Caray, Caray!

It appears that Berta has been holding back on the wicked quotient. We thought she was nasty before? Just wait...

Florencia has seen Fabricio with Miranda and thinks that he doesn't love her (Flor) anymore. Wah! Fernanda walks up and is afraid that Flor is about to hyperventilate. Flor tells Fernanda to get out of her sight and she stomps off. Fernanda cries to Tomasa that Flor hates her guts.

Gonzo is in prison reading, he drops his book and flashes back to a recent episode where Berta tells him they will be together. He comes back to the present and says he could never feel anything for such a monstrous being as Berta. The guard tells Gonza he has a visitor. As Gonzo leaves, the guard furitively passes a knife to an inmate.

Vicente tells Gonzo he can't to anything about getting Gonzo out for several days. He tells Gonzo that the owner of the reserved stocks cancelled the board meeting. By the way the guy sounded, Vicente doesn't believe he's a good friend.

Miranda and Fabricio face the workers at the hacienda. She's unable to give them another raise. (Protestas de las peones.) They got raises at the beginning of the year but right now another one is impossible. She'll see what she can do after the cacao harvest. (Protestas de las peones.) Faby sticks up for her, saying this is the only hacienda where the pickers have somewhere to live and where they don't have to leave at the end of the season. A worker pipes up that it's Miranda's fault they're not getting raises. They don't know if they're going to stay for the harvest. They shake their scythes halfheartedly at her. Miranda tells Faby she thinks someone is provoking the workers.

Fernanda prays and Tomasa joins her. Tomasa tells her they all pay dearly for their sins. Fernanda self-indulgently says she's paying the most, nobody's pain could compare with hers. Tomasa tells her she doesn't know the half of what happened "that night." After the accident where her kids died, Berta took her granddaughter. Tomasa hasn't seen her since. Fernanda wants to help Tomasa find her but Tomasa says it's not going to happen. If Nati doesn't appear then her granddaughter won't appear either, Berta will make sure. (The camera pans back to reveal Squeaky eavesdropping.) Fernanda asks what Nati has to do with all this. Tomasa says she gave Nati the gun that night, and Nati ran off. Fern flashes back to Nati in the hospital and Nati mentioning something about having the pistola. She tells Tomasa that Natividad (Nati) is with her. Squeaky waves Berta over just in time to hear Fernanda tell Tomasa that Nati has the pistol. Tomasa tells Fernanda it's the gun that killed Alejandro. Berta flies in, "Aha!! I arrived just at the hour your memory came back!" Tomasa trembles.

Whoa...who is Alejandro's babe-a-licious buddy? Alejandro wants him to act as his front man so Miranda won't know Al is behind this stock business. The cutie is Luciano, and Luciano says Alejandro has never lied before, why now? Al says "It's complicated, I wanted vengeance on this family but it turns out the oldest daughter is my sister and how could I know the other daughter would be...would be...I'm so confused! I don't know what I'm feeling. I'm lost." "It's called love," says Luciano, "and it's impossible to think clearly, so whatcha gonna do?"

Fernanda tells Berta she's a disgrace for stealing Tomasa's grandkid. Berta says she didn't steal her, she only offered her a better life than the one Tomasa could offer to her. "You could go to jail for that," says Fernando. Berta calmly counters, "move a finger and Florencia will be the first to know the truth." Tomasa doesn't want to endanger Flor. Speaking of the she-devil, Flor walks up and kicks Tomasa and Fernanda out so she can talk to her tia, but Berta does the talking, and she's getting pretty creepy today. "What's up my love, why so angry? I told you we'd put that woman in her place, but little by little so it lasts a long time. Learn to enjoy the pain of others. You don't want to finish them off with the first blow. Oh yeah, you wanted to say something?" Flor tells her she saw Miranda flirting with Fabricio. They were in each other's arms before heading off to the cacao plantation together. Sniff Sniff. Berta says it's a disgrace, but she'll teach Flor to like striking vengeance on others. Flor should rest while Berta goes to Tapijulapa.

Fabricio, who for some reason cannot seem to wait for his sick, pregnant, bitchy wife to die before running after her sister, keeps hounding Miranda to let him help her. She has a green flashback to when she promised nasty old Flor she would keep away from Faby. Miranda returns to the present and tells Faby to stay away, it's not good for Florencia to see them together. Faby is torn between two distinct feelings, on one hand he's going to be a father, on the other hand he's going to lose the woman that he loves.

Berta and Cesar are in bed. (I guess that piece of pizza is going to have to wait, I just lost my appetite.) Apparently their love nest is in Tapijulapa. She tells him Alejandro returned to Mexico so it's Cesar's chance to go after the lonely and vulnerable Miranda. She also wants Cesar to do her a favor, get Fernando out of her sight. "Why don't you kill her?" he asks. "Just make her disappear," she commands. In return Cesar wants to know the name of the man Gonzo killed. Berta says she doesn't remember. Cesar wonders if his godmother Fernanda will remember.

Daira and Lasagna see Alejandro sitting on the steps of the house. They tell him the meeting with Raul's family didn't go too well, his dad didn't care for Lasagna. He has issues regarding his prejudices on social class. Alejandro agrees to invite the family for dinner the next day so they can talk family to family.

Back in the barrio Joel and Francisco are talking smack about the wealthy. Joel says "those people" don't impress him and they shouldn't be trusted just because they're rich. Francisco asks what's he supposed to do, keep Raul locked up as if he were a child? Carola interrupts to say there is a phone call from Lasagna for Raul. Raul's not home so Francisco will take the call. Joel must like her because he gets all goofy, juts his hips out and says "Hellooo Carooola..." She, uninterested, says "Oh hi" and walks out. Joel looks tormented in love.

At Fernanda's clinic Nati walks out onto the porch with a bag of belongings. She says she's tired of being locked up and is going to run away to her pueblo. She opens the door to the street and escapes.

Miranda has a green flashback of Berta kissing Alejandro and it really bugs her. Just then Flor (who stole Fabricio from Miranda not too long ago, remember?) storms in and calls Miranda a hypocrite and traitor. Miranda promised to stay away from Faby and she lied. Because of Miranda she will never be happy. Flor clutches her chest and faints. Miranda screams hysterically for help.

Gonzo signs some papers and says it's a surprise for Miranda's birthday. I guess he signed control of the company over to her. Vicente warns him that by so doing he could get out of jail free but Miranda could end up there instead. Happy birthday honey.

Fernanda gives Flor a shot to calm her down, says she's going to be OK but must maintain a calm environment. Faby enters and says he couldn't find the necessary medicine in Tapijulapa, they will need to go to Villa Hermosa to get it. Miranda says she's going to call Alejandro to come down from Mexico City to help. After she leaves Faby asks Fernanda to forgive him. He calls her "madre" and says he knows who she is. She asks why he's doing these things to her daughters, making fun of them both. He says he never meant to deceive Miranda. Fernanda changes the subject and asks him if he has the medical data from the doctors who attended Flor in Germany. She tells him not to say anything but she's sure that Berta has known of Flor's illness for a long time and she is going to prove it.

Another boring scene with Vicente and Gonzo...my daughter is not to step foot in a place like this...I must talk to Alejandro Luque...ask Bertha to come it's urgent...what of Don Julio's sons...get me out of this place.

Nati wanders around town panhandling and asking directions to Tabasco. Back at the clinic the shapely nurse Lulu looks for Nati and spies the open door. Uh oh, looks like Joel forgot to lock it and Nati escaped. As Nati enters the bus station the foxy but unobservant Lulu walks right by her but doesn't see her.

The terminally grumpy Francisco is talking to Daira on the phone. They argue about the kids, why the interest in Raul, because my daughter's in love, you just want to make fun of him, I want to make her happy, what can he offer her besides nada? She finally persuades him to come to their house, with Raul, to speak in person. Suddenly Amparito bustles in and reports that she just saw Lulu in the street. Lulu said Joel forgot to lock the door and Senora Nati escaped!

Rebecca and Juan are trying to get Julio to eat when his slacker sons enter, finally! They insult Juan but Juan says, as Julio's doctor, he must order them to leave because Don Julio needs his rest. They try one more insult but Juan kicks them out.

Nati cannot be found and Dr. Fernandez must be told. Joel wants to take all the blame but Lulu says the important thing is to find Nati, she's very important to Dr. Fernandez. Meanwhile Nati boards a bus for Villa Hermosa. The sun sets.

Cesar, playing the sympathy card, (we've been friends for so long but you put your confidence in Alejandro rather than in me) persuades Miranda to go into town with him as a diversion. They leave but Miranda forgets her cell phone. When it rings the evil duo of Bertha and Squeaky are nearby so Berta answers. Alejandro is wondering if he needs to bring his helicopter over. Bertha says Flor is miraculously better so Miranda asked Cesar out on a date. They already left. Alejandro says don't tell Miranda he called and please erase all his messages.

Squeaky tells Bertha what she heard about the pistol, it was used to kill some man but she didn't hear where it was hidden. Then, Jaque Mate (checkmate), she beats Berta at chess so Berta sends Squeaky to her room, telling her to rejuvenate the neurons that she had to use to beat her in chess.

Berta creeps into Flor's room. Flor is sleeping, the music is ominous and the lights are dim. Berta has to slap Flor several times to wake her up. She slaps Flor hard then asks her how she feels. Nice auntie. She tells Flor that at first she thought Flor was just your typical air-head, but now she realizes Flor is a very good actress. She even deceived the Doctora. Flor sounds drugged and mumbles that Miranda has to understand what is hers (Flor's). He is hers, period. Berta says, "Oh, she'll understand. I assure you that after this she won't get near Fabricio. Did you see her face when you acted ill?" She cackles. "Yes," says Flor,"until the moment I stopped she was horribly scared." Flor says she feels horrible too, but there's no going back now, right? "Right my love," smirks Berta, "These are the moments we must enjoy to the maximum. It's good, I believe we fulfilled our objective. You gave a good scare to your sister and the little doctor. Fabricio learned his lesson too." Flor says the old lady (Doctora Fernanda?) gave her an injection, she doesn't know why it made her so sleepy, now she feels a bit queasy, and where is Fabricio? Berta says he's in the dining room talking to the aforementioned doctora, snicker snicker. "Wow, I'm really feeling bad now," complains Flor. "Lay down a while, my love," soothes Berta, "that's why I'm injecting you, to calm you."

The next scene, Alejandro and Luciano in a bar, was cut short by Tivo so we'll have to wait until tomorrow/tonight.

Labels: heridas

Read this article about how La Fea Mas Bella kicked some significant ratings butt in the US at the end of July. Read it and laugh. Bwahahaha!!!

In the coveted 18-to-34 age group (which does not include me), they beat WB and UPN every night that week. NBC, CBS, and ABC also each rated lower than Univision at least one night that week in the Fea time slot.

Granted, the last week of July is not exactly the most competitive week in the TV business, and WB and UPN aren't so intimidating either (we'll see what happens when those two networks merge). But it's still pretty exciting.

What does this mean for us? Honestly, I have no idea. Depending on how Ugly Betty does, a few more popular telenovelas might get reworked for the English-language networks, but I'm more interested in seeing better stuff on Univision. Higher ratings could make that happen.

And, speaking of excitement, I'll probably do another midweek recap tomorrow, because last night's episode was so action-packed. (It's no coincidence that the Monday episodes are always the most eventful and suspenseful - it turns out that in Mexico, they aired on Friday.)

Labels: fea

Hi all,

With Nora doing such a smashing job on Heridas/Mondays, and with Julie doing such an excellent job, single-handedly, with "La Fea," maybe it's time to EXPAND into yet another novela! I have to admit that having missed so much of the beginning of Heridas I have not settled into it very happily.

• Though I hated Barrera, Jacinta the serial-killing Granny had it all over Bertha as a villainess. When I look at Bertha all I can think about is her plastic surgery.
  
  
• Fabricio (once Andres) is SUCH a washout and a disappointment. Alejandro is handsome but dull. The three little lads (you know, the two studious ones and the thief who has been rewarded by getting the girl he robbed, isn't that strange?) are also cute but dull. Squeaky is absolutely impossible, Flor is a nonenity, and Miranda is bland as can be. WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH ALL OF THEM?
  
  
• I don't care about what's happening to Gonzo's business. I don't care about the taco business, I don't care about the jewelry business. I don't care about the various tepid love affairs. Lukas the dog is the most vibrant character in this series.

One can always hope the next one will be better.

So - does anybody have advance info on the novela which will follow the ultimos capitulos of "Barrera" ? Maybe Nora should keep Heridas Mondays and I should try the new one at 9 pm? What do you think?

You all are doing SUCH a very excellent job, I'm very proud of you (speaking as the blog mama).

Labels: barrera

It is about time for another update on what is going on on Barrera de Amor. Things are happening if only because it is now in its "ultimas semanas."

The Andres/Valeria story: Jacinta got Valeria to return to the hacienda by agreeing to let her marry Andres while vowing to herself to never let that happen. Jacinta enlisted Manola, Jacaranda, Veronica (as Vera), Federico and Rodrigo in an elaborate plot that ultimately convinced Andres that Valeria had betrayed him with his brother, Daniel. Jacinta sent Valeria to get over Andres by staying (as a guest) in a convent in Oaxaca accompanied by a nun from the convent in Aguascalientes. Jacinta is pretending that she doesn't know where Valeria is. After feeling faint, Valeria was astonished to discover that she is pregnant (why are young women on novelas who have unprotected sex always so surprised to discover the natural consequences of such activity?). Valeria is about to tell Jacinta about her condition and hopes that Jacinta will be happy to have an great grandchild. (According to the teasers for upcoming episodes, Jacinta is not going to be happy about this.) Meanwhile, Andres is getting ready to be in a bullfight in Mexico City. Unibrow still doesn't know about his profession. Andres says that after the Mexico City bullfight, he will tell his father about it. (Guess who is going to find out about it before then?)

The Juanita/Daniel story: Juanita and Daniel cleared up their misunderstandings, recognized their love for one another and got married. Their relationship was a casualty of the Valeria/Andres plot but they seem to have made up. Daniel collapsed and was hospitalized after an asthma attack. He appears to have some heart problem as well.

The Maite/Unibrow story: Maite went to Aguascalientes and stayed at the hacienda with Veronica and Jacaranda to help prepare for the wedding. During this time, Unibrow finally found out who Andres' fiancee really was. Maite kissed Unibrow (fortunately, I didn't see this) when she was leaving Aguascalientes after the wedding fizzled. In the usual way of this novela, she is thinking about it a lot and telling Victor that nothing has changed between her and Unibrow, there is too much in their past to get over, etc. etc. Jose finally found out from the necklace that Maite is his daughter. He hasn't told her though.

The Veronica story: Manola and Jacaranda figured out how to keep Veronica permanently in the personality of Vera. Vera sometimes pretends to be Veronica, i.e., she doesn't wear bright red lipstick. Her psychiatrist hasn't noticed anything but Maite and Victor have noticed that Veronica isn't her normal almost catatonic self. Manola and Jacaranda have figured out that Veronica is another Valladolid, i.e., Adolfo was her father. I haven't seen much of this plot line but Veronica is daydreaming about being mistress of the hacienda and has told Victor that she wants to marry Federico so Manola and Jacaranda have probably told her about Federico's parentage. Manola and Jacaranda are also trying to prove Veronica's parentage to blackmail Jacinta, I think. Manola stole some of Adolfo's hair that was in Jacinta's bedroom presumably to get a DNA test. Meanwhile, Rafael, the ferret-faced guy who murdered Veronica's mother has told Jacaranda to get a letter from Magdalena to Maite that says that Adolfo is Veronica's father. Jacaranda couldn't find the letter in Maite's room (I think Victor put it in a safe-deposit box). Rafael threatened to kill Jacaranda if she doesn't find it and in last night's episode she left town. Speaking of Rafael, Veronica is having flashbacks to when Rafael killed her mother but she doesn't understand what they are yet.

Miscellaneous: At some point, I think Jacinta told Federico that Pedro was his father. At any rate, he has the portrait she commissioned in his room and he has reconciled with his mother. Victor and Guillermo are still having awkward chats about everything except their sexuality and attraction to one another.Not much new on Gustavo. He is still incarcerated in the empty house. The last time I saw him he wasn't lying down so he is presumably getting better. I guess he only gets shaved every 3 days or so because he doesn't grow a beard but has permanent stubble.Sergio is still smoking like a chimney and evesdropping on other people's conversations but he doesn't seem to have found out anything useful so far.

There is probably some other stuff but that's what's been on the episodes that I have seen.

Labels: barrera

We begin with a discussion between Juan, Mama Amparito and Francisco. Amparo is giddy with excitement that Roman (or Ramon, as Francisco derisively calls him) asked her out. Juan shares her excitement but Francisco puts his foot down and says that she’s not going out.

At a meeting of the board of directors, Miranda gets the bad news (from the person in cahoots with Alejandro—what’s his name?) that their meeting is not allowed according to the by-laws of the company and that she isn’t allowed to make decisions in place of her father.

Back at the hacienda, poor Tomasa is still complaining to Bertha about seeing her granddaughter. Unfortunately, she continues to have difficulty with the axiom, you catch more flies with honey than vinegar and again, in the midst of her pleas, she tells Bertha what a horrible person she is. Come on Tomasa…try a different strategy. Flashback to the night of infamy and Tomasa & Nati’s involvement with hiding the pistol. We learn that Nati disappeared with the gun that night and Tomasa does not know where she is (but Fernanda does!)

Fernanda (I really liked her sparkly tunic) and Cesar are having a chat. Cesar makes himself out to be a little angel and shows Fernanda a letter saying that everyone in her building is going to be evicted. Cesar puts a clever spin on things, saying that he is trying to save everything and everyone and this is why Gonzalo is setting him up and accusing him. Oddly, for someone who has had the rug pulled out from under her before, she completely believes everything Cesar says and even suggests they keep their meeting secret in order to protect him from the wrath of Gonzalo.

Miranda, Alejandro & Vicente are having a meeting about the recent phone call. Miranda believes there is an informant in the company and after some speculation about who it might be, Alejandro reminds her it doesn’t matter, since she has to follow the by-laws of the company. She asks Vicente to have her dad sign a power of attorney to her so she can make decisions. Vicente doubts her father will have the good sense to sign such a document. Exit Alejandro and Miranda stage right to pick up the good doctor.

Luis Alberto and Nuria (I think there might be a future there…) are whispering in the hallway when the others come out of the office. Miranda suggests that with the future of the company looking so bleak they might want to go look for gainful employment elsewhere. Nuria and L.A. say pish posh, she can count on them. Sweet Nuria laments how injust everything is and Luis Alberto gives her his money to help with the baby. Roman shows up and asks for Cesar…

Miranda and Alejandro show up at the humble estate of the doctor and Carola almost lets the cat out of the bag about Fernanda’s real last name but Alejandro does a quick cover-up. The bandits are once again lurking in the background.

Juan and Raul (getting back on track with his schoolwork) discuss what will happen with the unsavory Salzon. Raul insists he doesn’t need any help taking care of the situation. On the topic of Mama Amparito’s burgeoning lovelife, Raul concurs with Francisco, insisting that she already has a family and in that family, there is no room for suitors.

Fr. Santiago and Amparo, taking a stroll in the well-appointed church garden, discuss her dating dilemmas. Fr. Santiago, taking a cue from Dr. Phil and considering this whole relationship is still in the theoretical stage, tells her not to put the cart before the horse.

Daira is having a tea time chat with two socialites, naturally the topic is feng shui. Lisania, not meaning to interrupt, interrupts and tells her that it’s time to go see Raul. The ladies, looking a bit put out, leave. Lisania and Daira make a surprise visit to Raul’s house and everyone sits on sofas, looking extremely uncomfortable. Francisco, spinning his wheels about class differences, asks how did they meet (oops, not exactly a story for the grandkids). Fortunately, Juan jumps in and ultimately we get to the real reason for the visit, that Daira approves the match and just wanted the families to meet. Francisco, however, opposes the relationship due to perceived class differences. (Maybe if Francisco found a significant other he wouldn’t be so violently opposed to others dating).

Back at Cesar’s office, Luis Alberto and Nuria fill him in on the afternoon’s developments. (It seems like a lot of filler and set-up in today’s episode.) Cesar speaks with Roman about current developments, and learns that Fernanda and Alejandro know each other. While sussing out the details of Fernanda and Alejandro’s relationship, Cesar begins to figure out that Alejandro is protecting her.

Bertha, looking disingenuous (gotta love that word) as ever, welcomes Miranda, Fernanda and Alejandro to the hacienda. Fernanda confronts Bertha about her come-hither-attitude, but Bertha maintains she will overcome. As Fernanda continues her confrontation with Bertha, stating that she would free Renata and Florencia from the grasp of her claws, the two girls walk in…uh-oh, cue the ominous music. Seconds too late, Tomasa warns her about Bertha’s evil plan.

Miranda confronts Alejandro about his friendly attitude toward Bertha. Tomasa comes in and offers a couple of mixed metaphors about love. Throwing caution to the wind, Alejandro goes for a stroll with Bertha in the garden in an effort to get his father’s designs. Following the theme of today's show (people butting in at precisely the most inopportune moment they can), Miranda spies them just as Bertha moves in for a kiss.

Gabino warns Miranda of problems with the workers but pledges to stay with the family no matter what happens (could that be guilt talking?).

Rebeca and the much-improved Julio are in the hospital. She breaks the news that his sons did not come visit due to the difficulties with Gonzalo. Relieved that he was awake and now able to save Cesar, Rebeca looked forlorn to hear that Julio was of the opinion that this whole mess was his doing.

Cesar and Julio’s sons meet at the spinning restaurant. Cesar tells them not to worry about their money, the check’s in the mail. Cesar continues riling them up by telling them that Miranda was lying about their dad and that their plan is working because Gonzalo is in jail and the company’s in hot water.

Renata and Florencia, still working on the assumption that the doctor is trying to steal their dad, sit around complaining what a witch she is. Enter Fernanda. Renata, being very snoopy starts asking her insinuating questions about her family. Florencia kicks her out of the room with a snotty comment. Renata runs to Bertha (busy mixing up Florencia’s new batch of ‘medicine’) and tells her that the doctor told them she was married with three children.

Alejandro, meeting with his business associate, discusses Cesar’s recent call. The conversation ends with Alejandro smugly saying that the days of San Llorente Investments are numbered.

Fabricio approaches Miranda out in the garden. He offers to help her out with some money and (again!) Florencia walks in to see them hug.

Labels: heridas

Gonzalo complains to Fernanda that whatever she told Cesar about their past and her forced exile from the family 18 years ago, he is now using to blackmail Gonzalo.

Cesar has threatened going public with the story. He is rather intense about Fernanda getting the situation with Cesar taken care of somehow, because if not, and something happens to their daughter, Florencia, he swears he’ll kill her. Of course Fernanda wonders how Cesar could have used her like that, if he even really did and resolves to ask him directly about this so-called blackmail.

Meanwhile, Cesar gets hold of the codes he needs to ask the agency who handled the sale of the reserved shares for specific information about contacting the man who bought the stock from Julio. He gets the emergency phone number of this person and immediately calls.

Alejandro and Miranda are making plans for the plane ride that day back to the hacienda but she says she wants to stay a bit longer and wants to head the meeting of the board members. He seems to be against it and she gets upset that he isn’t supporting her like he should and seems a bit distracted and testy too. So she asks him what has caused his change in attitude.

He’s been remembering the exchange with Gonzalo at the prison earlier and how remorseless and unrelenting Gonzalo was about the killing of his wife’s ex-lover whom he didn’t realize was Alejandro’s dad. Alejandro is lost in his thoughts and gets upset all over again, but then Miranda asks him this question and he apologizes. She accepts that and they kiss again.

The mystery man on the other end of the phone line tells Cesar that this packet of stock is not for sale and therefore he should not bother to call him on that line again.

Francisco angers Amparo by questioning her and Ramon’s intentions towards each other. He argues that the guy is a total unknown. Raul meets him at the house later and decides immediately he doesn’t like the idea of Ramon hanging around either.

Julio comes out of his coma and Fernanda is there for him. He’s surprised to see her there of all places after all the years he’s looked for her and tells her so.

Back at the prison El Magnate (Leonardo) and Gonzalo are on laundry duty and El Magnate tells his story. He was the only straight arrow accountant left amongst working for a number of big powerful “businessmen”. So they set a trap for him to get him out of the way and got him sent to prison years and years ago. He tells Gonzalo his brother died after years of searching for his wife and kids, but they never were seen or heard from again. So he is certain that they were murdered by the same bad lot and therefore he has no urge to leave prison any time soon as he feels there’s nothing left for him on the outside.

Gonzalo says he was betrayed also by his partners, but he figures he’ll be out in no time since he’s pretty well connected. Once he’s out he’s getting even with the guys who set him up. El Magnate says not to count on this "early release" thing. It never works out like that.

Raul visits Lizania at the mansion and tells her that they are worlds apart and his and her family will never accept this relationship. So they might as well end it before it gets started. Who’d believe Lizania or want to know they’d met because he’d robbed her and her friends at that club? Right then Daira comes in and overhears this bit of the conversation and asks if this is true. Raul admits it is true and says he won’t bother her or her family again. Daira stops him from leaving and after talking to him and Lizania, she realizes he felt forced to steal to help out his family. She promises to talk to Alejandro about it for Lizania.

Francisco tells Amparo she’s not going out with this Ramon and that she’s just too old to start "dating" men. He forbids her and she leaves the room in disgust. Juan tells his dad he’s a jerk and that he figures his aunt has a right to make a life of her own, even though Francisco is opposed to it all. He tells his dad that he has no right to say no to a grown woman.

At the hospital Miranda tells Fernanda that she and Alejandro have started seeing each other. Fernanda is excited for them both. Miranda lets out to them that she knows Alejandro’s a great guy after hearing how he helped moved the elderly patients to a new hospital. Then they have to go and she says she needs to talk to Fernanda later on. Fernanda figures she’ll finally tell Miranda the truth first about herself and wonders if Miranda will be ready to receive the news.

When Alejandro gets back home, Daira confronts him about Raul and Lizania and he blows his stack. A thief is a thief, period.

Daira defends Raul’s actions as desperation and tells her children how she met their father when stealing a wallet to help feed herself and her sick mother. Alfredo stopped her and then bought the medication for her mother rather than turn her in to the authorities. So, Alejandro agrees to let Daira meet the family and Lizania says she’ll abide by whatever Daira and Alejandro finally agree to. If she doesn’t she’ll be sent back to Italy.

At the San Llorente hacienda Fabricio and Bertha are arguing about her manipulating him and nagging him about Florencia and his attentive attitude toward Miranda all the time. He tells her he knows she did all this because she enjoys being so mean to Miranda. Bertha turns on the crocodile tears and Lucas barks at him.

Next scene is Tomasa and Florencia taking care of the dog bite on his arm. Florencia gets angry and is about to tell Tia Bertha to chain up the dog or get rid of him. She walks in and apologizes to them all first and kisses Fabricio on the cheek to thank him for always thinking first of Florencia and the rest of the family’s needs. She leaves and Florencia runs after her with a guilty conscience. Fabricio and Tomasa look knowingly at each other and he asks her what she’s thinking of. She answers, “Judas.”

Cesar is arguing with his mother again for staying at the hospital and worrying over Julio who isn’t good for anything but stealing the oxygen they all need to breathe. He needles her to tell him what the name was of the man Gonzalo murdered. She swears she never knew, but Fernanda obviously would so he should bother her about it instead. He gets upset and tells her to pack fast ‘cause he’s selling the place immediately.

Bertha has Renata and Florencia ready to act hostile to Dr. Fernanda who is coming as Miranda’s guest to the hacienda.

Miranda has everyone of the board at the meeting that afternoon and is stopped in the middle of it when Nuria interrupts to say there is a man on the phone who forbids her to conduct this meeting since he’s not there to participate. It is the owner of the reserved stock and he insists she is not allowed by the rules of the board to conduct the meeting as she is not actually a member, let alone the head of the company. He persuades her to cancel the meeting until he can get there. He’ll let her know the new time and place it will be held.

Labels: heridas

My cable went out and I didn't get Friday recorded, can anybody help me out? Please? I hope so, thank you!

Labels: heridas

Again, thanks for all the supportive comments. They really mean a lot, and they keep me motivated. I'm still struggling to strike the right balance between detail and time, but I think my Spanish is improving, so that helps too.

I'm still making a lot of mistakes, and I'll correct them when they're important. Three corrections to note at this time:

1. According to the Esmas and/or Univision recaps, Alicia owns a half-million pesos on her apartment, not her car. Weird - I really thought she said "coche." Not sure if this matters, since she probably owes money on her car too.
   
   Update (nearly two years later): The Esmas and/or Univision recaps were wrong... it was definitely her car.
   
2. The stack of invitations Carolina gave to Marcia were for some publicity event, not Marcia and Fernando's wedding. I just made an assumption, remembering Ana Leticia's unfortunate attempt at wedding invitations, that Marcia had asked Carolina to take care of them.
   
3. Worst of all, I screwed up a Handy Vocabulary Word: "partición de vienes." That might mean "parting of the ways" - I wouldn't know. What they actually talked about was "partición de bienes" - that's "splitting up the goods." (I know "bien" is the adverb for "good," but I didn't realize it was also a noun.) It's a divorce settlement. I wondered why Irma seemed so grimly pleased when she said that to Yazmin. It's because she thinks Lola's going to crush El Cheque. Clearly, Yazmin thinks otherwise. Nice to know she uses her brain for something other than filling out her skull, even if it is for evil purposes.

Well, poop. I'm sorry. If you can read Spanish at all and enjoy the practice, I do recommend looking at the recaps on the Univision and Esmas websites. The Esmas ones are less detailed, but the advantage is that they're more than three months ahead of us. And unlike my recaps, they're correct. You'll notice I've started including episode numbers up at the top to help you track down the recap you want.

Moving on, here are some vocabulary words for this past week, none of which I'm sure of, so in this case I'm asking you, not telling you:

• Nieves: Literally snow, but in this context maybe slang for cocaine?
  
• Cogotón: Not in my dictionary, but according to my google search it's "a blow to the head." That doesn't make sense in the contexts that Alicia is saying it, so either I'm hearing her wrong, or there's a colloquial/idiomatic meaning I'm not aware of. Or maybe it's just a case of Alicia not making any sense.
  
  Update (nearly two years later): The words I heard Alicia use, but didn't yet have the benefit of closed captions to understand, were "tlacoyo bigoton." "Bigoton" refers to whiskers; and according to wikipedia, a tlacoyo is a stuffed corncake. This fits in with Alicia's other food-themed nicknames for Lety.
  
  Interestingly, on the DVD with English captions, the translator chose "opossum" instead. The Spanish word for opossum is "zarigüeya," which isn't even close. The Nahuatl word for opossum is "tlacuache" or "Tlacuatzin" which is a bit closer, but it's definitely not the word that Alicia was using.
  
• Pulgiento: Fleabitten? Flea-infested? I think it's something about fleas.
  
• Emagrace Slim: An annoying weight-loss product that makes me really grateful that I'm taping the show so I can fast-forward through their extremely obnoxious ad.

Now, on with the recaps. Since the storylines in these three episodes are closely interrelated, I'm not going to split them up this time.

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Mom is very excited about Lety's party. RoboPop is looking at the mail and discovers Filmo Imagen's cell phone bill is 3000 pesos (around $290 I believe)! He alerts Tomas, who realizes the calls must have been made by that bimbo who "borrowed" his phone. (He is wearing a fairly decent-looking suit, at least it's an improvement over his usual Members Only-looking jacket, with another short, fat, dorky necktie. What is with the short, fat, dorky ties?) He goes out to investigate (after helping himself to some of the food Mom's prepared for the party).

He goes to the bar where he typically meets with the two old dudes, the older of whom is apparently named Sanchez. They show up, plead ignorance and order drinks.

Back at the office, Martha is inviting seemingly everyone in the world to Lety's party, which worries Lety. Remember, she wants everyone out of there by 10 so she can go out on a hot date with her boyfriend. Luigi comes out of his office and complains that it looks like a scene from Planet of the Apes. Irma asks if she can leave to go to Lety's party (I guess it's just a little bit early). Luigi complains but evidently doesn't forbid it.

The feas go en masse to the restroom, where they encounter Alicia. Sara says something to Alicia about having chicken legs. Um, if that's what chicken legs look like, then I would like to have chicken legs too. Alicia says she'd rather be alone than go Lety's party. Marcia comes in to see what the ruckus is, and Alicia tattles to her that they're not invited. Martha says not true, Al is not invited, but Marcia is. (OMG, are we in third grade??) Lety tells Marcia sure, you're welcome at my house any time. Marcia says that certainly is an attractive offer, but she'd prefer to stay home. She exits the bathroom. Alicia makes a crack about pinatas and leaves.

PM says that she misses Eduardo. (So do I.) They agree that he brought lots of joy.

You'll recall that Luigi treated Alicia to lunch earlier this week. That's because she had told him that she had won the bet over Eduardo. When Luigi found out that wasn't true, he wanted his money back. Of course, Alicia has no money to give him, so Luigi asks her to do him a favor. She is hardly in any position to refuse, but she protests when she discovers that he wants her to watch his dog for a little while. After he leaves the dog with her, she tries to make small talk with it. (Poor doggie!)

Fernando tells Marcia that he's going to Lety's birthday party tonight. She is incredulous, but she doesn't argue with him, since she and Alicia have already planned to follow him (Alicia even rented a car and bought "disguises").

Alicia leaves the dog at her desk to meet with Marcia in her office. Marcia tells Alicia that Fern plans to go to Lety's party. Alicia complains that the feas have been talking about it all afternoon, but she's obviously very excited about the spying they'll be doing tonight! She also complains about Luigi's "pulgiento (?) perro... perra... gay."

Alicia returns to her desk and finds that the dog has torn apart her designer purse and destroyed a lot of its contents - makeup and such, some of which she got on a trip to Miami. She flips out. Luigi catches her scolding the dog ("maldita!") and taunts her. He sings a little song "Chicka-da-boom, bombita. La diva, la diva, ay que bonita," followed by a Howard Dean-like howl. He says now they are even. Marcia reminds Alicia they have an important thing to do. Luigi seems intrigued.

Meanwhile, Omar and Fern decide they'll hang out at a bar until it's time to pick up Lety at 10. Fern needs to liquor himself up for the occasion.

On their way out, the feas run into Saimon and Yazmin. PM wants Lety to invite Saimon, and Lety agrees. Saimon sings "happy boorday to yo," very cute. Lety invites him, and he invites Yazmin. Y politely declines and the feas very vocally fail to express disappointment. Saimon is excited about the party. They all crowd onto the elevator, and Yazmin is shoved out. (From the look on her face, I can't tell whether the character is pouting, or the actress is laughing!)

Waiting outside a little while later, Lola and Yazmin bicker about the car again. Yazmin gives Saimon another air-kiss, which thrills him. Wow. Talk about a low-maintenance guy, huh? Celso (on whom I have a tremendous crush) gets the feas a taxi, and Yazmin gets picked up by El Cheque... who is wearing NO neck brace, and NO cast! She nags him some more about the house, which apparently belongs to Lola's family.

Alicia and Marcia have donned their disguises (black trenchcoats, black fedoras, and sunglasses) and head out to their rental car, which I believe is a BMW. They are just in time to see Fern leave, then Omar. Lucy and Ethel follow. Surprisingly, they do not giggle. Perhaps they're giggling inside.

Back at the bar, Sanchez and his friend have been drinking. They ask something about Lety and do some babbling. Tomas is sorry to interrupt their interesting story, but he wants to know who the chick is. He waves the phone bill around and mentions the 3000 pesos again. They take him to another place, where he momentarily thinks he sees Alicia. He taps the woman on the shoulder, but it's not her (she's way too short, for one thing). Anyway, the bimbo who "borrowed" his phone works at this bar. When she sees him, she tries to run out! He grabs her and tells her she needs to pay his phone bill.

I'm not sure exactly how their conversation goes, but it's clear that he's not going to be getting any money out of her. He, she, Sanchez, and the other guy shoot some pool for a while, but Tomas still wants to talk about money. The bimbo tries to distract him by climbing onto the pool table and groping him. I think the old guys suggest a wager on a game of pool, but Tomas has only 200 pesos on him (less than $20) and he still needs to get something for Lety's birthday. Winning at pool will not make him the money he needs. Just then, there is a shout - another bar patron has won 1000 pesos playing keno. Tomas thinks this might be his big chance to make his money back. (I'm not clear on his logic, exactly...)

The feas have arrived at Lety's house. First thing RoboPop says when he sees them is hey, it's the women who got my daughter drunk. Mom protests. RoboPop then asks where their husbands are this evening. Irma says she's separated. She doesn't know if her ex is alive or dead. Lola: Also separated. RoboPop asks, are you all separated? (Hmm, I wonder why this family doesn't entertain more often?) Sara says she hasn't had the pleasure. Martha says she's happily married, and her husband is home watching the kids, and in fact she'd like to call and check on them. PM says her kid too, please. RoboPop looks at PM funny, and she self-consciously puts her hands over her extremely short skirt. He asks, where is the father of your child? She says she's a single mother.

Mom interrupts this Spanish inquisition. Enough questions already! (I assume Juana wouldn't have had much to say.) Surprisingly, RoboPop says something nice about "solteras" (single women), and the ladies drink a toast. "Feas for life!"

They make small talk for a while. RoboPop wants to know how they came to call themselves "el cuartel de las feas." They say Luigi came up with that name, and Pop says they're all very pretty, what sort of person is this Luigi Lombardi? This elicits some evasive answers, and they start talking about other things, all still sitting around awkwardly (Lety actually is still holding her pocketbook). Finally PM asks, is this a party for adults or for children? RoboPop says what, you mean you want liquor? He is clearly not crazy about his daughter hanging around with all these loose women, but he loosens up himself as the evening goes on, and begins sharing his tequila.

He also starts sharing his music. It's old stuff, not terrible but not quite appropriate for Lety's birthday party either. It's like the Mexican equivalent of Bing Crosby, more or less. Zzzzzzz. Mom tries to get him to change it, but he's adamant. He also wants to know where the heck is Fern. Lety stammers, since she never claimed that he was coming in the first place. She privately tells Mom that Fern indeed is coming over later - to take her out to dinner for her birthday - and she needs Mom's help to get people out of there by 10.

Fern and Omar go to a bar, already drooling at the sight of all the beautiful women. Marcia sends Alicia in after them to observe, since Alicia is the expert on spying. After Alicia leaves, Marcia adjusts her hat in the rearview mirror.

Alicia calls Marcia to tell her that F and O do not have any women with them. Marcia almost seems disappointed. Alicia reports that they are looking at a photo (it's the photo of the model that Fern carries with him for inspiration when kissing Lety). Alicia moves in closer for a better look. Just then, Fern turns around - he's complaining to Omar that he has to spend time with Lety tonight instead of one of the hot chicks in this bar - but a pretty girl suddenly sticks her face right between Fern and Alicia, so her cover isn't blown.

Fern and Omar are chatting so intently, their heads so close together, that Alicia tells Marcia that they are kissing. Being the gullible person she is, Marcia thinks it's time to give him a call. He panics when he realizes that Marcia is calling him, but Omar tells him to answer. Fern tells Marcia that he's at Lety's party, and Marcia says that she's at home.

Alicia finishes her drink and tries to leave, but she is accosted by a waiter who wants 200 pesos. (Nearly $20, so I hope it was a good drink.) She says she has lost her money, and whines and begs for mercy. Meanwhile, Omar and Fern are having a pretend-fistfight and don't see the commotion. Then Omar and Fern realize it's time to go, and Fern nearly trips over Alicia on his way out, but her back is to them as she struggles with the waiter. Fern, who has a good buzz on and should not be driving, tells Alicia and the waiter they shouldn't be dancing there. She hurriedly puts a tablecloth over her head.

Fern and Omar agree on an alibi for the evening. Omar is going to remain at the bar. Fern wants to leave, but Alicia (covered in a tablecloth) is blocking his path. He scolds and grabs at this weird person who won't pay her bill, and the waiter helplessly twirls his finger around his ear in the universal "she's nuts" gesture. Fern expresses his thoughts about people who don't pay their bills (not even realizing it's Alicia!), gesturing wildly. Omar mimics his gestures in the background.

Fern leaves the bar and gets into his car. Marcia is furious that Alicia is not there. Still inside the bar, Alicia takes off the tablecloth and puts it over the waiter's head. She tries to make her escape, but the waiter manages to grab her and haul her back in. She accuses him of being handsy, and kicks him in the nuts and runs away with the tablecloth.

Omar can't get a good look at Alicia in all the chaos, but he certainly sees what happens to the waiter. His usually-pained facial expression becomes even more pained-looking. Omar turns his attention to the pretty woman Fern had startled earlier (she had been helping the waiter to his feet). He apologizes for his friend's behavior and starts flirting with her.

Alicia gets in the car with her tablecloth and tells Marcia James Bond had much better funding (something along those lines). Marcia tells Alicia about her call to Fern. The waiter comes out looking for Alicia, and they take off.

Back at the party, RoboPop's music is still playing. The women have had a bit to drink. The doorbell rings, and it's Saimon and Celso (wearing regular clothes, a real improvement over Celso's uniform, not that I have a big crush on him or anything). Saimon gives Lety a big hug, which alarms RoboPop, who thinks that his daughter's beauty could actually drive a man to rape her right in front of her family. He calls him a dog. Saimon then does a silly dance and kisses Mom's feet. He hands out what appear to be invisible flowers to all the women. Mom is charmed. Pop is still a bit grumpy.

Saimon entertains the group with dancing and silly stories. Pop shares his tequila with Saimon and Celso. Pop is offended that no one likes his music, but agrees to change it, as long as they're VERY careful with his junky little CD player.

Saimon looks at Celso. "Merengue?" he asks. Celso replies, "I'm Celso, don't call me Merengue!" Har! Through gritted teeth, Lety asks her friends if Saimon and Celso know they need to leave at 10. They say no. Saimon, Celso, and RoboPop dance some more.

Meanwhile, Tomas has been playing keno for a while. He has so many cards in front of him he can barely keep up with all the numbers being called. Before long, he runs out of money and starts asking other people to buy him a card. He searches through his pockets one last time and turns up a 10 peso coin. That's like a dollar. It's enough for one card. Big surprise, Tomas wins. I think he says it's enough money to pay his cell phone bill, and then some. The old dudes and the bimbo want him to stay (now that he has money), but he pays for their drinks and says he needs to get to Lety's party. The bimbo looks disgusted.

As the night goes on, the party improves. There's a conga line in the living room. Martha stares longingly at the food. Dad is boring the hell out of Irma, who listens politely while he drones on about the good old days. Lety worries that Fern won't show up, or that they'll all still be there when he arrives.

They've run out of tequila. Dad says don't worry, he'll get more. Lety protests. She wants everyone to leave. She even says goodbye. The feas agree, remembering Lety's plans with her novio. Martha calls home and asks her husband to come get her. But Saimon says no, the party's just getting started! And PM says she wants to meet Tomas.

The phone rings. It's Fern. He wants Lety to come out to the car - he's just down the street (or around the corner). When she says no, the party's still going on, he tries to weasel out of their date. She says no, I'll be out in 15 minutes. He tries to weasel again and she says 10 minutes. After they hang up, he tries to take a nap in his car. Lucy and Ethel park right behind him. They converse so loudly, it's a wonder they don't wake him up.

On his way back from the liquor store, RoboPop recognizes Fern's car, and Fern inside. Fern is nearly speechless with surprise. Pop pretty much insists that Fern go to the house. He gets in the car, and Fern drives them to the house. Lucy and Ethel gape. They are confused by this development. Alicia is fascinated - she tells Marcia she's been thinking maybe he's leading a double life. (She says something about cartél de sur, and señor de las nieves: is she saying she thinks he's a coke dealer?) Marcia cuts her off impatiently. They follow behind Fern and RoboPop.

Inside the house, Lety is still trying to get everyone to leave. Fern nearly runs away when he sees the crowd inside. He tells RoboPop that they all need to get up early tomorrow, but Pop is excited about all the booze he's bought. He sits Fern down and pours him a drink. Fern has to pull his cup away to get Pop to stop pouring. The feas worry that Fern's presence will make it difficult for Lety to sneak away with her novio. Hahaha. If only they knew.

Alicia speculates that it's a house of SIDAS (AIDS), i.e. a brothel. Marcia says he's not that kind of man, but she still wants Alicia to check it out. Alicia says, how? Marcia says, though her patented gritted teeth, "through the window."

A: Me??
M: Yes, you, the professional spy.

Alicia protests. It's much too dangerous. What if they catch her? Marcia says fine, then let's go home. Alicia changes her tune. She heads out with the tablecloth over her head. She tells Marcia it's a turban. Marcia looks a bit stunned (this would be a good time to blink).

Alicia peeps through the window. RoboPop is giving his guests, especially Fern, a tour of Lety's many diplomas. It is a very lengthy tour, and Fern is tense. So tense, he inadvertently pops the balloon he's holding.

The alcohol has been flowing freely, and it's a little chaotic in there. Martha looks out the window - she's waiting for her husband to show up - and sees Alicia (in sunglasses, so Martha doesn't recognize her). She screams, and Alicia runs away. She runs into Mr. Martha, Martha's kids, and PM Jr.

Mr. Martha asks Tablecloth Woman if she's all right. Alicia babbles about Mecca and nirvana and Allah. Yeah, nirvana was definitely a stroke of brilliance. *roll* Mr. Martha and the kids go into the house, and Alicia scurries back to the car.

Alicia tells Marcia she's confirmed it... it's a house of SIDAS. Marcia gapes. She can't believe it. Yes, Alicia continues, it's full of witches... the whole cuartel. Marcia says oh, you scared me. So this is really Lety's home? Yes, Alicia says, Fern was telling the truth. Let's go. But Marcia feels that something is amiss. She wants to hang around a little longer.

Some men pass their car. It is Tomas, Sanchez, the other guy, and a band. Lucy and Ethel don't know any of them, and Alicia really wants to leave. Marcia wants to stay. Tomas tells the band to sing.

Lety frets. She does not want Tomas or the band to come in. Meanwhile, the kids are in the kitchen with the food. They have spilled some salsa. RoboPop drunkenly talks Fern's ear off. Occasionally he starts to pass out, and Fern tries to slip away, but RoboPop always revives just in time to keep Fern nearby.

Sure that the hunger has made her crazy, Martha goes into the kitchen to sneak a snack behind the refrigerator (not literally behind it, but on the side that's opposite the living room so no one can see). Remember, if no one sees you eat, it can't make you fat! The kids try to replace the salsa they've spilled by cutting up some more peppers.

Lety goes outside to do some damage control. Sanchez wants to discuss Conceptos with her. Lety is upset with Tomas for bringing them. Watching from a distance, too far away to hear anything, Lucy and Ethel are just confused.

Lety shushes the singers. She is very angry. Sanchez and his colleague sing Felicidades. She tells Tomas he CANNOT go in the house.

Tomas is very hurt. He has put on a good suit and brought her roses and a band, and this place is like his second home... why can't he go in? I feel pretty badly for him too! I think this is very crappy of Lety!

They move down the street a bit, so no one in the house can hear them. They argue. He wants to go inside and meet Fern. Also wants to know if Alicia is in there. He keeps heading towards the house, she keeps hooking his arm and pulling him back. To Sanchez and his friend, it looks as if they are dancing. They start dancing drunkenly too. Lety is frantic. Alicia and Marcia can't make any sense of what they are seeing! They wonder where Lety's much-vaunted novio is. Surely he can't be that dorky guy who's holding the flowers and dancing with Lety?

In desperation, Lety tells (or reminds) Tomas ALL about the relationship between Conceptos and their shadow company (all the details he isn't supposed to know), just how dangerous the situation is if people find out about it. He agrees to go along with her and he gets the band to serenade her in the street. (They're very good.) Lety thanks Tomas and hugs him. She gives back the flowers, and they joke that there will be no kisses. Sanchez still wants to talk about Conceptos, but she goes back to the house.

Fern and RoboPop are both very drunk. Fern is still trying to get away, but Pop won't stay passed out long enough. He tells Fern that his child is very beautiful. Fern asks to inspect Pop's glasses.

The feas are very impressed by the serenade that Lety's boyfriend sent her. They're all sort of snockered at this point. Celso is half asleep. They discuss how they will get home. Saimon was supposed to take Celso home on his bike, but Celso can't be on a bike in his condition.

Mom goes to the kitchen to get Fern something to eat. She sees Martha and assumes that Martha has been supervising the kids with the knives and the chilis. Martha tells Mom that it's all very delicious. Mom fixes Fern a goody of some kind and drizzles the nuclear-powered salsa all over it. He tries to decline it politely, but she insists. There is a moment of high suspense as the kids watch nervously. Each time Fern tries to take a bite, RoboPop or Mom interrupts him to say something, and he has to put down the food to listen politely. Oh, the pain of good manners. Eventually, though, the delays end and he takes a bite. He chews, he swallows, he dabs at his mouth with a napkin.

And suddenly, he looks unwell. He panics. He tries to douse the fire with tequila. (For the record, gentle readers, DAIRY is what you need to put out the fire. Dairy. Milk, yogurt, sour cream, ice cream. Not sure about cheese.) He runs into the bathroom.

The party breaks up (finally). They all pile into taxis, except for PM - she has somehow convinced Saimon to let her have the coveted extra spot on his bike! (But first, she makes Lety promise to tell her tomorrow all about her hot date.) PM and Saimon zoom away, with her murmuring in his ear.

Fern's tongue is all swollen, and he's talking funny. They suspect it was the salsa. Fern now has a great excuse not to take Lety out, but RoboPop is still babbling. He shakes Fern's hand, and Mom puts him to bed. Fern tries to get out of her date, but Lety is heartbroken. She says okay, if it's not convenient... I am frankly kind of amazed that she'd still demand a date from him, given that it's so late and he's sick, but go figure. She's so pitiful that he agrees to take her out after all.

Alicia is struggling to stay awake, but Marcia has noticed that everyone has left the house. Even Lety had come outside, saying goodbye to her friends, but now she's back in the house. They wonder what happened to Fern? They are staring so intently at the house, they don't notice the neighborhood gang sneaking up on their car, peering inside, looking at their chicken legs... and then the gang yells, "HOLA!!!"

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I think you'll agree that's a good way to wrap up the week. Do NOT miss Monday night's episode! You will be sooooo sorry if you do!

Labels: fea

The private detective, Alvarez, is reporting to Cesar. He has making progress on someone close to Fernanda and is sure that soon he will know everything. Cesar asks what he has found out about Nuria. Alvarez reports that he has looked in all the birth registries in the area and hasn’t found anything.

Vincente, Gonzo’s lawyer comes to see Miranda. Things are not looking good. Gonzo's friends in high places won’t help and the judge is being pressured by the media not to allow him out on bail. He is stuck in jail. Miranda asks what can be done. ‘Not much,’ says the lawyer, ‘the only hope is the reserved stock that Julio stole.’ Miranda says that she cannot find out what happened to it.

Al is chewing out Luciano, an employee. He needs him in Mexico to set up a meeting with the investors about the reserved stock.

Fab is putting sunscreen on Flor at the pool. He is going to do something about his project but he tells Flor that he needs to go to the ranch to make sure Cesar isn’t hassling his mom and he wants to help Miranda. Flor says Miranda can help herself and Fab should leave her alone since he knows that she still is in love with him. Fab persists and Flor goes off in a huff.

Bertha tells Squeaky that Miranda has invited Fernanda to spend a few day with them in Tabasco. Squeaky is annoyed but Bertha says that she has a plan to surgically remove her from their lives like a malignant tumor. Squeaky is impressed.

Fernanda goes to see Gonzo in prison. He asks if she has seen Cesar. She says yes, not knowing that this confirms Gonzo’ fantasy that Fernanda has to be Cesar’s accomplice.

Al asks Miranda what was so important that Cesar had to meet with her last night. ‘Oh, it was nothing,’ says Miranda. Al says that he will not allow Cesar to come near her. Miranda is annoyed and says that no one gives her orders or tells her who she can or cannot see and she doesn’t need a babysitter, thank you. Al tries to apologize. Miranda asks why Al is so down on Cesar. ‘Because he's putting the moves on you,’ says Al, ‘and because he is responsible for the fraud at the firm.’ Miranda is surprised and says that this is a serious accusation. The auditors have gone over everything and found nothing. ‘He’s a clever thief,’ responds Al. Miranda asks Al if he has any proof of what Cesar did. If not, she still has confidence in Cesar.

Vincente goes to see Cesar. Cesar tells him that Miranda has no authority in the company and to cancel the plans for an advisory council. Vincente tells Cesar that he should at least appear to be helping the company. Cesar pretends to be shocked that Vincente is insinuating that he is involved in the company’s problems. Vincente tells Cesar that he is being investigated and the proof will be forthcoming. He also tells Cesar that he is prohibited from using Gonzo’s office. Cesar gets a call from someone who gives him the name of a company, presumably the one that purchased the reserved stock.

Fab calls his mother. He tells her that she can’t do anything for Julio and should come down to the ranch to relax. She declines saying that she is afraid that Cesar will come and throw her out. Fab reassures that this won’t happen. She tells him she will think about it. Fab broods on his misfortunes: his brother hates him and he was a jerk to jilt Miranda. He should be the one to pay for these things not Flor and his child.

Flor and Bertha are walking Lukas on the grounds of the hacienda. They talk about how to respond to Fernanda’s arrival. Flor is not feeling well. She says that she has this pressure in her chest that won’t let her breathe. ‘It’s just the pregnancy,’ says Bertha. ‘How would you know if you’ve never been…’ responds Flor, then she apologizes. Bertha then passes along the finding the necklace and Squeaky is a klepto story. Flor can’t believe it.

Tomasa warns Squeaky not to be obnoxious to Fernanda. Naturally, Squeaky is annoyed at being told what to do by a servant. She calls her a “gata igualada” a disrespectful cat and says that she should stay in the kitchen and not meddle in the family affairs or she will be fired. As Tomasa leaves, Squeaky wants to know why she is so interested in Fernada. Tomasa doesn’t reply.

Amparito nags Francisco to talk to Raul about dating a rich girl. Francisco says he will do it ‘mañana.’ Amparo is annoyed with him. Fernanda comes in crying saying that she went to see Gonzo and he told her that everything that happened was her fault because she told Cesar who she was. Francisco says, ‘what did you expect from him?’ Fernanda says that is true but she wanted to see him and she thought that being in prison might have made him a nicer guy but no. Nothing remains of his love for her.

At the hospital, Miranda tells Pamela that Al was a completely different person this morning. The nice guy from the night before was gone. Pamela suggest that Miranda talk to Al and try to clear up the misunderstanding but Miranda says that she has nothing to say to Al. Pamela says that the biggest enemy of love is pride but Miranda says that once again she has hooked up with the wrong man.

After observing that Gonzo is getting what he deserves for hounding Fernanda all these years, Amparo and Francisco advise Fernanda to talk to Cesar and find out what is going on.

In Carola’s apartment, Raul talks to Lasagna on the phone. She invites him over for dinner to meet her mother. Raul now wants to get out of Sanson’s gang but Carola advises him that isn’t a simple matter. Someone knocks at the door. It is Sanson and he isn’t happy.

Juan is bending the comastose Julio’s legs while telling him his dreams of the future when Dr. Benjamin comes in and asks if Juan knows the patient. Juan says no and Benji says, ‘Don’t to waste your time and saliva [maybe this would mean voice here] on this patient. Just do your job and nothing more.’ Juan responds nobly that the patients are people not things and he’ll decide when more effort is needed. It appears this was a test because Dr. Benji then says that he would expect anything less from someone recommended by Fernanda and Al. Dr. Benji leaves and what do you know? Don Julio wakes up. It must have been the personalized care.

In the waiting room with Pamela at the hospital, Miranda is complaining about her love life. Al comes into the room behind her and she is unaware of his presence. Using the opportunity, Pamela asks Miranda what she feels about Al. She says pointless things about being full of the wounds of love. Exasperated, Pamela says, ‘Do you love him or not?’ ‘Yes,’ says Miranda, ‘I love him.’ Behind her Al smiles and the theme song plays yet again.

Al is trying to convince Miranda to go to Tabasco with him. He says that Dr. Fernandez is going too to see Flor. Pamela puts in her two cents about Fernanda’s making time from her busy schedule to go see Flor. Miranda is on the point of responding when Pamela’s mother, Andrea, is wheeled in. She recognizes Pamela and Miranda. Everyone is happy that she is rational.

Juan asks Julio how he is feeling. Julio says that his sons must be concerned about him. Juan looks guilty and lies telling Julio that his sons are in the waiting area but are not permitted to come into the intensive care unit. Julio says that he must speak with his sons. Juan keeps pushing the lie but Julio isn’t buying. Finally, Juan has to sedate him.

Raul, Sanson & Carola:
S: ‘You should be out on the streets working so you can pay me my quota.’
R: ‘You don’t understand. I don’t want to do this anymore.’
S: ‘You came to me and begged me to let you into the gang. I told you that you wouldn’t like it but you insisted.’
R: ‘The truth is that I can’t [rob people].’
S: ‘You are already in and the only way out is death.
C to S: ‘Think of Amparito & Francisco and how they helped you. Let him go.’
S: ‘Through the fault of Juan my brother died. Stay in the gang or Juan dies. You choose. Now get out.’ Raul leaves. Sanson warns Carola not to meddle in ‘men’s work’ again or she will regret it.

Now Al and Miranda are friends again. Al says that he has to go get Fernanda. Won’t Miranda come with them? She declines because she has an appointment at the office and she must find out about the reserved stock. Al agrees to come for her in the morning. [He sure is flying that plane back and forth to Tabasco enough times.] Juan appears. Miranda asks about Julio and Juan reports that he has regained consciousness. Everybody is happy.

At the hacienda, a worker is asking Bertha for a raise. Bertha refuses and says that on the contrary many people may be fired soon including you. She blames Miranda and advises the worker to speak to Miranda when she gets her but not to involve her because she will deny everything.

Labels: heridas

The article below from today's New York Times says that big furry eyebrows are making a comeback. You can even pay hundreds of dollars for eyebrow extensions! So Unibrow is a fashion leader. Of course, this article is about women but who knows. Maybe Unibrow has an eyebrow groomer.

Skin Deep
Throw Your Tweezers Away
By NATASHA SINGER
Published: August 17, 2006
WHETHER fake or farm-raised, fur makes a fashionable fall accessory. But this season the trendiest fluff is not the trim on coats or handbags. Autumn’s most prized pelt is the hairy eyebrow. “For women who overpluck, this season will be about growing your eyebrows back so that they have a natural arch that extends out and ends in a beautiful point,” said Pat McGrath, a makeup artist for Max Factor and CoverGirl and the creative director for Procter & Gamble Beauty.

Ms. McGrath is one of the trend-setting stylists responsible for unleashing the feral eyebrow as this season’s beauty signature. At the Prada fall fashion show in Milan in February, she combed models’ eyebrows up with clear mascara so that they fanned out like plumage, lending their faces a wild expression which Ms. McGrath described as “sauvage.”
Her exaggerated runway look is already having an impact on personal grooming. Some women who once plucked zealously are now hoping that the thin brown lines on their foreheads bloom into thickets.

“On both coasts, everybody wants a thicker brow that reminds you of Elizabeth Taylor and Ava Gardner,” said Robyn Cosio, an eyebrow stylist who works at the Salon by Maxime in Beverly Hills and Eiji salon in Manhattan. “People love that I leave the two bottom layers of undergrowth and don’t take out so much in between the brows so that they can stick up and look feathered.”

Ladies, lay down your tweezers. Facial hair hasn’t been this much in demand since the advent in 1978 of Brooke Shields. Indeed, this month French Vogue devotes an entire page to the tinted, brushed and glossed eyebrow, recommending a “dense and proud” brow as the best way to structure a face.
The fringed frons is making a comeback because of chunky, angular fall fashions, said James Kaliardos, a makeup artist in New York and Paris.

Previous seasons were full of frilly, delicate, ladylike clothes best complemented by pink-hued cosmetics and a thinner hyper-groomed brow. But this season’s outfits with their pared-down constructivist silhouettes call for a more natural-looking face anchored by a prominent brow, he said.
“With a stronger, more graphic quality to the clothes like the fall collection from Balenciaga, you want strong eyebrows that make you look intelligent and empowered, and you want to keep the rest of the face clean,” Mr. Kaliardos said. For the fall advertising campaign for Chanel, for example, he strengthened the already well-endowed brows of Daria Werbowy, a Polish-born Canadian model, by shading them with an eyebrow pencil, but he left her other features almost unadorned, he said.

In addition to Ms. Werbowy, a clique of naturally Dracula-browed Eastern European fashion models —that means you, Natalia, Vlada, Eugenia, Sasha and Snejana — is inspiring a return to the bold brow. But the hairiest of them all is Hilary Rhoda, a fresh-faced American model possessed of eyebrows as furry as tufted caterpillars, whose eerie resemblance to Ms. Shields recently landed her on the covers of Italian and French Vogue.

“That baby face with an eyebrow that says ‘I know what I want’ is what made Brooke Shields so incredible,” Mr. Kaliardos said. “Hilary has that pure rich-kid look about her like Margaux Hemingway.”
To achieve the furry but tamed Hemingway eyebrow, Ms. McGrath suggested an appointment with a professional eyebrow groomer.
“Giving yourself a beautiful eyebrow is not one of the easiest things to do,” Ms. McGrath said.

For those who want to create fuller brows at home, she suggested a way to ensure that they look evenly shaped. Start by drawing over the straggly hairs you want to remove with a white eyeliner pencil to guarantee that the placement is right before tweezing them.

Next, to create fullness, use a brow pencil or brow powder that is two shades lighter than your natural eyebrow color to fill in between the hairs. The brow should look blended rather than drawn on, she said. Finally, use clear mascara or eyebrow gel to fluff hairs — push them up so they are almost vertical — and then brush them back down, fixing them into shape, she said.
For those with very sparse brows, some salons offer eyebrow extensions. At LuxLash on Newbury Street in Boston, for example, Suzanne Cats, the owner, thickens brows by gluing a tiny fiber onto each existing hair. The process, which costs $75 to $250, can take 45 minutes to two hours and the false eyebrow effect lasts two weeks, she said. She also offers brow prosthetics — hairpieces for the eyebrows — in 20 different shapes and shades.
“It’s for women who previously had their brows made too thin,” Ms. Cats said.

But Ms. Cosio, an author of a book on the history of brows called “The Eyebrow,” said that a furry fringe does not fit everyone.
“If you have wild, thick, dense hair, a thicker brow can make you look heavy, harsh and mad,” Ms. Cosio said.

For those who do wish to emphasize the brows, Mr. Kaliardos recommended playing down other facial features by going easy on foundation and wearing sheerer lipsticks in natural-looking pink-brown hues.
“The slightest amount that you do to your eyebrows makes a big statement,” Mr. Kaliardos said. “If you are not careful, you will end up looking like Groucho Marx.”

Labels: barrera

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