Caray, Caray!

Monday's episode begins with Pilar's doctor telling Larry and Gaby that Pilar will not be able to get pregnant again. Synthesizers of doom close the scene.

Then we're transported to Diana's office at the fabrica, where Max has comes storming in wearing black pants, a lemon yellow dress shirt, and a black vest. He looks like he should be dealing poker at a casino or something. They have the same discussion they've had for days - D: Don't storm into my office like that. M: I will if I want to. We have to talk about OUR son. M: It's MY son. Same old same old. Except that Diana admits that Gaviota the lawyer/singer/perfume executive has informed her that he has right to see his son. They argue over the terms of the visitation, and Diana threatens to take the baby out of the country. Max tells her that if she does, he'll take the baby away from her forever. Diana responds with her typical glassy eyed stare. Suddenly she pulls herself together and lets him know that she'll fight like a fiera for her son! Their argument is broken up by Emilio and Alvaro who come in to tell them that all of the employees can hear their fight. Diana orders Max out of her office, Max threatens to take the baby, and turns to leave her as she sports her best glassy eyed stare. Alvaro tells her to stay calm, it's difficult for a mother to lose her son.

We return to hospital TeleMiami, where the doc is telling Larry that the violent fall is the reason Pilar won't have children. Unfortunately, these things happen everyday. He leaves Larry alone with Gaby so that he can chew her out for pushing Pilar down the steps. He tells her she will always have the death of his son on her conscience. Pobre de Gaby!

Back to the fabrica, where Alvaro is watching Diana drink a glass of water. He tells her that from now on she should call security if Max comes back to the office. She doesn't think he'll come back. *HUH?* Bueno. Back to work. By the way, Alvaro has an idea for a way for them to get some good publicity - how about a cocktail party and invite owners of the other fabricas to make them think that we've recovered financially so that they're lower their guard? Diana thinks this is a swell idea - as long as it's not too expensive. She tells him they'll host it at the office to cut costs. Alvaro thinks it's a great way to get some free publicity - and they can announce their substitue president. Diana's not sure if Fedora will be back, but tells him to go ahead and plan it within the next two days. There's nothing like a last minute cocktail party at the office to show the competitors that you're back on top!

Jump to psycho mansion, where we're treated to a showdown between Fedora and Max regarding the upcoming custody battle. Fedora promises to keep Maxito out of the evil clutches of the Irazabal clan, who only know how to cause pain. Diana is just trying to protect her son! Max puts his hands on his hips (which puts some serious strain on the buttons of his yellow blouse) and lets her know that she better not try to keep him from his son.

At hospital TeleMiami, Larry is telling Pilar's friend Sandy the bad news when little doormat tries to offer him a cup of water. Larry knocks the cup from her hand and tells her this is all her fault for pushing Pilar! Larry storms off and Gaby pleads with Sandy to tell the truth, but we all know that Sandy's not going to stand up to the evil Pilar.

Next we're transported to Fedora's bedroom where she's sneaking a few fingers of whiskey from a crystal decanter when someone knocks at the door. She stashes the bottle and lets Diana in so that she can give Diana the lowdown on what she and Max talked about by the pool. He wants to see the baby every day, and on weekends, and Fedora advises her to work something out without going to court, because Max has a good case against her. Cue the synthesizers of doom!
After the commercial break we go to Paco's apartment where Comisario Gomez is at the door and wants to speak with octavia. The Comisario is investigating the death of Reinosa and wants to know if O's wedding was planned or was at the last minute. She lets him know that her private life is none of her business, and she does not need his best wishes because she's already immensely happy.

Back to Fedora, where she's telling Diana that right now Diego is the legal father, but if Max has a DNA test, Diana will be at a disadvantage because she lied to Max about the baby.

At Paco's, Gomez thinks it's interesting that O is now married to a man who used to be Fedora's lover. So did she marry for love or revenge? She doesn't care who he used to be involved with, he belongs to her now. Why are you here anyway? He lets her know that he's there to investigate Reinosa's murder. She basically tells him 'sorry about your bad luck. I don't remember a thing.' As he leaves he tells her in a sarcastic tone that she looks beautiful as always, Paco must feel proud to have a wife as special as her.

Fedora and Diana are still planning their strategy to win custody of Maxito. GO! FIGHT! WIN! (Sorry - I was just really moved by Fedora's speech).

At Emilio's place Max is filling Emilio and Yolanda in on his plan to take Diana's baby. Yolanda, always the voice of reason, asks him to think this over carefully - if he does it, Diana will hate him forever. He doesn't care - he's already lost Diana, but he won't lose his baby too. Emilio tries to make him understand -- why push her away? YOu love her and she loves you. By the way, there's going to be a cocktail party at the fabrica. Max is excited about this - he's going to go, since he works for the competition. And he's going to take Camila to make Diana jealous! Emilio sums it up perfectly when he says "Eso es una locura, Max!" Max puts on his best sucking lemons face.

Octavia is pacing like a caged lion as she tells Bruna that the comisario is just trying to intimidate her, he couldn't have discovered anything. Bruna is impactada - does O have something to hide? O denies any involvement in the murder, and makes Bruna promise not to say a word to Paco. Of course Paco walks in just in time to hear Bruna agree to the promise.

We return to the mansion where Diana is telling Fedora about the cocktail party. Fedora loves the idea, as long as they're not "throwing the house through the window" -- a phrase that's been used several times in this episode. Fedora also tells Diana that she's not ready to return to work yet, that Diana and Gaby should continue to run the business. Somebody needs to tell Fedora that Gaby has a serious attendance issue. I can't remember the last time she went to work!
At Paco's apartment, Octavia tells Paco that the secret is that she was cooking a stuffed chicken for him, but she burned it. Paco the genius falls for this and tells her not to worry, they can go out to dinner.

Fedora and Diana are back to discussing the cocktail party, when they're interrupted by Gaby, who enters the room in tears with the story of Pilar's fall and Larry's accusations. She doesn't want Larry to think that she could do something like that.

Meanwhile, Larry's at Pilar's bedside when she wakes and starts talking trash about Gaby. She knew what she was doing - she tried to kill Pilar and the baby. Por eso, he should hate Gaby for all of the pain she's caused. Not to worry, all of the love that Larry had for Gaby has turned to hate. He'll never forgive her.

Skip to Ignacio's place, where camila is on the phone saying that of course she'll accompany Max to the party tomorrow night! She hangs up and does a happy dance for Sylvita, whose wig of the day is orange and yellow. It's the usual silliness with these two. Sylvia wants to go to the party, she's sure she'll meet a millionaire and become a trophy wife.

Back to the mansion, the family is assembled by the pool where Nancy is serving breakfast. Diana invites Diego to the party, but he refuses. PSA regarding disabled people being able to have fun too - Caramelo tell him that heck, in the US, there was once a disabled president! Diego's not changing his tune - he said he's not going and he's not going!

We're treated to some scenes about town in Miami, and then we Skip forward to party time! Alvaro enters the room with Diana and Gaby on each arm. Diana's wearing a slinky green dress that's a little more grown up than the pink monstrosity she wore to the last cocktail party. Gaby's wearing a chocolate brown strapless number but she's ruined the look with a pink headband that makes her look like she's going to the prom. The press asks Diana for a statement from the young new president, and she tells them that it's a challenge, but she has valuable employees and they're hosting the party to show that soon they'll be back on top. Cut to commercial.

We return from the commercial to see a car moving slowly throught the parking lot. Will there be another drive-by shooting? No, it's just Syliva, who's car has broken down. What bad luck! It's a good think the fabrica is close enough that she can walk - it would be a shame if the guests missed a chance to see her Cruella DeVille wig and coordinating black and white outfit - complete with white go-go boots!

Pilar is holding court in her hospital room, where Yolanda has come to check in on her. Yolanda sends Larry off to the cafeteria to get some tea for Pilar, and Yolanda asks her if it's true that Gaby pushed her or if she made it up to get Larry back. The synthesizers tell us we're not getting an answer just yet...

Back to the party, where Alvaro introduces Diana as the new president of the fabrica. He tells them that she's young, but she's a quick study - in just a few days she's learned what she needs to know! Then Diana gives a little speech where she tells them that it's a challenge, but she has faith. blah blah blah. Then the moment we've all been waiting for: Max arrives with Camila on her arm! Diana wants to know what he's doing there, but Alvaro says he didn't invite him. Caramelo asks Emilio if he invited Max, and he says that he told him about the party, but didn't invite him. Alvaro tells her that he's only there to aggravate her, she shouldn't let him get to her. This night is hers.

Skip to Sylvia, who's hoping that God gives her a little favor and lets her meet a rich, handsome guy tonight. Skip to Pancho the Naco who's saying that he doesn't have a single dollar, maybe he should go back to smuggling jewels. His buddy notices a mujercita walking towards them. Pancho says "Mujercita? With those clothes and that wig she looks like a clown!" They throw some pantyhose over their heads and jump out to rob her.

At the party, Gaby asks Max what he's doing there, and asks him to leave. Nope, not going anywhere, chica. I'm employed by the competition and I'm just here for the free booze. My family is in ruins and beer ain't cheap. Cut to commercial.

After the commercial we return to the robbery, where Sylvia shows Pancho and his buddy her best Ninja moves and manages to break free.

Meanwhile, Gaby is still pleading with Max to leave or she'll call security. He knows that she's bluffing, they won't want the bad press. Emilio convinces her that Max is right, they don't want a scandal. Gaby walks off and Emilio follows, leaving Camila to gloat about the shocked look on Diana's face when they arrived. Max agrees, and says she looked like she was about to explode from jealousy. Which is exactly what he wants - she should suffer the way that he suffered! Diana wants to throw him out on his ear, but Alvaro is still trying to tell her that the best thing to do is have a good time and ignore Max. Caramelo agrees. Just then the reporter approaches Diana and asks if she can take a photo of Diana with one of the previous owners of the fabrica. Cue the heartbeat track. THUMP THUMP THUMP THUMP. The reporter explains that she wants to show that there are no hard feelings, and Max happily agrees. They stand in front of the elevator and prepare for the picture to be taken when the doors open and crazy Sylvia comes crashing through the door, knocking both Max and Diana to the floor. Diana lands on top of Max, but ultra smooth Max quickly rolls her over so that he can carress her face and come in for the KISS. For once, she doesn't resist. All of the guests are in shock, and the photographers are having a field day with this Kodak moment. Credits roll.

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Havent been able to do the recap. Perhaps y'all can post in the comments the gist of what happened. I will publish the recap later this week (meaning this weekend). Sorry!

Labels: duelo

Welcome back to Our Lady of La Selva sin Nombre, where Mother Superior, Hermana Sol, and Grillo are in Diana’s old room. Sister Sunshine explains to the occupant of the bed that they are in a convent in the middle of the jungle. In her “Once upon time…” voice, la Madre Elegida says they need to know her name, what she was doing all by herself in the middle of the dreaded Selva sin Nombre, etc. She concludes with, “You are safe now, all is well,” and smiles beatifically. We catch a glimpse of blonde hair at the edge of the frame, followed by a close-up of a female hand. This must be Marfil. Kudos to the manicurist: Marfil hasn’t been to the salon in weeks. She’s had multiple scuffles with her captors, survived a plane crash, trekked through the jungle, and she hasn’t broken a nail or even chipped the polish.

We move on to Perfumes R Us. Señora Presidenta Diana is typing away when Emilio enters to say that Max is outside and wants to see her. Before Emilio can make it out the door with Our Heroine’s trumped-up excuse, Max bursts in. Exit Emilio. Our Star-Crossed Lovers bicker over his paternal rights and this turns into the same old “You didn’t believe me” / “I said I was sorry” argument. She tries to throw him out as the Orchestra of Doom tells us that someone’s about to be impactado. Max tries to reason with Our Heroine. Why can’t they deal with their problems in a civilized manner? Why do they have to fight like cat and dog every time they see each other? These questions are too weighty for Diana’s little brain to handle all at once. Close-up of Our Heroine, clueless.

Over at Paco’s, Bruna and Lady Octopus are gloating over the Botoxed One’s visit to Gaviota. Lady O must have been having a wardrobe dilemma this morning; torn between a slinky cocktail dress and her beloved polyester slacks, she decided to wear both. While it’s not the most horrendous look I’ve ever seen (I worked in the rag trade for six years), it has the unfortunate effect of thickening her waist and widening her hips. But I digress. Octavia congratulates herself on driving Gaviota to attempt suicide. Bruna smiles and chuckles wickedly to signal her approval.

At TeleMiami General, Gaviota’s jonesing for a drink. Fortunately, she’s got that bottle of scotch tucked under the blanket. Unfortunately, Little Doormat pops in before she can even get the cap off. Good news: Fediota can go home tomorrow. Apparently the hospital staff hasn’t noticed anything odd about the pallor, the shakes, the whiskey on her breath. Oh, that’s right. Half the médicos in the hospital are on suspension pending trial for drug theft. Poor Dr. Quintana to attend to all the patients by himself. En fin, the String Quartet of Doom plays the Melancholy Samba. “I will fight for your happiness, blah, blah, blah.” Rehash of Gaviota’s bright hopes and rosy dreams before Paco’s ill-fated trip to Key West. Gaby’s heard all this many times over but is deeply moved nonetheless.

At Casa Naco, Pancho is berating Paola, who sits dolefully on the couch with the Glycerine Tear of True Dolor trickling down her cheek. He tells her she’s destroying herself. She replies that he’s destroying her. She’s using again because he’s done nothing about divorcing that cheap redhead Caramelo. Pancholón sticks to his point: Peyola was getting high before they got together. She does a fair amount of wailing to the tune of “You lied to me from the start.” He tells her to stop crying. He doesn’t like to see women cry. He’s a “macho muy macho,” the most macho guy in the barrio, and that’s why he has two wives. Which doesn’t excuse Paola going out and getting wasted. Pancho has missed his calling. He should be a pimp. In fact, he ought to go into business with Bruna. She would make an excellent brothel-keeper, with her black-ringed eyes and demonic laughter, gleefully pinching his lingerie-clad stable into submission.

We head over to Emilio’s to find Yolanda and René worrying about Paola, accompanied by the Piano of Doom. They say nothing new about Peyote’s dilemma until René suggests that they ask Octavia to intervene. Yolanda takes a deep breath. There’s a preamble to give the Orchestra of Doom some time to join the piano, but it’s not long before they build to a crescendo. Big Doormat tells René that Lady Octopus has rejected Paola for being illegitimate. And then Our Comic Studmuffin does the unthinkable: He is impactado, just plain old impactado, without the seventh-grade class clown faces and gestures.

Back to the lovebirds. Pancho tells his fierita that she’d better cut out the drugs or… Paola finishes the sentence for him: “Or you’ll leave me?” Hysterics ensue, but they’re mercifully short-lived. Maudlin violin music as Pancho tells her to stop crying, he loves her, etc. Then we get the more familiar String Quartet of Doom sawing away ominously as he goes on to say that he loves both of his wives, in his way. Things would be easier if she and Caramelo just accepted the situation. More blather about the needs of machos muy machos until Paola slaps him and runs to the bedroom. Señor Macho Machísimo is not pleased. The little woman has a lesson to learn.

Back in Diana’s office, Max is still trying vainly to talk some sense into Our Heroine. She’s bored by it all and just wants him to leave. He may have a light workload today, but Diana has a fábrica to save. Our Hero gets the “New Diana” speech and shakes his head in disbelief. It’s a bad sign when not even Max is dumb enough to buy this crap. The speech finally winds down. She has a meeting in ten minutes. He refuses to leave so Diana gets up to go. As she turns towards the door I can see exactly why her little gray skirt looks trashy. The slit is lined up with her rear cleavage and starts just under the buttock. That is not cute. En fin, Max jumps up and prevents her from opening the door. He threatens legal action. She tells him to leave, which he does. Close-up of Diana, rolling her eyes heavenward as she lets out a sigh. Commercial.

We come back from commercial to Casa Naco. Paola is stretched out on the bed, crying. Enter Pancho. He loved her from the start. But she needs to stop crying or she’ll look ugly and he won’t love her any more. (Yes, he really said that.) She begs him not to leave her, she loves him and can’t live without him. He can’t live without her either. As they hug, he thought-bubbles that he can’t live without Caramelo, either. They have make up sex.

Time to see what’s shakin’ at Dr. Evil’s Lair. He’s on the couch, in his bathrobe and slippers. I’ve missed a couple of episodes and am relieved to see that Camila has returned the costume she borrowed from Rebelde. I’m especially glad that she has also shelved the fedora. Now I can stop expecting her to suddenly do a Bob Fosse number, complete with “jazz hands.” Silva is there, doing a rather tawdry impersonation of Cher in “Moonstruck.” She tries to join in the scheming, but her lovely cousin shuts her up with verbal threats and Bruna-like pinches. Camila asks Ignacio if he knows a good lawyer. She wants one for Max, so he can get custody of Mini Max. A custody battle will widen the rift between Max and Diana; they will hate each other forever, etc., etc., etc. Ignacio likes this idea. He and Camila toast the success of their new enterprise while Silvia perches on the arm of the sofa, ruefully massaging her bruised shoulder.

We check in on Gaviota. She still can’t get her drink on because Diana has joined them. She tells Fediota about the heroic efforts that she and Emilio are making to save Perfumes R Us. After an awkward silence and some prompting on Gaviota’s part, Diana brings up the pending custody battle. Fedora heaves a sigh. Damn. Now she really needs that drink. Diana wants Gaviota to represent her in court. Gav admits to feeling less than enthusiastic about it, but she agrees. In a weary voice almost drowned out by the Orchestra of Doom, she vows that Max will never take Diana’s child away.

Aw, man, we’re going back to Casa Naco. I’m sick of these two. Pancho is asleep. Paola is at the dresser, brushing the ends of her hair. The doorbell rings. Wondering who it could be at this hour, she goes to answer. Gratuitous close-up of Señor Macho and the man-boobs that drive women wild. And speaking of wild women, guess who’s at the door? That’s right, girls and boys, Caramelo’s come over to play. Paola reacts with a “Good God, not you again!” while Caramelo stands with hand on hip and head slightly tilted. “That’s right, skank, it’s me again.” She swaggers into the living room. She just came by to remind Peyola that Caramelo de Cianuro is Pancholón’s real wife. These encounters would be more entertaining if at least one of the ladies packed heat. If it ever comes to a gunfight, my money’s on Caramelo. Paola would probably get nervous or high and put a bullet through one of her Manolo Blahniks instead of Our Good Sex Kitten. Anyway, it’s the usual “Pancho’s mine!” “No, he’s mine!” until Caramelo goes for Paola’s throat. Enter Lala. She breaks it up and threatens to throw them out. She gives them the “Pancho’s a dirtbag, have some self-respect” lecture.

Over at TeleMiami General, Gaviota’s alone and looking a little more relaxed. Apparently she managed to knock back a couple of stiff ones after the Hermanas Soriano finally left. That’s good, because Max enters the room. Fediota doesn’t waste much time informing him that she is once again Diana’s legal counsel. Our Hero counters by saying that he’ll throw TeleMiami’s best lawyer into the ring with her. Gaviota just wants him out of her daughter’s life. “Never!” Max thunders. They will never keep him away from his child. Exit Max. Close-up of Gaviota, troubled. Commercial.

At Casa Naco, Lala is still going on about dignity and self-respect. It’s waste of breath. More “Pancho’s mine!” “No, he’s mine!” Another intervention. After Caramelo apologizes to Lala and exits, Lala asks where Pancho is. “He’s sleeping.” That’s the last straw. Cut to the bedroom. Enter Lala with a large bucket of water. She pours the water on Pancholón. What is it with older ladies dousing troublesome youngsters on this show? It doesn’t improve their behavior.
We now find ourselves at the Convent in the Middle of the Jungle. Hermana Sol is saying good-night to their not-so-mysterious guest. She turns out the light and leaves.
Back to Casa Naco. Pancho enters the living room, wrapped in a sheet. Our Sleazeball Studmuffin wants to know why Lala drenched him like that. The bed’s going to get moldy; what did he do now? Paola sulks as Lala rehashes the War of the Wives. She tells her son that she can’t have these escándalos in her house every day. If he doesn’t make a decision, Lala will kick him out. Not likely. She’s an enabler. For all the shame and heartache Pancho has caused her, similar threats only result in Vieja continuing to support, feed, and clean up after him. Exit Lala, probably to change the sodden bedding.

In her office at the convent, Mother Superior lights a candle and crosses herself. There’s a knock at the door and Hermana Sol enters. La Madre Elegida remarks how strange it is that Marfil hasn’t said a word since her rescue. Sor Hermana agrees. They don’t even know what to call her other than “the woman they found in the jungle,” a slightly more convenient monicker than “the woman they found half-strangled and left for dead in the river in the middle of the jungle without a name.” Bueno, they wonder who she is and how she got there, making no connection between Marfil and the recent plane crash.

Casa Naco again. Paola says he doesn’t love her. He claims he just proved it by the hot make up sex they had. Yes, but she left everything for him, and he won’t leave Caramelo. The “Soy un macho” speech again. His fierita can’t handle the full force of his super-lovin’ all by herself. She might spontaneously combust, like the eponymous heroine of “Semele” after seeing her lover Zeus in all his divine glory. Paola calls him a few names, says he doesn’t love her, and runs out. Cue festive music for a close-up of Pancho. Again he reflects that he should have been born in a muslim country where every varón is the master of an adoring, harmonious harem. Yeah, right.

At Villa Vengeance, Gaviota and Our Heroine are strolling around the patio. Gaviota, looking very 80’s in her oversized, belted red shirt and black leggings, is glad to be home, surrounded by her loved ones: Diana, Gaby, Mini Max, Johnny Walker…Mother and daughter then discuss the custody battle. Fediota lets her know that Max will probably win visitation rights. Diana is impactada. Commercial.

Diego is in the back yard of Villa Vengeance. He is joined by Pancholón. He tells Big Bro his secret: He can stand up and take a few steps by himself. They high-five each other. Diego then asks his brother for a massage. Pancho immediately balks. His Machismo is too strong for one woman alone to handle, yet it will go out like a match if he lays hands on another man. Oookaaay. Diego has to tell him that it’s not kind of massage that high-ranking politicians and evangelical leaders get. It’s just to strengthen his leg muscles. He goes on to explain why they have to keep this a secret from everyone. Pancho tells Diego to forget about Diana. Diego vows that Max and Diana will never be happy if he can help it. He plans to remain an obstacle on their road to happiness.

Cut to Pilar and Sandy at the mall. Our Scheming Sex Kitten is in the mood to shop for maternity wear. Then Pilar spies Gaby, window-shopping in a tomato-red mini dress. Before Sandy has time to be impactada, Pilar bounds over to confront her rival. What’s Gaby doing here? This is a mall for rich people. They snipe at each other regarding Little Doormat’s social status and then start bickering about Larry. Gaby is as tired of this crap as I am and tries to walk away. Pilar follows her and manages to stop her at the top of the escalator. While Sandy shouts “¡No seas naca!” Pilar tries to provoke a shoving match with Little Doormat. Slo-mo montage: Close-up of Pilar stepping back onto the escalator. Close-up of Pilar screaming. Close-up of Sandy screaming while she and Gaby watch Our Evil Sex Kitten fall. Pilar lets out a little scream every bump of the way. When she hits the mezzanine, she rolls over into an unconscious heap. Back in real time, Sandy runs down the escalator, shrieking her name. We leave her to revive Pilar with the shake-and-shout maneuver while Gaby looks down on the scene in horror.

There’s a visitor at Emilio’s. Debora answers the door. Enter Diana, who sweeps in as if she owns the whole building. She wants to talk to Max. Our Hero isn’t there. Junior high-type insults are exchanged. Exit Diana. Close-up of Debora looking seriously miffed, then anxious.

Gaby’s pacing the corridor at TeleMiami General. Granny M’s old red couch has been moved out of Pancho’s room and parked against the wall. Enter Larry. He came as soon as he got the call from Sandy. He asks after Gaviota. Little Doormat gives him the happy news. Enter Sandy. Thank God Lunkhead’s here, Pilar has done nothing but call for him. She lost the baby. Que sorpresa. Gaby gets a bad case of the dry heaves as Larry and Sandy hurry down the hall. Close-up of Gaby, still heaving.

Cut to Pilar’s room. She looks remarkably hale and hearty for someone who just miscarried an hour ago. She fumes about Little Doormat. As Larry and Sandy enter, I notice that Granny M’s old red couch somehow made it down the hall and into Pilar’s room before they did. En fin, Pilar tearfully claims that Gaby deliberately pushed her down the escalator. Larry is impactado. Commercial.

We come back from commercial to Emilio’s. Debora is on the couch, leafing through a magazine. Max is on his way out. With his pale yellow shirt, dark vest and slacks, he looks like he’s going to tend bar somewhere. Debora casually mentions that Diana stopped by. That stops Our Hero in his tracks. She then accuses Max and Diana of using the custody battle as a smokescreen for their torrid affair. Max tells her to mind her own business. Debora goes into Chihuahua-on-crack mode, driving Max out of the apartment. Close-up of Debora

We go from one shrew to the other with a close-up of Pilar, complete with GTTD, as she repeats her accusations against Little Doormat. In fact, she’s going to file charges. And Larry has to hate Little Doormat, too, blah, blah, blah. Sandy tells her to calm down and suggests that Lunkhead have a chat with Dr. Quintana. As soon as he’s out the door, Sandy urges Pilar to stop telling so many lies. Gaby didn’t try to push her down the escalator. It was the other way around. It isn’t right, etc., etc. Pilar, however, is in Fiera mode. She grabs Sandy’s wrist and snarls that as her friend, Sandy has to support her in everything.

Cut to Larry, hurrying down the corridor. Gaby stops him to ask how Pilar is. Lunkhead has decided to believe Pilar. What does Gaby care? How could she go so far? Before this idiocy can proceed any further, Dr. Quintana appears. Pilar will never be able to conceive again. Round robin of close-ups: Larry, impactado; Quintana, muy serio; Gaby, impactada; Larry again, looking accusingly at Gaby. Nobody seems to grasp that having Pilar out of the gene pool is a good thing.

Over at Perfumes Gaviota, Max bursts into Diana’s office. Their squabble over visitation rights is interspersed with the “mi hijo”/“no, nuestro hijo” bickering. Diana resorts to name calling and Max literally applauds her dirty mouth. Diana threatens to leave the country with Mini Maxi. Maxi Maxi tells her he’ll go for sole custody if she tries anything underhanded. Dueling close-ups.

Roll credits

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In la casa de Montero, Ricardo (aka Monty) tells Pizarro that Diego and Al need to be arrested for aiding and abetting with Sara Kali’s prison escape. Monty really wants to put them in their place and take all their money and land. Piza says they need to be careful because they’ve got a lot of pressure on them. With Fernando back in town sporting his own army, he could unite with Alejandro and his men and go against Monty. Piza suggests that they should get more men and arms. Monty says he’ll think about it and he tells Piza to take a hike because he needs to rest.

At la casa de de la Vega, Mariangel (aka Mangle) is talking with her aunt, Almudena (aka Dena). Dena warns Mangle that she needs to proceed carefully with Diego because with all of his memories flooding back to him, he’s in a vulnerable state (just the way Mangle likes her men). Dena says that Diego remembers his love for Esmeralda and in the course of this conversation she tells Mangle that Esme’s baby was in fact Diego’s. Mangle says she thought it was Monty’s kid. Well, don’t worry, Mangle says, she’s carrying Diego’s child as well and she’ll actually be able to deliver hers. Mangle is just trying to hurt Dena, because she knows that Dena really loves Esme and misses her now that she’s “dead”. Dena tells Mangle that Alej thinks that Esme is really alive and until she sees her dead body and can give her a Christian burial, Dena will continue to think Esme is alive as well. Mangle is impactada because this is the first she’s heard about Esme possibly being alive. Mangle tries to suck up to her aunt, telling her how hard it is to make her marriage work, blah, blah, blah. Dena says that Mangle needs to be there for Diego. Mangle says she’ll be there for him, but it will be hard for him to accept her help because of Esme’s memory always being there.

Zorro rides around the countryside at night, beautiful mountains in the distance. He later breaks into Monty’s house, knocks out all his guards, finds Monty and starts a fight with him. Zorro demands to know about Esme. Monty tells Zorro that he’ll kill him and Zorro punches Monty.

Olmos meets with Fernando and they rehash the search for Sara Kali/ Mercedes. Olmos indicates that he knows who SK really is and Fernando asks if this is now public knowledge that SK is the true heir to the Spanish crown. FS tells Olmos that he should have kept an eye on Esme and Olmos said he did but Esme gave him the slip. Olmos tells FS the news that Monty’s men killed Esme when she was trying to escape after she was captured. FS says are you sure, because it would seem more likely that Monty would kidnap Esme and use her as a bargaining chip with the Crown. Nope, Olmos says, his contacts assure him that she’s dead. Olmos leaves and Fernando mutters that with the truth finally out there, nothing can stop him now. Then he says that Esme was impulsive and a bit loca, but she didn’t deserve to pay with her life.

Dena tells Al that she needs to go see her brother, Fernando, because she needs to know the truth about Esme or she’ll die. Al tells her that it is risky for her to leave the hacienda, but he agrees to let her go and he and some men will follow her for protection in case Monty will attack.

That won’t be likely because Monty is still in the midst of a swordfight with Zorro. He gets a good grasp on Zorro’s mask, but he’s unable to rip it off. Apparently this thing is made out of some sort of super fiber, because he had a really good hold on it, but alas was unable to unmask the masked bandito. Zorro is quite a cunning fighter, he uses anything he can get his hands on as a weapon, even paraguas (umbrellas) or were they sombrillas (parasols)? Anyway he’s pretty crafty. The fight gets moved outside, where tons of villagers are watching the action (we must remember they didn’t have tv back then).

One of the knocked out soldiers from Monty’s house escaped and finds Piza. He tells him that Zorro is attacking their commander. Piza calls Garcia (aka Short Armed Man, or SAM) and tells him to get his men gathered and go over to protect the commander. SAM is ready for action, but Piza tells him to take his time……SAM finally gets the hint and is not in a hurry to take off. I need to add, I’m kinda liking Piza right about now, he’s wicked, but when he uses those powers for our side, it is kinda cool.

Fernando visits Esme’s old room and seems almost melancholy about her death and then he tells his criada (maid) to clear out Esme’s room. So much for that feeling lasting….. Dena arrives at the Sanchez home to speak with Fernando. He asks her if she’s happy he’s back. She wants to know if he feels guilty for what happened to Esme. She launches into how he has no idea what it means to be a family. Fernando can sense that this isn’t the same Dena as before. She asks him why he told Al that Esme is probably alive, she demands he tell her what he knows. Just then the maid comes into the room and asks if he would like her to give away Esme’s things or just destroy them.

Monty is knocked down on the ground and Zorro has the tip of his blade at Monty’s throat. Monty calls Zorro a coward and says that he won’t be able to kill him. No, I won’t kill you, but I’ll make your life a living hell, so that you’ll wish I would have killed you, Zorro says. Zorro takes the blade and makes his famous mark on Monty’s left pec and he takes off to parts unknown. After Zorro makes his escape, SAM arrives with the troops and they go to help Monty. He tells them to go after Zorro, but it is already too late, he’s disappeared.

Dena tells Fernando that he’s destroyed all that she’s loved. Fernando says that he never wanted Dena to suffer. She tells him that she loved Esme and raised her as if she was her daughter. Fernando adds that Esme wasn’t his child, that she was just living proof of Mercedes’ betrayal. Dena tells her brother that she’ll never forgive him. Although he is her brother, she’s going to hate him always for what he’s done.

Pizarro goes to see Esme. He tries to convince her that he’s still working on her side. She doesn’t buy it for a second. He tells her that things are worse than before and that they need to protect Sara Kali because only her story going public can destroy Monty. Esme tells him that she hopes her mother is well on her way to Spain at this point. Piza doubts that’s the case, the only way she could escape to Spain is if she had his help (no loss of ego here). Besides, Esme adds, I don’t need your help because any day now Diego de la Vega will make sure I’m released from this prison. Piza, says that won’t happen because Diego, along with everyone else in town, thinks that Esme’s dead. Esmeralda esta muy impactada. Piza lays it on thick, everyone is mourning for Esme, but then with time they’ll go back to business as usual and Esme will continue to rot in prison, meanwhile Monty runs amok. What a shame this is, because if Esme would take his help, this could all be avoided. She starts to cry at his words.

Zorro returns to the Bat Cave and a waiting Bernardo. He rehashes the events with Monty and tells Bernie that he was unable to get Monty to talk. However, he learned that Monty is a man who makes many mistakes when he is angry. Diego tells Bernie to watch Monty night and day. Then he swears that he’ll make Monty pay. Diego heads up to Mangle’s bedroom and she demands to know where he’s been all night. He tells her that he needed time to think. She says that she heard he’s starting to get his memory back. He tells her that he remembers everything, even this and pulls out the crude little bottle of her potion. She questions what that is and tells him it’s not hers. He says that he found it among her things in her room and it contains an Indian potion that makes you forget and she must have used it when he woke up in her bed. Diego tells her that he knows he loved Esme and no matter what Mangle tries, he’s never going to get Esme out of his mind. Mangle says she’s dead. Diego replies, not to me. Mangle starts to trash talk her sister and how Esme left Diego high and dry to go save her mother. Mangle brings up her own pregnancy and how the child she’s expecting is Diego’s child. Diego says no te preocupes (don’t worry), I’ll not punish the child for our mistakes. He’ll be a father to the child and he’ll give Mangle respect for being his wife, but he’ll never give her his love.


Monty demands that Agapito (the surgeon, dentist, barber, and mortician) get rid of the “Z” mark on his chest. Agapito says that he’s got to sew it up, but there will definitely be a cicatriz (scar). Monty tells Aga that if anyone finds out about this, he’ll make sure that Aga’s tongue is removed. Aga assures Monty of his discretion, but unfortunately many people in town saw what Zorro did to Monty. Monty curses Zorro and swears that when he gets his hands on him he’ll die, and if he has family he’ll kill them one by one right in front of Zorro.

Diego, meanwhile, swears that Monty is going to pay for Esme and his child’s death.

Prudencio tells Fernando about Monty and Zorro fighting in the town square. Fernando asks about Zorro and the link to Sara Kali. Prudencio tells FS that Zorro was there when SK broke out of prison. FS wonders what interest Zorro has in SK, and then he starts to remember how acrobatic Zorro is. He speculates that Zorro must be a Gitano and he demands that Prudencio watch the gypsy camp. Alone, Fernando mutters that he should have killed Sara Kali when he had the chance.

Padre Tomás and Diego rehash the return of his memory and the fight with Monty. Diego tells PT that he’s starting to think that Esme really is dead and with her death, I died too. PT tells him to be strong and to remember Zorro’s mission. PT says he needs to tell SK about Esme’s death. Diego says to tell her that she should have her revenge but do it as the Queen. Also, Diego adds, remind her that Zorro is on her side and will help her escape to Spain.

Al asks Juan about Yumali. Juan says she’s got to be here because the hacienda is guarded and Al says that Yumi can sneak out. He compares Yumi to Regina/Purina. He says he’ll go out to look for her, but Juan is worried (ulcer 1), last time Al went outside the hacienda Monty caught him. Al says send your two best men to come along with me.

Maria Pia is in the church talking with Padre Tomás. He admits that the woman staying at the mission is really there in hiding, from Montero. MP says that he must have good reason because Monty is cruel. He tells her that the woman he’s been hiding is really Sara Kali, Fernando’s not dead second wife and Esme’s mother.

Sara Kali has dreams/flashbacks about Esme.

Al returns to the hacienda and tells Dolores that he couldn’t find Yumi and Dolo tells him that Dena took off again to talk to Fernando. Al is ticked, don’t these women realize they are at war with Montero!!! Al asks Juan to go after Dena, because he doesn’t trust Fernando ( so he’s worried for his wife, ulcer 2).

Piza reports to Monty that they were unable to find Zorro and that they really need to concentrate their efforts on locating Sara Kali. Monty says yes she’s their priority, but also there is a shipment of coins coming from a Spanish ship. He tells Piza to send the best soldiers to guard the transport of the gold from the port. He adds that they really need the money to buy more weapons and to hire more soldiers. Piza suggests that they disguise the guards for the cargo wagon. Monty doesn’t like Piza having thoughts of his own and snaps that HE, Montero, is the one making the decisions and giving orders.

Zorro attacks the wagon. He gets the gold which he promptly takes and distributes to the poor.

Monty attempts to mount his horse and reopens his wound, bleeding a “Z” onto his white shirt.

Sara Kali talking to Padre Tomás, remembers her connection to Esme. Even though they were separated for years, she always felt a connection with her daughter. She senses PT has bad news and asks him to give her hope. He can’t and he tells her about Esme’s death and Monty’s involvement in it. SK does not believe her daughter is dead, she would feel it if she weren’t alive. PT says Monty will pay and she needs to claim the throne, Zorro will be there to help her. She tells PT that she can’t think about this now, that with Esme’s death, she’s died too.

Diego recounts his adventures to Bernardo. He figures out that the wagon was so well guarded because Monty must really need the money.

Monty tells Piza that they’ve run out of resources and he thinks that Piza is enjoying all of this, with an “I told you so” kind of look.

Str. Suplicios/Nutty Nun and Renzo are being held by the slave traders. The two discuss saving Camba (because they are in a really good position to do this? and we’ve seen how well Renzo is in critical situations---cute but useless). Renzo can’t believe that NN is a nun, she clarifies, an almost nun (could this be a future couple?). The slave traders are trying to bribe some soldiers, so they can continue onward. The soldier says the amount isn’t enough and the main slave trader guy decides he’s got something other than money that the soldiers might find of interest---Nutty. He passes NN onto the soldiers and Renzo and Camba go ballistic (they are worried for NN, ulcer 3 & 4).

Fernando asks Prudencio to go get someone (didn’t catch who it was) and after Prude leaves, Dena arrives. She demands that Fernando bring an end to the conflicts in town. He comments about her tone hasn’t changed from earlier. She tells him that he doesn’t owe her anything, do it for yourself, better yet, do it for Al. After all , she adds, you owe him for killing his wife. FS is angry that Al told Dena all the sorted details (he’s lived in the town how long and hasn’t figured out that everyone gossips and can’t keep a secret---shocking, I know). FS tries to defend the indefensible and says he was young and everyone was doing it. Apparently killing entire Indian tribes was quite the rage (literally and figuratively). Not a valid point to argue Fernando. So, to borrow from my parents, if everyone was jumping off a cliff, you’d do that too? All Dena asks is that Fernando do something to stop Monty from persecuting Diego and Alejandro.

Al is happy that Diego remembers, but says he’s a different sort of person now---could that be because his reality isn’t all that rosy right now? Let’s see, the woman he loves is dead, his enemy is running the town, he’s married to a monster, and just recovered from amnesia to realize all of this. It would have an effect on anyone. Anyway, Diego says that Mangle isn’t too happy that he’s got his memory back, because now he remembers that their marriage is a farce. Al says that they married for honor. Diego replies that she tricked and trapped him into marriage. Al says it’s too late for regrets. To which, Diego answers, if Mangle lies one more time I’ll end this marriage (that’s right set her up for failure and be true to your word!!!)

Auggie takes food to Esme and she tells him she’s not hungry. He encourages her to eat it because it might be awhile before he can sneak her some more food. She again begs him to help her, and uses his family as a means to sway him. Auggie is afraid, so Esme says I’ll give you all I promise if you just do this one thing----Tell Diego I’m alive, I beg you. END OF EPISODE (ulcer count = 4)

Labels: Zorro

Aurora doesn’t care to wait for Lety. She says she has many more important things to do. Aurora has to meet the counts of Villa Fontain at the Castle of Chapultepec. Tomas says Lety will just sign later. Jacques says he wants to take no chances after what Omar pulled. Fer assures him Omar is no longer with Conceptos, that they let him go because of what happened. They discuss this for a moment. Fer asks Jacques to trust him, but Pablo says he knows him well and he won’t change his mind.

Fer finally says no problem he’ll call Lety, she always answers. Aurora is not so sure that she will answer. Of course she doesn’t. Aurora says she's going to the powder room, and they both admonish her not to leave the business.

Fer asks Tomas why Lety’s not answering. Tommy responds that she’s probably busy with her boyfriend. Fer thinks no, she’s just not used to using her cell phone and he’ll probably get her at the office. He calls PM who tells him that she has gone out with Aldo. He’s not fond of that response of course. Fer asks Tom if his client is going to bother coming back.

Aurora/Lety goes down to the cab and retrieves her trunk of magic. I swear I recognize this part is really being filmed in a hotel lobby in the Reforma Area of Mexico City that I spent time at. I swear I even sat on those steps that she drags that suitcase up.

Anyway, in the meantime Fer calls Aldo and finds out she’s not there with him, Aldo thought she was with Fer. Al thinks Fer is playing a joke on him. Aldo is with the editorialista babe discussing the project and then another hot babe friend of hers shows up to help.

Lety is changing back into her ugly self, complete with drawing on eyebrows and bigotons as fast as she can. In the office, Jacques is getting impatient and wants to cancel. Fer says he’ll try Lety one more time. This time he gets her and wonders where she is, she tells him right here as she runs into the room. Of course now Jacques and Mr. Pablo want Aurora.

The three stooges try to work their way out of it trying to convince the gentlemen that they shouldn’t insist. Tomas wonders why they want them all together. The gentlemen think it’s perfectly customary for all parties to be together for the signing of a contract. (Well not when one of them isn’t real, and can’t contract anyway, something a president already in debt and legal trouble would know, but I bet this snafu will get muddled in the plot!) Fer says if we wait for this frivolous chic to show up will never get this done. Finally, Lety offers that she has a commitment that she has to go and can’t really wait so she signs all the pages quickly.

Omar comes into the building. A guard stops him and Omar asks if he saw a beautiful woman, his woman etc. The guy says yes and that he noticed her "goods."

Lety changes again and curses her situation of having to go back and forth. On her way back to the office Aurora runs into Omar who begs her to give him another chance and that he missed her. He begs her to get rid of her boyfriend and says he’ll be her slave and do anything she wants. She says anything? Then disappear!

The boys are discussing how they always wait for women, when she, the star shows up. She can never quite get his name right. Calling him multiple combinations. Tomas laughs at the way she handles Fer. Fer tells him to quit laughing.

Aurora says she can’t wait for Lety and messes up her name too. Fer defends her and demands respect, to which she nods on the sly to Tommy as Lety. She insists she has to go, will sign and has no time to listen to project details, just call her and she’ll be there. She signs and takes her leave, again messing up Fer’s name, this time as Mongolia.


Aldo is discussing the book deal with the editor babes. He says he can send suggestions and revisions to them via e-mail. Editor babe (Carmina?) [Is there anyone who hasn’t shown up in this novela?] disagrees and thinks it’s better to do these things in person. Aldo agrees in principal but says they don’t really have the time. She tells him not to worry about time. She’ll meet up wherever he wants, it’s not a problem for her, his office, his house, his bed (no she didn’t say that last one, but I bet she muttered it silently to herself!)

Jacques thinks it’s a shame that Lety had to leave because he wants to tell them details. Tomas says I bet she’ll be back pretty quick. Fer argues that she said she had to go. Sure enough, Lety out of breath makes it back to the office again and is surprised that the presumptuous diva has left them. Tomas credits his intuition. She really thinks this woman is intolerable and arrogant. Fer agrees and continues that she is superficial, and that she needs to be put as a bust that signifies superficiality. Lety says she’s lacking a bust? He says no, never mind. Lety thinks well maybe she’s a good person deep down. Fer agrees maybe only way down, in the deep sea!

Jacques continues to describe the project details. He says they are going to also do a TV show as part of this campaign and Aurora’s image will be associated with the pilot. She will have to do the screen tests and commercials for the pilot and that she’ll eventually be integrated into the program. At this Lety falls lump sideways. She’s deep in kim chee now!! (props to Jeanne) She brushes off her reaction as being dizzy.

Lui gives Alicia her wedding gift. He says he’s not thrilled that she’s marrying a Feo, but she should enjoy this on her wedding day anyway. She opens it up. Whips and Handcuffs. Lui says whips to dominate the wild beast, and handcuffs so he doesn’t escape. He says he knows perfectly why she’s marrying the horripicoso (horrible hair raising guy); because he’s the representative of Aurora. Ali is shocked, she didn’t know. Lui can’t believe that, but he gets the idea to ask Ali to spy for him, and to find out all of the Diva's likes and dislikes etc. She agrees and thanks him for the gift.

The three stooges decend from the signing and stumble across Omar in the lobby practicing to give flowers to Aurora. He’s waiting for her, but they tell him she’s left already, and forget it that they have good news anyway that Aurora signed. Lety wonders if Omar is really suffering that badly for her, and he says yes, because he’s in love. He’s excited that he’ll see her at Conceptos. Fer smiles happily towards Lety, then corrects himself and calls her Dona.

The cuartel is teasing the Oxi, imagining her doing a married woman’s chores and discussing what they ought to get her for a wedding present from the various domestic appliances available on sale. She wanders up insulting them wondering what they are chatting about and they say her of course. She tells them to take advantage while you have me because maybe after my wedding you won’t have to count on my beautiful presence here. They wonder how she can marry in the church if she’s divorced. Turns out she didn’t marry in the church the first time. They insult more.


The three stooges return make that four with Omar who gets sent to Fer's office and they greet the cuartel. Just then Ali begs Tommy to speak with her.

Ali pulls Tomas in his office sits on his lap and turns on the kissy face. He’s overcome with her femaleness. She fishes around with him to see if he might now be interested in finding a different way to make money. It comes out that he is the agent for Aurora and she knows he will make a lot of money for that. He wonders how she found out. She admits it was Luigi. She wants to know why he didn't tell her and he says he thought she might get jealous. She said she is a little, but she'll tolerate it because of how much money representing a famous model must bring them. He begs her not to tell anyone because Aurora is odd and it will upset her. She says she's discreet and will but a gift to her will give her more incentive to keep her mouth shut. Nice.

Lui takes Valeriana. He’s nervous because he has so much to do, and because he has to work with the bombshell beauty of Aurora. Irma says that this woman does have real class, at his high level, unlike Jasmine!!

Aldo makes his grand inquisition. Where the hell were you? He asks Lety twice. Fer marches in just then and tells him to watch the tone in which he is talking to our boss. Fer mocks him and jokes that now Aldo’s going to make him pay. Aldo assures him he’s never disrespected Lety. Fer says that’s a good thing because if you do you’ll have to answer to me! You tell him Fer! She calms Fer and tells Aldo really fast what happened and that she’s fine. He says he was worried about her that’s all. Fer takes his leave. She thanks Aldo for doing what he always does, supporting her, and because of this, he is resopnsible for getting Aurora onboard.

Aldo tells her he’s got good news too. He’s starting on the next editions of the book. She is excited that he is going to write again. Actually, he’s just going to contribute and his chicas, um sorry, editorialistas are going to help with the writing part. He says they will celebrate with a grand dinner at his house.

Fer has good news to share with Lui and busts in to his office. Lui jokes that he’s leaving? He says no, it's that Aurora signed. Lui is ecstatic to start work with her, but reminds Fer this isn’t an express Salchicha (sort of a hot dog) factory and that creativity and a good product take time. They banter. They discuss that the commercials aren’t going to be filmed in Conceptos and that Orni already told Lui that. Fer is a little impactado.

Omar goes in to see Aldo. Omar fumbles a bit. Aldo tells him, breath deep, organize your ideas and then speak. Omar asks if Al knew Aurora signed the contract and if he knows now what happens. Aldo responds that, duh, Conceptos will produce the campaign. Begin Omar groveling. He begs to come back. Aldo enjoys that he is kneeling. He begs him to promise not to bug Lety anymore. He also asks that for every decision he consults him or Lety. Aldo calls him Lazaro and tells him to get up. Omar leaves and curses what he has to do for his love of Aurora.


Oxi and cuartel are at it again. They make fun of her walking as if she was the MM. Oxi says well I'm almost the same. PM says there's a world of difference between her and the MM. Ali spills the beans just like Tom told her not to. Shame, shame, shame. Ali goes on about how much money Tom & she will make and the cuartel continue teasing her. Just then Tomas runs up and asks her if she's ready to go. She wonders what he's talking about. He remarks that he might have forgotten to tell her but his mama arranged everything for them to attend their prenuptial lessons. Ali is mad that his mama interferes and wonders if they are really necessary and Tomas reminds her it's one of the requirements before they can marry and if they don't go now, they'll be late.

Aldo and Lety kissy face. Fer comes in. He says he didn’t see anything and keeps wlaking to his cave. He comes back and wants to ask one thing, about work and he nuzzles in at the trough next to Domensain. He tells Lety that Lui told him the commercials going to be filmed elsewhere and why? Lety says she knew, and it's because Aurora asked for it. He wonders what else the Diva asked for. Aldo joins in that she’s difficult too and comments about her asking for the million dollars. Lety and Fern discuss how intolerable she is and Lety says yes, she has to have much patience with that woman because she thinks she's Maria Felix reincarnated!!

Fer comes into the apartment to find a dejected Omar drunk and on the floor. He says he looks pathetic. Omar says he never called Fer pathetic when he was crying over GargoLety, so have some compassion for him and that he’s offending him showing up so cheery with such a smile on his face. Fer says he’s sorry he's not really that happy either, but he’s glad he got Aurora to accept the deal because it wasn't easy.

Fer tells him to stop crying. Fer thinks he might be starting to kind of like Aurora too. Well not really, but Fer thinks she might be a little attractive and interesting but boy is she cold blooded. Omar cries that that is part of her beautiful charm. Fer doesn’t think Omar’s really in love, it’s more like an obsession. Omar isn’t sure what Fer knows of love. Fer rejects that and Omar backs down, that yes he does know something.

Fer alerts him that he thinks Omar is only like this because Aurora is the first one that has paid him no attention. Omar thanks him for his advice, that now he feels soooo much better. He pontificates. He was happy before he fell in love. What is love really worth? Love is why I'm like this. God invented it to torture men! Love is the cause of my suffering and my pain. Fer finally ends up agreeing that he is right, love is sometimes like this but not always. Omar begs him to understand that he hurts. Fer calms him and takes away his drink.


Lety and Aldo are sharing wine again. And they kiss and reminisce about dancing in front of the fire. She recalls that she still was hung up on Fer though. Aldo shushes her and plants one on her.

Fer tells Omar he has an idea. Omar asks if it’s that they should kill themselves. Fer says that's a good option, but it doesn't work well if you don't do it with real conviction, he actually already tried that in Acapulco, but what we really have to do is to denounce all women. They can’t let a woman enter their lives ever again. Omar says yes, no woman can ever enter here. It will be our Refuge. Fer says yes, this will be our bunker. A woman can never enter our bunker. There’s a knock at the door. Omar instantly forgets their conversation and opens the door thinking it might be Aurora. No, it’s your worst nightmare. It’s Marcia!!!!! Omar says it’s for Fer…



I found this picture and in honor of Beckster decided to post it as I think it depicts one of our adopted favorite sayings on this site. A**hat. Couldn't quite bring myself to spell it out completely, because my imagination is just too vivid, and if yours isn't, well this picture will certainly help you!!

Labels: fea

• "Any man would give his life to be with you," whispers Aaron to his sister-in-law Isa. There is heavy petting and, no doubt, more.
  
  After [insert your particular speculations about what took place], Isa asks "Now what?" Aaron: "Life continues." "It was crazy..." "No reproaches, Isa!"
  
  She helpfully delineates the situation: "How can there be no blame when I've just shagged my best friend's husband, my own husband's cousin?!" "We needed each other. I liked finding your passion - we share a secret. Let's not lose the moment." They kiss, she wants more but he pulls away with these parting words: "You'll sleep like an angel tonight."
  
  Because Isa skipped the acting lesson on "emoting," her face is completely passive as she says: "What a stupidity I just committed."
  
  
• While Aaron is cavorting with Isa, Hilario is thought-bubbling about his own roll in the hay with that very same straw-haired lady of the manor. "She is the wife of the patron" he reminds himself out loud.
  
  "What, are you praying?" asks SanJuana as she bounces in. I can see the underwire in her ultra-pushup bra again. She bounces into his lap oblivious of his dark mood. She soon accuses him of changing, he admits it. "Have you been with another?" His silence is the answer and she bounces up and down and yells a lot of things that weren't in my dictionary.
  
  Rod clears his throat a lot as he interrupts. "Am I interrupting?" SanJuana bounces out.
  
  Rod says "she sounded jealous." "I told her she's wasting her time on me." "She's pretty, yes?" "I don't love her." Of course this is Rod's favorite subject and he eagerly advises: "It doesn't matter how pretty a woman is if your heart belongs to another! Struggle for your love!" I guess this is some heavy-handed irony, what? Heh.
  
  Ofelia knows about Hilario's boinking of the Massa's wife and reassures her poor son: "You'll get over it - you were just her little adventure."
  
  So SanJuana goes to the witch again and gets an amulet. "Put it somewhere hot, and make sure nobody but you touches it or its power will flow into their hands."
  
  She puts it in a salt shaker by the stove. Ofelia moves it ("why did somebody put this salt shaker here?") SanJuana moves it back, Ofelia moves it again, this time she randomly shakes it and it doesn't sound like salt so she opens it and takes out the amulet and puts it on and soon Roman comes in and is overcome with lust and they rush into the pantry and make out, and Hilario finds them. That was today's comic relief.
  
  
• At work next day, Videgaray and Aaron discuss Mariana's competence and her feisty spirit ("She even fought with your cousin.")
  
  Apropos of absolutely nothing, in the middle of a sentence, Aaron picks up the phone and without preamble barks, "Lower the price of our tequila by thirty percent!" Videgaray is aghast. Aaron: "This way we'll snag our competitors' best customers." "But you can't do this, it would be disloyal to our union." "In case you haven't noticed, I find your presence uncomfortable, and in fact, you're useless." "But it will affect our industry..." "Shut up! I decide! I'm the decider!"
  
  
• Minerva calls Aaron from home. Fedra is with her and tells Aaron about Rod's turning down the invitation to the Congress.
  
  Team Aaron of course wants Rodrigo in the city, far from the hacienda when the day laborers roll in, so he won't see Gaviota - as Minerva summarizes: "If Rod gets with Gaviota, she might get preggers pronto and then Aaron will never forgive me."
  
  They decide they'll get Granny to pressure Rod into going to the Congress. To condense many tiresome conversations into a few words: "Rodrigo, you'll go!" "No I won't!" "Yes, you will!" "No, I won't!"
  
  He gives in, partially because James points out: "Gaviota won't come back on the 21st of March. To her, that's a terrible day, it's the day you broke your sacred promise to her and married Isa." "Hmm, I never thought about it that way. Yeah, if she comes, it will be for my grandfather's mass."
  
  Isa shows up all impactada from her illicit boinking and hugs Rod, making her special impassive face behind his back. (The producers may think they can hide her dull, paralyzed features with a lot of black eye makeup but I'm wise to them.)
  
  
• There is still trouble with customs. Aaron decides to fire his customs guy and Patricio shows up in about five minutes with a new one who "has friends" and will be able to facilitate everything. Aaron boasts he'll soon be exporting more tequila than ever before and all must go flawlessly.
  
  Another guy shows up - some video is being made (an infomercial?) about Turquoise Tequila. Aaron needs somebody he trusts to go to the hacienda and help get the most evocative shots of the agave fields etc. He tells Gav/Mariana to go and she says "No!" and he says "Yes you will!" and she says "No I won't, I quit!" and he says "No, you don't! I decide around here! I'm the decider! Elvira, buy her ticket! Mariana, what's your problem? Are you thinking of jumping ship to one of my competitors, do you want a raise?"
  
  In the end, though, she wins! She doesn't go and he yells a lot about how he trusts her and she can't quit - and he sends Quintana instead. Wow, she got Aaron to stand down! Pretty good!
  
  Not only that, but after Quintana leaves for the airport Aaron opens a goodie bag and takes out a cellphone and PDA for Mariana. "While I'm away so much on business I'll need a manager here. She suggests Videgaray but he pish-tushes, "he has no vision, he's just a bureaucrat, no, it will be you." He gives her somebody else's office and tells Elvira to take orders like a good little viper of a secretary. Then he says Mariana will have to get a nice new car, they'll deduct payments from her salary.
  
  Elvira calls Minerva and rats about all this, counseling Minerva not to have another screaming fit just yet, it won't be effective. Minnie decides she'll wait till everybody's together for the grandfather's mass. And THEN have a screaming fit. There's a good idea.
  
  At the end of the day Gav goes home to Mommie and reports on all this and her promotion and car etc. and they both bounce up and down, giggle and bounce, giggle and bounce.
  
  
• Sofia is all happy saying goodbye to Team Aaron - she's going to the stylist and then to the airport to pick up James.
  
  James is at that very moment on his way to say goodbye to Meliton, he's packed his bags etc. and said goodbye to Rodrigo using his extremely poor English.
  
  Well, Meliton isn't home -- but Acacia is lying on her bed in fetal position as she is wont to do.
  
  "I've come to say goodbye, but first I want to know, are you in love with your uncle?" [I almost laughed writing that - how could he say that line with a straight face? -- Ed.] "If not, why do you tolerate this?"
  
  "He deceived me. When my aunt died, he swore to take care of me and send me to school, but instead he raped me and made me his woman." "We need to denounce him to the authorities." "No," she says in a very methodical manner, "eventually he'll have to die, and all these mountains will be mine, I inherited them from my aunt." "He has to pay!" "No, just go." "Let's go together, I'll protect you."
  
  "No, I won't leave here -- but if you leave, I'll burn your crop." "You're blackmailing me? If I stay silent, you make me an accomplice in this shameful situation."
  
  She crawls to him and whispers, "Stay, I need you to stay." He hugs her.
  
  So he doesn't go to the city. Sofia sits on the floor and sobs and curses. Meliton is surprised but pleased that James has changed his mind about leaving; he says he'll have Acacia clean James's room, but James says no, he'll be staying elsewhere.
  
  
• At Aaron's office, Granny is insisting that all must attend Amador's second-year-post-death mass. Gav says she'll help organize it. Aaron doesn't wanna go, he's too busy, but he gets nagged into it. Rod doesn't wanna go either and the nagging is not being effective.
  
  So Aaron puts Gav in charge of nagging Rod. She gets him on the phone and adopts her hoarse disguised voice. She has no luck convincing him to go - he yells NO and hangs up on her. He thought-bubbles: "That Mariana Franco is irritating." Gav seethes: "This is the real Rodrigo, what an egoist, what could be more important than his grandfather's mass?"
  
  Rod croons to his grandfather's picture: "I know you'd want me here working the harvest, and besides - my Gaviota will come!"

Labels: Destilando

I edited a couple necessary corrections upon proof-reading. Per my earlier post, I finally have (courtesy of the Univision DA production staff on the DA foro there) gotten all the words for the ¡Ay! Gaviota song. There is a second verse and a second, different chorus/refrain to it. I again emphasize it is rather literal because I am no Spanish poetry scholar, nor to the idioma born. If it needs some redefining by a true bi-lingual, then by all means, it will be appreciated. Their remarks to their fans follow afterward.

¡Ay! Gaviota

estrofa uno/ verse 1
Rodeada de silencio y desamor, de cosas que no olvida el corazon.
Unsuspecting of silence and (cold) indifference, of things that the heart does not forget

La vida se me quebra en mil pedazos, cuando tus recuerdos me atormentan la razon.
Life is broken into a thousand pieces for me, when your memories torment my mind

Quisiera yo inventarme una mentira, que lo que nos tuvimos no fue amor.
I would like to invent a lie for myself that whatever we had together for us was not love

Que fue una mala bromo del destino, y que entregarme cuerpo y alma fue un error.
That it was a wicked (cruel) trick of fate and that surrendering myself in body and soul was an error

Coro/Chorus
Ay Gaviota, tu sigues creyendo, que el amor regresara a tu corazon
Ay Gaviota, you continue trusting that love will return to your heart

Que sus brazos no se volvieron cadenas y que es tan solo un espejismo su tracion.
That his arms did not turn into chains and that his betrayal was only an illusion

Ay Gaviota, de una vez por todas, aprende que en las cosas del amor
Ay! Gaviota! Once and for all learn that in affairs of love

Lo que un dia se tiene otro se pierde, y los recuerdos se convierten en prision.
What you have one day is lost another, and memories become a prison

Ay Gaviota, Ay
Ay Gaviota, Uuuuuh
Ay Gaviota, Ay
Ay Gaviota, Uuuuuh

estrofa dos/ verse 2
Quisiera yo quedarme asi dormida
I would like to remain asleep like this

y verme entre la noche y no saber
and to see myself between the night and not knowing

que existes, si que estas tal vez con otra
that you live, that perhaps you really are with another woman who does not love you,
que no te quiere ni de lejos como yo
not even from a distance as I do

segundo coro/ second chorus
Ay Gaviota tu sigues creyendo que el amor regresara a tu corazon
Ay Gaviota, you continue trusting that love will return to your heart

Que sus besos no se volvieron espinas y que es tan solo un espejismo su trahicion
That his kisses did not turn into thorns and that his betrayal was only an illusion

A y Gaviota, de una vez por todas, aprende que en la cosas del amor
Ay Gaviota, you continue trusting that love will return to your heart

Cuando pierdes otra gana y arrebata, sin importale ni siquiera tu dolor
When you lose another woman wins and grabs, without your pain even mattering to her

Ay Gaviota, Ay
Ay Gaviota, Uuuuh
Ay Gaviota, Ay
Ay Gaviota, Uuuuh
Ay Gaviota, Ay
Ay Gaviota, Uuuuh

"Muchas gracias por tu valioso comentario, nos es grato saber que estés viendo la telenovela y que te esté gustando, ya que nuestro principal objetivo es proporcionar entretenimiento al público."**~*~** Thankyou very much for your worthwhile comentary, it is pleasant for us to know that you might be watching the telenovela and that you might be enjoying it, since our principal objective is to share entertainment with the public. (As left on a 4/15/07 post to the fans of DA by someone at Univision Productions......)

Labels: Destilando

Montero takes the mask off of Esme and gets on top of her saying that he can have her whenever he wants and no one will help her. Esme struggles but to no avail.

Diego asks Alej what Montero would get out of making everyone think that Esme was dead. Alej responds with some incomprehensible stuff about Esme being the heir to the Spanish throne. Diego wonders if Montero has Esme in the prison and Alej says that she could be anywhere. Alej goes on to say that he is worried that no one has heard from SK. Maybe she is on her way back to Spain? Diego says that he would give anything to see Esme. If he is so much in love with her, shouldn’t he try and rescue her? Alej says that if they confirm that she is alive, they will do everything they can to rescue Esme.

Back at the rape in progress, Aquirre interrupts Montero to report that FS has returned. Montero is impactado.

FS retakes his office, sends his men to get weapons that are in the basement and to find Olmos. Then he says to himself that now we will find out who’s in charge in LA.

Montero leaves Esme to take care of FS but he doesn’t put the mask back on. Aquirre tries to comfort her a little but Esme starts to cry [hey, at least she doesn’t have the horrible mask on!]

Mangle, dressed in mourning, finds Diego. She asks why he has been so distant and he blames it on the amnesia. He can’t feel anything for people he can’t remember. Mangle says that she will wait and is kissing Diego as a reminder of their ‘passion,’ when Olmos shows up to speak to her about her father’s property.

FS asks the maid where Olmos is. She says that he went out on Mangle’s business so FS assumes that he is at the de la Vegas. He asks the maid about MP and she says that all she knows is that she was saved by a miracle and that now she will become a nun.

MP tells the Cardinal and PT that NN [hey, I think she’s still nutty and it’s easier that typing Suplicios] is missing. She went to pick flowers for the chapel or to find Camba. The Cardinal approves of her good heart. PT thinks she might be lost and offers to go and try and find her.

NN wakes up in Renzo’s arms. He tells her to be quiet. Someone is nearby. It’s the slave hunters. Apparently, they not only track escaped slaves, they sell random people they find into slavery. Slave hunter #1 wants to enjoy NN and then sell her. The slave hunters find NN and Renzo in the bushes.

FS’s men surprise Montero and take him prisoner.

Olmos tells Mangle that Montero is out of control and wants her father’s money as well as Esme’s. Diego overhears and says that he is going out. Mangle tells Olmos to bring her to Montero’s house. ‘Isn’t that dangerous?’ asks Olmos. ‘Yes,’ says Mangle, ‘it will be dangerous for Montero to mess with me.’

Montero is brought to FS. FS asks Montero if he is still Governor. Montero says that FS gave up his power and left town naked. ‘Yes, but do you think that I am still Governor?’ demands FS. ‘Technically, yes,’ responds Montero, ‘but wielding power isn’t about what’s on a piece of paper.’ ‘True,’ says FS and he tells Montero that he is relieved of his military command for defying the Governor and sends him to prison.

Diego recaps for Bernardo the theory that Esme could still be alive and is squirreled away somewhere by Montero. He asks Bernardo to show him how to use all the Zorro tricks so he can rescue Esme.

Montero claims that FS can’t just strip him of his command and that his men will try and rescue him. FS agrees that there are certain formalities to be followed otherwise he would have simply been executed. If Montero’s men make any move to rescue him, Montero will be shot. Montero says that he refuses to go to a filthy prison and FS says that maybe we can make a deal. FS wants to know where SK and Esme are.

Jonas tells PT that Esme is probably dead and he needs to tell this to SK.

Esme offers Aguirre a fortune to let her out of the prison but he isn’t buying. Esme vows to get out of the prison.

PT says that he isn’t going to accept that Esme is dead unless he sees her body and furthermore he doesn’t want Jonas breaking SK’s heart until they are sure that Esme is, in fact, dead.

Montero tells FS that he doesn’t know where SK is and his men are searching for her all over California. As for Esme, Montero tries the ‘shot while escaping’ story. FS asks how he can say that so nonchalantly. Montero responds that FS shouldn’t pretend to have fatherly concerns. FS never cared for Esme and gave her to Montero to get her off his hands. The new implacable FS says, ‘If my daughter is dead, prove it. Show me her body.’

Aguirre must be off duty because he is accosted by Olmos in the street. For the second time tonight, Aguirre is offered a huge fortune. This time in exchange for Esme’s body. Aguirre brushes Olmos off and Olmos is angry that he can’t satisfy the Duke’s men. He must have Esme’s body – no matter what.

Montero tells FS that Esme’s body fell into a gorge and cannot be retrieved. FS tells Montero that he is lifting the martial law declaration. Montero asks if he can go. FS says yes but warns him not to try anything. FS has men who will die for him and Alej de la Vega wants to kill him. Montero leaves and FS tells his henchman to keep an eye on Montero and warn him if he or his troops do anything suspicious. [Geez! Bad move to let Montero loose]. FS repeats to himself that he does not believe Montero and won’t believe that Esme is dead unless he sees her body.

Mangle is waiting in Montero’s house when he returns from his meeting with FS. She accuses him of trying to take her whole inheritance. He denies it and says that he only wanted the Governor’s personal property and where did she hear this anyway. Mangle tells Montero that she got her information from Olmos. Mangle warns Montero not to get in her way and tells him that he shouldn’t underestimate her father. Montero, who is having a bad day, tells her to go away.

Bernardo shows Diego Zorro’s knives, sword and bombs.

I guess Aguirre was on dinner break in town because he is back at the prison eating dinner in front of Esme and cursing Olmos. Esme looks on hungrily and Aguirre gives her his food and Esme is well on her way to making him feel sorry for her.

Diego is fencing blindfolded with Bernardo and he wins. PT, who is also there, says that Diego is almost back to his old form. Diego says that all he needs now is his memory. PT starts to tell Diego about Esme but Diego tells PT that he already knows and recaps the return of FS and the theory that Esme is not actually dead. Diego says that he will pay another visit to the prison and get the truth out of Montero.

Mangle has a happy reunion with her father. He tells her that he had to come and take back his city. FS tells Mangle that he doesn’t believe that Esme is dead and Mangle swears that if Montero lied to her, he will pay.

Almudena is grieving terribly for Esme and no one has bothered to tell her that Esme might still be alive. Yumalai offers Almudena comforting words about life going on and a greater power taking the loved one for a higher purpose. Almudena thanks Yumalai for her kindness but she is still hurting.

Then Yumalai goes to give consolation to Alej by embracing him, which leads immediately into passionate kissing. But she stops and sends him to Almudena.

The Cardinal and MP are still worried that NN has not returned. PT says that he searched the valley and found nothing and no one had seen them [When did he have time to search the valley? He was talking to Jonas and then in the bat cave with Diego and Bernardo.] Cut to the camp of the slave hunters who have Camba, Renzo and NN.

At dinner at the hacienda, Almudena isn’t eating. Yumalai has disappeared and Mangle hasn’t returned from town. Diego excuses himself from dinner. In his room, he sees the flamenco dancer in his mind again and says that he has to remember, he has to.

MP is praying and FS comes in.

Diego realizes that the dancing woman in his dreams is Esmeralda. A rapid montage of characters in the novela indicate that Diego has regained his memory. He says that he has to find Esme.

Esme wakes up to find Pizarro outside her cell. He says that he won’t harm her but she calls him a traitor. He tries to convince her that he is still on her side and that what he has done was simply to save his life. Esme is not buying this.

Diego tells Alej that he can remember everything. He wants Alej to confirm that Esme is alive. Alej says that they can’t be sure and Diego shouldn’t have unrealistic expectations. Diego says that knows that Esme is alive. He would know if she died and that they have to save her from Montero’s clutches.

FS goes to see MP. He tells her that he tried to find God after he shot her and she didn’t die but the beast within him still lives. MP goes through the reasons that she can’t love him: murdered Regina; already married; kept his wife in prison. FS says that he still loves MP and MP says that he has forgotten him and thrown him out of her heart. FS says that deep down he knows that MP still loves him. MP says that she doesn’t love him and furthermore, she is going to become a nun and the Mother Superior of this congregation and he cannot stop her. FS says that since he couldn’t change, he will keep trying to get MP because if he can’t be by God’s side, he wants to be with MP.

At the slave catcher’s camp, NN wakes up and Renzo tells her what has happened. She wants to find Camba and sees him tied up and writhing around with some kind of problem – probably his demon. His finely muscled torso shows no evidence of having been flogged or beaten up by the slave catchers.

Diego tells Alej [in a bathrobe that is open to show his bare chest] and Almudena that he has regained most of his memory. He remembers who he is, who they are and he remembers his love for Esme. He doesn’t believe that she is dead and he has to find out out what happened to her.

Pizarro tells Esme that under the present conditions he can’t do anything for her but he assures her that he is on her side. He orders Aguirre to make the mask disappear and to clean Esme’s cell every day – dirt causes disease.

Diego remembers who Dolores is. He tells Alej that he wants to go out and try and remember things. Alej says it is better to wait and see whether FS defeats Montero and become Governor again. If that happens, Alej says that he won’t be happy working with him. Diego asks why Alej says that since he remembers that his father and FS had differences but were friends. Dolores, Almudena and Alej exchange meaningful looks. Alej says that he will tell Diego about the problem between him and FS later but that despite their differences, Alej would negotiate with FS to rescue Esme. Diego says ok and excuses himself to go tell the good news about his return of memory to Bernardo.

Almudena says that is will be very painful when Alej tells Diego what FS did to his mother. Alej agrees but says that he has to do it.

Diego tells Bernardo that he has regained his memory. They need to go to the bat cave. Zorro has work to do. If Montero had anything to do with Esme’s death, he will have no mercy on him.

Montero tells his men that FS isn’t going to mix it up in his city with a bunch of hired killers. He gives his men basically the same orders that FS gave to his men - keep an eye on FS’s men and tell him what they are doing. Pizarro comes in and Montero asks what happened to Sgt. Garcia. Pizarro says that he needed an idiot to go with him to the de la Vegas so he set Garcia free and took him. Pizarro doesn’t volunteer where Garcia is now and Pizarro doesn’t ask. Montero warns Pizarro that he is watching him and if he suspects that Pizarro is disloyal, he will kill him.

Zorro rides out of the bat cave.

Mangle returns to the hacienda and tells Alej and Almudena that FS is rational again and has retaken his position as Governor. Alej asks what happens to Montero but Mangle doesn’t know. Alej warns Mangle not to go into town so often in her condition – it’s dangerous. Mangle says that she had to see her father and her baby is fine. Almudena chimes in in agreement. ‘Anyway,’ she says, ‘we don’t know if you are really preggers. Young women often get it wrong. We’ll have to wait and see if your waist grows.’ ‘It will grow. Take it for granted’ responds Mangle. Mangle asks about Diego and Almudena tells Mangle that Diego has regained his memory. Mangle is impactada. The credits roll.

Labels: Zorro

That's #268 by Univision's count; !!!!270!!!! hours of ugly beauty.

Amanda is studying for a final exam tonight. Wish her luck!

Dumber than two Lois Lanes

Aldo and Fern ask Lety, why'd she agree to go with Tomas and not with them, and where was she? And did you know Aurora asked for a million DOLLARS? JR's going to sue us.

Lety rubs her face and takes off her glasses. When she looks up, her Letybrows are smudged. Fern and Aldo lean in for a closer look. Lety realizes what happened, puts her glasses on and bolts for the restroom. Fern and Aldo postulate that her face was smeared with... pollution!

In the bathroom, Lety wipes up the smudges and scolds herself for smearing her makeup.

Later, she and Tomas rehash the RetroMod situation yet again. Here's the progress report: Luigi was fooled; Fern's not too suspicious; as for JR... "okay, here comes the ugly part" Tomas says. JR is demanding that they get her to agree to work for them, AND at a lower price, or else they'll be in breach and have to pay the penalty. Aurora HAS to do this, or Conceptos will never pay off its debt to Aldo.

Pointless preparations

For tonight's bachelorette party (for which they have been asked to provide entertainment), Celso and Saimon ask an "escenografo" (set designer) to provide a big "cake." Not sure if this guy's one of Luigi's employees, or what. Tomas shows up and invites all three of them to his bachelor party. Saimon then tells the guy they'll need two cakes. Clueless Tomas says no need - his mom's a baker.

Meanwhile, Alicia loafs in Marcia's office and hints around that there's something very important that good friends do for one another when one of them is about to get married. Marcia plays dumb. Finally, Alicia demands that Marcia organize a bachelorette party for her. Marcia says it's already been arranged. Alicia wants to know what kind of gifts she'll be getting. Cars? Cash? Crystal? Marcia says just wait.

Great, now it's just another engagement party

Alicia is not happy at all when Marcia brings her to Lety's house. They are greeted warmly by the cuartel, Julieta, Carolina, etc.; plus Moty, who really should have been invited to Tomas's party. The only unsmiling holdout is Tomasa, who is scowling with that half-worm-in-the-apple face and folded arms. Marcia is impressed with the party and amused by Tomasa.

Meanwhile, all the Conceptos guys (plus Omar and RoboPop) are at Tomas's house. Tomas is paying the delivery men for a gigantic paper cake. "Does that include the tip?" Tomas whines on seeing the bill. "Apparently it does," the delivery man says, disgruntled and sarcastic. Saimon and Celso jump out of the cake wearing loincloths and dance for a few moments before realizing they're at the wrong party. Luigi is thrilled and tells them they should be in "Solo Para Mújeres." A hahahahaha. Saimon and Celso try to jump back into the cake. Luigi suggests that the rest of the men all strip down to keep them company.

Back at Lety's house, a similar cake arrives, with a different surprise. You guessed it. The woman is determined to dance for her money. Irma tries to explain the mixup. PM and Sara dance with the woman (let's call her Jane, as in "Tarzan and"), but Julieta wants them to stop. The doorbell rings - it's Saimon and Celso. Julieta is even more shocked. Tarzans see Jane and start dancing. No one else looks happy except for those three! Enraged, Tomasa covers them up with a festive table runner. Celso explains that Jane was supposed to be at Tomas's party. Julieta is scandalized. PM is upset to see Saimon dancing happily with Jane. Tomasa and Julieta both forbid to let Jane dance around Tomas and Erasmo.

At the Mora bakery, RoboPop impatiently wonders when Jane will arrive. (I suppose he is looking forward to lending her his sweater.) Luigi says he prefers the Tarzans. Poor RoboPop is clueless.

The Tarzans return to the party without Jane. They explain that Julieta fired her. Aldo suggests that they combine the parties. Hmm... I think that defeats the purpose of a bachelor/ette party, but since there are parents and company officers involved, perhaps it's for the best.

So they all go to Lety's house.

Tomasa asks Marcia, hey, you're Alicia's friend, so where are all of her people? Her family, her friends? And, uh, what about boyfriends? Marcia says maybe Alicia should tell her this herself. She calls Alicia over, who approaches with a snack in each hand. Tomasa tries to arrange Alicia's hair to cover her boobs. Alicia is loudly asked how many boyfriends she's had. Tomas interrupts by saying that Aldo wants to speak. Caught off guard, Aldo just says okay, let's toast the happy couple. They all clack their polystyrene cups together.

Alicia quietly asks Tomas if he's told his mother that she's divorced. Tomas says HELLZ NO, if she found out she'd cancel our engagement.

Marcia leads a beso cheer. Before the happy couple can react, Tomasa steps right in front of Alicia to collect a kiss from her dear son. Marcia tries again - "beso, beso, beso!!" Tomas says, "if you insist!" and he and Alicia lean in together - this time, Tomasa gets between them and receives a misdirected kiss on both cheeks.

Nightmare on Tomas's street?

The next morning, Tomasa is surprised to find her son, rather than Alicia, sleeping on the couch with his teddy bear. Tomas flashes back to last night - he was snoring in bed when Alicia snuck in and woke him up. Groggily, he started mumbling about the check, but she said she didn't want that. He realized he had only been dreaming about her. Then he realized that he was awake, and pulled a blanket up over his pajama-clad chest for modesty's sake. Alicia said she wanted to sleep in his bed. He happily complied. She then pushed him out and pretended to be asleep. When he protested, she said, "what, in your mother's house? Have you no shame? Wake me up with breakfast tomorrow, and really cold juice. Zzzzzzzz..."

If you ask me he should have woken her up with some really cold juice... in her face. But that would have messed up his bedsheets. Anyway, he tells his mother a greatly simplified and sanitized version of the story. She is impressed by his nobility.

She refers to Alicia as "La Oxigenada" and says she learned of this nice nickname from the cuartel at the party. Confused, she says that the awful cuartel told her that Alicia's their jewel, and she wasn't sure what to make of it. Were they making fun of her? Tomas says they all admire Alicia. His chica is their idol.

"Tu chica," Tomasa scoffs. "Your fancy chica."

Scared rabbit

Lety is out in her bunny suit, running with Aldo. Suddenly, Tomas's voice is haunting her, warning of the pending penalty and/or lawsuit from RetroMod. "No more!" she yells out loud. Aldo thinks she wants to stop running. She says she can't take the pressure, and has to leave Conceptos. Right now. "Lety's go to Acapulco today," she panics. Aldo is reticent. Lety whines, "But you set me free so that I could go!" Aldo reminds her of why she refused to leave before: because she didn't want to leave until she had saved Conceptos. She'd have that failure hanging over her head for the rest of her life and always see herself as a screwup. Well, now Aldo feels the same way, so they're staying. That way he'll go to Acapulco with a complete, happy, undivided Lety. They'll emerge triumphant.

Lety asks, what if she has to do something that he disagrees with? She thought-bubbles about the Aurora situation. Aldo can't imagine what she might be referring to. He says he trusts her and that she can count on her support.

Then there's some mush and baby-talk. But just a little.

Sybil

Fernando is on the phone with JR. Neither of them has any news about Aurora. JR threatens Fern again with the indemnity, lawsuit, etc. Fern bangs the phone on the desk and explains it off as "bad reception." He assures JR that there's no need to remind him of what's at stake. He hasn't slept in a week. He hangs up and curses Omar.

Lety arrives, and Fern and Lety bring each other up to date on the lack of new developments. He says that he needs this project to succeed, for his parents and for himself. But Aurora will destroy all their hopes. Lety says, "My other me told me it'll all be fine." To Fern's vexed reply, Lety amends, "I mean an angel told me."

In the Vortex of Stupidity

Condensed version:

PM: Wasn't that a great party?
Alicia: You've got some nerve. It was soooo common.
Lola: Huh, you seemed to be having a good time.
Alicia: I was pretending I was somewhere else. BTW, what's with the no gifts?
Sara: The party was your gift, you ingrate.
Martha: Someday you'll need us for real.
Alicia: Get out of my sight!

(continue regularly scheduled exchange of insults)

Return of the Big Girl Panties

Tomas is looking at Alicia's guest list in disbelief. He's thinking maybe he'll have to cross out all of his own invitees to make room for hers. Um, Tomas, before you cross anyone off, maybe you should wait and see how many RSVPs you get back from Alicia's friends... you just might be able to sneak in a few extra guests. *snicker*

Lety comes in and starts babbling about Aurora. Tomas shushes her, for fear someone will hear. Lety says she almost wishes someone did hear, so she could stop hiding. She's decided that Aurora is going to have to do the RetroMod campaign, after which hopefully she can disappear forever. She's doing it for Aldo, who sacrificed everything for her, and for Fern. She can't be selfish any more.

Meanwhile, Fern is tidying Lety's desk, exactly as Lety used to do for Fern. He tells himself he must work harder than ever to save Conceptos, get Lety back, and send Aldo home to Acapulco.

Lety and Tomas enter with the good news that Aurora has agreed to do the RetroMod job for a fraction of her original demand. But only if she can deal with Fern as little as possible! Tomas says they have an appointment at JR's (whose last name does appear to be Reynard/Reinard and not Reynolds, but I kinda like "JR" because I keep wishing someone would shoot him). Fern is ready to leave right now. Lety says she can't go, and isn't needed anyway.

Just then, Aldo comes in, saying he has to meet with his publisher. Fern assumes that they're actually planning a nooner or something. Lety sends Fernando to his room and tells Aldo that she'd love to hang out with him at the publisher's, but she has to go see JR and sign the contract. (Tomas takes all the credit for Aurora's cooperation.) Aldo agrees to see Lety to her car. Tomas will drive over with Fern.

In the Whirlpool of Boredom

Marcia tells Alicia that except for being at Lety's house (which Marcia and Alicia aren't crazy about, seeing as how their last visit there resulted in an altercation with the neighborhood gang and a trip to jail), the party was okay. Fun and kind of extraordinary. Alicia says sure, it was fun for you - you were just a spectator. For Alicia, it was humiliating. She's only marrying Tomas out of necessity. Marcia scoffs and says poor Tomas deserves better. Offended, Alicia says he's not poor - his mother owns a big bakery.

Alicia then unleashes her wrath on Marcia: "You've never been my friend. You don't like me. You make fun of me instead of supporting me." True enough. Marcia replies that she can't do that - she's not Alicia's mother, or her sister. (Well, Alicia's mother is dead and I don't think she has a sister...) Alicia says sure, but she's her friend, and the only one who can save her from this wedding that will be her emotional ruin. Marcia: And how do you suppose that I can save you? Alicia: Let me move in with you! Marcia: Forget it. I'm selling my place ASAP. Alicia: How unhappy we are... but you more than me. Marcia: How do you figure? Alicia: I'm marrying the VP of Conceptos, while you have to live on the street or with the Mendiolas!

Back in the Vortex

Omar steps off the elevator in semi-casual clothes. His fan club, the cuartel, gathers. He is looking to avoid Aldo, and talk to Fern about maybe getting his job back. (Sara clutches him possessively.) Lola tells him that Fern, Aldo, Lety, and Tomas have all gone off, and they're going to do some RetroMod stuff. Omar realizes he's going to get to see Aurora, and skips back to the elevator. The cuartel gets excited too, at the prospect of possibly getting another crack at that dinner with Fernando Colunga prize.

Oh please please please please let this turn out to be what it looks like

The publisher and Aldo compare notes on the development of the Flavor of Life cookbook series. There's a ton of material. Aldo wonders why the publisher isn't editing all this stuff; the publisher is like, "you're the expert." But there's someone to help Aldo with this task.

Enter Carmina Muñiz, a Flavor of Life writer. She's pretty. She and Aldo exchange glances impactados. Either they already know each other, or they're going to elope soon. I hope so.

At RetroMod

JR and the white-haired guy chat. JR says Conceptos sure is a weird company. White-haired guy says yeah, but they're good.

Fern and Tomas arrive and prepare to take their seats. Aurora comes in a moment later, just strolls right in without waiting for the receptionist to see her in. She's wearing sunglasses. She sits down in Fern's seat. Fern complains that he doesn't understand why she doesn't want anything to do with him.

The three Conceptos people look at JR expectantly. He looks at them.

"So? Where's Lety? She has to sign the contract!"

---

Tomorrow
Predictably, once Lety shows up, JR wants to see Aurora again.

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