Caray, Caray!

Fabricio tells Bertha that he has explained everything to her. He is not going to let Cesar take what belongs to his mother. He also isn't going to let Bertha hurt Miranda. Bertha tries to boss him around and tells him to stop worrying about Miranda. If he worried about Miranda before he needs to do it less now. She then orders him to pay attention to Florencia for what she is lacking. He gets upset that she is treating him like a child and ordering him around. Bertha keeps yelling at him that Miranda is not his and that he belongs Florencia. He tells her that everyday he is seeing the situation with more clarity. He says he will be responsible for all the bills with Gonzalo in jail, he is the man of the house. Bertha laughs and says that Alejandro is the only one who has acted like a true man. Then she ends their conversation with a little word game of "Do you know what happens to guajolote (turkey) when he sneaks out of the huacal (wooden cage)? It becomes mole." Thank you C.V. for the correct dicho! I messed it up the first time!

Bertha calls Cesar saying that if Fab gets in her way he will regret it. Lucas the dog seems pleased with her statement. Cesar on the otherhand is upset to learn that Miranda is out with Alejandro. Bertha tells Cesar that Faby is defending Miranda and the San Llorente family. Cesar says that Fabs plans wont turn out like he wants. Cesar wants to know when they are going to repeat what happened the other night? Bertha tells him that he has to conquer Miranda before she will get with him again. She promises when they do get together again it will be much better than before.... YUCK!

Juan and Fernanda talk over Julios prostrate body, saying he continues being the same (health wise). Juan wants to know how long Fern knew Julio. She says they were good friends for many years. Does he have family? Children? Fern says yes and by the looks of it the kids don't care about Julios health. Juan says it is good what my mother says; "It is better to be poor than alone. What good is money if it cant buy you health or affection?" Fern agrees looking down on Julio and asks "how did the money and power serve him?" Fern then goes to rest leaving Juan to look over Julio and console him about his kids, his life. Juan urges him to fight. Julios fingers wiggle. Reminds me of Manola and her husband...

Miranda and Alejandro drive up in a snazzy porsche. Mirandas maid Charo is sitting outside on the drive. Miranda wonders why she is there and asks her. Charo tells her that Bertha has been thrown her out of the house without letting her get her stuff because she has been accused of being a thief. Miranda tells her not to worry to go get rest and prepare because tomorrow they are going to the hacienda. Charo seems to think all is better but I'm not sure why, and she runs off. Miranda promises that Bertha is going to hear from her. Alejandro tells her not to think of this. Miranda tells him that he doesn't know all the stuff that Bertha has done to her over the years. Alejandro says that they need to not fight because it could affect Florencias health. Miranda agrees with him and then talks about how she would like the Dr. Fernandez to join them at the hacienda. Alejandro says he is sure that Fern would like to go. Miranda wants to know how long he has known the doctor. As they hug, lovingly staring at each other, and while we wait for Alejandros answer Cesar walks up. Cesar says he is brining confidential information that will surprise her as it did him. Only they two can go over what he has brought. Commercial Break. Cesar continues trying to impress upon Miranda how confidential his news is. Finally Alejandro asks Miranda if she wants to talk alone and says he will see her tomorrow - kissing her as he does this. Cesar is furious and he mumbles something to himself about how stupid Alejandro is. Alejandro gets in his car and writes down the license plate of Cesars car before he heads off.

Ave Maria plays in the background as Fernanda prays to the Virgin Mary. She prays to the Virgin to help her daughters, that Florencias baby is born healthy, that the girls are happy, that the girls understand that her absence was against her will. Help her prove her incocence, that Gonzalo and Alejandro don't go head to head, give her a signal to show her the right way. Rebecca walks up behind Fernanda as Fern finishes praying. Rebecca says she has to talk with Fern.

Cesar chews Miranda out for being with Alejandro. "Alejandro Luque doesn't waste any time! He barely just saw your father in jail and he throws himself on you like a vulture!" (Good one Cesar.) Miranda tells Cesar not to talk about Alejandro like that. Cesar is confused, he asks why a few days ago she couldn't stand Alejandro and now she is going out with him (A). Explain it to him. She tells him she has "nothing to explain to him (C). Stop talking to me like that....Now what is it that is so important?!" Cesar still stumbles on. He tells her she often does one thing and says another. What is going on!?!?!?! Miranda lets him know that Alejandro proposed marriage to her. Cesar counters with have you forgotten my brother so soon? My blood?!? Huh? Answer me!

Rebecca asks Fern how Fern "could betray Gonzalo in such a manner? To hide that Florencia is not his daughter?! What a rotten thing to do!" Fern reminds her that she Rebecca is the least likely one to throw the first stone. (Remember we don't know who is the real father of Cesar and Fab.) Rebecca is shocked that Fern would say that to her. Fern says Hey Hold on! I'm just responding to your attacks! Rebecca stops pouting about herself to continue trying to talk to Fern about what Fern is doing. She (Fern) will break Florencias and Gonzalos heart. Why did she return. They have lived years without you. Blah Blah Blah. Some friend. Fern tells her that the man who raises a child is more a father that the man who fathered the child. Rebecca is isn't finished with her poising. So she tells Fern that Fern will kill her daughter. Fern says No! My daughter is going to live.

Lasagna tries to talk to Alejandro about Raul. A little early in my opinion but Lasagna keeps telling him snippets about Raul. Alejandro tells her that he is going to investigate who Raul is. Lasania throws a fit and then changes the conversation to her brother. She cant believe he is in love! He tells her that he just asked Miranda to marry him. Daira walks in to hear the tail end of their conversation and they are all smiles.

Rebecca talks to Julio as her lays passed out in the hopital room. She tells him he cant leave her alone, not when she needs him so much. She promises that they can do what they have always wanted to do, they can buy a house near the ocean! Do it for her please! Without his help she cant continue. Please react! Please...

Fernanda walks in as Rebecca pleads with the unconscious Julio. Fern tells her that she is sorry but Julio needs to rest, she cant be here. Rebecca starts to plead "Save him! Save him! You owe him. Julio looked for you over land and sea. He believed in your innocence! When Gonzalo found out Julio was looking for you they got in a fight. Their friendship was never the same. You owe him a big debt!" Fern doesn't look very compassionate, she'd rather give her life to Florencia I suppose, and tells Rebecca that she doesn't want to be obliged to call security. Rebecca isn't family and family is all that is allowed here in the room. Rules of the hospital. Rebeccas tries a few more whinnying tricks and Fern relents for this night only.

Cesar and Miranda continue their fight. Cesar cant understand why Miranda is with Alejandro and not him. He tells Miranda that Alejandro will surely start to buy expensive gifts, romantic dinners, so that Miranda will forget about everything. He knows this because he is a man and he knows how to win over women. He loves her. It hurt him to see her first with Fabricio and now this stupid one. Open your eyes and date him! (Gross I say!) Miranda tells him she cant, she doesn't love him and she never will. She thanks him for his help in the business but that's it. Cesar says that after now he will limit their relationship to questions of business. Miranda agrees. She asks what is it you need to show me. He says it has nothing to do with business and its a private matter but its better he says nothing now. He doesn't want her to think he is trying change the effect of information and he isn't like that. (What does this mean!) He kisses her on the cheek and leaves.

Alejandro tells Daira that if she approves of Raul he will also. Lasagna is in love. All she hears are bells and so does he, he admits, when questioned by Daira. Daira asks have your revenge plans finished? He agrees they have. He says he will watch over Lisania and if she has problems he will return with her to Italy. Daira hopes not, because she wants to stay in Mexico after being away for so long.

Amparos family enjoys the quesadilla and sopes she has made. As they eat their lights go out. They light candles and Juan fills in the parents about Rauls new rich love (lisania). The parents are stunned. Flash to Raul with Sanson and his bullies in a party. The bullies tell him he has to pay to get into the gang. They fight over where Raul is going to get the money. Sanson gets rough and Carola breaks it up by hanging on Sanson and giving him a bottle of whiskey to drink.

Miranda has flashbacks to when she got mad at Alejandro and laughs about how silly she behaved. Alejandro has flashbacks of their first kiss by the waterfall when he told her she needed a man like him. He laughs at how he could have said those things to her! She then remembers when she got mad at Alejandro after he bought her her new horse. She flashes to another memory of Florencias engagement and when he kissed her and told her no one dies from wounds of love, and he says to wound him. Back to Alejandro talking to himself about her lips and the wounds of love she has already given him.

Fern asks how Julio passed the night to Rebecca. Rebecca gets mad at Fern when she finds out Fern is going to the hacienda. Rebecca demands her to stay and says she will call the medical agency saying that Fern is abandoning a patient. They fight and Fern tells a fellow doctor to call security. Rebecca tells her that she will regret this! Fern answers Rebecca that she too can tell people about Rebecca. How will she explain to Gonzalo that the father of her children is not dead! Rebecca is stunned and wiggles her chin in anger.

Gonzalo tells Alejandro that Cesar not only came to make fun of him but Cesar also wants him to convince Miranda to marry Cesar. Gonzalo admits that Cesar knows everything, and that Cesar wants to blackmail Gonzalo. Gonzalo asks for Alejandros help and then he finally tells Alejandro what Cesar knows....He killed a man. Gonzalo calls the man he killed a worm, a miserable dog who he didn't even know his name. Gonzalo says he is a man of honor and that is why he did it. Alejandro says earlier or later Gonzalo you will have to pay for this. Alejandro asks what Gonzalo did with the body. Gonzy says he threw the body in the river, and he hopes the man had children and family so they would see him suffer. He asks that Alejandro, in the memory of his father, keep Cesar away from Miranda.

Fern reminds Rebecca that she (R) is no better than her (F). Rebecca cheated on her husband for years. Rebecca asks her not to continue and let her stay with Julio.

Miranda and Pamela are outside talking about Mirandas night with Alejandro when Charo comes up telling them that the lawyer Vicente Mercado is there. He says that Gonz doesn't want Miranda to know what's going on but he has to get help from someone. He tells her that the company has lost its sense of direction with her father not at the helm. She suggests calling the board to an emergency meeting. The lawyer agrees and says the board will need to figure out either to keep the company going until Gonz is out of jail or start the proceedings for bankruptcy.

Alejandro continues with Gonzalo arguing that Miranda is a grown woman of her own mind. Gonz says he worries that Miranda will commit the error of being Fabs lover with Fab giving her hope. Alejandro doesn't believe Miranda would do that. Gonz says when you love you don't think, you don't rationize you only act and for those reasons Gonz wants to see Miranda. Alejandro doesn't want her to come to the jail but he says when they return from the hacienda he will bring her. Gonz thanks Alejandro and then thanks him (A) for paying for his security within the jail.

Bertha calls Cesar to harass him for not giving her the update of what happened the night before. Cesar tells her to leave him alone and if Alejandro proposed marriage to Miranda then she Bertha is not that important to Alejandro as she would like to believe. Bertha says no I'm more important than you know. Cesar urges her to prove it. She tells him they have to make sure that Miranda doesn't get help from Alejandro.

Alejandro goes home to yell at Daira for him being an imbecile for not doing something when he heard Gonzalo talk about killing his father. Daira tells him to think of Miranda. That Miranda shouldn't have to pay for what her father did. She reminds him that on the road of hate there is no return. Is he ready to lose Miranda? He says he is able to do whatever to see Gonzalo pay for what he did.

Safe in her home Rebecca tells Bertha by phone about how Fernanda called security on her. Bertha scolds Rebecca for telling Fern who the father of her(R) children is. Finally Rebecca gets to the reason of her call, to let Bertha know that Fern is going to the hacienda. Rebecca warns Bertha to be careful, Fern is trying to get her daughters back.

The stooge who helps Cesar complains about Cesar to Nuria. He tells Nuria that he is getting a divorce. Nuria then tells him that she is going to marry Cesar although Cesar doesn't want anyone to know. Plus she is pregnant. She asks him to not tell anyone. He promises he wont. He looks like he is stunned.

This has been an episode of stunnings.

Labels: heridas

At the San Llorente house Squeaky sulks and reads her magazine. She is using one of her two expressions, Bored. Flor tells Tomasa that she feels weird and is never hungry. (Yeah, duh, pregnant.) Tomasa tells her not to worry, all the preggers feel that way. Berta interruptus...she's having a cow over a missing pearl necklace, (the one she stole from herself and planted in Squeaky's purse), and of course she's blaming the poor maid Charo, threatening to call the police or fire her. Tomasa tells them all to calm down, nobody's getting fired, they'll all look for Berta's necklace. Berta says it was her mama's and if she doesn't find it she'll simply die. Promises, promises.

Alejandro and Fabricio are in a jewelry store. Faby whines to Alejandro that Gonzo told his mom that he and Cesar dealt him two mortal blows by betraying him. Alejandro says he would feel the same way in Gonzo's shoes. It surprises him that nobody within the company realized what Cesar was doing. He couldn't have done it alone. He must have had accomplices, more than just Don Julio. The auditors must find something, nothing stays hidden forever. More boring conversation about Alejandro's sudden interest in Fabricio and Florencia's welfare.
The jeweler enters with the necklace that Berta gave to Alejandro. As Alejandro suspected, the diamonds are of low quality. What matters is the cut of the stone, only one person does that type of work and he learned from Alejandro's father. "Roberto Sclevert?" asks Alejandro, "Didn't he die some years ago?" "No, he became a collector, dedicated himself to auctions and became very rich," the jeweler stares into space. Alejandro wants to find this Sclevert.

Miranda is telling Pamela that they have to economize. Nobody at home seems to realize that they are in an economic crisis. They have no idea that the only money they have is that which Pamela keeps for Miranda at her house. (I think this is the first we're hearing about this?) Pamela asks wouldn't it be better if the others were told? "No, pop was very clear," says Miranda, "he doesn't want anybody to know I have that money." Pamela thinks Berta also has some cash put aside. Suddenly they are surprised to see someone named Lulu, hugs and kisses, what is she doing in their neighborhood? Seems she came with all the other patients that Sr. Luque brought to the city. The love music begins and Miranda gets dewey-eyed. Lulu says he brought them all to that asylum that nice Dr. Fernandez directs. Miranda asks about a lady, quite ill...Nati? Did she get better? Where is she now? She wants the address from Lulu. Miranda wants to talk to this lady who confused her with her mother. Pamela doesn't look happy about this turn of events.

Flor is telling Squeaky that she can't believe there is a thief in the house. Berta enters with Lukas the dog. Berta starts bad-mouthing Miranda, everthing is her fault. Squeaky picks up her purse and Berta's pearl necklace falls out. Berta shrieks, "Oh Renata, what have you done, what have you done?" Squeaky faints.

Gonzo's lawyer Vicente is visiting him in prison. He tells Gonzo that he has arranged limited access at the company, only the most trusted employees are allowed in. Gonzo doesn't want Cesar to set foot in the office, but Vicente wants him to be prudent. He doesn't want Cesar to know they suspect what he's up to. Gonzo tells Vicente he's got to get him out of this place. He met a guy, El Magnate, who told him there was a hit out on him. "Exactly," says Vicente, "you remember the architect Osvaldo Manriquez?" "The one who lost his building because he didn't sign his insurance papers on time, right?" "He vowed to kill you, remember?" "That's what this is all about?" "He's a prisoner here. He killed his creditors when they got in his way; his wife left and took his kids. You're at the mercy of his type here. Sooner or later your paths will cross. El Magnate is the only one who can keep you alive. Around here it's the law of the jungle; only the strong survive. Be strong."

Lasagna and Raul are out on a walking date. She wants him to invite her to his house to meet his family. They're both smitten. Sanson's thugs are tailing them. Thug #1 calls Sanson, he doesn't believe Lasagna is rich, she doesn't have a car, but she's a babe and maybe they should get her for their gang. Thug #2 grabs the phone and says it's her friend who has the bodyguards, it's she who must have the money. Thug #1 grabs the phone back and says they'll do whatever Sanson wants. They'll wait until this babe hooks up with the other one then they'll grab her. Back to the lovebirds, icky love talk, a kiss on the cheek, see ya.

Alejandro and Faby are at Roberto Sclevert's fancy apartment. While waiting for Sr. Sclevert Faby tells Alejandro he thought they were friends but he's beginning to have doubts because Alejandro seems suspiciously interested in Florencia. Alejandro decides to spill his guts, he's going to tell Faby the truth, prove that he is Faby's friend. The truth is that he (Alejandro) and Florencia are brother and sister. "Huh?????", Faby does a triple-take. "Yep," Alejandro continues, "kids of the same father. Evidently Florencia doesn't know." Faby sputters but has to suck it up because Roberto Sclevert enters. After introductions Sr. Sclevert is happy to see Alejandro, Alberto Luque's son. Yes, he's happy to help Alejandro. He is shown the necklace and confirms that he recently made it based on one of Alberto's designs. A woman named Berta de Aragon ordered it from him. Alejandro looks pissed.

Back at the San Llorente castle Berta and Miranda give Squeaky smelling salts...and she's up with expression #2, Bug Eyes, and squeaking "Get out! Get out! Get out!" Miranda wants to know what happened to her sister. Berta says it was only a slight faint due to Squeaky's diet. "OK, but next time it's straight to the doctor. Now get ready because pretty soon the driver is going to take us to Alejandro's plane," Miranda orders. After Miranda leaves Squeaky gets all sobby, It's the second time I lost my memory!" Tia Berta tells her they can keep it their business, nobody else needs to know about her illness. "What illness?" "Well my dear," soothes Berta, "in all probability you are a kleptomaniac."

Cesar visits Gonzo in jail to torture him. Gonzo tells Cesar he'll die before letting Cesar marry Miranda. Cesar seems to think that Miranda marrying him is the only way to save the company and Gonzo's good name but Gonzo's not buying it. It is he, Gonzo, who made Cesar what he is in business (a crook?) so he tells Cesar not to mess with the master. Cesar says he's in a postion to negotiate. "Negotiate what," asks Gonzo, "my daughter?" Gonzo tells Cesar that he'll take him down with him. Cesar counters with "You're not going to say anything or I'll marry your daughter. We'll see what your daughters think when they find out you kicked out your wife and killed a man. I have proof!"

Oh lookee, Alejandro and Miranda are going to the prom because they're all gussied up and he's got a corsage for her! He asks her to sit down and he whips out a box with a diamond necklace. "These diamonds were designed and cut by my father," he says as he puts it around her neck. He tells her he wants to spend a romantic evening together. He whips out a second box, this one holding a honking big Cracker Jack ring.
Alejandro: This ring was designed by my father for the woman who steals my heart. Will you marry me?
(Wait a minute. Is it me or does all this seem a bit sudden?)
Miranda: Yes, I accept....(insert extremely irritating theme song here)...but not now.
A: Huh? Why?
M: Not the right moment. Please don't press me. Don't take it badly.
A: You're rejecting me and you don't want me to take it badly? Give me one reason right now why I shouldn't go away and never return.
(Boring conversation ensues; in a nutshell: yes she accepts his proposal but... (she kisses him), she's not ready (she kisses him), she needs time (she kisses him), that's all she asks (more kissing). What a tease!!!
A: (All hangdog) OK, but the only thing I ask is that you wear the diamonds tonight, after that do what you want. Ask for the world and I'll lay it at your feet. (Does he want some or what?) I want tonight to be unforgettable for both of us.
Will she fall for it? Hell, I would!

Gonzo's obsessing in his cell, "I was a stupid-head. I should have killed Cesar with my own hands. At least that would justify my being here." Green flashback to Friday's conversation with Cesar... "What would your daughters say if they knew all you did...yackety yack...you exiled your wife and then you killed a guy?" Gonzo snaps out of the flashback. Nobody is around so he talks to himself, "Who could have told Cesar what happened 18 years ago? Rebeca? No, she's denounced Cesar. Berta? No, that would be absurd. Anyway she would be implicated. What about Fernanda? Yeah, that's right, she and Cesar ganged up to put me in here, yeah, that's the ticket. The only way Fernanda could attack me was from within, by using that idiot. What to do what to do. How do I protect my daughters? Alejandro is the only guy I can trust. Only he can protect my daughters."

Alejandro and Miranda are at a restaurant. One moment she's all smiles, the next moment she says they should leave. She's afraid she'll be recognized and will cause more scandal for her father. Or maybe she shouldn't be out on the town while he's rotting in jail with no money. Alejandro assures her that pop doesn't want her to hide. "That's right," she says, sticking her pointy chin up in the air, "I am a San Llorente and I won't let them see me defeated!" This strength lasts about two seconds before she gets teary and whines that Flor is ill and Renata is ashamed of daddy. Alejandro reassures her that Flor is in good hands and Renata is only going through a phase, he'll talk to her. Oh, how can Miranda ever thank him? Alejandro says he doesn't want her thanks, he wants her love.

Faby is on the phone to mom, telling her the news that Alejandro told him about being Flor's brother. Fernanda must have been pregnant by Alejandro's father when she married Gonzo, and doubtless she never told him. And mom, Alejandro doesn't want either Gonzo or Florencia to find out so keep your yap shut. (I think this is novela speak for get out the loudspeaker.) Rebecca says she knows Gonzo and won't tell, if he didn't kill Fernanda that night then he surely will now. Faby says telling Flor could kill her, (Berta is lurking in the background with Lukas), he needs to convince Alejandro of this, oops, he sees Berta and changes the subject. "Of what do you have to convince Alejandro?" asks miss nosy parker. "Oh, just some renovations on mom's house," stutters Faby. (What, he doesn't have the cojones to say "none of your business?") "Really? I thought you were talking about something else," Berta presses. Faby tries to wiggle away, says he has to give Flor her medicines, but Bertha has one more zinger for him. She asks him why he's playing the stupid game of leading Miranda on by giving her hopes about their love.

Daira has been shopping for Feng Shui paraphernelia in a vain attempt to make their echo chamber of a house more comfy. Lasagna is giddy, "Guess what Ma? I have a secret. I'M IN LOVE!!!" Guess it's not a secret anymore. Daira wants to know with whom, did Renata introduce her to someone? No, Renata would die if she knew who it was. Now mom is getting suspicious...what's his name, where does he live, who is his family? Oh no, not another poor guy, not again! "But Raul is noble and sweet, he loves me a lot. He's studying marketing, but there's something you're not going to like..." Mom knows, "Yeah, yeah, he's poor, you always do this, then you get hurt. You try to help out the family and when have they ever paid you back? The problem is they turn out to be thieves." "But he's different, I promise, you'll see when you meet him." "I hope so, but listen up," Daira instructs, "I don't want you to hide this from your brother."

Back at the restaurant Alejandro and Miranda are drinking champagne and making goo-goo eyes at each other. He tells her he's in love for the first time. (I have it on good authority from Susan at work that this guy has said this at least three or four times in other novelas and he's not to be believed. But on with the recap...)
Miranda: You're kidding? I don't believe you. You, a man of the world, so handsome, so gallant, so loaded...and no history of love? Impossible!
Alejandro: But true.
M: I'm very afraid.
A: Of what, to love or to be loved?
M: Both. I'm afraid to be a fool in love once again. I want to be certain. Right now, for me, love is synonymous with pain and betrayal. How do you know this is true love?
A: By my sudden desire to marry you. My desire to hold you in my arms and never let you go. Because I feel like an adolescent who wants to shout his happiness to the world. Because I have never felt like this Miranda. They say that love is almost like madness.
M: That means that...
A: Yes, that I'm madly in love with you!

Big smooch, musical crescendo, roll the credits!
Previews of tomorrow where Cesar is going to ruin everything.

Labels: heridas

Bonus midweek recap. Yeah, I said I was cutting back, but that's because I didn't know Monday's show would be the funniest ever. And a funny show means a long recap. To avoid a major weekend crunch I'm getting it out of the way now.

Vocabulary words:
cumpleaños - birthday
celoso - jealous
partición de vienes - parting of the ways (isn't in my dictionary, that's why I'm listing it here)
partición de bienes - splitting up the goods (i.e. divorce settlement)
víbora - rattlesnake, aka rainstick (tribal instrument, you shake this stick and it rattles)

Monday:

Lola is sad about the prospect of divorcing her dirtbag husband, and Irma tries to cheer her up. Meanwhile, Yazmin and El Cheque talk mushy on the phone. (I think she calls him "Flaquito" - Skinny? Can someone confirm this?) It's quite nauseating. Luigi stews in his office, waiting for them to finally show up. Then he throws a tantrum. No model, no assistant - he yells that he's going to have to do the whole Bella Life thing himself so that his model and his assistant can get manicures, hang with their friends and talk to their boyfriends. Luigi is not happy to hear that both of their excuses are Lola/El Cheque related. Then I thought he said that he wanted to get Lola fired, but that didn't happen, so either I misunderstood or he was just blowing off steam. Which seems likely.

You'll recall that we ended last week with Alicia in dire financial straits. She tried begging from several people; offered herself to the Big Ugly Stupid Mermaid; even made an improvised embezzling attempt. Then she hatched a plan to seduce Fern's totally hot, super-profound, ultra-sensitive, apparently rich hippie artist friend.

(Sure, she dissed him just a few hours earlier, and he's only going to be in town a couple of days, but that's all the time she needs, right? He'll solve all her financial problems. Here's what she should put on her resume: I am a motivated self-starter. I create opportunities and take prompt initiative. Plus, I'm pretty and I took six semesters of finance at a really good school!)

Alicia tries to engage Ed in some small talk. She asks him to tell her of his travels; she loves to travel. He asks where she has been, and she says she knows Europe well. He says he's interested in different cultures. She agrees with him and says she's been to Peking, a beautiful and exotic country. He tells her that it's Beijing, and its not a country, it's a city; it's the capitol of China. She tries to agree with that too but he charmingly shuts her down.

Luigi comes by and exclaims excitedly about the hot person he sees. Ed turns and smiles at Alicia, but of course, Luigi was referring to Ed. Luigi extends his hand and says "enchantez." Ed is about to kiss it - an enthusiastic greeting like that deserves a hand-kiss, I suppose - but Alicia intercedes to argue with Luigi! Ed takes this opportunity to make his escape.

Alicia and Luigi argue over which of them Ed prefers. Luigi spanks himself indignantly, and Alicia tells Luigi that Pe - no, Beijing is the capitol of China. (Hey, I just report this stuff - I don't write it!) I swear, these two have the best scenes in the entire show. I wish I could tell what-all they're saying!

Later, in Luigi's office, they fight over him some more. Alicia says she hopes to seduce Ed, and Luigi says "um, Hello!", she doesn't have a chance compared to him. She insists that Ed isn't gay. She tells Luigi that Ed is going to take her out for dinner tonight, with filet mignon, truffles, and champagne... but not sausage. ;-) Luigi disagrees. They place bets on which of them Ed will leave the office with tonight.

Lety keeps Ed company while they wait for Fern to come back from a meeting. Ed tells Lety about the "Peking is such a beautiful country" comment and they laugh and laugh. These two have great chemistry - which makes me sad. Doesn't it seem like she'd be much better off with Ed than with Fern? Oh well.

Fern is misting plants in the boardroom (because it's much too important of a job for any of the feas to do, and Fern has so few responsibilities of his own) and Omar nags him about Lety. Most of the Omar and Fern scenes are filler, the same conversations again and again. Omar teases Fern that that Lety dreams of being Leticia Padilla de Mendiola. Har, har! Fern is getting tired of this nonsense - it's rough on his conscience.

Ed comes in and Fern sprays him in alarm. Ed has overheard some of these conversations about Lety's involvement with the shadow company. I'm not sure how much he knows, but he advises them that the situation is dangerous and awful. Fern starts to give a glib answer, but Ed raises his hand dismissively and walks away. Omar is upset - he feels very threatened by Ed's interference. Fern chases Ed.

Fern tries to cajole Ed, but Ed wants to stay on the topic of Lety. She comes out of her office, and Fern sends her home - it's her saint's day, after all. Lety gives Ed a heartfelt goodbye - they've just met today, but she's happy to have met him, blah blah blah, and he says sweet things too. She leaves, and Ed wants to talk more about her, but Fern wants to leave. He grabs Ed's drum and starts banging it and singing the little drummer boy song. He goes all-out-Tarzan in the lobby, where they are intercepted by Marcia. Omar watches discreetly as they discuss the evening's plans.

Marcia: Let's do something!

Fern: Nope, can't, Ed's tired.

Ed (not wanting to play Fern's game): Don't worry, I'll just take a nap here, you guys go do something.

Fern (changing tactics): Ed and I need some alone-time.

Ed (amused): Yes, and it'd be even more fun with Marcia!

Marcia smiles approvingly (usually she rolls her gigantic eyes whenever Ed talks, if he can't see her face). Fern does not. They are interrupted by Alicia and Luigi, who again compete for Ed's attention. They both offer to keep him company for the evening, but Ed suddenly has his own change of tactics - he's going to hang out with Fern tonight! He kisses Alicia's hand. Luigi puts his hand up for a kiss too, and Ed pointedly shakes it. Luigi looks confused and mumbles to Alicia about Ed's strong grip. As Ed and Fern leave, Fern taunts Luigi and Alicia, "celosas!" Omar is still watching worried from the doorway of his office.

Alicia tries to get Marcia interested in where Fern and Ed are going and with whom, but Marcia is not worried. She's got her own plans.

Coming off of the elevator, Ed and Fern are greeted by the feas, who say goodbye to their dreamy visitor. While they're still swooning amongst themselves, Saimon and Yazmin step off the elevator, and it gets quiet for a moment. Then Lola & PM start talking about picking up their kids. Yaz says something about Flaquito's car. Lola replies, um, I think you are referring to MY car? They argue, and Saimon looks horrified. Yazmin seems momentarily offended by Lola's verbal abuse, then suddenly acts delighted. I think she has an idea or something. She gives Saimon an air-kiss (like a mile away from his face) and leaves.

Flaquito (aka El Cheque) comes up in a taxi to pick up Yazmin. He says that his ears had been burning, so Lola must have been yelling about him. Yaz says don't worry, they were talking about him, the divorce, the particion de vienes. She tattles about the car (not that I even know what that's about) and urges him to try to get the house in the settlement.

The feas come outside just after the taxi leaves. They, especially Lola, are angry. Saimon offers someone a ride. PM eagerly accepts, but he ignores her. Jeez! I think Martha also offers to let PM and PM Jr. stay for the night.

Night time at the Padilla house: Lety, Tomas, and her parents sit around the table. RoboPop wants to go out for churros and chocolate (like they used to?). Mom and Tomas scoff at the idea. Surely that is not what Lety would like to do on her saint's day now that she's grown up. RoboPop says fine, we'll just sit here.

Mom asks, what do you want to do, Lety? Lety proposes a new family tradition: going out for churros and chocolate!

They have a great time eating churros and drinking hot chocolate at a diner. Tomas plays with his food and at one point it looks like he's trying to stick a churro up his nose. (Easy, Tomas! Save some of your good moves for when you meet Alicia!) Lety thanks her parents and tells them how much she loves them. Mom says additional mushy things. RoboPop wipes his eyes to prevent them from rusting. Even Tomas gets a bit misty, though not so misty he can't continue to shove churros into his mouth.

They go home and there is more mushy talk. Lety goes into her room and finds that Mom has made her a new quilt. (Pink, of course.) There's still more crying and hugging and mushy stuff. I don't care how happy she is (and believe me, she's happy) - that's just way too much crying for one birthday!

Meanwhile, at Fernando's gigantic, luxurious house, Fern and Ed sip coffee. Fern wants to order some food, Ed doesn't. Blah blah blah. They have that conversation again. To save us all some time, I will give you the gist of it, and any time you see them talking again, you can cut and paste it:

Ed: You mustn't marry Marcia. You won't have a happy life with her. You're not even happy with her now and it's not going to get any better.

Fern: If I don't marry her, I'll lose the company to her ugly brother, and I don't think I could take it if I got defeated by a mermaid. Say, are you hungry? I'm hungry. Let's go somewhere. Perhaps a change of scenery will derail your one-track mind.

Ed: Don't try to change the subject. Lety could make you happy. She has a great inner beauty, and you love her, I can tell.

Fern: The thing is, see, I'm kind of a shallow jackass, although I suppose there must be some hidden beauty deep within me else you wouldn't be my friend, what with your superhuman empathy and sensitivity. Um... so... how 'bout those Red Sox? Could we talk about that?

They go round and round with this conversation. Ed urges Fern to break up with Marcia now, but Fern says it's impossible. Ed says, what about Lety?

(Dude, if you like her so much, why don't YOU marry her?)

Ed's arguments are getting under Fern's skin, making him irritable and flustered. The doorbell rings and he answers the phone and then tells Ed to get the door. Then he collects himself and answers the door.

Oh, joy. It's Marcia. And Ana-Leticia. And Mr. Ana-Leticia, who never talks. Mr. A-L has a rainstick with him. Fern says hey, you brought Alicia! A-L giggles and says no, that's a RAINSTICK! (She sounds like a four-year-old!)

Mr. & Mrs. A-L want to jam with Ed. A-L can't wait to see Ed. Where is he? Where is he? She is jumping up and down. Fern tells them that Ed's asleep upstairs and they should leave. Mr. & Mrs. A-L scream for Ed until he joins them in the foyer.

They play the drum and bongos and rainstick, and then they play them some more. Everyone is having a great time, except for Marcia, who sits there looking bored and pissy.

What does she think it's going to be like when they're married? I have no idea what she'd rather be doing, since she seems not to have any personality of her own. When she's not complaining or otherwise being a pain in someone's butt, she just sits there like a powered-down robot. In fact, the only time Marcia comes alive is when she's scheming with Alicia. So, much as Ed is always saying that Lety is the woman who can make Fern happy, I'm going to start saying that Alicia is the woman who can make Marcia happy. (No one can make Alicia happy, so let's not go crazy trying to fix things for everyone.)

The doorbell rings, and it's Omar. Great, double-joy!! He's still in his suit and tie. I guess he's annoyed with Fern for neglecting his plot to irreparably damage Lety's fragile self-esteem. He hangs out with them in the living room for a while, disapprovingly. When they begin playing yet another number on the rainstick, drum, and bongos, Marcia has an impatient, needlessly bitchy outburst. Ed replies with an angry and very harsh speech of his own, something about "all your lies" (or possibly "all their lies"... "sus mentiras"... not sure what he's talking about since she's not the liar?).

Omar defuses the situation. Then he pulls Ed aside and has an angry talk with him. I think the gist of it is that Ed's an unwelcome, troublemaking interloper. They argue about his sincerity and his motives for visiting. Ed invites Omar to hit him if it'll make him feel better. Then the two of them have what looks like a playful kung-fu/karate kid fight, but it doesn't look like anyone's in danger. Fern, Marcia, A-L, and Mr. A-L watch. Marcia is disgusted. Fern says they're just dancing. (Ed is the better dancer.)

Evidently, everyone goes home after that, and it's just Fern and Ed, smoking a peace pipe. I don't know what's in that pipe, but those two are very very mellow. Ed talks about his fiancee, Inga, in the most glowing terms. Whatever he's saying, we can tell by the look on Fern's face that he doesn't feel that way about Marcia.

--

The next day, Alicia shows up for work in what can best be described as a harem girl outfit. Sort of. And she's humming, and waving around a cup full of smoking herbs. The feas watch in fascination, and I can see why she's Jessica Rabbit, 'cuz she's gone loony-toons. In fact, I'm going to keep calling her that until she changes her clothes.

Lety asks if she's feeling okay. Jessica Rabbit disses them for mocking what they don't understand.

Marcia comes in and tries to break up the fea gathering until she sees what Jessica Rabbit is doing. She correctly guesses that this is a bizarre, last-ditch effort to impress Ed. Jessica Rabbit doesn't seem to note the disapproval in Marcia's voice and unblinking eyes. She enthusiastically agrees, and says that her outfit is really Occidental. She catches herself, and says Asian.

When Fernando and Ed get there, she gets really crazy and starts humming the snake charmer song and doing a weird, jerky dance. Fernando takes her by the hand gently and says he's worried about her. He tells Marcia that, as Jessica Rabbit's friend, she should really take her to a clinic.

Ed pulls Jessica Rabbit aside and tells her that little act was cute, but too complicated for him to understand. He says her outfit is cute and her jokes are perfect. He says more charming things. As he walks away, we can see that our tall busty bunny is in love.


Tuesday:

Marcia is thrilled that Ed is leaving tonight, and tells Fern so. While she gloats, he recalls Ed's remark that he can't be happy with a woman if he's thinking of another one while he's with her. Something like that.

They both have tickets to some event that evening. He remembers that he has plans with Lety that night, so he makes an excuse. He has something very important to do. His excuse isn't very good, and Marcia can tell he's lying. She doesn't try to hide her anger. She stomps off to the bathroom, where Alicia has already changed her clothes, spoiling my name-calling fun.

Alicia sees that Marcia is upset. (That's because she's the woman that Marcia needs!) Marcia says, he's busy tonight again - it's "her" - and we're going to find out who!

Alicia wants to know what Marcia will do. Strangle a confession out of them? Marcia says no, that won't be necessary. She'll just make their lives difficult.

Lety tells the feas about her boyfriend. Ed asks about him. She says how much she loves him, how great he makes her feel. It's not clear (to me) whether Ed knows that Fern, not Tomas, is the real novio.

Later that morning, Tomas calls, singing and banging on a ban with a spoon. From his office, Fern hears Lety exclaim with delight. Fern seems a little worried. Tomas is still a threat. Tomas offers to take Lety out, but she says no, save your money now, and we'll do it next year.

RoboPop is grumpy. He says he doesn't want a party with non-family members. Mom disagrees.

Alicia comes out of the bathroom wearing red. She brags that (I think) her change of clothes is more expensive than their good clothes. Luigi also comes in looking smashing. I mean, seriously yummy. He also brags, but Alicia advises him that he should pay up on their bet right now. He agrees to take her to lunch. At the restaurant, he says she eats like a homeless person (something like that). She says she's hungry. He says something about spending money on clothes vs. food, and (I think) that Martha would be the opposite extreme, spending all her money on food.

Meanwhile, Ed and Lety are having lunch somewhere else, having a nice talk. The feas find them and invite themselves to sit at the table. Ed stands up to get some extra chairs, but Martha (correct spelling) thanks him and takes his seat! The feas begin gossipping loudly. This is in stark contrast to the good conversation they were having before - now it's just yap yap yap.

Over Irma's protests, Paula Maria tells Ed of Alicia and Luigi's bet. He laughs easily, but there's a hint of disapproval.

At yet another place, Omar and Fern dine. F is still shaken by the intensity of Ed's persuasive words about what love should be like. Omar says that stuff is for books and telenovelas. Fern says no, that chick in Ed's photo (Inga, his fiancee) is an angel. Omar tells him he has two choices in the real world: Marcia, or Lety. Fern loses his temper and asks for the check.

After lunch, Luigi and Yaz finish shooting the Secretos perfume ad. Yazmin says, finally! Luigi is angry with her. He says it's her fault it's taken so long. She whines that she's been worried about Flaquito. This is not what he wants to hear. He tells her to get out. She kisses his cheek - something she hasn't yet done for Saimon. He seems to lean towards her just a tiny bit for the kiss, but then pulls away as if insulted. (I love this actor - he is a comic genius!)

She leaves, and Luigi starts groping the perfume display the way Yazmin would have done it if she had done it right. Ed interrupts this tender moment between Luigi and the product, wanting to talk. Luigi plays hard to get, and walks away coquettishly. Ed laughs and follows him.

In her office, Lety talks to her girama. She tells the girama (or maybe the girama is supposed to be telling her) that most people know her as Ugly Lety, but she's really Lety the Happiest of the Happy. Gag! She is soooo looking forward to tonight.

Alicia is also excited. She's going to rent a car so that they can follow Fern tonight without being recognized. She tells them she wants a car at 6. A Porsche or a Ferrari. What? You don't have either of those? Well, how about an Alfa Romeo? She sees Luigi and Ed approaching, so she hangs up in a hurry. Ed says something very nasty to both of them about their little bet and walks away. Alicia and Luigi accuse one another of spilling the beans. He wants her to pay up, but she has no money. Alicia says Ed is a bad boy. She's seriously smitten, I think!

Mom calls Martha for help with the party. She tells Martha that instead of going out with Lety tonight as planned, they should come to the house for a little party. Please spread the word.

Martha is confused by this invitation. Who? What? She says goodbye to Mom. As far as Martha knows, Lety is going out with Tomas tonight. She assumes that Lety has invited Lola, Sara, and Juana out for the evening, but not her. There's a bathroom meeting: she accuses them of being jealous because she's happily married and they're not.

Alicia interrupts. They're being too loud. She can't concentrate on her work. This is met with guffaws. Martha sends her out. Sara says she wasn't invited either. Juana agrees, she knows nothing of any plans with Lety this evening.

They all look at Lola, and Lola reminds them that Lety has a hot date tonight. They ask Lety to clarify - who was invited? Lety says no one - she told her mom they were all going out so she wouldn't know about her hot date. She hurries back to her desk, and they notice that Alicia has been spying on them. Lety calls her mom. Uh, mom, nice of you to organize a party, but I wish you would have told me first. Mom says too bad, we've all been working on this party all day, so it's on. Have your friends come over and invite your boss too!

Lety discusses this with Fern in the boardroom while Ed snoozes in Fern's office. (I guess the point of all this is that Ed thinks Lety is happy with Tomas and doesn't know about the Fern/Lety romance, although I am pretty sure he knows about the shadow company). Fern says no, he can't go to her house, people would gossip, maybe they should call the date off.

Lety works out a new plan - they will have the party but everyone will be out by ten. Then she can go out on that date with her boyfriend. Martha gets on the horn immediately, inviting other people, though Lety only wants the feas to attend.

Back in the boardroom, she informs Fern of the new plan. Fern says no, it's too complicated, it's not necessary. Let's just not go out tonight. Lety says, oh, I get it, sure... I won't insist. She is sad, and he guiltily relents.

It's late in the day. Martha tries to wake Ed up. She tries shaking him and yelling at him. Fern says no, do it this way: he chants softly, "hare krishna... hare krishna..." and he wakes up, grabs his stuff, and runs out.

There is a commotion. He disappears. They all wonder where he went.

He left his drum in Lety's office with a rose. She tells Fern that Ed is a great man. Fern agrees and says good things about him. Marcia calls Fern from another room, and Fern shudders at the sound of her voice, much as he once shuddered at the sight of Lety's face.

Marcia, Alicia, and some of the feas are in his office, wondering what happened. Fern somberly informs them that Eduardo has left. That's just how he is. They all gasp and sigh, except Marcia, who just wants to know where he went. The feas console one another, and Marcia disperses the crowd. (The camera seems to focus on the armoire in Fern's office.)

Lety hugs the drum and says she'll always cherish these memories that are joyful and sincere, like Ed. Left alone in Fern's office, Lety and Fern wipe their eyes.

We hear a door open, and Fern suddenly seems annoyed. I took this to mean that Ed had just been hiding in the armoire and chose that moment to pop out, but alas, it was just Omar. The anti-Ed! He observes how sad Ed's departure has made everyone. Fern says Ed's words have got him thinking about finding another way, but Omar reminds him that Ed's romantic notions aren't realistic.

They discuss tonight's date. Omar points out that Lety's party is actually a good excuse for Fern to be away from Marcia. Lety comes in to say good night. As he leaves, Omar calls Fern "tigre," and Fern calls Omar "idiota."

The feas are heartbroken. Martha, Lola, and Sara call Juana, Irma, and PM to share the bad news of Ed's departure (though it's likely that PM would have seen him leave).

Meanwhile, back at that Padilla home, RoboPop is still grumpy, and Tomas is wearing an even shorter dorky tie than usual. Mom tells him to put away his photo of Alicia. He also hides his Filmo Imagen stuff. He excitedly wonders if Alicia will be at the party.

Also excited, Alicia shows Marcia the equipment she has purchased for tonight's mission: sunglasses, black fedoras, and black trenchcoats. Marcia says no, this is ridiculous. Alicia loves it, though, and dresses up and pretends to be in a spy movie.

Labels: fea

D'oh! I did it again!!

I was wrong about Fern taking out Lety for her birthday, and I was wrong about Tomás meeting Alícia at 6.

Actually... I was right that Fern would take her out for her birthday... I was just wrong about which day it was. Apparently, you can have a saint's day and a birthday. Sweet! She did keep saying it was her saint's day, but I just assumed it was the same thing.

So, right now (recaps-wise) it's Lety's saint's day, and the next day (or some day soon) will be her actual birthday.

I was completely wrong about Tomás meeting Alícia at 6, so just pretend I never mentioned it.

BTW, some irrelevant but funny backstory: When Tomás spoke to Alícia last week (almost two weeks ago, now) for the first time, he told RoboPapa or Mom she sounded like an angel. I just thought that was his regular drooling, but apparently, in an episode that was after Chris's recaps and just before mine, Tomás had a flower and a pizza with a romantic card delivered to Alícia. It got delivered to Lety by mistake, but she wasn't in her office. Fern didn't like that this Tomás guy was wooing Lety (in fact, this may have been the event that convinced him that he'd have to seduce her himself), so he gave Tomás an unfriendly phone call. Tomás just assumed the voice on the phone was Alícia!

I was wondering why he was so impressed with that whiny voice of hers. Now I know why. :-)

Labels: fea

We begin with a flashback to Florencia and Miranda as little girls. Miranda is telling her she’s going to go to work and will take care of Florencia and Renata. Florencia interrupts her daydream and asks what’s wrong. Miranda returns to her room and calls Alejandro to ask about her father. Naturally, this leads to Alejandro asking her out on a date. She acts like a giddy little girl and gets all dolled up for her big night out.

They go out for drinks at a spinning restaurant and Miranda expresses doubt that she will be able to handle all the problems that are coming her way. Alejandro says pshaw (and cue the inspirational strings) assuring her that she has everything she needs to take care of this. The conversation moves on to other topics, like Bertha, and then they go dancing.

The guys are talking about their aunt and how psyched Mamá Amparito is with her new jewelry peddling endeavors. When the boys ask their dad how he is, he admits being bummed out but that Amparo’s energy is infectious. Finally we get to the real point of the scene, Lisania’s phone call to Raul. Despite Lisania’s numerous social gaffes (standing him up outside the church and calling his neighbor’s house so late at night) Raul asks her out on a date, promising not to rob her. (who knows, though, about his buddies).

Back at the swiftly spinning restaurant and with their dance over, Miranda tells Alejandro he must think she’s selfish having such a gay old time while everything with her family is going to pot. What’s even worse, she adds, is she’s having fun with a guy she disliked from the moment she met him. Alejandro assures her he doesn’t think she’s bad for having a little fun. He adds (much to his credit) that in regards to not liking him the moment she met him, the feeling was quite mutual, thank you very much. Then she asks, why did you let on that Daira & Lisania was your wife & daughter. Oh, just because I’m an imbecile (I really love that word). Then begins the litany of questions (someone didn’t read The Rules for dating) in which we learn that Alejandro has never been in love, that he’s a man, not a saint and he is really just a hopeless romantic.

Renata is laying on her bed, thinking about her brush with the law earlier in the day. She flashbacks to her humiliating experience and draws parallels to how she treated poor Juan.

Bertha is on the phone with Veronica, her secret jewelry-planting thug and Renata’s BFF (or at least until she finds out). Bertha is pleased with the report and asks Veronica to spread the gossip about Renata’s ‘kleptomania’ and she’ll blame Adriana for spreading the news. Bertha tells Lucas to “Stay.” (apparently he speaks English). The conversation ends with Bertha promising payment to Veronica.

Tomasa comes in, and Bertha asks her if Florencia took the medicine she had given her since it will help her to feel better (yeah, right). Tomasa asks again about her granddaughter and Bertha snaps back to be patient and stop whining already. Finally, Bertha asks if Miranda is already in bed. No, Tomasa answers, she went out with Alejandro. Once Tomasa sees Bertha’s discomfort at this she animatedly describes how happy, young and beautiful Miranda looked (you go Tomasa!) At this insubordination Bertha tells her she can just forget about her granddaughter.

Bertha goes in to wake up Renata and acts wronged and offended by the news she heard from Adriana, that there is a thief in the house.

Alejandro and Miranda return home from the date. They banter back and forth about knowing more about each other, not getting married tomorrow, Miranda’s obsession with Fabricio and Alejandro’s recently conferred degree in psychoanalysis…the usual pre-smooch chit-chat. They start kissing and Bertha and Lucas walk in and interrupt. Alejandro & Miranda make plans for tomorrow’s departure to Tabasco. Miranda will stay in the city finishing up some business. Miranda hams up their new flirtation for Bertha’s benefit and Alejandro leaves.

Miranda goes into her bedroom only to find Bertha & Lucas waiting for her. Bertha insists that Alejandro is hers, Miranda retorts it’s too bad he doesn’t think the same and while she might have left Fabricio for her dying sister, Bertha’s crazy if she thinks she’s going to the same for her. When Bertha says I’ll do whatever it takes, Miranda says didn’t you say that same thing to my mother and the man she loved ended up dead. Miranda asks if that’s what she did, if she killed when she couldn’t have him and continues pressing Bertha, asking her if she’s planning to do the same to Alejandro. Rubbing her forehead (a sure sign of stress) Bertha leaves a gleeful Miranda and, crying in the hallway, says that she hates Miranda and will make her pay the same price as Fernanda.

Daira and Alejandro are debriefing from Miranda & Alejandro’s date. Daira says she knew they were in love and Alejandro acts like a silly school girl, saying he’s not sure why he’s so scared and happy when he sees her. He feels like he could forget about the whole vengeance thing. Daira says, finally, Alejandro Luque knows love and I’m glad to know you are the most romantic man ever.

Back at the hospital, Juan and Fernanda are talking about Julio’s condition and Pamela’s tests. Alejandro shows up to announce his love for Miranda.
Pamela and Miranda are waiting for a test, discussing Julio’s condition and Bertha’s reaction to Miranda’s confrontation the night before. Juan approaches and asks Miranda if she is related to Renata San Llorente (and if she is, he figures, he better tread carefully).

Fernanda says she knows Alejandro is the perfect guy for Miranda and to “keep her posted”. Alejandro is going to spend more time with Florencia but promises not to say anything about Fernanda or the fact they are siblings. As a clever segue, after Alejandro leaves, Fernanda, talking to herself, says she can’t imagine Gonzalo in jail, treated like a criminal.

Cut to Gonzalo in jail, feeling sorry for himself while trying to make the transition from gourmet food to prison fare. His concerns about Florencia are interrupted by a FIGHT! This is a great scene to contrast the way he wears his prison-issue attire with the way the other prisoners wear theirs. If he stays much longer, he may have to petition for a prison-issue tie.

Nuria and Luis Alberto uncover the fact that Cesar’s accounts are being investigated. Cesar dismisses their concerns. The P.I. comes in and Cesar commissions him to investigate Nuria.

Back at Casa San Llorente, Renata and Bertha continue their discussion about Renata’s thieving ways. After she learns that Miranda knows about the theft and that she helped Renata, Bertha apologizes for her previously irrational behavior. She then plants a necklace asking herself if Miranda will have time for Alejandro if she’s busy saving Renata.

Pamela is in Fernanda’s office, crying and worried that her upcoming clinic stay for tests is similar to the way her mother’s affliction began. Fernanda & Miranda try to calm her down and then she goes off with Juan to complete the paperwork. Fernanda & Miranda continue to discuss her case. Miranda begins complaining about everything going wrong in her life and Fernanda promises to help.
Lisania and Raul are on their outing. Lisania is talking about her travels and Raul is impressed that a girl like her would be with him. She shares her mom’s theory that the eyes are the mirror of the soul and that she couldn’t forget his eyes. Lurking in the background are a couple of nogoodniks.

Returning from a hard day at the taco stand, the brother and sister discuss Raul and his girlfriend and the guys’ earlier conversation about her enthusiastic endeavors.

After reading the story of Cain and Abel, Padre Buenaventura meets Bertha, who is inquiring after Miranda’s philanthropic activities at the parish. To say the least, PB is not pleased to see her. He reminds her of all the bad stuff she’s done and despite her best efforts to sweet talk him, he maintains a bad attitude. Not until she blackmails him with information about his sister Sofia’s killer is he willing to start listening, but, playing hard to get, she leaves him until she can recover from his previously impolite behavior.

Back in the prison, an elderly gentleman approaches Gonzalo with some sage advice about adjusting to prison life. First rule: adapt yourself. Second rule: no names, just nicknames. Appropriately, Gonzalo is given the name, the Duke. “The Magnate”, his new friend, warns him that someone is going to try and kill him.

Labels: heridas

Renata is at the mall shopping with two friends. Friend 1 is putting jewelry in Renata’s purse when she isn’t looking. Renata is being extra bitchy to the clerk while Friend 1 continues to feed jewelry into her purse. Renata gripes to Friend 1 about not having money, F1 suggests asking Bertha for cash. Renata snaps “what part of ‘all San Llorente family funds are frozen’ don’t you understand?” F1 says “dummy, Bertha is De Aragon, not San Llorente.” Renata replies “oh, you’re right” and leaves to try on a dress. Friend 2 starts getting on Friend 1’s case. “I thought we were all friends, why are you being mean to Renata?” “She has considered herself better than us for so long, now she’ll get brought down a little.” Friend 2 doesn’t like this and leaves.

Miranda and Cesar are talking in Gonzalo’s office, Cesar is acting quite obsequious. Miranda is telling him that some transactions look strange. The screen goes green, daydream/flashback time…… Cesar is leaning over Miranda’s shoulder, telling her he loves her, she is smiling back and says she loves him too…… Cesar snaps out of it as Miranda is yelling at him. “huh wha? Oh uh there’s nothing strange about that, those are normal transactions.” Miranda says (I didn’t get this exactly) “they all moved money through the London account RIGHT BEFORE we had trouble there?” Cesar is saved by Vicente the abogado entering. He says that Gonzalo wants to talk to Cesar. The men leave. Pamela arrives at the same time. She tells Miranda she has to go to the hospital for some test, Miranda says she’ll go with her. Pamela stutteringly tells Miranda “uh, well, uh, I can’t go to the hacienda with all of you because of this.” Miranda says the others can go, then Pamela and Miranda will go later when Pamela’s tests are completed.

Back at the mall – Renata is really laying into the clerk, who apparently wasn’t kissing her ass enough or the right way. Friend 1, who was putting the jewelry into Renata’s purse, gets a phone call and bails in a hurry. As Renata stomps off, a security guard stops her and asks to look in her purse. Renata refuses, using the tried and true “don’t you know who I am?” defense. Does that ever work? You only hear that from people who are being carted off by the cops, denied entry to some place, stuff like that. You never hear “oh yeah I do know who you are, sorry.” Anyway, the guard takes her bag from her and opens it, finding all the stolen jewelry. Renata stands there with her mouth open, genuinely shocked.

Florencia enters Fernanda’s office, looking down her nose at her she tells her that she’s only there because someone forced her. “Who?” Fernanda asks. Bertha makes her grand entrance, like she’s Streisand coming on stage. “I did, Florencia didn’t want to see you but I told her she had to.” Bertha makes lying look so easy.

Cesar walks into Gonzalo’s jail cell grinning like a complete idiot. I only see that particular grin on really really drunk guys. What a tool. Gonzalo grabs him by the lapels and says “I will kill you, infeliz!” Cesar snidely asks, “why?” Gonzalo replies “you and Julio planned this! You are going to pay me back every peso!” There is more chest puffing from both of them and many threats issued back and forth – “I’ll get you” “You don’t know anything, I know more than you about this and that” “You will pay” etc. It doesn’t even matter who said what, we get the picture that these two are now mortal enemies. Cesar asks the lawyer to leave. He then tells Gonzalo, “Finally you are getting what you deserve after all the years of yelling at us treating us poorly!” He must say ‘us’ to mean employees at the company.

At the hospital – Florencia is still looking down her nose at Fernanda. Fernanda asks why she doesn’t want her as her doctor. Before Flo can answer, a guy shows up with a wheelchair to cart her off for tests. On her way out she says “when I get back, if Bertha can’t stay in here with me, I’m leaving.” Okay….. Bertha sweeps in and talks down to Fernanda. “you are pitiful trying to get your daughters back. It’s a lost cause.” Fernanda asks “why are you here?” Bertha says that Gonzalo ordered her to bring Florencia here. The two women then have a catty insult fight, like Cesar and Gonz did a few minutes ago. Battle lines are being drawn everywhere.

At the mall again – Renata is pleading with the clerk, now calling her Usted and trying to convince her that she didn’t know the stuff was in her purse. That’s true, but this clerk who she crapped on a few minutes ago isn’t having it. She wants Renata to hang. Miranda and Pamela JUST HAPPEN to wander by. Is the place Pamela needs her tests done at in the mall or what? Anyway, Renata begs Miranda for help, since Miranda is so gullible she defends Renata unconditionally and pays the store for the merchandise. 5000 something pesos, so not horribly expensive. I guess there if you just pay for what you got caught with you don’t go to jail. Renata pointedly does NOT take the jewelry and they storm out.

Mama Amparito is talking to some woman who appears to be her friend, a younger blond woman. There is some jewelry on the table between them, the woman is trying to talk her into selling the jewelry. Amparito thinks she’s too busy already with the tacos. The woman keeps working on her and appears to convince her to give it a try. Is this jewelry based on Alfredo’s designs? That would be another case of it being a small world.

Back to Cesar and Gonzalo’s chest bumping session – time to go to script format.
Cesar – You can accuse all you want, but you signed everything.
Gonzalo – There is no perfect crime, I’ll find a way to prove you did it.
C – By the way, I have an agreement with Miranda. (I think I missed some subtlety here)
G – You are prohibited from entering the company’s premises.
C – You can’t prohibit anything. If you try to, I’ll tell the girls what you did to their mother all these years!
They sneer at each other and some cops come in and cuff Gonz to take him away to prison. Gonz starts yelling “don’t treat me this way! I’m not a killer or anything! Let me go!” He is led out. Alejandro shows up at the same time. Gonz’s lawyer tells Alejandro that he needs money and is going to call Miranda, but Alejandro tells him that he’ll take care of everything. Cesar stomps over and issues my favorite Spanish phrase – “De Ninguna Manera! I will take care of it, that’s why I am here!” I don’t know why I love de ninguna manera so much but I use it as often as I can. I just love the way it sounds. So much better than “No way!”

Fern and Bertha again-
Fernanda says she has much to say to Bertha, who responds with “whatever, I couldn’t care less.” The test results arrive, the baby is fine but Florencia’s heart is dying. Carrying the baby to term would be a miracle.

Renata is back home crying in the phone, later we find out that it was Lasagna on the other end of the line. She hangs up and is comforted by Tomasa, Miranda, and Pamela. Tomasa floats the idea that the clerk set her up. Miranda decides to believe this. Miranda would be a disaster in charge of the business, she has the worst instincts. She believes all the wrong things from all the wrong people. Miranda compares the shoplifting with what is happening to Gonz, they were both set up. Well, that part is true. Miranda and Pamela leave for the hospital. Again. Weren’t they on the way there before they mysteriously got lost in the mall? Tomasa comforts Renata who says something about being a klepto. What?

Bertha and Florencia rehash everything from recent events. Flor asks Bertha why she likes Alejandro, Bertha says just to piss off Miranda. More chatter. Let’s go home and rest. Ok. Bertha says while Flor rests, she’ll prepare her medicine. Yeah right!

The street gang is talking at some bar, they decide everything is ready for their heist or whatever they are planning. Everyone but Sanson leaves and some chick arrives. Sanson mistreats her a bit to show how macho he is. Que macho.

Lasagna gets off the phone and tells Daira the whole story. Did you ever notice how this house is blindingly white while Cesar’s apartment is totally black? Gee I wonder who the good and bad guys are. Alejandro shows up, the three of them rehash recent events. The ladies beg him to help the San Llorentes, especially for Flor. Alejandro says why? She’s not even Gonz’s daughter anyway!

Miranda and Pamela at the doctor – Miranda, as usual, thinks everything is her fault. Pamela tells her to knock it off already, cripes. Fernanda enters and Miranda starts telling HER that Julio’s heart attack is her (Miranda’s) fault, Fern also tells her to knock it off. Julio has a history of heart problems and has had a heart attack before. Pamela says “see? The problems of everyone in the world are not all your fault.” Fern also tells them about Flor’s test results.

Lasagna shows Alejandro info she got for schools. Ok DAD? Will you get off my back now and not treat me like a girl? Alejandro says ok, as soon as you start acting like a woman. Lasagna whines MOM! Daira ignores the exchange and tells Alejandro to be careful of Bertha. Alejandro says how do we know who is lying and who is telling the truth? (Good point, from his perspective anyway) Daira tells him to listen to his heart and that Bertha is a demon!

Cesar and Bertha are at Cesar’s apartment, he pours wine from a decanter. There were zero product placements for wine or alcohol in this show, all drinks are poured from clear glass decanters, never bottles.
Cesar – What did you want to talk about?
Bertha – Your money. And what part of it is mine.
C – Why would I give you a quinto?
B – Because I know EVERYTHING and you don’t want me to talk!
At this point I almost threw up – they attack each other and start making out like drunk college kids at a basement kegger. I can even imagine Cesar the next morning being so ashamed in front of his frat roommates as his ‘date’ Bertha walks out the next day. GROSS GROSS GROSS GROSS GROSS. If you didn’t see this I can’ explain how nasty it was. Ugh.

Fern’s office with Miranda and Pamela again –
Pamela leaves to take a phone call. Fern asks Miranda about her mother, Miranda goes on a tirade about what an incredible bitch and slut she is. Fernanda says “don’t say that. I….” but she’s interrupted by one of the taco vendor’s kids coming in and saying “Julio is slipping into a coma, he had a cerebral hemorrhage!” Fern rushes out and Pamela returns. Miranda whines and outlines the worst case scenario of everything, what will she do? In the end her decision is to wait and see. Way to take action. Pamela calls Angel’s ex-girlfriend to find out where he is, to tell him about Julio’s condition.

Angel and his brother enter a hotel room with tons of stuff they bought. Angel’s phone rings, it’s Miranda on the other end. I guess they tracked him down. He thinks it is about Gonzalo and tells her to call his lawyer. She tells him about Julio’s health and he says she should be paying the bills for it since it’s her fault. She says no it isn’t! (didn’t she just tell everyone it WAS her fault?) Angel says “please” and hangs up. The boys discuss everything and decide that Miranda is lying, didn’t Cesar tell them to trust only him?

Cesar and Bertha again ulp I just threw up in my mouth. They flirt and argue at the same time while they get undressed and head into the bedroom. Oh I feel sick.

Fab makes an appearance! Flor is jealous again, there is much drama, she demands that he tell her he loves her! He doesn’t, he starts kissing her. Miranda appears in the background and for some reason hangs around to watch. Go rent a porno or something Miranda! Fab breaks the kiss and then tells her, in 100 words, how he loves her, Miranda hears everything. Finally she says “excuse me” and says they will be leaving in the morning. “Flor did you take your medicine?” Flor laughs and says Miranda was the same even when they were kids. There is a green flashback of when they were kids and Miranda bossed Flor around and told her what to do, but nicely. How sweet. Miranda leaves crying at the memory and immediately calls Alejandro. She asks him about Gonz, Alejandro fills her in and then asks why is she crying? “I don’t know.” (perhaps it’s because she is this novela’s designated cryer? Like Hipolita from Alborada?) She says she doesn’t know why she called him, he says he was thinking about her and she must have known. He says he’ll be there to see her right away. She gets all teenager and is nervous and giggly about seeing him. Next they are at a restaurant, they do a shot of tequila and are by all appearances on a date. He tries to comfort her, but she has some whining to do first.
Alejandro – What help do you need? Nothing! You have it all. You are so awesome and strong, etc etc.
Miranda – When you try, you really are enchanting. Now I know why Bertha likes you! How can you like Bertha? If I were a guy she’d be the last woman in the world I’d look at!
A – If I tell you the truth, no more questions?
M – Si.
A – She has something of mine and she is going to return it!!! (dum dum DUMMMM!!)

They dance and giggle and act all romanc-ey for a few minutes. Then the credits rolled.

Labels: heridas

I want to thank everyone for all the encouraging comments. When I started doing these, I wasn't sure anyone was going to read them. I'm really glad to be appreciated.

On the other hand, these are taking way too long to write up, so I may need to cut back a bit on the level of detail.

Some handy vocabulary words for the week's episodes:

Circo (circus); payaso (clown); espuma (bubble bath); farsante (fraud); romper (break).

Now, on with the recaps.

---

Life of El Cheque

El Cheque is Lola's ex-husband. I don't know why they call him that. Maybe because both Lola and Yazmin need his money. Anyway...

Saimon has taken Yazmin out to lunch to get a new phone. I can't tell if Yaz really likes Saimon or not, but Saimon seems to think she does. She picks out a new phone, and walks away, leaving Saimon to pay for it (even though she already got the money from Lola).

Meanwhile, Lola & El C's kids are stranded at school. El Cheque was supposed to pick them up, but he didn't. (Remember, he fell into a manhole last week.) She goes to the school to pick them up. PM and PM Jr. (who are technically homeless) talk about how awful it is for Lola's kids that their parents are divorcing.

Lola's kids eat a late lunch in Luigi's editing room, and they beg Lola to let PM and PM Jr. stay with them (I'm not sure if that hadn't already been decided).

Yaz and Saimon come back from lunch. Saimon makes a big point of waving Yaz under PM's nose. He loudly tells Celso (in front of PM) that they will be having lunch at a fine restaurant tomorrow. Fortunately, PM Jr. interrupts him by yelling "Santa, Santa!" Saimon and Jr. take off to play together and Yazmin goes to do some work.

Luigi is shooting a commercial with Yazmin, and it's not going well. He's angry because she's just jerking her head around when she is supposed to be like something in a breeze. He tells her they're doing an ad for a romantic perfume, not a migraine remedy. She says she's worried about El Cheque. He tells her to take a break. She thanks him and hugs and kisses him, which grosses him out.

Lola is stewing about El Cheque's whereabouts. Then Saimon comes in wearing a Santa hat, carrying a pink Christmas tree made out of cotton candy and gives it to the kids. The kids are thrilled, but Lola rants and raves about the cell phone. She thinks that must be where El Cheque was - he took Yaz out to get her new phone. Saimon says no, he went with her. Lola wonders, where the hell is her ex?? Lola asks Yaz, but she doesn't know either. Saimon flirts with Yaz in front of Lola and Paula Maria. Moments later, El Cheque comes in on crutches, with a cast on his leg and a neck brace.

Yaz pretends to be sympathetic, but Lola seems to think he's faking. The three of them argue about money. The kids run in to sit on his lap, which hurts his leg. Saimon lures the boy off of dad's broken leg, but then Lola has her daughter put her legs across his lap, hurting him again. Saimon coaxes her off too.

The next day, Lola comes to work in a nice new outfit. She has some sort of meeting (counseling, I think) with El Cheque later. Alicia says something rude, and Sara (Omar's secretary) says who asked you, airhead? Downstairs in the front lobby, Yaz tells El Cheque that she'll be sad if he reconciles with Lola. (Actually, Yazmin, the word is "homeless." Oops, was that crass?) But as soon as his back is turned, she rolls her eyes!

Later that morning, Yazmin and Luigi try the commercial again. He keeps demonstrating what he wants her to do, which is hilarious. He's rolling around on a bed, making googoo eyes at the perfume bottle, etc. She can't seem to get it right. It just looks silly when she does it. She's over-cheesecaking it like she always does. Fern is not happy that the commercial is taking so long.

Luigi tells her it's not that complicated, what she has to do. She tries again, but she's getting worse, not better. He has a tantrum. She says she is tired - an excuse that enrages him. He says he needs to take 5 in his office.

Lola approaches Irma (Luigi's assistant) during the break. The two of them go into the dressing room to talk. There, Yaz is recalling El Cheque's mushy words. She looks at her phone (which Saimon paid for) and doesn't feel like calling El C. She overhears Irma and Lola talking. Lola needs to borrow an outfit for some reason (what's wrong with the awesome new suit she's already wearing?). The skirt on the suit she borrows is extremely short.

She puts it on in the restroom with the feas' help. She looks awesome! The feas try to psych her up for her meeting, but Alicia comes in and with one cutting remark and a laugh, completely bums her out. (Since when do they care what she thinks?)

After shooting is finished, Yazmin asks Luigi if it's okay to take the clothes for personal use. Luigi is offended and asks if she's crazy. She says Lola took a suit. Irma shows up and Luigi asks her about the clothes. He's horrified that his precious clothes are being worn by the likes of Lola. He concludes in English, "Okay? Excuse me" and storms out. Irma scolds Yazmin for being a little tattletale, but Yaz smiles.

Luigi finds and reprimands Lola. Irma tells Luigi she gave Lola the clothes. He yells at Irma and she says okay, she'll pack up her things. Reluctantly, he backs off. Wow. Irma must be some incredible assistant!

At the family court, Lola and El Cheque meet with a counselor or mediator or some sort. Lola and El C argue bitterly, and the counselor watches disapprovingly. It goes on for a while, and the counselor doesn't say much. Some counselor. Eventually Lola storms out of the meeting. El Cheque immediately calls Yazmin, right there in front of the counselor, who laughs at him.

Meanwhile, at lunch, Yazmin tells Saimon that she worries that El Cheque will reconcile with Lola and then she'll be without a boyfriend or a place to live. Saimon eagerly offers to let her stay with him. She moves to kiss him, but then hurriedly pulls away as if consumed by guilt. She worries some more, then makes as if kiss him again, but this time they are interrupted by the arrival of the check. She thanks Saimon for lunch. Saimon is shocked by the amount of their bill. It takes all of his money.

Back at the office, Marcia asks Lola how it went. Lola says it went okay, but privately, she tells the feas it didn't go well at all. She cries and cries.

Yazmin and Saimon come back from lunch, and Sara yells at Saimon for flaunting Yazmin in front of Lola.

---

Life of Tomas

Last week's episode ended with Tomas hyperventilating on the phone when Alicia answered.

He stammers "Alicia? Alicita?" and she haughtily replies, "Alicia, por usted!"

He mumbles something about a car phone and yells for someone to get his car. RoboPapa gives him a funny look, but Alicia's entire demeanor changes. She softens her voice and starts stroking her hair. Tomas also gets a grip on himself, speaks in a deeper voice, and tells her he's from Filmo Imagen (the shadow company), and needs Lety to call him back. He tells Alicia it was a pleasure speaking to her. (He keeps saying tu instead of Ud., and then correcting himself.) She agrees that it was a pleasure. They hang up, and Tomas goes crazy hugging RoboPapa. He wants to have the telephone enshrined. RoboPapa asks if he's ill.

Lety returns Tomas's call. He starts to tell her whatever it was that he was going to tell her, but she yells at him for mentioning Filmo Imagen to Alicia. Just the mention of Alicia's name sends Tomas into orbit. She gets impatient with him, but he doesn't understand why. She says it's DANGEROUS to mention Filmo Imagen, especially to Alicia. He is excited to know that Alicia asked about him! He assures Lety that FI is all legit and perfectly legal, there's no danger. She spells out the problem to him: she is the official novia of the owner of FI! This is news to Tomas. She hangs up on him.

At dinner, Tomas brings Alicia's picture to the table. Lety comes home. Dad (seeing The New Lety for the first time) says that he likes her clothes, but not the makeup. She admits the look hasn't worked out for her, and she's not hungry. She goes to her room. Mom says to RoboPapa that she seems sad. Tomas follows Lety. Mom and RoboPapa talk about Lety's looks. RoboPapa thinks she's beautiful.

Lety tells Tomas she's had enough comments for today, thanks, but he actually wants to ask how he happens to be her novio? She explains it's all fake, to make it easier to hide her relationship with Fern. They joke about what an ugly couple she and Tomas would make. Tomas wants to know if they will kiss in public. This amuses both of them. Then Tomas realizes this will be an obstacle in his quest for Alicia. Lety asks him to please don't complicate matters by pursuing her. He sadly agrees. He tells his photo of Alicia not to feel too badly. Lety tells Tomas she loves him. He goes back to the dining room and tells Lety's parents he's not hungry (shocking!!) and says love is complicated. Then he wraps up some food to take home. (Where the heck does he live, anyway, and why doesn't he spend more time there??)

The next day, Mom reminds Tomas to call Lety and wish her a happy birthday. Tomas thinks this is a great idea - it'll give him a great excuse to talk to Alicia again.

He calls (more about that later), and after speaking to Alicia, he nearly has a meltdown. Mom wants to know what that was all about. He admits he didn't speak to Lety, but he says the woman he spoke to was just a friend. He tells Mom to check on the beans, and when she turns her back, he steals a very yummy-looking piece of cake.

---

Life of Alicia

After speaking to Tomas (in Fernando's office), Alicia asks Marcia if she's ever heard of Filmo Imagen, but Marcia is distracted. She has found that model's photo underneath some papers on Fernando's desk. She is sick with jealousy, thinking it's Fern's girlfriend.

When the feas get back from lunch, Alicia laughs at them (don't forget, it's still The New Lety). She also complains about having to answer everyone's calls. She has a whole two messages. One, Lola's kids called from school. Two, some dude named Tomas from Filmo Imagen called for Lety. Alicia's jaw drops when the feas tell her that Tomas is Lety's rich boyfriend, but then she recovers and scoffs. She says he can't be rich AND be Lety's bf. She tells the feas that she's got great clothes, etc. and can easily snag herself a great boyfriend with a snap of her fingers. Ariel has been listening to all this and sneaks up behind her, then starts insulting both Alicia and Lety. She tries to laugh it off and tattles on Lety for getting calls from her novio from Filmo Imagen, but he ridicules her for her snap-of-the-fingers remark and leaves.

Alone, Alicia gloats over her good fortune of discovering Tomas. She goes to Marcia and tells her all about Lety's rich boyfriend. She sorta denies that she would try to steal Lety's bf, but also says that he's too good for Lety, what with the chauffered car and all. Marcia warns Alicia that what she's thinking about is a bad idea, but her words fall on deaf, self-absorbed ears.

Later, at her desk, Alicia has a loud telephone conversation about her car payments. She reminds her creditors of her six semesters of finance at a very good school (she doesn't say which one) and that she will certainly fulfill her obligation. Some of the feas overhear this conversation, which is taking place in the executive lobby. Alicia asks Marcia for money, but Marcia says no, she hasn't even paid back the last loan yet. Alicia says "pleeeeeeeeeeze, Marcia." Marcia tells Alicia to ask Fern, and she is desperate enough to do so. As she goes to his office, Sara and Juana (the cleaning lady) snap their fingers at her.

Next, Alicia accosts Omar. (By the way, she did indeed try to pull a pregnancy scam on both Omar and Ariel, which is why neither of them wants to be with her now.) She assures him, she just needs a moment of his time, not his whole life. She tells him she needs 500,000 pesos (at the moment, this converts to a little over US$46,000). Not surprisingly, the answer is no. She asks Luigi, who makes a show of looking through his pockets, then he's like, um, no, are you crazy? He gives a probably amusing explanation as to why he doesn't have that kind of money to lend. He also complains that there are kids in his office.

Then she asks Fern for money. He laughs and offers her a sobriety test. Marcia says she's cuckoo. Fern does a Carlos Mencia impression. Fern and Marcia laugh and walk away. Alicia tells herself it must be a conspiracy to send her into Ariel's arms. She calls him and starts whining. She tells him she needs 500,000 pesos. Using a calculator (is he really that bad at math??), he says it would take her 100 nights at 5,000 pesos each, which he would find difficult. (That's $462.28 - I don't know how that compares to a standard nightly price for an "escort.") He picks on her some more and she hangs up in disgust.

Next, Alicia calls her father. (She has parents??) The answer is no. Then Carolina (I don't know who she is, but apparently everyone else does) shows up and Alicia tells her she needs 500,000 pesos worth of dollars. Carolina misunderstands and thinks it's for business, so she says okay, just write a Conceptos check. Carolina calls a bank or something for the cash.

When the cash arrives, Alicia self-consciously writes a check for it. She cannot believe it's going to be this easy. Meanwhile, in Marcia's office, Carolina hands Marcia a stack of wedding invitations that she has done for her. Marcia thanks her. As they leave Marcia's office, Marcia sees Alicia hand the delivery guy the check. When she sees what is happening, she gets mad and makes Alicia give the cash to Carolina. (I'm not sure if Carolina understands what is going on.) Alicia invites herself out to lunch with Carolina and Luigi, but Marcia says no, she and Alicia have too much work to do. Carolina and Luigi go to lunch. Marcia explains to Alicia that they need to investigate in Fern's office while Lety is gone.

In Fern's office, they argue about Alicia's car, while Marcia looks through Fern's desk. (That's right - Alicia's attempt to steal 500,000 pesos from the company is already forgiven and apparently forgotten. Amazing. Marcia is the most bestest friend in the whole world!!) Alicia answers the phone (whining), and it's Tomas. They flirt. She starts calling him "tu." He yells to his chauffeur to get his car again. They commiserate over the difficulty of finding good help. Marcia rolls her eyes (but doesn't blink). (Did I hear them agree to meet at 6??) Tomas doesn't want Alicia to tell Lety he called.

Marcia and Alicia talk about Tomas. Marcia again warns Alicia to be careful.

Later, Ed (I'll explain about him soon) asks Alicia where are the feas. They are in the restroom consoling Lola about her dirtbag ex-husband, but Alicia says he can't go in there, it's not allowed. He laughs and goes in. Lola is crying, but he gives them all the sketches he did of them (more on those later), which cheers Lola up. Alicia follows him angrily, but they ignore her and she leaves. Actually, she just listens outside the door. She is intrigued to hear of the lavish, expensive lunch he treated them to (really, I'll tell you all about it). Naturally she goes running to Marcia, telling her that the mariachi band and champagne (later, I promise!!) were wasted on those "nacos," but Marcia is skeptical that Ed's really so rich.

---

Life of Conceptos

After coming back from lunch and picking on Alicia, Marta, Sara, and Lety talk briefly. Marta talks about food, and Sara wants to know what Filmo Imagen is. Doesn't Conceptos do some type of business with them? Lety stammers and gives a vague answer. She says it's her boyfriend's company but she doesn't want word to get around too much. They promise to keep her secret, and she goes into Fern's office.

Ariel comes in behind her and says he's not happy because he hasn't received his stock dividend yet or something. She apologizes and says he'll have his money tomorrow. That's not good enough for him, though. He says she's not the assistant to the president, she's the assistant to the circus. Fern is a clown, and the whole thing is a farce. He criticizes her appearance and says she's bad for the company and she shouldn't talk about her boyfriend in front of everyone. (She protests meekly.) When he's president, she'll be gone because he wants someone normal as his assistant. He sits in Fern's chair and airily picks lint off of his jacket. Ha. Like lint would want to touch his stupid jacket.

Fern has been listening at the door. He comes in and Ariel excuses himself. Fern wipes the Ariel germs off his nameplate (which Ariel had manhandled during his tantrum) and tells Ariel to show more respect to his assistant. Ariel makes more obnoxious comments and Fern orders him out. Fern tells Lety he doesn't like that kind of talk, but she says don't worry and goes into her office. Fern dusts away more Ariel germs from his chair.

Lety is sad that her new look has upset so many people. She tells Fern she did it all for him. He says it's very nice, but to be honest, he liked her much better before. She says she feels the same way. He says she's special because she's not like other women. She puckers up for a kiss, and he dings her nose with his finger and goes "bing!" She giggles, and he leaves her office. She caresses the door. He looks at a photo of Marcia to feel better.

At going home time, Marcia suggests a sexy bubble bath to Fern. Lety hears them and leaves in a hurry. Fern tries to say no, and Marcia asks, would you rather do something with Lety? He asks, what is your problem with Lety? Whatever, he agrees, the bubble bath is fine, and they leave. On their way out, they runs into Luigi, who has removed the children from his studio. Fern teases the kids and shares some of their surplus cotton candy with Marcia.

That night, Lety writes in her diary, using a regular (non-lighted) pen. She writes about how the new look didn't work out the way she had hoped, and beauty just isn't for her. She's frustrated with her relationship with Fernando, too - there's something weird about it. She stares at the moon. A few nights later, she writes some more - this time with her Jedi pen. She's happy that she has plans with Fernando for tomorrow night.

Next night, they are on a date at a club. She keeps thinking about the night they danced and about what PM keeps telling her. Fernando has trouble keeping up the conversation because of the adoring way she's looking at him. He thinks about what a disgrace he is, and she wants to go someplace else, someplace private, she keeps saying. She's getting amorous and aggressive.

During the date, he keeps getting strange, vaguely threatening text messages on his phone. Things like "you're a disgrace" and "you're a fake" and such. They make him feel even worse about what he is doing to Lety. Soon it's 12:30, and time to leave the club.

Later, outside her house, Lety says be careful, Dad's always watching out the window. Fern gets a third text message. "Are you ready? I'll be coming." Eek! They try to figure out who has his number that would be sending him those kinds of messages. She thanks him for the evening, and tries to kiss him, but he protests. He's nervous about those messages, plus, last time he kissed her in the car in this neighborhood, they got attacked by a gang of ruffians. He tells her, next time we can go someplace romantic. It's late now, but we will go someplace where we can be alone next time.

Mom and RoboPapa have been waiting up for Lety, but they don't seem upset or worried (I think they believe she has been working late). Mom reminds him of how he used to sneak up to her window when they were courting. He denies this. :-) When Lety comes in, they wish her a happy birthday! RoboPapa wheezes a lot. They talk about giving her a party, and she doesn't want one, but they REALLY want her to have one. And RoboPapa wheezes that Fern should come too. Lety says he probably doesn't even care about employee birthdays. Mom says RoboPapa used to give his secretaries perfume on their birthdays.

Marcia has waited up for Fernando, too. She's mad. It's 1:30 by the time he gets home. She asks about Lety again, and he teases her about being jealous.

Meanwhile, Omar is in bed with some model (sleeping) and gets a phone call from someone looking for Fernando. Omar tells the caller to try Marcia's. The phone rings at Marcia's, and Fern teases her who's calling her at 1:30 in the morning, eh? Pretends to be jealous. Marcia tells the person that Fern is asleep and please just call the office tomorrow.

Next, the mysterious caller tries Ariel, who is still in his office (must be looking at internet pr0n since he obviously has no actual Conceptos duties). Ariel yells at the person and says try at his sister's.

Omar's phone rings again, and Omar tells the person something about Marcia (prolly her address).

It's very late. Marcia and Fern are asleep. The doorbell rings. Then a knock on the door. Marcia doesn't want to get up. The ringing and knocking continue. Finally Fern gets up. There is loud, creepy whistling out in the hallway.

Fern opens the door. It looks like some artistic hippy type of guy. He's got a drum and a backpack. Fernando greets this man as his brother, although he's actually a close friend. Anyway, they talk. This brother-like person (Eduardo, henceforth "Ed") has something important to say - he's engaged. Fern seems upset about it, disapproving. But he's just joking. They talk seriously about life and Conceptos. I wish I could shed more light on their conversation, but it was over my head.

Eduardo throws a bit of a monkey-wrench into our story. Not only is he the first significant departure from the Colombian version that I know of, he also messes a little with Fernando's head. I suppose that's because, plotwise, Fern really needs a counterbalance to Omar as a voice of reason. But anyway...

Marcia is not happy to find some hippie on her sofa, but Ed says he'll only be in Mexico for a few days.

Lety's alarm goes off. She wakes up with her glasses on and stumbles into the bathroom, which is full of balloons. There's a music box with a ballerina; it plays Fur Elise. Mom and Dad give Lety some flowers to take to work. She says she's happy.

Ed, Marcia, and Fern go to Conceptos. Ed acts like he's totally in love with PM at first sight. Yazmin fishes for a compliment, but he cuts her down! He says she is NOT what he is looking for. Ed and PM play his drum and some bongos (it's really weird). Omar disapproves. Ed apparently makes Omar grumpy. PM tells Omar privately that she likes Ed a lot.

The feas all love Ed. Apparently, he's been in Guatemala. Alicia walks in, takes one look and starts insulting him. She figures he must be a friend of theirs. He asks her who she is, and she snottily gives her name and tells him how beautiful and smart she is. She insults him again and Sara tells her he's visiting his close friend Fernando, and Alicia's demeanor changes.

Ed shows the feas a photo of a woman - his intended. They swoon over the romatic things he says about her. Lety runs in, yelling, and trips over his drum. He pretends to be angry, and she timidly shows him that it isn't broken. He says something very nice to her, and Martha introduces her as the head of the feas' club. He asks, what does she do at Conceptos? And the feas answer in unison, what DOESN'T she do?

Omar complains to Fern about Eduardo and for some reason they talk about a bicycle. They discuss Omar's concerns about Ed, whatever they are, and then Fern tells Omar of Lety's scary passion last night. Omar warns Fern that he's going to have to Do It with Lety soon. It's crucial for the relationship's survival.

They step out into the executive lobby, where Ed is playing the drums and singing a birthday song for Lety with the feas, Saimon, and Celso. Ed gives her a necklace. (Amazing that he just happened to have a gift for her.) Fern and Omar are like, um, oops, it's her birthday, umm... the feas cheer for their boss to kiss the birthday girl. He kisses her quickly on the cheek.

Ed visits briefly with Fern in Fern's office. He suggests that Fern isn't happy with Marcia. I don't know how he knows that, but we're to believe that Ed is a man of great wisdom and deep sensitivity, because he wears beads and a t-shirt and cowboy hat (also some type of pants, just in case anyone's wondering). In any case, he's right, though Fern doesn't want to admit it. Ed settles down on the sofa in Fern's office to take a nap.

Omar and Fern pass through the lobby again and the feas make Omar kiss Lety. Luigi complains about the horror. While he's doing that, Lety kisses him and he screams. (BTW, I finally figured out what it reminded me of last week when Luigi bumped into The New Lety and they both screamed. You know the scene in "ET" where Elliott sees ET for the first time in the toolshed? It was like that.) Marcia gives a frosty but civil birthday greeting and leaves.

Fern says "we" are buying Lety something (I don't know what). The feas all pat their elbows. I don't know what that's all about. As Fern and Omar walk away, the feas ask Lety what did her novio get her - she says nothing, she hasn't seen him yet. They discuss plans for the evening.

Omar and Fern discuss Lety again while Ed sleeps on the couch... or does he? They hear him snoring and the go into the boardroom. Omar demonstrates a striptease while singing "happy birthday" in English. He says, now that it's Lety's birthday, it's even more important that Fern go to bed with her. They argue, and Lety bursts in. Omar leaves, and Fern and Lety go into his office. He wants to know why she didn't tell him it was her birthday. She tells him it's no big thing; it's dumb. She had a party once (I think) and it sucked. She just wants to go back to work. She seems not to be upset at all, but Fernando is feeling really bad about it.

Ed has heard the whole conversation. He "wakes up" and describes Lety as "hermosa" (kind of a garden-ish sort of beautiful). He asks Fern about her. He tells Fern things that seem to get under Fern's skin. Then he draws some pictures. He says something about MOMA (the Museum of Modern Art, in NY) which impresses Fern, and would probably impress us too if we knew what he said about it.

The feas come in to invite Lety to lunch. When he hears where they are planning to go, Ed suggests another place. While everyone else waits in the lobby, Fern tells Lety that he wants to go out with her tonight, but Lety is worried - two nights in a row? What about Marcia? He tells her not to worry.

Hanging out in the downstairs lobby, the feas brace Lola for her meeting. Yaz comes by on her phone yet again, and Marcia loudly wishes Lola luck on her family court meeting. Yaz practically knocks Sara and Lola over on her way into the elevator. Lety finally shows up, and says she was just talking to Tomas. They're going out tonight. They go outside to wait for taxis.

Marcia tells Fern and Omar that Ed went out with the feas. Fern asks Marcia to lunch, and Alicia wants to go along too, but Marcia says no, it will just be Fern and Omar, because she and Alicia need to work on the commercial. (Huh?) After Fern and O leave, Marcia and Alicia scheme about catching his amante.

Saimon gives Lety a birthday kiss. He greets all of them except for PM, and refuses to shake Ed's hand. Saimon and Yaz leave on Saimon's... is that a Vespa?? Huh. Ed laughs at S & Y. PM calls Saimon a clown. A taxi comes and takes Lola away - they all wish her luck. PM nags Lety about tonight, what is she going to do with her boyfriend, hint hint? They and Ed all crowd into a taxi and go to lunch.

Ed takes the feas to an awesome place. He says it's one of his favorite places in the world. There are swans, waterfalls, even an albino peacock. They are stopped by the vigilant headwaiter, but when he sees Ed, he greets him by name and says if they're with him, they are certainly welcome.

Lety exclaims to herself about her good fortune and takes a plate. There's an incredible, lavish outdoor buffet. They thank Ed. There's champagne. They do a toast. Lety says it's the best birthday in her life. A mariachi band comes and serenades them all.

THEN there's a lavish dessert. Lety and the feas worry that it's too expensive, but Ed serves more champagne. He gives an even nicer toast and they line-dance with the mariachis. (Lety is a terrible dancer.)

After lunch, the feas talk about boyfriends with Ed. PM flirts with him. They gossip that Yazmin is doing to El Cheque (with Saimon) what El Cheque did to Lola.

Ed shows them his fiancee's picture again. They ask why is she still in Guatemala, and he says she's very independent, and not jealous or clingy. For some reason that gets Lety all dreamy.

Fern comes back from lunch and finds Ed in the boardroom, finishing his sketches of all the feas. They sketches are beautiful - even Lety's. He also has a group picture of them dancing with the mariachis.

Later, in Fern's office, Omar shows Fern the gift he will give to Lety - a stuffed animal (either a llama or a giraffe; I'll call it a girama) and card. Omar does a silly stuffed animal voice. The card says something about having many more years together. Fern complains that it's all so sick, but he gives them to Lety anyway. He goes into her office, and Omar leaves.

Lety is delighted with the girama. She kisses Fern chastely, and Ed overhears the whole thing. He asks Fern afterwards if he's always so mushy with her. Fern says, well, she's so important to the company. Ed says he's not interested in lies. (Yikes!) Ed says something again about happiness. He lists Lety's good qualities: she is intelligent, sensible, loyal, and noble. Fern adds, ugly, with big braces, clunky shoes, etc. Ed cuts in with something about Marcia. Fern talks about three years with Marcia and getting married, then stops himself and asks, why do you ask? Ed shakes his head, and asks Fern about his feelings for Marcia. Lety passes through, and after she leaves, Ed tells Fern she's the one he could spend his life with. Fern tells Ed he's made his decision (to marry Marcia), and Ed needs to accept it.

Ed says he accepts it, but he'll never be convinced.

---

I wish the preceding didn't have to be so vague, but that was the most I could glean from what I understood. I don't know how Ed can be so sure about Lety after the extremely brief time they spent together. Sure she's a great gal, but does he know Marcia well enough to know she's wrong for Fern? And how much does Ed know about the Lety/shadow company/fake love affair stuff?

Will Lety get laid?
Will Alicia lose her precious car?
Will Tomas clean up nice for Alicia?
Will Yazmin suffer some horrible disfiguring accident? We can only hope! Tune in next week to find out!

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