Caray, Caray!

I couldn't catch the very beginning of the episode, but I believe it started with the following (please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong):

Gavi is talking to Videgaray on the phone, and tells him to tell Rod she never wants to know anything of him or the Montalvo's ever again, and that Rod is a coward and played with her emotions. She mentions she never got her liquidation check, etc. She weeps as she tells mom: what does rod want from meeee!!

Meanwhile, at the Montalvo ranch, a depressed Rod thinks to himself: Gavi, I wanted to have a child with you, But the woman that's going to give me this child is Isa. Sofie walks in and tells Rod that they need to get going to the Airport... they leave.

Back at their hideout, Gavi and mom are wondering, who could have given away they address? Gavi: aha!! Margarita was the only one who knew. She gave me away maaa it was her! Clarita: el que se junta con lobos, a aullar se ensena...? Didnt understand this part too well, but I think basically it means that its Gavi's own fault for mingling with traitors. Phone rings, Gavi doesn't want to answer. On the other line, we got Videgaray, Margarita and Dani waiting for Gav to pick up. Margarita is worried about what Gavi might be thinking of her for giving away her secret. Vide and Dani talk about how they got Margarita in trouble and how Gavi is upset that she never got her liquidation check. They conclude that Aron separated them with lies. Dani is determined to fix this problem.

Montalvo corp: Aron and Onarte are talking about dirty work. Bruno interrupts, Onarte leaves. Bruno's basically upset about the divorce, because Minnie 'deserves respect'. Aron feels like he's treated like a little boy. Maybe he should stop acting like one?? Anyhoo... Aron would rather think about how Minnie will never give him a child and how Isa and Rod are expecting...[sniff sniff... I'm not gonna get my money dad!!! And I'm NOT being a baby!! sniff sniff...]

Meanwhile, Fedra the snake is feeding Minnie some hope. F: Aron needs time to reflect and is just bored of you for now Minnie. Minnie pouts.. Fedra tells her...no worries, this is normal dear! I had that too with Bruno...smiley smiley. Aron will come back. Maybe he'll change his mind later. Minnie: Really??? Do you think there's a chance??? F: No worries, there is another chance, that is, IF you love him...

We then see a shot of Dani and Videgaray, who are talking to Roman and looking for Rod. Vide wants to look for Gavi to clarify everything. Dani asks him to tell her that Rods love is strong and he'll see her in the evening to fix things up.

Back at Il Madrina hacienda, Granny is talking to Slimy Frankie about the De La Vega's fine last name. Frankie lies his way around to charm Pilar. As he finds himself increasingly uncomfortable with his nonsese, he wants to run away with the excuse of getting home before Sofie arrives. Pillie comments on how adorable he is. Ah, I love Pillie. She has such a fine, accurate eye for recognizing wonderful people. Hmm, this is the advantage that the years of experience provide us.

On the phone, Isa is talking to someone (Sofie?)...she's ready for Rod to beg her back!

Back at hacienda Montalvo: Dani comes home and talks to Pillie about THE SURPRISE. She tells Grannie "you''ll find out when my bro gets back". Just imagine Grannie's expression.

Frankie is driving Sofie and Rod back from the airport. Sofie: my lovey, did you miss me, or did you cheat on me?? (in spanish it rhymes, so it makes a cute teaser which is, of course, inappropriate to Fran). Fran charms his way around by saying how granny is so adorable. Fran comments on how granny wants to talk to them. Rod knows what its about... he's not looking forward to it.

Meanwhile, with creepy background music, Videgaray is at Gavi's building. He asks for her room. He finds out Gavi left this afternoon...hmmm...our seagull can fly pretty fast! Meanwhile, we see Gavi and mom unpacking boxes in their new apartment. Clarita: at least here its cheaper for us to live. Gavi cries; clarita tells her not to worry, but Gavi feels like all their efforts were worthless. Gavi: mom, I have such a sad feeling in my womb! And this is how the producers convince us that something bad is about to happen.

At Isa's place, Rodrigo walks in to talk to her. She...has her hair up...?? Ladies, you know when you were little and gave your barbie a bad haircut, and once you noticed it won't grow again, you decided to wrap it up so no one could notice? Now picture Isa. But even so, wow, thats refereshing for once. AND she's not wearing taupe... but she IS wearing an animal print dress. I guess we couldn't expect too much of a change at once. As Rod walks in, they zoom in the camera all at once on Rod's face like only Televisa can, and I marvel, they kind of do a lot of zooming in this telenovela, no? Anyhoo, this is also to warn us that something big is about to happen. Something worthy of a large popcorn with extra butter, and a soda. Hmmm...we know this is REALLY worthed when we see a commertial break. Ok maybe I'll get a pint of Ice Cream too.

Back at their appartment, Isa pretends to not want to talk. Isa: i'm the one intruding. Rod: I know you hate me. Isa: No...why hate you?? Because you didnt care for me all this time?? Or because you ilusioned me for no reason?? Sniff sniff... or because I was an idiot?? Noooo, I ADMIRE YOU... I never met someone with such cold blood to play such a dirty game. Rod: You are talking too much, let me say something. Isa: yeah yeah, I know you'll say you never lied to me, that I knew the rules of "no Hammana Hammana"...!! But you forgot ONE thing, that you married a woman with HOPE!!!! I thought you'd someday love me. And I fought for your love, way more than Gavi. WHYYYY porque PORQUEEE didnt you tell me about Gavi. Poor me poor me poor me...cry cry cry!!! She hits him, and screams hysterically... porque porqueeeee.... then realizes she shouldn't act too hysterically cuz she does need $$, I mean, Rod, more that anything else, so she composes herself. Rod with squinted guilty face: anything you do is little compared to what I have done. This love is costing me a lot!!

Meanwhile, at Il Padrina headquarters, Dani is impactada at how Gavi is gone, while Sofie and Slimy Frankie break the news that Rod is with Isa. Frankie says he has to go for some "business meeting". Dani is mad at how they're siding with Isa. She accuses them of crime, because they support Aron. Granny is, well, of course, impactada :)

Rod tells Isa how all he has left is sadness, resentment, and guilt. Isa plays victim, while rod yaps and yaps about how she's always been loyal (drama music playing). He tells her he has Gavi in his blood. That she's an obsession, and that's why he wanted her to come back with him and she rejected him because of his marriage. Isa: you cynic; you played a dirty game with me. Rod talks about how difficult it was for him to leave Isa with her patience and ehm, ehm, honesty. Ok, I'm getting mad... I cant see Isa playing the victim anymore... blah blah blah. Rod feels bad, Isa is mad. Rod wants to resolve everything and leave the bad stuff behind. He wants to retry their marriage for the baby's sake. Isa thinking: yeah Rod, thanks to my baby you came back to meeee....MUAHAHAHAAAA....

Back at Montalvena, Dani, Pillie and Sofie are STILL arguing about Rod and Gavi. Dani roots for the love between them and says she's ashamed to be part of this family. Sofie does the pout and says she's not an accomplice because theyre just accepting Aron's truth. Dani accuses them of inducing Aron to lie. She talks about the falsified signature, no liquidation money, no car. Why is it so hard for these people to believe Aron but not Dani? They must have the "Miranda Syndrome" from Heridas. But seems like after all Dani kind of convinces them a bit, cuz Granny says: if I knew this, I woulnd't have rooted for Aron.... I feel guilty... !

At the apartment, Isa says to Rod: my pregnancy was an accident....I I I didn't mean to.... Rod: no worries, I know. Rod wants to face the problem. Isa: what do you suggest? Rod: look at your pregnancy like a good thing!! Your dream will come true! The spanish guitar in the background actually makes me feel sad for both of them. But then, Isa: too BAD you didnt want him. Whats gonna happen when the baby is born?? I mean, the baby, you, us, [the $$]!! Rod wants to come visit. Isa wants more more MORE!! Isa conveniently suggest Rod forget about the baby and just send him money and pay his school if he doesnt want to come see him. Rod is upset. Isa tells him he's selfish...hihihi!!! She wants a stable home. Isa: You dont know how I felt about you coming here. I cannot take this anymore I ..I ...I...love you... I love you...!! Oh, just forget about us!! (dude, what is wrong with this woman). She kisses Rod, and runs away...to vomit?? I was shaking my head at the dreadful sight of the uttermost dry kiss between them, so I missed this part.

Meanwhile, at "Il Madrina" headquarters, Granny madrina breaks the news about Isa being pregnant. Dani, shocked, suggests Isa did it on purpose. Granny says nooo, Isa is IN-CA-PAZ (Incapable) of getting pregnant on purpose. Dani dishes Isa, Sofie defends her. Dani predicts what we already know: Rod will walk out of that apartment with a "soga atada al cuello" (= rope tied up to his neck).

Gavi and Clarita are setting up their house. Gavi fears that Aron will find her at the hotel colonial where he always goes with his...ehm, friends. Clarita suggests that Gavi go take a walk to calm down. Of course, we know this is an indication that something is about to happen.

Slimy Fran is in his car spying on someone. It's ...his mom dona Jose going: Panchito!! Panchita: Maaa! You're going to ruin my shirt darn it!! Dona JOse: Panchito you just havent written me!! Pancho: ma, I need money I just got back from Monaco and have none. Dona Jose gives him the money she has, happy just with the fact that she saw her beloved son, he takes it and leaves.

Meanwhile, at the apartment, Isa walks out of the restroom where she pretended to vomit, saying she wants Rod to forget about the baby. She ONLY wants him if Rod lives with them like husband and wife. Rod wants to try this again if she forgives him. Rod: I promise with your help and love I will forget about her...give me another chance. Isa: swear to me I can trust you again!! Rod swears, and they hug. Behind his back, Isa does the evil grin......

Slimy Frankie is driving his car and looks...sad?? He stops at the cantina and asks for a guy to fix his car while he goes in the cantina for a drink. He asks for Champagne.... the bartender says they dont serve champagne there and gives him tequila while Slimy cathes a view of his next victim in the cantina: Gavi...

At a restaurant, Aron and Fedra are talking about Minnie's hopes for their marriage. Aron whines and says he's "Harto!! Harto!!". He cant understand how he could've been with Minnie for so long. Pamela on the other hand is sweet and doesnt whine. She calms all the pains he's had with Minnie. Fedra: watch out what you're doing. I see you obsessed with having a child. Aron doubts that Isa's child is Rod's. Fedra is impactada.

Stay tuned!! This wednesday:

• Acacia desperately asks James to kill Meliton-
• Dani faces Aron
• Frankie charms Gavi as he sings reggeaton.
• Isa and Rod announce their baby at the montalvo ranch. Hilario is painfully shocked.

~~~~ Have a wonderful day! 8-) ~~~~

Labels: Destilando

DonLoco startles Coral at the boutique. He demands that she tell him where Soledad is. She begs him to let her go but he ties her up instead. DonLoco doesn't like to be told what to do.

At La Rinconada Thelma accuses Orlando of looking for Gaspar instead of working on the highway. She's wearing what looks like a pair of charro pants in keeping with her role of head cowgirl of the manor. She tells Orlando she's not returning to Puebla until she sees him leave WITHOUT Gaspar. Orlando pours himself a drink.

Luba and Gaspar play with their handheld radios. Standing right next to each other they take turns..."Gaspar, Gaspar." "Mama, mama." "Gaspar, Gaspar, it's mama Luba." "Mama, mama, it's Gaspar here."

Orlando taunts Thelma, wouldn't it be amusing if Gaspar showed up in Puebla and told Emilio about his cachorrito? Thelma retorts that since the cops are after them they are probably hidden far away. Orlando taunts her some more, lies about why he is still there, tells her to be tranquil, chugs his drink, and splits. "I would be tranquil if Luba and Gaspar were dead," she mutters.

Claudia lays on her bed and thinks of Angel. Rosendo enters, smothers her face with chloroform, throws her unconscious body on the bed, and vows he will "make her his."

**Commercial reminder - there will be no Duelo tomorrow due to the Mexico vs. Argentina futbol match.

Rosendo lies on Claudia and kisses her face. This reminds me of when Orlando was trying to make Alina "his." Remember what a flop he was? Oops, did I say flop? Heh heh. Oh right, we're with Rosendo now. Rosendo is interrupted by a knock at the door. He closes the bedroom curtains.

Angel is at the door relentlessly knocking. Rosendo finally answers and claims Claudia isn't at home. Angel weakly tries to force his way in but Rosendo easily blocks him and shuts the door in his face. Angel yells for Claudia at her window but cannot see in because the curtains are closed.

Emilio, accompanied by his own singing, lamely tells Alina that she will get better. Their love is stronger than all obstacles and if they are together then nobody and nothing will separate them. This is news to us of course and apparently it's news to Alina too, she dreams that her casket is being lowered into the ground. Soledad, Adela, Angel and Coral sob at the grave. Alina wakes up in the casket and hears the sobs. "They think I'm dead. Let me out," she screams over and over! Nobody hears her and the casket is covered with dirt. Suddenly a light shines on her. It's DonLoco, "you're not dead? You will be!"

Soledad tells Elias she's having a bad premonition about DonLoco and Alina. She's going to call Coral at the boutique and find out if Alina called her.

Feverish, delirious Alina tells Emilio she's worried about her mother. She must get well for her mother.

Coral tells DonLoco that she doesn't know where Soledad and Elias are. He tells her that patience isn't one of his virtues. He threatens her until she gets on her knees and begs for her life. Coral, have a little pride! He points his gun at her and this seems to piss her off. She tells DonLoco that Soledad will never be happy by his side. Coral, have a little sense! Suddenly someone enters the boutique and yells for Coral. DonLoco points his gun at her head and says he'd like a reason to send her to the other world.

DonLoco peeks around the door. It's Dra. Loca! What's she doing there? He unties Coral and tells her to get rid of the doctora.

Head nurse Valentina is in the middle of complimenting her charges and giving them instructions for administering the new and improved antibiotic when one of the nurses discovers that Alina's sheets are the same ones used by the rotovirus patients. Somebody must have put them there to deliberately infect Alina!

Coral tries to hint to Dra. Loca that DonLoco is in the vicinity. Unfortunately Dra. Estupida doesn't get the hints. She spouts off that one of her theories is that DonLoco might show up at the boutique to lie in wait for Soledad. Coral is making crazy eye movements and thinking "No duh, sombrera de culo, follow my eyes!" Meanwhile DonLoco thought bubbles that Dra. Loca has also betrayed him. Coral gives up trying to give clues to the clueless so she just tries to get the doctora to leave. Dra. Loca asks Coral why she's so nervous.

Emilio gives water to a grateful Alina. Personally I would be suspicious about drinking water if I lived in Escondidaville. So far water has killed one man and given the rotovirus to Alina. Rodrigo enters to update Emilio on the bridge project. Emilio says he's responsible for the project and should go back to it. Rodrigo tells him that as a military officer he also has a moral responsibility...he should remain at Alina's side. Blech.

Rodrigo (sans mask) sits next to Alina. As Margaret noted, these folks play fast and loose with the rotovirus. Some wear masks, some don't, I'm confused. Emilio assigns Rodrigo to be in charge of the bridge project in his place.

Head Nurse Valentina enters with odd news to report. It seems that somebody put contaminated sheets on Alina's bed. Emilio is impactado. Alina sits up, she's impactada too.

Emilio the astute says "are you trying to tell me that someone deliberately infected Alina?" "That's right dumbass," retorts nurse Valentina. Not really, but she should have. Emilio says he can only imagine who might have done the deed. He rushes out with a mystery expression on his face, anger probably.

Angel has managed to accost Claudia's mother. He tries to convince her that her husband is up to no good. If he weren't then why is he locked in the house with Claudia and with all the curtains closed?

Coral hems and haws, she's got a lot of work, but she still keeps flitting her eyes over to the area of DonLoco in the hopes that Dra. Estupida will get it. OMG, Dra. Estupida concludes her visit by stating "at least Alvaro Montellano will never suspect that Soledad and Elias are hidden in San Mateo." She suggests that Coral close her boutique for a while just in case. Then she leaves. Finally!!

Coral begs DonLoco not to look for Soledad. He slaps her unconscious. "Before I leave I have to decide what to do with you," he mutters ominously. Uh oh, things aren't looking good for Coral.

Rosendo caresses Claudia's lifeless body when suddenly his wife and Angel burst into the room. At last she sees him for the infeliz maldito that he is. He's disgusting, revolting, she says. She chases him out of the house.

Emilio shows the infected sheets to Karla and asks who put them on Alina's bed. He should wrap her head in them but he doesn't.

In San Mateo Elias and Soledad return to their hotel and get their keys from the desk clerk. A man in black leans against the wall. He turns around. It's Don Loco! How did he get there so fast? What did he do with Coral? He strolls over to the clerk and asks for a room.

Thelma pays a visit to Ingeniero Nunez of the highway project. She's on a fact-finding mission to see if Orlando has told her the truth. Surprise! His work for the highway finished days ago. Thelma thought bubbles that she was right, Orlando is there to find Gaspar, he must know Gaspar's location.

It's night and a big moon hangs over the land. Soledad calls Coral's house but Adela reports that she hasn't seen a sign of Coral all day nor has Alina called.

Karla asks Emilio why does he think SHE is the one who infected Alina with rotovirus? Emilio asks, "how did you know they were infected? I only asked who put them on Alina's bed." Busted! She tries to weasel her way out but Emilio continues to accuse her. In fact he's going to write her up and report her.

In the kitchen of La Rinconada Vera the bloodthirsty tries to convince Orlando that Luba and Gaspar's fate should be left to the village idiots. Orlando points out to her that her way could make them murderers. Does she want to be a criminal? This query seems to confuse her, but I doubt it will dissuade her.

DonLoco, standing outside the hotel, calls the local police. He's posing as a police officer from Puebla. He asks the local sheriff to form a perimeter around the hotel. He is after a dangerous fugitive. After he hangs up he vows, "I'm going to make a visit to my woman." Wow, who knew it was that easy to get cops to do stuff?

Karla begs Emilio not to report her, she needs the job. Job? Her job of sneaking into men's tents? Or maybe her job of walking around camp wearing only a towel? Or perhaps her job of tormenting the young nurses who have arrived to save lives? Or her job as Typhoid Karla, out to infect the world with rotovirus? Emilio finally consents to not reporting her as long as she takes on Alina's nursing reponsibilities. (!?!) Karla whines that she doesn't want to, it's too dangerous. Que? She was waltzing around the infirmary without a mask and handling infected sheets. Now she worries?

Vera and Orlando get into it about who gets to do what to Luba and Gaspar. She says the village idiots are pretty angry at them, he responds that she will be held responsible if something bad happens. Thelma enters to bust up the fun. She wants to know why Orlando didn't leave days ago when he finished his job.

Alina dreams of her night of love with Emilio. His singing accompanies her dreams of his slobbery kisses. "Emilio I love you so much," she sighs. Good God, does she never tire of this crap?

Orlando tells Thelma he stayed around in case he had to protect Luba and Gaspar from the madding crowd. Thelma doesn't buy it, he's there because he wants to confront Emilio with them. He says he's going to give them a couple of days more to return to Escondidaville, then he will give up. Thelma doesn't believe he's capable of giving up his plans of vengeance, she knows him too well and he hates Emilio too much. She walks out and mutters that she'd be happy if Orlando changed, but she suspects sooner or later Luba and Gaspar will show up. Alone in the kitchen Orlando stuffs food into a bag.

Adela calls around for Coral. How odd, where could she be? Cut to Coral, alive (hoorah!!) but tied up in her boutique. Back to Adela, "Oh right, she's probably visiting her pals at the Cave, maybe I'll go look for here there." I think Adela's just using her boss's absence as an excuse to go out and whoop it up at the Devil's Cave.

Gaspar drives Luba crazy by running from radio to radio and talking to himself. Suddenly the door opens...who is it? Anticlimax, it's Orlando of course. Luba tells him she's tired of hanging around. When is he going to get them out of there?

Soledad frets to Elias that she hasn't heard from Alina. There is a knock at the door. It's their guard; he informs them that there will be a routine inspection of the hotel. Soledad immediately suspects DonLoco, but Elias says Vargas would have sent reinforcements if that were the case. For some reason he leaves Soledad in the room and accompanies the guard. He tells her to lock the door well. Don Loco lurks outside her room. She locks the door, deadbolt and chain.

DonLoco approaches the door. He's about to knock when someone calls his name. It's Soledad. How did she get outside the room? Is it another one of his hallucinations? She says she knew he'd find her. He reaches out but she pulls back. She says it's not necessary to use force. She's inclined to do what he says but he must forget his thoughts of vengeance. They need to talk somewhere where nobody can find them. They leave together. Hmmm...maybe she's not a hallucination.

Head nurse Valentina and Emilio bring Karla to apologize to Alina. They tell Alina that Karla will be doing her work while she recovers. Apparently Typhoid Karla isn't actually qualified to do Alina's work so Valentina will have to tutor her. Karla makes a cat butt face.

Soledad tells DonLoco that she never betrayed him with Elias. She never stopped loving him. They embrace. He says he knew she would forgive him. He wants to take her far away to a new start in a new country. She doesn't know if she wants to live her life in hiding.

DonLoco asks her will she forgive him? If they are together he'll never again give her cause to distrust him. "Yes Alvaro, I'll forgive you," she responds, "and I'll go with you wherever you want." They kiss. Hell, this has got to be a hallucination! Even stupid Soledad couldn't be this idiotic.

DonLoco says the worst thing he did was cause the death of their daughter, their Alina, fruit of their love. He flashes back to a time when he denied to Alina that she was his daughter. Alina begs him and tells him that her mother never betrayed him. "Ma loves you and I love you too, papito. You're my example, the person in whom I placed all my trust." Back to reality and DonLoco is super slo-mo impactado.

Advance - Some guy (Rodrigo?) goes flying down a zip line, wheeeee! But oops, he falls into the raging river.


darse por vencido = to give up
estar al acecho de - to lie in wait for
profugo/a = fugitive

Labels: duelo

Opening scene: New Bruna (aka Samantha) offers to take Marfil to Max's room, where she's sure they'll find Max with Diana.

Meanwhile, Max is trying to tempt Diana into kissing him. As they begin to kiss, we see the doorknob turning... lucky for Diana it's Dulce, coming to warn Diana that Samantha and Marfil are on their way. Marfil and Samantha enter, leaving Max impactado.

At the hospital, Gaviota has come to offer her support to Paco. Pobre de Paco is beside himself over Octavia's silence. Of course Gaviota doesn't miss a chance to tell him "I told you so." It's followed by a tender moment between Paco and Gaviota where she tells him that she understands why he married Octavia - he thought she was the love of his life.

We're transported to Gaby's bedroom in psycho mansion, where she's surprised by a noise outside her window. It turns out to be none other than her super hot amante, Larry, who's come because he knew that she wasn't really in Puerto Rico.

Back to the hospital, where Paco asks Gaviota's forgiveness, and for once she's gracious. She tells him they should stop thinking about the past and start moving forward. Then she tells him that Diana's left the mansion with Maxito. Paco urges her to look for her and get her to return to the mansion before it's too late. She just can't support their love for the Irazabal boys - she'll never allow it! He tells her not to be so inflexible, and is interrupted by the arrival of Octavia. This quickly turns into a cat fight between Octavia and Gaviota, where Octavia tells Gaviota to leave, which prompts Paco to tell her that Gaviota's not going anywhere, and Octavia better pack her bags and get out of his apartment! Gaviota's standing behind him looking quite pleased with herself when Paco tells Octavia that he wants a divorce.

At the psychiatric hospital, Marfil is trying to throw Diana out of Max's room, but Diana's a professional - she's employed at the hospital and she doens't take orders for Marfil! Samantha tries to intervene, but Max doesn't allow it.

Larry's trying to get an explanation from Gaby, but she's just stuttering in response. He asks what's going on and all she can say is not to ask, and he should just forget about her. Just as he takes her into his arms, the door opens (funny that he just walks right in - she locked the door as Larry climbed in the window) and Kike walks in sporting a bandana on his head like he's ready to throw down.

Pancho is in his cell thinking that he needs to escape when Caramelo arrives to give him the latest news - that Paola is her sister!

Diana's standing her ground in Max's room - she doesn't take orders from Samantha, she only takes orders from the director. And Max isn't supposed to have visitors. Samantha and Marfil leave the room, followed by Diana. Max tries to stop her so they can discuss their kiss, but she tells him that it can't happen again. I really don't know how to interpret the look on Max's face when she tells him that - his eyes move from side to side and he has kind of a sly smile. Maybe it's the "I hope they have more of that yummy watermelon for lunch today" look. Who knows?

Marfil's fuming about her run in with Diana when Diego calls and wants to know where she is. She lets him know where she is, and that Diana is working there.

Silvita is getting sick of the babysitting gig and calls Isabel for help - she tells her that Diana hasn't approved it yet, but she'll talk to her tonight and she can start tomorrow. Isabel and Diana are thrilled that they'll get to move forward with their plan.

Paco's really reading Octavia the riot act now - she tries to tell him that they'll discuss this later when Gaviota's not around, but he tells her that the next time they talk it will be in front of a judge for their divorce hearing.

Back at the mansion, the boys are brawling in Gaby's bedroom as Gaby screams for help. Larry delivers an amazing kick to Kike's already bloody face as Gaby continues to wail. It's turning into a bloody mess as the ladies of the house arrive to watch and cry. Gaby won't let them call the police, and she refuses to leave with Larry when he tries to get her to go with him. Larry walks out and Kike lets her know that she'll pay for each hit. Santa, Lala, and Miguelina hear this but don't react to it. All of the ladies huddle together and go off to the sala because Gaby doesn't want to be alone with Kike.

Caramelo's explaining the Paola story to Pancho, who's speechless. She tells him that it's his fault that they hate each other - he lied to them both, and now he must live with it. Paola's condition is serious, and there's really no hope.

Marfil stops by Lala's place to update Diego on Diana's latest venture, but he quickly shows her the door. He has to go to Ignacio's place to update him and Camila on what he's learned. They come up with a fabulous way to get rid of Max once and for all -- they'll burn the psychiatric hospital! Diego doesn't go for it at first - think of all of the innocent patients - but Ignacio convinces him pretty easily that they crazy people are just a drain on society anyway. They'll be doing everyone a favor by getting rid of them! And there's no reason to waste time - they'll do it tonight. Kill the dog and you get rid of the rabies!

Octavia returns to Paco's place and finds Fiona lounging on the sofa reading a magazine. She orders Fiona to help her pack her bags immediately.

Max tells Pedro that he finally kissed Azucena/Diana - and her lips are so sweet! Pedro tells him that if he escapes, he won't be able to see Azucena anymore...

Octavia arrives at the new Irazabal house and orders Yolanda to pay for her taxi and get her bags. Paco has asked for a divorce, and it's all Yolanda's fault for telling a secret that wasn't hers. So now she will live with her sons. She tells Yolanda to show her to her room while Larry brings her bags.

Fedora arrives home and asks Kike to fix her a drink - she doesn't notice that he's been beat up until he hands her the glass. She's furious to hear that Larry attacked Kike in her own house and she goes off to talk to Gaby. When she enters Gaby's room, she finds Gaby sitting on her bed staring off into space. Gaby tells her that it wasn't her fault - Larry entered through the window. Gaby tells her that it won't happen again, Larry knows that he's out of her life forever. For their whole lives.

Diana's impactada to hear Silvia's plan to hire Isabel. She can't leave Maxito with a stranger! But Silvia tells her that it's not a stranger - it's the same person who took care of him when the "toca discos" (record player?) Bruna stole him. Then she calls Isabel to tell her that she's got the job.

Camila drives Ignacio and Diego to the hospital with a truck loaded with gas cans and ladders. They scale the fence surrounding the hospital and climb up onto the roof with the gas cans wearing black ski masks over their face. Somehow they manage to walk right into the hospital without being seen, then they proceed to walk through the halls pouring gasoline all over the place. Diego spends extra time in Max's room making sure that it's sufficiently soaked.

Paola is still fighting for her life as Yolanda and Larry stand at her bedside telling her to be strong! Paco and Caramelo arrive for part two of the pep talk. They tell her about all of the lovely plans they have for her - they can travel as a family, united and beautiful.

Max awakes to find the masked men in his room and manages to demask them both, but that doesn't stop them from lighting a match and running, locking Max's door from the outside as they leave. These brainiacs didn't even wear tennis shoes for a quick getaway, but they still manage to get out and back to the truck unnoticed.

Max is trying to get out of the burning room and having no luck - he's bashing the window with a chair, but it just won't break! The director and Samantha are in his office when they hear the fire alarms and open the door to find the hallway in flames. Just then Diana wakes from a nightmare where the hospital is burning!

Ignacio and Diego are sitting in the truck watching the place burn when they hear the fire engines coming. They're not happy since they know that Max saw their faces.

The director uses a chair to break through a door in his office, but Samantha is paralyzed with fear and doesn't follow him.

As Diana is telling Emilio and Silvia about her nightmare, the doorbell rings. Gaviota has arrived and wants Diana to return to the mansion with Maxito.

Samantha is pinned to the floor by a burning log and she's asking forgiveness for how badly she's treated the patients.

Octavia is telling Larry and Yolanda that Paco will not be able to visit Paola in the hospital, when she receives a call that there's been a fire at the psychiatric hospital. She screams "is my son Max alive? Is he alive?" But we'll have to wait until Tuesday's episode to find out. I don't know about you kids, but I'm on pins and needles!

Labels: acorralada

How long can Juan and Fernando keep their secret? Let's find out!

Pastor advises CL that Pastor refused to pay Juan. CL wants to know why. Pastor tries to give a rosy picture of what’s expected of the employees, but CL cuts him off and tells Pastor to be real with him. CL reminds Pastor that he, CL, gives the orders. He commands Pastor to give Juan his pay. Pastor makes more excuses. Juan hasn’t demonstrated that he’s a good worker, and he has some attributes that are undesirable. Pastor whips out the “Paula” card, but it doesn’t work quite how he likes. CL says that he’s at the limit of patience. Pastor keeps going saying that if he has to go back and pay Juan per CL’s orders then the employees will lose respect for his authority. CL stands and replies that he knows perfectly well about Pastor’s relationship with Juan. CL says that he’s the one who maintains the rules. Pastor’s personal problems will not be allowed to affect the business. Ha! This is funny considering CL wants to keep Juan around for a favor. Who thinks that favor will be for business purposes? Anyone? Hello? Yeah, me neither! CL decides that Pastor may say that it was his decision to give Juan the pay. That way, Pastor will lose neither the employees respect nor Juan’s friendship. Pastor’s been seriously verbally bitch slapped by CL, but he smiles anyway and sort of shakes his head in agreement.

Fernando and Juan walk around discussing the problem of getting Mareli a job. Fernando notes that the two men told many lies. He thinks that eventually they will be caught. Juan brushes off the comment. He then jokes about Alirio wanting a loan from Fernando. Juan finds it quite humorous that Alirio thought Fernando was a millionaire just like James Bond. I’m not sure who came up with that analogy. Last time I checked James Bond was more famous for being a spy than a millionaire. Juan assures Fernando that Santa Niño de Atocha will not let them down. Pastor walks into the back of the room and demands that Juan immediately come speak with him in private. Fernando laughs and pats Juan on the back. Juan thought bubbles to himself that he’s going to be fired.

Pastor and Juan speak in what looks to be a café. Pastor explains that he will speak about delicate things and that’s why he brought Juan to the café. Juan comments that he’s nervous. Pastor opens by saying that he has a question for Juan and he wants an honest answer. Is Juan prepared to change? Juan replies that he will, if Pastor gives him the opportunity. Pastor says that opportunities are not given, they are earned. Juan swears that he’s willing to change. Pastor says that Juan will have to demonstrate this through his actions. He also says that he believes in Juan’s sincerity. Pastor then tells Juan that he’s been reconsidering the whole paycheck thing. Juan hopefully smiles.

CL enters Paula’s office to tell her that he’s leaving. He asks if she wants him to pick her up tomorrow morning in order to go to the seminar. Paula thinks that it would be a better idea if she got a taxi and went to his house early in the morning. CL prefers that he pick her up. As an added bonus he’ll be able to say hello to mom. Paula agrees to his request and they take their leave of each other.

CL crosses the office lobby, but Yvonne stops him before he can leave. She asks if he’s going to be with Paula all weekend. He cannot hide his excitement while he says that he will. He warns Yvonne to be careful while he’s gone. Yvonne thinks that CL should help lessen the risk.

Juan assures Pastor that if Juan receives his pay, he will change his ways this very day. Juan thought bubbles that this change will have to endure longer than Lent. Pastor says that good intentions pave the way to hell. He wants to hold the pay a little longer, while Juan undergoes a test to make sure that he really will change. Juan nervously says that he cannot wait any longer for his pay. Pastor replies that the test period may be very short or very long, depending on Juan. Juan wants to know a time frame. Pastor says that it may be over as early as this weekend. Juan understands exactly what Pastor wants.

CL lets Yvonne know that he does not like to be blackmailed. Yvonne says that she’s tired of the murmurs that he’s leaving for the weekend with one of the executives. [If anyone has this episode taped, check out the two women in the background intently watching this conversation.] CL reminds Yvonne that he’s going to a seminar. People must be imaging ridiculous things. Yvonne reminds CL that she used to be the one who accompanied him on these trips. He remembers them fondly. Yvonne hisses that she doesn’t think that he’ll get anywhere with Paula. He smiles and says that the difficult ones are the ones that he likes; easy women bore him. He announces that he will not be with Yvonne again. Nobody owns anybody and jealousy’s roots are in insecurity. Yvonne watches him leave.

Juan comes down the stairs and sees Paula waiting. He apologizes and explains that he and Pastor came to an understanding. Pastor buts in and explains to Paula that Juan was late due to Pastor. He turns to Juan and asks if they’re confirmed for this weekend. This comment, right in front of Paula, upsets Juan.

Fernando tells CL about Juan and how Pastor freaked out when he found out about the women. CL doesn’t think that this proves anything. Fernando’s sure about Juan’s sexuality. When they were in the club, Juan made a lot of noise about women but nothing happened with a woman that night. CL replies that it’s a shame, he really thought he had Juan pegged. CL excuses himself, saying that he needs all of his energy for this weekend.

Ana stands in her home and “paints” a picture that looks as though it was drawn with charcoal. Her phone rings. It’s Yvonne, but she doesn’t tell Ana that. All she says is that Ana should look out for her daughter. Paula’s messing with a married man who can cause her a lot of hurt.

Paula tells Juan that she’s glad that he fixed his problems. He says that he is too, unfortunately. He explains to her that he’s sad because sometimes to fix money problems, one has to act like a person who is not the true person. Paula says that she authorized his pay. He thanks her and the Santa Niño de Atocha. She notes that she also devotes herself to this saint. Juan perks up a bit. Paula goes back to the subject at hand. She’s very proud that Juan solved his problem; she’s proud for his family and more than anything, proud of Juan. Juan thought bubbles to himself that despite any past problems, he is back at Paula’s feet. Paula asks if there’s anything else. Juan absentmindedly says that he’s more in love now than ever. Paula smiles and says she’s glad the personal relationship is going well. Juan stumbles through some excuses but shuts his mouth. Paula says that it’s okay, to each his own. Juan thinks to himself that he would love to demonstrate the macho that he is this woman.

Juan has a short day dream. Paula’s a damsel in distress, about to be consumed by a fire. Juan’s the fireman who comes to her rescue. They passionately kiss at the top of his ladder. Pastor comes to the window and tells Juan to keep his word. Juan tells him to go to hell. Pastor cries out while Paula and Juan make out.

During this little fantasy, Juan passes Paula’s house. Juan excuses himself; his head was in a different place. Juan thinks to himself that his and Paula’s moment will come.

Pastor glowingly tells Yvonne that the fire is still burning. Juan came to him and pleaded for forgiveness and promised to change. Yvonne thinks that Pastor should be careful. Pastor promises not to be an idiot. This weekend is a test for Juan. He’s going to take Yvonne’s advice and stop being subtle; he will take the bull by the horns.

Paula advises Juan that he doesn’t need to pick her up tomorrow. She’s going to a seminar to with CL. Juan wants to know if they’re going alone, because then they may need a chauffer. Paula explains that CL decided this. She will put Juan at Pastor’s orders. He reluctantly agrees. They leave each other. Juan thought bubbles about how he can put out that fire.

Paula and Ana discuss the upcoming weekend business trip. Paula mentions that CL wants to come to the Dávila house to greet Ana. Ana sarcastically notes that CL is quite the gentleman. Ana thinks that Paula should invite Ana so that she won’t be bored and home alone.

CL’s maid, Consuelo, packs his suitcase and asks if he’ll be gone long. He replies that it’s only two days, but may extend to three. He tells Consuelo that he must ask her a favor. If his wife calls, he wants Consuelo to tell her that he’s on a trip. Consuelo wants to know who he’s going with and if he’s going far away or close, just in case Monica asks. CL replies that he’s going with some people from the office.

Paula thinks that Ana will be more bored there, but Ana doesn’t agree. Paula catches on that Ana is doing this out of fear for Paula. Paula reminds Ana that they already had this argument and that Paula will be okay. She lived many years alone in the United States. Ana subtly explains that this is not what worries her. Paula laughs at her mom’s insinuation; she doesn’t want to complicate her life and does not need a chastity belt.

Juan asks Pastor if he knew that Paula would be leaving tomorrow. Pastor acknowledges that he did. He realizes that Juan will not have to get up early tomorrow, so he’s available tonight. Juan thinks to himself that this is going to make him go crazy. Pastor asks Juan to come to eat with Pastor and his mother. Juan replies that Pastor will not be able to reach him. He may have a phone in his house, but it’s going to be cut off because the bill is not paid. Pastor turns away from Juan and says that Juan is taking one step back. Juan has to think to talk himself into accepting the invitation. My favorite line is “How can a woman who names her son after a taco be normal?” Apparently, there is this thing called a taco al pastor that is supposedly the best taco ever. It’s marinated in a pepper sauce and then cooked with onions and pineapple. Here’s a link to a recipe if you would like to try it. The real recipe for these tacos is supposed to be a big secret in Mexico City, so I’m not sure how authentic these will taste.

http://recipes.chef2chef.net/recipe-archive/10/062048.shtml

Nidia warns Alirio not to make the same offense to her. Alirio begs to know what he said and if it was so bad. Nidia won’t tell him, but warns him not to do it again. Alirio begs for forgiveness. He slaps himself around a bit. She says she’ll think about his plea, but now he needs to leave. Alirio tells her that she has a meeting with Juan about a small favor. The door bell rings and Alirio thinks it’s Juan. Yadira says that it’s not; it’s someone for her.

Yadira leaves the house and greets Fernando. He gives her flowers. She invites him into the house. Enrique watches this from the bushes and needless to say, he’s furious.

Fernando comes into the sitting room and greets everyone. Alirio says that Yadira is not the only one waiting for Fernando. Mareli is also wondering about the job she was promised. Mareli acknowledges that she’s worried about it. Alirio says that he’s also waiting to speak with Fernando about business. Fernando says that he doesn’t like to talk about money in front of women. He asks for Juan.

Pastor introduces Juan to Señora Gaytan who is a peculiar looking woman. She’s indignant that her son would bother with a filthy chauffer. Juan thought bubbles that just when he thought he had seen everything, the mother of Godzilla appears. Señora Gaytan glares at Juan.

Juan tries to politely introduce himself, but she’s not having it. Juan says that if his presences is interfering, then he can leave. Pastor won’t allow him off the hook so easily. Pastor convinces his mother to get into the car. Juan thought bubbles to himself that he actually feels sorry for Pastor. Nothing pleases that woman. Pastor asks Juan to forgive his mother; she’s beginning to have some dementia problems. Juan tells Pastor not to worry about it. He likes people like that, openly frank. Pastor’s mother leans out of the window and says that she wants to leave because she’s hungry. They leave.

The Cachones dine and Nidia’s worried about Juan. Fernando comments that such is the life of an executive. Alirio agrees. Mareli asks Fernando where he met Juan. Fernando replies that he met Juan at the university when he was studying business management. Mareli replies that she didn’t know that Juan went to university. Fernando replies that Juan only stayed two semesters. Alirio thinks this makes sense; Juan has a “businessman-like” aura. The telephone rings. Yadira says that if it’s for her, she’s not there. It’s Enrique and he asks for Yadira. She tells him that Yadira went out. Enrique looks as though he’s about to lose it. He flings his cell phone to the ground.

Juan comments that Pastor’s mother has a good appetite. She gobbles up some food and demands that Juan pays. Pastor tries to pass Juan money under the table, but Juan mistakenly thinks that Pastor’s going for the leg. He can’t believe that Pastor would do that in front of his mother. Luckily, Señora Gaytan turns to signal the waiter for dessert. Pastor thumps Juan’s leg with the money. Juan won’t accept it, but finally puts it into his pocket.

Enrique goes to the supermarket for a beer. He changes his mind and asks for two forty ounce beers of Carta Blanca. and some cigarretes.

Pastor thanks Juan for the pleasant evening. Juan happily says that what’s important is that Señora Gaytan enjoyed herself. Pastor seems pleased. Juan says he has to leave to return the car, but Pastor tells Juan to take it home. Pastor tells Juan that he has something to tell Juan. Juan’s worried about what it will be. Fortunately for Juan, Señora Gaytan interrupts Pastor’s speech. Juan says that they can speak tomorrow. Pastor says goodnight and thanks Juan. Juan thought bubbles that he was very thankful for the mother, but tomorrow will be another day.

Yadira and Fernando romp outside. She asks what it’s like always being asked for favors. Fernando replies that he’s accustomed to it. Yadira complains about Alirio. They talk about his and Nidia’s relationship. The small talk is over and it’s time to say goodnight. They give each other a kiss while Enrique angrily watches.

Alirio exits the home and stalls Fernando. Alirio asks for a ride because his car is in the shop. Enrique stumbles around some car that I’ve never seen before.

Juan drives home and thinks about the day that he just had. He knows that he’s building a time bomb and that it will eventually have to go off. He turns on the radio and listens to some romantic music. A woman in a convertible pulls next to him, but she’s not impressed by his “moves”. He speaks to her and she finally smiles and blows a kiss.

When Juan gets to the house he’s immediately accosted by Enrique. Enrique says that he needed to speak with someone. He immediately begins to cry clutches Juan.

Juan and Enrique sit in a bar. Juan asks if Enrique’s sure. Enrique says that he is; he saw it with his own eyes. The man seemed like Juan. Juan realizes that Enrique saw Yadira with Fernando. Enrique goes on to explain his phone call and the conversation with Nidia. Juan thinks that Enrique should talk with Yadira, but Enrique doesn’t think that’s a good idea. Juan can’t believe that Enrique would give up so easily. Juan realizes that Enrique really does love Yadira. Juan feels more and more at fault. Enrique asks Juan to investigate this man who was with Yadira. Juan assures Enrique that he will.

The next day, Ana brings Paula’s breakfast to her room. Okay, I love the dress, but the boobage is terrible. Paula talks about being able to rest on this vacation. Ana reminds Paula that yesterday Paula said this trip will be totally business. Paula again tells her mother not to worry. The doorbell rings; Ana rushes to answer while Paula finishes her packing.

Mareli and Yadira surround Juan and tell him about Fernando’s visit the night before. Mareli wants to talk about work. Juan assures her that he will speak with Fernando that very day. Mareli thinks it would be even better if she accompanied him to the office.

Tomorrow: Both Juan and Paula are in trouble but for very different reasons.

Vocab:
Animal de bellota – Blockhead
Caguamas – Mexican slang for 40 oz. of Carta Blanca beer.

La Cuaresma - Lent
Primero cae un hablador que un cojo – A gossiper falls harder than a cripple
Puñulada trapera – A stab in the back
Tener buen diente – to have a good appetite

Labels: Juan

ZORRO Monday July 9, 2007: "Where a rose by any other name is a threat."----

Zorro and the Woman in Black (WIB—mujer en negro would be MEN and that’s not so good--- aka Esmeralda) are fighting against Montero, his men, and the Duke’s forces. Monty calls for his soldiers to kill them, but in typical Zorro fashion, they are incredibly inept. Zorro proceeds to knock a few of them out and WIB does a good job utilizing her Amazon warrior skills and knocks out a few of the soldiers. Zorro asks who WIB is and why is she helping him (I can only comment that her disguise is as weak as Diego’s, so one would think that he’d be able to recognize her and while I’m at it, her bandana over the nose and mouth makes her look a little like a train robber and also doesn’t seem to be a really secure disguise---I mean I can totally see that thing slipping in action and revealing her cara). WIB throws Zorro a rose and he gets that confused/befuddled look on his face (Ed. Note: if Monty cannot figure out for certain that Zorro is Diego then he is an idiot, the look Zorro gave to WIB is the same look that Diego uses all the time to look like a bumbling idiot). This segment of the show ends with both Zorro and WIB having the tips of their blades located at Monty’s neck.

Almudena is questioning Mariangel about the poison; she wants to know why Mangle would do such a thing. Mangle denies doing anything. In fact, she places the blame on that maldita india and Diego taking advantage of the situation to smear her name in order to keep her away from her son. Dena is not buying it. Mangle makes a comment about Dena forgoing allegiance to blood and sticking up for Diego.

Monty tells Zorro to just kill him and I agree. However, Zorro doesn’t at this point in time. This gives Monty time to call for reinforcements and we are treated to foot shots of soldiers running. Monty says again, kill me now or next time it will be you who is dead. Zorro jumps on Tornado and take off. I didn’t see how WIB got out of the sticky situation, but apparently, she made like geese and got the flock out of there.

Mangle returns to her room at her father’s house and finds a rose on her bed. There is a note attached. It says that she won’t be able to escape the sword and the rose (hey, now the title of the show makes sense). Mangle wonders who left this threat.

Pizarro has pulled aside three of his most faithful men. He tells them Monty’s been a tyrant and needs to be stopped. Now is the time. Piza gives them a little run down of what they’ll need to do. One of the soldiers expresses concern because there are more of them than of us (ulcer 1). Piza tells him if they cut off the head of the snake, it will leave Monty’s men without guidance. Another soldier questions if what they do would be considered treason (ulcer 2). Piza tells them that they Queen will reward them for getting rid of Monty.

Esme has returned home and SAM was worried about her (ulcer 3). They don’t discuss in too much detail what just occurred with Zorro and Montero. Although, they do talk about how Esme’s son is alive and what a miracle that is. Esme tells SAM that she’s got to finish what she’s started (getting VENGEANCE on all of those who have harmed her, her mother, and her son).

Diego arrives in the Fox Cave and rehashes with Bernardo about the appearance of the mystery woman. Diego seems rather impressed with the woman and the different weapons she used. He tells Bernie that he will find out who she is and what she wants.

Esme and SAM talk over their plans for what needs to occur at the Queen’s party. SAM tells Esme that she still hasn’t gotten an invite, but Esme is not concerned, the Queen will follow proper protocol and invite her. SAM mentions that there is an attic, which will be a great place to hide Esme’s WIB clothes and weapons. SAM says that no one will think of the attic because the ladder to it is in a very narrow space. (Just a side note, the Secret Service makes several sweeps of the entire area before a presidential appearance—in fact, my friend works for OnMilwaukee.com and George W. came for a visit. She said that 10 days before his visit a Secret Serviceperson came to check out the location. The next day their were two and then the next day there were four. Her story basically was that they multiply each day as it gets closer to the visit and they left no stone unturned. They even did a sweep of all the surrounding buildings. So what I’m thinking is that if the Queen’s guards are any good they would search every nook and cranny, and then search them again. So I don’t know how sound SAM’s plan is, of course I’m basing that on 21st Century Secret Service---and we know that the stark realism of Zorro has never caused us to question the loopholes.)

Diego, now inside the hacienda, finds Santiago sitting outside his son’s room. Diego questions why SM would be there and the two of them discuss the safety of Diego’s child. SM offers to help in the protection, but Diego pretty much tells him that he doesn’t need his help. Diego goes inside to find Dolores fawning over the child. They talk about how they cannot believe such an innocent could come from Mangle. The comment is made how the child doesn’t even resemble Mangle, but does look like Diego. The whole time the baby is just doing the cutest things with his blanket---which makes me think that again, the stark realism comes into play---this baby is supposedly how old?

Esme is alone in her quarters. She has flashbacks to all the times that Montero threatened her child and also to the time that Pizarro told her the baby was dead. Esme sits up and says to no one but herself, my son is alive.

SM thinks about the deal he made with Mangle--$$ in exchange for Alejandrito. He walks over to the drawer in his room and pulls out a gun. He then puts it back. He looks troubled. Santiago is an enigma---I think he is basically good at heart, but is lacking in funds and is so desperate for money he agrees to do things his conscience will not allow.

Catalina is crying while Tobias is asleep. She’s angry that he’s catching 40 winks, so she wakes him up. They start to fight about Piza. She asks Tobi how he can sleep while she is stressed out about Piza wanting her to leave town with him. Tobi tells her that it is her fault, therefore she should be the one to stress. Besides, Tobi adds, you humiliated me with that man, why would I care. Cat begs Tobi to show her some affection, all she wants is for him to love her. Tobi isn’t persuaded. Cat begins to cry again and Tobi mutters to his pillow go ahead and cry because I’ve cried enough.

Piza approaches LeRoy at the weapons storage place. LeRoy questions why Piza is there and Piza tells him that he’s been assigned to watch over the weapons. LeRoy thinks this is odd because Monty didn’t tell him this and besides he’s Monty’s best man. He even brags to Piza that he is worth 10 men. Piza pulls out his pistol and shots LeRoy in the head, while his soldiers kill the rest of LeRoy’s men. Piza comments that what a great experience it was killing 10 men with one bullet. Piza tells his men that now there is no turning back. They are off to kill Montero.

Duke Jacabo confronts Monty about Sara Kali being alive and Monty knowing all along. Monty throws the blame on Fernando. He says FS is planning on using SK at some point in the future to hurt the Duke. DJ isn’t quite so quick to accept this, and all of sudden gunshots ring out. DJ and Monty duck for cover.

Renzo and Ana Camila (NAC) are discussing the upcoming party. He’s worried (ulcer 4) that she’ll be in harms way if she goes to the party. NAC asks him if Esme were there would he tell her not to go to the party. The two discuss Esme and Renzo tells his wife that Esme is a fond memory, but he loves her, NAC. NAC tells him that she married him so they could always be together. So that means she is going to the party with him. The two get romantic, but unfortunately for them, they are interrupted by Jonas. He’s come to tell them that some of the gitanos have returned from LA and they have bad news. Laisha’s been captured by Monty and she knows that Sara Kali is still alive. The three discuss if they should go ahead with their plans if there is a chance that Monty knows SK is alive. Jonas tells Renzo and NAC that SK wants to still keep their plan in place.

Monty and DJ are ducking underneath a desk and DJ asks Monty who was trying to kill them. Monty seems surprised that the Duke thought they were the target. Just then one of Monty’s soldiers comes in to tell the boss that they were able to run off the would-be assassins, and they killed one and captured another one. Monty tells the soldier to lock up the prisoner, he’ll be personally conducting the interrogation. He also wants LeRoy to be brought to town. DJ questions the Queen’s safety.

Piza gets news that the assassination attempt was a bust and that one of the men got caught. Piza’s worried that the man will talk under torture (ulcer 5). He decides he’ll take care of it personally. He orders his men to go back to life as usual.

Monty gets word that LeRoy and his men have all been killed. Monty is upset and worries that the weapons they were guarding are at risk (ulcer 6). He declares Marshall Law in Los Angeles.

Dena rehashes her visit to Mangle with Alejandro. He’s upset that she went alone. He tells Dena that Mangle isn’t worth any of her tears. Dena expresses concern that Mangle will try to kidnap the baby (ulcer 7). She wants to warn Diego, but Alej tells her not to worry---between him and Diego they will make sure that the baby is protected (this makes me think that something will happen to little Alejandro---I guess I just don’t have any faith in the great General de la Vega).

Mangle tries to get in to see Monty, but one of his soldiers tries to stop her. Not one to listen to orders, Mangle pushes her way through. Monty scolds her for being out and about. He tells her that the town is not safe right now. She shows him the rose and wants to know who would send her such a thing. Monty rehashes about Zorro and WIB. He tells Mangle that he’ll find out who is threatening them. Mangle asks, why me (I am so surprised she has to ask herself this question, she’s been making enemies left and right). Monty tells her to go home and lock the doors. She reminds him that it is best to kill your enemies, that way they won’t be able to destroy you (see, now I thought the expression was keep your friends close, but your enemies closer or then there is my enemy’s enemy is my friend, but I don’t think I’ve ever heard of Mangle’s expression).

Padre Tomás and Diego discuss the encounter with Montero and the arrival of WIB. Diego wants to know if the alliance sent someone to help him. PT says he knows nothing about this. Diego wonders who she could be and what’s her agenda. He remembers that there is a new woman in town, Countessa Bracamonte. Methinks he might be putting it all together.

Esme arrives at the empty (except for Tornado) Fox Cave. She fondles Zorro’s weapons and his mask. She vows that they will be together again. Sensing that someone is coming, Esme runs and hides behind Tornado. Bernardo enters and seems to know that something isn’t quite right. He fails to see that Tornado looks like a circus freak, with six legs showing in his silhouette.

Alej and Dena get romantic. They talk all mushy and Alej says he wants to hacer amor con Dena. They make like rabbits and Dena, in her afterglow, tells Alej that she would like to have a baby. This news makes Alej very happy.

Esme sneaks into Diego’s bedroom. She remembers the last time she snuck in there. She leaves a rose on his pillow. Couple of things I need to say here---have you ever noticed on this show that someone enters a room there always seem to be candles lit, but no one there---aren’t they at all concerned with fire safety? Also, Esme must know that Diego and Mangle split, because she left the rose for Mangle at Fernando’s house. If she thought they were together, she’d have left it for Mangle at the de la Vega home.

Santiago finds Diego and tells him that he wants to talk to him about Esmeralda.

Mangle asks two of Monty’s soldiers to do a job for her, she no longer has faith that Santiago will do the job. She needs that baby because she knows it is her access to the de la Vega fortune. So she tells the soldiers that she wants them to get her baby from the hacienda.

Dena gets up to get a drink and hears a noise in the baby’s room. She opens the door and asks--- who are you?.....we see Esme sitting and rocking the baby. END OF EPISODE/ Ulcers=7 P.S. Tonight's episode looks really, really good. I can't wait to see it!!

Labels: Zorro

[I missed the first seven minutes and there is small gap missing in the middle because one of my two year old twins got ahold of the remote and stopped recording. Dispenseme, por favor;)

We open with Yadira and her mama in the ladies room prettying up and discussing Fernando. Yadira makes it clear that she is definitely interested in Fernando. Her mom asks, what about Enrique? She says that Enrique cannot possibly measure up to Fernando. Not in class, looks, money, or anything. Her mother tells her to get to know him first and and don't be so forward, and that she is practically giving it away. She says she is not going to pretend to be coy or play the good girl when it comes to Fernando.

Nidia drags a very drunk, can barely stand Alirio to the dance floor. The gang discusses Alirio's drunkeness, Marely comments on the ick factor of her mom hooking up with Alirio. Juan says she is just having a good time and that there is nothing wrong with that. Yadira asks if Juan is a little bit jealous. I didn't get exactly what he said, but I am pretty sure it was a no.

Yadira and Fernando are making out in his car. Lots of gross slopping kisses complete with sound effects. They make plans to see eachother the next day. Fern wants more, but Yadira asks him not to pressure her. He says she is driving him loco, she says likewise.

Juan and Marely return home. Marely says she had a good time. And the next time, she will invite him out. She also tells him to thank Fernando for her and since she was not able to tell him goodbye because Yadira was monopolizing him. She says that Fernando told her that she was assured a job at their office. She tells Juan that when she gets paid, she will take him out for a movie. Juan is muy happy...

Nidia and a still drunk Alirio are in the study. He is chasing her around trying to make some advances. She is rejecting and he is begging... She kicks him out of the casa because he said something she interpreted as pornographic.

Juan is laying in bed, unable to sleep because he is so happy/giddy. He doesnt know how he is going to handle the Marely job situation, but he says he will think of something.

Juan is sitting down to breakfast and Nidia joins him. She says she wants to talk to him about something. She tells him to be careful with Marely and that she may look grown up, but she is still a nina. He tells her that he is a gentleman and that he will not take advantage of her. She then hands him a stack of bills that she wants him to pay. classy...

He is impactado and wonders how he is going to pay them.

Enrique and the mariachis are released from jail. He looks very sad...

Fernando and CL are going having breakfast too and discussing the previous nights events. Fern gives CL the low down on Juan, the sisters, and whether Juan is gay. Fern says that he thought he was straight, but with the way he dances, now he is not so sure.

Ivonne arrives at the office and is greeted by Pastor. She asks him how his night went. He says he spent the evening with his mother. She informs him that she has some bad news. He says its too early in the morning for bad news. She gives him the chisme about Juan being out at the club with girls and that he was having a good time. Pastor looks heartbroken.

She goes on to tell him that Fernando was out with them too. Pastor is not going to sit by and let him toy with his affections and vows to get even.

Paula and Juan are driving to work. Paula asks him how his night was. He says it was fun and went excelente...

Enrique goes to talk to Yadira. He confronts her about her whereabouts. She says that she was obligated to go because her mother and Perafan invited her and Marely. She gets upset with him. While they are talking, the phone keeps ringing and she is yelling for someone to pick it up. Marely yells that it is for her. Its fernando. She prentends its one of her friends. He asks when can he see her again. She tells him to call her later.

Enrique asks her who she was speaking with. He tells her that he knows it was a man she was talking to. She insists that it was a female friend from the university. They begin shouting and arguing. Nidia comes down and tells him not to yell as if they are in the merdado and to leave and come back when he is more calm. He leaves. Nidia gives Yadira the 'i told you so' schpeel.

[my recorder stopped here and picked up at...]

Juan and Fernando are in the parking garage. Fernando tells Juan that he owes him for half of the nights festivities. He thought bubbles that he needs to resolve the problem of getting Marely a job there, figure out how to pay the bills Nidida gave him, and pay for Fernando back for the night.

He goes to Paula and tells her that he needs a loan from the empresa. She tells him that if she could help him, she would. However all those financial matters have to go through Pastor.

Perafan is sitting at his desk having some alka seltzer and trying to get Nidia on the phone. He is unsuccessful. He thought bubbles that when he gets his hands on their forturne, she will not close the doors of her heart to him and that Juan Dominguez will be history.

Some guy (Gutierrez) comes into his office demanding Perafan pay him the money he owes him. He tells him to be patient and he will get his money.

Juan finally goes to Pastor for the money. He tells him that he is the only one who can help him.

Paula goes to CL to tell him about Juan's financial problems. CL tells her that Pastor is the one those matter go through. CL agrees to help Juan and he will talk to Pastor to get him his funds.

Juan gives Pastor a sob story about his cousin he stays with, she has five kids and they are about to be evicted and whatnot. Pastor comes back with a "if the situation is so dire, how could you go out partying?"

Enrique is thinking about the Yadira situation and replaying what she told him. He is sad and jealous...

Juan says the reason he was out was because it was a family function, one of his cousins was celebrating a birthday. Pastor says he is not stupid. Why was Fernando there? Juan says what harm has he done to him? He tells Juan that he shouldn't toy with his affections or use him... and he turns him down.

Perafan calls Juan at the office. He is reminding him about some loan thingie. I am not sure what they are talking about, but it is adding more to Juan's stress.

Labels: Juan

James realizes that Acacia spent the night in the Montalvo barn, not cause she saw "National Velvet", and wants to be the next Liz Taylor, but because she remembers the horrors of Dry Gulch Acres. James says Hot Damn, now we can go to the authorities. Acacia can’t do that cause the fact that it went on for years is too painful. She runs off. Just about this time Hilario and Rod join James, Rod says she needs to see the doctor, but at least she remembers. James and Rod start to walk off; as little "Slutty Sunshine", SannnnaaaWannnnna skips up (have you noticed she doesn’t walk, she actually skips everywhere…maybe it enhances the bounce factor), she does a special hello, but no one pays no real attention. She asks Hilario what is happening and he tells her Acacia spent the night in the barn and she has regained her memory….Ha Ha Ha SannnnnaaaWannnnaa foiled again.

Gavi is going out on another day of hauling Encyclopedias around in her little suitcase. It looks like those rolling suitcases the drug reps are always dragging around in my doctor’s office. Here is the deal Gavi, people think drug reps are swarmy, but they do love those samples…encyclopedias not so much. Gavi gives the full spiel to an educator’s secretary who finally allows her to wait until the educator’s meeting is done.

Over at Dry Gulch Acres Tio Meliton is working on his first fifth of Tequila for the day. A guy comes up and gives him some money, my husband says he thinks the guy bought Meliton’s truck. Back at the Hacienda, James and Rod are discussing working on the project.
Over at the Hacienda SannaWannaSpredSomeGossip is passing the 411 along to Sofie about Acacia regaining her memory. Sofie looks her normal none too happy pinch face self.

Sofie starts laying the guilt on Rod that he must go to Mexico City and work things out with Isa, before Isa does something really crazy. Like name the real father? Anyway James promises to hold down the Hacienda till Rod gets back. Sofie is returning to Mexico DF & James is like, "It was very nice seeing you, hope you have a great trip." You can tell Sofie is totally pissed that James did not beg her forgiveness and ask her to return. Please, not even Sofie can seriously believe she could have two guys interested in her at the same time.

Acacia is making a mean batch of salsa and putting some poison weed into it. Here comes Meliton yelling at her until he smells the bueno comida. Give me some food. Acacia puts it on the table and Melion starts wolfing down salsa taquitos, it is good, emmmm just the way he likes it. Acacia has a look that would put Minnie in her place. Dead eyes Dead eyes.

The educator’s meeting is over and Gavi goes in to give him her sales pitch, he gives her five minutes but stops her after one minute and just invites her to lunch..no sales here.

Outside of the new Montalvo School of Tequila Tasters, ***where was this school when I was in the guidance counselors office in High School? Anyway James says he wants to buy a house and live with Acacia. Rod says he has to go back to Mexico DF & talk to Isa as they are going to be parents. James gives the "Que the Hell?" expression. By the end of the episode it will be a legendary HannaBarBara expression of muy impactedness. From now on I declare any "No Puede Ser" moment to quickly be followed by an "Artificial Insemination" muttered slightly under the breath. Rod you are a legend.

Gavi is now trying to sell to a Catholic School, the Nun seems very excited and misunderstands Gavi’s offer thinking "Praise be to God", that the books are a donation to the school.

Isadora passing along the news that she has the next Agave Empanada baking in her oven. In answer to Minnie's how in the hell look, Isa anwers "Artificial Insemination". Isa is spreading the "I’ll be raising the child alone" dogma on like jelly on peanut butter really thick. She will never return to Rod the evil Traitor.

There is a knock at the door and as Minnie, (in an already muy impacted state) goes to answer it I am able to see that the entire house has been turned into a "Having Your Baby" set. A delivery guy gives Minnie a package of documents and she is all like, "Por Moi?"…She opens the package….it is divorce papers from Aaron. "Que Es?" inquires TWB, as the look on Minnie’s face is rather alarming. He is divorcing me…Now bring on the BSC, Minnie starts trashing everything, oh I shudder at the thought of the hideous tortures the little stuffed animals are about to receive. Isa tries to tranquilize her with the oft-uttered TeleNovela line, "Calmate", and of course this has little or no effect. Minnie is throwing things, ripping things and finally falls down because she is of course in CFM heels on marble while in the midst of an awesome hissy. Isa tries to help her up, but backs away. Really I would too cause Minnie is not to be reasoned with and Isa has got to protect her little Empanada. Minnie throws open the front door and screams for Isa to get out. Minnie runs upstairs cause that is a whole new floor of fun baby stuff to trash. Isa is leaving and Aaron comes in the door. Aaron is surprised at the mess and asks Isa what is going on. Isa is like "you need to talk to your wife; oh and good luck AssHat".

Aaron dashes up "The Stairway of Tragedy" into the slightly over decorated nursery and Minnie is on the floor beside the babybed. Aaron asks her if she is pregnant. "Ask my lawyer Asshat," is her answer. The fight is on. Aaron says give me the papers and forget it. Aaron is trying to weasel out of it, now that Minnie may be pregnant. She is not so forgiving. She quotes the irreconcilable differences. Aaron looks chagrined and tries to skirt around the issue. He keeps asking is she or is she not pregnant. Hey this guy really knows how to bring the romance. She queries back would it change things. Then with some satisfaction she gets to be the bearer of bad tidings…she throws up in Aaron’s face that Isa is pregnant with Rod’s baby. Aaron jerks back like he has been slapped.
****Sidebar****Is it just me or is Aaron’s hair darker? Also I feel the mixing of pattens..note the stripes may have something to due with Aaron’s lack of judgement in other areas of his life****

She starts tearing things up and smacking on Aaron he is trying to calm her down.
Aaron tells her don’t worry about money, he’ll help her out. I’m telling you this guy is one sweet talker.
Minnie starts tearing things up, there is pushing and shoving she is smacking on him. Aaron tells her Stop Stop…oh yeah that is gonna work, for a long moment they look at each other and I am thinking they may start kissing and have that Hawt Hate Sex that most of their married life has been based upon. No that romantic vision is not to be. The disagreement now turns even uglier…Minnie is lying on the twin bed she just purchased for the new little Monty…She tells him keep his money and spend it on his next woman. Aaron says forgive me… Minnie spews more venom and Aaron tells her to calm down. Minnie won’t be calm until she sees him in jail where he should have been born, lived and died. Oh Snap!! Aaron turns back around and goes over to the bed and jerks Minnie by her hair. "Are you threatening me?" Damn you!! Minnie retorts society would be grateful if she freed it from a deliquent like him. (Wow, nice talk Miss Morality)..Oh Aaron comes back while carefully doing his best to extend her hair a good six inches by pulling on it, that if he went to jail basically is would be better than the pain in the ass that Minnie is. They do the stare down and Minnie breaks and runs out of the room.

The poor put upon servant is cleaning up the Montalvo apartment and all traces of "Having your Baby" has been removed. Aaron is talking on the phone to Ma, she has to hook up with Minnie and get her under control so she doesn’t out Aaron. After he hangs up, there is a knock at the door. Ah the bitch is back. Aaron smirks..he then yells several times for the servant to answer the door and when the lazy worthless servant who is no doubt hauling out bags full of hissy shards down to the dumpster doesn’t answer, poor put upon Aaron is forced to answer the door. It is young Dani. Aaron tries to tell her this isn’t a good time, but alas young Dani is not going to be put off. She has questions and when he says not now and it is none of her business; Dani fires back she is on the board and she will get answers. You can see Aaron would love to smack her and Dani stays right up in his face. She wants to see the papers MariAnna signed when she left the company. Dani feels the family has been lied to and the whole thing has not been on the up and up. Yes indeed Aaron just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse.

Rod, James and Crispin are congratulating the first class of the Tequila tasters, they go thru a look at the clarity of the product, the smelling of the product, and the tasting of the product..Hooray Hooray…they are going to bring excellence to the region. Rod does comment that the school was the dream and idea of MariAnne Franco, the whore who worked at the Mexico City office before she was forced to flee in disgrace (okay okay…really truly he said nice things about her).

Minnie is having a sit down in a restaurant with Fedra, poor Minnie like talking to Fedra is gonna help. Fedra tries to play down Aaron bad behavior. "Don’t you still love him?" she asks Minnie. Minnie just looks at Fedra with disbelief; she tells Fedra how angry she is with Aaron and how he is the only man she has ever loved, (gee maybe he was the only one brave enough to stick around the craziness). Now Minnie is doing that raising the voice in the restaurant. Minnie says that Aaron betrayed Bruno. Damn Minnie is going all vigilante. She is like one of those guys on the Sopranos, once you start singing, well there is only one way to stop you. Fedra tries to convince her to stick it out and she tip toes around the question of is Minnie barrin the Varron? Minnie, for the second time that day has a brief moment of joy when dropping the "Isa is pregnant with Rod’s baby". Fedra is muy impacted and "Artificial Insemination" is muttered. All the sudden Fedra looks like she lost her appetite, which is fine cause as BSC as Minnie is, Aaron is a by product of his bitch mother & her lack of morals. See in a TeleNovela for the most part you either get to be Rich and Evil or you get Morals and Stupidity. There is the occasional hybrid, like Dani, but this is a rare breed. Minnie no fool, well okay that is a moot point, knows Aaron will have some other woman instantly trying to bare the Varron.

Aaron calls Onate and tells him to cover up the MariAnna Franco investigation..Onate has like 5 million reasons to comply. He says he will falsify her signature on the release papers. Dani is speaking with Quintanna; when Onate comes in and gives her the papers. Onate gives the appearance of being Mr Helpful, Dani just snatches the papers out of his hand and leaves.

Gavi accidently runs into an older rich guy and after a brief conversation she tries to sell him some books. His children are all grown, well what about your grandchildren. Hmmmmm looks like he may buy some.

Dani leaves and runs into Margarita, she tells Margarita to call her Dani not senorita. Dani is a good person. She asks after Gavi and Margarita tells her she has not heard from Gavi and has no idea where she is.

Gavi returns to the office and tells her boss that she had two sales. Of course the one to the Catholic School is at a discount and they have six months to pay. Oh her boss is none too happy.

Rod, James and Crispin are all happy over the success of the school. Rod says he is bound for Mexico DF and tells James not to get married without him.

Over in Dry Gulch, Meliton is stumbling around the ranch grabbing his belly. He is moaning and groaning and Acacia is sitting on the front steps watching him. Meliton asks what was in the food, but she says it is the same as always and he smacks her before stumbling into the house. Acacia rubs her cheek and says that is the last time you will hit me.

Fedra goes to see Aaron. She is all flippant about the whole thing. She tells him Minnie is gonna spend the night at a Hotel, but he needs to play nice so Minnie won’t talk. Aaron asks if Minnie is pregnant and Fedra answers in her head. I think meaning Minnie is BSC. The Isa pregnancy comes up and Fedra mutters "Artificial Insemination", thru her fine teeth. Hee Hee Hee…I am so loving it. Aaron just wants to go to Miami (Pamela is standing by the pool and someone must go tell her to come in or she will eventually die out there).

Videgaray and Dani are looking over the documents, Videgaray says he does not believe that is Gavi’s signature. They call Margarita and invite her to have coffee. Margarita comes down and they explain they are only trying to help MariAnna. Margarita says that she doesn’t believe that is Gavi’s signature. They briefly explain how they are trying to get to the bottom of Aaron’s misdeeds and Margarita agrees to help. She tells them the name of Gavi’s hotel.

Gavi is at home, Clarita is all animated, but Gavi is tired after a long day of dragging books around. The phone rings. It is Videgaray. The conversation goes something like this.
M: Hola
V: MariAnna
M: Who is this?
V: It is Videgaray, I have some things I need to talk over with you.
M: Videgaray, I have nothing to say to you.

The End….

Oh no!!!!! Will Gavi once again turn away from help?
Looks like Rod walks in on Isa, getting ready to go out! Does he interrupt a clandestine Frankie meeting?
Cause Isa looks like she is thought bubbling, "Couldn’t he have waited one more day"
Rod is sitting on the sofa next to Sofie (I hope this is not the sofa of DNA, where many of Isa lovefests happened) Isa has tears and Rod is holding her hand. Oh Rod let go of her hand and quick reach up and try to deflect the anvil that is falling straight for your big head.

Labels: Destilando

[Yes, indeed, folks. I did the first recap and I should have been recapping the finale a week from today but long held plans to travel to a family reunion on the West Coast and Univision’s screwy scheduling got in the way. I’ll be watching the Duelo finale a few days after it happens while Sylvia does the honors. It’s been a blast. Thanks, blogmamamelinama and all the rest of you guys. I'm afraid to do a list because I don't want to forget anyone! Gracias a todos. After Duelo, I’m taking a break from recapping. I’ll probably be watching (and commenting on) Amar Sin Limites and will apply to recap in the fall, for Pasiones as aregular or substitute recapper. I know there’s already a line around the block for that one…

This novela has been a real stinkeroo at times—violent, hopeless, retrograde, with over the top machismo and unbelievably wooden and pathetic characters. Still there were some highlights—Tonkey of course but also Ana Martin, (Luba) who I am convinced, could save any show. Sergio Goytri has also chewed up the scenery and has done yeoman’s work as Don Loco. Intocable—well--it looks like at least he had fun. If we needed any confirmation of how awful this novela has been for the staff, we’ve gotten it in that they’ve killed off roughly 30 characters and made about half a dozen more just disappear from the scene. Oh, and they actually substituted a couple of important roles with different actors. Rats fleeing the sinking ship, indeed. In real life, I don’t think Pablo or Ludovika will remember this job fondly since they had a flaming affair that ended badly with Ludovika now claiming in the tabloids that not only has she gone back to her husband but she’s giving up acting for awhile for the sake of her family. Yes, folks, this may be the show that ENDED her acting career! There may be an actual witch’s curse on this thing. But no matter—on with the show!]

We open to the touching parting scene between Luba and Raquel where Luba says nice things about her and her babies and Raquel tells Luba that she’s a good person.

Meanwhile, over in Floodlandia, Rodrigo enters his tent and Frank is there and stands to attention. He tells Rodrigo everything’s fine—there’s just one little thing he wants to clear up. Rodrigo says, “Oh, yeah, you must be referring to what happened between Karla and Captain Valtierra. Frank looks uncomfortable. Just then we get a glimpse of Alina poking her nurse’s hat into the tent. Rod states loudly that to him it is abundantly clear that Karla and Captain Valtierra spent the night together in his tent. Alina, behind him stops dead in her tracks after hearing this. Rod is indignant. He sarcastically remarks that Captain Valtierra is pretty slick to get Frank to cover for him but “You can’t fool me Sergeant!” he bellows to Frank. Rod goes on to say that he’s sure that Frank was told to do by Emilio to cover for his Captain because Alina’s back. Frank tries to protest that nobody told him to say anything but Rod isn’t buying it. Alina silently bursts into tears behind the curtain and runs away.

At Rodrigo’s apartment in Puebla, Gaby is hyperventilating. Tina asks her what’s wrong and Gaby tells her she doesn’t want to go outside or anywhere. She’s terrified that “the woman” will kill her. Tina tries to comfort her. She takes the little girl’s hands and sees that the nails are bleeding. She’s been chewing on her fingernails to the quick. Tina is shocked and hugs the little girl, who curls up in a fetal position against her.

Alina runs crying into the nurses’ tent. Valentina sees her and asks her if Rodrigo was a jerk about her getting back with Emilio. Alina says no, she just overheard a conversation between Rodrigo and Frank. Emilio had an affair with Karla. She bursts into tears again. Boo Hoo!

Back to Puebla—Don Loco, in his striped cap, bum’s attire and big silver revolver is still lurking around Coral’s house. The doorbell rings and Adela comes running. Don Loco hides behind a sofa. The guest is the Prosecutor Vargas who says he’s just stopping by to ask if she has heard from Soledad and she tells him no. And once again, with the “no news is good news” thing. Vargas says that he talked to Elias the other day and told him about the other killings. He says that it’s great that Don Loco doesn’t know and will never guess where they are. Don Loco thought bubbles behind the couch about how much he wants to kill Elias for stealing his woman.

Back to the big boohoo with Alina. Valentina tries to comfort her, to suggest that maybe she heard wrong. Alina is sure she heard right. What’s more, now she has an explanation for why Karla was such a bitch to her when she showed up. She was Emilio’s new squeeze and Emilio probably told her to beat it when Alina showed up. Also, Rodrigo’s coy remarks about her making a mistake in choosing Emilio now made sense. When she had asked him to explain, he had simply told her to ask Emilio. Valentina, the level headed one, tells her she should go ask Emilio for an explanation. Alina agrees and leaves. Valentina says to no one in particular that Alina sure has it rough. Fate is set against her and Emilio getting together.

Zipping over to Puebla, we are in Coral’s boutique. Who should come flying in the door but Claudia’s mom. Claudia is impactada but not for long because her mom starts in on a big rant about how she is ashamed of her daughter. She can’t believe that she spent the night away from home. Claudia tries to defend herself , telling her that she sent Angel to tell her that she was spending the night with a friend. Mom doesn’t buy it. She’s sure that she spent the night with Angel. Claudia shakes her head with a look of sadness and fear.

Over to Sierra Escondida—Rancho Viejo. It looks like Luba’s threats have worked. The workers are back on the job and seem to be happy about it. Luba and Gaspar and heading out. Gaspar is excited to go see his cub. Luba says goodbye to Raquel and gives her her huge stone neckace. The one that she always wears. Uh oh. Foreshadowing? Tears and smiles. Orlando rides up and they part. Luba is concerned that there may be La Rinconada folk lurking around but Orlando says no.

Back to the big blowout between Claudia and her Mom. Mom once again accuses her of trying to seduce Rosendo and Claudia once again tries to explain to Mom that Rosendo is a creep who exploits them. Claudia says that as long is Rosendo is there, she’s not going home. Mom goes all twitchy bitchy and starts screaming that Rosendo is her man and that no one is going to steal him from her. “So you choose him over me?” says Claudia. “At least he respects me” says Mom. “And if you don’t return to live under my roof, like a decent girl, you can forget that I’m your mother.” Claudia is impactada.

Vargas is taking leave and tells Adela to call him if Coral hears from Soledad. All of the sudden, TONKEY bursts in. (Where have you been, big fella!!) He immediately gets a whiff of eau de bum and runs over to where Don Loco is hiding behind the couch. Although Adela is perplexed, it takes only a few seconds for Vargas to realize that there could be an intruder hiding there and apparently prosecutors in Mexico conceal-carry. He whips out a small pistol and carefully approaches the couch. We go to commercial. When we come back, we are disappointed to see that Vargas has DL’s scuzzy jacket in one hand. Adela and Vargas accuse Tonkey of having dragged it in from the street or the trash. Poor Tonkey! A misunderstood hero!!! Vargas reholsters his weapon and accompanies Adela out the door, followed by Tonkey who is jumping for the jacket. They must have put a steak in the sleeve. After they leave the room, DL peers out behind a curtain, gun in hand. A close shave for DL.

Back to the mother-daughter bust up between Claudia and her mom. Claudia is crying and tries to tell mom that she’s afraid to return home to the neighborhood, because that bastard Rosendo…every time you aren’t around…” Mom interrupts her. She won’t listen. “Rosendo is incapable of doing anything bad to you.” Then she lays on the guilt. “If you really loved me, you’d come home right now!” Just then Coral, looking stylish in a black ensemble comes into the boutique. “Claudia is not going anywhere!” she announces. Claudia’s mom tries to bully Coral by telling her to butt out. Coral has none of it. She insists that Claudia isn’t going back home where that husband of hers is. Claudia looks torn. Please no, she’s not going home is she????

Back to floodlandia. The nurses are treating patients in the hospital tent . Karla is there working in the background. Valentina comes in and tells the nurses to make ready the dirty sheets for collection. She asks for some nurses to come with her to check on some patients in another tent. As soon as they leave, Karla runs over and takes a sheet from the contaminated sheet bag and runs out of the tent with it.

Back to Mother and Daughter fight, now featuring Coral! Mom again tells her that their dispute is none of her business. Mom grabs Claudia by the arm and tries to drag her out of the store. Coral runs to the door and slams it. Mom tells Coral that she probably has only heard the lies that “this brat” has told her about Rosendo. Coral pleads with her to listen to her own daughter. Mom says that Claudia is not her daughter. She’s an ingrate who is looking to steal her husband. [Give it up, lady! Either she’s hot for Angel or for your husband. Which is it?] Claudia crumbles. She’s going to go home with her mom. Coral can’t believe it and neither can we. Oh, yes we can. This is Duelo de Pasiones, where people do the exact wrong thing all the time, just to torment us. She thanks Coral and tells her to tell Angel not to come after her. Mom grabs Claudia and leaves.

Next we’re back in Sierra Escondida. We get a quick update from La Rinconda. Ifigenio comes into the kitchen and is giving the news to Vera. Santos’ mom is still really sick so he won’t be making an appearance anytime soon. But Don Braulio (remember him? Rosita’s dad?) He’s been cleared of the charges of killing Castulo and will be released from jail soon in time for the Gran Final. I guess he gave up trying to find work on another novela. Don Braulio will be the new administrator! Ifigenio goes off to work. Thelma comes in her negligee and asks Vera where Orlando is. Vera nervously tells her that he left really early “to check on some things dealing with the new highway that they are about to finish.” Vera asks her if she wants breakfast but Thelma asks for Coffee and absently picks up a piece of fruit and craftily asks why the people of the mountain are so unfair to let Luba and her son escape justice after they killed Flor. Vera tells her that they tried but Luba and Gaspar escaped. “Don’t worry, Senora, says Vera. When we find them, we’ll lynch them” finishes Vera.

Over in Floodlandia, Karla is busy making sure that the contaminated sheet makes it on to Alina’s cot.

Back to SE—Raquel is cleaning up. She goes up to evil Hernan and tells him that she wants to speak to the parties interested in buying the Ranch. He tells her that the buyers didn’t want to meet with the owner, only with a go-between…him. Raquel tells him she’s on to him. HE’s the interested buyer. What’s more, she calls over Fidencio who is now a loyal worker and gets him to admit that Hernan paid them to go on strike. I guess that there was one worker who was paid way too much at Rancho Viejo if he had enough to bribe the entire crew. Now his ass is fired!!! She tells him to beat it. He threatens her and she threatens him right back. He leaves.

Back to Floodlandia again! Emilio is talking to someone on a walkie-talkie. He’s confirming plans to check on a bridge. Over and out. He gets up to leave and Alina drops in, with furrowed brow, hands in tiny nurse pockets. Emilio pinches her chin and says that he’s glad to see her, he’s headed out. Alina tells him she wants him to tell her about what happened before she arrived. “What do you want to know? asks Emilio. “Is it true that Karla spent the night with you in your tent?” Ooooh. Superslomo impacado into a commercial time for Emilio. Emilio himself of course merely looks constipated. Our transition to the commercial features Alina in her pink dress throwing a hissy fit over one of any number of a million slights of Emilio’s back when she was living in the cave with Luba. Luba tries to comfort her, maternally.

Emilio doesn’t take the right approach. He starts in with “Who told you that?” and then goes into complicated explanation mode. Alina doesn’t like this one bit and says “So it’s true?!” Emilio tries to explain but Alina goes on a rant about how she gave it up for him and let her think that he was in love with her. Emilio tries again to explain and Alina won’t let up. She’s not listening. “You deceived me!” Emilio stops her and says “I did not deceive you!” Finally he gets it out that Karla slept in his tent but he slept in a chair. “Then why did she treat me so badly?” asks Alina. “because she heard me speak your name and she was jealous” says Emilio finally. He grabs her face in an effort to shut her up. “You can’t doubt me, my love, not after what happened last night.” Alina relents somewhat and says that she’s confused. She doesn’t know what to think. She walks out and tells him she needs to be alone to think. Just then, Karla shows up and makes a catty comment about how now Alina knows “everything.” Emilio is ticked and asks her what she means. Karla says that “now that you two are going to be together, it’s better that you not have any secrets—that she know that you and I had an affair.” It’s Alina’s turn to be ticked. “How could you do this to me?” She wails.

Back in SE, Orlando arrives at his cabin with Luba. It turns out he can’t go to Puebla right away. He’s got to wait until the engineers finish up with the highway! Luba can’t believe that he was in such a rush to get them away from Rancho Viejo when they now have to stick around in SE which is dangerous for both her and her son. Orlando tells them unconvincingly that he will take care of them. He gives them a walkie-talkie. Luba looks skeptical. Yeah, I would be too.

Back to the latest bustup between Emilio and Alina. Karla pretends to be offended that Emilio would deny their roll in the hay. Alina stalks off. Karla says that Alina is a cry-baby if she can’t take a joke. Emilio is furious (I would guess) and tells her that the joke was in poor taste. Emilio tells her that she’d better go and tell Alina the truth and apologize. Karla pouts and smiles slyly.

Meanwhile, Angel has arrived on his daily visit to Claudia at Coral’s boutique. Coral greets him and when he asks about Coral, she gingerly tells him what happened, with the scene earlier between Claudia and her mom and that Mom took Claudia home. Angel is impactado.

Alina is sitting on her bed (with the blanket between her and the dirty sheet) and crying. Valentina comes in and she tells her what happened. “But you aren’t going to believe that sangrona (creep?).” Valentina tells her that if she loves Emilio, she’s got to believe him. Besides, why would Emilio be with a bitch like Karla if he was in love with her (Alina)? [Not exactly what she said but you get the drift…] Alina goes into her “woe is me, the world is trying to separate us” dirge and Valentina urges her to fight for her love.

Emilio and Karla are still having it out. Karla tells him that she’s not going to apologize to his dopey girlfriend. Emilio tells her she’d better or else…he grabs her hard by the arm and accuses her of stirring up this whole mess by telling Alina that they spent the night together. Karla says (truthfully) that she never told her. Yeah, well, half the camp saw her come out of Emilio’s tent wrapped only in a towel and she made sure of that. Karla tells her she’ll tell Alina the truth…when she damn well pleases. She stalks off. Emilio swears under his breath.

Commercial, a great new transition with Coral dancing. And we’re with Coral and Angel. Coral tells Angel about how Claudia’s mom basically blackmailed her into returning home. Coral sighs and says it’s obvious that Claudia caved under that kind of pressure and that she made the wrong decision. “Can you imagine what awaits her at home with that monster of a step-father?” At this, Angel gets up and says he’ll kill Rosendo if he does anything to Claudia. Coral warns him not to do anything stupid and Angel assures her that he won’t.

Don Loco shows up at Elias’ place. I always liked the furnishings at that place. Blanca had good taste in home décor even if she had questionable judgement in marrying Elias when he so obviously had the hots for someone else. Elias’ house is still perfectly kept but apparently nobody bothered to lock up or watch the place because DL is there, looking dirty and out of place, shouting and waving a gun around. All of the sudden, he sees Soledad. Soledad tells him to stop looking for her. She’s found her happiness with Elias. DL yells angrily that he won’t let her be with that traitor. Soledad tells him it’s too late, she and Elias have been doin’ the wild thing from the moment DL was locked up in jail. While it’s true that all of his accusations about her infidelity were false, now they have become true. She’s been enjoying the lovin’ she’s been getting from the studly Elias. OK, I threw in the studly part, she doesn’t go that far. Don Loco starts screaming at her to shut up. He’s kneeling on the ground and Soledad encircles him, taunting him about how she’s getting her revenge now, making him feel lower than the dirt, just like he did to her. He almost, but not, quite points the gun at his own head. Yes, my friends, this is another Don Loco (trademark) hallucination. He turns around and she’s gone.

Meanwhile, the real Soledad is taking a walk with Elias in San Mateo, followed by a policeman in a dress uniform. Elias is remarking about how someday they’ll be free and happy. Don Loco will be in jail and they’ll be able to enjoy themselves. Soledad agrees. Again, Elias announces that DL will NEVER look for them in San Mateo!!

Back to Floodlandia. Emilio shows up at the bridge where Rodrigo is directing a bunch of soldiers to place sandbags on an embankment. Rodrigo says snidely, “Finally you show up for work.” [I gotta say, old Rod has a point here. People are losing their homes, getting sick, drowning and dying in this God forsaken place. Meanwhile, Alina and Emilio are spending their time, alternately mooning over and fighting with eachother. Karla is spending all her time thinking of and executing plans to kill Alina. The practical Valentina is completely absorbed with Alina’s problems. Even Frank is worried about messing up his Captain’s love life. If I were the people in this village I would tell all these people to drop off the food, medicine and sandbags and then get the hell away from me.] Rod is snarky. Emilio gets all in his face accusing him of telling Alina he slept with Karla.

Back to Alina and Valentina in their tent. Alina isn’t feeling so hot. Valentina urges her to lie down. Looks like Karla’s plan is working.

Emilio and Rod shout insults at eachother. It soon turns to blows. Rod isn’t winning but a bunch of soldiers show up and pull them apart. Karla shows up and looks surprised.

In Puebla, Coral has just made another sale to a happy customer in the boutique. Tina arrives to ask her if she has looked into the possibility of Thelma being Gaby’s kidnapper. They discuss the possibilities. On the one hand, the calls have stopped now that Thelma is out of town. On the other, Coral talked to the SA who swears Thelma had nothing to do with it. Coral thinks the SA is basically a good person and wouldn’t lie to her. Tina isn’t sure about that, after all, she’s her Aunt. Tina tells Coral that Gaby is doing really badly and she begs Coral to get to the bottom of this.

DL is still at Elias’ house. His dirty bum costume is probably making a stain on that nice couch. He’s wondering aloud where Elias and Soledad can be. Suddenly, he says to himself he knows who can tell him where they are. He gets up and leaves.

Back to Tina and Coral. Tina is crying, overwhelmed by how bad things have gotten with Gaby. Coral advises her to take the child to a psychologist. Tina brightens, and says she knows a really great psychologist who lives right next door. Yes, it’s Doctora Loca to the rescue!

Back to the big fight next to the flooding river. As I said, Rodrigo looks like he would have been the loser in this fight. The soldiers are trying to keep the two men apart while they hurl insults at eachother. Frank defends Emilio and says that he has no right to accuse him of what he has no knowledge of. The two men break free briefly and start fighting again. Karla comes up and suddenly decides to come clean. “Emilio is telling the truth, she yells. Nothing happened between us.” Impactada looks all around.

Back in Alina’s tent, she’s not looking so good as Karla’s plan B is well underway. Alina is sweating and feverish. Valentina comes over and sees that she’s sick.
Rodrigo apologizes. Emilio accepts the apology with a handshake and thanks Karla for finally stepping up. Rodrigo tells her that she’d better tell Alina the truth too. Karla agrees this time. Emilio tells Rodrigo that he understands why he reacted the way he did, that “any man in love” would have acted the same way. Besides, he was looking out for Alina which is a good thing too. Karla touches Emilio’s face and asks him to let her fix him up. Emilio grabs her hand and pushes it away, saying “Alina will do it.” As things are cooling down, Valentina rushes up to tell all the assembled soldiers and Karla that Alina is very sick.

Back in Puebla, Coral is arranging things in the boutique. Coral has her back to the door when Don Loco comes in. At first she thinks he’s just an old bum and she offers him clothes. Then she recognizes him and he recognizes her as the dancer from Edelmira’s. Coral’s eyes get big.

Everyone rushes over to the hospital tent where alina lies stricken in a bed like any other patient. Valentina tells them that she has all the symptoms of the rotavirus. Rodrigo is incredulous. “How can this be? All the volunteers have been vaccinated and take precautions with masks and gloves.” Karla bitchily (without her mask on) says that no doubt Alina made mistakes because she was such an inexperienced volunteer and that she was right all along for trying to exclude her. Valentina takes umbrage at this but Emilio tells them that now is not the time for arguing. Emilio and Rodrigo are both squatting next to her cot, one on either side. Emilio starts to explain the whole story about the Karla gossip but Rodrigo suggests that now is not a great time since she’s so weak. Emilio agrees. He starts to move away when Alina grabs his hand and tells him to stay. She believes him and she feels better with him near. She knows he never deceived her. Rodrigo looks unhappy-impactado although it’s hard to tell with a mask covering half his face.

Next time: It sucks to be Claudia. Rosenda strangles her until she passes out and then lays her out on a bed like he intends to rape her while she’s unconscious. It also sucks to be Coral, who is going to have to try to escape the homicidal maniac Don Loco while not revealing Soledad’s location. For the finale--It also sucks to be Alina who may or may not be hallucinating about being buried alive again. As was noted earlier, Gaspar and Luba run into problems too.

Labels: duelo