Caray, Caray!

Lasagna, Al & Daira are having a meal at “the club.” Lasagna says that Padre Buenaventura is nice and asked her to call him “uncle.” Al agrees that he is a great guy. He and Al’s mother were very close. Al doesn’t know why they separated and he hasn’t seen him since his mother died. Now that he is in Mexico, Al is going to ask the Padre why he didn’t stay near his sister.

Lasagna points out other girls at the club who are doubtless ‘dissing’ Renata. Daira says that when things are going well, no one dares to say anything but when things go badly, everyone yells to the four winds and chops you up like firewood from a fallen tree.

Al asks Lasagna how she is doing with finding a place to continue her studies. She says that she isn’t sure what she wants to study, maybe fashion design but she isn’t sure. Daira says that she will surely find something. Lasagna has a thought bubble about something that I didn’t really get.

Gonzo is meeting with his lawyer. He wants to know what the delay is in getting him out of the holding tank at the police station. He says that he isn’t a serial killer or a terrorist – this is just about financial dealings. The lawyer says that he is trying. Gonzo wants to see Rebeca and Alejandro. Gonzo tells the lawyer to find out where Cesar sent the money he stole from the firm but not to let Cesar know what is going on. The lawyer gets a call. Bad news, Gonzo is being sent to prison.

Alejandro is at the San Llorente house waiting for Bertha. Miranda appears and greets him nicely. She wants to talk to him. ‘Fine,’ says Al, ‘but I didn’t come to see you.’
‘Oh, you must have come to see Fab,’ says Miranda. ‘No,’ says Al, ‘but speaking of Fab, don’t forget that he is your sister’s husband and I ask you to not hurt Flor.’ Predictably, this sets Miranda off, ‘You don’t have the right to ask me anything. What I don’t or don’t do with Fab isn’t your business. Why the sudden interest in Flor? Does she interest you?’ ‘Yes,’ says Fab, ‘Flor interests me more than you can imagine.’

We continue with this conversation after the commercials. Miranda says, ‘You change your mind a lot. Yesterday, you offered to help me and today you’re interested in my sister. What kind of game are you playing?’ ‘What I feel for Flor is clean and sincere,.’ says. Al, ‘I would never play with her affections.’ ‘What is clean about this? You are a hypocrite,’ responds Miranda, ‘what kind of man would fall in love with the sister of his best friend?’ Al makes the obvious response: ‘What kind of woman is pursuing and harassing her sister’s husband?’ Al and Miranda are within kissing distance and he must have put his hands on her although the camera is too close to see this. ‘Let me go’ she says without meaning it, ‘my feelings are not a subject for discussion.’ ‘Mine either,’ says Al. ‘You’re trembling,’ says Al, ‘Are you afraid of me?’ ‘I’m not afraid of anyone or anything,’ says Miranda, ‘Let me go..’ They seem to be about to kiss when Flor and Fab come down the stairs. Flor is angry with Fab. Al greets Flor with a hug and Miranda stalks off.

At the breakfast table, Miranda orders economies in food purchases and Bertha reminds her that she is in charge of the household and will do what she can to save money. Squeaky then launches into a tirade against Miranda saying that she will also have to stop giving money to the poor. She is sure that their father wouldn’t approve.

Back with Flor and Fab, Al says that he can tell the newlyweds are having a spat. Tell Uncle Al what the problem is. Flor tells him about Fab’s unenthusiastic response upon being told that she pregnant. Fab tries to say that he made a mistake. Al tells Flor that Fab was only concerned for her health and he would have done the same thing. The couple are reconciled. Flor thanks Al and stares lovingly at him while Fab looks uncomfortable behind them.

Once again his lawyer tells Gonzo that he is going to the pokey since everyone is up in arms about losing their investments. Gonzo tells the lawyer to see some minister who is a personal friend to try and get him released. Rebeca arrives. Gonzo tells her that he doesn’t need tears now. All that has happened is Cesar’s fault but there isn’t sufficient proof. Rebeca can’t believe it, ‘Where did I go wrong with my son?,’ she laments. Gonzo says, ‘All this can be remedied.’ ‘How?’ says Rebeca.

Back at the breakfast table, Miranda tells Squeaky that her charitable donations are made from her own money and are nobody’s else’s business. She tells Bertha to get rid of Renata’s bodyguards. Squeaky protests that now she will totally unprotected in the streets. Miranda says that her father got the escort to keep Squeaky from getting drugs, not to protect her. If she wants to destroy her life, that is up to her. In comes Flor, raving about what a great guy Al is. Flor says whoever marries Al will win the lottery in every sense. Flor suggests that Miranda and Al would be a perfect couple and she should go after him. ‘That’s not a bad idea,’ responds Miranda looking at Bertha, ‘I’ll think about it.’

Miranda makes an announcement. Gonzo wants them all to go to the hacienda (in Tabasco) right away. Miranda says that she didn’t want to go but Gonzo insisted. Squeaky comes right out and says that she isn’t going to be stuck in the middle of the jungle.

Rebeca the mop head says that she can’t set a trap for her son like he is an animal. ‘You’re turning your back on me?’ asks Gonzo. ‘No,’ wails Rebeca, ‘but I can’t be my son’s executioner. He’s a dirtbag but he’s my son and I’m his mother. Don’t ask me to do this.’ Gonzo says he has nothing more to say to her. Rebeca goes on and on about parents protecting their children regardless of what they have done and says Gonzo would do the same for his daughters.

Out on the lawn, Al is telling Fab how to handle the Flor situation. Not surprisingly, Fab is annoyed. ‘Everyone is giving me advice,’ he says, ‘but put yourself in my shoes. I have to pretend a happiness that I don’t feel; I have to show a confidence that I don’t have. You think it is easy? The woman I love is going to die and I can’t do anything about it.’ Al gives Fab some more platitudes about fighting the good fight and Fab says, ‘you are one to talk. You have never loved. You never spend more than one night with a woman. Who are you to give me lectures about love?’ ‘All I’m saying,’ says Al, ‘in the months she has left, give Flor all the love you would have given her for a lifetime.’ Now Fab asks, ‘Why the sudden interest in Flor?’ ‘I just want her to be happy,’ says Al. ‘If you are so concerned about the happiness of women, find one and start a family but stay away from me and mine, including Miranda.’ ‘I get involved in things when I have to,’ says Al. ‘Flor isn’t your business,’ says Fab. ‘Oh yes she is,’ responds Al, ‘don’t forget that I took her to see Dr. Fernandez. Her treatment should not be delayed for even one day.’

At the office, with Nuria and his associate in evil, Cesar is getting information about something from the director of a bank. He is pretty pleased with himself but his associate is concerned about the risks he is taking. Cesar says it’s all under control. A person named Roman Alvarez arrives to see Gonzo. Cesar dismisses Nuria and the evil associate. Cesar tells Alvarez that Gonzo isn’t around and he can handle whatever the issue is. They spar a little bit and finally Alvarez says that he has come about Fernanda.

More incredibly boring whining from Rebeca about why she can’t help Gonzo get the goods on the son who has been so nasty to her. Gonzo tells her that he understands that she won’t help him but he is going to do everything in his power to make Cesar pay for what he has done. Gonzo says that he doesn’t want to see Rebeca anymore. Their only contact will be through Fab and once Flor is a goner, Fab will be persona non grata, too.

It appears that this Alvarez was hired by Gonzo to make Fernanda’s life miserable. Sometimes he wondered why Gonzo was so set on harassing her. Cesar says that only Gonzo knew that. Alvarez gives Cesar an eviction order for the place where Fernanda is living. She can be thrown out anytime. ‘Now what?’ says Alvarez. Cesar tells him to find out everything about Fernanda – where she goes, who she sees. Be her shadow.’ Alvarez agrees and Cesar gives him money. Pouring himself a drink, Cesar has a thought bubble that everything Fernanda told him has turned out to be true. Now, all he needs to find out is who is the man that Gonzo killed. He will get that information out of his mother.

Julio is in intensive care. Juan goes to find the neurologist and Fernanda has a thought bubble about how long it has been since she has seen him and she asks, ‘what has happened to us? What happened to us when we has so many years of happiness?’

Fab bursts into Cesar’s office and says how could he throw their mother out of her house? ‘MY house,’ growls Cesar. ‘I’m going to kill you,’ says Fab and they start fighting like six year olds.

Back at breakfast, Al suggests that Lasagna could go to the hacienda with Squeaky so it would be less boring for her. They can all use his plane too. She is happy with that suggestion. Miranda starts to refuse but Bertha interrupts and says that Al is always such a gentleman and they accept his offer. She tell Al that she is ready to go. ‘Where are you going?’ says Squeaky. ‘To see Gonzalo,’ responds Bertha. As it says so oftern in the resumenes of the capitulos on the Esmas website, Miranda is ‘impactada.’ Viewing this scene, Squeaky figures out that Miranda is jealous and is interested in Al. Squeaky tells Flor that she needn’t worry about Miranda paying attention to Fab anymore. Miranda says that she only considers Fab as Flor’s husband and as for Al, he is more Bertha’s type.’ ‘Oh Bertha can’t get together with Al,’ says Flor, ‘Daddy is going to marry her.’ Naturally, Miranda won’t hear of that. Squeaky calls her father a delinquent and Miranda slaps her. ‘Don’t ever refer to you father by that name again,’ she says.

Back at the little boys fighting, Fab asks why and Cesar repeats the ‘mama always gave you everything’ litany. ‘I am better than you and we both know it,’ says Cesar to Fab, ‘you are nothing.’ ‘You are wrong,’ say Fab, ‘I have Miranda and there is nothing you can do about it while I exist. Leave our mother where she is or I’ll turn Miranda against you.’ Fab leaves the office.

Miranda and Tomasa are alone in the dining room. ‘It’s all falling apart,’ Miranda says ‘and I can’t stop it. What bad thing did I do? All I want is for my family to be united. Look at them: Flor took my financé, Squeaky is bad, Dad’s in prison. What kind of family is that?’ ‘You left Bertha out,’ says Tomasa. ‘I have never been able to defeat her intrigues and manipulations,’ says Miranda. ‘What are you going to do?’ asks Tomasa. ‘Save them,’ says Miranda pompously, ‘no matter what it costs me and what obstacles Bertha puts in my path.’ Miranda leaves to apologize to Squeaky and go to the office. When she is gone, Tomasa says that now she has to tell Fernanda everything that has happened with her daughters.

Bertha tells Gonzo that things are going badly for his daughters since he was arrested.

Miranda tries to apologize to Renata but she isn’t having any. She tells Miranda that the only thing she cares about is that Flor took her boyfriend and now Flor always will wonder whether Fab is thinking about her or Miranda. Squeaky doesn’t care about either of her sisters or her father.

Miranda goes to the office and tells Cesar that they are all going to Tabasco. He is not happy about that and is less so when Miranda tells him that Alejandro has put his plane at her disposal.

Tomasa tells Fernanda what is going on with her daughters. She is worried about how they are suffering. Tomasa says that the only one who is suffering is Miranda. Squeaky is more obnoxious every day and Flor is in her own world. Tomasa is also afraid that they will all be thrown out of the house. She has read about similar cases in the paper. Fernanda says no, the house is in her name. It was a present from her father in law. Tomasa is relieved.

Rebeca tells Fab that Gonzo is right. Fab and Cesar have stabbed him in the back. Fab says there is no comparison between what Cesar had done and what he did. ‘He will make you and your brother pay,’ says Rebeca, ‘you don’t know him.’ ‘I know him,’ says Fab, ‘I want you to tell me who he killed.’ Rebeca is surprised and Fab tells her about his conversation with Gonzo on the subject of Flor. Rebeca asks how Fab could betray Miranda. If she were in Gonzo’s place, she would have done the same thing. Fab says that sooner or later he will marry Miranda. ‘How can you say that,’ yells Rebeca, ‘it’s crazy.’ ‘No, mother,’ says Fab, ‘I’ve been thinking. If Flor has the baby and dies, Gonzo will make me go away. That is ok with me but I’m sure that he won’t let me take my child. I won’t tolerate that. I’ll kill him myself.’ ‘How can you say that,’ sobs Rebeca, ‘I heard that before you left on your honeymoon, you told Miranda to wait for you.’ ‘Listen mother,’ says Fab, ‘Gonzo is capable of anything. Miranda still loves me. She would be a good mother to my child.’ Rebeca is hysterical now. ‘Don’t do it, don’t do it,’ she cries over and over, ‘What did I do to deserve you two?’
That’s where the TiVo stopped.

Labels: heridas

Squeaky complains about Juan and calls him a "pobre naco". Lasagna says in these times there are very few people with honor. Squeaky doesn't fall for it. But she does fall for the shock she receives when two girls bring her news of her jailed father.

By phone Gonzalo tells Miranda to count on Alejandro. Miranda is doubtful of Alejandro and she hasn't been able to tell her sisters. No friends have called to help. Gonzalo tells Miranda to open two safes, to remove their contents, the jewels and give the contents to Pamela for her to guard. After they hang up the phone she tells Pamela that she is investigating who bought the stock. The owner can save us or ruin us.....

Alejandro tells Fernanda that he bought the stocks that are in question. Fernanda finally spits out to Alejandro that Alfredo was her first love, but Gonzalo conquered her. Gonzalo is her true love. Alejandro is a little upset to hear these revelations after everything that Gonzalo has done to her and his father. He asks her if she still loves Gonzo. She runs off not answering but saying Think of what your revenge will do to my girls!

Squeaky, wearing a hot stripped pant outfit is having a nervous breakdown to Tomasa. She wants to leave the country where no one knows her. She cries how this is the most shameful thing that has happened to her in her whole life. She left almost fleeing the CLUB! Bertha, Florencia and Fabricio walk up at the end of her hissy fit to hear Tomasa scolding Squeaky to think of her father. Florencia immediately asks What happened to my Dad?!?!?! Tomasa tries to change the subject but Bertha sends Tomasa away. Squeaky (without thinking of the delicate health of her sister) spills the beans. He’s been jailed! We are the laughing stock of everyone! Not only are we in ruin but we have a vulgar delinquent for a father! Florencia faints.

Gonzos lawyer Vincente fills him in on Julios health and tells him that he hasn’t found Julios sons. Vincente tells Gonzalo that the sons represent the clients who are accusing him of fraud. Gonzo calls the sons parasites. Vincente wants to put together a special counsel meeting. Without doubt the business is going to fail. Gonzo asks about finding who is the owner of the reserved emergency stocks. He wants to finally know if the owner will give him a hand of a final blow.

Tomasa yells at Squeaky that Squeaky should not have told her sister about their father. Miranda was supposed to do it. Squeaky copies Berthas maneuvers and tells Tomasa to go to the kitchen. Miranda walks in and finds out about Florencia and starts to yell at Squeaky and Bertha. First though, she hugs Faby and tells him she has been waiting for him. Miranda tells Squeaky and Bertha that it is she who is the only one who decides what is to be done in the house. Bertha stands up and says “No you are wrong Miranda. For that I am here!” She smiles an evil grin. Commercial break. Bertha reminds Miranda that she returned with a few conditions. One is to be the head of the house to give orders and make decisions for the family. If Miranda doesn’t respect that she will leave. Miranda doesn’t believe now is the time for these kinds of disputes. Squeaky freaks that Bertha will leave and threatens Miranda. She wants Miranda to be the one to leave. Fabricio steps in and says Florencia wouldn’t want them fighting. Renata then starts to freak on how poor they are. Miranda says they have to watch what they spend but that she has enough money for their current bills. Renata goes on about how people will talk about her. Wha! Bertha protects Renata when Renata speaks ill of their father. Miranda wants them to be united. The women call a truce. Fabricio offers financial help. Miranda tells him she needs him now more than ever. Renata grosses out on Miranda’s obvious adoration of Faby.

Nuria and Cesar kiss and tell each other how much they love each other. Cesar tries to talk her into not getting married. He changes the subject, he wants the information he asked her about. She hands him what looks like a business card. She tells him with this key you can track (Rastrear) the banking movements. You can search by name, date, business, or folio but you need a contact in a bank. She says it is almost impossible to get this information. He grabs the card. Cesar gives Nuria money and promises to give her a similar amount to buy things for the baby. She wants to pay for the hospital to even things out but Cesar tells her to worry about other things. She brings up getting married, and he starts to get mad. She then tells him that Bertha knows she is pregnant. With this news he gets mad. Nuria then sheepishly admits that Bertha is her godmother who has taken care of her since her parents died. Without Bertha she wouldn’t have studied to be a secretary and she wouldn’t have her job. Cesar likes this. He has something on Bertha! Bertha doesn’t give charity without a reason! He calms down and tells Nuria they will do two things. First don’t tell Bertha that he impregnated her. Second he will investigate who were her parents but not to say anything to Bertha about it. He doesn’t want her to trust Bertha anymore. Additionally he doesn’t want Bertha to know that he knows she is Nurias godmother. Hug Kiss.

Gonzalo is given information that it looks like Cesar committed all the frauds. Gonzalo is mad. He cant believe he was so blind. Vincente tells him that every operation was authorized by him, the fraud looks like he committed it but they believe it was all Cesar. Don Julio might be involved too.

Raul calls Lasagna. They agree on a coffee/ice cream date. Alejandro goes home and talks with Daira and Lasagna. Alejandro is going to investigate Berthas necklace that was his fathers design.

Miranda and Florencia talk about why Flor is mad at Faby. Miranda tells her that Faby acted that way because he is worried about Flors health. Flor thinks one baby wont kill her. Miranda tells her to stop being so emotional, she needs to be calm for the baby. Flor then asks Miranda to swear not to get close to or talk with, unless necessary, with Fabricio. Miranda swears on what is most sacred that she wont. Miranda cries alligator tears and sobs into her pillow.

Bertha, the dog, and Flor talk about how Flor did what Bertha asked. (That Flor ask Miranda to cut off contact with Fabricio.) Flor doesn’t feel right about doing it but Bertha tells her she only did what any woman in love would do. Flor then tells (she doesn’t ask - she tells) Bertha to get rid of the dog because of her allergies.

One of the sons tells Amparo what a great mother she has been to them. She talks of her sacrifices for them and they laugh about how lucky they all are to have each other. Raul overhears and is guilt ridden. He comes into the room and hugs her asking for forgivness. But for what she asks? He runs out.

Bertha and Alejandro talk by phone. She fills him in on what is happening at their house. She tells him that Miranda came home and threw herself at Fabricio. Alejandro is jealous. Alejandro tells Bertha he will come by tomorrow for breakfast.

Miranda has flashbacks to telling Alejandro that she isn’t alone. Then she thinks how she is alone and fragile. She needs his help. Wha! Cry. Cry. Tomorrow she will talk with Alejandro. If her father believes in him she will too. Flash to Alejandro who looks angry.

Rebecca is crying to Fabricio about Cesar and her fear of Cesar. Fabricio acts strong and says that he will force Cesar to stop trying to kick her out of her home. Angel (Don Julios son) calls and wont tell Rebecca where they are. They seem to not believe her that their father has had a heart attack. They tell her they are mad at him for losing their fortune that THEIR mother left them. They hang up. We see the boys discuss if Rebecca is lying to them about their fathers health. They decide that the best thing to do is call Cesar. Cesar tells them that he saw their father the day before and he looked healthy. When they hang up the phone we see Cesar snicker that he doesn’t care if Julio dies.

Miranda grabs Alejandro’s hand, she straddles him and starts to kiss him. Love music plays and Alejandro admits to being in love with her. She tells him that she too loves him FABRICIO. Alejandro wakes up from his dream angrier at Miranda saying she won’t play with him anymore.

Tomasa complains to the other maid that they need to not waste so much food as they set the table for breakfast. Bertha and Renata sit down for breakfast. Renata is going on about Miranda wasting money on the poor and the poor should be paying them back because the money Miranda gave away was theirs. The companies money thus hers. Bertha sends Tomasa to the kitchen but not before Tomasa asks for a favor from Bertha. Renata wants to know what for? Bertha says it’s a pay raise but she wants to know more about what Renata knows about Miranda. Renata says she found out all this information from the Padre Santiago de Buenaventura, the uncle of Alejandro, Alejandros mothers brother. Bertha said she met him when either she or he was losing faith.

Labels: heridas

As Gonzalo is being arrested he tells Miranda to call the lawyers and to ask Cesar to investigate the fraud. Oops, bad idea. Gonzo orders Miranda to stay behind, Alejandro will accompany him. Miranda believes this is Julio's doing.

The big drooling Rottweiler threatens Daira as a smug Bertha calls him off. She's come to talk about that thing Fernanda told her at the hacienda. Lucas barks, it's dog talk for "you'd better tell her or else!"

Cesar tells Rebecca for the umpteenth time to move out of the house. She tells Cesar that she's going to tell Gonzalo on him. He smiles and informs her Gonzo's in jail. Thanks to her beloved Julio Gonzo is accused of fraud.

Bertha tells Daira not to defend her sister, Bertha knows what she's capable of...
Bertha: Fernanda made up this story that you were Alfredo's wife. Lasagna's too young, I don't believe she's Alejandro's sister. Possibly she is someone's daughter, but not Alfredo's because I myself saw Alfredo die too many years ago.
Daira: And I guess you know because you threw his body in the river, eh?
Bertha: Don't be so sure on a subject you know nothing about. I paid some guys to give him a sacred burial. So there.
Daira: You should have turned in the murderer of poor Alfredo.
Bertha: Don't talk about this subject with me. Are you accusing me of killing Alfredo? You owe me an apology.
Daira: You and I both know I do not. But before you leave I want to ask you something. Why haven't you told Alejandro that you also were in love with his father? Why haven't you told him it was you who always came between Alfredo and Fernanda?

Cesar arrives at the office. He asks Nuria if she has looked into the portfolio of stocks that he asked her about. "Yes, the secretary of the president of the investment house is going to give me the information later." Cesar tells her to call the hospital and find Fernanda. He wants to meet her but he doesn't want anyone to know anything about it.

At the taco stand Juan tells Squeaky (Renata) that he's tired of trying to explain himself to her. He wants her to go away and let them work. They exchange insults. She calls him a thief. Lasagna is embarrassed and drags Squeaky, still squeaking, off to see the Padre.

Miranda is looking through some paperwork and tells Cesar that according to those records a fraud was committed with some of the investor's money some time ago. She says it's a good thing he removed all of the executives because she wouldn't want the employees gossiping about her father. He says as soon as the head controller began reading the reports he decided the information should only be between himself and Miranda. Hmmm... "Gosh, I don't know what I'd do without you Cesar. Forgive me for all my past rudeness. Clearly my papa shouldn't be in jail." Cesar agrees that Don Julio is responsible but the legal representative and owner is Gonzalo. Miranda points out that coincidentally, the fraud was committed only on Cesar's investors. Cesar defends himself, "Yes, but I have witnesses and testaments that Don Julio signed off on them..."

Cesar flashes back to Don Julio telling him that "the transactions" are already closed and Cesar needs to pass the reports on to the comptroller; they have to make everything legal that very day. Cesar hands him piles of papers that all require his signature with hour and date. Don Julia says, "Er...in my day we didn't have to sign so many papers." After Don Julio leaves Cesar tells Nuria and his evil partner that they are witnesses of what just transpired. After the flashback Cesar shows Miranda, "See, here are all Don Julio's signatures with hours and dates. He was trying to defraud the clients."

Lasagna scolds Squeaky for treating Juan badly. Squeaky says the poor folk are used to being treated that way by "us". Lasagna says don't include her in "us", she has never treated anyone like that, it's discrimination. A nun arrives to help the girls. When she finds out Squeaky is Miranda's sister she goes on and on about the marvelous Miranda, one of the kindest benefactors they have. Renata wants to hear more about this, allegedly so she can follow Miranda's example...NOT! She doesn't know how her father will like it when he finds this out, and she's going to find out everything. I'm not sure what this has to do with anything.

Lasagna is waiting in the church for Padre. Raul enters. They both know that she recognizes him as her thief with the beautiful eyes. He's sorry about what happened and he wishes they could have met under better circumstances. She wonders is he going to return her documents or will his "accomplice" do it? Raul says Juan is his brother and had nothing to do with the robbery. Juan didn't return her stuff because he didn't know where to find her. "Why did you do it?" she asks. "It's a long story," Raul says, "and I don't think you'd be interested in hearing it. I have to help my family's situation." She doesn't want him to go before she gives him her card, "call me?" (Oh dear, I suppose that means he's going to be shot in the bank heist, but I'm jumping ahead of myself.) "Are you going to turn me in," he asks? "I don't know." I thought this scene was sweet and muy romantico!

Daira says she and Alejandro have been friends since childhood. Fernanda was Alejandro's great love, not Bertha. Alfredo never mentioned Bertha, and when Alfredo's wife died Fernanda was a support not only to Alfredo but also to Alejandro. She made him laugh again so Bertha had better not come between Fernanda and Alejandro or she'll lose. Bertha tells Daira not to threaten her because it agitates her, and Bertha recommends that once Daira agitates Bertha she won't soon forget it. Lucas barks, "Yeah, what she said!"

Alejandro tells Gonzo that because Gonzo's clients have all ganged up on him the judge won't set bail, so Gonzo is stuck in jail. "It's a lie," Gonzalo insists, "I'm irreproachable!" Alejandro says if that's true then they will figure out a way to get Gonzo out. Gonza tells Alejandro that from the time they first met he knew he could trust Alejandro.

Sqeaky, Lasagna and the two bodyguards leave the church and walk by the taco stand. "Ooh goodie, tacos," squeals Lasagna! She wants some, potato please. But Squeaky has a hissy fit and says many horrible things. Lasagna tells her "Fine, so you don't want a taco, shut up already and quit being rude!" But Squeaky won't shut her yap, "These people are filthy, you'll get all sorts of bacteria, you have to be very careful..." She gets louder and louder then Sanson shows up with his cronies. There is a chest-puffing contest between Sanson and the body guards. The girls leave. Raul is sad.

Back at the office Alejandro tells Miranda that the accusations against Gonzo were lodged by Angel and Daniel. "So then all this is Don Julio's fault," concludes Miranda. Don Julio enters, Miranda accuses him and tells him he is vile and despicable. Alejandro explains to DJ that Gonzo is accused of fraud by a group of disgruntled stockholders led by his sons. Don Julio immediately has a heart attack.

At Sanson's place, Sanson's friend tells him that someone recognized those chicks at the taco stand, they were the same ones that were robbed in the restaurant, the ones that Raul defended. Sanson notes that judging by their car and bodyguards those babes "have a lot of wool," i.e. are rolling in dough. Raul arrives; Sanson wants to know where those two taco stand chicks live. Raul says he doesn't know, rich bitches like that always act familiar towards you. Sanson doesn't buy this excuse.

Cesar shows up at the hospital and has a reunion with Fernanda. He says he has no ulterior motives for looking her up after all this time and nobody knows he's there. He wants to know why she left her kids and hordes of godchildren long ago. Why hasn't she told her daughters who she is? He tells her her name is taboo not only in the San Llorente house but also in his. Why is that?

Don Julio leaves the office on a gurney receiving CPR. Nuria must locate his sons immediately. Alejandro wants to help Miranda but the only thing she wants from him is his distance. He says she shouldn't feel alone. "I'm not alone," she retorts, "Fabricio comes home today." Just as Alejandro starts to make some sarcastic remark Rebecca arrives in full hysteria mode.

Fernanda tells Cesar her story, that Gonza kept her from her kids and tried to sabotage her career. Cesar says he never imagined Gonzo was capable of such treachery. Wait until his daughters find out, they should know Fernanda was his victim. Fernanda says they must never know because 1) Florencia's health is too delicate and 2) she doesn't have proof yet but she knows the person behind it all was...Bertha! She needs to find a way to reveal Bertha's treachery for all to see. (I thought everybody already knew.) Cesar wants to help her. Those who caused this situation will pay. In fact it has already started because Gonzo is in jail for fraud and speculation.

Sanson punches Raul but Raul insists he doesn't know where the rich girls live. Sanson stops beating Raul up because he remembers he needs Raul; they are going to rob a bank and Raul has to help. Sanson menaces Raul, "There's no quitting now, if one leave's Sanson's gang then one leaves forever. Now get out; I'll call you when we're ready." Sanson's pal wonders why Sanson let Raul get away with lying to him. Sanson is only pretending to let Raul off the hook. He makes a funny remark about the girls being "Shakiras," probably because of the way Squeaky is dressed. "That stupid idiot Raul sure isn't like his brother," thinks Sanson.

Rebecca can't believe her beloved Julio would betray Gonzo. Miranda says she knows now isn't a good time, but, er...she needs some information. Does Rebecca know of a stock portfolio that Julio sold without her dad's authorization? Rebecca said it was a mistake. Ever since Julio's wife died he has subjected himself to the whims of his sons who have burned through the fortune left to them by their mom. They don't work, all they know how to do is spend money lavishly. They pressed Julio and he folded, he sold the packet to some guy in New York, an agency called Investment Marketing Business.

Fernanda gets paged and she dashes off. Cesar muses that Gonzo and Bertha have a "black history" that everybody ignores. He wonders what the daughters will say when they find out what kind of man their beloved papa really is.

Pamela is trying to console Miranda when Nuria arrives with more bad news. All accounts of the company and the San Llorente family have been frozen. Nobody can have a single penny.

Don Julio's heart has stopped. Juan and a nurse are working on him when Fernanda arrives in the nick of time to de-fib his heart. Fernanda and Juan have saved him. Rebecca and Alejandro arrive and Fernanda tells them Don Julio's condition is very delicate because his brain was without oxygen. He's in intensive care and his sons (who are no doubt out spending money lavishly) must be located.

Squeaky and Lasagna are at the club, sunbathing and bickering about Squeaky's nasty disposition when two more rich bitches walk up. They ask Squeaky hasn't she heard that her daddy has been arrested? Really? She hasn't? The rumour has already spread throughout the entire club.

Alejandro has a rendezvous with Fernanda. She cannot even think that Julio would have sold those stocks. One day her father-in-law told her about those stocks, they had many provisions and concessions within them for moments of crisis such as this. That's why she doesn't understand, why would Julio sell something that her father-in-law set up specifically to protect the company's capital? Furthermore, who would have bought such stocks?

"I, Fernanda," states Alejandro, "I have those stocks in my power."

Labels: heridas

Friends, I will be away from the blog for the next two weeks teaching singing at Village Harmony summer singing camp for grownups. Our new pinch-hitter will be recapping the next two Mondays, and I'll be back after that...

From last week: Squeaky (Renata) sends cute Mr. Poor-But-Honest packing. Miranda pouts upon seeing Alejandro plant a kiss on Bertha (in exchange for borrowing that made-in-China necklace). Although I could try caring about Miranda's hurt feelings, really all I noticed was her perfect lipstick. She's going to have to work mighty hard to win me back.

• Pamela reviews: because her mother's illness is hereditary, she is afraid she herself will end up hearing voices, all alone in a mental hospital. Miranda offers feeble comfort: "we'll come visit you." Pamela says she doesn't think she'd love an adopted child. This gets Miranda talking about her grisly plan: she'll adopt Flor's baby and marry Fab, the widower, when Flor expires.
  
  When Pamela seems taken aback by this outburst, Miranda counters bitterly: "Oh woe, Julio is a crook, my sister is dying, she married my sweetheart, Renata is a pain in the butt, and Bertha and Alejandro are lovers, cut me some slack here!"
  
  
• Alejandro's flirting escalates as he calls Bertha pretty, smart, passionate, and funny - then asks: "how well did you know my father?"
  
  Bertha: "Your mother and my sister Fern were school chums. Suddenly your parents (Alfredo and his first wife) married. When Fern met Alfredo, oh how sexy he was, a gentleman, so strong (Bertha drools a little, remembering). She fell in love.
  
  "When your mother got cancer, Fern thought she'd take her place at your father's side, next to you ... our dad was going to send her to Europe to study, but since she wouldn't stop thinking about Alfredo, he married her instead (to Gonzo). It ended in tragedy and it was all Fern's fault.
  
  Later this conversation continues. Alex: "My mother knew she was being betrayed?" "Of course, and it hastened her death. ... it wasn't your father's fault, he loved your mother." Concerning a more recent part of the mystery, Bertha queries: "At Flor's wedding Daira said she married Alfredo, but I know that can't be true, because I saw Alfredo dead." She makes googoo eyes at Alejandro as he leaves and asks to exchange telephone numbers. She gets another kiss.
  
  
• Gonzo and Fern have a disjointed exchange. G: "If you won't give me a divorce, at least let's call a truce." They talk about Flor's situation. F: "I wish I could give her my life," G: "I always loved you, you and our children, that was my idea of happiness - and you betrayed me - now you must pay."
  
  
• Cesar eggs on Marcos and brother: "Do exactly as I say and you'll get your money back." He suggests they round up all the investors who have money in Gonzo's business and get Gonzo charged with fraud. "But keep my name out of it." He thoughtbubbles that the brothers are beasts and all they will achieve is more misery for their own father.
  
  
• Amparo and her brother Francisco are buying onions, etc. "So what if the economy is bad? Hungry Mexicans will never resist a taco!" Did he then say, "With closed eyes the flies don't come in" ??
  
  In comes the son who was reamed by Squeaky. He has certainly taken umbrage. "Why do the rich humiliate us? When we're poor they think we're delinquents."
  
  
• I can't bear to blog the idiot immaturity that is Miranda mooning over Fab. She tells Pamela that Padre Santiago's sister was Alejandro's mother. I suppose this will be important at some point.
  
  
• Alejandro yells at Dayra. "How could you and Fernanda screw up like that? How could you tell Bertha you married Alfredo? Now she wants to know everything and we're at risk. And Fern seems reluctant to help [with my plan to destroy Gonzo]."
  
  Pointing out that Fernanda might not want her own daughters ruined this way, Dayra counsels: "Give it up. To destroy the love between parents and children is a crime." Al asks if the things Bertha told him were true. "Did you actually believe that woman?" "What she said jibed with my memories of Fernanda always being at my father's side." Dayra says he should ask Fern, she'll tell him the truth.
  
  Changing the subject, Dayra asks about Miranda. Alejandra feels very discouraged. Miranda is impossible and still in love with Fab. "And then just when I have my hands around Gonzo's neck he offers Miranda to me on a platter!" Dayra says he should abandon vengeance and go with love. "If I mess around with Miranda, it will just be to get even with Gonzo." Dayra says to his departing back, "No, your fate is to love."
  
  
• Rebecca, with a dustmop glued to her skull, holds hands decorously with Julio on the sofa. "I can't believe my son Cesar took everything away [what did he take?], now I don't know what to do." "At least we're together."
  
  Cesar catches them kissing, says it's ridiculous for old people to be necking, and demands that Julio leave. He says it's Julio's fault that he (Cesar) was run out of the company like a thief, and that Julio smells bad and even his own sons can't stand him. "Stay away from mommy!"
  
  Later Rebeca says "From now on, Cesar, please don't come here. You have your own apartment." He says both places are his. Mom: "What happened to you? You were such a cute baby..." Her sniveling recollections jog his memory: "I remember, Doc "Fernandez" is actually Fernanda, my godmother!" Gee, she was godmother to an awful lot of kids.
  
  
• Miranda enters the house and finds herself looking down the snout of the evil dog Lucas. She tells Bertha: "Flor's coming back and is allergic to animals, the evil dog has to go." Bertha is happy to hear about Flor's pregnancy and says: "No wonder you're so bitchy, Flor's going to have the baby you wanted to have, hah-hah-hah."
  
  Bertha sics Lucas on Miranda - he tears pieces out of her dress! "I'll tell Daddy!" Bertha tells Lucas: "We are an invincible pair."
  
  
• Francisco's two nice sons mull over their encounters with the rich bitches. "They have bodies of angels and souls of devils." The third brother, Raul, is in Sanson's gang - he was one of those who robbed Squeaky and Lasagna.
  
  Amparo and Francisco come in with Fern (who is godmother to the two nice sons) and with big bags of stuff. Joel works in the Doc's shelter, and Juan (he who got reamed by Squeaky), who works in the hospital, will have more responsibility rehabilitating patients in the shelter starting tomorrow.
  
  Raul enters with even more big bags of stuff. Francisco asks where he got the money and he says a teacher paid him to look for things in the HEMEROTECA, he spent all day looking for info and didn't even go to class. "Hemeroteca? What's that?" Nobody ever tells us.
  
  Amparo is so happy that Raul brought cereal and deodorant. What a thoughtful guy!
  
  The viejos go to bed and Joel and Juan yell at Raul. He shouldn't buy deodorant with stolen money. It turns out, Raul says, that he DID buy the stuff with money from a teacher - Sanson actually did not give him any of the money from the robbery - it had just been his "initiation," he'll get a percentage next time. "There won't be a next time or we'll run you out of the house, better the olds should suffer once than die of anxiety every time you walk out that door." After the good brothers stomp away, Raul squeezes out a tear and paws Lasagna's credit cards. "No address! I'll never find you again. I wish I'd met you some other way." You think?
  
  
• Miranda is brooding in her bedroom, yet again, over Fab's despicable "Wait for me!" remark.
  
  
  I like these new green flashbacks to things that happened only a few minutes ago - they cut down on the amount of recapping!
  
  Gonzo comes in and reassures her: if Bertha's dog chomps on anybody again, the both of them will get their marching papers. More unbearable sulking from Miranda. Gonzo reviews his troubles. They mutually wonder if they're being punished by God for their mistakes.
  
  Miranda what-a-baby says if she can't live her life by Fab's side, she'll have nobody. What about Alejandro? Oh, no, never.
  
  About the trouble at work, Gonzo lies and tells her everything's going to be fine in a couple days. She intends to hock the hacienda to bail him out.
  
  
• Squeaky and Lasagna discuss their mugging. Lasagna says Squeaky is too hard on the poor, and then asks her to go to church the next day (Lasagna wants to see her uncle the Padre). "OK but after that we're going to the mall," bargains Squeaky. Lasagna dreams about the thief's beautiful eyes behind his mask!
  
  
• Alejandro does some important international business via cellphone and asks "Nola" to find out how much Gonzo's hacienda is worth. He has a green flashback to a few minutes ago and rhetorically complains, "Miranda, you're ruining my plans!"
  
  
• The tacos are selling like hotcakes outside the church when Lasagna and Squeaky (wearing, is it leopard-fur and striped capris cut down to the pubic bone? Is this the way we dress to go to church?) pull up - they are, remember, coming to visit the Padre. There is a big moment of recognition between the girls and the boys. Busted, Raul! Lasagna recognizes him with a languid, somewhat lustful eye.
  
  
• Alone, Dayra is talking to some "Jorge" on the phone. "I can't leave, Alejandro is on this crazy vengeance kick. If love doesn't triumph..." The doorbell rings. It's the evil dog Lucas, come to bite her! Little bits of his anticipatory drool sully the marble floor!
  
  
• At the office: all the clients are suddenly downstairs, demanding their money back! Cesar's plan worked! Alejandro appears and says: "You're in trouble with the bankers and investors..." and then a bunch of people show up and Gonzo is arrested for fraud.

Labels: heridas

[I had a problem with getting my TiVo remote to work Friday night. If you have TiVo, you know that without the remote, it is just a box with lights on it. I went out and got a universal remote, with which I was able to watch Friday’s episode with some difficulty.]

Fernanda continues to ask Alejandro to give up his plan of vengeance for Gonzo. She doesn’t feel the need to make Gonzo pay, she is only concerned about her daughters. Alejandro says that she is entitled to her opinion but it won’t change his plans. ‘Oh by the way,’ he says, ‘I spoke to Benjamin at the hospital and he said Gonzo called and asked him to fire you.’ ‘How long?’ cries Fernanda, ‘how long will this go on?’ ‘Until he gets what he deserves,’ answers Alejandro.

The padre will have something to say when he confesses his sins. He lies to Miranda and says that all the information that he had about Dr. Fernandez was her name and phone number. Miranda seems to have lost her curiosity. [Don’t doctors have to be licensed in Mexico? Isn’t it going to be awkward when Fernanda’s id tag, name on the door and everything else is in a different name? When they are better friends, is Miranda going to keep calling her ‘Dr. Fernandez?'] ‘In reality,’ says Miranda, ‘I don’t know what I expected to find out. It is enough that we are friends and I want to help her in any way that I can.’ The padre approves of this. He says that the support and care one gives to others, God repays 700 times 60’ [I think – in any case, the idea is a large number].

The padre runs right to the church and begs God to forgive him. [the Schubert Ave Maria starts to play in the background.] The padre lied but he did it to keep Miranda, who is an innocent victim, from more pain. Fernanda was a victim of circumstances but she sinned for entering the sacrament of marriage when she loved another man.’ He asks God to help this messed-up family.

Cesar and his associate in evil are in the office. Cesar is speaking to one of the company’s clients assuring him that his investments were with Cesar and are fine. The associate says that now the clients will regard him as a person they can have confidence in. Cesar is annoyed, however, that the clients still ask for Gonzo. The associate is concerned about what might happen when and audit might discover that Cesar is dealing on his own with money invested in San Llorente investments. Cesar blows him off. Everything will be fine, they just need a little more time. The associate is not convinced. When he is gone, Cesar stares creepily at a photo of Miranda and says, ‘soon you will be mine, darling.’

In Gonzo’s office, Julio is criticizing Gonzo’s decision to take Cesar back. Gonzo says, ‘if you don’t want to be here, the door is wide open.’ Julio says that he doesn’t want to break their long friendship with a business dispute but Gonzo says, If anyone has betrayed our friendship, it was you. Do you deny it?’

Cesar sneaks up behind Nuria and makes nice with her. Why? Because he wants something, of course. After chatting a little, he tells her that Gonzo, himself, asked him to come back to the firm. He sends her off on an errand so he can sit at her desk and listen through her phone to what is going on between Gonzo and Julio.

It appears that Julio’s big sin was to sell some private stock in the company without telling Gonzo. Julio said he needed the money. Gonzo believes that by selling the stock, Julio was stealing the capital that his family had put into the firm. Julio says, ‘I’m a partner in the firm, too.’ Gonzo asks Julio to whom he sold the stock and Julio says that he doesn’t know – it was someone in New York. [the most obvious candidate would be Alejandro, of course, as part of his plan to ruin Gonzo.] Cesar says something about Gonzo having an eagle’s talon but I didn’t get what he meant. Nuria comes back and Cesar convinces her to bring him the information on the private stock that Julio sold.

Miranda arrives at the office. Nuria is telling her that her father is busy with Julio when Julio leaves the office, furious and without speaking to Miranda. Miranda asks Gonzo if he is fighting with Julio. Gonzo says he doesn’t want to talk about Julio. At this moment, Alejandro arrives and Gonzo takes an urgent call. When he hangs up, he tells Miranda and Alejandro that Florencia & Fab are coming back to Mexico. Why, asks Miranda. ‘Flor has found out that she is pregnant.’ Only Miranda is surprised since Gonzo and Alejandro already knew about it.

Miranda asks how Fab could do such a thing knowing about Flor’s condition. Alejandro says that it happened before Fab knew. [Why isn’t she angry that Alejandro, who is not even a family member know about Flor’s condition and no one told Miranda?] Miranda then says that they have to tell Flor about her condition and maybe she could terminate the pregnancy. ‘No,’ says Gonzo, ‘what would you do if you were in Flor’s situation?’ Miranda acknowledges that she would try and have the baby even it resulted in her death. ‘No more tears,’ says Gonzo, ‘we have to try and pretend to be happy for Flor.’ Then Gonzo asks Miranda to leave him alone with Alejandro so they can discuss his investments. Miranda leaves.

The vet has brought Bertha the guard dog she wanted. Renata appears and ask why this breed – it smells bad and attacks its master. The dog shows that it has good judgment and growls and barks at Renata. The vet says no, the dog doesn’t smell bad and always knows its master.

Miranda goes to see Cesar. She asks him how things are going. He tells her that he is having some success in persuading clients to wait before demanding their money. Miranda says that now they must raise money. Cesar responds that a great deal of money is needed – more than a bank will lend her. Miranda says that, if necessary, she will mortgage the hacienda and the house. She will not abandon Gonzo. She has a flashback to the conversation she had with Gonzo about Flor only a few minutes ago. Miranda changes the subject. Does Cesar know why Alejandro is meeting with Gonzo? He tells her that Alejandro’s contract with Gonzo has big interest penalty for each day construction of the hotel is delayed. Since Gonzo can’t get the permits to build, the project is delayed. Miranda says that she wants a copy of that contract. Cesar doesn’t have it but he suggest maybe Nuria could get it for her.

When Miranda is gone, Alejandro says maybe Gonzo was a little hard on her. Maybe, says Gonzo but this was the only way to handle the situation. If I didn’t say what I did, Miranda would fall apart and I can’t face losing another daughter. Gonzo starts to write out the check for the interest and then asks Alejandro what his feelings are about Miranda. Alejandro says that he can’t deny that he is attracted to Miranda but she still loves Fab.
G: Do you think you could make her love you? [he actually said, ‘do you believe that you could conquer her?’]
A: Would that be ok with you?
G: I never thought that I would be having this conversation. I don’t want my daughter to suffer. I think that you could make my daughter happy and forget about Fab. That would be your task.
A: In that case, forget about the interest penalty.
G. Don’t get the wrong idea, Alejandro, I’m not selling my daughter.
A. I’m not buying her.

Back in Cesar’s office, Miranda has discovered some irregularity in the accounts. She asks Cesar who was responsible for these transactions and Cesar points the finger at Julio while appearing to be reluctant to do so.

Gonzo tells Alejandro that Miranda is very important to him so he should treat her as she deserves. Alejandro has a flashback to Gonzo telling him to find the vulnerabilities of the person who killed his father – vulnerabilities like his children. [Ah, the irony here. Gonzo tells Alejandro how to do the most damage to his victim without knowing he himself is the target.]

In come the sons of Julio and one, named Daniel, is our Marcos from Alborada [yippee!]. The other one is named Angel. Miranda is happy to see them.

More new characters: Pamela’s mother hears voices and is in an asylum of some kind and the good Dr. Fernanda is helping her have neurologist look at her. She has had this problem for a long time and it caused Pamela’s father to run off and she doesn’t know who he was [but since this is a novela, he is almost certainly someone we already know.]

Bertha is pleased with her purchase of the guard dog.

Gonzo meets with Daniel and Angel. They want to take their capital out of his company. Gonzo says that they will have to wait a few weeks. Angel, who doesn’t appear to be very angelic, says nastily, ‘in that case, be ready for the consequences because my brother and I..’ Gonzo interrupts and chews out Angel for speaking to him in that manner. Outside his office, Cesar is buttering up Nuria with promises of an apartment and all manner of baby stuff if she gets in the information he wants. Gonzo throws the brothers out of his office. They make threats and Gonzalo says go ahead. When they leave his outer office, Cesar runs after them and says that he must speak with them if they want to get their money.

At the asylum, Fernanda gets a call from the neurologist. He can’t release Pamela’s mother because he wants to redo her tests or something like that.

Juan brings Renata the stuff that Raul stole at the restaurant. He says that he found it in the subway. She immediately accuses him of being the thief and says that she will call the police. Raul protests his innocence and says he was a medical student who works at the hospital. As evidence, he gives her his identification. Renata mocks his name and address but finally agrees to let him go provided he never comes back.

Alejandro has asked Bertha to meet him at a bar. He tells her that he wants the necklace that she wore to the wedding. She says, ‘what will you give me for it?’ ‘Whatever you want.’ Alejandro answers. ‘Really?’ says Bertha. Meanwhile Miranda is coming into the bar. Bertha sees her but she is behind Alejandro. Bertha leans over and kisses Alejandro. Miranda has a flashback to Alejandro telling her that he could help her start anew after Fab. She feels betrayed and drags Pamela out of the bar.

Gonzalo has asked Fernanda to come and see him. He wants a divorce and has drawn up the papers. She rips them up. ‘Once,’ she says, ‘I would have signed them without hesitation but now things have changed. I want something in return.’ ‘What do you want?’ says Gonzo. ‘My daughters, the years I have lost, money…’
At this point, the TiVo recording stopped.

Labels: heridas

I apologize for the length of this recap. It was a super-busy week for La Fea! I was torn between glossing over the silly stuff that's funny but not important, or relating every little thing. I hope I managed to strike an acceptable compromise.

I also decided to organize my recaps into a few different storylines, rather than jumping back and forth, because it's a more coherent way to summarize a week's worth of stuff. At least, I think it might be. There's a lot of overlap, but I think I can make it work. We'll see.

Oh and I lost a whole page of notes, so some of this is reconstructed from memory. On with the shoe!

---

Tomas's story:
Last week, Tomas lent his cell phone to a woman he met at a bar, who was introduced by those two older dudes who I assume Tomas is investing the shadow company's money with (that's just my guess as to who they are). She left the bar without giving the phone back, and Tomas was too drunk to realize that until later. The next day, either she or her friend (I lost track) used that phone to call him, and told him to meet her someplace so she could give it back to him.

Tomas gets there as soon as he can, telling the woman that his chauffeur dropped him off. The woman flirts with Tomas and won't let him have the phone until he promises to take her to the most exclusive restaurant in town. She also wants to know who Lety is, since Lety had called that phone earlier (more on that later). She teases Tomas, wanting to know if Lety is his girlfriend.

Tomas nervously calls Lety, wanting to know what's up. Lety just needs to make sure that there's enough money in the shadow company's account to make payroll for Conceptos. Tomas rattles off a lot of numbers from memory, right in front of that woman, while the woman continues to grope and flirt with him. Uh, bad move, Tomas. I'm not sure if Tomas's old dude friends have actually hired this woman to spy on Tomas, or if it's just a lucky coincidence and she's going to try to sell them this info later, but it's clear that he has said way too much. (I'm also not sure if she realizes that he's not the bigshot he claims to be, though she'd have to be pretty stupid to buy his silly act.)

Anyway... it's time to go to dinner, or to her place, or something, so he tells her to wait there and he'll go find his chauffeur. (I guess this imaginary chauffeur doesn't have an imaginary cell phone.) As soon as he is out of her sight, he runs away.

---

Mom & Dad's story:

Not that there is much to tell, but it seems RoboPapa has lost his job and is depressed and grumpy (yeah, I know, he's always grumpy anyway). Mom has found some of their wedding stuff in a closet, and she tries to cheer him up by putting on her wedding veil and showing him some old photos. They reminisce, and it puts him in a better mood. They talk about what an angel their Lety is, too.

Later, at lunch, they tease Tomas about his lost phone and the friendly-sounding woman who called for him.

---

Lola's, Paula Maria's, and Saimon's stories:

Some of the feas go into the bathroom before leaving for lunch, and they catch Marta snacking. Well, they suspect she's snacking, but she denies it, because her autosuggestion diet is working so incredibly well. After they leave, the snack that she had so hurriedly stuffed into her purse is all crushed and ruined. (This was probably a lot funnier for people who actually understood the conversation.)

The feas wait around the elevator to go to lunch. They tease Saimon about something (possibly Yazmin). By the way, the reason Paula Maria is being so mean to Saimon is because she's still mad at him for going out on a date with Yazmin. It had been Lola's idea to get Saimon to go on a date with Yazmin, and then arrange for her ex-husband to catch them, so he'd find out what kind of person she is (not that he's any prize himself). Either Saimon didn't realize it was a setup or else he decided he wanted Yazmin all to himself, so he took her to a different restaurant, and Lola's ex never caught them.

Anyway, Lety gets off the elevator and chats with the feas with elaborate casualness. Then, grinning, she announces that they will all get their paychecks by the end of the day. They all cheer, hug, and jump up and down. Saimon and PM accidentally hug, then separate hurriedly.

At the end of the day, the feas congregate around the elevator once again, and Saimon chats with Celso, the security guy. Lety comes down, and they all congratulate and hug Saimon (and once again, I have no idea what this is all about, so if anyone could shed any light on this, I'd appreciate it) on their way out.

After they all leave, Saimon cries and says he's an idiot. I won't argue with him, and I know why he's an idiot, but I wish I knew why HE thinks he's an idiot. :-)

The next day, Saimon and Alicia joke about knowing each others' names. Something about Saimon vs. Simon. (Why can't I ever figure out what's going on in any of Saimon's scenes?) Lopez wanders by and Alicia tattles to him about Paula Maria's frequent tardiness. (If it's late enough for PM to be late, shouldn't Alicia be at her own desk by now?) Fernando shows up and points out that Alicia is hardly the queen of punctuality herself. Saimon begs Fernando to have mercy on PM, but Fern and Marcia agree to leave it up to Lopez. I guess they feel like Lopez ought to have SOME say in personnel matters once in a while. But Fernando also decides to punish Alicia by giving her PM's job! It's something of a demotion, plus she will have to be more punctual and courteous.

The feas discuss PM's firing and wonder where she is. She finally shows up with her son. Something unfortunate has happened (I think she's been kicked out of her home, but doesn't she live with her mom?). I mean, it must have been something VERY bad, because she's dressed more modestly than usual (that is, she's wearing a tiny tube top under her open jacket, as opposed to a bra under her open jacket like she wore the day before; Alicia looks like a nun compared to the way PM usually dresses). Celso acts as a go-between in Saimon and PM's conversation, as Saimon tells PM that Lopez is waiting to see her. This has been a running joke between Saimon and PM, because they've been angry with one another, but at the moment it seems not to be doing a good job of lightening the mood in the room.

PM and the feas retire to their secret meeting room (aka the ladies' room) to discuss the situation away from PM Jr., who is being entertained by Saimon and Celso over by the elevator. They hope that Lety, who is taking the morning off on some mysterious errand, will be able to help.

Lopez starts banging on the door. (The thought of Lopez "banging" anything is pretty grotesque, isn't it? Never mind.) I have to give this guy credit for being possibly the only person in the company to spend more than 40% of his on-camera time doing his actual job rather than gossipping or swooning, but he's still a creep. Anyway, the feas try to protect PM, and appeal to Marcia again for mercy, but again she says no. PM is fired. Lola says something to Lopez that gets bleeped. (Anyone know what word(s) you can say on Mexican TV but not on Univision?)

PM runs into Alicia on the way out. Alicia apologizes profusely. PM angrily tells her that she's crazy.

Saimon has been putting styling gel in PM Jr's hair. PM calls her latest boyfriend to explain her situation. Saimon covers Jr.'s ears so he doesn't hear any more bad news or adult conversation, and Celso covers Saimon's ears so he doesn't hear any lovey-dovey talk. PM tells her bf she needs help. He tells her... I'm not sure. I think he tells her he's going to Greece, but in any case, he's not going to be able to help her. She thanks him sadly and tells him not to worry. She hangs up the phone. Saimon is furious that this is happening to Paula Maria.

Fernando stops into his lobby to find the feas pleading again on PM's behalf. Then Saimon comes up to add his own heartfelt, flowery pleas. They all sneak down by the elevators while PM and Jr. discuss their future. Jr. says something about his grandparents and cousins. They are both crying and frightened. Meanwhile, Saimon grips Marcia's hand and sobs in PM's defense. Whatever he's saying, he has everyone in tears. This is a really touching scene! He says something about PM's family and the family of Conceptos, or something like that - another case where Saimon says things I'd like to understand, but can't.

Alicia watches discreetly in a doorway with tears in her eyes as well, so I guess there's more to this than just hating to be a receptionist. Maybe her brush with poverty has made her a nicer person, or maybe her head has simply sprung a leak.

There is a lot of hugging and crying. Fernando goes back to his office. Marcia asks PM up to her office, where she reprimands PM for I don't know what (probably tardiness), but she's pretty mad. They have a conversation which is probably very important to the story, but all I can tell you about it is that there was a lot of talk about boyfriends, and PM tells Marcia that her life is very difficult. I think she also tells Marcia that Jr. needs a father figure, and that the time she spends with men are for Jr's benefit, and not to entertain men in bed. (I'm not at all sure that's what she said, but she did say something about bed.) Marcia says some encouraging things to her, including something about Saimon. I think she is telling PM that she is lucky to have something real with Saimon, and shouldn't push that aside to chase a her idea of what she thinks she deserves. Maybe Saimon could be more if he had a woman to encourage him, or somesuch. She tells PM that PM is the woman that Saimon needs (much as Fern often tells Lety that she is the woman he needs).

I think they must keep special staff on hand to put drops in Marcia's eyes so they don't dry out during all these scenes where she doesn't blink.

While loafing in the hallways waiting to hear of PM's fate, Lola and Marta are approached by Yazmin, who brags to them about all the great things Lola's ex is doing for her. Lola says something to hurt Yazmin's feelings. I think Yazmin is trying to get Lola to pay for that cell phone she broke, though, and she threatens to go to Lopez (he's having a busy day). Lola makes nice with Yazmin, but you can tell she's going to be sore tomorrow.

The feas and Alicia wait and pace outside Marcia's door. Marcia and PM emerge, PM still dabbing at her eyes. In her whiny voice, Alicia begs Marcia to say what she decided. Marcia says she's going to give PM another chance. Alicia turns into a hugging whirlwind, hugging all of the feas, but stops short of hugging PM. To PM, she becomes very formal and says only that she's happy for her. Marcia says she wants it to be clear that this is PM's final chance. Lola then asks for a moment of Marcia's time, probably to talk about Yazmin and the cell phone.

This has all been extremely heavy. I suspect I have missed some subtleties here, especially with Alicia's unexpected attack of sympathy.

Saimon entertains Jr. down in the lobby while they wait for PM. They talk about Santa Claus (??). I think they are talking about a happy place to live. Jr. says something about his grandparents, and his father. Mention of Jr's dad deflates Saimon somewhat. They continue killing time playing hopscotch and talking to Celso.

PM finally comes down and gives her good news. She thanks Saimon and gives him a big hug. Says lots of nice things to him. Celso puts his hand on his belly and starts laughing like Santa Claus. Saimon gives him a vexed look. More happy words are exchanged.

Just then, The New Lety makes her grand entrance. More on that later.

Lola calls her ex-husband and argues with him about his child support payments. While the individual words elude me, I can tell that the call is stressing him out. Good! That's what he gets for taking up with Yazmin. Later, he tries to flirt with a young hottie at his office, who serves up some legal papers and turns him down. One of his coworkers laughs at him. He is extremely unhappy about whatever's in those legal papers.

Next thing we know, he's out in the street, yelling all panicky into his cell phone, annoying passersby. (Maybe his car has been reposessed?) He is so distracted, he nearly gets run over by a Jeep. He yells something about a shirt and some fire. Then he steps into a manhole and gets stuck! (Maybe he'll sue!) A woman thinks he's panhandling and gives him some money.

Later, he is wheeled into the ER on a stretcher. His neck is in a brace, and he's still babbling. He receives a shot from a very large needle, and from the look on his face, I think it's in the butt. The music in this scene reminds me of the Benny Hill theme as played on kazoos. Wacky!

There is more to the Lola/Ex situation, which Lola discusses with the feas, but I don't understand it. Then Lopez interrupts. I think he threatens to fire them, but I'm not sure why. Maybe because they're loafing and gossiping as usual. Later they converse some more in the restroom, which also goes over my head.

Yazmin needs a new phone (Marcia and Lola have worked payment for the phone Lola broke), and Saimon flirts with her like CRAZY and offers her a ride into town on their lunch hour. When the time comes, Saimon and Celso entertain PM Jr. by posing for him while he pretends to be a photographer. Paula Maria tries to make nice with Saimon, but now that she's out of jeopardy, he's gone back to giving her the cold shoulder. Before she has a chance to react, the elevator door opens, revealing Yazmin. Saimon practically shoves Jr. out of his way to greet her. PM is disgusted.

On their date, Yazmin actually asks about PM. Saimon's lengthy, charming answer mostly goes over my head, but basically adds up to, "eh, don't worry about Paula Maria."

---

Marcia & Alicia's stories:

At first, Luigi teases Marcia and Alicia about this mysterious Delfina Augustini whose love poem found its way to Fernando's desk. He knows who she is. He tells them she is a famous, sexy poet from Uruguay. Since she is obviously in town, Alicia and Marcia want to know where she is staying. Somewhere in the city? In a hotel or an apartment? Luigi tells them she's actually been dead for several decades. Then he excuses himself, because he needs to do some actual work. (The company is doing a campaign for some makeup line called "Bella Life.") I'm glad someone in that place besides Lety and Lopez is spending time on something other than gossip.

Alicia, who hasn't seen the scroll herself, suggests having a handwriting expert analyze it. Marcia says no, it was done on a computer, with professional graphics equipment. In other words, it was probably done by someone within the company. But who?

It's a good thing Marcia doesn't have any serious responsibilities at Conceptos, or the company would be in big trouble.

Oh... right. Never mind.

Marcia approaches Celso, the security guy, and very calmly and politely asks him who Fernando left the office with last night. Celso says it was Lety. Marcia very calmly and politely thanks him.

Alicia is overjoyed to have her paycheck, but gets all frosty when Lety passes through the lobby on her way out. She and Marcia taunt Lety, and Lety just says goodbye. Marcia tells Alicia that Fernando left the office with Lety last night. They exchange a few words about this. I think Marcia is just obsessing more about how Lety is keeping all of Fern's secrets, and I think Alicia actually scolds her for letting Fernando get away with so much. Alicia also keeps playing with her paycheck and kissing it. Which is probably the most sincere affection she's ever displayed in her entire life. So nice to know there is love in her heart.

Alicia swipes Omar's car keys and hides them in her cleavage, where they will probably have to be retrieved by a professional mining rescue team. Fernando and Marcia spar verbally over his evening's plans (I guess their breakup didn't quite "take"), and one of them says something about picking something up at the grocery store.

Omar can't find his keys. Alicia, who thinks that having enough money to put gas in her car makes her a worthwhile human being, offers him a ride home, flipping her hair constantly. Omar refuses. He's got the look on his face and the tone in his voice that you'd use if a beloved child offered you a piece of dog turd mudpie. He bums a ride home with a pretty model instead.

(Does this mean he's no longer worried about Ariel getting information out of Alicia, or has he simply concluded that Alicia isn't smart enough to have useful information? He's always nagging Fern to be romantic with Lety, but he can't take one for the team himself? I'd like to know what's going on here - in the Colombian show, she pretended briefly to be pregnant with his child and that probably scared him off, but I don't know if that happened in this show or not because I wasn't watching yet.)

The next day, after Paula Maria's firing and Alicia's demotion, Alicia whines and begs Fern for mercy, but Fern mocks her. She also begs Lopez for mercy, and he walks away in disgust (and let me tell you, you have to be pretty disgusting to disgust Lopez). She whines and begs Marcia for mercy as well, rants and raves, says why don't they just send her to work in the cafeteria. Luigi interrupts to ask a question about makeup.

Omar comes in late, with last night's transportation on his arm. Luigi scolds him (I think for not letting his precious model get her beauty sleep) and Omar asks his secretary if she's seen his keys.

Alicia begs Marcia to give PM her job back. She seems genuine and sincere. I'm not sure what is motivating this. Is Jessica Rabbit actually experiencing the strange human emotion of guilt? Or is this another tactic to get out of becoming the Conceptos receptionist? Whatever the case, Marcia is unable or unwilling to help. Evidently, she's given up on the idea that Alicia can spy on Fernando for her. Then Fern walks in on them and tells Alicia to get back to the reception area.

Later, when the feas have all gone to lunch, we get another taste of the verbal abuse that awaits those who have the misfortune to have their calls taken by Alicia. One such caller is Lola's daughter. Alicia tells the child that she's not Lola's secretary and she only talks to important people.

Shortly afterwards, Alicia complains to Marcia that Fernando's phone keeps ringing (Lety is still at lunch). Marcia suggests that perhaps Alicia should answer her boss's phone. Marcia also takes the opportunity to search Fern's desk for clues, not that she would know a clue if it introduced itself to her.

Alicia answers the phone. A man is asking for Lety. Alicia asks who's calling, and he says it's Tomas. He asks who she is, and she says she's Alicia. Tomas hyperventilates, and that's the end of this episode. (You can just imagine where THIS is going...)

---

Main story (Lety, Fern, & Omar):

You will recall that last week's episodes ended with Marcia bursting into Lety's office and biting her head off, and Fernando and Omar panicking because Lety dumped Fernando. (On the other hand, Fernando seems pretty relaxed about being dumped by Marcia. I suppose he is used to it.)

Marcia and Lety have a dramatic argument about Lety's relationship with with Fern. Then Lety snaps out of a daydream - Marcia only wants to know about some sales figures.

Lety calls home to ask Tomas about the shadow company's bank balances, to find out if they have the money to cover payroll at Conceptos. Dad tells her that Tomas left in a hurry (he's meeting with that woman from the bar), so she tries to get him on his cell phone. An unfamiliar woman's voice answers.

Omar and Fern listen in Fern's office. They hear Lety grilling this woman as to who she is, why is she answering Tomas's phone, and where is Tomas. This conversation only confuses Omar and Fern even more. Then Tomas calls Lety back, and O&F hear what sounds like a serious lovers' quarrel on their end, casting doubt on her earlier denials that Tomas is not her boyfriend. It sounds to them as if Lety is angry and jealous, but in fact she just wants to know why Tomas is letting some bimbo play with the shadow company's precious cell phone.

Fern and O continue to discuss and speculate on the ramifications of Lety breaking up with Fern, and the nature of her relationship with Tomas. Omar points out that even if Tomas isn't a temptation to Lety at the moment, there is still reason to be worried about him. There are lots of reasons he might be more appealing to her. They're from similar backgrounds, and he's not engaged, and he's not her boss.

(Work? What work? It's a good thing Fernando and Omar don't have any serious responsibilities at Conceptos, or the company would be in big trouble. Oh... right. Never mind.)

Omar tells Fernando that if anything, he needs to escalate their relationship. Nice restaurants, going out in public, and you-know what. This puts Fern in a foul mood. He says he feels guilty for taking advantage of Lety.

At lunch, Lety says goodbye to Fern and tells him the payroll payment is coming, but he only says goodbye gruffly. He is drinking alone in the boardroom. She offers to bring him back some food, but he refuses. He mumbles some harsh words to himself. Meanwhile, Marcia looks in the mirror and recalls Alicia's harsh words to her for letting Fernando get away with so much.

Later, at going-home time, Lety and Fernando talk some more. He tells her again that he needs her. Luigi interrupts - remember, he's one of the people in that office who actually works, and he has some concerns about the Bella Life campaign - and Lety gladly makes her escape, much to Fernando's dismay. Luigi annoys Fernando with work-related ranting and raving, and then Omar arrives. Luigi leaves at last, but only after dropping the names of some big-time models.

Omar asks Fernando where is Lety, and Fern says she left. Omar shows Fern a really repulsive stuffed animal - I can't tell whether it's a dog or an elephant or what; it has a human-looking smile and is a collage of different pastel colors, and I think it plays music - and he suggests that Fern give it to Lety. Ugh!! (Update: I saw the U.S. version of this creepy thing at Kmart. It's called Laugh & Learn).

Lety gets home and finds pictures of Alicia prominently displayed. She protests about them to Tomas.

Fernando, who isn't finished patching up his relationship with Lety yet, drives to her house and calls on his cell phone. RoboPapa answers. Tomas seems jealous. Dad is outraged that Lety is going to meet with her boss in her boss's car. It's scandalous! He wants Fern to come in and have dinner with them, but since Fern actually wants to talk about "us," that's not really an option.

Unfortunately, this episode (Tuesday's) is dialogue-heavy and most of that dialogue goes over my head. But here's what I got:

She gets in the car. He asks some difficult questions, especially questions about Tomas. They argue. He starts the car and I think only goes a short distance away, like around the corner - just far enough so RoboPapa can't watch them. Of course, seeing them drive away infuriates RoboPapa too!

They drive into an alley. Lety accidentally opens the top on the Fern's convertible. They talk romantically, but he still seems upset. Some people walk past the car and he tries to hide, while telling her that she's his life. (His SECRET life, apparently!) He closes the roof and kisses her. After a moment it starts looking passionate. The neighborhood gang happens upon the car and draws closer for a look.

Lety releases Fern from her passionate clutch, and accidentally opens the roof again. He starts babbling about love. He sounds pretty ridiculous. They are much too absorbed in their bizarre conversation to notice the neighborhood gang, who watch all of this in horrified fascination. Fern closes the roof and while they suck face some more, the gang surrounds the car and start shaking it. Lety pulls away and dreamily says that the earth is moving.

Fernando gets out of the car. Lety is still puckered up and perhaps her eyes are closed, because she still doesn't know what's going on right away. The gang taunts him about Lety, his expensive suit, etc. He taunts them back. Trash talk escalates to pushing, then shaking, then slapping. Lety looks nervous, and a rumble ensues! Fernando fights like a telenovela champ, making wisecracks between blows to lighten the mood! (Seriously, I couldn't tell whether this fight was supposed to be funny or scary. It looked like Fern and Lety were in real danger, but just add some Batman TV theme music and some "POW!!" graphics and it would have been hilarious.)

All this time, RoboPapa has been obsessing about the impropriety of his daughter going away with some man in a car. At one point, Tomas jokes that it's a good thing Lety's not pretty, or it'd be even worse. He makes other snide remarks that I don't quite get, but fortunately Mom is there to smack him. Nice, Tomas. Anyway, RoboPapa goes off to look for Lety.

Just when the rumble seems to be done, Fernando makes another dumb remark and the gang comes back. Dad arrives and assists, ending the fight. (Who are these loserly thugs who can't beat up a guy in a suit and an old man?)

Fern has been hurt. He's got a cut on his face and seems sore all over.

After this, there is a lot of talking. RoboPapa grills them - probably wanting to know why they couldn't meet at a decent place rather than an alley. Then he shakes Fern's hand, perhaps to thank him for defending Lety, and Fern looks relieved. Then RoboPapa has some more harsh words, and there's a lot of arguing. Lety and Dad leave. Fern kisses his car tenderly and then follows them. As soon as he leaves the alley, one of the neighborhood guys comes back and starts fiddling with his tires.

Marcia mumbles sadly to herself at her apartment. She's still waiting for her boyfriend to come over with the groceries.

Lety and Fern argue outside Lety's house. I fail to entiendo most of their conversation, but I do note that he asks why didn't Tomas come out to defend her. She moves in for a kiss, puckering hideously again, but he backs away, saying he doesn't want Dad to catch them. She steals a peck and goes in. Fern stands there alone for a moment, watching with detached interest as a man rolls an expensive tire past him on the sidewalk.

Somehow, Fernando gets to Marcia's place. Marcia is upset by his disheveled appearance. He makes up a story, which is no doubt hilarious, and mentions that there were 15 men, which makes her suspicious. She must have something up her sleeve, because she doesn't push it (I believe she plans on making nice with him, and having Lety followed).

Marcia dabs at his cut and presses some ice on his bruise, while Fernando looks guilty. I think she starts talking about their wedding (I can't tell). He turns on the TV, and Lety is on some variety show, looking all frumpy and excited. She announces her love for Fernando to the entire world, then sings a song about it. The audience cheers wildly, including that pop singer who was at the nightclub the night they had their first kiss. Fernando springs up from the sofa in dread and confusion. Marcia is speechless (well, almost speechless) with fury.

Obviously it's all a dream, but whose? (episode ends...)

It's Fernando's! He drifted off while Marcia was tending to his injuries. Yeah, right. I always fall asleep when someone's poking my face with ice. He wakes with a start, and tells Marcia he was dreaming about his fight.

Lety writes in her diary with a glow-pen. That's right, much as Jedi have different colored lightsabers, feas have different colored glow-pens. Lety's is blue, just like Obi-Wan Kenobi's. I don't know why I felt a need to share that, but there it is. With Jedi-like precision, Lety tells her diary that she is going to "change" for Fernando and not be ugly. She gives her paycheck to Dad and says something about buying new clothes. Mom gets excited and they agree to go shopping together.

While Fernando irritably eats breakfast at Marcia's (he's stiff and sore), his cell phone rings. He doesn't recognize the number, and Marcia urges him not to answer it. Being the loving, courteous fiance he is, he ignores her and answers this semi-anonymous phone call right at the breakfast table. It's Lety, wanting to know if she can have some time off. He tells her to come in no later than 11 (the stores and beauty parlors must open really early in Mexico). She also wants to know if he's at Marcia's. (Don't ask if you don't want to know, kiddo!) Marcia is annoyed by the conversation. She blinks angrily.

Lety also tells Tomas she's going to "change." Clothes, makeup, hair. Tomas is aghast. I don't know why. They joke about whether she will look like Alicia. Mom and Lety leave to go on their errands.

Lety and Mom are at a fashionable boutique. Lety picks out an outfit that I frankly think is horrible, but I guess it isn't supposed to be. She is just about to try it on, when a prettier woman walks by in the same outfit. Lety is deflated and doesn't buy that outfit. What does she buy instead? Too late in the episode to say! Lety and Mom then go to a beauty parlor for a makeover. How does that turn out? Tune in tomorrow to find out!

At the office, Luigi waits for Fern in Fern's chair. Fern is paying attention to something else when he comes in, and sits on Luigi by mistake. Hilarity ensues, perhaps.

Later, Omar catches Fern putting on some makeup to cover up his bruise, which looks different in practically every scene. Omar asks who Fernando was fighting about, and Fern rolls his eyes and does a mean (both skillful and unkind) imitation of Lety's giggle.

Omar teases Fern about the fight. Fernando does not want to hear or speak of it ever again. He begs Omar to "zeep eet." Omar is very amused when Fern tells him how the gang told him and Lety to rent a room. And he doesn't believe Fern when he repeatedly says that it was 15, "quince, feefteen, feefteen!!" men. (episode ends)

Okay, now it's tomorrow (in real life, not on the show). Lety is at the beauty parlor, and we are treated to a montage of her makeover. We can't really tell what's going on, but there are a lot of different products involved. We are given the impression that this is a highly complicated procedure.

Lola and Marta ask Fernando about his face. He gives them the no-Lety version of his story about being attacked by 15 men.

Lety finally arrives at work just as the Paula Maria drama is winding down. We don't see Lety - we see everyone's shocked faces (from her POV) as they react to The New Lety. They all smile broadly, but they look a little scared, too. A hand in a bright green sleeve reaches for the elevator buttons...

We see more shocked faces in the executive lobby. Lety's voice is loud and it sounds worse than usual, although I think it's supposed to be part of her "new," confident personality. Alicia is stunned. She drops her pen and brings her hands to her mouth. She is stifling a laugh.

Lety is yelling (really hollering) "HOLA!!!" confidently in every direction. After the shock fades from Marta's face, she gives a pitying smile.

Strangers are just laughing.

That green sleeve pushes open the door to Fern's office. He stutters and asks what it is.

Then we see it: a vision in green. And black. And white. There are polka-dots. It looks like VH1's "I love the 80's" threw up on her.

There's a big creepy-looking green "flower" in her ghastly new hairdo, but as a flower, it would make a great spider, or maybe some sort of sea creature. There are large pink splotches on her cheeks.

But don't worry. She still has the mustache!

This was all done professionally at a beauty parlor. She paid good money for this!

She strikes a pose, then sashays past his desk. In her office, there's another "muy gay" card with a heart on it.

Fern flips out for a while alone in his office, ranting and raving about... whatever. It's funny, even without understanding his words. :-)

Alicia tells Marcia about Lety's makeover. She is laughing so hard, she's crying. Marcia seems only faintly amused and curious, but she hasn't seen The New Lety yet. Alicia also asks about Fern's face. Word is getting around that his bruises were caused by Marcia. This does not amuse Marcia at all.

Marcia asks Fernando if he thinks that she could actually hit him. He says sure. This seems to hurt her feelings. (I don't know. Can you punch someone without blinking?) By the way, I hate what she's wearing. I think she then promises never to smack him in the head. Then she gets all kissy and playful with him, just as Lety opens the door to her office and sees them. She excuses herself and turns away. Marcia and Fern desist. Lety says hi nervously to Marcia. Guilt is written all over Lety's face (or maybe that's just some inexpertly applied makeup). Marcia's face is frozen (more so than usual) with shock. Lety leaves, and Marcia bursts out laughing like we've never seen her do before, and says (among other things) that Lety looks like she stuck her finger in an electrical outlet. She crosses her eyes and makes a face. Lety hears this (well, not the crossing eyes) outside the door, frowns, and walks away before she has a chance to hear Fernando tell Marcia to stop. Then they talk about business for nearly a full minute - it's a banner day at Conceptos!

Marcia finds Alicia in the lobby to let her know that indeed, she has seen The New Lety and is now ready to join in the mockery. Fern sneaks up on them and starts laughing and clapping and jumping up and down, mocking them. Lety enters the lobby and before she can hear their joking, Luigi runs into her and, seeing her for the first time, starts screaming. The colors have frightened him. She hurries away. I think Luigi asks if Lety is OK, and says that the floral ornament in her hair looks like some type of carnivorous monster. As Luigi, Marcia, and Alicia continue laughing, Fern looks guilty.

The Bella Life clients arrive, and Luigi gives a video presentation of the new commercial. The new perfume is called "Secretos," and it's sensual. So says Luigi. The clients seem to be impressed.

In Fern's office, Omar and Fern discuss "the luke," which Omar has not seen yet. Fern keeps saying "the luke," and at first I don't understand what he means. He starts doing it with gritted teeth and air quotes, and then I realize, he means "the look." It's funny - Fern only speaks Eengleesh when he's experiencing extreme emotional agony. The entire world is talking about it, he says. At first, Omar doesn't know what Fern is talking about. When he finds out he's referring to Lety, he is consumed with morbid curiosity. He opens the door to her office and finds her preening in front of a makeup mirror. (It's amazing that with all that makeup, you can still see all her zits.) Omar greets her politely with amazing restraint. She fluffs her hair at him (she was right - it's nothing like Alicia) and he retreats back into Fern's office. After he leaves, Lety delightedly tells herself she's made yet another impression.

Oh yes. Yes she has indeed.

Omar nearly hyperventilates. He tells Fern that there's only one reason a woman changes her "luke" - to impress a boyfriend, a spouse, or a lover. He says he can tell that Lety must be really warm for Fern's form (or perhaps Tomas's) to have made such a drastic transformation. Fern is very upset. Omar talks about primitive passion and makes growling noises. He's barely stifling his giggles, but Fern doesn't see the humor in having to kiss the New Luke. I mean The New Lety.

Omar asks Fern if he still has that helpful photo. Fern says yes, but Omar says it's too tame, and produces a new photo of a beautiful model in a bikini. This is the photo that Fern is supposed to mentally plaster over Lety every time he looks at her. Good luck with that - it's much too small. Fern takes it and imitates Omar drooling and snorting over it like a pig or a gorilla.

Lety interrupts them and he hurriedly sets the photo aside. She spies the photo and cheerfully says the model is very pretty. She excuses herself to go to lunch.

Omar and Fern also go to lunch. Omar tells Fernando that his relationship with Lety must become sexual, or it won't last. Fernando says that's not the kind of relationship they have. Plus, he says, he has Marcia for that sort of thing. (Ouch!) Omar also suggests plastic surgery, to turn Lety into the woman in the photo. It could be a business expense!

At first Fernando just laughs sarcastically, but then he points out that there would be no way to pay for it without having to explain it to Marcia.

---

Back to the Feas...

The horrified feas agree among themselves that someone needs to talk to Lety about her makeover, because it has been the opposite of an improvement. They are all embarrassed for her. They excuse themselves to Fernando and ask to speak to Lety. In her office, they ask what's going on. They see that she's received a romantic card. They are curious about her new novio. She tells them she's too busy to chat now, so they ask her to go to lunch.

The New Lety meets Yazmin in a hallway, and changes her gait to an exaggerated cheesecakey model type of walk. Since this happens in the background and at the edge of the frame, it'd be easy to miss if not for her bright green... well, let's just call it a garment. It's a hilarious effect (the walk, I mean, not the green) and is practically thrown away. A few scenes later, however, when Lola gives Yazmin the money for her new phone, Lety stands behind Yazmin and mimics her every move and mannerism. That's even funnier. So much funnier that I missed the catty conversation that Yazmin had with Lola and the feas (sounds like a 70's lounge act, doesn't it?). The feas express their appreciation for her performance after Yazmin leaves. They needed someone to lighten the mood.

Apparently, at some point Fernando and Lety agreed that Lety will renew the rumor that Tomas is her boyfriend. This will reduce the possibility that anyone will suspect that she and Fernando are amantes. The feas want to hear all about Tomas at lunch. She tells the made-up story of their courtship - he came over to the house last night to speak with her. I can't make out the rest of the story, partly because she is rudely recounting it in Spanish, but also because there's so much giggling. Plus, they're at an outdoor restaurant and the sound quality is terrible.

PM pulls Lety aside to give her some advice. (Frankly, I'm not sure PM should be giving anyone advice about men.) This is one of those times when you don't need a lot of Spanish to understand the conversation - PM tells Lety that her relationship with Tomas must become sexual, or it won't last. Lety says that's not the kind of relationship they have. (Does this conversation sound familiar? It's intercut with Omar & Fernando saying the same thing.) Hey, Omar and PM are so much alike, maybe they should... oh... right. Never mind. All of PM's sexy talk seems to intimidate Lety. She protests that she and Tomas are interested in books and finance, but PM wants to talk about tearing clothes off in the dark. Lety's eyelid flutters nervously (revealing thick, harsh blue eye shadow).

PM tells Lety that there are two reasons a man doesn't try to push sex on a woman: either he's gay, or he's just not attracted to her. This saddens Lety.

PM and Lety return to the feas' table. They ask where she got her groovy threads and hairdo. Lety explains that she went to a nice store, but the clothes were for a different sort of woman than her - tall and glamorous - so they went to her mom's favorite store instead, which she says is also quite exclusive (Lola mumbles "exclusive for feas" loud enough for Lety to hear).

As for the hair, they looked at some pictures, but (I think she says) the women in those pictures were too pretty too, therefore those hairstyles weren't for the likes of her. (That doesn't make any sense to me, but that's what I think she says.) So, she says, she made up a hairstyle that was inspired by each of the feas! They all tell her how lovely it is.

---

Will Lety stick with her New Luke? Will Tomas seduce Alicia over the phone? Will Lola's ex sue the city? Will Marcia blink again? Tune in next week to find out! Same fea time, same fea channel!

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Hello all--
Just a quick intro...I don't want take too much space away from the recaps! My name's Nora and I'm an available "alternate" if you are going on vacation or anything. I've been watching Heridas since day 1 and now I've got my husband hooked too. I watch Fea maybe once a week--I'm looking forward to how well (or not) the U.S. version Ugly Betty (or Betty the Ugly, I've seen it referred to both ways) goes. Anyway, if you need coverage, email me at: promiscuousreader@hotmail.com. Thanks!

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