Caray, Caray!

The bit on “yesterday’s show” shows Alina in an impressive crying fit, I thought before that maybe she was emotionless, even in her situation in the cave she seemed way too peppy all the time. Either peppy or ponderous, but never really sad. Well whatever these people are all crazy. Am I the only one that thinks the theme song sounds like Mexican James Bond thing?

Thelma asks Flor to sit down to explain that she (Flor/Alina) needs to convince the padre to marry her (Thelma) to Emiliooo before he (Emilioooo) dies. Flor wants to talk about how Emiliooo might be dying, but Thelma just says “I don’t know” and gets right back to Alina convincing the priest to marry Emiliooo and Thelma. Thelma insists that Alina/Flor/whoever is the only person who can pull that off, anyone else the priest will just say no. This makes no sense, but whatever. Thelma flatters Alina a bit to soften her up, she tries to paint them being sisters who have been dissed by Emilioooo.

We see some nice legs walking into a bar or something, turns out they belong to Coral. She flipflops from being scary to sexy and back again constantly. I guess she has a little bit of both. She talks to the flaming gay waiter to see who is in charge, he points her off somewhere with a lot of hand gestures. She walks up to a woman who acts like a royal bitch and says hello. The lady says “And who are you?” Coral asks for a minute of her time to talk about something.

Thelma swears she is being honest. Alina gets smart for a minute and asks, “Ok so he’s dying, how does any of this mean that you need to marry him?” Thelma comes back with a lame “I can’t explain my motives.” She just starts to beg, telling her something about the legalities of marrying on the verge of death. She starts to beg again, Flor stands up and says “No way.” She says she won’t renounce Emiliooo, Thelma can take a hike. She won’t ask the priest anyting.

Apparently Coral wanted an audition. The flaming gay dude (I can’t wait until we get a name for him, I feel like I’m breaking some political correctness or something but flaming gay is the only way to describe him. He’s over the top) and the bitchy boss are very impressed with her performance, which unfortunately we don’t get to see. They go to the office of the club and the lady, who is suddenly very nice, says to Coral that she’s hired. The F.G. guy waves his hands around a lot, like Luigi from La Fea. Ah, his name is Granillo. Coral says they won’t regret hiring her, Granillo says they will surely not be sorry. Granillo is all worked up about the great outfits he’ll put together. The Patrona tells her she’ll get a room ready, Coral says no, she has a place already at La Rinconada.

Thelma tells Alina that she doesn’t understand, she HAS to renounce Emiliooo. She says “Why? Just for you? No way, I love him. And he doesn’t want to marry you anyway.” Thelma gives a grand speech about how it isn’t just she that will hate Alina for this, there will be another! Another who will add his voice against Flor! (Who might this be? Oh my God the suspense! Really Yoda, I have a sister? Wait wrong story.) Alina takes the bait, “who is this other person?” Thelma stands up and grandly, gravely, tells her, “Emiliooo’s child.” Dum dum dummmm music. Alina is impactada.

Orlando, in uniform, comes to see Emiliooooo laying in bed with tubes in his nose. He just stands there and sneers.

Gaspar is outside the house, pacing back and forth. I’m guessing he has a real fire in his pants with his Munequita being so close. Good thing those overalls are so baggy. I think that’s Luba on the stairs, sleeping. Gaspar tries to sneak past her into the house, but she moves and groans and that scares him back down to the bottom step where he sits down to wait. No nosepicking yet, I’ll make sure to let you all know when it happens.

Alina can’t believe it. Thelma says she didn’t tell him to save him the hassle, or something. It’s a secret from everyone. Thelma tells Alina (I think I have the story right here) that she was supposed to get married to Emiliooo before, but he cheated on her and then came to the hacienda to escape her. He never knew that Thelma was knocked up. “It was terrible for me.” Boo hoo.

Coral enters her room with Max close behind. I still think he’s trying to get somewhere with her. He is telling her about Emiliooo’s condition. She wants to see him, but Max says no, especially because Thelma is such a hardass. Max says he’ll keep her updated. She tells Max that she’s going to be a dancer at Edelmira’s club. Max gives a great bad guy laugh and is happy to hear it. Maybe because now he can see her in less clothing, he’ll just have to go to the club to do it. She says that Emiliooo gave her permission to stay at the hacienda as long as she wants, but now? Max twirls his moustache and says of course she can say, because he said so too. Then he says he needs to go over to Edelmira’s and eat some eye tacos. My wife says yes, they make eye tacos. Like cow eyes in a taco. That is the most disgusting thing I have ever heard. A million times worse than tongue. I won’t eat lengua, but I have come to accept at least that other people do. But eyes? No puede ser.

The singing aunt is telling some other, I don’t know their names, about how she was such a famous opera singer, she performed all over the world. Of course her singing is horrible, they aren’t buying her story at all. The guy asks if she is married, she says no, she was too busy for love. But so many men were in love with her, oh yes, millionaires, they gave her jewels, etc. The lady asks what kind of music, mariachi, or what? No, opera! The man and woman have no idea what opera is so she sings for a minute. It’s horrible. They clap but can’t believe their ears. Singing aunt provides some welcome comic relief. Wow is her voice bad. I’m sure the actress can sing better if she wanted to, that makes the bad singing of the character that much better.

Orlando continues to sneer at Emiliooo’s bedside. Some really funky 80’s rap style music is playing. Orlando says something like “what are you thinking” but I didn’t really understand. I’m sure he’s just hoping Emilioooo dies.

The burning fire in Gaspar’s pants is too much for him, he gets up to make another attempt at entering the house. This time he gets up the stairs without waking Luba and runs down the hall.

Thelma continues her sob story. She is really going to town with her story, finally Alina falls for it and says she’ll help, the kid deserves Emilioooo’s last name. She falls for the whole stinking thing and says she’ll go talk to the priest. Thelma says she doesn’t know how to thank her, Flor says she’s just doing it for the kid, not for her. After she leaves I expected Thelma to smile in victory, but she just kept crying. As she is blubbering on, Orlando comes in and wants to know if she convinced Alina to help. She says of course. She tells him that Flor is so stupid and believed it all.

The priest is sitting on his bed reading a book when there is a knock on the door. He opens it, of course it is Flor. Flor was wearing a jacket when she was talking to Thelma, but now she has taken it off to let her tight t-shirt have its full effect. Does she think that having her boobs just up and out there will help convince the priest to help? Also, she spent the past two years in a cave in jeans and a t-shirt but apparently also a push up bra. And her shirt is amazingly white for having been worn 730 straight days. Amazing.

Gaspar is still skulking about the house, he sees Orlando come down the stairs and hides. After Orlando leaves, Gaspar runs up the stairs.

Thelma enters Emiliooo’s room. She tells him that he’ll not escape her. She loves him so much, but only the ‘other’ girl matters to him. He will regret it.

The priest asks Flor, are you sure? She says yes. He doesn’t understand any of this. Perhaps because he is a normal person and Flor is stupid. He tells her that if she loves him, she should marry him, not step aside for Thelma. He tries to talk her into marrying Emilioooo herself like she originally was going to do. Wow Flor/Alina is stupid. It is hitting me like a ton of bricks right this moment how dumb she is. She has been talked in and out and in to marrying Emiliooo like twice in the last hour. I’m dizzy.

Gaspar sticks his head into a room. He hears noise and hides, it’s singing aunt, she goes into another room. Gaspar goes back to the room he was spying on again.

Don Loco thanks Max for giving him a strong drink. Max says Emiliooo is doing bad, but should live, saving Don Loco from jail. Don Loco rants on about how Emilioooo nor anyone else will marry Flor/Alina. Cripes when will she tell everyone who she really is so we can use just one name? Max says, haven’t you punished her enough? Don Loco goes over his case, the proof, etc. I guess to say no, neither his wife or Alina have been punished enough yet. I think having to have him as a husband or father is punishment enough. Or to know that now there is mental illness in the family, which can be hereditary. That is punishment enough. Don Loco flashes back to when he tried to shoot Jose from two feet a way and missed. He swears some more.

Alina tries to convince the priest to let Thelma marry Emilioooo. She says Thelma was even more misterable than she was in the cave. The priest basically tells her tough luck on the whole Thelma thing. I think, then, that he says he’ll marry Alina to Emiliooo the next day. Did I understand that right?

Coming out of commercial this time, we see Luba stab a tree. I thought she was some kind of woman of nature, wouldn’t this be against her type? Anyway. The soldiers from Emilioooo’s group discuss the situation. They argue over whether to continue with their work while Emiliooo is hurt, they eventually decide that they should. Good call guys.
Don Loco rambles on. He wants to see Soledad and tell her something about how she won’t make fun of him any more. Yawn. Old news. Max says he’ll never be happy with so much hate. Don Loco says when did I ever say I wanted to be happy? Don Loco is completely off his rocker. I guess Max is wanting to keep an eye on him in case the police need him, but Don Loco wants to leave to see Soledad. He swears to Max that he’ll come back, so Max says he’ll wait by the door. He’s drunk by now, Max is, so I expect that he’ll be sleeping and someone will sneak past him, that’s a recurring theme in this show. Before leaving Don Loco bums a horse from him too. He promises to always remember this favor Max is doing for him. I believe it, because Don Loco never forgets anything. Even when he should.

Soledad dreams of Alina marrying Emilioooo. She wakes up as her door slams open, but nobody is there. I suspect another ‘night conversation’ coming on.

Singing Aunt and Thelma are talking about what Alina is doing for Thelma. They look at piece of jewelry that Emiliooo gave Thelma when they dated, she says that she would have preferred a word of love, Emilioooo never took her seriously. She still loves him, even if he treated her bad, etc etc. She thinks this wedding on the verge of death is the only way she’ll ever get to marry him.

Alina FINALLY tells the priest that Thelma is pregnant. Before she was just trying to get him to marry the others for no reason? Alina says that Emiliooo and Thelma should get married, that is her final answer. She and her tight shirt and her pushed up boobs leave.

Singing Aunt tells Thelma to rest, in about 500 words, then leaves to go to her own room. Gaspar is skulking in the hall, he hides again when Singing Aunt comes out. After she leaves, he goes back to the door of Thelma’s room and Thelma opens the door. She is impactada as Gaspar keeps saying “Yes, my munequita!” She tries to pull away from as he tells her “Remember, the cave of the devil?” Luba shows up and calms him down and apologizes to Thelma. She explains that he got hit in the head, he’s really a nice guy. Thelma is calmed, but then proceeds to faint.

Adela is giving Soledad tea, I guess the night conversation never happened. They discuss how Soledad is scared and how else should she feel? She says she’ll escape when Alina is free and married.

Luba yells at Gaspar, saying it’s his fault that Thelma passed out. He keeps trying to touch Thelma but Luba slaps him and makes him stop. She has him put her in her bed, but when he picks her up he just stares at her face.

Adela and Soledad talk about absolutely nothing new.

Don Loco still hasn’t left the room where he was talking to Max. He looks around for a blunt instrument apparently, trying and discarding a couple club-like objects. Finally he finds a knife in a tool box and holds it up, saying “You are going to pay dearly, Soledad.” He leaves the room.

Luba says what are you doing? Put her in her bed! Thelma wakes up and freaks out, he drops her on her bed. She begs them to leave. Luba tells Gaspar to get his stuff, “Let’s go.” After they leave, Thelma says to herself, “The father and grandmother of the baby I’m expecting – it isn’t possible!” Oh but it is, you drunken slut.

Alina is crying magnificently. She is making up for lost time with the crying. She is snuffling about Emiliooo and she loves him and wants to marry him, all that.

Some guy comes across Donkey, he talks to the dog like it’s a person. He tells the dog to rest. Donkey is waiting patiently for Flor.

A couple of Emiliooo’s guys are kicking back on the back patio of the house, Don Loco, with the knife extended out in front of him to make sure we remember he is up to no good, tries to sneak past them. He starts testing doors to see if they are unlocked. Finally door number four is open, these are horse stalls, there is a horse in there. One guy hears a noise and goes to investigate. Oh, it’s Orlando! He and Don Loco get into a fight. Another guy comes up and hits Don Loco in the back of the head, knocking him out. He then has to hold Orlando back from killing the Don. They take him back inside and tie him up. Max and the other soldiers are in the room now. One guy says that there is no sign of the door being forced open, someone must have helped him escape! They all look at Max, who denies everything. Max then says it must have been Santos! He is trying to get married, he would need money, Don Loco must have paid Santos to help him escape. The dumbass soldiers immediately believe everything he tells them.

Luba, Gaspar, and Flor make it back to the cave. Flor says her destiny must be to stay in the cave forever. Luba gives her a hard time about all the dumb stuff she did. She tries to defend her decision to leave Emilioooo to Thelma. Flor says she has her reasons, Luba correctly points out that she (Flor) is the only one who actually understands these reasons. Flor claims to be protecting Thelma’s privacy, Luba starts trying to get the info out of her.

Thelma tells Singing Aunt about Gaspar and Luba. Singing Aunt tells Thelma she should tell everything to Orlando (why?) but Thelma says no way. She says in a couple hours she’ll be Mrs. Valtierra. All thanks to Flor.

Marianita and the singing boy are having lunch, she says her sandwich is made with pate, what does he have? He tells her to quit making stuff up. She is playing a game, she wants him to play along. These poor kids, Marianita at least is not a good actress, she reads her lines off of a card and doesn’t put the emphasis in the right place, you can tell she’s reading. Some girls come up and want to play with the boy. He invites Marianita to play too, the other girls say no, because she doesn’t have hair, she’s strange. The boy says he’s bald too, so he can’t play either, peace out bitches. He takes Marianita’s hand and they leave. This must be in case any kids are watching, to show to be true to your friends.

Mariana gets news from the doctor that Marianita isn’t getting any better, he wants her to see a specialist. Is this storyline just to comply with the law that all novelas/soap operas must have at least one medical/hospital storyline? The specialist comes into the office and offers his services to Mariana. The music tries to imply something else, like Mariana and the doctor are going to get together? I may have misinterpreted that.

Back in central America – Jose won’t eat. He feels sick to his stomach when he thinks of his family. Felicia tries to take care of him, he pushes him away. She stomps out. Arcadio gives him a hard time, doesn’t he see that Felicia likes him? He could be friendly with her and eventually use her to escape. Jose says no way Jose (ha), the only woman for him is Mariana.

Flor talks to Emilioooo, who is mysteriously alone in his room all the time. Doesn’t anyone need to watch him? Angel gets sexy nurse for his cough but dying Emiliooo just lays there alone? Anyway Alina begs forgiveness, she had to do whatever, if he dies she’ll die too. She kisses him on the forehead. She begs him to live. “I love you and I’ll never forget you.” Yes, that’s because you live in a cave in his back yard. She stands up and makes a dramatic, tearful exit from the room. Emiliooo mumbles that he will fight to live, for her.

We get a good teaser for Monday’s show, showing Emiliooo ruining his second wedding of the week.

I have a couple of vocabulary words today -

Meson – nightclub, something like that. My dictionary says ‘inn’ but I think here it is used to mean more like a club with rooms to stay over. I guess that is an inn, technically.

Morral – game bag or knapsack. Luba, when leaving Thelma’s room, tells Gaspar to get her morall, I guess it is the bag full of her herbs and stuff. I think she has a little of the wacky weed in there too, she sure enjoys her smoke back in the cave.

Labels: duelo

... I posted some of my favorite recent comments and bits of recaps from Caray at my other blog - see this post at Pratie Place. Enjoy!

UPDATE: Somebody asked where part one was. It's here.

Labels: announcements, humor

Juan Cristobal sees Paulina taking solace in the arms of the now, "other man", Manuel something-or-other. The jealousy wells up in JC and he goes back into his bedroom and prays for the strength to withstand the self-sacrifice of pushing his wife into the arms of another while he accepts his self-imposed death sentence from the leukemia that is secretly killing him, and he collapses onto the floor. (Man, that navy blue leather bomber and grey turtleneck he's wearing is to die for --pardon the pun. What a feast for these weary eyes you are, Sebastian.)

The next day, in the "neighborhood" we see that Elsa and Sylvestre's wedding ceremony is ended and everyone is coming out of the church. It is time for some comic relief. Cortito and Mayeya appear on the stairs to discuss their getting off from work to attend the wedding, the flavor of the wedding cake and Cortito's desire to go to her hometown to formally ask Mayeya's daddy for her hand in marriage. He gets frisky and suggestive and she objects, but only just a little. (Teehee. Slap! Teehee. Slap!)

Sometime later, at the construction company offices, JC explains his plan to Karen and what has happened so far. He tells her he feels Manuel (Gawd, what rock did he crawl out from under?) would be the perfect man to take care of Paulina. (Just like a man, never allowing a woman to think or to choose for herself.)

Karen tells him this is crazy and she doesn't want to play this silly game with him but he begs her to stick with him and to help him with the ruse. Karen refuses and says she feels his wife and baby deserve more from him and that Pau has a right to know the truth. (She's right, but it's a bit of a bore coming from Karen. In fact, this whole Manuel thing is a snore.) Paulina comes in and doesn't quite know what to think when she sees the two of them chatting together.

Paulina says she's made reservations to eat at JC's favorite restaurant and she wants him to come eat there with her. JC says he and Karen will catch up to her later. Karen says that isn't necessary they should go together. He stalls and says he'll call up Manuel to join them. Pau says she would rather they go alone, but he says no, they'll have a better time with him along. (Says who?)

Otilia, Soraya and Diana come to Elsa's wedding reception. Otilia tells a couple of humorless jokes to Candy, Leo and the priest and then goes to shake her "bot-e" with one of the taxi drivers. Elsa and Sylvestre (the guy with the "kick me" sign on his rump) finally enter the reception after having their photos taken. Elsa is actually all smiles. The two kiss and she seems to be happy and at peace with herself.

Rogelio and Ingrid are sitting at some intimate table and having drinks at a restaurant when Miriam walks in and sees them. "This is a fine thing to for me to find out about!" "So this is the friend who called you at the shop? You come back with me and hand in your resignation right now." Ingrid begs her not to say that and tries to convince her she has done nothing wrong, and that the two are just friends.

Miriam refuses to believe Ingrid and Rogelio tells Miriam not to be so unjust. She tells him to be quiet and tells Ingrid she's only being used for the information he can draw out of her. Rog asks her how she can say that and Miriam, not one to beat around the bush, answers that the only two things he cares about are money and power, neither of which Ingrid has. Ingrid wilts. Miriam walks out and drags Ingrid back with her. So, the jig is up and Rogelio will have to start from square one again.

Mariangela arrives with Gabe at the reception . Gabe tells Leo he ordered them a Mariachi band as part of a wedding present. The mariachis play while Sylvestre (poster boy for Gluttons for Punishment Are Us) sings to his new and literally blushing bride for the guests. A bit later, Elsa is still blushing (probably from all that happy juice she's been sneaking). She asks Mariangela to forgive her for the way she had acted towards her in the past. The two hug, make their peace, and become friends.

Elsa admits to Mariangela during their chat that she is not in love with her husband though she does feel affection for him. Mariangela tells her to give it time and it will eventually happen.

Manuel and Paulina get stood up at lunch while JC argues with Karen about his deceiving Pauina and his trying to push her off onto another man. Karen admits, though, that she does admire his always thinking of others before himself. She wishes aloud that she finds a loving man just like him.

At the restaurant Pau complains about JC probably still being with Karen so, Manuel learns there is a Karen. "Who is Karen?" (Will we be treated to another May-December romance before this story ends?)

Back at the wedding reception Leo corners Gabe and offers his best wishes to him and Mariangela. For him it is more important she be happy and at peace. Gabe tells Leo he's come to respect and appreciate him now and feels very few men are as much a gentleman as Leo. At that moment Gabe's right eye starts to hurt again. Leo offers to examine him, but Gabe refuses, saying it's nothing major.

Miriam scolds Ingrid for tramping around with the likes of Rogelio. "Ingrid, you are old enough to be his mother!" (Don't you just hate it when you end up agreeing with this woman?) Ingrid begs Miriam to let her keep her job because nobody else will hire her. (Ever think of going over to the competition, girlfriend? Otilia might love some of the dirt on Miriam.) So, Miriam, taking full advantage of the situation, agrees finally to let her stay, but only on the condition that Ingrid takes a 50% pay cut! (Things are ripe for a little bit of industrial espionage about now for Ingrid.)

Paulina comes back from lunch and storms into JC's office and complains about having been stood up at the restaurant. He reacts coldly, saying he was enjoying himself with Karen and lost track of time. She says she doesn't know who he is anymore, he has changed completely. Why, she asks, won't he just tell her what has happened to make him distance himself from her like this. He says she's just exaggerating. Pau cries and leaves his office, exasperated with the whole situation.

That evening Jos and Demian share a couple of drinks during Happy Hour and discuss the trap they're setting for Mariangela and Gabe. "Starting tomorrow all their grief and problems begin," he says. "I cannot hardly wait!" she answers. They toast.

Gabe and Mariangela spend the night making love at a grand hotel. (We are spared an agonizing repeat of grins and roses.) She says the obligatory, "I feel so safe in your arms" and he says the obligatory,"Our love alone can withstand all tests. Nothing will defeat us." (Where do they get this stuff? --What ever happened to a guy lighting up that Camel or that Lucky Strike afterwards and asking, "Was it good for you, too?")

Jos remarks to Nina, the maid, that it's very late and Mariangela hasn't returned and isn't in her room. The maid mumbles about her being out with Gabe. By herself in her room, Jos frowns and swears vengeance is coming soon.

Sylvestre and Else are leaving for their honeymoon but Candy first gives them both her maternal advice regarding a happy marriage and a happy homelife. She gives them both her blessing. Then Elsa, whose smile has finally cracked, rudely walks out the door while Sylvestre is still thanking Leo for being his best friend and, now, his brother. Syl leaves and Candy and Leo shake their heads expecting the worst while hoping for the best.

The next morning Jos is coming downstairs as Mariangela arrives home and enters all smiles. When Jos asks her where she's been Mariangela simply laughs and says that if she tells her it will enrage her and she walks off. Jos smiles to herself, though, as well.

In their honeymoon hotel room in Querétaro, Sylvestre (still wearing that "kick me" sign) returns to the room to take Elsa to breakfast. (Uh-oh, it's Jekyll with Mrs. Hyde.) She wants to order in from room service. He cheerfully offers her the room service menu. However, Elsa's alter ego has resurfaced. She gripes at Sylvestre about the crummy menu and hotel they're forced to spend their honeymoon in. (How quickly she forgets the cockroach infested pigsty she shared with El Coyote for a year.)

Sylvestre tries to politely remind her that, hey, it was a wedding present from her brother and was a package deal (Hint. Hint. So since they didn't pay a dime for the honeymoon she shouldn't complain). She gripes again and says, "Well, well! Hmmph! I'd rather go back to sleep again so I don't have to think about the rotten life I'm condemned to live now. Syl is still smiling, but a close up shot would probalby have shown that his two front teeth are now missing.

Gabe comes to the manse all smiles, wearing his new Ray Bans, after last night's score with trophy-wife-to-be #2. He tells Jos he won't be able to take the boys with him today since he has an appointment with an eye-specialist (the real reason for the new shades). Jos fakes concern and offers to take him. Then Mariangela comes down to greet him and he explains again, kissee-kissee (damn-oh-damn-what-a-stud-I-am) to her, kissee-kissee (Viagra? What Viagra?) and then leaves.

Mariangela goes back upstairs and Jos calls Demian to tell him the time is right. Luck is on their side and it's time for everything to begin. She heads off to the office to tell him about Gabe's plans and his new look.

From the car Gabe calls Mariangela and tells her the eye appointment went fine, but he'll be late coming back to the office and needs her to do something for him. He has his chauffer drive him then to the family vault and he leaves flowers for Luisito. He spends time there telling his dead son (yeah, the dead son who was also named Luis) how much he misses him.

At the construction company Jos and Demian are waiting in Gabe's office for Mariangela to arrive. She is dressed like a vamp. He's dressed like Gabe. He combs his hair like Gabe, removes the eyepatch and replaces it with dark glasses very similar to Gabe's. (Is it real or is it Memorex?) As soon as they hear Mariangela open the door to walk by, Jos and Demian begin kissing and speaking just loud enough for her to hear. She peeks inside the open door from the hallway.
Demian: "I told you not to worry about it. I already told you why I did it."

Jos (barely audible, whispering) "I am getting tired of this. How long do we have to keep up this lie?"

Demian: "You have to continue to be patient. I won't deny that Mariangela is very beautiful and I like her......"

Jos (More barely audible whispering): "Don't make me angry!"

Demian: "Calm down. Calm down."

Jos (More barely audible whispering, so by now I'm guessing the sound techs were still out taking a toke somewhere): "When is this going to end?"

Demian: "You know very well that I did this to protect our interests."

Jos: "--But you promised me..."

Dem: "--I know what I promised you and I told you to continue being patient or the plan won't work."

Jos walks over and jumps full frontal onto his lap, bends over and kisses him, really hamming it up here. "I will not forgive you if you're using both of us. You have to decide for yourself between Mariangela and me --now." Jos then takes off Demian's sunglasses and stares at Demian's empty eye-socket. (Gross, gross, gross......) This aparrently gets Jos very turned on (what else would we expect?) and they kiss some more.

Mariangela sucks in a big sob and tells herself, "I can't believe it. It can't be!" She sucks in another big sob and runs back down the hall to her own office. Demian and Jos hear her run away and have a big laugh, hoping that she has taken the bate and fallen into their trap.

Mariangela returns to her office and cries. She cannot believe what she has just seen and heard. She tells herself over and over that, "It isn't true. It isn't him. Gabriel wouldn't betray me in this way."

Flash to the mausoleum where Gabe is still crying over the memory of his dead-son-also-named-Luis. He is now telling Luis #1 how he is beginning a new stage in his life, full of hope and blessings, although none of his happiness is ever complete, because Luis #1 is no longer there with them.

Demian warns Jos not to take Mariangela for granted because she has shown herself to be very smart and able. Jos says it will be their job to make sure she believes the two of them. Jos runs to the door when she hears Mariangela coming back out of hers again. They come close to the door and Jos says: "Gabriel, how long must we pretend that we don't get along together?"

Demian: "Pretend? For as long as it is advisable. For as long as necessary to get hold of everything that Clemente left her."

Jos: "Kiss me Gabriel!"

Mariangela almost chokes from the shock of it all.

Labels: mundo

Imagine the 10 most eventful minutes of your life.
Now sift together a few other peoples' most eventful ten minutes, plus 20 minutes of your favorite Super Bowl-quality commercials.
I bet that would make for a riveting hour of television.
Alas, this was not that hour.

Just the ladies

The cuartel and Lety are still talking in Lety's office (we don't often get a good look at this part of Presidencia). Lety hints that she has someone in mind for PM's old job and will tell them more later. Sara asks where Alicia will be sitting. Lety looks uncomfortable.

Meanwhile, Marcia gives Alicia the bad news about the new seating arrangements. She'll be sitting next to Martha. Alicia whines and says "you should have let them fire me." Alicia gets hysterical and complains about having to sit among the rabble - bitter Lola, the constipated giraffe, next to Martha's hiding place. She sobs heartily, with dry, invisible tears and blubbers that it's degrading.

Marcia explains that Alicia will be her secretary. This doesn't cheer Alicia up at all. It's like a demotion, going from "secretary of the president" to "secretary of the production executive." Marcia reminds her that she probably wouldn't last very long as Lety's secretary before getting fired anyway. But, she says, if Alicia really finds this so insulting, she can please hand in her resignation. Alicia backpedals a bit and asks if her title could be changed to assistant. She could get a raise and be allowed to boss the rabble. Marcia impatiently nixes this suggestion and tells Alicia she's her secretary, and that's the end of it.

Alicia inquires as to the cuartel's fate. She is outraged that they weren't fired (and in some cases given better jobs). Marcia mentions that they'll be losing a day's pay. Alicia thinks that's the least they deserve. Then Marcia says Alicia's pay is getting docked too. Alicia asks why is Marcia doing this to her, and doesn't Marcia know what this will mean? Marcia says yes, you'll have to catch the early bus so you aren't late again.

Yazmin has been watching all of this in the background while sucking on what looks like a red Blow-Pop or Tootsie-Pop. (When I was a kid, I was told by a friend to check my Tootsie-Pop wrappers for an Indian with a bow and arrow aiming at a star. I was supposed to pierce the star with my lollipop stick and if I could do that without breaking any area outside the star, I'd get a wish. I managed to do this once or twice, but apparently, the love of Shaun Cassidy was too much to wish for.) Yazmin looks like she lost a fight with the clearance rack: orange hot pants and top, with matching handbag; blue denim vest; and cheap-looking gold belt. After Marcia leaves, Yazmin asks Alicia if she can see Lety yet. Alicia slowly turns to Yazmin with a venomous look, perhaps realizing that Yazmin might be the only person she can still safely pick on. Alicia says she doesn't know, and tells Yazmin to go away.

Back in Lety's office, Irma thanks Lety for her fairness and protection. Lety says that's what friends do. They cheer that they're united. Lety asks Lola to stay behind for a talk. The whole cuartel (except Irma) sits down. Irma says no, just Lola. They grumble, but get up to go back to work.

Lola pre-emptively whines. "It never ends. What now?" (Wow, why so negative? She just narrowly avoided getting fired!) Lety says there's a problem with Luigi - a problem Lola knows well. Yazmin! Lola thinks she's worse than a problem - she's a plague, a curse. Lety explains that Luigi is being contrary, like always. He said he'd quit if she didn't hire Yazmin. Lety figures he is just doing this to try her patience and start a fight, but she wanted to talk it over with Lola first. Lola says she understands. Lety says if Lola really can't stand to have Yazmin around, she'll try to find another way to work things out with Luigi, but... Lola interrupts and says it's fine. She can't wait to see the look on that homewrecker's face when Sanchez (Lola's lawyer) wins Lola a big alimony settlement from El Cheque.

Lety says she's glad that Lola feels that way. She'll hire Yazmin, but she assures Lola it won't be exactly what Luigi had in mind. He's going to flip out. Lola and Lety laugh.

Comedy teams of the 20th century

Aldo tells Fern, Omar, and Luigi that his pal Guillermo has lots of contacts in the food business who are interested in advertising their products as part of the gourmet tourism campaign. Fernando is skeptical and pessimistic. Aldo says they're just planting a seed (Fern makes a face), and it'll take time for it to flower. Luigi agrees. Fern ridicules Luigi and says something about watering the seeds and little birds making their nests.

I know we already decided that Fern, Omar, and Tomas are the Three Stooges. However, Fern, Omar, and Luigi can be the Three Stooges too, if Luigi is Shemp. If you add Aldo, that's four people. So then they're the Marx Brothers. And next time we see Omar, Fern, Tomas, Luigi, Aldo, and Lopez all in one place, we'll have Monty Python.)

Guillermo calls. He's met with the restauranteurs, and they've agreed to invest $2 million (that's dollars, not pesos) in the project. Meanwhile, the Three Stooges (Shemp edition) talk. Well, Fern talks. He tells them that this Andreu (Guillermo) guy isn't going to solve anything. What they need for this project is money, and lots of it. Not just lunch money. Omar agrees with Fern. Fern tells them not to be fooled by Aldo's smile. He's just trying to throw them off balance.

Luigi looks like he wants to tell Fern off, but Aldo wraps up the call and the Three Stooges (Shemp edition) move forward to hear the outcome. Aldo reminds them about the seeds. (And the nesting birds, Fern flippantly reminds him.) Aldo says the seeds have flowered sooner than expected. $2 million worth of flowers for this project. Luigi wants to know where the money is coming from. Aldo says it's from the restauranteurs' association, of course!

Fern says he doesn't trust this Andreú ("accent on the U," he asides to Omar). Where is he getting this $2 million?

Aldo asks, do you distrust him because you don't know him? Or because he's my friend?

Fern defensively gives some explanation that I don't totally get (and suspect is nonsense) about how knowing someone is the same as being their friend, or somesuch. Like Omar, for example. Aldo says it's good for each of us to get to know every person we can meet in our lives. Since they're face-to-face, why not do that now? Fern says why bother, it's only temporary. Aldo says that doesn't matter. He thinks they should talk a bit about who they are and share their Deep Thoughts. Fern says he's already said what he thinks. Aldo says (directing this comment at Luigi and Omar, who are listening with interest) that it'd be better if they could speak private.

Fern asks why he wants to do it in private. Aldo says it's so they can speak calmly, get to know each other, and so Aldo can get Fern's support, since he has so very much experience...

Fern smiles, flattered. Luigi and Omar look a little worried by this seemingly successful appeal to Fern's vanity.

"...as an ex," Aldo finishes. The smile quickly disappears from Fern's face. "As ex-president of Conceptos," Aldo adds. (Luigi and Omar exchange puzzled looks.) Fern lets out a sigh of relief and agrees to the chat. He tells Omar and Luigi ("muchachos y muchachas") to leave them alone. Luigi says he can't leave Aldo alone with Fern - he doesn't know what a savage he is. Aldo says that's exactly why he needs to get to know him. Luigi tells him to scream for help if he ever feels that he's in danger. He and Omar leave Fern and Aldo alone in the office. Aldo stares Fern down with a confident smile as Fern fidgets uncomfortably.

Fern tells Aldo his life's story, or at least the part that would appear on a resume, about his schooling in communications, publicity, marketing, and cinematography in Barcelona, after which he came to this company and began his professional life. Aldo flatters him and says it's very impressive, but he isn't satisfied. Those aren't the Deep Thoughts he was looking for. Fern says caray, go ahead and ask him something - whatever he wants. Aldo wants to know why Fern distrusts him and his friend Guillermo. "Do you think we're liars? That we're traitors? That we use people for our personal convenience?" Fern's mouth hangs open, then he glibly denies this. He paces nervously and sits behind Aldo's desk (he's not used to sitting on the other side of a desk yet). He says he just thinks it's suspicious that they were able to come up with $2 million practically overnight. Caray, that's a lot of money!

Aldo says there's a great saying that when people are hungry, they think about bread. In other words, maybe Fern is suspicious because he's thinking about fraud himself. Fern chokes self-consciously and mutters "Carvajal." He says no, but he's not so naive as to be easily fooled or surprised.

Aldo then calmly changes the subject. He asks what is the most important thing to him? "What kind of question is that?," Fern asks. "One that hasn't been answered," Aldo responds. Fern says he has an answer, but wants to hear Aldo's answer first, since there are so many questions on his side. "Love," Aldo replies simply. "For me too," Fern says. "Love is the most important thing." "Really?" Aldo asks. He's still smiling, but he looks skeptical.

"Do you doubt me?" Fern asks. "Yes," Aldo replies. "Well, you're wrong," Fern says sincerely. It wasn't before, but it is now. Love is first, it's the most important thing, but the problem is, his love is not being returned.

Aldo says he believes Fern now and he knows he's in front of a decent human being. "Thanks, but, we still don't know each other so well yet," Fern says. Aldo says it's a great start and suggests they get back to work.

Back in the exec lobby

The cuartel and Yazmin wait for Lety to finish talking with Lola. PM worries that it's taking a long time. Martha says she's lost her appetite, because she's sure that desk next to hers is going to be the airhead's. Sara wonders who will become the new receptionist. Juana hopes it will be someone new.

Lopez comes by and asks about the big boxes on the floor. Martha says they're Omar's things, he wants to have them stored someplace but they can't (for some reason) keep them in the warehouse. Martha asks Lopez where he thinks they should go. He doesn't want to make a decision but tells Martha he doesn't want to see them there any more.

Yazmin greets Lopez. "At your service, baby," he answers. Yazmin asks for Lety. Lopez promises that Lety will see her immediately. Just then, Lola comes out of Lety's office and sends Yazmin in for Lety. Lola gently pushes Lopez aside. Yazmin greets her courteously and Lola tells her that Lety needs to talk to her. Yazmin excuses herself to Lopez and caresses his cheek. (Ew!) After she leaves, Lola laughingly tells the cuartel they don't know what's in store for that homewrecker.

Lopez tells Martha to call Saimon and have him pack up Fern's things, and to call the IT guy and have him move Fern's old computer and set up Lety's new computer. (I guess they have to talk about something.)

Tomas comes in clutching his stomach. He starts to explain himself to Lopez, but Lopez walks away while he's in the middle of a sentence. Tomas tells Lola he's feeling awful. Lola asks if she should call a doctor. He says no, call a restaurant. He needs a transfusion of tacos, quesadillas, etc. and a liter of juice. He tells Lola he's going to need that every day. He staggers back to his office. "It never ends, it never ends," Lola frets. Martha says he eats more than her, and wonders how he can still be so skinny.

In Lety's office, Yazmin congratulates Lety on her new job. Lety tells Yazmin she's hired, and she'll be paid what she's owed. Yazmin says she deserves it, and Luigi needs her. Lety says she won't be working for Luigi - she'll be working in reception. Yazmin is impactada. She blames Lola. Lety says nobody tells her what to do, she's the president and she makes the decisions. She says that just now, she was telling that to Lola. (Actually, what she said to Lola was "if you can't stand to have Yazmin around, I'll try to find another way to work things out with Luigi." Hmmm.)

Yazmin whines that it isn't fair. She's a model and dancer, but instead of helping her reach the stage, they cut her down. Lety says Yazmin doesn't have to take the job - surely there are many others who would want it. Yazmin wipes away the tears, smiles, and says okay, she'll take the job. Lety says she's glad and says "please don't cry at me." She asks if Yazmin is only taking the job to annoy Lola. Yazmin says no, she's never done anything to Lola. Lety warns her not to cause problems. Yazmin claims to be quite the pacifist, and says it's just that Lola won't forgive her because her Flaquito prefers her. Yazmin adds that it's very unfair.

"What's unfair is that you call him 'flaquito' (skinny)," Lety says. Yazmin says that Lety can't imagine all that she's suffered in her life. Lety decides to end this dumb conversation and advises Yazmin to leave Lola alone.

Saimon comes in speaking Greek, or perhaps pseudo-Greek, along with the IT guy. Saimon is glad to see Yazmin. The two of them flirt, and Saimon tells her that he's single. Yazmin says they're going to be seeing more of each other because she'll be working in reception. "Really?" Saimon says in English. Lety yells at Yazmin and glares at her.

Outside, the cuartel are processing the news that Lola has just given them. PM is upset that Yazmin is taking her old job. Yazmin comes out, and PM warns her to stay away from Saimon. Yazmin says Saimon told her he's single.

Now just the boys again

The Marx Brothers reunite. Aldo says they should go to the restauranteurs' association so they can meet Guillermo Andreú. Fern thinks they should meet at Conceptos instead. Omar reminds Fern that this project is Guillermo's idea and he's putting up the money. Fern scolds Omar. Doesn't he understand anything? Of course they'll be meeting with GA at the restauranteurs' association, Fern says.

Lopez interrupts to tell Fern that Lety wants him to get his stuff out of her office. Fern says he already knows that he has to move his stuff out and he's in a meeting. Lopez excuses himself and leaves.

Omar wants them to meet with Guillermo. Aldo says he will arrange it, but there's something else they need to consider. Fern disagrees. Aldo asks what Fern's disagreeing with. Omar tells Fern that Aldo hasn't said anything yet. Fern tells Omar he knows that, and would Omar please not interrupt. Aldo asks what's the point. (Apparently, it's a rhetorical question.) He says their objective is to promote gastronomical tourism for Mexico, so they need to explore the different ways to promote it overseas. Fern suggests going to the bank of international business. (I'm not sure exactly what that is, but I get the impression that it's like if you were talking about getting some footwear and then some genius said "I know - let's go to the shoe store!")

Abbot & Costello (Fern and Omar) talk in the hallway outside Aldo's office. "I don't like him," Fern complains. "As much as I want to like him, I can't. He rubs me the wrong way." Omar asks if that's why Fern was saying such goofy, contrary things in front of Aldo and being naughty. Fern says he was being impressive and eloquent. Omar misunderstands and asks, "who did he tell?" (Elocuente sounds like el lo cuente.)

Omar says it sounded like he was jealous. He wants to know what Fern and Aldo talked about when they were alone. Fern says the project, of course. Fern admits Aldo is smart and says they need to be careful around him. Omar says "so you mean he's a good rival for you." Ha! They leave, and Yazmin appears in the hallway outside Aldo's office, looking for Luigi.

In Lety's office

Lety is looking at a photo of Marcia and drawing a cartoonish picture of a very angry-looking woman. Saimon annoys Lety as he packs Fern's things. The IT guy is disassembling Fern's wicked cool Mac and asking Saimon about the breakup with PM. Saimon very wordily confirms that they've split up and tells the IT guy not to be so sad. Lety gets Saimon's attention and he and the IT guy explain why they are there. "Thanks, you can have it, it's all yours," Lety says.

Lety has added the label "Marcia" over her cartoon. (Great, that's just what we need, more ugliness on paper for people to find and get angry about.) Saimon packs the golden lion award from Cannes into the box. She gives him the photo to pack away as well. He complains about the room seeming too vacant and her walls being too plain. He's distracted and packs her purse (with the diary in it).

The IT guy asks Saimon for more details about the breakup with PM, but Saimon doesn't want to talk about it. He changes the subject and says the movie Titanic made him cry. The IT guy says it was very sad. Lety says she cried too. (She takes her purse back.) Saimon says he felt the same way when he found out that Fern and Marcia had split up. (Lety rolls her eyes slightly.) The IT guy says he was happy when they got back together.

This reminds Lety of something. She gives Saimon the bag of Fern's gifts, etc. She tells Saimon it's pure trash and Fern can do whatever he wants with it. Saimon keeps calling her "Licenciada" and she tells him she's still "Lety." He doesn't want to call her that, he's just a lowly messenger and he's grateful that she's let him keep his job.

Zoological oddities

Luigi and Aldo talk. I finally get a good look at Aldo's shirt - yes, it looks like it's been tie-dyed... poorly. Aldo talks about Fern's character. He seems like a decent guy. He may be treacherous at times, but he has something special. "Something special? Special how? Like me?" Luigi asks. Aldo ignores the question and continues with his Deep Thoughts. Even though Fern's wrong, he repents; he's a noble man, and very likeable. (I'm not sure how much of this I got right.)

Luigi says Aldo is like his grandmother; he sees everyone's good side, even the devil's. Aldo says Fern isn't the devil - he's human, with a bright side and a dark or hidden side. Luigi says whatever, he just hopes Fern leaves them alone to work in peace.

Just then, Yazmin bursts in, like a one-woman Lenny and Squiggy. She apologizes to Aldo, but Luigi yells "knock-knock" at her impatiently and doesn't introduce her. She tells Luigi they wouldn't hire her as his model. Luigi wants to know who "they" is. He guesses it's "the platypus," but is met with a reproachful look from Aldo. "Oh, all right," Luigi says. Outraged, he leaves to yell at Lety. Yazmin wiggles her fingers goodbye at Aldo.

Aldo tells himself it's a zoo. He goes to the lobby to look for Lety. Alicia is morosely packing up her things at her desk. Aldo asks her if she's feeling well. She says she's okay, but Sara explains the situation. Alibubi pretends to be friendly to the cuartel and denies that she's upset.

Abbot and Costello go to their office. Omar says that of everyone they've dealt with today, Lety was the one who impressed him the most. He thinks she's making a strong start.

The two of them are standing in front of the door. Omar looks at the desk and the nice comfy chair behind it. Fern awkwardly repeats what Omar just said, and they both try to hide goofy grins. (My guess: either Omar accidentally said Fern's line, or said it too early, or else they're both laughing in anticipation of what they're about to do.) They both dash toward the desk; Omar runs around it but Fern hurls himself over it! (I'm pretty sure that's not a Miró on the wall after all.) Fern seems to hurt himself, but he wins the big chair. He tells Omar he knows it's his office, but he's pulling rank, ex-rank, and thinks he should get to sit there. "And break your snout too, huh?" Omar says.

Fern says again that Lety is off to a strong start. It's a good idea and he will support it. Omar starts to say something about Marcia, when Marcia pops in and says "Hello." (So now we have TWO one-woman Lenny and Squiggy acts.) Fern and Omar stand up and Fern says they're about to go to the bank of international business. (This is a brilliant strategy on Fern's part. All he has to do is keep making excuses to get away from Marcia, and eventually she'll forget they ever had a relationship, right?) Omar begins to explain that Aldo suggested -

"It was my idea," Fern interrupts. He says it was his suggestion, basically his, to become acquainted with the different ways of promoting tourism to Mexico. (Hmm... doesn't Mexico already have a tourism commission?) Saimon comes in with Fern's stuff. Marcia sees the trash bag and demands to know what that's doing there. Saimon gives a long-winded explanation that boils down to, "Lety told me to move Fern's things and she said he'd know what to do with the bag." Marcia says she knows what's in the bag, but she doesn't know why he's still keeping it like it's a treasure. (A treasure? Do you keep your treasures in a trash bag?) Omar looks uncomfortable. Fern says what treasure? If she is referring to the bag she left in his office, then she's the one who left it there.

Pointing, she complains about his rumpled appearance. I don't see anything, but he brushes something off of his jacket and explains that he was marking his territory - it's a macho thing. He tells Saimon to throw the bag in the trash. Saimon asks for a trashcan. The IT guy, who's been pretty much doing nothing, helpfully finds the very small wastebasket under the desk. Saimon tries to stuff the bag into it and then Fern puts the wastebasket under his desk. He asks if she's satisfied. She says no, she's been thinking about it and she can't accept that Lety is getting to have the last word on this project. Marcia thinks they should all have to agree.

Meanwhile, Luigi and Yazmin complain to Lety. They argue over whether or not Lety kept her word. Lety said she agreed during the meeting that they need Yazmin at the company, and now here she is, at the company. "Are you making fun of me?" Luigi asks. Lety says no, she's kept her word, she's hired Yazmin back to Conceptos. She reminds Yazmin that she sat right there in front of her and said she'd take the job in reception. Yazmin confirms this reluctantly. "Wait - you agreed to come back under those conditions?" Luigi asks her. Yazmin says yes. He scolds her for wasting his valuable time and stomps out. Lety accuses Yazmin of trying to go over her head with Luigi. She says the only thing Yazmin accomplished was to show Lety what a cheat she is. Next time she does something like that, she'll be out of a job. Yazmin promises she'll behave herself, thanks Lety, and leaves. Lety tells herself she doesn't believe it.

The IT guy begins unpacking Fern's computer (actually, he's only opening the box) and listens to Fern and Marcia argue about the project. She thinks it's too ambitious. Fern tells her about the $2 million investment. This impresses the IT guy as well as Marcia. Fern says he thinks the project isn't really what's bothering her. She expresses annoyance that Lety has so many fans. Fern reminds her that they need this opportunity to pay their debts, and they all will have to work at it. Marcia sarcastically asks who is she to question these things.

Fern says they (he and Omar) are going to eat and then they're going to the bank of international business. He asks the IT guy if it's going to take him all morning to set up his computer. He and Omar leave for lunch. Marcia takes another look at the trash bag, slaps her photo at Saimon and leaves in disgust.

The IT guy says "don't tell me they're fighting again." Saimon comforts the IT guy like a little boy.

Fern and Omar see Alicia, Aldo, and Luigi talking in the lobby. Fern complains that Aldo is always, always looking for Lety. He and Omar leave for lunch. Luigi whines about the feas and invites Aldo to lunch. Alicia thinks this is a great idea and invites herself. Aldo begs off and Luigi stomps off in a huff. Alibubi starts flirting with Aldo, touching his shoulder and asking him to console her. The cuartel praises Aldo for his patience. Alicia sweetly thanks them for being such good friends and tells them she's having a conversation with Aldo. He says he's moved by the way Alicia suffers for her work. (She doesn't realize he's making fun of her.) They praise him some more as he goes to see Lety.

Alicia tells the cuartel she could see how much Aldo wanted her. They make fun of her some more and point out that he left her to see Lety. Martha says that he has good taste. (Alicia thinks Martha's referring to her, of course, not Lety.) Alicia says she likes everything about him, and she's sure he likes everything about her too. She also says something about the bus that I don't get.

Lety is glad to see Aldo and says she's working on the project. He asks if that's the only reason she's glad to see him - to talk about work? She says no, but she's nervous about "all of this." He gives her the good news about the $2 million.

---

Next week
Tomas dances, meets Yazmin, and gets slapped by Alicia, in some order.
Also, if I heard correctly, it's going to be a two-hour episode on Monday, starting at the usual time. Check your local listings to be sure. I don't know if this means there won't be a Mundo that night.

Vocabulary words:
chusma = rabble; common folk
semilla = seed
nido=nest

Labels: fea

... I am compiling a list of places our visitors come from. If you don't find YOUR OWN location on this list, would you please comment (look at the bottom of the post and click the "comment" button) and let us know where you live? Time to say hello!

Albania Tirana, Tirane
Andorra Les Escaldes, Escaldes-Engordany
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina Buenos Aires, Distrito Federal
Argentina Olavarra, Buenos Aires
Aruba Oranjestad
Australia Gladesville, New South Wales
Australia Melbourne, Victoria
Australia Mortlake, New South Wales
Australia Mount Gravatt, Queensland
Australia Sydney, New South Wales
Australia Westbrook, Queensland
Australia Davidson, New South Wales
Austria Arnberg, Oberosterreich
Austria Graz, Steiermark
Belgium Brussel, Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest
Belgium La Bruyre, Namur
Belgium Wasseiges, Liege
Belize Belize City
Bosnia and Herzegovina Mostar, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Brazil Brasilia, Distrito Federal
Brazil Canoinhas, Santa Catarina
Brazil Florianpolis, Santa Catarina
Brazil Goinia, Goias
Brazil Itaquera, Sao Paulo
Brazil Pompeu, Minas Gerais
Brazil Recife, Pernambuco
Brazil Rio De Janeiro
Brazil Sao Paulo
Brazil Stio Deus--pai, Rondonia
Brazil Trs Ilhas, Minas Gerais
Bulgaria Kazanluk, Stara Zagora
Bulgaria Stara Zagora
Canada Abbotsford, British Columbia
Canada Bedford, Nova Scotia
Canada Montral, Quebec
Canada Regina, Saskatchewan
Canada Sherwood Park, Alberta
Canada Toronto, Ontario
Canada Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada Weston, Ontario
Cape Verde Praia, Sao Domingos
Chile Concepcin, Bio-Bio
Chile Santiago, Region Metropolitana
Chile Valdivia, Los Lagos
China Beijing
China Henan, Hainan
China Qingdao, Shandong
China Yiwu, Zhejiang
Costa Rica San Jose
Croatia Sesvete, Grad Zagreb
Croatia Split, Splitsko-Dalmatinska
Croatia Zagreb, Grad Zagreb
Cubala Habana, Camaguey
Cyprus Limassol
Cyprus Strovolos, Nicosia
Cyprus Yeri, Nicosia
Czech Republic Kralupy Nad Vltavou, Hlavni Mesto Praha
Denmark Copenhagen, Staden Kobenhavn
Denmark Silkeborg, Arhus
Denmark Tranbjerg, Arhus
Dominican Republic Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional
Egypt
Estonia lhte, Tartumaa
Estonia Tallinn, Harjumaa
Finland Nurmijrvi, Southern Finland
France Anse, Rhone-Alpes
France L'Hay-les-Roses, Ile-de-France
France lancourt, Centre
France Puteaux, Ile-de-France
France Schiltigheim, Alsace
Germany Altenstadt, Hessen
Germany Cologne, Nordrhein-Westfalen
Germany Dengling, Bayern
Germany Dortmund, Nordrhein-Westfalen
Germany Ellen, Bremen
Germany Eschborn, Hessen
Germany Fellbach, Baden-Wurttemberg
Germany Germersheim, Rheinland-Pfalz
Germany Mainz, Rheinland-Pfalz
Germany Marienfelde, Berlin
Germany Ubstadt-Weiher, Baden-Wurttemberg
Germany Wilstorf, Hamburg
Greece Athens, Attiki
Greece Sna, Lakonia
Greece Vron, Attiki
Greece Ptrai, Akhaia
Hong Kong Chiu-lung
Hong Kong Tai Wo Ping
India Bangalore, Karnataka
India Bombay, Maharashtra
India Calcutta, West Bengal
India Chennai, Tamil Nadu
India Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh
India New Delhi, Delhi
India Pune, Maharashtra
India Samalkha, Delhi
Israel Netanya, HaMerkaz
Italy Acquaviva Delle Fonti, Puglia
Italy Rome, Lazio
Japan Kasaoka, Okayama
Japan Osaka
Kenya Nairobi, Nairobi Area
Latvia Riga
Lebanon Beirut, Beyrouth
Lithuania Klaipeda, Klaipedos Apskritis
Lithuania Vilnius, Vilniaus Apskritis
Macedonia Skopje, Karpos
Malaysia Kinarut, Sabah
Malaysia Petaling Jaya, Wilayah Persekutuan
Mexico Ciudad Nezahualcyotl
Mexico Mexico, Distrito Federal
Mexico Monterrey, Nuevo Leon
Mexico Mrida, Yucatan
Mexico Tijuana, Baja California
Mexico Zapopan, Jalisco
Moldova, Republic of Chisinau
Netherlands Antilles
Netherlands Goor, Noord-Brabant
Netherlands Leidschendam, Zuid-Holland
Netherlands Valentijn, Gelderland
Netherlands Veghel, Noord-Brabant
Netherlands Utrecht
New Zealand Auckland
Nigeria Mararaba, Gombe
Norway Syljuset, Hedmark
Oman Muscat, Masqat
Paraguay Encarnacin, Itapua
People's Republic of China
Peru Lima
Philippines Benguet
Philippines Cagayan De Oro City, Cagayan de Oro
Philippines Caloocan, Quezon City
Philippines Cavite, Cavite City
Philippines Guadalupe Viejo, Rizal
Philippines Makati, Rizal
Philippines Mandaluyong, Quezon City
Philippines Mandaue City, Mandaue
Philippines Manila
Philippines Pasig, Rizal
Philippines Philippine, Benguet
Philippines Wack Wack, Rizal
Philippines Davao, Davao City
Philippines Quezon, Nueva Ecija
Poland Antoniw, Radom
Poland Elblag
Poland Katowice, Slaskie
Poland Konin
Poland Krakow, Malopolskie
Poland Kutno, Plock
Poland Mosina, Poznan
Poland Wejherowo, Gdansk
Portugal Amadora, Lisboa
Portugal Linda-a-Pastora, Lisboa
Puerto Rico Caguas
Puerto Rico Guaynabo
Romania Brasov
Romania Bucuresti
Romania Cluj
Romania Curtea De Arges, Valcea
Romania Iasi
Romania Roman, Vaslui
Romania Targoviste, Dambovita
Romania Turnu, Arad
Russian Federation Novosibirsk
Russian Federation Saint Petersburg
San Juan Puerto Rico
Saudi Arabia Riyadh, Ar Riyad
Serbia and Montenegro Beograd
Serbia and Montenegro Jasika
Serbia and Montenegro Nis
Serbia and Montenegro Pozarevac
Singapore Singapore, Dakar
Slovenia Ljubljana, Beltinci
Slovenia Ljubljana, Bohinj
Slovenia Maribor, Brezovica
Spain Barcelona, Cataluna
Spain Elche, Comunidad Valenciana
Spain Guadalajara, Castilla-La Mancha
Spain Jerez De La Frontera, Andalucia
Spain Madrid
Spain Playa Blanca, Canarias
Spain San Andres Del Rabanedo, Castilla y Leon
Spain Barcelona, Cataluna
Spain La Ametlla De Mar, Cataluna
Spain Zaragoza, Aragon
Sweden Frjstaden, Stockholms Lan
Sweden Solna, Kalmar Lan
Sweden Stockholm, Stockholms Lan
Sweden Vllingby, Stockholms Lan
Switzerland Bern
Switzerland Hauterive, Fribourg
Switzerland Pully, Vaud
Switzerland Hnenberg, Zug
Taiwan Hsiaoi, T'ai-wan
Tanzania, United Republic of Dar Es Salaam
Turkey Adana
Turkey Ankara
Turkey Bilgi, Van
Turkey Istanbul
Turkey Trk, Burdur
Turkey Zbeyir, Icel
United Arab Emirates Dubai
United Kingdom Bristol, Bristol, City of
United Kingdom Exeter, Devon
United Kingdom Harlesdon, Newham
United Kingdom Millwall, Newham
United Kingdom Milton Keynes
Uruguay Montevideo

Labels: announcements

Joselyn & Miriam decide that Gabe & MA’s wedding day is never going to arrive.

Dolores is all worried about stupid Tiberio. She wants Nicolas to drop his investigation so that Tiberio doesn’t go down with the big D. Nic says, well if the glove fits I can’t quit--that is to say if baby boy Tiberio is guilty then he should be brought to justice.

Jos is working on her happy mom routine, feeding LG and talking to him in a sickly sweet voice. Frankly, I’m too worried about the kid grabbing her chandelier-sized earring and yanking it out to pay much attention to the scene. As soon as Gabe & LG leave, Jos throws a little fit.

JC is writing another letter to his son. He tells him to be sure to love his mother because a mother’s love is so great, yada yada yada. In walks Paulina and goes from zero to jealous hissy fit in two seconds when she sees him hide the letter. JC continues with his jerk act.

Demian is chastising MA and her attitude. She tells him, I’m not aligned with anyone and your threats don’t scare me. They go back and forth a little.

Paulina has run off to her mother-in-law to cry and complain about JC’s behavior. She feels alone, isolated, etc. Regina has also noticed the change, but she talked to Leo & Lola and they told her they don’t know what’s wrong with him.

Jos & D decide to break MA. Jos says they have to plan carefully so that in one strike, MA will never again be happy.

Gabe visits MA and they’re kissing when Regina walks in. Cat’s out of the bag! They share the happy news about their engagement and Regina says she knew that love would conquer all. She tells Gabe that Paulina & JC are in trouble. Later she also tells Demian that the kids are in trouble and could he please stick his nose into their business as well.

Ingrid is scared to death that Miriam will find out about her and Rogelio. Rogelio tells her not to be scared and that she needs to break free of Miriam and that he’ll help her. Ingrid wants to know why he would help her and he answers (honestly!) that nothing would make him happier than to get some revenge on Miriam.

Gabe goes to talk to JC, who tells him that their marriage is really none of the old fart’s business. Gabe says, yeah, but be careful because life is a game and you only get one chance to win and since he already won Paulina’s love, he should be careful not to throw it away with his attitude. JC’s little thought bubble says, well actually that’s exactly what I want to happen you nosy old fart.

Paulina’s crying in the parking garage, is comforted by Manuel and JC sees it. Paulina tells him what’s up and Manuel invites her for coffee. (Who the heck is Manuel anyway?) At coffee, Paulina keeps whining about how she doesn’t understand JC’s attitude change. JC spies them from afar and decides that Manuel will be her rebound man. When Paulina goes to ‘fix her face’ in the bathroom, JC rushes in and tells Manuel that he’s condemned to death (which is more than he’s told his mom or wife), but can’t tell him anymore because Paulina returns. JC leaves and Paulina says see…see how cold he is? She says he must be seeing someone else, he tries to suggest that it could be something else and then offers to be a shoulder to cry on.

Ingrid delivers a fax to Miriam from an exclusive consortium that will distribute their clothes. Miriam’s psyched because it’ll make Otilia crazy with jealousy. Miriam is also telling Ingrid that she needs to make some more plans to completely destroy Rogelio. Ingrid looks scared.

Otilia gets the same news over at her house of ‘style’. She’s not pleased, but she is confident she can get out of this problem. MA picks up Elsa’s wedding dress.

Jos is going through Gabe’s stuff and sees LD’s birth certificate—with Gabe as the father. Jos goes to Demian and demands that they take care of MA right away. They kiss and who should be lurking by the door…Tiberio…that poor kid is always catching one or another of his parents making out—more therapy! Tiberio goes back and tries to figure out what their intentions are with one another (in the sense of conspiratorial intentions, not birds & the bees intentions).

Gabe suggests that they get married legally right away and they can have the church wedding later (smart guy…he’s seen how quickly she can change her mind!). MA says, let’s just wait.

JC is staring at his screensaver (obviously entered by Paulina—it says I love you) and thinking how much he loves her too when she and Manuel return. In an effort to set his wife up with a new healthy man (if he was really cared about Paulina, he would ask Manuel for a health history and a physical exam—just to make sure he wouldn’t get sick on her at some point) he invites Manuel to dinner. JC walks Manny down to his car to fill him in on the rest of his master plan. Wisely, Manny tells JC to just tell her the truth but JC refuses once again. What a stubborn, stupid ass.

Back in the ‘hood, Elsa (looking more and more wrecked) gets her wedding dress. As always, everyone else is way happier than she is. Down in the courtyard the guys are decorating. Silvestre is saying that he can’t sleep because he’s so excited to get married. Shorty says uh-oh hopefully you won’t fall asleep during the wedding mass…or even worse, your wedding night! Ja ja ja. Back upstairs, Elsa is looking at her dress and thinking she doesn’t want to get married. She pulls out her bottle and takes a swig.

Dolores gives Tiberio a gift (some lotion) and tries to give him a hug, but he gets all formal and weird and leaves.

Gabe, MA and the boys are playing on the bed (because the house is really small, and there’s just no where else for them to go). Jos tells Miriam that she isn’t going to attack them openly anymore, she and D have a secret plan.

At dinner, Paulina continues whining about JC’s attitude…that everything comes before her. She’s convinced that he doesn’t love her. JC gives himself a little pep speech in the bedroom to stay the course and make Paulina leave him for Manny. (This must be very awkward for poor Manny.)

Labels: mundo

Hello all,

I've been resisting the move for weeks because I thought it would inconvenience a lot of people, but finally blogger made me do it. Everybody who writes for Caray Caray! will now need a gmail address - you don't need it for anything else.

It's possible that some of our commenters will have to get gmail addresses too if they want to be un-anonymous.

YOU DO NOT NEED A GMAIL ACCOUNT TO READ THE BLOG OR COMMENT. I think you only need it if you want to keep your NAME attached to your comments.

GMAIL accounts are free and you don't need an "invitation" to get one any more. You can get one here.

Labels: announcements

In the exec lobby, the cuartel flirts with Aldo. Alicia interrupts to send the women back to work. She takes a cup of tea from Irmita’s hand as if she is accustomed to having Irmita bring her tea. She tries to flirt with Aldo and invites him to chat. He asks, what should we talk about, your ascent in this company? She’s not sure how to answer the question but tries to look sexy.

(A word about Alicia’s outfits. Looking back at the earlier episodes (how did we ever manage to get along without YouTube?), she didn’t seem any thinner then, but rather, it looks like the stylists were giving her outfits that were more respective to her size. My theory is that the producers realized that (1) it would be a great running gag to put her in these outfits…each one more inappropriate and torturous than the last, and (2) guys are sure to tune in just to see the eye candy bursting out of its wrapper. I mean, really, they have to know that it doesn't look good, right! I have to say the actress behind Alicia, Pati Navidad, has been a great sport about it.)

In the boardroom, Luigi says he needs tea because the valerian isn’t enough to calm his nerves anymore. He announces that he will not quit; he will do the commercials. As he talks, he walks to the other side of the meeting room and puts his tea down between Tomas and Fern. Tomas -- of the never-satisfied appetite -- takes a cookie from his pocket and dunks it in Luigi’s tea. Lety shakes her head n disbelief but luckily Luigi doesn’t notice. Luigi shares that he thinks the project will fail, after which he will quit. Lety says that remains to be seen. Luigi says he needs Jasmin back. Lety asks if he really needs her of if he really just wants her back to bug the cuartel. He gives a ‘how dare you doubt me’ look. Lety admits that he really needs him onboard so she will get him Jasmin. Luigi advices that since everything is clear now and since there is no authority here… Omar, in a rare gesture of respect, signals toward Lety to indicate to Luigi that there indeed is an authority figure here, but… Luigi ignores him. He gets up to leave, and only says goodbye to Lopez before walking out.

In the lobby, Luigi sees Aldo chatting with the cuartel and tells him get away from them because he may catch their horrible cooties. Alicia strokes her hair in agreement. Aldo says that, on the contrary, maybe their energy and vitality will be contagious. The ladies applaud (yes, they literally applaud, clap, for Aldo). Luigi invites Aldo to go back to his office so they can talk about the project. Aldo says sure but first he needs to talk to Lety. Luigi doesn’t like that. Aldo walks toward Lety’s office. He excuses himself to the ladies and in response they applaud some more( …oh brother). Alicia offers to go with him, but the women tell her no way, he’s going to talk to Lety and doesn’t need her around.

Lety hands out orders: Marcia must supervise Luigi’s project, starting with the design of project concept. Omar will engage the appropriate contacts. Marcia asks what will Fern do. Lety says she needs him (to which Fern smiles broadly) to help her and Tomas (to which Fern frowns) to review the project estimates and other financial stuff. Fern is gung ho and says sure, we’ll take care of that right away. Lopez asks about Tomas’s salary. Tomas signals to Lety what I think is a sign for “higher”. Lety says he should get paid the same as Olarte (the crooked finance guy [I think] who Fern fired for trying to sabotage Fern long ago last year (or in this novela’s timeline, probably just a few weeks ago!). Lopez then says about Lety’s presidential expenses, such as a car, phone, etc. Lety says take care of that with her salary; Conceptos can not afford luxuries like that. Lopez, who is behaving so very professional that I almost forgot he is the human housefly, then moves on to the topic of the late employees. Marcia announces that they will make personnel changes immediately: Sara will report to Fern and Omar, Lola will report Tomas, Marta, Irma , Juana will remain where they are. PM will work for Lety. PM’s receptionist position is open but Lety has a lead for that. Fern asks Marcia who will work for her. Marcia defensively advises that Alicia will go with her. Fern cracks up at this, so much so that Lety breaks into a big smile too. Fern fans himself and says ‘Que caray!’ (We caught that Jaime, hugs and kisses right back at you!). Lopez says “Dios nos hagare confesados” (“May God get us confessed,” which I think is similar to “May God help us!”) . He asks if Lety will adjust her salary to her new position. Lety says she’d love to but it’s against the law to lower her salary. But she will deduct day’s pay for Alicia and the other late employees. She tells everyone to get to work in their respective areas, then will meet again to report on their progress so they decide whether to officially launch this project. Marcia corrects Lety saying they will only launch it if we all agree. Lety corrects Marcia right back, saying she’s wrong, only Lety’s approval is necessary, that’s why she’s the prez! Marcia is left with her mouth open, and Lety looks very satisfied! (Go Lety, go Lety!).

Julieta and PM talk at the reception desk. Julieta talk about how wonderful Aldo is. She hopes he can help her get over all her suffering. PM asks if Julieta is referring to Lety’s problem here at work, or romantic problems. Julieta tells half the truth and says it’s work problems, of course.

Marcia asks Lety if there is anything else, and there is. She asks Omar to look for Aldo to see if he has any update. She has something to take care of, but asks Fern to work with Tomas on the estimate in the meantime. She gets up to leave and Fern stands for her. Marcia and Lopez leave too.

Fern hears Lety in her office exclaiming “Aldo!” which makes his eyes bulge out. Tomas addresses Fern as “compañero Fernando” (this means he’s addressing Fern as a peer). This makes Fern do a fake laugh, which makes Tomas laugh and before you know it he, Fern, and Omar are all snort-laughing. Fern tells Tomas “That’s Don Fernando to you.” Tomas says they need to get to work. Fern tells Tomas to go ahead and get started and sends him to his office. Now alone in the meeting room with Omar, Fern gets up, shushes Omar, and sneaks over to Lety’s door.

Aldo asks Lety what’s wrong. She says it was great, the ideas just popped into her head. He says she’s learning to use what you’ve always had inside. Lety says she has him to thank for it. She remembers the “Deep Thoughts By Aldo” lesson involving the paper cup with sea water. Aldo says that some people never learn to use that inner power. Fern gags himself with his finger. Lety says she’s confident because Aldo is there to support her. She says “I need you” -- Fern doesn’t like that, his eyes bulge again -- Lety continues “I can’t do it without you. Look me in the eyes and promise me you won’t leave me alone here. We can make this successful together” Fern is impactado! Aldo tells Lety that of course he will be here for her.

Fern tells Omar “I knew it! She told him ‘don’t leave me alone.’” Omar clarifies that they were talking about work… he chokes a little, and Fern smacks him on the back (I love their improv). Fern wonders doesn’t Lety understand that’s why he (Fern) is here; to help her? Omar says that Fern will have to suck it up because Aldo has that job now, plus he is now fundamental to Conceptos’s existence.

Marcia and Luigi are talking business in his office when Aldo comes in. He and Luigi go to Aldo’s office and leave Marcia to work from Luigi’s desk. (That’s 45 seconds of my life I’ll never get back.)

Fern offers to go with Omar to see Aldo (remember Lety sent Omar to check on Aldo), so he can investigate why Also is really here and why he is with Lety, so as not to “jumping to conclusions” (he says this is adorably broken English) .

Aldo begins his Deep Thoughts session with Luigi: Food is life. Mexican food is life with more flavor. The flavor of life is Mexican gastronomy. For example, if you take strips of chile poblano… Luigi tells him to stop because he’s making his mouth water. Aldo describes a dish of Poblano pepper strips with onion, cheese, sour cream, etc. He goes on about how every element -- earth, air, water-- gives life to the ingredients of dishes which we labor with love to create. Luigi is captivated. Aldo says that eating is not a means to satisfy an appetite. No, eating is a ritual of love. Luigi, almost in rapture (eeew!), shouts “Ay! OMG! You make something as simple as eating into something so immensely pleasurable.”

Fern and Omar find Aldo’s office and listen at the door. Aldo continues on his lecture, shouting about the power and potency of food. He bangs his door in excitement. Fern and Omar jump back and run back down the hall. They slowly tip-toe back. Fern rubs his leg (I think he must have banged it when they were jumping , though I rewound it and couldn’t see where it happened).

Luigi tells Aldo he can bring anyone to ecstasy with his Deep Thoughts. (again, eeew!).
Aldo says “Yes, especially an enchanting woman.”
Fern whisper-shouts to Aldo “I knew it, that idiot is talking about Lety!” Omar rationalizes that Aldo was talking about and “enchanting” woman, meaning not Lety. He chokes again and Fern smacks him on the back again. I just noticed that Omar’s voice is raspier than normal; he must be getting a sore throat, which explains why he chokes every time he has to speak.
Fern says “ahhh!” the way one would say “duh!” He doesn’t understand Omar’s argument. Of course Aldo’s talking about Lety, who else?

Tomas walks up and hears the guys talk from afar. He thinks they must be planning something against Lety.

Lety goes to see Robopop in his new office/cubbyhole. She calls Lola from his desk and asks her to come to her office along with the rest of the cuartel. Robopop asks if the cuartel will get fired. She says no, although they won’t get off scott-free either. He tells her not be to home late. PM calls to tell them Julieta is here.

In the lobby, the cuartel worry about their fate. Lety walks by on her way to get her mom, and the cuartel beg her for information. She says she’ll be right back, and Irmita says no news is good news (Does anyone remember the kid’s show Great Space Coaster, in which Gary Gnu always gave an inane newscast and then signed off with “No gnews is good gnews”?... No? Okay never mind).

Lety greets her mom and Moty. Julieta says they’re lonely at home because everyone is here at Conceptos. She says she met Lety’s friend Aldo and thinks he is tan lindo (so lovely)! She asks Lety if she’s sure she doesn’t like him? Saimon walks back and forth behind them trying to listen . Lety is uncomfortable but responds that, yes, Aldo sure is a great guy. Julieta remarks how big and florescent his teeth are is…just kidding -- but she does remark about Aldo’s great smile.

Tomas is still in the hallway spying on Omar and Fern, who are still spying on Aldo and Luigi. He wonders what Frick & Frack are up to. Then he turns his attention to Aldo’s door and says he needs to figure out what Domenzain’s intentions with his mamasota (his big momma, Alicia).

Professor Aldo’s never-ending Deep Thoughts About Guacamole continues, and understandably Fern says he can’t listen anymore. Omar agrees and grabs Fern’s arm to leave, but even as Fern says he can’t hear anymore, he moves back to the door to listen some more. Omar drags him away. As they leave, Tomas nears Aldo’s door, but bumps into it. Aldo opens the door to see what the noise was. Tomas hides behind the open door. Also goes back inside but leaves his door open, giving Tomas a better listen. Aldo – “Why can’t we find love in the gorgeous curves of a pear? Why?” Luigi has no idea. Tomas assumes Aldo must be talking about Alicia and gets mad.

Lety walks back into the exec lobby, she runs into Robopop and tells him that mom is waiting for him in the lobby. Alicia wishes him a pleasant evening (that lambe-patas! I love that phrase, I’ve been using it all week!) He gets into the elevator as a sexy woman in a mini skirt walks out. The woman asks Alicia who that guy was. Alicia informs her that it’s President Lety’s dad and the woman seems intrigued. After the woman walks away, Alicia says she is appalled at the woman’s audacity (or maybe her desperation) .

In a meeting room with a big coffee table, the cuartel beg Lety to tell them what will happen to them. Martha asks if she will at least give them a letter of recommendation. Lety says that no one is going to fire them. They are excited. PM says she know Lety wouldn’t let anything happen to them. Lola says she knew they would come out of this unscathed. She pumps fist in the air, which sort of makes me enjoy the next part, where Lety tells them that actually, they will lose a day’s pay. The women are impactadas. They whine about it. Irma says they should be happy they still have their jobs. Juana tells them to stop being ungrateful and hugs Lety in gratitude.

Fern and Omar roam the hallways as Fern decries Aldo’s intentions with Lety. Omar becomes distracted by 2 girls walking by and Fern has to pull him back. Fern is sure that Aldo is trying to conquer Lety. Omar points out that Fern is back with Marcia. Fern doesn’t see the connection. He mimics Aldo’s discourse and calls him a crazy, perverted, sicko. Furthermore, if he finds out that Aldo really is interested in Lety, he’s really gonna let Aldo have it.

Tomas continues to spy on Aldo but Frick & Frack catch him in the act. To deflect attention from himself, Tomas tells them they look like the Men In Black in their dark suits. They bicker back and forth about why they are there instead of working and accidentally bump Aldo’s door again. They run away as Aldo opens his door to see who it is (actually, it’s really because they run with their hands out in front of them like the cartoons). Aldo goes back in his office and Frick & Frack send Tomas back to his office. Fern comments that Tomas’s spying shows very bad manners, and they he immediately goes back to listening at Aldo’s door.

Lety tells the cuartel about their new work assignments. That about sums those 5 minutes up.

Fern and Aldo finally enter Aldo’s office. They introduce themselves and promptly though politely lay down the law about Lety. Fern says there is no need for Aldo to report his progress to Lety, since that’s what Fern is there for here for.

Lety tells the women that Alicia won’t be her secretary, and they think this means Alicia has been fired. They celebrate by singing “goodbye oxijenada!” until Lety clarifies that Alicia will work for Marcia.

Marcia shows Alicia her new desk next to Marcia’s office. Alicia is distraught at having to sit next to the cuartel.

Fern wants Aldo to give him details about the new project. Also says he has contacted a friend who is in the restaurant association. Fern doesn’t think that this plan will work. Aldo says they must be patient, he has planted a seed, and they must give it time to grow and bloom. Fern makes fun of Aldo’s nature metaphor and talks about birds and their nests. Just then Aldo’s friend calls says the restaurant association is interested in Aldo’s project; they are willing to invest 2 million dollars (not pesos-- funny how a Mexican company dealing with a Mexican restaurant association in regards to a project specifically related Mexican food would nonetheless talk in terms of dollars). Anyway, Aldo shares the news but this does not impress Fern, who is skeptical about whether Aldo’s friend is legit.

Labels: fea

Alvaro (aka Don Loco) charged into the church shouting, "Stop this wedding immediately!" The priest tried to argue, and Emilio told Don Loco to shut up or be thrown out.

Alvaro shouted, "You're not going to do anything to me, wretch!" then shot Emilio in the chest before being restrained by some men. Maximo pointed a gun at Don Loco, who continued to shout and struggle as the men dragged him away.

Elsewhere: Angel, lying in bed, told Dr. Vazquez he'd heard a gunshot. The doctor said it sounded far away. Angel agreed, "It's probably my brother's friends."

At the church: Baring her teeth, Thelma marched up to the altar, where Emilio was lying in Alina's arms. The two women cried, "Who are you?" at each other. Thelma said, "You want to know who I am? Nothing less than the official fiancee of Captain Emilio Valtierra!"

Alina sobbed, "That isn't true," and pointed out that she was marrying Emilio. Thelma insisted, "This wedding is a farce!" and ordered Orlando to tell Alina that Emilio was planning to abandon her after the wedding. Orlando said, "Yes, Flor. It's the truth."

Dr. Vazquez ran into the church, looked at Emilio and said, "He's losing a lot of blood." He told some men to move Emilio to his room.

Alina (with blood all over her wedding dress) tried to follow, but Thelma stopped her, saying, "You're not going anywhere! The farce is over! You don't have anything to do here! Get out of here!" then followed Emilio herself.

Orlando told Alina he'd tried to warn her about Emilio's intentions but she hadn't wanted to listen. Alina sobbed, "That isn't true, it can't be!"

Meanwhile: A jaguar chased Gaspar up a tree. Gaspar said, "Vete, gatote" (I'm guessing that means "Go away, you cat"?) and the jaguar obligingly ran away.

Back at La Rinconada, Maximo was alone in what appeared to be a storeroom with Don Loco, who was pacing around while Maximo stood with his back to him. Maximo demanded, "Why did you shoot my nephew?" and Don Loco muttered, "She can't marry anyone."

Maximo yelled, "Are you completely loco? This is going to bring us problems with the authorities." Don Loco said, "The authorities are on my side. They never interfere with what I'm doing." Maximo said sulkily, "My nephew!" and Don Loco replied that he wasn't finished with his revenge against Alina and her mother.

Maximo started to stalk out. Alvaro said, "Maximo! You have to let me out of here." Maximo said, "No no no no, I'm not going to be able to. I'm going to see if my nephew is dead, and if he is, neither God nor the devil can save you from jail!"

(Why does Maximo always take Alvaro's side, I wonder? Even in this situation he seemed to want to help Alvaro if he could.)

Angel told Susi (his nurse) that he wanted to marry Flor but she probably wouldn't be interested in a man like him. Susi said she was sure Flor would.

That evening, Orlando told Coral that Emilio was only wounded, not dying, and Thelma had taken charge of the situation and thrown Flor out. He urged Coral to leave the hacienda, but Coral said, "I'm not afraid of this Thelma," and she wouldn't go until Emilio was out of danger.

Alina, dressed in her denim outfit again, left the house with Luba, crying and saying, "He deceived me. It was all a lie." Luba said she'd known all along that Emilio couldn't be trusted.

Gaspar ran up and asked, "Mama, where is my muñequita, my beautiful fairy?" Annoyed, Luba said, "There's no muñequita, no fairy here, don't be stupid!"

She tried to get Alina to leave with her, but Alina said she wouldn't go until she knew how Emilio was. She said, "I have rights, too. I was also Emilio's fiancee. I'm not leaving here."

Soledad, clearly out of the loop, worried about what Alvaro would do when he learned about the wedding.

(I'm wondering, if Soledad has been a prisoner for two years, who's doing her hair? It's always perfectly colored and cut. If Adela is a professional hairdresser, why is she working for a maniac like Don Loco?)

Father Cristobal visited Angel, who asked worriedly what was going on. Susi reminded Angel to remain calm for sake of his health. Angel said he was nervous, it was strange that Emilio hadn't come to see him, and he'd heard a gunshot. "Is everything OK, Father?"

Cristobal said heartily, "Everything is fine!" then hastily departed. (Shouldn't a priest, of all people, know how to break bad news to someone?)

Cristobal went outside and said to Alina, "You're still here?" (I guess he expected her to go back to her cave.) Alina, crying, said, "I need to know how Emilio is. Is it true that he's not going to die?"

The priest said, "I don't know, daughter. The doctor says the wound is grave, but you must have faith. All will be well. But you know you can't go in there." (Why is the priest automatically taking Thelma's side? Shouldn't he be trying to help Alina, too?)

He said instead she should visit Angel. "He heard the shot and he's very upset. Why don't you go and try to calm him?" Alina agreed.

She arrived just as Susi was about to break the news of the shooting to Angel. He asked Alina what was going on, and Alina said, "Emilio is wounded."

Angel started hyperventilating. Trying to keep him calm, Alina assured him Emilio was OK, claiming Emilio had only been shot in the leg. She didn't tell him about the wedding.

Angel took her hand and said, "I love you. I want to marry you. I don't ask that you love me, only that you let me love you, take care of you, and protect you."

Alina asked how he could marry her when he knows what people say about her. Angel said, "I know you are a good woman. I see it in your eyes. I want to see you happy. Accept my protection. I know that I don't have long to live."

Alina replied, "Don't say that! You are going to live, and all the years you live I'll be profoundly grateful to you, but I can't be your wife." Angel said, "You don't love me," and Alina said, "I can't." As she left the room, he said to himself, "Goodbye, Flor."

Emilio's men told Maximo they wanted Alvaro to face justice for shooting Emilio. Maximo said, "Don't worry. I will take care of the justice."

Meanwhile Alvaro remembered hearing his mother telling his father (also named Alvaro), "Do you want to know why I look for other men? Because you've never been good enough for me. (Nunca me has servido.) You disgust me!"

Alvaro's father rode off on horseback and Alvaro (who looked about 15 in this flashback) followed on his own horse, calling, "Papa, wait for me!" His father dismounted, walked to the edge of a cliff, looked back at Alvaro Jr., then jumped off the cliff to his death.

Remembering this, Alvaro thought, "My poor father. And poor me."

Just then Maximo came in and told Alvaro that Emilio was in bad shape and his friends were asking for justice. "If my nephew doesn't die, I promise to help you, but for now you're not going to be allowed to leave."

The doctor told Father Cristobal that Emilio's life was in danger.

In the city: Marianita told her mother she wanted to meet her Uncle Alvaro. Mariana said, "He lives in an ugly place that you wouldn't like at all -- there are no stores, there's no TV, there's nothing!" She added that Uncle Alvaro was very irritable. The kid started to cry and said her father would never return.

Meanwhile, Jose tried to sneak out of the cabin where he was being held captive, but Felicia came in (with her boobs hanging out of her shirt) and said she'd come to keep him company. Jose said he wanted to be alone. She tried to kiss him and he snapped, "What part don't you understand of 'I want to be alone'?" then stomped away.

Hugo told Alfonsina that Alvaro didn't like romances between his employees. Alfonsina said Don Loco owned the land but he didn't own them. "How wonderful it would be if all this were ours and not the patron's." Hugo said, "I know, Alfonsina. I know."

Don Loco, still locked up at Maximo's house, remembered shooting Emilio and told himself it was all Soledad's fault because she betrayed him etc. etc.

Blanca caught Elias muttering Soledad's name in his sleep. She woke him up and he pretended not to remember what he had been dreaming. Blanca said she'd always been jealous of Soledad but she wasn't angry at Elias, she was just sad.

Elias insisted that he considered Soledad a friend, nothing more. "You are my wife, my life, and we are very happy." They kissed.

Orlando told Thelma that Emilio was dying but he had a plan to help her. Thelma visited the unconscious Emilio and told him, "Don't die. It's your fault this man raped me, but I swear, my child is going to carry your name."

Outside the house, Alina told Luba the shooting was her fault, "I killed Emilio! I shouldn't have accepted him." Orlando came outside and told Alina that Thelma wanted to talk to her alone.

Gaspar told Luba he wanted to talk to Thelma, too. With difficulty Luba stopped him from charging into the house to find Thelma.

Thelma told Alina they were both Emilio's victims, but Alina could help her. Alina asked how, and Thelma said, "I need to marry Emilio before he dies."

Words from this episode:
farsa = farce
hada = fairy
enojón = irritable
zopenco = dummy

And finally, at Sylvia's suggestion, here's a bonus for my fellow Gaspar fans: a webpage about the wrestling career of Rene Goméz (aka Intocable)... or should I say Spice Boy Randy?
El Intocable

Labels: duelo