Caray, Caray!

Well, I guess we're jumping right in today without reviewing the end of Friday. That was a bit disconcerting…I thought I'd missed something! Plus, things are moving fast today, so hang on to your ice cream or your tequila or what have you. Anyway….

Fernando comes into Lety's office and jokes with the señorita that he must have walked into the wrong office (aww, she looks so cute! That's going to take some getting used to.). Lety turns around and reassures him that she's "Hola! Leticia Padilla Soliz" in her best Lety voice. Fernando laughs that he knew that (and points at her with handfuls of yellow pencils).

Aldo's back. He tells Celso there's just something about the place that keeps bringing him back. Celso asks if Aldo is there to see Lety and tells Aldo he doesn't know how Lety looks today, "mmmmm". Aldo is confused and Celso says "of course, if you haven't seen her yet then how would you know how she looks." Ja, ja, ja. Celso says Aldo should go check her out and that he's going to be surprised. Aldo says he never understands Celso and walks through the gate as Sanson catches the belt to Aldo's jacket in his teeth. Sanson is obviously on Team Fernando.

Fernando is grinning like a loco at Lety. He tells her she looks pretty, or as Omar would say *growl*, she looks beautiful. Lety thanks him, but wonders if he had something to say to her "aparte de chulearme" (besides paying me flirty compliments) because he's embarrassing her. Before he can tell her, Aldo walks in and tells Lety she looks pretty. Lety wants to know if he really likes it, which he does. She comes around to the front of her desk as Fernando attempts to cough up a hairball. I think that might have been his secret signal to Aldo not to mention that he'd been to Acapulco, but Aldo doesn't get it. Aldo asks Fernando if he told Lety about it (Lety: Really, you went to Acapulco?). Aldo says Fernando explained what really happened with Aurora (Lety: Really, you did that?). Fernando excuses himself to go to the Bat Cave and Lety thanks him, but she looks like she's not sure whether she should. Aldo says "Now you look beautiful on the outside, but you're much more beautiful on the inside. Do you think you can forgive me, Leticia?" Lety says, "On the contrary, my love, forgive me." She says she's so happy he's there. Aldo says he can't wait any more and why don't they get married right away. Lety agrees that she wants to get married ASAP too. As they giggle and coo at each other, we see Fernando in the Bat Cave staring the stare of a man who has just discovered that his heart can, in fact, break into even tinier pieces than it already had. Pobre de Don Fernando!

The Moras: Alicia has brought her suitcase into Tomás' office. Doubtless it contains an industrial strength hairdryer which she can't live without. She's all broken up about leaving, but asks Tomás to take her suitcase down to the car (since she was so distraught that she brought it up there by mistake). Once he leaves, she uses Tomás' computer to transfer $1M to her Swiss account. And let that be a lesson to all of us about using good passwords…or about not marrying gold-diggers, whichever. Tomás comes back in just as she's hitting the last key she needs (having asked Celso to take the suitcase down for him) and he's brought tissues, as there will be many tears. Alicia takes a wad of tissues and they both exchange "I'll miss you"-s. Alicia is so broken up about it that she kisses him…voluntarily…on the lips…twice! She can't resist a last look back as she closes the door.

Fernando calls Lola and asks her to get an emergency board meeting together to pay Aldo the rest of the money they owe. After he gets off the phone he says he's got to finish this so Lety can leave with Aldo. Not that he wants her to go, just that the longer she's there, the more it hurts him to see her and the more he builds up false hopes. He wants her to go now and be happy.

Tomás comes into Lety's office hyperventilating and declares that he wants to die. Because Alicia is gone, you wonder? No, because the $1M is gone! (See, I told you we were moving fast today!) Lety gives a "Que the hell?" (actually she asks what Tomás is talking about, but I thought that might be a good time to throw in a "Que the hell" seeing as how I don't know how many Fea recaps I have left *sob*). Tomás says that the $1M JR gave them is gone (which isn't advancing the conversation much, but Tomás is in shock, so we'll overlook that). Lety starts twitching like she's never twitched before. She says "It can't be! Who did it?" Tomás says he doesn't know, but he's now got to cook the books to buy them time while they find out who did it. Lety says they're never going the lying route again, they've learned their lesson and they can't make that mistake again. "Then what do I do boss?" Tomás asks, but his only reply is more twitching on Lety's part.

Alicia is traveling tonight on a plane. I can see the red taillights heading for Switzerland. The guy at the counter will have her boarding pass printed up in a sec.

Tomás tells the assembled execs that he doesn't know how, but $1M has disappeared from Conceptos' account. Now there's a whole "Que the hell?" chorus, which is kind of like the Hallelujah Chorus, only not so much. Ariel says he has even worse news: since Tomás is the one ultimately responsible, he's going to jail. (Do not pass go, do not collect $1M.) Luigi thinks this must be a joke, but Tomás confirms that it's not a joke. The $1M from JR has disappeared from the account. (Check out Aldo and Fernando with their identical postures behind Tomás!). Luigi is mimisqui-ing. Ariel is glowering. He says he's very iluso (gullible) as he thought the debt was going to be wiped out today (and there go Aldo and Fernando again!). Tomás says he thought so too and was preparing a financial report, etc. Marcia wants Tomás to explain what happened with the money. Lety says that when Tomás went to transfer the money to Aldo's account, he found it was missing. Tomás says that he checked, and someone got into the account through the computer, used his password, and transferred $1M to a Swiss bank account. "But who?" asks Marcia, "Who would be capable of making that error? Tell me, who?" Please note, "error" is her word, not mine. Also, please note, Aldo and Fernando are doing water ballet behind Tomás almost every time we see them.

Alicia is traveling tonight on a plane. The guy at the counter is getting her a window seat as close to the front as possible. But wait! There seems to be a problem with her passport. It seems that Señora Ferreira de Mora did indeed have a bit of a demora (ha! I've been waiting to use that one too! demora = delay) in renewing her passport…as in, she should have renewed it five years ago! No way out of this one for blondie. She faints at the counter and is caught by the two guys waiting in line behind her.

It's massive freakage in the boardroom. Aldo gets everybody's attention and says they've all got to calm down until Tomás finds out who made that transfer. Ariel blames it all on Fernando, Lety, and the new "compinche" (buddy, accomplice; I'm not sure this is the most polite word, though, can anyone confirm?) Tomás. Fernando tells Ariel not to go making accusations without proof. Luigi says Tomás' hands are clean. Lety says Tomás is incapable of doing anything like that. Aldo and Fernando both vouch for Tomás. Fernando's dad reminds Ariel of how hard Fernando has worked in the last few months. Fernando's Bozo, digo, his mama chimes in as well. Papa says Fernando and his team have everybody's support. Ariel walks out without saying anything. Fernando goes to clasp his dad's hand while Luigi does a little silent cheer/dance in the back.

Looks like instead of Switzerland, Alicia has been taken to a clinic. She comes to with a doctor asking if she feels better. Alicia asks after her passport and says she has to leave. Then she really looks around and wonders where she is. The doctor says they brought her from the airport to this hospital. They've done all the tests and they know what's up. Ja, ja, ja, I bet I do too! The doctor congratulates Alicia for having a little Tomás in the oven and Alicia faints again. I don't know whether to laugh or feel incredibly sorry for poor little Tomás Pancracio.

As Marta talks to the gals about decorating her new house, a silver fox walks off the elevator. Wow, there's just all kinds of stuff happening tonight! The silver fox asks the assembled ladies where he can find Marcia Villaroel. Oh, I just caught sight of the elbow patches…I'll forgive him those if he turns out to be a Literature professor and he does it as an inside joke. They fall all over themselves telling him Marcia is in her office. The shoes, cameraman, show us the shoes! He introduces himself as Octavio Serrano. Sara asks why he wants to see Marcia (Sara! Don't you remember yesterday's email?!) and he says he owns a computer company and wants to offer her his products. Oh, is that what the kids are calling it these days? Everybody but Marta goes off to tell Marcia that Octavio is there to see her.

Meanwhile, Marcia gets an email. With all that's happening she's not in the mood for love notes. The gals all swarm in to tell Marcia there's a hottie out there waiting to see her. Marcia's like, duh, then tell him to come in. Juana tells the hermoso mozalbete (pretty young man) to come in. Octavio introduces himself and shakes Marcia's hand. Lola hustles the gals out of the room while Sara gives a really subtle thumbs up to Marcia. He drops his "I'm selling computers" pretext and asks her out. No answer is forthcoming before the commercial break.

Fernando and Lety are in Lety's office. Fernando is complaining to Lety that he's doomed to failure and the worst part is that they still owe Aldo money. Lety says that until this gets resolved, she has no choice but to postpone the wedding with Aldo. Oh, right, because of a little embezzlement, a likely story. Fernando says that's enough of that and he thinks she needs to think of herself first and forget Conceptos. He says she should get married according to plan. Lety says that's a relief because she only offered to postpone the wedding as a show of solidarity, but she really does want to marry Aldo ASAP. Funny, I'm not buying that either. Fernando says he wants her to marry Aldo ASAP too since he's stopped thinking he has any chance with Lety.

Marcia is telling the gals that she's torn between Octavio and her email lover. Okay, I have checked the recaps and confirmed that Marcia does know her email lover's name is Octavio. Apparently Marcia needs to check the recaps, as she has a very bad memory, as do the Cuartel. Juana votes for the hottie. Lola votes for the romantic. Sara votes for the "internet frog". Irma doesn't vote. Marcia is afraid of making the wrong choice. Irma says she should follow her heart, because the heart is never wrong.

Tomás is on the phone to Tomama talking about the missing $1M. He says he hasn't been able to get hold of his Chiquita to tell her about his tragedy. This apparently sets off Tomama, though we thankfully don't get to hear her side of the conversation. Just as he says this, Alicia comes in, sets down her bags, and closes the door without Tomás noticing. He tells Tomama "I've told you a thousand times, my Chiquita is marvelous, I need her." He thanks Tomama for calling, says he loves her, and hangs up. Tomás notices Alicia and is happy to see her, but then says he's devastated. Alicia says he's not the only one. Tomás says Conceptos' account was robbed. Alicia says, "really?" Tomás says, "yes, and we have no idea who it was," as he rests his head on Tomás Pancracio's future lunch. He swears he'll find out as Alicia cries and cries. He says it's good that she's there as she's his only consolation.

El Cheque has come to take the kids out for dinner. He uses the kids to convince Lola to go with them.

Lety and Aldo are walking by a fountain. I swear, it takes me a minute to figure out it's Lety in each of these scenes. She was wearing a black suit at work and now that she's out with Aldo, she's wearing a calf-length white sort of trench-y jacket, but with a little bit of quilting to it. She tells Aldo she talked to Fernando and he told her to forget Conceptos and to marry Aldo. Aldo says that's good, but what does Lety want to do? Lety says yes, she wants to marry Aldo. Aldo wants to know if she's, like, sure, like really sure, like really really really sure. Lety says, "let me think about it…yes, I'm completely sure." Aldo says, in that case, they should get married wherever, however, but now, because he loves her. Lety says she loves him too. Blech! Sorry, hairball.

Tomás lifts his head and tells Alicia not to cry, that he doesn't want her to be afflicted, he's going to fix it, he's got to fix it. Alicia goes off into the bedroom as Tomás keeps chanting "I'm going to fix it." Alicia hears the voices of the ticket agent saying her passport is expired and the doctor congratulating her on her pregnancy and cries herself a river. She says "pregnant" a few times and does this sort of smile/grimace so that I'm not sure if she's horrified or happy in spite of herself. She remembers Tomás saying she's his only consolation. Tomás comes into the bedroom apologizing for telling her about the theft just like that. Alicia says it's not that. Tomás wants to know if something went wrong with the treatment. Alicia says she needs to tell him that she's upset because of the theft and Tomás beats himself up some more for telling her since he should have known she would suffer knowing that he's having grave problems. Alicia agrees that the problems are the gravest. She tells him he's so good. We end on Alicia's sad little crying face.

No idea what we'll get tomorrow, but the announcer would like y'all to know that next Monday we'll be having a two-hour grand finale! Then again, you already knew that :)

Labels: fea

In the opening scene, Diego has Max at gunpoint and Max is telling him to go ahead and kill him. Diego cracks him in the mouth to shut him up.

Next we move to the only happy couple on the show - Rene and Yolanda, who are discussing their wedding plans. Since the Irazabals have been dethroned, they have no friends so it will only be family. Rene's family has just left for a 3 month vacation in Germany, so they won't be there for the nuptials. Larry arrives and asks if they've heard from Max, and Yolanda responds that she hasn't, but she's sure that he's at the fabrica.

Meanwhile, as usual, Diana is crying as she thinks about her impossible love for Max when Fedora interrupts to let her know that it would be best if she just forgot about him and let Fedora find a suitable man for her. If she doesn't, she will lose her position as president of the fabrica.

Back at Ignacio's place, Fiona is telling Eduardo that she would like to host a small party, but Eduardo has an important business dinner planned. He will have dinner with her on Saturday - this really puts Fiona into full fiera mode! She tells him that he forgets that he has a wife monday - friday, and maybe she should get herself a hottie on the side. Needless to say, this doesn't sit well with Eduardo.

Back to the torture of Max, where Max tells Diego that he better kill him because if he doesn't, he will kill Diego. Diego walks out and Max swears to himself that Diego will pay!

At the mansion, Fedora's telling Diana that she will be a simple employee if she doesn't give up her love for Max. Diana tells her that her love for Max was before her presidency at the fabrica. Fedora tells her that she will resume the presidency and the first thing she'll do is fire Max. Diana runs to her room to cry like a school girl, and Miguelina follows her to see why she's crying. Diana tells her the story, and Miguelina is sympathetic that Diana has so much love for the father of her child, but he's caused her so much pain already, and he's the son of Octavia. Diana says that's not his fault. She loves him and always will. blah blah blah. We've heard it all before.

Fiona the fiera is still screaming in Eduardo's face about how Eduardo forgets that he has a wife every day but Saturday. He tells her that they will discuss this later and walks out. Camila comes in and lets Fiona know that she knows that she has her sights set on Max. Fiona tells her to stay out of her business.

Silva is still at the beach wearing her blue mermaid getup when Rene calls her cell to tell her that he's worried about Paola because Octavia has her locked up at Paco's apartment and won't let her leave. Sylvia agrees to go see her the next day and she'll call him afterwards with an update.

Diego arrives at Lala's and Lala wants to know why he hasn't let Diego go yet. She tells him that he has to do it so that she doesn't have to report him and Pancho to the police. He lets her know that if he lets Max go, Max will kill him. Lala is impactada.

Gaby, Caramelo, and Sylvia are trying to comfort Diana, who's heartbroken over losing her job as president. Little does she know that the love of her life is being beaten and tortured by Diego! Caramelo is distracted and excuses herself. Diana is still babbling about her impossible love.

Eduardo summons Fiona into the living room to tell her that she better not repeat what she said earlier in the day. They're not in their home and they don't need to be putting on a show. Eduardo retires to the bedroom and Fiona calls Max and leaves him a desperate voicemail that she needs him.

Larry is still worried about Max, and calls Diana to see if she knows where he is. She tells him not to worry - she's sure that he's taking care of the employee who was hurt on the job. Larry tells her not to give up on Max, and she responds that she doesn't want to talk about it, and hangs up.

Rodrigo has arrived at the mansion to join Fedora and the rest of the inhabitants of the house for dinner. She looks a little overdressed for a family dinner in her glittery sundress and white bow around her neck. She tells Rodrigo that he should marry, as a man is not born to be alone. He responds that he's been waiting for the right woman to be by his side for always.

Caramelo managed to sneak off and call Lala for an update and learns that it's true - Diego and Pancho have kidnapped Max and Lala doesn't know what to do about it. Diego has told her that before the police catch him Max will be a dead man. She doesn't know how she will come to work in the mansion in the morning! Caramelo agrees to cover for her - she'll says that Lala is sick.

Little do they know that as they speak, Pancho is taunting Max, telling him that he's not going to release him because he knows that Max will kill him if he does. And it doesn't matter that Lala knows because Lala is his mom and she won't turn him in. Cut to commercial.

Back from commercial, Fedora is introducing Rodrigo to the odd group of people living at the mansion, including Dona Santa, who tells him that she's been looking for a husband for one of her dolls, and a lawyer would be perfect. Gaby tells them that Diana won't be joining them for dinner because she has a headache, and Fedora seems surprised to hear this.

Diego arrives to harrass Max, and Max tells him to let him go. Diego has a plan - he will let him go if Max agrees not to try to do anything to Diego, including calling the police. He's the owner of his destiny, he just needs to think about what he wants. Max is still hanging from the ceiling covered in blood as Diego turns and leaves.

At the fabrica, little doormat is serving Fedora her morning coffee as she mentions to her that taking the presidency from Diana might have been a little harsh. Fedora doesn't want to talk about it, and tells her that she will be firing Max today, so let her know when he's arrived.

Fiona pops into Emilio's office looking for Max wearing a skin tight top covered in cabbage roses with matching jeans - I haven't seen an outfit like this since 1989. Emilio is happy to see her and tells her that she's as beautiful as always. She tells him that her marriage is falling apart and she won't rest until she gets Maxi Maxi back. Diana is at the door and hears what she says. Commercial break.

When we return from the break, Sylvia is standing in Octavia's living room. O doesn't really want her there and tells her to keep the visit short. When O leaves the room Paola begs Sylvia to help her escape.

At the fabrica, Fiona is still talking about her plans for Max when Diana enters the room. Emilio is impactado, but recovers and introduces Diana as the president of the fabrica and Diana quickly adds that she's also the mother of Max's baby and offers her hand. Fiona refuses to take it, and tells her that she's heard about her from Octavia.

Paola is in luck - Sylvia has come prepared to save her. She's brought a huge candleholder that they can use to crack Octavia in the head, then they'll take the keys and leave! They call Octavia into the room and ask her to open the door for Sylvia. Octavia turns her back on Sylvia and Sylvia hits her and knocks her out instantly. They take the keys to Paco's car and sneak out while he's in the shower.

At the fabrica, Lala arrives and tells Caramelo that she needs to talk to Diana because she's the only one who can save Max.

Sylvia's driving Pancho's SUV. They're giggling and being silly when Sylvia crashes into another woman's car. It's a very slow motion crash, showing the other woman flailing around in her car and then we see shattered glass flying, but Paola and Sylvia appear unscathed.

Lala and Caramelo enter Diana's office to let her know that Diego is holding Max captive. Diana is speechless, como siempre.

Pan out to a vision of Max's bloody body hanging as he says Diana's name...

Back to Diana's office, Diana can't believe what Lala has told her. Lala begs her to talk to Diego, because it's preferable to love a man who's alive than a man who's dead. Caramelo tells her that she must do it. Diana gives her usual glassy eyed stare in response.

We return to Paco's apartment, where he's discovered that Octavia's been hit by Silvia so that she could leave with Paola.

Max is still hanging and thinking about Diana...

Diana goes to see Diego. She walks into the living room and tells him that Lala has told her everything and she's come to beg him not to hurt Max. He agrees, but says that first he's going to tell him a small lie - he's going to tell him that she was his woman! Diana is impactada.

Labels: acorralada

This is totally my bad for jumping the gun on the announcement... the La Fea Gran Finale will still be Monday the 25th, but it will only be TWO hours... starting at 8 ET. In other words, it's starting at the usual time and pre-empting Juan Q and Destilando. Sorry for the confusion...

(I know it's no big deal; your VCR/DVR will still grab it, but I just wanted to set the record straight since I blabbed that wrong thing over the weekend.)

Labels: fea

Labels: Zorro

Demento continues to torment Max, as Max hangs from the rafters.

Caramel doesn't know what to do. She saw Puncho kidnap Max, and believes Demento is the mastermind behind it all. If she says nothing, Maxi-Martyr's life could be in jeopardy. If she calls the police, her hubby and brother-in-law will rot in jail. Pobre de Caramel.

Demento is still tormenting Max. He blames Max for Dimwit not loving him. Demento has clearly gone crazy. Maxi-Martyr wants to settle it man to man and calls Demento a coward. Finally Demento takes the rope dog toy and starts lashing Max's back. "This is for crossing me!!!" Max writhes in agony. I'm ready for this story line to end.

Dimwit wants to know why Max didn't call her with a report on the injured worker.

Marfil is trying to get the Big Doormat to talk some sense into Max and convince Max to quit his job at Perfumes 'R Us. Marfil starts making some nasty comments about Dimwit, and Yolanda tells Marfil Dimwit is a good woman. Besides, Dimwit and Max share a kid. Marfil is furiosa, but Yolanda refuses to discuss it any further and walks away. Marfil calls her an infidel.

The two grannies are sitting on the sofa playing with Barbie dolls. Granny DS asks if Granny M is a hairdresser. Granny M says, "I've told you a thousand times, I was a seamstress." Granny DS laments her bad memory and Granny M mentions that Dimwit wants to hire an assistant to tend to her 24 hours a day. Granny DS hopes the assistant is as sweet and marvelous as Dimwit.

Jorge walks up to our blue mermaid, Sylvie, on the beach. There is some exchange in which she says all men on the planet are weak. Jorge says she's bitter because Puncho made a joke of her.

More of the torture. Max begs Demento to kill him but Demento wants Max to suffer the way he (Demento) has suffered. More words are exchanged about Dimwit. Finally Demento announces that Puncho will eventually finish him off. The only way Max is going to leave is feet first. Dramatic music and the camera pans back to show Maxi-Martyr hanging there suffering.

Fidiota shows up at Perfumes 'R Us to have a mother-daughter talk. Fidiota tells Dimwit that Rodrigo is going to assist with Little Doormat's defense. As always, the conversation turns to Maxi-Moron. Fidiota doesn't want him with Dimwit. Dimwit whines that she still loves him.

Marfil is poolside faux crying. Lunkhead, ever the brainiac, wants to know if it's about Max. "Of course it is! He's working side by side with THAT woman!" A boring conversation ensues; just because Dimwit is now a free woman doesn't mean Max is a free man. "He's MINE!!" declares Marfil.

Dimwit and Fidiota are still fighting about Max. Dimwit loves Max and Max loves Dimwit. Fidiota dredges up every evil thing Max has ever done in his life, not to mention the things his evil mother has done and his lunkhead brother. Dimwit isn't backing down. Finally Fidiota spews, "I see you prefer him to your own mother!!!"

Caramel approaches Lala completely agitated. After what seems like forever, she finally blurts out Max was kidnapped. . .by Puncho!!! Lala is muy impactada!

Mommy Dearest and Dimwit are still fighting about Maxi-Monotonous. Fidiota would rather see her own daughters dead than in the arms of an Irascible! Fidiota is rapidly joining the list of psycho, evil characters in my estimation.

Marfil and Larry are also fighting about Max. Lunkhead points out "he's just not that into you! Move on. Let it go." Marfil retorts she spent years sleeping in a bed, and she has absolutely no intention of EVER letting Max go. She and Max need to be together forever!

Lala and Caramel are trying to figure out what to do. Obviously calling the police isn't even on the radar. Lala finally tells Caramel to not say a word. Lala is going to talk to her two malditos hijos! Caramel asks God to help Lala. Suspenseful music plays.

Little Doormat comes into the president's office and sees Dimwit crying. "What's going on? Did something bad happen at Perfumes 'R Us?" "No," replies our hapless heroine. "I just had a fight with mama. She would rather see us dead than happy with an Irascible!" Dimwit states she's made a decision. She is going to fight for Maxi-Moron with or without Fidiota's approval. Little Doormat is awed by Dimwit's bravery. Commercial.

Sylvie is on the beach talking about some book she read. I'm not sure if she's given up on finding love or what (can anyone out there clarify?). At any rate, she fantasizes about a different man for each day of the week. Each man appears on a split screen with a strategically placed sign which reads the particular day of the week. We then get to see some of our "healthier" actors, some of which are supposed to be naked (except for the signs they are carrying). Iggy is shirtless with a pair of black trousers for Monday. Puncho is "naked" for Tuesday. A totally ripped Luscious is "naked" for Wednesday. Loved the washboard abs! He must spend hours at the gym. Jorge is "Thursday" and is supposedly naked and kneeling on one knee. Emili-Oh is "naked" on Friday, and on Saturday, Rene has on blue jeans and a black jacket with no shirt. His contract obviously states he must be dressed.*** As an aside, he used to be a model according to one website. *** When he lets out that little growl, I just went wild!" Sunday we're treated to Diablo with "nothing" on but a long black trench coat. Sylvie opines that Diablo is so bad, that she's not going to devote a full day to him. Therefore, we also see Kike "naked" on Sunday. Sylvie gets all hot and bothered and puts on her Paris Hilton over-sized sunglasses. I'm not sure what this scene has to do with anything. Perhaps it's a lure to keep women watching.

Lala comes home early from work and confronts Demento about Max's kidnapping. Of course he denies it. She finally says if they don't produce Max, she's going to contact the police and turn over her two ne'r-do-wells!

Now it's Puncho's turn to torture Max. He appears with a handgun. Maxi-Monotonous wants to know how Puncho can be so cruel. More words of torment. Finally Puncho tells Max to calm down; Max's death will be rapid when the time comes.

Eugenia and Isabel are hanging out when there's a knock on the door. Eugenia leaves and in walks a woman, hiding her face, swathed in black. Kind of like the grim reaper. It's Debora in a long red wig. Isabel wants to know what the heck she's doing in the house of Isabel's poor dead nephew. "Andres is dead?" asks Phantom Debora. Isabel explains that Andres was killed by Little Doormat, one of Fidiota's daughters. Debora wants to make a deal. She needs Isabel's help and will pay her more than enough to leave this rat hole.

Gaby is babbling on and on to Caramel about how Dimwit stood up to Fidiota. Caramel is clearly distracted. Finally Gaby asks what the heck is going on with Caramel. Caramel says she can empathize with Fidiota.

Granny M is talking to Fidiota about finding a caretaker for Granny DS. Fidiota doesn't really care, "Just hire the best one." Fidiota then pours herself a triple. In walks Dimwit and Fidiota asks Granny M to leave. Fidiota wants to talk to Dimwit alone. Once Granny M has left, Fidiota wants to continue their prior discussion. The Orchestra of Doom plays ominously.

Lala begs Demento to let Max go. At first Demento denies having any knowledge of the kidnapping, but he finally says Max deserves everything he gets after what happened with Dimwit.

Fidiota and Dimwit are still fighting about Max when the doorbell rings. By now Fidiota is on to another triple. It's Marfil. Now SHE wants to speak with Dimwit. Apparently Dimwit can't catch a break today.

Marfil begs Dimwit to give up Max; trying to lay a really heavy guilt trip on Dimwit. "If you're truly as good a person as everyone says you are, you'll give up Max." Tears for all! Head tilt and glassy-eyed stare from Dimwit.

Puncho is getting ready to dispatch Maxi-Monotonous. "It's a shame it had to end this way for you!" He puts the gun to Max's head and Max hangs on to his ropes looking pathetic. Suddenly we see Demento approaching from behind Puncho. Demento makes Puncho put down the gun. Max tells Demento, "I see you're not as much of a coward as I thought. You're going to kill me yourself!"

Lala is saying a prayer to the Virgin. "Please don't let my sons kill Max. Save him! Save him!" Still no one is calling the police. Doesn't this make Lala and Caramel accessories?"

Max is telling Demento to kill him, because if he doesn't the first chance he gets Max is going to kill Demento. "Kill me!!! Kill me!!!" Max's lower lip is now quivering. Demento says, "If that's what you want…" Demento then puts the gun on Max's forehead and holds it there for five minutes until…

Credits roll.

Labels: acorralada

(My apologies for how long this took. There was some computer glitch that literally kept it from showing up on screen although it was up for hours. -ed.)

It's New Year's Day. Gavi relays Rod's message that he's looking to get married as soon as everything can be arranged. Clarita looks a bit sternly at Gavi, and says she doesn't want to bust her balloon, but "Just when is this supposed to happen?" and the $64,000 question, "What do you expect to do if his wife up and refuses to give him that divorce?" (Aw, Clarita, what a wet blanky of a sensible mother you are! --It's painfully obviously now, this relationship is gonna be one long hoopty car ride from here on out for our happy couple: bump along and screech. Go. Screetch. Go. Screetch. Heck! Let's just burn rubber and scram owta here already!)

Videgaray assures Rod that he can annul his marriage to Isa, who (speak of the Devil and who should appear?) just happens to arrive home at that exact moment. (RUh-roh! Bus-ted!! Or maybe not. Heart in throat time.) Hearing the end of their discussion her little blond antennae pick up and she says, "What do you need to ask me? " Rod's heart skips a beat or three, but he smoothly ignores her by offering to walk the old legal eagle to the door.(Compose yourself, Rod. Breathe deep. Paste on that brilliant smile and turn around.)

Not to be denied, Isa asks again about their discussion. Rod answers that they were dealing with matters concerning the hacienda and by the way, Videgaray's handling the fiscal year's year-end financial matters, including her daddy's debt. Isa says sweetly that she knows her daddy is behind on the payments, but as soon as he can he'll catch them up. (What a quick save, Burly Bear. Who'd a thunk you had it in ya?)

Rod smiles and in a moment of benificence, guilty conscience, or perhaps as a means in hopes of smoothing the way for their divorce, he tells her he's cancelling her father's debt (and thus, any reason to feel morally chained to this mock marriage. -- Ok, Ice. If you're worthy of even a bit of our respect at this point, I hope this little morsel of reality sinks into that overly peroxided noggin of yours.) Isa is elated. She thanks him and gives him her parents' holiday felicitations. (What? She's not gonna give him another one of those clingy, greasy kissee-things on his cheek? Guess not.)

Rod nervously mentions he's going out with his sisters and Pilar to place flowers near his parents' burial vault at the church. Isa sweetly begs off claiming that this should be a private moment with his family. Relieved, he agrees. Confrontation satisfactorily avoided. When he leaves, she calls to make her pappy happy by giving him this belated X-mas present.

At the kitchen table Gavi and Clarita are continuing their discussion. "If Rod says it'll be easy, then there's got to be a reason, Ma." The phone rings. On the way to the family memorial, Rod, smiling from ear to ear, has called up Gavi. "Hi!" he says. "Have you changed much? I haven't seen you since last year!" "--Yes I have!" she answers. " I love you even more!" (Feelin' it yet, guys? Ain't it wunnerful?)

Rod called from the car to let Gavi know that Videgaray came by to discuss the divorce and is starting the paperwork. He also wants to come by there or to take her and Clarita out to eat to discuss more of the details; but Gavi reminds him that they agreed to see each other only at work to avoid any suspicions. He asks her then how is he going to ask Clara for her hand if he cannot come by and see the two of them. (Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Whoopee!)

Gavi excitedly whispers this bit to Clarita who is beside herself with joy. To Rod: "--But, hey! So how can you ask her for my hand if your not already divorced?" Rod says it's like he thought: he can get the civil annulment right away. They can marry civil and then petition for a religious annulment so that she can be properly married in the Church. Gavi relays this message to her mother and Clarita jumps for joy. (Go, Ma! I'm right there with ya' on this one!)

At the mausoleum, Rod converses mentally with his father and tells him that he's changing his life around but not to think he will be leaving his sisters or grandmother unprotected.

Back at Aaron's place, our she-pup of Cerebus asks her "belov-ed" where and why he's headed out that morning. He lies and says he has an association meeting and NO, she cannot attend this one!! Min, who by now really is getting on everybody's last nerve, has a list of airlines sitting out. "What's this?" he asks her. La-Muy-Enerva (Madam Exasperating) explains she is trying to see if Rod really did fly back on the last flight out of Veracruz. This damned she-male is now like a bitch with its bone; and Aaron, aggravated as hell, tells her that the entire family will think she's nuts if she keeps this up. (What do you mean will?)

Aaron pokes his finger and pecks with it at her forehead. "My cousin and Mariana did.not.spend.time.to.ge.ther!!" "Hah!--I'm going to prove you are all WRONG!!" "Ay! Do whatever the heck you want, then! Just don't wreck your day thinking I'm with another woman." (I don't worry anymore about celestial payback for Aaron's misdeeds. He's obviously married to it. Living with Minnie, Aaron suffers his divine punishment daily like one of Dante's infernal damned.)

Turns out Aaron is headed for his nooner with Pamela, to whom he has so generously and graciously offered the honor of becoming wife #2, IF and only IF, she gives him a son. During their bubble bath (Excuse me, this is sexy? I couldn't tell if the tub was heart-shaped ala "That 70's Show" or not.) Pam tells him how respectfully the Miami servants treat her: like his wife and they even address her as Sra. Montalvo. (Ah, whadda they know?)

Pam asks what Minnie will do once she finds out they're living together. Aaron answers, like he cares. Then she asks if there is anyone Minnie hates as much as her. Aaron says yes, and it's turned into a stubborn obsession for her, but better for them because it now allows them to enjoy their relationship worry-free.

At the hacienda Sayinyawanna? is still giving Hilario the cold shoulder. He tries to apologize, but it's useless. S.J. tells him to forget it and adds that oh, by the way, he's crazy if he thinks Sra. Isadora will ever take a penniless dirt farmer like him seriously. (Another well-deserved knee to the groin come-back delivered by our Miss Loose-and-Lazy!!) Hilario stands there with one of his endearingly doofus, confounded-but-guilty-as-charged, expressions on his face, simulating what passes for being in thought.

Back in her hotel room, Pammy imagines Aaron on the television screen telling her again he'll marry her if she would only give him the gift of a baby boy. Sadly she says, "Ah, Bichi! This is not going to be possible."

Gavi is singing her favorite song while getting ready for work the next morning. Clarita calls her a regular little [songbird] these days. "You haven't sung like this for a long time!" Gavi is in love and feeling every lovely minute of it. Clarita gives her a blessing and warns her to behave sensibly at the office, because one cannot pretend about love nor money. (That anvil is being raised ever so slowly above Wiley Coyote.)

Aaron tells Minnie he's going to be traveling by himself for a while on business to a number of cities up in the U.S. She's worried about the house in Miami being left untended to. He says the servants are very efficient. She has another minute of self-doubt and asks him (Wham! "Before you go-go!") if he loves her. His smarmy answer is, "Of course, and with all my heart!" and then he exits, stage right.

Gavi arrives at the office all excited. Another beautiful bouquet arrives anonymously (from Rod) while she's greeting Margarita. They exchange hugs and she heads up to his office where Margarita has said he's been waiting for her.

Gavi enters and Rod cannot contain himself. He is full of smiles as Gavi shuts the door. (EY's smile is to die for and a shout-out to the cameraman for capturing this bit of Heaven's natural beauty on film so perfectly.) Rod is the "essence of love" in male form if ever there was. In fact, they are both positively beaming. It's effervescent and seeps out and through every inch of him. Gavi cannot help but be enveloped by it. (What can I say? These few scenes are damned good! The sponsors got their money's worth.)

Rod teases then begs her for kisses but she manages to refuse for a bit. She tries to calm him down and begs him to behave himself since they could be caught. Just as she gives in and he bends close to her ear to go in for the smooch, Wicked Witch of the East flies in on her broomstick as once again Elvira has ever-so-rudely barged in to his office without knocking!

Ruh-roh!! Bust-ed!! --And for real, this time. It is definitely the cat caught with the canary. Elvira is as embarrassed as they are and looks at the floor a few seconds. (I half expected Rod to raise holy hell with her at this point, but nooooo!) Rod tries awkwardly to cover up his actions by switching to business talk with Mariana, but Elvira definitely suspects nooky; she says nothing. She relays her message about the tasting school candidates arriving tomorrow in Tequila and exits. (That was sooooo not a smooth move, Rodster. -- I gotta figure he's so close to netting goal he just doesn't give a flip any longer. So, the anvil is winched up a bit higher still.)

Gavi warns him again to behave since they were nearly caught. (Naw, they were caught. Definitely close enough for horse shoes here.) Rod says he's beyond caring what anyone thinks because he really needs her and loves her so much now. He finally gets his kiss and as Gavi/Mariana leaves his office she's singing her special song under her breath. Elvira looks at Mariana like she's lost her mind, but Mariana blows her off and tells her, "Smile, Elvirita." (The pulley on that anvil keeps turning. Higher and higher it goes.)

Isa pays a visit to Daddy Ricardo. She has obviously misinterpreted Rod's gesture, 'cuz she tells her daddy that Rod's discharging the debt must mean that he intends to strengthen their marital relationship. So Ricardo advises her to get pregnant to insure her marriage is set in stone, but not by artificially inseminating herself. He encourages her to do it the old fashioned way and to use her wiles. (Gees, I never had father-daughter chats like that.) "Princesa" reminds him that it won't be easy since Rod always rejects her advances. Daddy says he has faith in her, and they both know she always gets what she wants once she sets her mind to it.

Meanwhile, back at Montalvo Corp, Rod runs into Gavi's office to tell her that Videgaray just called. He found them some property on their island and it's now just a matter of signing the papers. Also, he's suggested to the old guy that Mariana be named Assistant Director of the Corporation. Vid says that a woman could be named in that way, though it might be turned down. They are not sure who will take over the reins of the business afterward, but Rod is beyond caring. "Let Aaron or Bruno figure it out." He assures her that very shortly they will be free to express their love publicly, since the only reason that a separation would be complicated would be if he and Isa had children...... (Damn, I want to cover my eyes so badly about now.)

Dani smooths things over with Grammy P. She's come back to live with them and will abide by the House rules. Just please return the favor and treat Elvis with some respect when he visits her there, she asks. When Dani leaves for her rehearsals, Grammy wonders how she can be tolerant when she feels exactly the opposite. Sofia suggests to Pilar that they conceal their disgust of Elvis just as long as it takes for Dani to eventually get bored with him.

Gavi comes in with more book work. Rod wants her to join him for a couple of days at the hacienda, but she refuses point blank. She has been gone a couple of years now and has no intention of returning, especially with all the details she's got to clear up for Corporate. She tells Rod they can be done with the most immediate business needs within a couple of days, if they work overtime. He's excited to hear that they could be on their way by the day after tomorrow. He wants her to get them plane tickets right away.

Gavi is caught by the quick timing of it all. Rod wonders if Clarita is willing to join them and Gavi says it will be difficult for her to leave her volunteer work at the hospital, but she's definitely coming with them.

While all this is taking place at Montalvo Corporate Offices, Isa gets an unexpected and unwanted visit from Frankie Gigilo. Isa icily tells him not to darken her door again. She's married and wants to keep it that way. In fact, he doesn't have to even worry about repaying her for their fun times together. Not one to take no for an answer, Frankie successfully seduces her again, and drags Isa back over to his place for a little afternoon delight in, and out of, the jacuzzi. (Damn, ever notice that woman never really needs much persuadin'?)

Gavi discusses needing to finalize her severance package in order to pay off her remaining debts. She adamantly refuses to allow Rod to pay them for her. She tells him she also will want to continue working because she cannot live in idle luxury. He tells her fine. "One last thing," says Gavi. "When do you plan to speak to Isadora?" He says the following night he'll tell Isa about the divorce, but obviously not that it's because of wanting to be with Gavi/Mariana; then he'll tell the family once everything else is completed.

"She is going to be so hurt by all of this," Gavi says. (Wasted sentiment.) He agrees, and neither of them wants to hurt Isa, nor to enjoy themselves at Isa's expense. Rod says he feels just as badly as Gavi does about it. "Life, though, is like that. If we are ever to live our lives out in the open we have to be ready to give up everything and everyone." (Yeah, Isa is really feeling some pain about now. Not!)

Lacing their fingers together, Rod and Gavi take a pledge that whatever happens, God might give them the strength to cross through whatever obstacles necessary to keep from ever being separated from each other again. Just then Elvira barges in a second time. (Is senility setting in or what?) This time Rod does put her in her place and she apologizes, saying it will not happen again. (Yeah, and I have a bridge for sale in Brooklyn.) Elvira tells him a James O'Brian has called a number of times to discuss the new school of tasting trainees.

Gavi/ Mariana exits from Rod's office and Oñate unctuously greets her. When Gavi is gone he strides over to Elvira and asks whether Videgaray had come around. Elvira says she hasn't the foggiest, but he did call. "What about?" She doesn't know. He suggests that next time she might (skin crawl alert) literally "put her pretty little ear to the door" and find out for him, since he presents a danger to the company.

Rod talks with James to let him know the students for his tasting school will be arriving the next day. They kid around a bit about Rod and "La Gaviota" getting back together again. James wants all the dirt, but Rod laughs and puts him off a while, telling him "all in good time." "--And James, don't ever refer to her by that name again. She doesn't think anyone is aware of her true identity."

Minnie gets shut out and shut down by the airlines, so she decides to enlist Oily Oñate to get the skinny for her. She comes by the corporate offices to speak privately with him since she knows Aaron is out for the afternoon. She explains her suspicions about Rod and asks him for the list of passengers from Veracruz the night of the 31st of December as well as those from Manzanillo. She demands and he promises total discretion --not even her husband can know. "Lawyer's honor, he-heh". (Ri-i-i-ght. Ok. Do any of you feel awkward admitting one of your relatives is a lawer right now? I know I do. Sorry, Bro'.) Minnie says she'd prefer it was on a Bible, but hey..... (In a perfect world, right?)

Rod's plan is to work late with Mariana to clean up whatever is pending with the company and to use Elvira as their "chaperon". He informs Elvira that they all will be working until rather late in the evening.

As Minnie is leaving Oñate's office, Rod bumps into her in the hallway. He goes into Mariana's office to let her know Minnie's been there and that he is suspicious of Minerva's true motives. This does not sit well with him, particularly since they're trying to finalize all their personal plans. They wonder what business she could possibly have with the man. So, Gavi suggests he work that night at home to keep Isa from suspecting anything. He says no, he's certain that Elvira will call his wife and assure her that they're all legitimately working late there. He wants more kisses and swears that for every kiss she's been refusing him she'll have to pay them back with interest, 300% worth!! Not a problem for Gavi.

At the same time, Elvira pulls Minnie aside to tell her how she caught Mariana and Sr. Rodrigo "very chummy" in his office earlier. She is certain that Mariana was even going to kiss Sr. Montalvo! (--You know, life must have been a real treat for Elvira's defunct husband. Ever wonder why he died so early??? I bet he was more than ready for that sweet chariot to swing a bit lower just so's he could be carried home that much sooner.) Minnie says not to worry; she's about to get exactly what she needs to expose the two of them, and particularly Mariana, in front of the whole Montalvo family. (Pulley ropes keep squeeking. The anvil is rising higher and higher.)

Aaron meets with his lawyer and tells him he wants his divorce to go through ASAP! His wife has become an anchor around his neck. His lawyer has arranged the documents to be sent to her at the house in Miami. If she refuses to respond, then after the third notice by the courts she will be automatically divorced by default and considered in contempt of court. The sooner the better says Aaron!! (Trust me, Aaron. It's not soon enough for any of us, either!!)

Isa heads back from Frankie's apartment and he runs after her. She tells him they ought to have ended their little romance back in Alcapulco. She is not going to risk her marriage and that is that. It is over for good. Don't come looking for her ever again, period. Frankie wants her to swear she doesn't ever want to see him again. Coldly, dare I say, icily, she looks him straight in the eyes and says, "I swear it."

At the office, Rod and Gavi are talking via their phones. She's worried that he didn't leave a message and Isa will come by to complain to them; if so, she won't be able to withstand the pressure. She hates thinking of herself as a home wrecker, literally, "a husband-robbing female". "No, my love. You aren't stealing anything. I was never anyone's but yours." (Aw! Just feel the love, guys. This is the real thing, I'd say. But I still hear that pulley rope squealing in the background.)

Later that evening Oñate calls Minnie from an untraceable public phone, with the passenger information she wanted, and says she was correct. Rod was not on the list of passengers who flew out of Veracruz that night. However, he won't have the Manzanillo list till sometime tomorrow. She hangs up and Aaron wants to know who it was. "Like you should be the one asking me? Don't even bother!" She struts her stuff and walks off.

Belisario, the concierge, mentions to Frankie that his friend got back from his trip and was upset because Frankie's still living in the apartment. Isa meets her daddy for supper and is out when Sofia comes by the reception desk to have the concierge call up to her apartment. Frankie approaches her as she's leaving and re-introduces himself. She remembers him from the phone call in the apartment and he turns on the charm spiggot. Sofia smiles to herself ("Hot-damn!") as she leaves the building. She gets back into her SUV but the engine won't start.

Daddy Ricardo tells Isa how pleased he was with the news that her husband had cancelled the debt. He tells her that he has grand ideas to improve the textile factory now. Since the debt has been erased and forgiven, he can do exactly that, but only with another infusion of capital. So he has gone back to the bank to get another loan. Daddy wants her to persuade Rod to co-sign his loan and back it for him. "It's only a signature, not cash."

Isa is vexed by this request and says it will not be an easy thing for her to ask again, particularly so soon after the other. She is really feeling uncomfortable. (Does anybody else see the similarities here between Frankie and Father with their manipulative machinations? They say a woman always goes for a man like her daddy. Hmmm.) Ricardo says that's silly and of course Rod will help her out. She'll see. He'll send her the papers tomorrow.

Sofia's SUV won't start and Frankie drives out just then in what is apparently his buddy's hot red Alfa-male Romeo. He stops to give his newest damsel to be dis-dressed some help.

It's late and Elvira snidely asks Mariana what she is trying to prove by working so late with them both that night. "Elvira, don't start, ok? Lots needs to get done." Elvira leaves. A bit later, Rod and Gavi finally finish their work. As it's getting late and they're hungry, they decide to go out for dinner together and to finish the rest of it early the next morning.

Meanwhile, Isa returns home from dinner with Daddy and decides to check on Rod with a call to his office. Of course he's just left so he doesn't answer his phone. She immediately suspects he's lied to her about working late.

At the restaurant Rod tells Gavi that once they're married he wants them to return to live in Tequila at the hacienda. Agave farming and Tequila is their life and the land is their essence, their entirety. He tells her how he thinks about her running to him through rows of planted mescal. She envisions them riding together on horseback as the sun sets.....

Labels: Destilando

This is Jeanne, subbing for my mentor, Ferro, who taught me everything he knows. About recapping.

Emilio, ever the solitary hero, is in a dark alley with three thugs. He’s still looking for Gaby and the child trafficking ring simultaneously. The thugs tell him he’s not welcome there. He wants to know what they’re hiding, and swings deftly around to slug the one behind him. [Ed. Note: the bald guy better get a toupee. He’s like a beacon in the dark alley, with the only light around bouncing off his shiny head. Not exactly effective camouflage.] The thugs work Emilio over, and one points a gun in his nose. They tell him he doesn’t belong in this world. In another deft move, he swings, grabs the hand with the gun so they’re both holding on, and tries to get a grip [kind of the common thread of this entire novela, Emilio trying to get a grip]. The guys (one looking suspiciously like the dead Canibal, DL’s former cellmate, maybe they’re on a really tight budget) knock him to the ground. They kick him around. He isn’t moving.

At the morgue, Vargas, Alina and Rodrigo wait for the identification of the body, which is wheeled in. Who noticed it was a full-grown person on the gurney? Right! It is! Alina looks first and is impactada. But, it’s not Gaby. Rodrigo thanks God for that. Vargas says they’ll start the search in earnest for Gaby tomorrow, because now she can be considered a missing person. [Ed. Note: Sheesh.} Rodrigo is anguished about where his daughter could be.

At the Mansión Valtierra, Orlando is chatting with the maid and making himself at home to wait for Emilio. He’s ready to spill the beans about the cachorrito. For such a creep, he sure is a knockout in a pink shirt. It grieves my schoolmarmish soul to have to say so, though, gentle readers. I’m just sayin’. Thelma struts in, with a fetching dark lilac top with sparkly trim and a sort of a sparkly peplum thing at the bottom hem. Thelma’s surprised to see him and he looks like he was kind of hoping he’d catch Emilio first. [You kidding? When’s Emilio home?] Thelma didn’t think she’d ever see him again since he escaped from the Sierra. He tells her, well, you’re wrong and it’s your bad luck we’ve run into each other again.

Thelma asks why he’s there and he tells her it’s not her business. She tells him it seems like he might be stupid on his part. He rushes her, grabs her by the shoulders, and accuses her of betraying him. He knows “everything.” Yes, he knows she abused Alina, but he’s really here to tell Emilio that the child is Gaspar’s. [Very slick, Orlando, show your hand before the final play. I wonder how you do a poker with the boys?]

Elias is kissing Soledad passionately on the neck as they stand just outside of Don Loco’s cell. She calls “Álvaro” several times. He wakes up and sees them making out. He tells her for the millionth time to stop that! He’s never going to pardon her. Soledad and Elias are horizontal, still making out. DL, back to the bars, slides down and pants. Another nightmare.

At the Mansión Valtierra Thelma just can’t understand where Orlando comes up with this stuff. What on earth makes you think I would ever go to bed with an imbecile like Gaspar? He wonders why she gets so odd when she’s cornered. He’s personally confirmed that she was at the Cueva del Diablo, drunk, and with Gaspar. ALL the employees confirmed that they saw you on the night in question [Ed. Note: this piece of evidence is just about as convincing as the bracelet in José’s bed, but never mind that, Thelma’s officially on NOTICE, gentle readers.] She astutely points out that even if that happened, he has no proof. Folks know what kind of person he is, too. He points out that Emilio knows what kind of person she is. Orlando and Thelma are in this together. She tells him that Emilio loves that boy and nothing will convince him of this. She’s going to call the police. Orlando throws back some parting shots that he’ll find Emilio eventually, and leaves.

Alina and Rodrigo arrive at his apartment and reassure an anxious Tina that the child was not Gaby, though no one should have to go through a moment like that. Alina sends Tina to get something to calm Rodrigo. She tells him they will just have to wait for the police search in the morning.

At the Mansión Valtierra, Thelma steams and storms into her room, yelling about stupid Orlando threatening her. She flashes back to handing Gaby over to the tall mute guy (who reminds me of Vicente from Alborada.) She is recalling that she told him surely the people at this kid’s house would give him money for her return home. Brilliant thinking, Thelma. Find a dark alley, find a really big mute guy, and hand the kid over to him with a few instructions and no money. He’s going to be your very best bet for an escort for a little kid. [What I want to know, gentle readers, is how this woman has made it to adulthood?] Some common sense kicks in and she realizes she’d better not think too long about this. Could it be that she knows this was not a satisfactory strategy and has the potential to end in disaster for Gaby? Is it possible that the neurons fire off now and then?

All she wanted with this plan was that Rodrigo would marry Alina and get her the heck out of Puebla. [Another brilliant plan, given that he has family here, and a great career.] Then Emilio will have to realize that he’s going to have to stay with her, Thelma. [Magical thinking.]

Emilio, still on the ground and now unconscious, is being frisked for valuables by the thugs. The find his wallet and make him as a military officer. They want no part of that. They leave him and his wallet intact and run like h***. Gaby is dragged right past him by the huge, mute guy and is yelling and trying to get loose. She looks down at Emilio, probably thinking he is dead. Emilio comes to when she’s past him, too late, but her voice may have sunk through his haze. Another guy meets Gaby and her escort. He ushers them in commenting about how he sees the big, mute guy has brought the merchandise; Rosendo is coming soon, he’ll call Rosendo. Take her into the office. Gaby is still screaming, so why can’t Emilio hear that? They aren’t that far away! Emilio picks up his wallet and struggles to sit against the wall while we cut to commercial, exhausted from the emotion……

Emilio has finally gotten up on his feet and is making a call to Vargas about asking for Rosendo Luna and getting attacked by thugs. He’s continuing the search because he’s sure he’s on the right track.

At Rodrigo’s, he’s out cold on the coach and Tina and Alina talk above his head. How the poor man is suffering! Alina tells Tina she knows Tina’s exhausted and tells her to rest. But Tina wants to be available for the phone. Alina says she’ll cover. Tina thanks her for being with them at this time.

Back in an alley near Claudia’s home, Angel stops her. She looks impactada and a bit afraid. How did he find her? It’s not important, he just needs to see her. She tells him no, look for me at work tomorrow? He wants to know who she’s scared of? Her stepfather? She reallllly looks impactada and scared now.

At the Mansión Valtierra, Singing Auntie (who doesn’t seem to sing much these days), is baby-rocking. She greets Emilio who is coming in. He asks where Thelma is. She’s been gone most of the day. Angel’s been gone, too. He tells her he’s been involved in a search all day. She says that sounds interesting and he tells her it’s really bad, it’s about the daughter of Rodrigo Ochoa, Alina’s fiancé. Rebeca is a bit impactada. Someone has kidnapped Gaby. Rebeca picks up the flyer with Gaby’s picture and notices the ribbons in the child’s hair. She remembers the ribbons she took from Thelma’s purse—they’re the SAME!! Two and two do make four, Rebeca. Emilio wonders why she is so impressed with the photo---oh, it’s only because her father must be so anguished. She asks about what they know. He tells her he doesn’t want to burden her with the problems. She says, well, it’s like a television program, right, this work? He says it’s not really, unfortunately, this is real life.

Rebeca rocks the baby and contemplates the photo. She just knows it is the same ribbon and Thelma kidnapped this child. She must find out the truth.

Claudia moves Angel away from the door and the children playing in the alley. She tells him they shouldn’t be seen talking there. He tells her he’s run into her stepfather and they definitely didn’t become fast friends. Claudia is worried he treated Angel badly. No, that’s not it. He wants to know how to help her, but Claudia doesn’t want to make him sad. She prefers he doesn’t come looking for her. Doesn’t he realize they are from two very different worlds? He tells her this is nonsense and doesn’t matter to him [hooray, Angel!!] He just wants to be with her. Well, it may not matter to him, but it does to her. Good night! Angel gets the last word in, though, after she’s left. He’s not going to leave her alone, he tells himself.

Alina, still at Rodrigo’s, is telling her mother that she’s grateful it wasn’t Gaby. On the other hand, what’s happening to Gaby could be worse. [Worse than death?] They talk about the search, which has yielded no information. Rodrigo is doing badly, though he is sleeping now. Soledad remembers when she thought Alina was dead, and saw her buried. It was awful. She understands what he must be feeling. Alina reminds her that at least Luba knew she wasn’t dead. Alina tells Soledad that Tina is feeling terrible, because she feels so guilty that it is her fault Gaby disappeared. Soledad tells Alina to let her know anything new.

Orlando is home, musing that Thelma is right, Emilio might not believe him (ya think?). He must find some real proof of his accusations. He throws back several belts of the hard stuff while he thinks out loud. He has to find Gaspar, who is the one who can really prove it. [Like anyone is going to believe Gaspar? Alina didn’t!]

We return from commercial to Rodrigo’s, where Alina covers him with a blanket and answers the phone. It’s Emilio, who is impactado that she is there. Why? She’s his fiancée. She asks about the search. He tells her there’s nothing new, but they are looking for a gang that traffics in kids. She is impactada. He reassures her that they shouldn’t be looking for trouble, though, they are just pursuing this investigation anyway. He asks if Rodrigo is there. Yes, but he’s sleeping, do you want to speak with him. Emilio decides that he doesn’t. He actually has some body language---and it’s not happy language. He doesn’t like Alina being there. He tells her to let Rod know they’ll see each other later. Emilio hangs up, and mutters that she’s with him, at his side. Angel comes into the living room and greets his brother. He wants to know who hit Emilio.

In the office off the dark alley, the big, mute guy is sitting on a sofa watching over Gaby, who’s lying on the sofa. This office reminds me of a detective office from a B-list 1950s movie, with the dim lighting and dark walls. There’s even a hanging light bulb type of lamp in the center. The guy who met them at the door comes in and the “escort” stands up. Rosendo is coming, get this kid up! Gaby resists as Rosendo’s feet appear, then his face. ¡Sorpresa! It’s Claudia’s stepfather (padrastro)! He must be the jefe, because he goes to sit behind the desk. He looks Gaby over. Really good goods. Gaby whines and struggles.

At the Mansión Valtierra, Angel and Emilio are having a little chat. Angel is concerned that what Emilio has told him is very dangerous. He thinks the bruises are a warning to drop the investigation. Emilio realizes that. But, it’s vital to find Gaby. Angel wonders about him doing this specific investigation, does Alina figure in it? Well, yes, because she is involved with Rodrigo, she’s suffering on account of the child. Emilio wants to lessen her suffering. Angel says it’s a noble objective, but it puts him back in close contact with Alina and that’s not good. Emilio realizes this, too. It hurts to watch her loving another guy.

In Rosendo’s office, he’s manhandling Gaby to get a close look. (shiver) He’s going to give the big, mute guy 5 thousand pesos for her ($458.22 at yesterday’s exchange rate). It doesn’t look like the big, mute guy is happy with that. He tries to negotiate. Rosendo says it’d be easier to understand an animal than him, and sneers. [Bad move, Rosi, if you want this one]. Gaby tries to tell Rosendo how Thelma tricked her to get into the car, kidnapped her, etc. and that her father is a captain in the army. Rosendo is impactado and tells the big, mute guy to get this kid the heck out of Puebla and try to sell her in Mexico City. They don’t need to get mixed up with an army captain. Gaby still isn’t quite understanding what serious danger she’s in, but she’s getting a glimmer. She’s impactada.

At the Mansión Valtierra, Rebeca wakes Thelma up. Thelma snipes at her, and Rebeca wants to know how she can sleep with all the atrocities she has committed. Rebeca makes it clear she’s figured out about Gaby’s disappearance and that Thelma’s involved. Thelma plays dumb, but realizes her Auntie is smarter than she seems.

Vargas is meeting in his office with Alina, and her two captains. They talk about the potential connection between Gaby’s disappearance and the gang trafficking in children around the same location where she was last seen; the two efforts will be joining forces. This is news to Rodrigo. He didn’t know about the child-trafficking ring. He’s upset, big time. He asks Emilio what makes him think the child has gotten involved in this? Emilio acknowledges he doesn’t have a real reason to think this. He points out that the thugs tried to scare him off by beating him. Rodrigo is grateful for this work, and hopes that Gaby isn’t somehow involved. Rodrigo and Alina leave, and Emilio stays to exchange a few last thoughts with Vargas. They’ll be in touch.

Vargas gets back to papers on his desk. He opens one and looks mildly impactado. He puts the paper back into the envelope. He makes a call asking to see Dra. Loca immediately.

Mauro stands outside DL’s cell. He needs to explains some strategies he has underway to get DL out of this cell. DL nods, resigned, and gets up from his cot. He walks to the bars and grabs Mauro from behind the head, pulling him forward to choke him on the bars. He warns him about all his stupidity and not to mess with Dra. Loca.

At the Mansión Valtierra, Thelma is still in bed, attempting to deny that she’s involved with Gaby’s disappearance. Singing Auntie Rebeca reminds Thelma that she’s the one person Thelma can’t fool. [Ed. Note: come to think of it, Rebeca eventually has found out all of Thelma’s perfidies. I guess she’s right. But it’s not in her best interest to let Thelma know that so blatantly. Thelma’s repeatedly told her that she’s capable of anything, even up to and including murder if necessary, to get her way. This apparently isn’t registering with Rebeca as a potential threat to her own person. Tsk.] She pulls out the ribbons. Thelma is commercial impactada.

Thelma wonders how the h*** Rebeca got those? Thelma tries to grab them and Rebeca tap dances around her. (Great strategy, Rebeca. You and Orlando better not play poker together). Rebeca tells Thelma she’s giving Emilio the ribbons, because he told her he’s looking for this child. If they don’t find this child, Rebeca doesn’t want to think what might happen. Thelma actually looks worried. She should.

Mauro is still choking on the bars. For a guy behind them, DL hasn’t lost much style. He still controls his world, even if it’s way smaller. Mauro will go beg Dra. Loca’s pardon. He thinks DL is thinking too much about this. DL gives him another warning about getting him out of jail and lets him go. Mauro rubs his neck. Mauro’s plan is to get him out to a hospital where he can get medical help. Predictably, gentle readers, DL doesn’t like this plan any better. It’ll still be four walls and he’ll still be trapped inside them. A guard comes to take him and Mauro to see Vargas and Dra. Loca in the visitor area.

Alina is ready to get into a military car with Rodrigo. She sees Emilio and asks to have a moment to talk to him. Rodrigo turns his back while they go a few steps away to talk. She wants Emilio to know how much she cares about him, and gives him the heart to keep him safe. He kisses it and tells her she doesn’t know what it means to him. She goes back to the car, and he goes to his, stopping briefly to breathe a sigh of….relief? Satisfaction? Rodrigo looks like he’s steaming, with his jaw very squared before he gets into the car.

At the Mansión Valtierra, Thelma and Rebeca continue their heated discussion of the ribbons and Thelma’s complicity in what’s happened to Gaby. Thelma warns R she better not give those ribbons to Emilio, but R is going to find a way to tell him. Thelma says she paid a guy to take the kid home, and she’s surely home by now. (I didn’t notice any money changing hands, but maybe I missed it. It wasn’t 5 mil pesos, though, so the goods always go to the higher bidder). Rebeca looks relieved and tries to make sure Thelma’s not trying to fool with her. [Sheesh, Rebeca, what a stupid question. This girl is ALWAYS trying to fool with you. But, eventually the truth will out as you already noticed.] Thelma demands the ribbons. She thought Auntie was on her side! They struggle and fall on the bed. Angel comes in, wondering what the heck this is about. They get quiet and Rebeca looks a little smug. Ribbons, ribbons, who has the ribbons?

Vargas and Dra. Loca wait in the visitors’ room at the jail. DL comes in with Mauro and the guard. DL looks at Vargas and asks what miracle brings him here, since he thought they were done dealing with each other. He moves threateningly toward Vargas, but Mauro restrains him. Vargas reminds him there’s unfinished business. They have the DNA results. DL sits to look it over. This will surely prove Soledad’s betrayal. Vargas tells him, “not so fast.” Dra. Loca explains that the proof is positive, and reliable: Alina IS HIS child. DL is impactado.

Thelma is facing off with Angel now, who wants to know why they were fighting. Rebeca sits on the bed, adjusting her caftan and poncho-thingy. Thelma tells Angel it’s nothing. (Okay, two grown women struggling over something on the bed and screaming at each other, it’s nothing.) Rebeca says they were discussing about caring for the baby. Angel lectures Thelma that if she wants to be trusted with caring for her own baby, she better adjust her attitude. Thelma is incensed at his audacity. But, he’s just sayin’. She snidely thanks him as he leaves, and he snidely says, “Whenever you want [good advice], Thelma.”

Thelma slams the door and goes back to Rebeca (who should have been in Panama with the baby by now, but she moved too slowly). Thelma wonders why Rebeca didn’t accuse her just now while she had a chance? Rebeca’s giving her the benefit of the doubt. It the child is really at home, they’ll know it soon. If not, she’ll tell Emilio, and qué the heck was Thelma thinking, snatching this kid? She has the proof, though.

Back in the jail visitors’ room, the results of the DNA test just have to be wrong, it’s just not possible that Alina is his. DL is sure the results were manipulated in the lab. Vargas assures him that they are professionals (okay, it sounds a little more convincing coming from Vargas, but not that much. Still, if the results were manipulated in the lab, someone else who was tested that day belongs to DL….). Mauro wants a second test. Dra. Loca, righteously indignant and smug as always, asserts the proof is indisputable. Alina IS his child. DL is now getting it. He messed up big time. He abused his own daughter. Demeaned her. Maltreated her. Dra. Loca points out that also, his wife never cheated on him.

Alina, back in her room at Casa de Coral, is talking with Soledad. Have the found Gaby? No, and a military group is searching as well as the police. Emilio is involved. He has a lead on it. What? You saw Emilio? Yes. She tells her mother it’s okay. But, they are worried about the possible connection with a child-trafficking ring. Soledad asks her, “You care about him a lot, right?” Alina acknowledges it. [Ed. Note: Aside from her fetching top, which would meet ALL of Ferro’s criteria, and pink wedge heels, she is wearing an outfit that reminds us of her cave-dweller days. You’d think by now, gentle readers, that Alina would never wear denim again.] Yeah, but what’s it worth. Alina is going back to Rodrigo’s—she’s packing a few clothes to stay. Her mother asks Alina to call if there’s any news.

DL is thinking through this bomb he just had dropped on him. Soledad didn’t cheat; Mariana told the truth. The letter was for her. But what about the bracelet? Why did Jose call Alina “hija” before he died? Vargas explains that he probably was bad off. DL wonders how he could have been so blind. (eye roll from your Ed. here)…..he asks Dra. Loca if he could have a mental illness of jealousy? She has no response. [Ed. Note.: This would have been a tender, sad moment if we hadn’t suffered through fifteen weeks of DL’s mental illness with Soledad, Alina and all, gentle readers. Instead, I want to shake my head and shake DL.]

As we return from commercial, Emilio is pulling up in his snappy silver auto. He pulls the heart out of his pocket and looks at it. He flashes orange back when she gave it to him and walks ahead, showing the flyer to an officer type guy on a corner.

In the visitors’ room, Dra. Loca is gently talking to DL, her jacket and camisole meeting all of Ferro’s criteria and then some. (She’s a professional, though, let’s remember). She tells him that he surely had some traumatic experiences during childhood that left him this way. His perception of reality is affected. [I must say, this gal is a really brilliant diagnostician.] Jealousy is just one side of the coin. (Oh dear heaven, we don’t want to know what the other side is!!) He cries rather convincingly. Why could he only see what he wanted to? Because this was his only security that he was not mistaken. He wants to know it there is a cure.

Vargas tells him he’s a day late and a dollar short, but he’s got 25 years in the slammer to work on a cure. What’s done is done. Vargas leaves.

At the Mansión Valtierra, Thelma is still asserting she didn’t do anything to this kid, just took her out a while. Rebeca isn’t having any of this drivel. Well, whether you believe it or not, I took her to an amusement park! [Gaby was NOT amused, if we recall correctly, gentle readers.] Okay, okay, I took her to ask her a favor. I asked her to convince her Daddy to marry Alina [and get her far away, but we won’t disclose that right now, will we, Thelma?]. Rebeca scoffs, but Thelma, clever in finding ways to change the topic, “hears crying. Why aren’t you caring properly for that baby?”

Alina’s in her room, all changed into cave-dweller jeans and a jacket. She thought bubbles that God willing, Rodrigo will find Gaby. She prays to the Virgen, who is a miracle worker, to help find Gaby.

At Coral’s boutique, she’s talking with Soledad, who is worried that Alina is suffering, and still loves Emilio. Coral points out this isn’t new and if not for Thelma, they would long since be happy. Soledad notes that Alina is engaged to Rodrigo, but Coral doesn’t’ think it’ll last. They get back to the happy business of running the boutique.

At the Mansión Valtierra, the baby wasn’t crying, he’s calm. Singing Auntie is a good caretaker. She picks up the baby, cooing to him and Thelma seizes the moment and takes the ribbons out of Rebeca’s pocket. Slick, Thelma. Good hiding place, Rebeca. “Now you don’t have any way to lay the blame on me with Emilio.” Rebeca retorts, but Thelma counters that now she realizes she cannot trust Rebeca. Thelma storms out and Rebeca tells the baby that his mommy is one bad person. “You are not going to be like that, my love.”

We couldn’t get through an evening without Alfi and Hugo, could we? Here they are, still in José’s old cabin, with Alfi in her campesina outfit that meets NOT ONE of Ferro’s criteria. She asks Hugo, who is striding toward the door, where he thinks he’s going. He’s going to look for the cofre, of course. What do you take me for, a fool? This cofre could have much more money in it than what’s in your briefcase…..if you get it, I probably won’t ever see you again. Hugo retorts that she shouldn’t be an idiot, after he denounced Don Loco in court, he instantly became his worst enemy (this argument seems to work for Alfi, but it’s convoluted to me and doesn’t answer her original question). She says, okay, but I swear if you try to mess with me you’ll never see a single cent of the money in the briefcase. He storms out and she watches out the window.

Emilio is showing Gaby’s picture around the airport (it looks like the airport, could be a big bus station or train station). Two official looking guys, one in a uniform, tell him they’ll be on the lookout. She was taken only a day ago, so we have to hurry and find her. Oh!! There’s a scowling, struggling Gaby, inside the building – we can see her through the full-length windows! The big, mute guy is dragging her by the wrist. He doesn’t exactly look like he could be her dad, so this should be suspicious, but this is telenovelaland. The escort lets go of her wrist to sit down. She sees the uniform and runs to the window, pounding. One of the men notices her behind Emilio’s shoulder. “!La niña!” They all look, cut and run to get around inside. The door’s not far, but the big, mute guy is quick, grabs her by the waist and runs. Soon we see Gaby walking again, being propelled by his hand behind her neck (no doubt with plenty of pressure on the neck). She’s scared, scowling, and looking for help as he pushes her along. Emilio and the officials keep running in the direction they think is right, but Gaby and her escort have disappeared. No! Emilio stops and reconnoiters. There she is! Gaby is gazing mournfully at him. They turn and run again. Emilio jumps a railing. They’ve lost her again. He tells them they have to find her before she and the big, mute guy get on a road someplace. He goes into a vehicle door (bus station, it looks like) to look.

Back in the visitors’ room, DL is shaking his head sadly. “I’ve been thinking: how could I have doubted Soledad?” [Yes, we’ve been wondering the same thing for fifteen weeks.] How could I have treated my own daughter so badly? Mauro is of the same opinion as Vargas. What’s done is done. It’s time to move on. But, there is a good side to this. Do you understand me, Doc? “No, licenciado.” She’s not playing this game with Mauro. He wants her to diagnose that DL is incapacitated by his mental illness, and therefore not responsible for his bad judgment. He should be transferred from jail to a hospital to get help. [Ed. note: why would I be having such a hard time believing that DL is really sad about his behavior and is sneakily looking for a get-out-of-jail-free card so he can more easily escape from a mental hospital? We certainly don’t have anything in the past fifteen weeks that would lead me to that sort of suspicion…..] A chorus sings, the same ones who sang at Alina’s funeral. How nice they were available for this gig, too!

Coming: Thelma finds out that they are still looking for Gaby and she hasn’t returned home. She realizes she’s in deep kim-chee.

Vocabulario:

Padrastro – stepfather (lagniappe: padrastro feo – ugly stepfather, just in case you need it)

Jeanne

Labels: duelo

Recapper Nina K. has heard (on good authority) that the LFMB gran finale is scheduled for Monday, June 25, from 7-10 ET. Thank you SO much for this news, Nina. It's just nice to finally have a date. :) Thank you Nina!!!

Labels: fea