Caray, Caray!

As I mentioned in the comments to Thursday’s episode, Emiliooo is so romantic and full of love for Alina that he doesn’t even talk to her once they are alone, he goes straight for her zipper and her boobs. I’m sure women love that. “We’re alone set those babies free.” So romantic, right? Alina appears to be ready to finally give it up too. They end up in bed, after they are finally naked he finally says something, that they are more together than ever and no one can separate them.

Rodrigo admits to Karla that he and Alina had been engaged, now she understands the strange behavior between the two big dogs. The boss nurse Valentina comes in to inform them that Emiliooo left for supplies, and there was some local with ‘them.’ Karla wants to know who ‘them’ is, Valentina tells them that Alina was there too. Karla gets a grouchy look on her face. She just doesn’t get it, does she? She’s like the female Elias, just ignore reality and doggedly pursue whoever it is you set your sights on. In Elias’s case, for some reason, it worked. Conveniently his rival was a complete nutjob. I guess that could work out for Karla too, but she hasn’t seen the commercials that the Gran Final is approaching, or she would understand that she doesn’t have enough time to work the deal.

Coral refers to Thelma as a viper again. They (Coral, Angel, Claudia, Tina) try to figure out how/why Thelma would have kidnapped Gaby. Even with the knowledge of her demand that Rodrigo marry Alina and move away, this brain trust can’t figure out how Thelma fits in. DUHHHH. I don’t know how it could be any clearer. Whatever. Coral has a plan – they’ll go play a trick on Thelma. We don’t get the details.

Orlando wonders why Thelma is in SE when she hates it so much. She tells him not to play dumb, he knows why, Orlando deduces that it has to do with getting rid of Luba and Gaspar. He tells her that those two are on the run from the law, they are suspected of being involved with Alina’s death. Thelma thought bubbles that nobody knows that Alina is alive! Orlando gets Vera to support his story, that NOBODY knows where Luba and Gaspar are. I guess he wants to save them for himself, at least he doesn’t want Thelma to find them.

Elias rushes in and wakes up Soledad, there is a cop with them. Don Loco comes in and shoots the cop, then turns his gun on Elias, who is trying to protect Soledad by standing in front of her. DL has a big gun, I think it would go right through both of them.

Commercial – Asi es la Vida has given up all pretense of being more than a booty show, the commercial advertises ‘sexier than ever’ and is about 30 seconds of women’s butts shaking for the camera. There’s even a bikini car wash. I would bet that this show gets more male viewers than any of the novelas. I haven’t ever actually watched the show, but I’m guessing many men do.

Back to the show – DL shoots Elias twice, his body succeeds in stopping the bullets after all, Soledad is fine. Until DL shoots her too.

Yes, readers, it was a dream. Soledad wakes up screaming and turns on the light so we can see the anguish on her face, even though she is alone in the room. Do any of you automatically turn on the light every time you wake up at night? I, for one, would get a quick kick from the other side of the bed if I did that. Soledad is alone at the moment (I’m sure Elias wishes otherwise) so I guess nobody will complain about the light. I’ve noticed this on every TV show, I know we need light for the TV camera, but for some reason it still always gets my attention.

Vera tells Thelma that Luba stole Alina’s body from the tomb. Thelma says she wants to discuss all this with Orlando later. Thelma leaves, Orlando thought bubbles curses at her for showing up right now, at this inconvenient time.

Elias and the guard come into the room in response to Soledad’s scream. She whines and worries, Elias tells her everything will be fine.

Gaspar yells ‘Mama……MAMA” It reminds me of my own little boy, he still hasn’t figured out at age 7 that if nobody answers, go looking for them, don’t just sit on the couch and yell louder. Luba answers, Gaspar asks if she’s sleeping. She said she WAS, why did he wake her up? He says he can’t sleep. He’s excited to see his baby. She says Emiliooo won’t believe he’s the father, Gaspar says yes, Orlando will tell him it’s true. Luba starts rambling on about Raquel and everything going on there.

Vera brings Orlando coffee and tells him she is bothered that she had to lie to Thelma. She sure didn’t mind lying to Orlando earlier. He threatens her, and Mexican Larry too when he returns, with great harm if anyone tells anyone else where Luba and Gaspar really are. Ifignenio comes in after Orlando leaves, Vera tells him that something strange is going on, and boo hoo she’s there all alone without Mexican Larry and Santos.

At the Devil’s Cave, Adela wants to know why Coral brought her here. One of the girls working there is sooo excited to see Coral, like, ohmygod! Coral says they are there to relax, then she says she misses the dancing, the lights, the applause, hmmm I think she’s going to find an excuse to get up and dance, which of course they won’t show, like every other time. The friend announces to the crowd “Look who’s here – La Coral! Do you want her to dance?” Everyone applauds. Coral claims to not be prepared for that. Right. I’m sure she’ll just take off whatever she’s wearing and magically have something under it to dance in.

Rodrigo asks Valentina for news of Emiliooo, nobody has heard anything. They are all starting to worry. Rodrigo decides to get a couple guys and go look for them. Rodrigo has been such a peeping tom/eavesdropper lately, I expect to see him shortly watching Emliooo and Alina get busy through a window. Valentina calls out Karla on the fact that she’s all agitated by Emiliooo and Alina being together.

Rodrigo and his guys, who look like they should be at a Cub Scout campout, not in the army, find the jeep already. That took like 30 seconds. They determine that there was a mechanical problem, then immediately spot the cabin in the distance. They head over there.

Emiliooo and Alina are laying in bed naked, we see flashlights outside the window. HA – I was right – Rodrigo sees them through the window, in bed, and decides not to bother them and head back to camp. So he has gotten the double whammy now – Alina wouldn’t marry him, and she put out for this other guy like two days later. That’s an extra kick in the nads. I know he’s a big dummy but I feel bad for him. He just fell for the wrong woman, who didn’t help by stringing him along until the very last moment. Inside, Emiliooo is laying almost on top of Alina, I’m sure she’s real comfortable like that.

The Olarte/Panama Army General guy (I can’t remember his name here) runs into Luba, who is playing with her knife. He is scared of her, but she wants to talk to him. She tries to scare him into coming back to work. He says no, then she tells him to feel bad for a woman who lost her man and is now expecting twins. The guy says she should sell the ranch then, but Luba flicks his hat with the knife and says that isn’t going to happen. The ranch is all she has. She says she’s going to put a curse on him and his family if he doesn’t go back to work.

Valentina and Karla find Rodrigo and want to know what he found. He says he found them asleep, he figured they were tired, so he left them alone. Karla tries to get more out of him but he won’t answer, he leaves to go check out the camp, etc. Valentina is very pleased at Karla’s irritation over the Emiliooo/Alina nookie news. It wasn’t said out loud, but everyone knew what Rodrigo found.

Singing aunt runs into a room where Angel is reading. He wants to know where Thelma is. SA says she’s in Mexico buying things for the baby, Angel makes a comment something like she might consider the baby itself more than leaving it here and going shopping for it. SA thinks she’ll be back in a few days.

The guy begs Luba not to curse him. He finally agrees to return to work to prevent it. I think he’s supposed to get everyone back to work too. She really scares him, when he leaves she’s quite proud of herself.

Orlando leaves, Vera talks to herself about what he might be up to. She finally convinces herself that Orlando is going to avenge Alina’s death, since they were so in love before and everything. What a dummy.

Creepy Rosendo wants to know why Claudia didn’t come home last night. The mother says she was with a friend. Roseno is mad, but the mom says she thought it was ok, she doesn’t want any more trouble. She is clearly intimidated by Rosendo. To appease him, she swears that she’ll find Claudia and get her to return home.

Karla tends to the sick, Alina enters with the medicine. She is in a great mood, which does not escape the notice of Valentina. Alina kisses and tells, she immediately tells her all the details. She tells how wonderful Emiliooo is, blah blah blah. She left out the part where as soon as they were alone he lunged for her chest. Sorry to keep going back to that, it’s just such a tacky move. Valentina is soooo happy for Alina, she isn’t even upset that they had to wait an extra day for medicine just so Alina could get her groove on. Karla approaches and tries to give her a cup of water, which Alina declines, Karla then tries to tell her how she wants to be friends. I suspect the water was the same cup that one of the patients drank from, there was ominous music when she held up the cup. She’s vicious, trying to infect Alina! At least that’s more subtle than poison. Karla apologizes sort of for being bad with her before, Valentina says “yes, we can agree on that.” Alina the dummy accepts her offer of friendship and the water. More ominous music as she gulps down the drink.

Rodrigo talks to Emiliooo, who seems to become addicted to cigars. He’s washing his face and smoking at the same time. The cigars give him a Don Loco look, I’m not sure that’s what he’s going for. He tells Rodrigo that they spent the night at a cabin. Rodrigo tells him that he saw everything. Emiliooo is impactado.

Raquel is pleased that Luba convinced the workers to come back. Luba tries to warn her about Hernan, that he’s evil and a liar. Raquel says she’ll have a serious talk with him.

Emiliooo says so what? Rodrigo wants a favor. He wants Emiliooo to not play with Alina. Emiliooo says he won’t, he really loves her. Rodrigo says if he hurts her, he’s going to have a big problem.

Claudia runs out of the house to open the store. Outside the doorbell for the front gate rings and when she opens the door, it’s Don Loco wearing a goofy stocking cap, trying to look like a thug or something. It’s a very very strange look. I guess he’s trying to sneak into the house and find Soledad. He looks like he’s on drugs or something.

At Thelma’s house, Coral storms in and tells SA that she wants to speak with Thelma. SA says she isn’t there. Coral says she won’t leave without speaking to her. She says she wants to know why Thelma kidnapped the daughter of Captain Ochoa. SA is impactada.

I guess DL is going for ‘street bum.’ He asks if he can get something to eat, Claudia stupidly says she’ll get him something and goes back to the house, leaving the gate hanging open. She goes back into the house and tells Adela she wants some food for a bum.

SA says she knows nothing, Coral doesn’t believe her. SA tries to make excuses for Thelma and oh yeah she doesn’t know anything. She is acting very guilty and nervous, which Coral notices. Coral accuses Thelma of taking Gaby, SA asks if she has proof, Coral admits that she doesn’t. She begs SA to tell her if she knows something.

Claudia comes out with food, but DL is long gone. After she leaves, DL comes out of his hiding place, behind the house but inside the gate. He actually looks convincing as a bum. He managed to find some really filthy clothes and has the whole twitchy look down, he keeps scratching his arms and chest like he’s jonesing for some crack.

Alina and her boss finish treating the patients. Valentina tells Alina that Rodrigo found them last night and saw everything.

Coral is pumping SA for info, SA has a flashback of Thelma threatening to separate SA from the baby if she talks. She denies to Coral that she knows anything. She tells Coral that she understands Coral’s suspicions, but swears that Thelma has changed. Coral leaves. SA then worries that she’ll now be an accomplice to Thelma, but she can’t be separated from the baby.

Emiliooo and Frank look at a map. They agree that Rodrigo is a great help and a good man, too bad about all that Alina stuff. Frank says he’s going to clear things up with Rodrigo about Karla and what he said the night Rodrigo arrived. Emiliooo is glad to hear it. He thinks it will simplify everything. They make some other plans for their work and Frank leaves Emiliooo alone to moon over Alina.

Adela putters around the house, DL now has his gun out and is trying to sneak around unnoticed.

Alina worries that Rodrigo will think badly of her. Too late for that! They discuss this for a while, nothing interesting. Alina says she’ll talk to Rodrigo and explain everything. What’s to explain? She is in loooove with that loser Emiliooo and gave him some action. Rodrigo already knows all this. Why talk to him about it? To make him feel even worse?

DL opens a door and enters gun first. Nobody is there, it’s an empty bedroom. He realizes that Adela is the only one home. The door handle starts to move behind him, he hies under the bed. It’s Adela, putting some laundry away in the dresser. She leaves and DL comes back out from under the bed. He talks to himself, wanting to know where Soledad is. He vows to find her.

Raquel is thanking Gaspar and Luba, who appear to be leaving, for all their help. She has her workers back, they’ll bring in the harvest, etc. Luba lays a long list of compliments on Raquel. Raquel says she knows that Luba and Gaspar could never kill someone. They have a tearful goodbye.

Frank tells Rodrigo that he was mistaken about what he said that night. Rodrigo says there isn’t anything to explain, he knows that Emiliooo and Karla spent many nights together. Of course Alina is standing in the doorway to hear this part. She is super end of show impactada. Imagine that.

No lead in for Monday, now every commercial is just about the Gran Final in another week. I’ll tell you what happens Monday – Emiliooo and Alina fight some more and piss us all off.

Labels: duelo

At their meeting Dani and the ever more letigiously distinguished legal eagle, Videgaray, look through the finance records. He determines that Mariana never cashed that severance check of hers, let alone any payoff of 5 million pesos. In fact there is a corresponding check instead that Oñate seems to have cashed. "Who? That shyster lawyer of Aaron's?" she asks in disbelief (in the best line of the whole show). Videgaray says yes, the very same, and adds that probably Mariana was run off without a receiving a penny. Dani reasons that her cousin exposed Mariana and slandered her in front of the family with corrupt and avaricious designs.

Aaron has decided to travel back to Mexico City before Minerva gets the notice of their divorce. During breakfast Pammy says she doesn't want Aaron to return to Mexico. She has the funny feeling that if he leaves this time he won't be coming back to her. About then he receives the disturbing news from his wife about Dani possibly looking into Mariana Franco's severance payments. Aaron sits down to eat and tells Pamela not to be foolish. It's only that there are still a few things pending at the home office, but when he returns that next week they'll go on a cruise to what ever locale Pammy wants.

Pammy persists till Aaron rather gently (for him) pushes back, but she instinctively knows when to demur (most unlike the current Mrs. Aaron Montalvo) and sweetly answers that she simply wonders why this is his tactic. Aaron responds that since Minerva knows various things of a compromising nature about him and his business dealings he has to let her down very gently or she could-- and definitely would -- try to destroy him. She's certain their wedding is just a false hope. As for Minerva, Aaron assures Pamela that at most it will be only a couple of months till till he finalizes the divorce settlement. He'll return to her; they can be married and then will await the arrival of little Aaron, Jr. Pam replies, "--but what if I don't really want any children?" Aaron stares at her. "--What? Are you joking? A child is the crowning touch to our happiness!"

Videgaray, meanwhile, says Quintana will have the signed receipt of any cashed severance check and Dani will have to be the one to ask him for it. So Dani returns to the corporate offices. As she is signing in she asks Margarita again if she has spoken with Mariana yet, but Margarita nervously denies it. Dani notes that she's acting a bit uptight. She smiles and, in an attempt to put the skittish receptionist at ease, tells Margarita as she leaves to just call her Dani.

Since Aaron won't be returning till noon the next day, he makes a call to Quintana with strict orders to deny his cousin any further assistance. Dani goes up to speak with Quintana, who has just received the orders from Aaron not to give her a single additional document till he gets there and can deal with the situation personally. When Dani asks for the cashed receipt of Mariana's severance check, Quintana says he has been told by Aaron that he cannot give her anything further. She demands he call back her cousin so that she can speak to him, but when he does, it appears Aaron has already turned off his cell.

Mariana has had a difficult time setting up appointments with her list of potential customers (Oh, fond memories of those good ol' days of cold-calling and surviving on 100% commission minus expenses!! Been there, done that, got the tee shirt, and thankfully threw it back after successfully beating the odds, but I digress.) The old geezer who is now Mariana's sales manager at that dirty, hole-in-the-wall encyclopedia publishing house appropriately named La Mancha (the stain), comes in to check on her progress.

Gavi's a bit frustrated with only 2 appointments set for the next day. The manager offers to show her a few tricks of the trade over lunch. He knows just the place, somewhere "quiet and out of the way" where they can, you know, discuss... techniques. Mariana's antennae go right up since she learned her lesson about deceitful, dirty old men. She pretends to accept and manages to quickly sneak out the door while the old coot is gone to get his jacket. "Ha! Techniques! He can go teach those techniques to some other stupid female, but not me!"

Back in Tequila-ville, James, Crispin and Rod are painting the walls of the new Tequila Tourism Office. Crispin is relating the story of Adam and Eve, with the twist being if Eve hadn't been such a damn fine woman, he'd have never been thrown out a paradise for putting up with every demand she made on him. Rod says Adam and he have something in common: to go on "loving their beautiful women despite their great sins." He laughs, then. "No, they are an evil necessity for a man."

Gavi goes home to finish her calls and to study a bit more for her presentations the next day. She tells Clarita over lunch about the incident with her suggestive manager. "It would have been a paradise if God had created women first and stopped there. As it is, all men are the same and Rodrigo Montalvo is the worst of the lot with his big mouth!!" Again we get the litany of all his lies. When Clarita takes exception to this, "Oh! Stop. You've only known one!" Gavi backs up and corrects herself. "You're right. They are not all the same. Some are worse! And God just happened to get mangy with me by sending me the most despicable bungler of the bunch! " (--and in spades, Gavi girl!)

Our grand gigolo, Frankie, is in top form this morning. He is hanging out at Pilar's after taking Sofia to the airport. He is having a great time sweet-talking the old lady, flattering the heck out of her. He offers to take her to pick up some exotic orchid that her nurseryman has just received, and he suggests they stop at a nice tea house along the way. She is thrilled and accepts as our rapacious rapscallion thinks to himself how he'd love to get hold of the old gal's will.

Dani returns to Grammy Pilar's "casa grande" (mansion house) in the beautiful 'burbs. After a quick roll of her eyes behind the back of her sister's brown-nosing boyfriend, she complains to Pilar that Aaron has ordered that nobody is to hand over a single corporation document to her. Dani feels Grammy should intercede on her part, but Grammy asks what exactly she wants. Dani says once she has it then she'll be happy to explain that to them. Grammy says she'll just have to wait then till Aaron arrives home from the States to ask him.

"Princesa" manages that miraculous visit with Daddy at the other "big house" across town and tells him with a huge, sh!t-eatin' grin and without batting an eye that she's now going to have Rod's baby. "I'm arranging for Rod to pay your bail!" "--Then you're reconciled?" "--Not yet, but soon. A little bit more than a month ago I got the insemination done and it was a success!" Whoa! Ricardo is one happy pappy after hearing this! He smiles, practically slobbering all over himself 'cuz he knows that this means salvation is nigh.

It's now late in the afternoon and a big thunderstorm comes up. The guys are getting ready to head back to Montalveña. It's raining cats and dogs and lightening like crazy. James says thunderstorms always frighten him. Rod explains to Crispin that James figures that they always bring bad luck.

Back at the Dry Gulch, Acacia is cooking in the kitchen for her Uncle Meliton. She complains to him about his drinking and asks him not to hit the bottle. After all, he's the only living relative she has. He laughs at her and says he's got to die of something.

Sofia arrives at the hacienda. She greets Rod while barely batting an eyelash at James. She asks to speak to her brother alone while James is left to ponder the possibilities of a quest of reconquest of "lovely" Sofia. Well, chances with Acacia these days have been narrowed down to slim and none. Randy thoughts will randomly run don't ya' know.

Now that Sr. Sofia has Rod alone she proceeds to give the esteemed agricultural engineer his second life lesson in Newton's third law of motion. You remember, that niggly little thing called the law of reciprocal actions, which says that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction? --Or, perhaps you'd rather consider chaos theory or the butterfly effect. Your choice, as the result here is nearly the same. Sofia delicately informs her brother that Isadora got pregnant a few weeks back during an unauthorized mini-me turkey-basting session that he so kindly donated for at Dr. T's fertility clinic a couple months back.

When Rod hears this gem of a news nugget he suddenly looks like Ofelia has just slammed him in the face with a frying pan. "Without my consent? I told her I wasn't ready to be a father!" (Does Rod's naivete know no bounds? Do you really need to ask?) Sofia continues that Isa is sorry for it now, but yes, she got the insemination done without his consent, fearing for her marriage, and yes, despite knowing at the time he was not ready to be a parent. The doctor has confirmed her pregnancy. "That miserable jerk! That miserable jerk!" "--The poor girl was even so distraught she threatened to get rid of the baby and not have it at all!" she adds. Rod really swallows hard when he hears that.

Of course, Isa didn't want Sofia to tell him, she explains, because she didn't want to pressure him and she says she'll have it now and raise it with or without him. "By the way," Sofia adds, "the poor girl is suffering with this in addition to the fact that her father has been put in prison. Imagine, carrying the baby of the man who is divorcing her and then that. She has a huge heart because despite your cheating on her with Gaviota, she has never stopped loving you."

As for our rural rube, describing the credulous dolt as simply impactado after his self-serving sister is done with him, hardly does the Rodster justice. Try thinking of a cornered bucking bronco or an angry bull inside a rodeo pen once the rider has just gotten on and the gate is opened. Rod might as well be a beast of burden all tied and trussed, literally being spurred on to exhaustion until eventually it's subdued and becomes submissive.

Finally he takes a deep breath and reacts. "This is her way of reconciling with me!! I never want to hear her name again! I know her and I know she's taking advantage of me, and blackmailing me with this child!" He downs a double shot of tequila and throws the glass against the wall as he storms out of the room. ("Love and marriage ...go together like a horse and carriage.....")

Isa crows to her mother about how well her plan must be working about now. "You should have seen Sofia's face when I told her I might get rid of it! She wants that baby to insure they receive the Montalvo fortune in its entirety. Rod? He'll probably even hate me for it, but eventually he'll come to appreciate 'fatherhood.' "

Jilted by Acacia, James temporarily has a new-found interest in Sofia. He accidentally meets her in the hallway and stutters as he tries for some sort of rapprochement between the two of them. Oh, but Sofia has just had a sweet time relaying Isadora's whole sob story and she's on a roll. Having just heard from Roman that Acacia thoroughly rejected James after the amnesia attack, she shoots him down like the Red Baron himself, by telling him she's no longer interested since meeting the "man of her dreams." Besides, James still has the randy little ranch girl, right? (Badda-boom.) Sofia enters through the doorway to Rod's office and slams said door in her ex's face.

When Daniela hears that Sofia has flown back to the hacienda to visit with Rod, she senses there is something going on that Grammy and the rest are keeping from her. So she calls the house but unfortunately Sofia answers. Dani asks to speak to Rod. Sofia lies and says he's gone out partying with James. Dani, frustrated and certain her sister is hiding something from her, hangs up on her sister in frustration.

Rod is reeling and he staggers onto the balcony in the pouring rain; exasperated, despairing, disillusioned and tearful. Twice now Rod has childishly reacted out of spite to one-up Gavi in an emotional game of chicken, first by marrying Isa and then by consenting to donate his cache of mini-me's for the broad. Slowly it is dawning on him that, unfortunately, neither time did he get past the immediate act of spite to consider the "what if's" which have now bounced back around and again have bitten him squarely on his posh posterior. Repeatedly Rod moans to himself, incredulous at the realization that he's having his child with Isa! With Isa! With Isa and not with Gaviota!

Back in her little hotel room in Mexico City, Gavi falls asleep over her books thinking of Rod and calling out his name.

Rod slumps into the nearest chair and cries from the depths of his soul again. He seems to be wondering how much worse it could get and how in the world it could ever have gotten this bad. (Hubby has no sympathy for the botch-job that is the rash Rodrigo, this uber-masculine, miserable, mental midget of a Montalvo. Can't say as I blame him about now, either, 'cause dude, neither have I. -- Talk about sleeping in the bed you've made, fella.)

Isa looks admiringly at her belly and remarks that this baby will bring Rodrigo back to her.

Later that night Meliton is drunk out of his mind again. The depraved old sot decides he wants Acacia to heat the sheets up for him just like she used to do. "You're mine, Acacia! You're mine!" Acacia is first confused, then frightened and as he pulls her back to him, she tries to fight him off; she remembers the first time he raped her and then the beating that led to her amnesia. At last, she manages to escape and spends the night in the Montalvo's stables (which are still clean enough to eat off the floor and definitely unlike any I've ever shoveled sheise from).

The next morning Gavi tells Clarita they'll have to pawn the electronics to make the payments this next month. Clarita balks at giving up her flat screen t.v., but makes do in the end.

Dani relays to Videgaray the stone wall she ran into when asking for a copy of Mariana's severance check. She agrees to try again when Aaron returns. She tells him that what bothers her most is how Sofia kept her from warning Rod about their suspicions. Videgaray suggests they wait until they have conclusive evidence before telling Rod anything.

Early that morning Sofia comes in to check on how well her brother is doing. Rod assures Sofia that he will never forgive Isadora. She covers all her bases and slyly adds that Isa was afraid he might think it might not be his child. Rod replies that obviously infidelity has not been Isa's problem where he is concerned. So, no need to question the baby's paternity at all but why so resentful then? He figures he probably needs to talk to Isadora about this situation.

Sofia makes the call. With Mommy Dearest seated inches away from her on the bed, Isa tells Sofia that she doesn't want anything more to do with her brother, she doesn't even want him to give the kid his name. Mommy Dearest can hardly keep quiet. She gasps in disbelief at everything her daughter is saying, and this last comment makes her really suck in her breath.

Just then Hilario comes in knocking to tell Rod that he found Acacia asleep in the barn. Before racing out he tells Sofia to make the arrangements and she'll have to wait to talk to him till after he solves the problem in the barn.

When he's gone Sofia tells Isa that he didn't sleep a wink the night before thinking about her and the baby. Isa finally relents and says alright, but she won't be coming to him at the hacienda. She'll get back to them when she decides where she wants to meet him. Isa hangs up then and tells her mother next time to keep quiet; she doesn't appreciate her "coaching" when she is on the phone like that. Mommy Dearest complains that Isa is going too far and is risking everything with her attitude. Isa tells her she knows her husband and she knows exactly what she is doing will get the response she needs. She has planned it all out. (Too bad her hubby doesn't have the same amount of gray matter that his wife does.)

James wakes Acacia up. She is startled and pulls away, then a minute later she recognizes him and grabs and hugs and kisses him, calling his name and crying. She tells him what happened the night before and then describes it all as she remembers the beating her uncle gave her months ago. Hilario, James and Rod try to persuade her to turn her uncle into the police, but she refuses.

Gavi pawns what she can but it is not going to cover all of her expenses as she had hoped. She says she'll make do. Clarita, meanwhile, negotiates for a nice little apartment at a discounted rate.

Rod wants Acacia to go with them and report Meliton to the police. James yells the ingrate needs to pay for what he's done to her. Frantic, she refuses, saying she doesn't want them to lock him up. It would be useless to do that. She races out of the barn and James runs after her. James catches up to her outside and begs her not to return to her uncle's ranch. He even offers to talk to Meliton himself for her. Acacia stops suddenly and turns to ask him if he truly loves her. He answers that she is his whole life.

Isa pays a visit to Minnie and is shocked to see huge numbers of balloons and all sorts of toddler and baby things decorating the walls. "Are you pregnant, Minerva?" "--Well, the past three weeks I've had bouts of nausea and sickness, but I'm seeing the doctor on Monday." "--Ah, how many days late are you?" "--Only one." "--Ha! Only one!" "--Yes! Hey, I already know what it feels like and I am pregnant!" "--Well, I am expecting Rod's baby!" Minnie is impactada after hearing those five words from her, now, ex-best friend.

Labels: Destilando

At Paola's bedside, she has a close call. Caramelo reassures Paco. He wants Paola to live and to forgive him. Paco lashes out at Octavia--it's her fault this all happened. Larry tries to calm Paco.

At the manicomio, Samanta is lecturing Diana about Max. He should be in a straitjacket (camisa de fuerza--shirt of strength). Diana lectures Samanta on how heartless she is. Samanta threatens to get Diana fired.

At the hospital, more worrying about Paola. Paco tells Octavia that it's her fault their daughter lies at death's door. You were a terrible mother and a killer! Larry seems to be stifling a laugh in the background.

Max and Diana discuss how he's confused. He still thinks Diana and Azucena are two people. Max also has a three-day growth of beard, the better to make him look loco.

Paola now lies alone in her room. There is a flashback to a fight between her and Caramelo while Puncho stands by. The girls wrestle in mud. She also flashes back to her wedding.

Iggy and Camila have an argument about ridding the world of Diana and Max (in a fire? not sure what he is planning). Camila doesn't care if Diana is burned to a crisp (achicharrada), but she doens't want to lose Max. Iggy reminds her that Max will never go back to her even if Diana is gone. (remember, she's about fifth in line. Virna Flores should get a new agent about now.) Better he dies.

Eduardo calls Diana to check on her conversation with Fiona. He is despairing. He doesn't want to keep throwing himself at her feet, but he loves her. Maybe another chance?

Fiona pays a locksmith to fix Octy's door. She is outraged that she being penniless has to lay out money, but she figures she'll get reimbursed later. She gets Octy on the horn to chitchat. She starts complaining about Diana and wants to gossip. But even Octy has limits. She says she can't be bothered right now.

Max is watching Diana from his window. Samanta sneaks in and gives him an injection in the shoulder. He attacks her back and starts strangling her. He gets caught and put in a straitjacket.

Kiki tells Gaby to go back to work so all will look normal. Then he has her massage his feet. Gross. He tells her that Gaviota let him know that her trial date is soon. She had better win, since he doesn't want a little wifey in the carcel. Then he doesn't like her massage, so he kicks her and orders her to draw him a bath and makes her say "mi amor." He mutters that her life will be a hell. She will pay for cheating.

The other nurse (don't know her name) reports to Diana about the attack. Diana doesn't believe it. There is a scene where Samanta and Diana try to tattle on each other to the head guy. The boss says that Diana must have proof of her assertions.

Caramelo talks to Paola, who finally wakes up. They have a touching scene. Both always wanted a sister. Now they can be best friends. Paola says that Larry and Max always had each other but she was alone. If she had known about their being sisters, she would never have taken up with Pancholon. Caramelo says never mind. The only important thing is that you get better. She says she has renounced Pancho, and when Paola gets better, they will go to Lala and get him a good lawyer and then Paola can have him. No, Paola says. She is dying, and Caramelo can have him. She is the true wife. Paco comes in, and they have more touching togetherness.

Lala visits Pancho at the cell and tells him about Paola. He is overcome. He creates a ruckus and seeks special permission to go visit. Sort of ridiculous, in that he is in jail for the crime of marrying her. Well, the DA won't let him out, because he is there for too important a crime--now he's in for some jewelry fencing thing! (funny, he never got arrested for that--I think they have to arrest you, indict you, etc. Well, so much for due process in TeleMiami.)

Gaby flashes back to her happy time on the beach with Larry.

Diana lets Max out of the straitjacket. Samanta catches her and runs to tell the boss. Diana puts the straitjacket back on. When the boss comes in, they act like Samanta is the crazy one. Samanta says "You put the straitjacket back on." Diana says "I don't know what you are talking about."

Paco and Paola talk. He promises tha they will all take a trip together--him, and Paola and Caramelo. They will all get to know each other, and it will be wonderful. Paola says that there is no time, Papa. It is too late.

Octy has now gone home and is chatting with Fiona. Don't know why she would leave the hospital. Fiona tells her that she should never have let anyone in on her secret. Octy says that she was nervous and needed to confide in someone, so she told her sister.

Later, Max and Diana chuckle over how they put one over on the boss. She tells Max that it is good to see him smiling. The boss comes in and says that he can be released from the straitjacket. Samanta protests to no avail.

Max tries to get Diana to kiss him. She protests but finally gives in.
Meanwhile, Marfil arrives for a visit. Samanta tells her that Diana's in the room with Max and prepares to catch them unawares. Max and Diana begin kissing, and we see the doorknob to the room turn. Who will it be?

Will it be Marfil, or just Pedro returning from the bathroom?

Labels: acorralada

Esme, Garcia and Camba at the cemetery. Esme is completely sure the remains in the grave are NOT those of her baby. Garcia believes her grief prevents her from seeing the truth. No way, says Esme. She’s certain – the blanket the dead baby is wrapped in isn’t the same as the one that swaddled her baby.

[in a spooky aural segue, the next scene begins with the sound of the crying of aforementioned baby - Alejandrito]

The whole chapel is impactado at Maria Pia’s “no acepto” to Alfonso. MP begs Alfonso for forgiveness. He implores her to reconsider, to try, but she’s resolute. He’s an amazing man, and this may be the biggest mistake of her life, but she’ll never make him happy. She was wrong to play with his feelings this way. He painfully lets her leave. MP apologizes to the guests – there won’t be a wedding today.

Alejandro follows MP to the entryway to see how she’s feeling. In an imitation of the new Fernando, MP asks her brother for his forgiveness, too. Can he support her even though she’s in love with Fernando Sanchez de Moncada? Alej wants to know what it is about Fernando that MP can’t seem to forget, to shake loose of. MP has realized that it’s useless to put it into words – and always has been. Although she can’t forgive him for Regina’s murder, she can’t stop loving him, even if it means she’s resigning herself to a lifetime of suffering.

Back at the gravesite Esme insists Garcia examine the blanket. It turns out she’s right. This is not the plain blanket Garcia used; it’s high-quality, complete with a crest. Esme recognizes it as the shield of the Sanchez de Moncada family.

In the interrogation/torture room, Montero has finished beating Fernando almost to death, but Fer revealed nothing, and has passed out. Monte orders Mejias to jail Fer with Olmos and Laisha. Fer should die fairly soon, and his body will be left to rot in the cell. Monte also orders Mejias to double the guards watching over the Queen; it seems there’s a plot afoot…

Esmeralda is livid. Mangle and Montero stole her baby! Are they putting one over on Diego? Or does Diego know it IS his baby with Esme? Whatever – all Esme cares about now is VENGEANCE!

Still at the chapel, Almudena tells Alej and Diego that she spoke with MP before the wedding and MP seemed unsure [What gave it away, Dena? The teary eyes? The face like she’d eaten 3-day old meat? Or when she said she wasn’t sure?!?] Diego and Alej break the news to Dena that MP was also impactada to see Fernando arrested that same morning. Abandoning his post as governor is high treason, but Monte is more likely using Fer’s arrest to cover his a-- with the Crown and the Duke.

Esmeralda, back in her rented rooms, is still incensed. She’s going to make them all pay! She’s going to get her VENGEANCE! Oh, right, and afterward she’s going to get her son back, because it turns out he’s alive.

OPENING CREDITS

Olmos and Laisha bond in their cell over their mutual hatred of Montero. If Laisha shows Olmos some kindness (a piece of fabric from her Gypsy skirt to clean his wounds), he’ll repay her when he arranges to be freed. He knows a secret that, when let out, will unleash hell. Buuuuuuaaaaaahahahahhaah!

Olmos’ associate – Gerardo? – gets a visit from Pizarro. Pizza needs to arrange the flight of Pizza, Olmos, and Pizza’s woman by sea, the night of the masquerade ball. G will arrange everything, but Pizza had better make sure Don Olmos is there.

Mejias throws the unconscious Fernando into the cell with Olmos and Laisha. Olmos is impactado; Laisha is smug – Fer is as bad as Montero. Laisha senses that Olmos is afraid of Fer and reminds him that now they’re all three just prisoners.

Garcia implores Esme to give up her plan for vengeance, which is very dangerous [ulcer #1]. She should rejoice that her child is alive. She admits that’s the only thing that makes her happy…but first! She has to make Montero and Mangle pay for the fact that her baby MIGHT have died. Garcia asks her about seeking out Diego. Why not reunite with him and rekindle their great love for each other? Esme will think about it…only after her VENGEANCE!

Mangle and Santiago (SM) meet up. Santiago knows she was poisoning Almudena, but Mangle asserts that Diego is concocting stories to justify taking the baby from her. Santiago is no longer interested in his PI mission to find out if Diego=Zorro. He even returns Mangle’s bag ‘o money. Diego is good, he says, but he’s no Zorro. Mangle has a new job for him, then – help her see her son.

Diego and Bernardo, in the town square, case the building where the masquerade ball will be held. The roof is the ideal escape route, but Z will be with Sara Kali. He’s got to be ready to rescue her if Monte and the Duke intercept her in the party. Bernardo spies someone, and when D turns to look, he sees the “Countess” [when did he learn who she was?], who is actually Esmeralda. [Except, you can’t tell it’s Esme at all, because the sheer black lace fan that covers only half her face makes it impossible, combined with her finely tailored dress, her height and figure, and long, thick, curly hair]

Santiago has standards; he won’t kidnap a baby. Mangle begs him, as a mother who’s only using money the same way Diego is, and Santiago finally accepts. He thinks he’s crazy to take the risk, and it’s going to cost Mangle a pretty penny.

Almudena visits the devastated MP in MP’s room at the hacienda. She reassures MP that Diego explained everything to Alfonso. In a curious about-face from her pep talk earlier that morning (in which she scolded MP to forget about Fernando and marry that good man Alfonso!) Dena tells MP that it’s better she and Alfonso didn’t get married, and they probably would’ve come to regret it pretty soon. MP fears that Fer is in danger from Monte (ulcer #2). She considers asking Alej to call in a favor with the Queen, but Dena cautions that asking Alejandro to intercede on behalf of the man who murdered his wife is asking a biiiiiit too much of the man. Instead Dena suggests that the two women pair up Cagney & Lacey style [Thelma & Louise? Lucy & Ethel?] to try to help get Fer released.

Olmos is helping Fer drink water, though Laisha believes Fer is gravely ill and close to death. Fer isn’t sure where they are, who Laisha is, why Olmos is there, and why Olmos is super-attentive. Laisha takes great delight in filling Fer in that his wife SK isn’t dead as he thought. Fer is impactado. Laisha tries to rain on Fer’s parade: SK is in route to the city; she’s going to attempt to speak with the Queen, and when she does, Friar Fer will be fried. Fer is actually pleased and relieved to hear that SK survived his gunshot; he doesn’t have to live with her murder on his conscience [thus freeing up his penance for the other 7,482 on his karma list…maybe he could get his own sitcom “My Name Is Fernando”] If he’s condemned to die, that’s God’s will. Olmos is puzzled to hear Fer speak that way. SK’s return is a great danger. They learn that Monte knows about SK, too, since Laisha gave it up in her torture session.

Duke Jacobo is getting his own bad news. Misael brings him the latest batch of intercepted letters from the Queen to her family in Spain. The Queen knows about SK’s existence. It appears Montero has been lying to DJ all this time about the certainty of SK’s death.

Pizzaro wants Catalina to start packing secretly. But leave Tobias at home for the masquerade ball. Pizza is going to kill Montero, then escape with Catalina. She doesn’t want to go, and begins to cry, but he ignores her.

MP is having a tete-a-tete with Padre Tomas. She never should have agreed to marry Alfonso, and she knows this may mean she’ll never achieve happiness, tied as she is to her love for Fer. PT observes that her love for Fer made her two marriages fail – the one to Alfonso, and the one to God [add Fernando to the mix from 20 years ago, and you’ve got the Runaway Bride, Zorro-style]. MP is scared for Fernando, now at Montero’s mercy in El Callao. Fer’s changed, and PT agrees: Fer gave up his wealth, his thirst for power, his pursuit of MP [and his beard!]. MP tells PT of her plan with Dena to beg Monte to let them see Fer. PT won’t have it – they will leave the snooping to him. PT makes MP promise not to try anything, and she nods [is that a promise? I dunno…]

Zorro is suited up in the Fox Cueva, informing PT of his plan to blow up Montero’s arms stash, after being led there by Monte himself, whom Z plans to kidnap. Z tells PT not to be worried [ulcer #3], he’s got it all planned. PT blesses him as he goes.

Esme is also suited up and ready for VENGEANCE. Garcia notices that her outfit looks a lot like Zorro’s. He knows they’re friends and all, but won’t Z mind her being a copydog of his outfit? Esme must dress in black in order to not be seen or recognized, not even by Zorro. She will the use the night to make sure none of her enemies sleeps in peace. Esme compares herself to the roses in a vase in her room – essentially, she’s capable of love, but also has thorns to defend herself [as well as crossbow, arrows, broadswords, rapiers, and a fan!]

Mangle enjoys a post-coital back massage as she lays splayed out on Montero’s desk. She catches him up on the latest developments, and he wants to know if they can trust Santiago with the baby-snatching. Mangle is certain; Santiago is hard on his luck, and he’s jealous of Diego. Monte’s bottom line is that he brings him his son. Unfortunately, Monte has to leave. He’s got a date with Fer for more torture to get info about SK. Mangle is anxious for the day when all their enemies are out of the picture and they alone will rule Los Angeles.

Santiago preps for the babynapping by casually chatting up Dololes. Who takes care of the baby? Can they handle it all by themselves? She helpfully informs him that the wet nurse Amalia knows her way with a knife, and not just in the kitchen. Santiago contemplates Dololes with a menacing look.

Mangle and Catalina have a girl chat in Mangle’s room. Cata fills her in on her tug-of-war between her gentlemanly, usually good-humored, sophisticated husband who’s not interested in her sexually but whom she loves, and the hard, brutish lover who treats her like an object and demands she run away with him. Guess who Mangle thinks is the better choice? After unceremoniously kicking Cata out with the pretext of being overtired, Mangle angrily answers another knock at the door…only this time it’s Dena. “Surprised to see me? Now tell me why you wanted to kill me.”

Monte gives Mejias orders en route to his torture date with Fer: Mejias is to inform DJ about Fer’s arrest. “Buenas noches, Comandante Montero” calls out a voice from the shadows – Zorro! Zorro fights Monte’s circle of guards before making it to Monte. He bests him, and Monte ends up disarmed on the ground, but a few seconds later, reinforcements arrive. They are the Queen’s armed guards, and take up position. Montero orders them to fire, but they are interrupted by a streaking arrow. The mysterious woman in black appears with her crossbow and approaches the group…

END OF EPISODE

Ulcer Count: 3

Labels: Zorro

Folks, I didn’t remember seeing any one who said she/he could sub tonight, so here’s a quick and dirty recap. Am leaving for Hawaii in the morning and have more packing to do. Melinama graciously will sub for the following two weeks, THANKS! Everyone be sure to fill in the blanks here! I apologize for not translating a lot of the dialogue between Juan and Enrique tonight.

We open to Nidia asking Alirio if she’s done something rude to merit his rudeness on the phone (from yesterday). He denies it and calls her Nidicita of his soul. He’s at her orders, “Just now, or at any hour of the day or night?”

And here’s Juan, still in Pastor’s office, working hard to get the car for the evening. He’s told Pastor he’s working on a surprise for him. Which means Juan better come up with something good. Will Pastor cave on this? Nope, he’s not an idiot. He’s going make Juan SUCH a deal. And Juan will have some requirements. Juan has the good sense to be nervous. Juan thought bubbles about what he’s going to do, what is he going to lose if he goes along. He leans over to shake hands with Pastor, still nervously thought-bubbling and smiling. He leaves, with Pastor very satisfied for now.

Juan enters the lobby, still thought bubbling. He’s not one to throw in the towel. He’s remembering that CL congratulated Juan’s interest in a woman [Ed Note: Juan, muchacho, CL might just figure out that the mujer who interests you is Paula, and then all bets are off]. Juan considers if CL’s comments before mean that CL might overrule Pastor. No harm in playing. He flirts with Ivonne. He tells her she needs a bit of rest. She asks about problems with Pastor. No, nothing that the jefe can’t help with. She calls CL and in Juan goes.

CL understands, but the rules are clear. The car spends the night HERE. He sadly says he understands, but asks CL if he could tell the truth? It would be best. Juan tells him about this young lady he spoke about previously, and if he can do this, it will change his life. CL is chortling about Juan’s enthusiasm and “honesty,” and he tells Juan that Juan sits well with him, so take the car. But, CL cautions him – whatever happens with the car, it’s going to be his responsibility. Juan leans over the desk, shakes the boss’s hand, and thanks him. CL says he doesn’t need thanks, it’s a gentlemen’s agreement. When CL needs Juan’s help, he’ll expect it unconditionally. Juan agrees. But, there’s one more thing. (Another bother). “One more thing?” Yep, how about if Fernando takes YOUR car? CL is impactado.

At the bank teller’s window, Alirio tells himself he’s becoming rich. But, he’d best keep up the present appearance.

In her room, Nidia-patra is making herself up. She’s got the Egyptian queen’s headgear, and a bright red outfit. She mutters about the sacrifices she’s having to make for you, Juanito.

In the underbelly of Farell Industries, Juan (sans jacket) is leaning on Fern, and both are sitting on the hood of one of the exec’s cars. He tells Fern that Pastor is in the minors and he’s now batting in the major leagues. Fern’s not so sure. He only knows what Juan tells him (implicit that it may have some flaws….). From now on, Juan tells him, CL can ask me whatever he wants, because I sold myself to him (raffled off myself). Fern is pessimistic, but Juan gets up and reminds him about tonight’s fun, demonstrating by singing the theme song and dancing. Fern actually laughs. Paula approaches behind Juan, which may be why Fern’s laughing. He asks if Juan knows this little gal well (chava—“chaval” is a lad, so this is a guess, folks). Paula is standing, smiling about Juan’s enthusiasm, and listening. Juan notices Fern pointing, and looks, then gets very serious as he greets Paula. He throws some parting directives over his shoulder at Fern about tonight’s great feast at 8:00, and you know the address. He opens the door for Paula.

Nidia-patra and Alirio are drinking at a bar (in her home?), one on each side of it. He wants to know why she urgently summoned him from his office. Is a reason really necessary? Let’s talk about life, love. He smiles back smarmily. He listens to her and reminds her that up till now, she was not interested in him, just talking about the money. She backpedals a little. Well, even though she was Samuel’s wife for so many years, she doesn’t want to be interred with him. Alirio leans over and caresses her cheek with his finger. Wise words! She flirts with him about what he might win today. They can dance, drink a few glasses. But, she’s sad. She wants to celebrate life. That’s his philosophy, too, he says. She offers a toast, and tequila or another beer. They flirt some more, with the bar still between then.

Paula is in the back seat. She wonders why he’s so quiet; it makes the trip seem an eternity. He thought bubbles that he’s giving her the cold shoulder, and now his little love sees the gain in talking. He gets a little grin. He turns around to look at her and says he’s just thinking. About what? Oh, yes, she says, the party tonight. She hasn’t danced in a long time. She smiles (Sylvia thinks it’s in her contract. I think Sylvia’s spot on.) He thought bubbles about how lovely she is, and he says aloud that she’s young, lovely, and should be conquering all the guys. She doesn’t think so. He thought bubbles some more about her while he runs around to open her door. Too late, she’s out, and on her way into her house. She thanks him; he tells her to rest and thought bubbles about her while he kisses the muscles first on one forearm, then the other. If one wasn’t paying close attention, it’d appear he was sniffing to see if he needed deodorant.

Enrique runs in to the Casa Cachón garden, calling to Yadira. Has she been waiting long for him? HOURS! He was in traffic. He shows her the day’s profits, it was worth it. She fusses at him. He wants to take her out, but she’s not going out with him today. Why not? Well, she had to wait too long. He is indignant that he was out working hard and she doesn’t want to go out? She yells again and flounces into the house. He’s first irritated, then deflated. He ought to use Juan’s techniques (be careful, muchacho!).

Paula is talking with her mama in the kitchen. She tells her mama to be patient. She’s talking about the problems that Pastor has with Juan using the car. She’s sure it’s just jealousy (Pastor’s). Paula shares the office chisme with her mother about Juan and Pastor, and Ana is impactada. Then, there is also Fernando in all this. Ana decides this is Too Much Info. And, it’s dangerous to have this person as an enemy. Paula tells her about the weekend trip. Ana asks if everyone at the office is going to the training? Nope, just CL and me. Now Ana is REALLY impactada, and worried. Paula looks at Ana over her shoulder; she has the good sense to realize this might bother mama.

Juan and Kike are in a garden with a fountain, where Kike fills his bucket, towel over shoulder. He’s filling Juan in on his problems with Yadira; nothing is enough to satisfy the woman. Juan says you’ve shown her you care, you’ve been honest, right? Yes, but she just shows me how much she hates me. Kike begins to wash down his microbus. He complains about her treatment, because he’s acting appropriately. He tells about how much he really loves her, each day it’s more. But he doesn’t understand this now. Like today, he worked himself like a mule to get the cash so they could go out, and she was like a crazy woman. Juan attempts to comfort him. He has a plan. He doesn’t abandon those who have fallen. Enrique chuckles a little.

Paula and Ana continue making dinner together and talking about the weekend to come. Paula tells her that before she accepted, she told him not to get any ideas about her. Ana is now replying in monosyllables, lips pursed. Paula wants her mother not to be upset, and Ana replies she hasn’t said anything. Technically, this is true. But, she’s spoken volumes. Ana wants to know why she’s going to so much trouble to explain. Well, so you won’t worry, Paula tells her. Ana explains why she’s not thrilled with this, and CL is not too trustworthy. Paula says he’s told her about what’s up with him. Ana asks, “and you believed him?” Paula says yes! It’s just a meeting! Her mother repeats the details. A weekend, alone, he’s married. She’s a bit afraid for Paula. The exchange some hot words because Ana is worried for her and Paula says she won’t commit the same mistake that Ana committed with her father. Ana looks offended. She takes off her apron, leaves the table, and goes up the stairs. Paula sighs.

It’s dark and Kike, in the microbus, is leaving Juan at the Casa Cachón. Marely walks up to Juan, smiling and looking very lovely in an off-white top and dark micro-falda. Juan is impactado and greets her. She greets him. She’s off to buy make-up and he says she needs none. He thought bubbles about how beautiful his little rose garden is. He asks about the friend she’s bringing, he doubts that Fern will be late. Does he know her friend? Perhaps…..I don’t know…..she coyly says, smiling, could be! He doesn’t like the mystery; is she bringing some nun? She laughs. No, she’s really good looking. Not like you, Marely. You couldn’t have a duplicate in the universe. She blushes and walks away.

Juan stands in the driveway thought bubbling about his lovely Marely, ah, and his lovely little boots, under her bed…….at dawn…..

Nidia-patra, with her hands on Alirio’s shoulders, tells him not to be such a flirt [Ed. Note: FLIRT? Nah, he’s got her pinned against the fireplace and she has to shove him off. That’s no flirt there]. She greets her daughter—saved by the belle. Marely wants to know what’s up. Nidia-patra and Alirio twitch around to regain their composure (such as it may be at any time). Juan follows Marely in. Nidia-patra says that Alirio makes her laugh with his things. He tries to talk and Nidia puts her hand over his mouth. She says they’re in such a good humor they’re going out drinking. He agrees with her. Yadira makes a grand entrance, a vision in sparkly white coming down the curved staircase, talking about Juan and his friend. Juan realizes she’s the “friend” Marely’s bringing. Yadi invites Alirio and Mama, Juan jumps in to say “NO!” He thinks quickly. Fern is so serious. Yadi insists. They’ll go! Juan is impactado.

Ana is knitting in her room. Paula wants to know if she is coming downstairs. No, Ana says, she is not hungry. Paula feels badly and tries to apologize. Why? There is no need, Ana says. But, Paula loves her mother most of anyone in the world. She doesn’t want to judge her mother, she has no right. Her mother only cares that Paula thinks about all this. Paula felt attacked and tried to defend herself, stupidly, she tells her mama. Ana says she was no example to follow. Paula doesn’t want to hear that. Ana tells Paula that she’s totally aware of her mistakes, but all that she did with Paula’s papa she did for love. Paula says she knows. But, Ana says, that’s not to say it was what she really wanted, and she doesn’t want history to repeat. She doesn’t want Paula to suffer. Don’t do this!

In Buenos Aires, Monica gets a phone call. It’s CL. He wants to know if she’s upset with him. She wonders if she has reasons to be. Yes, he says. She says she shouldn’t have called, it was her fault. He says no, but right now he has a humungous problem at work. He won’t sleep until he has asked her pardon. Being like this with her is the worst thing he could do. [Ed. Note: he sounds almost believable]. She’ll forgive him, silly thing. He’s happy again. He can sleep and wishes it was with him. He hangs up, smiling, and Ivonne from behind him [under the covers] asks how he can lie like that with no remorse. He says, it’s easy, it’s not a lie, he loves her. He adores her. Ivonne is really sorry for his poor wife. She knows all the stories he’s told her. He blathers on. He wonders why Ivonne is still with him. She says she’s looking for the good in him. He tells her that when everyone finds his or her place in the world, it’ll be better for all. But he tells Ivonne that she doesn’t want to understand. He’s going to sleep at home, but she can stay if she wants. Ivonne is a bit offended.

Monica is still at her desk in the hotel room in Buenos Aires. She calls home, and asks Chelito, the housekeeper (who was in bed), if she can speak with CL. He’s not home yet! Monica is surprised and disappointed. She asks Chelito to let him know she called. She looks upset as she hangs up.

Enrique is driving a group of guys in his microbus. It’s some mariachis he’s brought to serenade Yadira. He tells them to be quiet while he scopes out the terrain. Outside Casa Cachón, Fern is leaning against the boss’s car, waiting. Out come Yadira, all gussied up, and the rest. She and Nidia-patra are impactada at CL’s car. Marely has a fetching red dress with a handkerchief hem, Yadi has sparklies in her hair, which is now a shade of purple, and Nidia-patra still has her slinky red outfit with the Egyptian headgear and make-up on. Yadi admires Fernando. He seems a bit wary, but they all greet each other. Enrique peers through the fronds of a short palm tree at this scene as we go to commercial.

Juan makes introductions. Yadi is practically swooning. Fernando guides her to his car, his hand around her waist. Enrique looks muy impactado. We see the scene from between Enrique’s palm leaves. Fernando helps her into the car. Enrique nearly pokes himself with the point of the palm. Juan and the others get into Paula’s car. Juan says “follow me” to Fernando. “Let’s go!” They’re off. Enrique runs to the bus and the guys want to know what’s up? He ignores them and starts the bus. He’s going to follow! The guys don’t want any problems.

CL is home now. He gets himself a drink. Chelito comes to tell him Monica called. This late? Yes, a half hour. What did you tell her? That you weren’t here. He sighs. Busted.

Outside a fancy club in a hotel, Yadi is wiggling her okole with the music, barely able to walk on her super high silver heels. They go in. Enrique arrives with the mariachis in the bus. He goes in. The disco ball is revolving, the music beating. Yadi gives Fern her purse, and takes off her jacket. He smiles! She loves the place, and wants them all to sit over there! She leads the way. All follow. Nidia-patra does a turn in front of Fern, and Alirio does a little turn with her. Nidia-patra hoists for him and asks him what he’s into? He’d rather she tell him about herself. Juan breaks in and extols Fernando’s great exec job. She asks another question, Juan answers more about the food business. Fern is reluctantly agreeing to what Juan says. Nidia-patra does a little revolving dance and asks more questions. What’s the name of the company? Lara and Brothers (Fernando’s last name is Lara). Fernando is looking distinctly uncomfortable. Alirio wants to know if he hasn’t seen Fernando before? His face is familiar. [Ed. Note: The Garage, Alirio. Think of the Garage.] Juan breaks in again. If he didn’t know Fern before, he knows him tonight! They all smile, Alirio shakes Fern’s hand. Fern kisses Nidia’s. Juan ushers them all to a table. He wants a toast! Juan thought bubbles that the less Alirio knows, the better. The three couples sit inside chatting while Enrique is trying desperately to get the gatekeeper to let him in, and the mariachi guys are right behind him. If the guy doesn’t let him in, he’ll get all the microbuses to leave him flat. He begs, he yells, the mariachi leader tries to get him to calm down. Enrique will not be swayed. He’ll pay them for their time. He begs again.

Paula is not sleeping well. She dreams of herself in a lovely white evening gown, walking toward CL who is admiring her. He puts his hand on her waist and twirls her in a dance, then kisses her deeply. Oops, it’s JUAN! Paula stands back, impactada! Juan smiles so beautifully. Paula looks again and it’s CL she’s holding her hands out to….then there is just vapor. She sits upright in bed, impactada and awake.

Back at the disco, the “couples” chat, but Juan grabs Marely and takes her to the dance floor. He tells her he want to be honest, she didn’t really need to know Fern, this was his strategy. She looks wary. She thinks she may have been wrong about him again. He smiles, then the theme song begins. He looks up, impactado and pleased. They dance. Juan really cuts a rug and Marely loosens up a whoooole lot. Everyone watches. {Ed. Note: aside from his being twice her size, they look cute together]. Nidia-patra makes a comment to Alirio about Juan, and Yadira asks Fern if he doesn’t dance. He says not much. He never learned and no one had patience to teach him. She looks fondly at him. Poor thing. She takes him out to teach him. Cachi, Cachi BomBon plays over and over.

OHMIGOSH! Here’s Ivonne, in a lovely floral evening dress, seeing Fernando dancing with Yadi and Juan with Marely. She’s not thrilled.

Poor Enrique is still trying to get in He makes ugly remarks about the doorman. The mariachis strike up a tune at Enrique’s command. The doorman ignores. Inside, the music comes to an end; Fern is pleased and Yadi is thrilled. They leave the floor. Ivonne accosts them: Fernando, what a miracle, it’s you! He asks her how he is. Well, she says, not as well as you, but here we are. She tells Yadi “mucho gusto” even though they haven’t been introduced, and gives her name. “Hola, Yadira” is the reply. Yadi clings to Fern and both have lovely catty smiles. They eye each other. Yadi touches Fern’s cheek and says she’ll wait for him at the table, don’t be long. Nope, he’ll be there in a minute. He and Ivonne exchange slightly catty chitchat. She tells him he’s under his weight class with this one (Yadi) and looks over her shoulder at Yadi. He asks her who told her that he was interested in good girls? [Good thing Yadi et al. are out of earshot now]. So why are you interested? She makes another couple of snide remarks and he says he has nothing to hide. She says she sees this is a “plan of chauffeurs” and asks if they talk about mechanics. He just glares at her and walks away. Ivonne touches her fingers to the bridge of her nose and looks slightly upset. She takes a deep breath.

As she abruptly leaves, Enrique’s mariachis are still playing at the entrance and the doorman is still ignoring them. Ivonne hesitates; it’s raining. A doorman puts an umbrella over her head and walks her out as Enrique stands with his hands on his hips, glaring.

Back inside, Juan and Marely finish dancing. Juan is positively ebullient. Alirio, three sheets or more to the wind, tells him what moves! You move like a fish in the water! Juan responds and Alirio asks where he learned all this? He learned it from a little boy. It’s in his blood and soul. He had good teachers, too, his aunts. [And whew, that shirt is open to the waist, ladies…..] He tells about these little steps they taught him. They chat (well, not Alirio, he slurs) about cachi, cachi bombon. Alirio wants the aunts to give him lessons. They drink to it. Marely tells Juan that the last dance enchanted her. She leans on his shoulder and he leans into her as they clink glasses. He thought bubbles about his Marely putting her delicate chamois-like hand around his robust sword….etc….. [Ed. Note: Whew. Too steamy for a schoolmarm to be translating!] Nidia-patra is apparently reading his mind. She gets downright ugly, giving him a look that will, for sure, kill. Soon. She grabs Alirio’s tie and drags him to her. Marely smiles up at Juan, clearly naïve about his plans for her delicate chamois-like hand on his sturdy (robust) sword [Ed. Note: I SWEAR that’s what it said!]

Enrique is now trying to sneak in the back way with the mariachis. He’s one determined dude.

On the dance floor, Juan is still thought bubbling with Marely looking fondly at him. But he is concentrating on Yadira flirting with Fern, who seems to be happy with the situation. Fern and Yadi are talking about Ivonne showing up, and he’s sorry about it. She admits she’s a tad jealous even though she barely knows him. He smiles, too—she doesn’t have to be jealous. Yadira asks who she is. She’s an acquaintance. Yadi presses. They were sweethearts. They ended badly. Did he care much about her? Yes. Why’d they break up? She had some grand ideas [Ed. Note: Yep, Cesár Luis}. Yadi thinks she was a fool. He’s interesting, etc. She strokes his lapels and smiles.

Back in the back room, the mariachis are filing in, walking in the beat of the music. Yadira asks Fern if he still feels something for her? He denies it. He says he’s beginning to feel something for another woman and she drives him crazy. Yadi flirts like crazy. Who could it be? He says he’ll tell her the secret, and stage whispers in her ear, she’s called Yadira. [Ed. Note: trouble coming, folks.]. She giggles and they kiss! Juan and Marely watch from across the room, impactados!!! [Ed. Note: me, too.]

Enrique and the boys are climbing stairs to the disco. Juan and Marely, Alirio and Nidia-patra, are fascinated watching this amazing kiss between Yadira and Fern. Whew. We learn yet again that any comparison to reality is pure coincidence.

See you in three weeks, everyone!

Jeanne

Labels: Juan

At their hotel, Gavi’s telling her mom how she’d earn 25 mil pesos with the job if she got it. Mom is doubtful. Gavi was doubtful too, until she heard from their star salesman. Clarita wants to know about a possible salary advance, but it looks like they’ll have to wait for any money. She throws down her hands in exasperation.

Over drinks, Crispin apologizes to Rod for calling him a young drunk. But Rod could have any woman he wants. Rod says, that’s just not true! Any woman who would get involved with me would be headed for trouble, just like Isa. And that’s not fair.

In DF, Isa tells her mom how she’ll have Rod within her grasp, now that she’s pregnant. He’ll forget all about Gaviota when he finds out he’s going to be a father!

Gavi worries about all their expenses. The bills are really piling up. They’ll need a new place to live. Far away from the old one, she says. Aaron Montalvo told me loud and clear to stay away from the corporation or he’s put me in jail! And I don’t want to give the Montalvo family the pleasure.

At the corporativo, Elvira informs Bruno that Daniela is there. In fact, she headed straight for the finance department. Bruno sends Elvira away and calls Quintana to confirm about Dani.

Francisco and Sophie are kissing, with restraint. She tells him she loves him. No response. And Francisco, how do you feel about me?

Daniela is looking over some paperwork in a side office. Bruno bursts in and asks what she’s doing there. Her vacation got boring, so she figured she’d do something useful like learn about finances. He asks her what she is looking for specifically, so he can help her find it. She admits she doesn’t know much in the way of numbers, since she’s a dancer. But it would be good to learn, right? She smiles. He tells her the information she’s looking at is confidential. She tells him not to worry. He finally gives in. How can I say no to my niece with a smile like that?

In a closeup, we see Frankie kissing Sophie’s hand. He tells her he feels chills throughout his body… and more! And what he feels in his innocent heart is love. Frankie has the key, it seems. Sophie’s expression changes from mildly ill, to almost hopeful. He kisses her more. She tells him, we’re in a restaurant! He says, let’s go somewhere else, where we can be alone. He calls for the check.

Gavi and her mom are at the park by the swings. Gavi’s still worried about money, maybe they should sell the TV. Clarita pouts and gets on a swing with her purse. If they sold the TV, they could pay a bunch of bills and have a couple of months’ rent covered. Gavi reassures her mom that they can get the TV back. Clarita relents.

In the corporation lobby, Daniela asks Margarita to put through her top-secret call to Videgarray. Dani’s got the financial information, but she can’t make sense of it. They make an appointment to meet to discuss it. Before she leaves, Dani asks Margarita if she’s heard anything from Mariana/Gaviota. Margarita appears anxious and says she’s heard nothing.

Next we see a single tulip on a pillow. Frankie is pouring wine for Sophie, who is sitting bolt upright in front of a fireplace. He tells Sophie, that it’s an exceptional wine for an exceptional woman. Sophie moves very little. Frankie brushes back her hair to kiss her. He is wearing a huge chain bracelet.

Isa lets Dr. Paulino into her apartment. He’s on his way to an appointment, so he asks her to make it quick. She levels with him. The baby she’s expecting is not Rod’s. It would be very bad for her marriage if Rod knew. She wants Paulino to certify that he performed the artificial insemination on Isa. But he can’t do that! He reminds her of his professional ethics. She tells him it’s important!

Crispin is still trying to get Rod interested in the ladies. James says that Rod needs time. They talk about Rod’s situation, with his lost love and his broken marriage. Crispin says, it’s a good thing you don’t have kids! Rod flashes back to when Gavi dragged him into her apartment to meet Benvenutto. Then Rod remembers fighting with Aaron in the parking garage, after Aaron said he had been with Gavi. Crispin wants to toast to women. He says you can get away from one woman, but not all of them. Rod wants to toast to life, if he can call it that.

Isa tells Paulino that he is her only hope. The well being of her future child and her own life are in his hands. She cries. He sighs and says OK. She asks, how much can I pay you? Nothing. She is excited. I’ll never forget this favor!

After Dr. T leaves, Isa’s mom comes into the room to get the scoop. Isa tells her the good news. How much money did he want? Nothing! Nuria tells Isa that she can tell Rod the news now. But Isa wants to handle this situation very carefully. The person who should tell Rod is his sister, Sophia.

Sophia is lying in bed alone, in stunned silence. Business-as-usual Frankie is pouring wine, singing the most appropriate French song he can think of, “Alouette.” Do you want wine, coffee or me? Sophie says nothing. What happened? Nothing. We hear a sad theme of violin music.

Was this your first time? Sophie says no. He wants to know, how long has it been for you? Sophie goes into detail about how her relationship with James ended three years ago. How James is Rod’s friend who stayed in Tequila and fell in love with a farm girl. Sophie changes the subject. How old were you your first time? Frankie looks trapped and doesn’t answer. How long has it been for you? Frankie tells her he can’t remember when he last made love. He doesn’t remember anyone before Sophie!

Acacia is carrying a glass of milk. Meliton is passed out on the couch. There is a knock at the door, and she drops the glass. She stares at the gun on the back of the door. Father Cosme calls to her, so she lets him in. He wants to know how things are going and sees the broken glass on the floor. Is everything OK? Tio’s just had a lot to drink, she says. How does he treat you? Fine, fine. Cosme asks her why he never sees her in town at church. Acacia tells Cosme that Meliton wants her far away from those evildoers, Rod and James. They would hassle her. But Cosme says he knows them, and they are good men! Does Meliton mistreat her? Of course not! He tells her to tell him if anything bad ever happens to her.

Mister James steps into the kitchen at the hacienda and San Juana sets her sights on him. She offers him a drink and asks after Acacia. Did she get her memory back? James says no. But when she does, I know she’ll come find me! San Juana promises herself that she’ll make James forget Acacia.

Rod is upstairs in his gloomy bedroom. We see him disrobe – again! He puts on his pajamas, sits on the bed, and sighs. Where are you Gaviota? What idiot are you lying to now?

Gavi is trying to sleep, trying not to think about Rod. What am I going to do with this love? She cries.

Pilar is seated on her living room couch in the dark. Sophie comes home. Pilar flips on the lights. Do you know what time it is? Is Francisco not a gentleman after all? Sophie says they went dancing and lost track of time. Pilar tells that her a decent woman looks at her watch!

Gavi lights a candle in front of their statues of saints. She and her mom sit down to say a rosary together, so Gavi can find work.

Rod dreams that he’s in the fields, he’s shirtless again, near his favorite tree. He is hacking at an agave plant, where he imagined Gavi working before. This time, she runs up behind him in an orange business suit. She tells him not to believe Aaron. Rod’s her only man! Rod ignores her. She tries to embrace him and tells him Aaron’s just trying to drive them apart. Rod shouts at her to leave him alone! He tries to peel her off him and turn away. She won’t let go and tries to kiss him. You have to believe me! Rod wakes up. Damn it! Gaviota, you’re following me in my dreams!

Frankie gets the maid to let him in at Pilar’s. Sophie is surprised to see him there so early. He says he couldn’t sleep, he was thinking about her. She tells him Pilar got mad that she came home so late. But she couldn’t sleep either! I love you! Je t’aime! They kiss and giggle, only to be interrupted by a stern “Good morning!”

Frankie and Sophie break apart, laughing. Sophie hurries over to greet Isa. So good to see you! Isa says that she needs to talk to Sophie. Alone. Sophie steps out and Frankie stares at his ex with wide eyes.

Gavi answers the phone and hears the news that she has a job! She promises to cover the city selling encyclopedias. Clarita is sure it was the rosary that did it.

Isa and Sophie are having a private chat. Isa says she’ll skip the preliminaries. She’s pregnant with Rod’s baby. Sophie is impactada!

How did that happen?! Sophie remembers that Rod decided he wasn’t ready to be a dad when they went for the artificial insemination exams. Isa says she asked the doctor to inseminate her, because she was worried for her marriage. They thought it would take a while for her to become pregnant. She started to feel sick on her Acapulco vacation and came back to get the news. It worked on the first try! Sophie wants to know how far along she is, why she didn’t tell anyone earlier.

Isa doesn’t want Rod to know, he’ll be angry. Isa says, I don’t know if this baby should be born!

Francisco strides into the solarium. Pilar is wearing a green plaid blazer and apron as she attends to her plants. Frankie apologizes for bringing Sophie home so late, it was all in the name of love. That seems to please Pilar.

Daniela comes in to tell her grandma she’s leaving. No, you’re not! Francisco gives Daniela a very familiar greeting, and she stares at him. He excuses himself. Pilar wants to know why Dani was at the corporation yesterday. Dani asks, why do you want to know? Is there something to hide?

Sophie gets tears in her eyes. This baby is what you wanted all along, right? Isa cries, yes, but not alone! Sophie tells Isa that of course she’ll have the child. Don’t be silly! Since Isa took this action before she and Rod were separated, there’s nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, Sophie can talk to Rod, and he’ll decide what to do. Isa tells her that she doesn’t want to pressure Rod. And there’s one more thing, her dad’s in prison. But Isa doesn’t want Sophie to tell Rod!

Ricardo is sprawled out on a green plaid mattress, in prison. Things are very bad. He despairs that Isa is his only hope!

Sophie says she’d like to help Isa get her dad out of prison, but that’s too much money. Isa says she wouldn’t ask for money. But promise that you won’t tell Rod. Sophie gives her word not to say anything. Isa checks for any Gavi sightings. Nothing.

Gavi meets with the elder Spanish guy to sign papers for her new job. She is thrilled!

Sophie and Isa say goodbye and Isa leaves. Frankie steps into the room. Is she gone? What did you two discuss, if I may ask? Sophie says, Isa told me she’s pregnant!

Frankie goes into shock. This may be the first genuine emotion he’s had in the last 24 hours. Sophie helpfully fills in the details. Isa got pregnant before she and Rod separated. Sophie needs to go to the hacienda to take care of some business. Frankie wants to take her, but she says she needs to go alone this time. She wants him to take her to the airport and goes to pack. Frankie is taking some deep breaths to calm himself.

Gavi’s new boss gives her a list of clients, blows cigar smoke, and asks if she has a car. She remembers when she threw her car keys on Aaron’s desk. No, no car. Her new boss offers to help her get one.

Sophie tells Pilar Isa’s news. Isa was afraid for her marriage, so she had herself artificially inseminated. Pilar says, that’s not the way to do it! Sophie tells Pilar about Isa’s doubts about having the baby. Pilar says, Isa has to have the baby, of course.

Sophie doesn’t want Dani to hear the news about Isa. She’ll tell Rod and stir up his doubts.

Videgarray and Dani are going over the accounts. They see Mariana’s check, but it was never cashed. There is also a check for Onate. Vid is sure that Mariana left with nothing, but they need proof. He keeps a copy of the records to check them for authenticity and tells Dani to get more info from Quintana. Dani’s sure that Aaron lied to satisfy his ambitions.

Aaron and Pam are having breakfast. Minnie calls on his cell. She tells Aaron she’s worried, because Daniela is checking into the company finances. Finally, Minerva has Aaron’s full attention!


Advances for Friday’s episode:
- Acacia recognizes “Mr. James,”
- Sophie gives Rod the good news, and
- Isa rubs her tummy in anticipation…


Recapper’s note:
** I’ll be out of town on Thursday, 7/26/07, and will need someone to cover the recap on that day. Muchisimas gracias!

Labels: Destilando

EPISODE - July 5, 2007:
* D is stunned by Camba stopping the coach horse before it runs D over. Santiago comes by to check on D. D walks over to ask the lady (Esmy with face hidden by fan) if she's okay. He introduces himself. As he goes to take Esmy's hand, MA rushes up and pulls D aside, she needs to talk. Garcia leans over to tell Esmy they should leave now before anyone recognizes them. Esmy says in a minute, she's interested in watching the conversation between D and MA.

* Dena and Yumi meet in forest. Dena apologizes for not trusting, believe Yumi. Yumi understands the situation - two women in love with same man. Dena again apologizes for her actions. Yumi accepts although to her it isn't necessary. Yumi shocks Dena by saying she will stay there in the countryside. Dena doesn't understand why Yumi won't return to live on the hacienda. Yumi explains that the mountains are her home. They hug.

* Olmos still on stretcher, talks with Piza, reveals all that Monty wanted to know from him earlier. Olmos thinks Piza is there under Monty's orders. Piza has his own agenda and reasons for talking with Olmos. Piza wants Olmos to help him and his lady escape as well as take down Jacomo and kill Monty. Olmos promises to help him.

* MA scolds D for Dolly not letting her near her son, as well as Camelia pulling a knife on her to keep her away just now in the market. D looks back at coach and pulls MA away to a more secluded location (less scandal). Esmy, realizes the lady is MA, D's wife. Garcia reminds Esmy of MA's trick to get D to marry her. They yell out to Camba to go.

* D lets go of MA's arm. MA reams him for Dolores and Camelia's actions in the marketplace, as well as keeping her from her own son. D has every reason for the separation between his family and her. She is outraged. He stands up to her and defends his actions. They argue. He warns her that he is totally capable of defending his family. She threatens to go to Judge Quintana for an order forcing him to let her near her son, she's his mother. She storms away. Santiago greets her politely, she tells him to shut up as she passes him. Santiago approaches D; D vents his frustration with MA; they agree that MA is very dangerous. They leave.

* In hotel room, Esmy and Garcia have drinks and talk about D, her son, she says her heart is so hardened with hatred, she has nothing to offer D anymore. She has no reason to break up D's family. As well, she knows well enough that when MA wants something, she always gets it.

* Monty and soldiers find D and Santiago on the street. Civil conversation between mortal enemies/rivals deals with invitations to ball. Monty and soldiers leave. Santiago notes the air of hatred emanating from Monty; he also notes a similar disgust coming from D.

(cue theme song and opening credits)

* Toby dresses up as a transvestite and mumbles his plan of revenge against Piza.

* Piza and Cata in kitchen pantry. He wants to continue seeing her. She's scared of Toby finding them together. Piza wants her to leave with him. She won't do it, this is her home. Pish-posh, he tells her that she is his and to prepare her things. They are leaving on a long trip together. He will return soon to pick her tup and take her far away. He kisses her and leaves. Agapito is shocked as he spies on Piza and Cata.

* Ma finds Friar in her room. Friar Fer pulls down his hood. MA is impactado, "PAPA?!?!"

* Alej finds Dena on wooded trail. He tells her he has talked with all in the tribal camp; Dena says she just spoke with Yumi here. Alej is shocked and tells Dena that Yumi took her things and vanished into the woods. No one knows where she is. Dena is happy after her conversation with Yumi. Alej escorts Dena back down the trail. Yumi pops out from behind the trees to watch them leave.

* MA thinks Fer is playing an evil, dirty trick on her. Fer says the joke is his life so far. She's in shock and disbelief over his friar's robe and his attitude. Fer says she knows him so well, agrees with all her statements about him. She scolds him for abandoning her and leaving her with all the debts and no money whatsoever. He explains that he gave the money to finance Montero's battle plans. She's mortified by the revelation. Fer continues with his reasons. He advises her to give up on D, and return to Spain. She refuses to do either. She reminds him that he obligated D to marry her. He regrets it, as well as most of the horrific things he's done in his life. She thinks all the friar/monk stuff has gone to his head - he's turning as cowardly as her aunt Dena. She orders him to leave her house and go to hell. Fer pauses, tells her "God bless you daughter" and then leaves.

* Esmy and Garcia have breakfast in room. Garcia tells her where he found the maid servant. Esmy wants to go the cemetery - to visit and place flowers on her baby's grave.

* cue theme song as Esmy changes into her Dona Zorro wardrobe. "The moment of my vengence has arrived," she mutters to her reflection.

* Monty and soldiers march down the street. Monty gives them orders for security at ball. He realizes he left the map back home. He leaves alone, refusing to allow the soldiers to accompany him. In a dark stretch of the road, an arrow comes sailing at him and hits the post as he passed by. Monty gets scared, shoots off his gun and calls out the coward to come forward and identify himself. Nothing. Monty calls out to soldiers; the soldiers run over; Monty orders them to search the streets for the person who shot the arrow at him. Soldiers run away. Esmy hides behind the column with her arrow shooter. Monty reads the note attached to the arrow: "she wants in your bed, I'll wait for you in hell." Monty mutters response, 'we'll see about that. Don't play with me." He walks to his office.

* Monty finds MA waiting in his office. She tells him about Fer's appearance at her home - in friar's robes, like he's gone crazy. Monty thinks Fer shot the arrow at him tonight. MA asks what he's talking about. Monty shows her the note. MA thinks it may have been from D or Z. Monty grumbles. MA speaks about "their" battle plans. Monty asks for explanation. MA convinces Monty to let her help finish the final details. He agrees.

* Dona Z walks alone in dark, holding her arrow shooter. Soldiers appear and tell her to drop her weapon. She puts it down on ground. As they approach, Dona Z uses her WWE moves and kicks and punches the soldiers to the ground. She picks up her weapon and leaves.

* D is in his bedroom. B enters. D is happy and surprised to see him up and around again. They discuss Esmy, the search, and everything that is happening at the hacienda. D still thinks about her. (they have to have faith)

* Dena and Alej arrive back home. MP and Dolly, with little Alej, are happy they're back. Dena is happy about her conversation with Yumi. Alej notes MP's nervousness and asks about the wedding details. MP nervously answers and then excuses herself and leaves. Alej asks Dolly what's wrong with MP? Dolly has to tell them that Fer met with MP while they were gone. He asked for forgiveness and was wearing friar's robes; MP has been in shock ever since.

* Carola and Novicia finish setting up the church sanctuary for the wedding service and the bells ring.

* Dena is happily fixing MP's hair and veil, she's excited for MP's wedding. MP is still upset. Dena finally sees that MP is upset and stops. MP explains that she can't get Friar Fer out of her mind. Dena sends the maids away and has a private peptalk with MP and tell her to forget all about Fer, he will never change; MP thinks differently, she believes Fer has changed; Dena tells MP not to feel guilty about what Fer does and says. MP is scared, asks what to do. Dena orders her to go through with the marriage to Alfonso and live happily ever after with him.

* Alej and D talk as they get ready for the wedding. Alej is worried about MP; D says Fer is the love of her life and always will be. They discuss Fer's meeting with MP at the hacienda, hope that it doesn't interfere with MP's plans to marry Alfonso. Alej says that if Fer's change is sincere and true, Alej will forgive him but only if D also forgives Fer.

* Mejias reports to Monty in office that Friar has been spotted at doorway of church. Monty grumbles why he has appeared the day of MP's wedding. Monty tells Mejias that the Friar is Fernando Sanchez de Moncada, governor of this town, he is a delinquent and will be charged for all his crimes, debts to society as well as the crown in Spain. They leave.

* Camba, Garcia and Esmy arrive at baby's grave in cemetery. Esmy supervises as Garcia and Camba start digging.

* At church, Friar kneels at door, accepting alms for the poor. As Alej and MP are rehearsing the ceremony, they watch as Monty approaches Fer and they have a heated conversation at the doorway. Monty has Mejias stand Fer up. Monty reads him the charges and has Fer placed under arrest. Mejia and another soldier haul Fer away. Monty follows. Before MP can try to follow, Alej stops her and gets her to refocus on the ceremony.

* Esmy supervises Garcia and Camba digging up the baby's grave. She remembers giving birth and Garcia telling her it's a boy; then she remembers Monty grimacing about taking the baby away and giving it to another couple to raise, and she responding don't you dare take my baby.

* At the wedding, Alej escorts MP down the aisle and gives her away to Alfonso. He's enchanted and in love. She's nervous and doesn't want to be there.

* Monty drags Fer back to the prison courtyard. With soldiers and MA watching, Monty kicks Fer so he falls to ground on knees. Monty grumbles hatred for Fer into Fer's ear. Monty chuckles and orders men to take Fer down to dungeon. MA grumbles her own disgust as she watches.

* PT starts service. Alej whispers to D about Fer and Monty earlier. D whispers about the two being mortal enemies. Dena signals for them both to be quiet.

* Monty watches soldier whip Fer hard, as Fer's hands are chained above his head. Monty takes out his favorite multi-leather strand whip, tells the soldier to leave and starts whipping and demanding Fer tell him what he wants to know. Information about Fer's confession to MA about the financing of his battle plans, why he is fighting, why he shot the arrow at him. Fer mutters with each hit about his wanting to live a life dedicated to G-d, to be forgiveness from all those whom he's hurt and disrespected, how G-d will show him the way. Monty takes a hot branding iron from the burning coals and will see if Fer is a saint or going to hell. Monty brands Fer's backside. Fer grimaces in pain.

* Garcia and Camba look forelorn as they look at each other, the crypt and then up at Esmy.

* PT gets to the "vows" section of the ceremony. He asks Alfonso first, who happily proclaims, he accepts one hundred times over. Then PT asks MP the same vows. MP pauses, thinks, PT asks for a response, MP says NO! I won't accept! This shocks everyone present in the church. MP apologizes to Alfonso and says again that she can't go through with marrying him.

* Garcia tries to convince Esmy not to look inside the crypt. Esmy has to look. She approaches, looks down and realizes that the baby isn't her son! (ed. note: no, duh, that's baby M.)

Labels: Zorro