tenderly tells him not to torment himself, tomorrow they will think about fixing things. At day everything is seen in a new color. She comforts him and they leave.

Later she gazes out the window. Flash back to their goodbye embrace where he tells her to wait for him. "Why Fabricio...what did you mean?"

Labels: heridas

I watched Barerra last night so I give a brief summary of what went on and where we are with it.

Jacinta has been successful so far in her scheme. She has gotten Valeria back to the hacienda by pretending that she is not opposed to her marriage to Andres, the bullfighter. Valeria bought this and has just returned to the hacienda accompanied by Veronica and Jacaranda. Now Jacinta will implement phase two of her plan to separate Valeria and Andres. Jacinta and Manola also have some plan to get Maite out of the picture if she comes to Aguascalientes. Valeria and Andres had sex under a tree in a rainstorm.

Juanita and Daniel have finally gotten together.

Andres has an engagement to do a bullfight in Mexico City. For an appearance in the capitol, apparently he can’t borrow a matador costume. He has to have one of his own. Unfortunately, they are very expensive. Andres and Valeria tell Maite about this problem. Later she takes out the famous necklace and is obviously going to pawn or sell it to get Andres his matador outfit complete, doubtless, with the ham sandwich. Maite goes to visit the Maldonados and one of their servants (not the stupid old one) is going to give her a ride home but she says she needs to make a stop. Anyway, I’m guessing this is how Jose Maldonado is finally going to find out that Maite is his daughter.

Poor old Gustavo is still vegetating in the abandoned house. He is getting better though. Manola comes and mocks him – telling him that once he is dead, she is going to marry Unibrow, etc. and Gustavo moves his thumb. Manola freaks out and leaves. Then Omar, his former associate at the dairy, comes in. He has found out where Gustavo is being kept. For Omar, Gustavo shows that he can move his hands and arms a little and he is beginning to be able to talk. Omar tells him that Rodrigo has come into his own running the cow business although he is making some risky business decisions.

Victor is the first 3-dimensional gay character I have seen on a novela. He is attracted to Guillermo and the attraction seemed mutual but apparently Guillermo thinks that if he gets together with Victor, that will break up Victor’s family, i.e., Maite and Veronica. So he is avoiding Victor and Victor is sad. Obviously, there’s some miscommunication here.

Jacaranda takes the opportunity of being in the hacienda to hook up with Nicolas but Sergio surprises them while they are kissing.

The other day on Barerra, I saw Manola pretend to twist her ankle so that Unibrow would have to pick her up and carry her. It was pathetic.

Some time ago, Maite and Unibrow met. I don’t think they have cleared up the misunderstandings between them (Maite being raped by Adolfo and blackmailed into marrying him) yet. So Maite now knows that Andres is Unibrow’s son. I don’t think that Unibrow knows that Valeria is a Valladolid or is Maite’s daughter and he still doesn’t know that Andres is a bullfighter.

If anyone cares, Remedios is getting a lot of fulfillment from teaching children at the convent but she still regrets that Federico turned out to be such a jerk.
Jacaranda can pretty much control when the Vera personality appears and she is being paid by Manola to manipulate Veronica’s multiple personalities.

Labels: barrera

I was so lost while watching last night's episode that I broke down and snuck a look at the old recaps from the original Colombian show. That isn't a completely reliable way to find out exactly what's happening on our show, but they're still close enough to at least provide some hints.

I found what I needed, and got a little bit of information to help fill in the blanks for last week's recap:

1. Clarification. The reason Saimon was lurking around at the end of PM's hot date, and the reason he was so sad the next day, is because PM was actually supposed to go out with him that night. She blew him off because she got a better offer! Apparently, she'll only date Saimon if a rich guy isn't available.
   
2. Small correction. The poem in the scroll Lety left on Fernando's desk was not unsigned - it was signed Delmira Augustini. Fern probably wasn't lying when he said he didn't know who she was. Marcia and Alicia went to Luigi wanting to know who this bimbo was.
   
3. BIG correction. Lety didn't quit. She merely broke off her torrid romance with Fernando. She didn't want to be the "other woman" and didn't feel good about the mayhem that their relationship had caused.
   
   Since Fern and Omar are worried that Tomas might be a serious contender for Lety's heart, and since Lety owns the shadow company which is now pretty much Conceptos's only hope for survival (plus I'm not sure if they know that Tomas is involved in the shadow company), this is a very frightening situation for them. Therefore, when Fern goes to Omar in a panic, it's not because she quit, it's because there's now a greater risk that she will shift her loyalty over to Tomas, away from Conceptos. This raises the stakes on Fern's need to woo Lety effectively!
   
   What's funny about this, of course, is that during this entire conversation between Fernando and Omar, it's all about Lety. I don't think Marcia even gets mentioned. :-)

Sorry about all the misinformation. Item 1 is good to know, but maybe not extremely important. Item 2 isn't all that crucial either, but it's interesting. Item 3 is a big nasty screwup on my part, though, and I apologize.

Labels: fea

It's been so long since I watched television I couldn't find my remote control! Thanks to everybody for catching me up. This was the first episode I saw: it opened with the Doc's hug being rejected by the bride, Flor, who of course doesn't know the Doc is her long-lost mother.

Gonzo, the dad, tells the Doc (his wife, I don't think they divorced) to get lost. She tells him to stop persecuting her, he's been wreaking vengeance on her for 18 years. He looks like a turtle. There is a recap of the problem that Flor is pregnant, but if she stops taking meds for the sake of the baby, she'll die anyway. Boo hoo. I guess I don't really care.

The new husband, Fabricio, who played the stupid but handsome Andres in Alborada, did not get to speak even one line in this show. He just stood around looking perplexed. He's been gaining weight, watch out or you'll end up like Unibrow!

Miranda comes up to congratulate the newlyweds but instead faints in her old fiance Fab's arms. A huge unnecessary fuss ensues, since she is healthy as a horse. Cesar and Fab sort of pull on her fainted form until Alejandro comes up and removes her to a couch, where she lies in a faint and he strokes her face and has strange fantasies and thoughtbubbles: "The wounds of love can only be healed by those who caused them. You wounded me, Miranda, now cure me." But I get ahead of myself.

Oh, I was wrong. Fab got to tell his brother Cesar, who is the obvious slimeball: "Get out of here."



In Mexico City, Amparo (who used to be the squealing maid in Alborada but now she keeps her voice down) is selling jewelry to pay her debts. Her brother Francisco is watching. It appears his wife died and Amparo came and took care of him and his two sons, who call her mom. Later, Amparo gets to give the priest one of those speeches about: "All my life I scraped and pinched to keep the family going, I run and run, what for?" and he says: "We all have to pinch the pennies" and tells her she can sell tacos outside the church [that's big of you, padre]. One of the nephews prays to help her.

I feel these speeches are sops to the people who actually WATCH the novelas: the fans who, and I'm just guessing here, are not the owners of large haciendas or international diamond operations.

Amparo says: "Let's hope we don't go dancing with the ugliest one." ??

Bertha catches Alejandro fondling Miranda's comatose form (guys like quiet girls). Miranda wakes up and Alejandro leaves. Bertha mocks Miranda for having a new lover so quickly and then says she herself will get Alejandro. Miranda says: no matter how much surgery you have it won't hide your age. Bertha thoughtbubbles that she will have them all groveling at her feet and scrabbles her fingers on the table like a spider.



The Doc says: "Oh, I'm so alone, I'm so fragile, I'm like a stranger here. But I'll get back everything that's mine, including my daughters." But this plan suffers a setback when Flor announces she is not going to get (medical) studies done with Doc - she is going to get pregnant immediately (she evidently does not know she's already pregnant) and stick with her old Doctor.



Miranda is dancing with Alejandro and thanks him for helping her out, if it hadn't been for him she might have spoiled the wedding and disappeared forever. Then she says, "but I've kept you from your wife too long" and bolts. So she doesn't yet realize Daria is not his wife?

Enters Renata. I believe she may be the worst actress I have ever seen on Univision unless she is doing some ironic post-modern take on her role. When her father now confronts her with her drug addiction, she rolls her racoon eyes like a total idiot and widens them till she looks like she's had extreme plastic surgery. She squeaks at Miranda, "you told him!" but actually it was the doctor who told.

Renata then watches Cesar flirt with Lisania. After Cesar leaves (to get scolded by Gonzo for some business problem), she warns Lisania that she and Cesar are in love and he has asked her to live with him. She plans to go, but dad does not know.

Bertha toasts the bride and groom, then cruelly hands the mic to Miranda. Miranda gets up and gives a half-way adult speech to wit: "Well, Fab and I were childhood sweethearts, he was the man of my dreams and we were going to marry each other, but ... oh well."

Miranda tells the universal sidekick Pamela that, just to annoy Bertha, she will go after Alejandro. Like a good sidekick, Pamela says that's a bad idea. Meanwhile, Bertha flirts hard with Alejandro. He points out she's wearing a rotten knock-off of one of his father's jewelry designs. She insinuates again she knew his father ... very well.

Renata flounces off to tell Bertha, in a tiny whispery chipmunk voice, that the Doc ratted on her. Bertha says the Doc could have Renata carted off to rehab at a moment's notice. She says she'll handle it. Renata is worshipful of Bertha. So is Flor, who during a dance with her father begs him to marry Bertha.

Miranda is watching all this with Pamela and Thomasa, who says, "Look, Bertha is poisoning Renata against us." Miranda counsels patience and says they need to keep their eye on Bertha.

Gonzo strong-arms Rebecca and reams her out: it's her fault the Doc's at the wedding. Rebeca says it's not her fault; her son, the groom, invited the Doc, not knowing her real identity. He still doesn't know - but she thinks Cesar will figure it out, as the Doc was his godmother and he never forgets a face. Gonzo: "I've taken care of you and your sons - you owe me loyalty but even you betray me. You have to do two things for me - find out who is the powerful man who is protecting Fernanda (Doc), and keep her away from Flor and your sons. She's gonna disappear and never come back." Cement overshoes?

Labels: heridas

Try this link for Univision's own recaps of recent episodes. Like the ones on the esmas site, they are all in Spanish, so they're only going to be useful to you if you can either read Spanish (which some people find much easier than listening during the show), or if you can deal with Google's tortured translations.

The advantage to looking at these instead of the ones at esmas.com is that it's much easier to identify the episode you're looking for (since you're presumably watching them on Univision), and you don't get spoiled by seeing recaps for the episodes that haven't aired on Univision yet.

Okay, that's enough "Lety La Fea" business for at least a few days... I'll post my next update no later than Sunday the 6th, but possibly sooner, if things get so exciting that I can't restrain myself. :o)

Labels: fea

Hello all,

Julie has volunteered to do "La Fea" recaps and just in time, since some crabby readers have been asking what happened to them.

Other crabby readers have been scolding us for dropping "Unibrow in the Corral" otherwise known as Barrera. I say to those readers, we're doing the best we can, and the staff we have now can only handle one telenovela at a time.

But if anybody has time/interest to continue with blogging Barrera, let me know, and I'll add you to the roster.

Julie says her Spanish is a bit rusty, so if anybody has time/inclination to help her, jump in by leaving clarifying comments! But remember to say THANK YOU.

Labels: barrera, fea, recapper-intro, recappers-needed

Lety leaves a candy bar for Fern, then puts on lots of mom's perfume. When Fern comes in, they talk business for a while, then she makes a twitchy face which he eventually recognizes as a kissy face, and he nervously reciprocates. They talk about Tomas and the shadow company, and she finally points out the candy bar (since he seems to have trouble noticing it on his own).

She goes back to her office, dousing herself in more perfume. Omar shows up, and he and Fern talk about the stinky perfume and kisses. Omar jokes about the moon and the stars, and they laugh about the candy bar and split it. They say something about "Tomas is dead in the head," not sure what that's referring to exactly, and they joke and ridicule some more.

The gist of this conversation, as best I understand it: Fern seems not to like Alicia, and Omar says something about bed (maybe like how he slept with her), which surprises Fern. Omar jokes some more about flowers and chocolates. He then writes a love letter (to Lety, I presume) in front of Fern, in Fern's name. Fern crumples it up in horror, and they argue. Omar continues to joke, which offends Fern. They discuss last night's "date" some more, and Omar says something that's apparently over the line, angering Fernando even more, and then Omar escalates his insults so much that Fernando is forced to jump to Lety's defense. I'm not sure exactly what he says, but it's passionate, and it's in her favor.

Meanwhile, Saimon rescues Alicia with that gas. She demands that he pour it for her. He asks her how someone with such a fancy car can't afford gas. They (well, mostly Saimon) have a conversation which is no doubt funny, but I can't understand it. Alicia gets to work in a bad mood and goes directly to Marcia, begging for more money. Marcia tells her to go to Fern, but Alicia knows Fern hates her. Nevertheless, she tries. Lety greets her, and Alicia demands to speak to Fern. Lety pretends to look for Fern under the desk, etc. since Alicia is still yapping hysterically as if he's there and listening to her. Then Fernando shows up, and Alicia begs for "a minute" of his time. He agrees, and he and Lety start counting down from 60. She says she needs money for food, etc. He makes fun and says no, and her minute runs out, and Lety and Fern make fun of her. She leaves, and Lety and Fern talk business.

Alicia is VERY angry. Ariel calls, and at first, she doesn't recognize his voice, and he doesn't recognize hers. She complains about money, and THEN he recognizes her, LOL! But she still doesn't recognize him right away. Then he tells her not to answer the office phone anymore or talk about money on the phone! Luigi does listen to Alicia's complaints and offers advice, but I guess it doesn't thrill her, because she just shakes her head at him after he leaves.

At lunchtime, the feas take up a collection for lunch, but come up a bit short. Saimon shows up in a very good mood (owing to some conversation with PM that completely went over my head) and gives them the money they need. Alicia then shows up and is snotty to them, and PM cuts her down to size. Then Alicia starts sniping at Lety, and Lety retorts in kind. Whatever they say, seems to end in a draw.

The feas leave for lunch, and Luigi and Marcia show up and try to cheer Alicia up. (Marcia blinks!) Marcia says she doesn't care about the feas' boyfriends. She asks Fern something about girlfriends, and Marcia, Alicia, and Luigi joke about drooling and/or braces, making Fernando VERY uncomfortable. He forces a laugh. They seem to be speculating about Lety's rich boyfriend. He cuts the discussion short very sharply. When he's alone, he takes a bite out of that crumpled love letter that Omar wrote, and spits it out.

Omar and Fern go to a restuarant for a business lunch. Fern drinks morosely while Omar ogles pretty girls and continues to goad Fern about Lety's rich boyfriend.

The feas area at a fun restaurant. They embarrass Lety by asking about Tomas (who they still think is her handsome, rich boyfriend that they've never seen before) and her love life. Then they go back to the office and walk in on Yazmin, who is making another gooey phone call to Lola's ex-husband. The feas make fun of her, and she brags about how great her boyfriend is. Once again, Lola must be restrained by the feas, to keep from killing Yasmin.

Saimon is excited by something again (I really wish I knew what), and lightens the feas' mood.

Luigi says something to the models about money, which miffs them. If this is the same as on the Colombian show, then what's happening is that there's a little cash flow problem. They models are going to get paid, but not just yet.

All this talk of rich boyfriends and love lives has enflamed Lety's heart anew, and she leaves another treat on Fernando's desk. The last one was a chocolate bar; this one looks like a peanut brittle or maybe a rice krispy treat. Anyway. He doesn't notice it right away. She keeps trying to get him to notice it, moving it around on his desk while he's signing contracts and such. Finally, when it seems like he is deliberately ignoring it, she asks if he is annoyed with her. He gives a sarcastic answer, something about her rich boyfriend. Then they have a tense conversation about Tomas and Alicia, and she confesses that she doesn't even have a boyfriend. His manner becomes extremely frosty, and she apologizes and takes the rice krispy treat.

Meanwhile, Ariel shows up at Conceptos. He bothers Alicia and threatens her.

Fernando sneaks up on Marta, who is sneaking a sandwich under a desk. Apparently, Marta has been on a diet, and I guess she thinks that if no one sees her eat, it doesn't count. Fernando takes the sandwich, takes a few bites, critiques it, scolds her for eating in the office, and gives back what's left of it.

In Omar's office, Omar and Fern talk about Luigi and the women. Omar has several gift bags filled with candies, greeting cards, romantic music CDs, poetry, flowers, etc. He laughs at the corniness of it all, but Fern finds it distasteful. Omar suggests sending a particularly mushy card to Lety, and Fern refuses. He says it is the stupidest idea of all time!

In walks Ariel, who also makes fun of the foofy gifts. They discuss some more, and Ariel leaves and bothers Lety for a while. He scares (or tries to scare) her with talk about police, news, and helping Fernando with something. Fern shows up and wants to know what they're talking about with the door closed. Ariel leaves and tries to bother Marcia, who is annoyed by his attempts to intimidate her. He then moves on to Alicia again, taunts her about her bills (which she apparently carries around with her).

Later, Omar leaves a card and some chocolates in Lety's office (in Fern's name, of course). Fern tells Omar that the card is "muy gay." Lety finds the card and screams with delight. Meanwhile, the models who had received bad financial news from Luigi before have showed up at Fernando's office to pester him about payment. They try to flirt and sweet-talk, but when Lety comes in (still glowing about that "muy gay" card), Fernando scolds the models and orders them out. He then complains about them to Lety after they leave! She thanks him profusely for all that mushy crap he left on her desk. After SHE leaves, Fern tells himself that he's a terrible disgrace.

Omar comes in and wants to know how it went. He is like a 7th grader!! They talk about Marcia and some "stock." Evidently they are trying to keep some stock information from her. Marcia comes in with questions, and Omar excuses himself and leaves. Lety listens at the door while Fern and Marcia talk about the business, then Marcia leaves in a bad mood. She argues with Alicia about infidelity, because Fernando had stayed out late the previous night, and she didn't know who with.

It's almost time to go home. Omar and Fern talk some more about Marcia and the stock. Lety puts on some more perfume. Alicia, now completely out of money, considers asking the feas for gas money, but wisely decides not to.

Fernando offers to drive Lety home, and a security guard sees them leave together. I missed the next day's episode (Wednesday), but on Thursday, PM was out on a hot date with a hot guy, and Lety and Fernando were on some datelike outing at a club.

Paula Maria and her guy are super-drunk and loud in the street. An angry neighbor yells and throws things at them, threatening to call the police.

At the club, Lety and Fern are about to kiss, but they're interrupted by an obnoxious DJ. F is embarrassed and gives a false last name. The DJ asks if they are married, or just novios. He tries to get them to sing and dance. Lety is a terrible singer, but Fern is pretty good. He really gets into his performance for a while, but then snaps out of it and becomes self-conscious. The DJ moves on to bother some other people. While Fern and Lety dance on their own, PM and her date stumble in! The boyfriend sees them, but doesn't know who they are, and thinks they're a cute couple. PM is too busy humping him (I think it was supposed to be dancing, but it was less elegant than the lambada) to notice them.

Meanwhile, Tomas is again drinking with those two older men. He is shaking hands with them and preparing to leave when two hot ladies approach. The old dudes introduce Tomas to the women and they seem thrilled to meet him, at least to his face, although their contempt is visible when he's not looking. He goes into the restroom and calls someone to brag about his hot conquest, then comes back, still talking on the phone, pretending to cancel a very important appointment so that he can spend time with this one super ho who seems to have taken a liking to him. They continue drinking. Later, the two older men seem to have fallen asleep at their table, and their "date" leaves in disgust. Tomas's date continues to flirt, but then he freaks out for some reason and leaves! Without her!!

Fernando seems to have genuinely had a good time with Lety, but he still isn't completely ready to admit it to himself. He gives Lety the daintiest, but sincere, goodnight peck on the cheek. RoboPapa is upset with Lety when she finally gets home, but she's much too delighted to be bothered by his attitude. She writes some more in her diary. Fernando, in his own apartment, paces the floor restlessly. Marcia sleeps alone with a bridal magazine open on the bed next to her.

PM and her hot date are being amorous in the street when Saimon shows up! He misinterprets (or does he?) their sidewalk antics and attempts to defend Paula Maria's honor, which does not thrill PM. The date chases Saimon away, but the date is over.

Next morning: Tomas is sooooo hung over. Lety taunts, scolds, and yells at him. She leaves for work, and Tomas calls someone, trying to get in touch with the amiga's amiga. He is disappointed by the answer.

In the office, Saimon cries disconsolately about PM. The security guy gives him hell but also tries to pump up his self-esteem. Marcia storms in, upset with Fernando, and doesn't pay much attention to sobbing Saimon, who is surrounded by an ever-growing pile of discarded tissues. Marcia and Alicia ignore him and try to figure out where Fernando is. Finally Marcia takes note of Saimon and gives him some money (I don't know why).

Marcia and Alicia go into the restroom and speculate some more about Fernando. They talk about how he didn't come home last night, where was he and with whom? They don't know that Marta is hiding in a stall, sneaking another illicit snack and overhearing the entire conversation. Once they leave the bathroom, Marta shares the gossip with the rest of the feas, and news of Fernando's latest lover spreads like a rancid bean fart!

Fernando tries to cheer Saimon up. Meanwhile, Lety finds the old chocolate wrapper in Fern's pencil cup, and is touched. She leaves a scroll tied with a red ribbon. Marta asks Lety what she knows about Fern's whereabouts last night, and Lety plays dumb. Later, she goes into her office and talks to her Fernando screen saver. It sounds like she's mad at him for having a girlfriend. Maybe she thinks he went to see someone else after their date? Not sure.

Marcia and Alicia continue to speculate - seriously, it's amazing how much time they spend obsessing over his whereabouts, but these two womens' combined brainpower couldn't solve a TV Guide crossword puzzle - and Marcia tries calling his house. He's not there, which for some reason convinces her that he's with another woman, even though it's not weird for a guy to not be at home during business hours.

PM shows up late as usual, and Saimon gives her the cold shoulder. Fernando appears, and scolds her for her frequent tardiness. When he gets to his own office, Lety tells him that everyone - including Marcia - has been wondering where he was. Speak of the unblinking devil, here she is. She chews him out. They argue and she tries to dump him, but he makes a phone call to his gardener(?) who confirms that Fern went home alone last night.

During all of this, about half of the feas congregate in the bathroom and try to cheer Lola up about her divorce, and they gossip about Fernando. I'm not really sure what this conversation is all about.

Saimon bursts into Fern's office, and further explains Fern's movements to Marcia, claiming that he was indeed working, just not there. He was at the studio or something. Then Saimon leaves the room, and brags to the other half of the feas listening at the door, including Marta, about his great performance. Alicia watches this exchange with interest at her desk.

Marcia continues her harangue, and Lety excuses herself, but listens in her office. Marcia notices the candy wrapper in his pencil cup and asks about it, but Fern feigns ignorance. Then she sees the scroll, which he hasn't had a chance to look at yet, and unrolls and reads it. It's a mushy love poem, fortunately unsigned, about how they danced and sang together! His protests aren't very compelling, and she storms out. They are through!

Lety apologizes profusely to Fern about the poem, and wants to quit. He begs her not to, but she just cries and cries at her desk, while he goes to Omar in a panic. They absolutely cannot let her quit!!

The feas' tongues wag, and Alicia tries to comfort Marcia. They go to see Luigi and enlist his help in finding out who this mysterious poem-writing woman is. They are pretty sure it's some model named Augustini. Luigi gets indignant about something, but Marcia placates him, and Alicia gets excited about something (someone help me out here??).

The feas interrupt Lety's crying, not even noticing how brokenhearted she is. They want to know what just happened with Marcia and Fernando. She doesn't give useful info willingly, and one of the feas snidely jokes that that's why they're called "secret"aries. Bleh.

Meanwhile, at home, Tomas gets a phone call from one of the ho's. He tries to be cool, but his squeaky delight betrays his lack of sophistication. It seems that she has his cell phone...

Back at the office, Marcia bursts into Lety's office and starts biting her head off...

Now we're all caught up. Things are getting very interesting!

Labels: fea

One thing I didn't mention before - it's silly, but I don't know how to do accented characters and the n-tilde; and from what I understand, it's a little time-consuming. Unless it becomes confusing, I'd like to skip the accents and so forth. Yes, it does look much better when people write their words correctly, but since I'm doing all of this in English, only the characters' names will be "wrong," and I don't think there will be much room for confusion.

Moving right along...

Wasn't planning on doing these recaps that week (I had just started watching), so wasn't taking good notes at this point...

Fernando, Omar, and Lety have a "meeting" to talk about some business idea of Lety's, I think to help them make payroll. Omar is encouranging Fernando (hereafter "Fern") to drink heavily, and Lety is trying to keep Fern from drinking too much, because his drunkenness is making her nervous.

From what I understand from the Colombian show recaps, what was going on here is that Omar was encouraging Fern to woo Lety to prevent her from leaving Conceptos, partly because she owns the shadow company, and partly because she simply knows too much. They have an idea that she has a rich boyfriend, too, and therefore she could leave them at any time without so much as a backwards glance. It never occurs to these guys that some common courtesy and fair pay would secure her loyalty; they have to hatch a ridiculous plan, or else there'd be no story.

They go to a club, and Lety calls home to tell RoboPapa that she's running late (I guess that's what she's saying). RoboPapa is upset, as usual, while Mom seems thrilled - I guess she thinks Lety is on a date? I wish I knew. Or maybe Mom is coming on to Dad - yuck. All I can tell is that Mom's excited about *someone* being in love.

Back at the club, Omar leaves early, much to Lety's horror. Some popular singer performs at the club, and Lety screams so loudly and enthusiastically that Fern is embarrassed, but, being so drunk, I guess he gets over it. Marcia calls at least once during this ordeal, too, and Fern assures her that it's a business meeting, even though it sounds suspiciously like a club to Marcia.

Eventually, Fern is thoroughly plastered. They end up outdoors, and (again, I'm sorry, I wasn't taking notes so I don't recall exactly how this happened) he kisses her in a most hesitant and comical manner. Then she splits - I think she takes a cab home - and Fern scrubs his lips with the mint leaves from his cocktail.

Meanwhile, Tomas (who has a Les Nessman type of "office" at Lety's house) is at some kind of business meeting with two older men who are giving him a LOT of alcohol and he's babbling like an idiot. Clearly, something is going on with these guys, but I can't tell what.

Later that night, a starry-eyed Lety writes dreamily in her diary, and Fern feels guilty and confused.

Next day:

Yazmin is flirting on her cell phone with Lola's ex-husband, and Lola is enraged. Lola takes the phone away from Yaz, and it gets damaged. Alicia shows up, finds out what is going on, and then Lopez the HR guy shows up, wanting to know what is going on (there is quite a lot of screaming from the feas at this point). Alicia recounts the story to him, and stomps the phone to pieces in the process. Her version of the story makes Lola sound much worse than Yazmin, apparently, plus Alicia and Yazmin both suck up to Lopez, so he fires Lola.

The feas band together and all threaten to quit. Lopez seems delighted with this idea, but Marcia hears the commotion and saves the day, especially for Lola, since Marcia very well knows what it is like to have to deal with a cheating lover.

Lety and Fern (not together) make faces in their respective mirrors and talk to themselves about their weird and forbidden kiss. Lety is in the ladies' restroom, and Alicia comes in to powder and fluff her boobs. She makes a gratuitously unkind remark to Lety, which deflates Lety's ego. And Fernando is looking at a photo of an attractive woman (can't tell if it's Marcia or someone else).

Alicia runs into Omar and tries to crawl all over him. He doesn't seem to want any, and later we see him leave the office with a hot model.

Meanwhile, Tomas is at home, swooning again over Alicia's photo, while Mom offers sympathy.

Fernando takes Lety to dinner at an outdoor restaurant with an amusement park. I'm not sure what excuse he used to make this outing. She did try to protest, but I guess he wasn't having any of it. At dinner, he flirts with her and says he likes her. He almost kisses her, but gets self-conscious because he knows people are looking at him eating dinner with this fea.Lety can tell.

They leave and walk around the carnival rides, finally settling down on some playground swings. He keeps trying to kiss her (often stealing a glance at that woman's photo in his jacket; Omar had told him to pretend that Lety was the woman in the photo), but she expresses doubt as to why he would want to kiss her. Fern explains why, and this is one of those times when I *really* wish my Spanish was better; whatever he says seems to help, and then they talk about the moon, which is all full and romantic. Finally he says exactly the right thing (would that I knew what it was), and they kiss. It's not creepy and awkward like last time, but she quickly gets spooked and argues with Fern some more about how there's no reason he should like her. He tries to keep up with her, but eventually she bites his head off for some reason.

He continues his smooth talk, holding her hand. He says the right thing again, and this time she actually pushes her face at him! He kisses her again, but he's clearly reaching his limit.

Meanwhile, at Marcia's, a blond chick (is this Ana Leticia?) and some man come over with stuff for the wedding, including some extremely ugly Egyptian-looking invitations that have the wrong initials on them. They also show off some ugly clothes - clothes so ugly they couldn't even pass for bridesmaids' dresses - and Marcia is repulsed. The blond chick is offended by her reaction, collects her ugly things, says "ciao" to Marcia, and leaves.

Lety thanks Fern for a nice evening. Just as they are about to kiss yet again, Fern's phone rings. It's Marcia, of course! Fern takes Lety home, and while they chat in the car outside Lety's house, RoboPapa watches from the window, seething. When she gets in the house, he gives her hell for making a spectacle of herself in the street. Mom takes a break from comforting the sad Tomas to talk RoboPapa down somewhat.

Tomas follows Lety into her room and they argue about something. Tomas leaves and Lety writes in her diary some more. She believes that Fern really loves her, and seems to come to some sort of conclusion.

Meanwhile, Fernando gets home to Marcia, but he won't let her kiss him (not sure what his excuse is; perhaps onion breath). He brushes, gargles, and has some wine, then kisses her, but there's something about the kiss that makes her suspicious. She questions him, but I guess he manages to allay her suspicions.

Next day, Lety wants to talk to Mom privately. I'm not sure what they talk about, but she does take her mom's perfume and wears something slightly less ugly than usual. Also, Tomas has a big wad of cash - not sure where that came from.I guess the old dudes gave it to him.

Alicia's car runs out of gas on her way into work. Hunky men push the car for her, and Marcia gives Saimon some money to pick up a gallon of gas to help Alicia out. Alicia thanks him in her usual snotty, ungrateful way.

Paula Maria (hereafter "PM") is late to work, angering Marcia. Saimon had done his best to cover for her, but since he was out on an errand, he wasn't able to help her out this time.

Labels: fea

Hola! I will be doing my best to keep you updated with weekly (if not more frequent) updates for La Fea Mas Bella.

Before I post any recaps, let me explain a few things. First, much like Chris before me, I learned Spanish in high school, more than 20 years ago. Unlike Chris, I don't have a spouse or even a close friend whose Spanish is better than mine, who's willing to watch this show with me.

Therefore, while I usually get the gist of what's going on during this show, I often miss a lot of the subtleties; worse, any time two people (usually Omar and Fernando) are simply having a conversation, with very little accompanying action, the most I can figure out is "they're talking about business" or "they're talking about their scheme on Lety again."

So, I'm not sure how much help these recaps will be to fans of La Fea, but let's try it and see. What I'm hoping is that I'll give the best recap I can, and if I've missed something or gotten it wrong, someone will use the Comments link below each post to correct me or fill in the blanks.

And if it turns out that my recaps STINK and are of no use to anyone, I'll just stop doing 'em. Okay? Okay!

Ah, and another piece of business. First, if you are good at reading Spanish (rather than listening to it), or if you have patience with Google's "Language Tools" translations, you might have some luck with this web page, which gives full recaps of all the episodes so far. Note that the show in Mexico is way ahead of the show on Univision, so there's a risk you'll get spoiled, plus I'm not sure how far ahead of Univision they actually are.

Also, you can read detailed English recaps of the original, Colombian Yo Soy Betty La Fea on this website. Up to this point, they've been almost exactly like the Mexican show, so this is another good way to get caught up, and maybe stay ahead, although I don't think the shows are going to stay completely parallel indefinitely.

I don't think it's hard to figure out who's who, but just in case it's confusing, here's a little cheat-sheet to help you with the names that are different in the Colombian version:

• Armando is Fernando
• Aura Maria is Paula Maria
• Berta is Marta
• Betty is Lety
• Daniel is Ariel
• Freddy is Saimon
• Gutierrez is Lopez
• Hermes is RoboPapa
• Hugo is Luigi
• Jenny is Yazmin
• Julia is Mom
• Marcela is Marcia
• Mario is Omar
• Nicolas is Tomas
• Patricia is Alicia
• Sofia is Lola

Labels: fea

Fernanda tells Rebeca and Fab that Flor is pregnant. Fab says that they had “relaciones” last year when she was in Germany and when he came back. He didn’t know about her condition then.

Amparo and her nephews complain about the high prices for food in the market and speculate about the effects of the financial problems on their lives and those of other middle class people. Francisco arrives and announces that the factory has gone bankrupt and he can’t set up his taco business since he didn’t receive a ‘quinto’ – literally a fifth. Is this some kind of severance payment?

Back in Tabasco, Fernanda explains to Fab & Rebeca that since she is preggers, Flor must stop taking her medicine and that makes her time remaining a matter of weeks or maybe months. Fab is devastated. He wants a child but not at this cost.

On his private plane on the way to Tabasco, Gonzalo calls Benjamin, the director of the hospital where Fernanda works. After a little chit chat, Gonzalo gets to the point. He has found out that Fernanda de Aragon is working at the hospital and he wants Benjamin to fire her without a recommendation or any severance. ‘Sorry,’ says Benjamin, ‘no can do. First, Fernanda is a top-notch cardiologist and second, she has a protector who is super powerful in several areas and I’m not going to cross him.’ Benjamin gives Gonzalo some advice, ‘don’t mess with this lady. You have no idea who is behind her.’ Gonzalo says to himself that Fernanda and her protector, whom Gonzalo assumes is her new lover, will regret this.

Amparo and her nephews try to raise Francisco’s spirits with a lot of old bromides like, ‘when God closes one door, he opens another’ and something about mules that I didn’t really get. They will pawn whatever they can and all work together to get by.

The aged Naty has finally woken up in the old folks home. She tells Joel, another of Amparo’s nephews who is working there that she wants to back to her village where a pistol is hidden in a tree. Someone gave it to her and she ran and ran and put it the tree. [Presumably, this must have some relevance to the story. Would this perhaps be the pistol that Gonzalo shot Alfredo with???]

Cesar arrives at his apartment after being fired. He gets a call on his cell phone from Bertha. He says that Gonzalo’s business is ruined and he is going to New York. ‘What about my stuff in your apartment?’ asks Bertha. ‘The owner can keep it or throw it out. I don’t care,’ says Cesar. Bertha then threatens to denounce Cesar to Interpol for his financial misdeeds. Cesar capitulates. Bertha tells him to take the first flight to Tabasco. She wants him at the hacienda.

A lot of time is wasted while the various guests arrive for the wedding but at least they aren’t talking. Alejandro is still letting Miranda believe that he is married to Daira. The drama comes when Fernanda is introduced to Gonzalo. We get to see the whole memory of the Gonzalo/Fernanda/Adolfo incident again. There is an awkward silence and then Gonzalo asks to speak with Fernanda alone later. She agrees.

Then the second big moment - Bertha arrives looking 10 years younger since she stopped pulling her hair into that ugly bun and put on some makeup. She is also wearing a very age and event inappropriate long, white or off-white dress. Flor and Renata are ecstatic. Miranda is annoyed and everyone else is stunned. Then Bertha sees Fernanda and her triumphant smile fades away. We see a flashback to a young Fernanda begging her sister to help her and a young Bertha refusing while one of Fernanda’s daughters (I’m guessing Renata) watches.

Meanwhile, Cesar is rummaging through the stuff Bertha left in her room in his apartment looking for the proof she has of his crimes. He finds the jewelry designs that Adolfo left in the hacienda 18 years ago but that is not what he is looking for and he throws it aside.

Alone with Fernanda, Gonzalo tells her to leave the hacienda and the lives of him and his daughters. Fernanda has another flashback to the incident with Adolfo. She recovers from Gonzalo’s blow and sees Adolfo unconscious [she probably thinks he is dead] on the floor. Young Gonzalo tells her to get out before he does something else. Fernanda wants her daughters but Gonzalo refuses. Back to the present and Gonzalo tells Fernanda not to approach his daughters or he will tell them who she is. ‘Go ahead and tell them,’ she says, ‘and I’ll tell them you are a murderer.’

Meanswhile, Gonzalo’s interview with Fernanda is holding up the whole wedding. [Couldn’t they have waited until after the wedding?] Everyone is just waiting in the living room of the hacienda. Pamela and Miranda make catty remarks about Fernanda including pointing out that she wore a white gown to the wedding to compete with the bride.

Bertha starts to try and turn Flor and Renata against Fernanda by saying that Fernanda is just trying to get Gonzalo and is a trepadora. [My dictionary says a ‘trepadora’ is a climbing rose or a nuthatch. I’m guessing it also means a social climber.] Renata agrees with this.

Bertha comes into the library with Gonzalo and Fernanda. The sisters exchange insults and Fernanda says that Bertha has to explain why she encouraged Flor to break up Miranda and Fab and why she never told Gonzalo that Renata was taking drugs. At this point, Miranda comes in and says the ceremony is about to begin and she leaves with Fernanda. Alone with Gonzalo, Bertha says that all is forgiven now that she is back. ‘Not so fast,’ says Gonzalo. ‘You have a lot of explaining to do.’ Alone, Bertha vows that Fernanda will not mess up her plans and that she will regret coming back into their lives.

At last we are at the ceremony. While he is waiting at the altar, Miranda goes up to Fab and tells him that he has destroyed her life and has never once said he was sorry. She wishes her sister happiness but she wishes him unhappiness for the rest of his life. As the processional starts, Fab says you don’t have to wish me anything. I am already paying and you don’t know how high a price.’

An unseen choir sings Ave Maria. Miranda is very upset during the ceremony and tries to leave. Alejandro tries to tell her that is one day and the wounds will heal, etc. etc. He keeps her from leaving by saying that she can’t evade this moment and she must confront it like a lady - “una dama.”

In one shot we see a smiling Flor and Fab kneeling at the alter while behind them Miranda's bosom heaving as she hyperventilates. Watching the ceremony, Miranda has a flashback to a romantic dinner with Fab. They are kissing. She says they will marry when he returns to Mexico and she will plan everything. Fab says, ‘Whatever you want, dear.’ Fab starts make moves toward having ‘relaciones’ but Miranda says no. She wants to wait until she is married.

[I have never been to Tabasco but I’ve been to Veracruz state, the Yucatan and lowland Guatemala and even in the winter, it is hot there and incredibly humid. The wedding is being held in a tent outside. Some ladies have fans but no one is sweating and they are all dressed up. The men are wearing jackets for God’s sake. Today in NJ it is about as hot and humid as it is every day in Tabasco. I can’t put one foot outside the door of my air-conditioned house without starting to sweat.]

Finally the wedding is over and Flor and Fab are married. Bertha tells Flor that she told her that she would marry Fab and it now it has happened. Flor invites Bertha to live with her and Fab at the ranch. Flor is cold to Fernanda. Bertha says to Fernanda to prepare for bad things to happen and Bertha says, ‘to you too, don’t doubt it.’

At the reception, Alejandro recognizes the necklace that Bertha is wearing and asks where she got it. She lies and says that someone very important to her gave her the necklace many years ago. Alejandro concludes that Bertha has his father’s jewelry designs.

Gonzalo tries again to get Fernanda to leave. She tells him that she won’t be harassed by him anymore. She then tells him that Flor is preggers.

The TiVo stopped just when Miranda approaches Flor in the receiving line.

Labels: heridas

Alejandro is giving orders to someone in another country about his business transactions. He does not appear to be seriously affected by the crash in the worldwide stock markets. He says that he wants to invest his money in Mexico – he likes the country, the people, the color and the food. He tells whomever he is speaking to to get ready to come to Mexico to manage his business interests.

Dual showering scenes of Alejandro and Miranda dreaming of each other as they get ready to go to the wedding.

Florencia tells her father tearfully that this is the last time she will eat in his house. Gonzalo says that he knows that Fab wants her to live in Tabasco so he can supervise his ‘project’ but maybe she should stay in Mexico City for a while. Flor says not to worry, she and Fab will visit two or three times a month. Gonzalo says that her treatment by the cardiology specialist is very important and he would like to have an opportunity to speak to the doctor. ‘What luck,’ says Flor, ‘I’ve invited Dr. Fernandez to the wedding.’ Flor says that her health is fine. If it wasn’t, the doctor would have told her, right?

Miranda tells Gonzalo about Bertha’s threat not to attend the wedding if Miranda is there. He agrees with her decision to go anyway. They agree that Bertha won’t dare show up.

Amparo is in the market. Apparently, she doesn’t have any money and the lady behind a giant mound of vegetables won’t give her any credit. She has better success wheedling some meat out of the butcher. A man (is this the guy that Gonzalo hired to find Fernanda?) comes in and pays her bill at the butcher.

Gonzalo tells Julio that sure there is some bad news but there is no need to panic. He is going to his daughter’s wedding in Tabasco. Julio says, ‘what is running in your veins that you can go on about your daughter’s wedding. Because of you, I have lost everything!’

The newly unemployed workers at the factory where Francisco (they call him Pancho, though) worked exchange tales of woe about the consequences of losing their income. Francisco tries to cheer up his former co-workers by saying that life is like a football game, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose but you keeping trying for the championship.

The bad news from the market keeps coming in to Gonzalo but he doesn’t want to let anyone know at the wedding that anything has happened.

Cesar and his partner in crime are drinking on the job and preparing their excuses for what happened. They weren’t making the decision about where to invest. They just carried out the decisions of Gonzalo and Julio.

While watching a TV news report about the financial chaos, Alejandro reassures Daira (the close captioning keeps referring to her as Naira but the credits of the novela on the Esmas website list her as Daira – beats me) and Lasagna that their money is fine. It is the middle classes and Gonzalo & his clients who are in trouble.

In Tabasco, Miranda tells Pamela that she is out of sorts. Renata comes in to say that Flor won’t stop vomiting. ‘Do you want to postpone the wedding?’ asks Miranda. Flor says no, she is fine now.

Fernanda comes to see Alejandro. She is in tears and tells him that Flor is preggers. Alejandro says that isn’t possible. Fab knows the situation and took precautions. ‘There’s more,’ says Fernanda. The medicines that Flor are taking could hurt the baby. The treatment will have to be suspended and that will make her die even earlier.

There’s an outbreak of pregnancy here. Nuria finds out she has a bun in the oven too. She tells Cesar right there in the office and he denies that he is the father and starts slapping her around when Julio comes in and fires him on the spot.

Flor wants to talk to Miranda alone. She tells her that she is racked with guilt for betraying Miranda and taking her happiness. She begs Miranda to forgive her. Flor says that she has her whole life ahead of her to thank Miranda for what she has done. Miranda, who, of course, knows that Flor has ‘muy poco tiempo,’ looks stricken and tells Flor that she has nothing to ask forgiveness for and she should concentrate on being happy herself.

Fernanda leaves a message with a dim servant at the hacienda to the effect that Flor should stop taking her medicine right away. Tomasa and Pamela are confused.

Cesar tells his evil co-worker that he’s been given the boot. The co-worker says that he will resign. Cesar says no, their plans are unfinished. He needs the evil co-worker to stay at the company.

Gonzalo says that Julio had no business firing Cesar. This is Gonzalo’s company. Julio then reproaches Gonzalo again for losing all his sons’ money not to mention all his other customers. Gonzalo says what happened is a risk of investing in the market. Julio says that he holds Gonzalo responsible for losing his sons’ money. He won’t leave them in misery. Gonzalo then reminds Julio of some screw up he made and he wasn’t thinking of his sons or Gonzalo’s daughters then.

The unbelievably stupid Nuria (we may have to start calling her Nutria – she has the brains of a fish) comes in to see Cesar as he packing up his things. At first, he is nasty and says it is her fault that he has lost his job. Then she says that one day he will ask her for help and she will say no. All of a sudden, Cesar takes off his glasses and almost has a personality change. He says he loves her and in a few days after he gets his mother settled at the ranch, they can get married. The dumb bunny believes all this and is wreathed in smiles as Cesar leaves.

A private plane is taking Alejandro, Fab, Daira, Lasagna, Fernanda & Rebeca to Tabasco. Rebeca speculates about what Gonzalo will do when he sees Fernanda. Rebeca then asks Fernanda what happened to the man she ran off with. ‘You think I ran off with a man?’ says Fernanda. ‘He died. Gonzalo killed him.’ Fab asks Alejandro what the effect of the crash of the markets will be on Gonzalo’s firm. Alejandro says it will be in big trouble. Fab then says since Alejandro is so rich, why doesn’t he bail Gonzalo out. Alejandro doesn’t respond.

In his office, Gonzalo tells his staff to jolly the clients along until Monday and see what happens. One of the employees says, ‘We’re bankrupt, right?’ Gonzalo says that maybe the markets will get better next week and we can recoup our losses.

An unseen Bertha receives a visit from a guy. He has brought a necklace that was made from a copy of a design by Alfredo Luque. The necklace is worth $50 grand but the guy says that if you have Luque’s original design, it is worth much more (Why would this be? It makes no sense.) Anyway, Bertha pays for the necklace and says to herself that loving her is the price that Alejandro must pay to get his father’s drawings back.

Flor is in her wedding dress but is getting nauseous again. She is upset that Bertha isn’t there. ‘Say what you want,’ says Flor, ‘Bertha was like a mother to us.’ ‘To you maybe,’ says Miranda, ‘but to me she was a tyrant.’ Flor suggests that when Renata and Miranda marry, Gonzalo will be all alone and he and Bertha could get together. Since know that Bertha is going to show up rejuvenated after her surgery, Miranda and Tomasa go on and on about how ugly and old Bertha looks and her father only boincked her when he was drunk, etc. ‘Gonzalo needs a real woman,’ says Miranda, ‘not a fright like Bertha.’

Alejandro and family and Fernanda arrive at Rebeca’s ranch where they will stay for the wedding.

That was where the TiVo ended. The rest will be at the beginning of tomorrow’s episode. Perhaps we will get to see the new Bertha.

Labels: heridas

Over a meal Fabricio asks Alejandro to watch over Miranda after he marries Florencia. He trusts no one else to watch over Miranda but Alejandro. Florencia meanwhile asks Fernanda to go to her wedding. Miranda readily agrees and invites her also. The sisters leave the doctors office to find they havent been charged for anything from Fernanda. Pamela, still in Fernandas office, asks how long Fern will continue this charade. Fernanda cries.

Fabricio and Florencia kiss it up. Florencia doesnt want to move to Tobasco. She wants to be near Renata. Faby says well see after we return from our honeymoon. Miranda and Tomasa talk about Renatas drug problem. Miranada is mad that Bertha hid Renatas drug problems. Miranda doesnt want Bertha to feel like the boss and lady of the house when she returns. Renata walks in figuring out that Miranda has told Tomasa about her. She denies anyone else was with her when she got high. Renata doesnt want Miranda to tell their dad. Miranda tells her it will be Renata who tells him, but she will give Renata some time.

Gonzalo talks with an accomplice of some sort about his buisness dealings. Gonzalo wants the guy to resolve some problems with a construction site. The guys is unable to help. He has tried to get permissions for construction but the family who sold them the land have dissappeared. He has offered lots of money to get things going but no one will take the money. The authorities say not to move because whoever is behind the stalling of the construction (at the old hospital) is very powerful. Gonzalo says it will cost him a fortune if construction doesnt start tomorrow morning! Gonzalo wants to know what happened to Fernanda and the needy people with her. The guy doesnt know. He says no one saw them leave. Gonzalo is incredulous, how can so many people leave without being see?! He wants the guy to go to Fernandas neighborhood and aplastar (squash) her along with everyone else who has helped her.

Renata is upset with what Miranda has told her. She tries to cry and get her way (having no one tell their dad) and then she gets mad at Miranda. She tells her that she doesnt love her and is happy that Florencia is marrying Fabricio.

****The next few scenes happen is rapid succession proving all the more Chris's suspicion that these shows have been edited. Is it for our benefit or for theirs? Fernanda tells Alejandro about finding out that her daughter was drugged. Then on to the hospital to see Bertha looking at her face. Then on to Cesars office where he is cheering on the stock market with some other guy different from the one with Gonzalo. He says that Gonzalo will regret what he has done. Flash to the other guy who was with Gonzalo as he shows up at Adaglisas/Amparos house asking if she has Fernandas work address. Amparo gives it to him. Fabricio and Alejandro go shopping. Seperately Florencia and Renata go shopping, with Renata pouting about wanting Bertha back. Flash to Cesar talking to his mother Rebecca. Cesar finds out that he is not invited to Fabys wedding. Rebecca tells him not to dare try and stop Facy from living in the hacienda with her. If he dares she will tell Gonzalo everything Cesar is doing to her. Flash to Amparos house where Alejandro tells everyone that Juan will work in the hospital where Fernanda works. They are happy. Miranda talks with Pamela about how tomorrow Flor will marry with her dress, her preparations, and the man that Miranda should have married. She throws a little fit about how she has been a coward. Pam is a good friend and tells her she has been a good sister.

Fernanda receives Florencias results back and asks "Ah Florencia what did you do!" Fernanda asks God or perhaps the Virgin de Guadalupe (we dont know because she cries to a wall mirror) "why now that I have my daughter near do you take her?! I offer my life in exchange for her and for her child." As she cries the director of the hospital, Benjamin, walks in and wonders why she is crying. He is worried for her.

Amparo y familia eat a meal. Juan asks Amparo if she knows a Ramon who has been seen around the neighborhood asking about Amparo. The men joke and laugh about Amparo having an admirer. Flash to the news taking about the stock market crashing. Lasagna and her mother talk about what is happening when Alejandro walks in. He hasnt slept well. He tells the women that there might be a financial crisis in Mexico and he might have to return to Italy.

Back to Fernanda and Benjamin. She asks if he thinks Flor can make it 7 months with her pregnancy. Flor wont make it he tells her. If she makes it to 5 months it would be considered a miracle. Fern admits the patient is her daughter and sobs my daughter is dying.....

Tomasa brings a tea for Miranda who is also having a bad start to her day. Crying over the wedding and what will happen. She claims she will take off but Tomasa talks her out of it. Juan runs off to the hospital, and Amparo and her husband joke some more about the man Roman. Afterward a neighbor girl comes over with her face busted up. She has been beaten by a trick. She doesnt want Juan to see her. She has always loved Juan and there is no one else for her although he thinks of her just as a sister. She wont give up being a prostitute.

Alejandro relives talking to Gonzalo about his father, in particular where Gonzalo says it "must have been a coward who shot your father in the back. Does he has children? The pain of a child is unsupportable for a father to bear." Alejandro surmises that Miranda is the spoiled favorite of Gonzalo. Flash to Miranda remembering her horse and Faby. Flash to Alejandro remembering Faby asking that Alejandro watch over Miranda. Alejandro thinks that the San Lllorente family is vunerable and now is the time to attack. Flash back to Miranda who is thinking of her good bye kiss with Faby and her kiss with Alejandro. She thinks that if Faby hurt her what could a man like Alejandro do to her?!

Fernanda tells Benjamin that her pain over her daughter will not affect her proffesional work. Benjamin says he will help her unconditionally. He asks her to consider him part of her team. He kisses her on the cheek. Flash back to Amparo and the working girl Carola. The girl laments her problems when Juan walks into offer a tender touch and then he leaves.

Fabricio gives comforting advice to his mother encouraging her to marry Julio. She tells him that the time has passed for her and Julio. What the reason really is is that Cesar does not like Julio. Fabricio tells her that Cesar loves no one so he cant like Julio. She needs to forget Cesar and follow her heart.

Renata comes to Mirandas room to tell her that Bertha called to say that if Miranda goes to the wedding then Bertha wont. Miranda tells Renata to tell Bertha not to worry. Miranda is going to do the wedding photos and there is no reason she wont attend. Renata tries to guilt Miranda out so she wont go but Miranda says if she doesnt go then their father wont and that will hurt Florencia more than Bertha not going. Miranda will go and she tells Renata to tell Bertha that if Bertha doesnt go B will regret that she ever met Miranda. Miranda tries to show Renata that Bertha is trying to tear them apart but Renata says Bertha only dislikes Miranda and that is the difference.

Rebecca tries to talk Fabricio into inviting Cesar to the wedding. Faby wont budge, he is not the problem, Cesar is. Julio comes over to Rebeccas house - its breakfast time. Julio tells them that he wont go to the wedding. The things between him and Gonzalo arent going so well so Julio will not attend the wedding. Rebecca asks whats going on with Julio.

Carola and Amparo are having breakfast when Fernanda comes in carrying a suitcase. Fernanda scolds Carola and tells her she needs to go to the hospital to have an (AIDS or STD) check. Carola leaves. Fernanda says she is going to the wedding to tell Fabricio that Florencia is pregnant. She says she plans to fight so that her daughter can be a mother and enjoy her baby. Amparo says lets pray to the Virgin de Guadalupe for a miracle. Fern says the Virgin has forgotten her.

Amparos husband, Fransisco, finds out that the factory is bankrupt. He is upset to see his life at the factory end after so many years of his service. Just like that. What is he going to do?!?! The talk about a worldwide crisis but Francisco cant understand it. He is devastated.

Tomasa and a house maid listen to the radio describing the stock market crashing. They are worried what will happen. Sitting outside for breakfast Gonzalo talks with Cesar on the phone about the crash. Gonzalo only wants his daughters go to Tobasco and that nothing ruin his daughters wedding. Tomasa asks Gonzalo about the crash. He tells her too that he doesnt want this news to mar the wedding.

Julio tells Rebecca how he sold their business private stock to a group in New York called Marketing Investment Business. Rebecca worries that Gonzalo will throw him in jail. Julio reminds her that he also is a co-owner of the business. Then Julio admits to also losing the fortune that his deceased wife left him. Everything. How! Rebecca asks. He comminted a few errors and lost even his childrens fortune. In order to make up what he lost he decided to follow what Gonzalo did with their company's investments. Julio had never seen Gonzalo do something so risky so he thought if Gonzalo is doing it then he would try the same. He has lost everything to the same group as their company has. (***Probably meaning Cesars group or Alejandro.) Fabricio walks into the room reading the headlines of the newspaper talking about the crash and the catostraphic losses that are being reported.

Labels: heridas