Caray, Caray!

On board the Salamandra, Paisana and Mario have charge of Ric’s care. Mario rushes into the room and asks Paisana if she gave him the herbs that Chino’s healer gave them. Paisana says no because she didn’t know which ones to give him. Mario, exasperated, says that the guy told them to mix them all together. Mario expresses his doubts about oriental medicine and thinks it should have worked by now. Paisana responds that it’s in God’s hands now. She remarks that he has great love for his captain. Mario snaps back that they all do. Ric groans in discomfort.

Ines is walking with Justo. She’s angry that her brother has gotten involved in this mess with Camila and Ric. He’s stubborn and proud. She agreed with him when he swore he wouldn’t do anything with Don Jorge, but now Jorge is the only guy who can help Camila.

Back on the boat, Ric is calling for Camila. Mario tries to calm him. He tries to get up and everybody tries to hold him down. He’s delirious and starts raving about having leeches put on him. He doesn’t want any leeches. Mario finally cold cocks him to get him unconscious again. Paisana suggests giving him a cold bath to lower his fever.

At Mancera Mansion, Santiago has gone to tell Don Jorge about Lis’ cruelty toward Camila. How she won’t sell her. Jorge says that Lis is within her rights. Santiago exclaims, “So you’re not going to help?” Jorge says “I could.” Santiago says hotly “In exchange for what?” Jorge says, you know, be recognized as my son and heir. Santiago replies “to keep your lands?” Jorge says that his family originally fought to earn their lands and In his lineage there were good and bad men, “just like in any family.” But what they earned ought to be conserved, “it’s a divine right” he finishes up. Santiago looks thoughtful and then says that he wants to borrow the money to free Camila. Jorge says no—it will be his welcome gift to Don Santiago de Mancera. Santiago looks nervous.

Later, Jorge is at La Font’s. He makes flirtatious small talk with Manuela, telling her that she’s very pretty and that she must have a lot of admirers. Manuela says no and gets all flustered. He says she should. She asks about the gossip with Camila and Ricardo. He says it’s water under the bridge. La Font comes in and Jorge tells him that he knows that Lis is refusing to sell Camila. He tells LaFont that he knows that Ric has paid the debt. La Font says, so what, even if the debt is paid, if the will is invalid, so is Camila’s letter granting her freedom. He tells Jorge that Lis is within her rights to keep Camila. Jorge says flatly that Lis’s rights are not above his—and he wants to buy Camila as a present for Santiago. La Font complains that the other night, Jorge seemed to accede to Santiago’s wishes. “Could it be that your judgement is affected by this young guy?” SO? Says Jorge and he turns on his heel and leaves. LaFont looks mighty uncomfortable at Jorge’s displeasure.

Lis and Fran are reviewing the previous nights’ events. Lis is angry at her aunt for interfering. “You had no right” she says in tears. Fran says that she was just trying to avoid having her commit a crazy act that would ruin her life, she says “I had the right, I took care of you your whole life.” Lis responds that she did it of her own accord. She never asked her to. She did it because she was alone and had no children of her own. And now, she finishes, she says she hates her Aunt because if she hadn’t done what she did, Ric would still be alive. Fran points out that if she hadn’t tried to run away with him, he’d also be alive. But he’d still be in love with Camila. Lis is overflowing with tears now and burbles about Camila having bewitched him. Fran says it doesn’t matter anyway now because he’s DEAD. There’s a knock at the door, it’s Clothilde announcing that Alberto has arrived. Lis doesn’t want to see him but Fran tells her to dry her eyes so that he doesn’t realize who she’s crying for. She tells Clotilde to show him into the great room and offer him something.

A few moments later, Lis is with LaFont. He’s already made the pitch to her to sell Camila to Jorge because she’s already refusing and saying that she’s within her rights to keep her. La Font explains how Jorge wants her to sell Camila to him so that he can give her Santiago but Lis still refuses. “I have to give in to the will of a blacksmith?” LaFont, exasperated, says that it’s Jorge wishes she’s giving into and her rights are not above his. Lis again refuses and LaFont finally does a powerplay. Grabbing her by the face, he tells her that (1) he knows she was about to betray him with Ricardo (he puts off her feeble excuse that Ric forced her) (2) she owes him for what he’s already done for her; (3) they’ve signed a marriage contract and she’s going to honor it and (4) he expects total obedience from her after they are married or it will go very badly for her. The stricken look on Lis’ face is priceless.

Next we see Camila in modest garb and rucksack leaving the house. Her family are there waiting for her with Jimena and Ascanio. Santiago and Rita are back at home. While Santiago washes his hands in a basin, Rita asks cloyingly why Santiago did not go with the rest of the family to greet Camila. Santiago that mostly it was her family that went. Rita points out that Ofelia went, Santiago turns on her and asks why SHE didn’t go and Rita claims she would have only the baby was constipated. He lopes away from her and sits at the table. Rita demands that servant Ramona ask him what he wants. Santiago is oblivious to her aires until she starts harping on when the ceremony is , whether they will be living in the palace, etc. When he tells her and says that Jorge wants him to move in with him, Rita is ecstatic. Santiago finally notices her unseemly happiness and looks disgusted by her. She seems to notice his reaction anc backtracks by saying “how nice this will be for the baby.”

Meanwhile, Jimena and Camila are walking home. Jimena asks her about what happened to her clothes. Camila is dressed like a peasant. Camila explains that Lis demanded that she leave them all, that they all belonged to her. Jimena says that this was not right, that some of the dresses were bought for her by Ricardo. She can borrow some of her dresses and she will fix her up. Camila says she doesn’t care. This is the way she wants to dress, as Justo’s daughter. And besides, right now she has no thought in her head other than to find a way to look for Ricardo. “OK, miller’s daughter! says Jimena.” They finally arrive at home and Paquito runs up all happy to see his Aunt Camila. He asks about Uncle Ric and Camila gasps and hugs him.

Days later, another boy is running toward the surf on some distant shore. He cries “the Antillano is coming! He’s been wounded!” Sure enough, the gaggle of pirates from the Salamandra has landed and is carrying Ric along on a stretcher.

Back at the Mill offices. Camila is with Jimena and Ascanio. Camila begs Jimena to come and live with them at Justo’s. Jimena begs off, saying that there’s really no place for her there. Ascanio then chimes in that he was thinking of moving. Camila bursts into tears and says that she needs them both close to her, now more than ever. She misses Ric so much! He’s the love of her life and they are her true friends. She reminds them both of when they were together with Claudio, how they made a little family and she prayed that they would never be separated. Even though Claudio was no longer around, she hoped that they would remain. Ascanio breaks the moment by mentioning that before the fateful night, Ric had entrusted to him a letter that was supposed to be given to Justo. He gives it to Camila saying that he would leave it up to her to decide whether to give to her father or not. Camila takes the letter and holds it to her breast.
It’s now nighttime. Camila is alone and she opens the letter.

My Most Esteemed Don Justo,

I hoped to have been able to tell you this personally but events intervened and I was unable to do so.

I deeply love your daughter. Why? Love has no explanation. It’s a gift from God. Love comes suddenly, it holds us, it’s an obsession, It makes us feel that without this person, life isn’t worth living. Life without Camila isn’t worth it.

Camila talks back to the letter—“Me too, my love. Life isn’t worth living without you. You are my life, my time.

I know that you have been informed of who I am and what I do. But I want to explain to you how I came to this. My misfortune began when I was falsely accused of a crime. Fortunately, the case is now closed and I have been cleared, but it’s too late. I turned to piracy because that was the only way I could survive. I was a boy of 17. At that age, the survival instinct is much stronger than the intellect. When I left my home I joined a group of men, whose situation as desperate as my own. One day a group of pirates disembarked in search of water and after killing a bunch of us, put the choice to the rest of us to join them or die.

[We see a flashback of a younger Foreman in adorable flaxen braids making this demand on a a beach—Ric looks scruffier and has longer hair.]

In reality, all of us chose life. Since I knew how to read and write, the captain, an English pirate had me writing his logs (bitacora) and later I learned navigation, the routes, how to fight. Although I tried to become accustomed to the life, I never was able to do it. There was too much blood, too much violence and I always looked for a way out. I killed, yes, but it was kill or be killed. Then one day a woman appeared. No ordinary woman, but a special woman. And I don’t know what happened to me with her.

[Flashbacks of him kissing her in bed and them telling each other that they love one another].

She is the one that I dreamed of having children with, a family. It was never my attention to marry your daughter with a name other than my own. I had hoped to marry her AFTER I had received my pardon, which I expected since I was doing the crown some service. But events got ahead of us and I was forced to marry Camila in order to protect her

[flashbacks of the ailing Justo in bed telling Camila to hurry up and Marry Ric to protect her virtue--recall that Ric promised Justo that he would marry Camila quickly in order to keep Don Jorge from forcing her to be his mistress.]

I should have told you and her but love made me afraid. Yes, I was afraid of losing her.

[Another flashback of Ric seeming hesitant to marry Camila and Camila accusing him of not really wanting to marry her, or that she had so many problems that he didn’t want to get involved. Ric says it’s not that but…stopping short of telling her the truth.]

I affirm that Camila is my wife and that we are married because to me, we swore an oath before God on an altar and we are married until one of us dies. I know it will occasion great suffering to take her far away from you but it’s the only way that I can avoid that she continue as a servant. My affection for your family and my love for Camila are sincere, please never doubt it.

Camila clutches the letter and cries.

Outside, of Ric’s beach house, there is a prayer vigil going on. There are statues and a bonfire. A crowd holding candles sings a hymn, the refrain of which is in latin—dona nobis pacem (grant us peace). Inside the house, Paisana, Mario and Pablo are taking care of Ric, who is still sweating with a fever. Pablo tells them that he’s seen a squad of guards nearby, they should get going. Paisana says she doesn’t think that they are looking for Ric. Mario says he doesn’t care, he wants to get back on the ship and head for Coral Island. Paisana disagrees—if they move him again, he’ll die. Mario feels the pulse around his neck.

It’s the next morning and Camila and Jimena are now both dressed like peasant girls with kerchiefs and linen aprons. Jimena asks Cami whether she’s going to deliver Ric’s letter to her father. Camila says she doesn’t know. Jimena whispers that there goes Santiago and sure enough, he limps briskly past without seeing them to greet Justo. Justo thanks him for intervening to get Camila set free. Santiago responds that there’s nothing to thank him for, they are family. Camila approaches and there is an awkward exchange of greetings. Santiago indicates the folder of papers under his arm and says that he’s come to give her freedom documents. Jorge signed them and gave them to him. Camila is overjoyed to the point of tears and Justo does a silent YES! in the background. Santiago leaves and there are hugs all around. Justo comments that Santiago has behaved very well in this instance. Camila takes her Dad aside and says she needs to talk to him. About Ricardo. Justo counsels her to start over and forget “that man.” Camila says she can’t. She’s upset because she doesn’t know if he’s dead or alive. Justo responds equivocally that everyone’s life is in God’s hands. She replies that she knows but she needs to know. Justo says, “Listen, I don’t doubt that he was in love with you, He paid your debt with Lisabeta but he married you in a sham wedding and he’s a PIRATE. “It was due to misfortune, Dad!” she pleads. Justo isn’t buying it. “I’m not going to let my daughter continue to be deluded by a criminal.” She shoots back that he’s not a criminal and she’s not deluded. She LOVES him. Justo points out that sometimes people fall in love with the wrong person. He uses Ines as an example. Vasco’s a disaster. Cami argues that it’s not the same. Justo says her case is WORSE. Ric held her up to the whole town for ridicule as a loose woman (una qualquiera). Cami is impactada by this and has to take a step backward. Clearly these words from Dad stung. She runs to the nearest tree and leans against it, crying. Justo goes after her and says that she’s hurting, but she has to be strong. He reminds her that she was also very much in love with Santiago. She says “that was different!” Justo asks why, “Because Ric sailed around under a pirate flag and made himself rich (robbing people)?” Camila laughs and says “NO!” and shakes her head at Dad. Justo says that Ric was a liar. He even lied about his fortune. Justo relates how Ric told him that his fortune had been stolen, now he’s not sure that was true. Camila says that it WAS true. Justo says he lied to everybody. Camila says not to her he didn’t. Justo doesn’t like the sound of this. He tells her to forget him the same way that she forgot Santiago. He walks away. Jimena runs to her and they hug eachother.

Later, inside, Jimena and Cami talk it over. Cami can’t understand why her Dad is harshing on Ric. Jimena says to look at it from his point of view. To Justo, Ric is a pirate who deceived his daughter. Jimena asks about the letter. Cami says, “why? He’s never going to understand.” Camila says that she doesn’t know where Ric is but she has to go try to find him. She thinks they should start looking in La Iguana. That’s where they first took them when they were kidnapped. Jimena asks if she knows how to get there. They were taken in a closed wagon and couldn’t see where they were going. Camila says that they could ask. Jimena asks her “who?” She points out that if it’s El Antillano’s secret pirate lair, it’s likely to be remote, hard to find and well…secret. Camila despairs but then suddenly gets an idea—“That man, the Oriental—he knows Ricardo!” She grabs her shawl and rushes out with Jimena trailing behind.

Next they are in the street outside the hotel. Yoshi-he (AKA el Chino) who comes out with the acupuncture specialist. Chino greets her and notes her being freed. She confirms this. He introduces her to Master Fukuda, the alternative medicine practitioner who attended Ric. She asks Fukuda if he thinks he saved Ric. Fukuda says he did all he could and now it was out of his hands. They begin walking. Camila tells Chino that she wants to go to LaIguana to find Ric. Chino says he knows where it is but it’s very far away. Camila is crestfallen but asks for his help. Jimena tells him they just need directions. Camila says she needs to know if Ric is dead or alive. Chino tells her that he was thinking of sending someone to find out how he was doing. Camila asks to go with them. Chino says that if she leaves town they will send guards to find her. They’ll trail her right to Ric, and if he’s still alive, they’ll finish him off. He says he’s about to leave and will send her a report if he finds out anything. After establishing that she can read and her last name, Chino tells her that Ric is no ordinary guy; he’s not easily defeated. The two men bid the ladies goodbye and they go their separate ways.

Chino and Fukuda had been on their way to see Don Jorge. Chino tells him that he needs to leave for the Antilles to buy more merchandise. Chino says he’s tapped out with everything he’s brought and he needs to get more for here and to fulfill other contracts. Jorge asks him where else he sells and Chino tells him that his most important market is New Orleans. They sit on the sofas. Chino further explains that many of his former er comrades have retired there to become prosperous merchants or landowners. Jorge says that piracy must be a good business. Chino says for a few, fortunate people. The majority end up on the gallows. “And you are one of the fortunate ones” comments Jorge. “Until now” says Chino with a laugh. “I’ve been lucky but one never knows.” Jorge turns to Fukuda and asks if he is staying. Fukuda responds saying that he can’t stick around too long either. He needs to get started on his son right away because he’ll need a few sessions to fix his leg. Jorge asks if Santiago’s leg can be fixed up good as new. Fukuda says he’ll know more when he’s localized the problem.

Justo has stopped by Ofelia’s. She’s giving somebody a potion to get rid of his tapeworm problem. The guy leaves and Justo unburdens himself about Camila. She’s still stuck on Ric and won’t give up trying to justify his actions. He says he understands that he may have suffered misfortunes but he lied to them all and she got involved with him. Ofelia says that he should try to understand her. “Life hasn’t been good for your daughter.” Justo says that the only thing he wants is for her to forget him. He thinks that will end her suffering. Ofelia says “Hopefully.” “But sometimes the suffering never ends.” She tells him to sit down. He asks how she’s doing. She tells him that next week, Jorge is going to recognize Santiago as his son and heir. Justo says that he knows that she’s not happy about it but she should think about how this is a good thing for him. Justo asks her what she’s afraid of. Ofelia tells him that she’s afraid of a lot of things. They’ve always been a very strong family. With straightforward friendships, good, hardworking people. But now…her son will be living in another world. He’ll be living in a palace with his wife and child. Justo tries to reassure her that Santiago won’t forget them. Ofelia agrees that her son has always been good but with them gone, the house will be very lonely. Justo places his hand on hers to comfort her.

We jump ahead to next week and the big ceremony in church. The priest announces that Don Jorge has decided to “rectify an error of his youth “ by recognizing his son, Santiago. He holds up a scroll and hands it to Don Jorge. Don Jorge takes the scroll and hands it to Santiago. The Priest comments that everyone knows Santiago as a virtuous man, who is kind to all and who has lived his whole life in accordance with the precepts of Holy Mother Church. The Priest hands Jorge a GIANT ornate cross on a chain. Santiago kneels before his dad and Don Jorge puts it around his neck. A choir of two women starts singing an Alleluia. (Song of Praise) Next Jorge hands him a little plaque with the Mancera Coat of Arms. He announces that now he is a worthy heir of the Mancera family. [We see the elated expression of Rita in the background and Ofelia’s less happy one. There is applause all around and we see various expressions. Sofia’s face bathed in tears—all her scheming has worked. Wacky Lis smiling slightly, no doubt preoccupied on her own problems, Ursula with a mixed expression of her own—cut out of the inheritance. Fortunata with a genuinely happy expression. More Alleluias from the choir.] Outside, the priest announces that everybody should be happy that Santiago has gained his rightful place under the human and divine law. He says he’s sure that when it’s Santiago’s turn to govern San Fernando, he’ll do a good job, like his father before him. Don Jorge smiles. A children’s choir starts singing a hymn in Latin. [I think it is this one].

We’re done with the Church, now it’s time for the State. A squad of soldiers comes up to the steps of the church and the lead guy hands Santiago what looks like a small dagger covered with ribbons on a pillow. Santiago lifts it off the pillow and raises it up then puts it back down on the pillow. The soldiers take it away. More applause. Rita leans over to Santiago and presents her cheek for him to kiss. She’s wearing a dress with about three feet of lace hanging from the sleeves. Justo is wearing is fancy scarlet coat next to her. Vasco and the others are handing around well dressed in the background. Don Jorge asks Justo to come to the party and Justo says he’d be honored. Meanwhile Ines is trying to coax Ofelia into going. She doesn’t want to. Ines tells her she needs to leave her feelings aside and do it for Santiago. He’s going to feel bad if she’s not there. Ofelia refuses. Camila who has been standing with Jimena calls out to Santiago. He comes over to her and she congratulates him. Jimena says that she hopes when it’s his time to rule, she hopes he’ll be a better Lord than his father. He nods and leaves. Rita comes along with Ursula. Camila congratulates her and Rita smiles broadly and asks her if she like the new dress she has on that Sofia gave to her. Rita tells her that she should come over to the palace and tell her “all about her pirate.” Camila says she has nothing to tell and gives her a dark look and withdraws. Rita sniffs like whatever, on with the show and continues along with Ursula.

Santiago encounters the guys from the office—the twins and Ascanio, all dressed to the 9s. the twins are in matching scarlet jackets. One of them says wow boss, who would have thought! They are happy for him. Santiago says modestly that he hopes he’s doing the right thing. Santiago turns to Ascanio and thanks him for coming. Ascanio says he wouldn’t have missed such an important event. Santiago says that since the business trip to San Miguel Fair, he has realized that he was right in a lot of what he said. We all make mistakes. Ascanio generously allows that he’s made a few too and hopes that Santiago forgives him. Santiago asks him to come and see him. “At the house?” Ascanio asks. Santiago tells him that Don Jorge wants him to go move into the palace with him. The twins ask about the blacksmith’s shop and he says that he hasn’t forgotten them. After a pat on the back from Ascanio, Santiago moves on. LaFont is next and announces to him “Santiago Mancera y Ruiz…You can’t know how pleased I am and everybody in San Fernando is to have an heir [to the title].” Santiago thanks him tersely. Lis who is beside him, congratulates him as well and notes that the priests words were very apt. Fran gushes that everybody holds him in high esteem and know that he’ll make a great Lord. Santiago gruffly says “God willing.” He limps off. As they turn to go, Lis trips and LaFont grabs her before she goes sprawling. He gives her a look of exasperation. The bloom is off the rose.

Ascanio and the twins are still kibitzing about future of the smithy. They ask Ascanio to find out when he goes to talk to Santiago. Manuela sees Ascanio and says that she’s sorry that she hasn’t seen him at the blacksmiths.’ Ascanio tells her that he no longer works there—he works at the Mill now. Manuela nervously excuses herself and runs off. Ascanio looks wistfully after her. The twins look at him sadly.

Over at Mancera Mansion, musicians are playing and a party is in full swing. Jorge and Santiago are sitting on a dais. People are eating, drinking and dancing. LaFont is nervously sitting in a corner and Lis is enjoying the music. We see pretty much every minor character in the show with some kind of social status or a set of good clothes.

Meanwhile, the pirates are still holed up at El Antillano HQ. Pablo comes running down the beach, and comes into the hut to ask how Ric is doing. LP and Mario have just been talking about Ric’s condition. It hasn’t improved. LP tells Mario it’s not the herbal cure’s fault. Ric has sustained two mortal wounds. Ric is murmuring what sounds like Camila’s name. Pablo is the bearer of bad news—he’s seen another squadron of guards. This is the third one. Mario tells Pablo to make the ready the Salamandra and the Camila. LP says nothing but looks alarmed. Ric continues mumbling in his delirium.

At Justo’s Camila is crying when Jimena comes upon her. She tries to jolly her friend. Camila is worried that no reports have arrived about Ric’s whearabouts or wellbeing. Jimena says too little time has passed. She’s going to have to be patient. Camila says darkly that maybe they haven’t sent anyone because they found out he’s already dead. She cries that she was there and saw what happened—he got shot in the chest and stabbed in the gut. Nobody survives that. Jimena says that she needs to have faith. Camila says she’s always had faith but look what happened—She returned to find Santiago married and after finding Ric, she loses him. Jimena insists that she hasn’t lost him. She hugs her. All of the sudden, Camila covers her mouth runs away and [in one of the two unmistakable signs of a telenovela pregnancy—the other being fainting] WRETCHES against a wall of the house. Jimena asks her if she’s sick to her stomach. Camila says yes. Jimena asks if she’s eaten anything and Camila says no. Jimena thinks it’s that. Camila says she thinks she might be PREGNANT! Jimena says “a child of Ricardo!!” and the two start jumping up and down excitedly. Camila says he always wanted a child She prays to God that he might know this child. “Truly, yes,” adds Jimena.

-----------------------
Next time: Camila tells Ines and Paco and they take the news well too. Justo, not so much. Ric’s life still hangs in the balance. ULTIMOS CAPITULOS and the next chapter is advertised as MONDAY.

Labels: Pasion

* Sung to the tune of Betty Davis Eyes with apologies to Betty Davis and her amazing eyes.

Ahoy all, there were a lot of new phrases for me tonight. I tried to look them up but some were difficult to find so if I've gotten any of them wrong please let me know. Thank you, and now on with the show...

Oooooh, I am so MAD at Paula. The nerve of her going off on Juan like she did! But wait, Juan throws it back at her. After they argue a bit and he suspects that Pau's anger stems from her jealousy of Monica he really lets her have it. He tells her that she's mad because she thinks she's the center of the universe who feels everyone is supposed to make her happy. Is he supposed to ask her permission to talk and do business with everyone? He tells her "Sacate a bañar!" which translates I think "Take yourself out of here and take ja bath!" I've never heard this one before but it had the distinct feel of "Get the funk outta my face". (Remember that song? It must be '70's song night tonight) She responds with the unimaginative "I never knew you at all" line and Juan retorts with the "same to you but more of it" answer. These two are right out of the schoolyard. He tells her to beat it and have a nice day. Hooray Juan!!

Yadi interrupts La Profa Marga's class for a showdown, woman to woman. She's come to put Marga in her place. Under the shocked gazes of the students Yadi pulls la Profa's hair and puts her in a headlock; she threatens the students not to help, not that any one of them was planning to. Nacho rushes in with the baby and begs for Yadi let his wife go. La Profa tries to act all pathetic so as to solicit sympathy from Nacho. Something tells me that even in telenovela land Yadi might be in deep doo-doo for doing a smack-down on the profa during class.

Ivonne expresses her shock to Pastor that Juan is a partner in Farell; it's the news of the century. Poor CL, the news must have been a real kick in the liver (kick in the teeth) to him. Pastor admits that Juan being their new Jefe is not the weirdest or worse thing that has ever happened at the company. Maybe now he will finally get his raise.

Marga and Nacho (holding a finally-fussing Nidia Micaela) wait outside an office. They bicker to pass the time. Yadi breezes up and announces she was kicked out of school. "Happy?" she rather calmly asks Marga. Marga says at least she feels tranquil. Yadi retorts that the fish dies by it's mouth (i.e. keep yacking and you'll get into trouble). Marga calls Yadi low class, ineligant and uneducated, just the type of person to make threats. Yadi says she who laughs last laughs best. Yadi, baby and Nacho flounce off while Marga smugly smiles to herself.

CL slowly walks from his office into the lobby and asks everybody what are they looking at? Haven't they ever seen a defeated man before? He walks to the elevator, turns and scowls at the lizards crowding around to watch his departure. He begins his monologue:

"Attention. Here I am, defeated by life and a man I never imagined would be next to me, one of you...how sad. Here I am, completely alone, surrounded by a group of mediocre people who hate me, whom I have to acknowledge as being much happier than I. Here you have your revenge, to observe me without penalty. Take pleasure in my defeat and enjoy the moment because it will never happen again. I hope we all meet again...in hell!" (Camera pan through the lizards who look anything but happy.) CL gets into the elevator and the doors close while an invisible choir chants ominously in the background.

Delirio tells Nidia his tragic news. He couldn't get Topete to agree to leave Yadi alone and worse, Perafan and Topete are no more. In his roundabout way he tells Nidia that Topete is determined to steal Yadi away.

Our key cadre of lizards regroup to deconstruct CL's performance. Pastor feels bad for him in spite of all CL has done to him; he had such a sad hangdog face. Fer says he had the face of a rabid dog, the only thing missing was him foaming at the mouth. Ivonne, Julia and Marely wonder when Juan will show up.

Angarita phones Nidia who keeps calling him 'Chatita' because Alirio is next to her staring daggers at the back of her head. Anga tells her he's aware of the fracas that happened last night. Nidia is impactada. Anga says he called because Kike is at his house safe and sound. By the way, he's still waiting for her answer. (I forgot what he's waiting for, that she told Ana/Paula of her thievery? That's she's leaving Alirio?)

Alirio faces Nidia and tells her he knows who just called. It was his rival. She tries to protest but he shushes her. He creeps upstairs while she twists her face in anguish.

Juan thought bubbles that once again he and Pau fought like cats and dogs. He wonders if Paula is still in love with CL, maybe she's one of those women who likes to be the victim. He's interrupted by Kike who rushes up asking why Juan is still hanging around the market. Does he need a lift? Vamonos!

Pau complains to Ana about Juan's perfidy. Ana is surprised that Pau is sticking up for CL. Pau's excuse is that CL built the company ALONE (hmmm, I thought Monica helped) and he doesn't deserve Monica's betrayal. Ana is baffled, she points out that Juan also has worked very hard to make something of himself and if Moni wants to sell her half of the biz why shouldn't Juan buy it? Pau nastily insists he only did it for revenge.

CL lounges semi-comatose in his apartment. He tells Chelo to look for another job, he's leaving the country. Chelo tries to buck him up, she tells him he and Pau will work things out. CL says it's like a bad movie, the only thing important to Pau is that ajolote (salamander) Juan Dominguez. Chelo tells him not to give up the fight but he says he's already lost. Juan has Paula, his business, to the devil with everything!

As Kike drives Juan tells him about his fight with Pau. She was a panther, a tiger and a crocodile all rolled into one. It was awful and he (Juan) did not respond well. He should have been calmer but no, he just added fuel to the fire and now she hates him.

Over at Juanito's class Maestro Pomposo instructs the kiddies on Hernan Cortes's defeat by the locals in the Popotla area. Cortes cried under a tree; does anyone know what the name that was bestowed on this tree? He calls on Juanito to answer. Our little hero bravely stands and optimistically guesses, is it The Tree of the Mexican's Victory? The class bursts out in laughter and Pomposo quiets them. No, the tree is called The Tree of the Sad Night. This doesn't make sense to Jito; if we won why is the tree sad? Pomposo silences the classroom again and concludes that he himself prefers to call the occasion The Victorious Night of the Nahuatl. Juanito turns to his scornful classmates and smiles triumphantly.

Kike gives Juan the worst sort of "pep" talk, he uses his own sorry self as an example. He loves Yadi and for what? To be thrown out of the house. Women are all cut from the same cloth, they're bad, envious traitors, from Adam and the serpent to Juan and his boots. Juan looks glummer than ever and Kike punctuates his anger by honking at the traffic.

Nidia visits Ana and cries over her daughters' dismal love lives. First Mari's dud marriage and now Yadi wants to divorce Kike so she can move in with another man! Ana slugs down a stiff shot of Nidia's tea. She makes it a double.

Juan decides he's had enough of Kike's pep talk and says he'll walk to Juanito's school. He's distracted from his thought-bubbling by the vision of a sexy red Mustang convertable in an auto showroom. He supposes it's too expensive but hey, it's free to look!

The salesman lists the car's attributes, it's their best model and a steal at 350,000 pesos (about $32,730.00 using the current rate of exchange). Juan is impactado, what about the red mustang hard top? 230 thousand (21.5K)? What, do these cars talk? Haha just kidding. Are there any slightly cheaper models? The salesman ushers Juan towards the used models.

Yadi and Nacho are having coffee at an outdoor cafe. She says she's throwing sparks (hopping mad) that the old battle ax got her thrown out of school. It's not fair!! (Honey, you got yourself thrown out; quit yelping.) What's she going to do now? The whole world knows she wants to divorce Kike so she can be with Nacho. Wah. But Topete is thrilled, he loves her too and suggests she and the baby move in with him. Yadi gets great big Tammy Faye Baker eyes.

Juan goes to school and finds Pomposo with a scowling Juanito. Pomposo tells Juan that everything went OK, although Juanito should take some afternoon classes from Sra Pomposo because he needs to catch up to the other students. More heavy scowling from Jito. Juan is ready to start that very afternoon. Pomposo, clapping his hands in glee, says of course, they should all go straight to his house. Juanito is NOT happy.

Nidia is done talking about her dismal daughters...how was Ana's exhibition in the U.S? Ana says it was fine but the only bad thing is she had to come back early and Willy hasn't called to update her on the show. Nidia asks did Ana throw her grey hair to the wind (let her hair down) with that Papi Rico? No? Nidia advises Ana that her life needs action, romance. Nidia works herself into a hot flash with her advice to Ana.

Over at Casa Pomposo they work out the details for Juanito's tutelage. The editing of this scene is rather odd.

Paula lays in bed and sadly talks to her baby in heaven. She tells it that since she lost it her life has crumbled. The phone rings. It's Chelo who says she's been worried about the Señora. Pau interrupts to say she knows that Chelo only called to be CL's spy, she always has been. Chelo denies it and says she just wants to keep her job but she's worried about losing it. CL is going off the deep end. He's doing very badly and says he's going to leave the country. Pau is impactada.

Juanito really REALLY does not want to stay at the Pomposo's and urges his papi to take him home. "Don't be rotten!" he tells Juan. His common outburst shocks the Pomposos. Juan decides that sometimes a parent has to be firm and this is one of those times, so he leaves Juanito in the capable (?) hands of the Pomposos.

Chelo swears she's not spying for CL, he really is in a bad way. No kidding, he's a wreck. Pau pooh-poohs it and says he'll snap out of it but Chelo frets with renewed vigor. She tries to guilt Pau into coming over to talk to him, CL is her husband! Pau answers on paper only, she's sorry but she can't do anything to help.

We are back at the Pomposo's in another round of weird editing. This time Kike is there with the Juans. Juan thought bubbles that although the Pomposos were good people he had to stay nearby because Juanito needed him. I think Kike and Juan are either picking Juanito up or dropping him off. Cut to Sra Pomposo tutoring Juanito. Maestro Pomposo brings a plate of cookies and the Sra tells him his plating leaves much to be desired, he should arrange the cookies by alternate colors rather than throwing them on the platter. He rolls his eyes. Then she scolds Juanito for grabbing a handful of cookies. One at a time is better.

Nidia goes to the market to talk to Kike. She wants him to reconsider and come home. He looks sad and teary-eyed.

Yadi, Nacho, and a now wailing Nidia Micaela arrive at Casa Cachón. Alirio comments sarcastically. Yadi runs upstairs to pack her things and Alirio asks Topete how could he steal her away?

Pau tells Ana, over dinner, about Chelo's phone call and wonders what she should do. Ana doesn't think Pau should visit CL, it won't help at all and she would end up in his arms. Pau flatly denies it. She only wants to see him to convince him not to go, to stay and fight for his company, to have hope. Ana says he'll see it as a sign that Pau will forgive him, that she still loves him. They go around a few more times until Ana finally says OK go, do what you want, see him. Pau counters with No, you're right, I'd better not. Ana is impactada. Paula take her advice?? Pau decides to go rest while Ana remains in open-mouthed amazement.

CL is rummaging through his bar. He sees Chelo and demands to know who she was talking to on the phone. He yells at her until she admits she called Paula. CL yells some more, nearly blowing her down with his tornado of furious words. Chelo admits she told Pau that CL plans to leave the country.

During the commercial CL has worked himself into a frightening frenzy. He grabs Chelo and drags her around, then tells her to pack her things and get out. Largate! She wheedles but he screams that he wants no tears or pathetic scenes, he never wants to see her again in his life! He's very physical and nasty. Chelo retorts fine, this is probably God's punishment for her behavior, or maybe it's a gift!

Back at the market Kike blames Yadi for their troubles, he tells Nidia that she never supported him. Nidia remarks that it takes two to fight. She says Kike was guilty of allowing himself to be denigrated. Whatever put such an idea in his head that because he was less learned he was a worse person? He shouldn't get sucked into Yadi's illusions. She knows her daughter, she's pure irritation. Sure, Yadi says marriage is all runrún (all talk, all ho-hum?) but she's better for it. Kike pulls himself up with a determined air. He'll make one last attempt; he'll play his last card! Nidia joyfully hugs him. They're sweet, she doesn't want to lose her beloved son-in-law.

Alirio begs Nacho not to break up their family. Nacho insists he and Yadi love each other, doesn't Alirio understand love? Alirio tells him he doesn't understand Yadi, for her it's just an illusion. Nacho calls Yadi sweet. Delirio scoffs "sure, sweet like a tarantula. You're fooled my friend, she has spines like a cactus." He adds she likes to live like a queen, full of luxuries that Nacho frankly does not have. He blathers on until Nacho stops him, Not a word against his sweetie, his mujer. They start pushing each other, argue some more, and Alirio concludes by telling Nacho not to say he wasn't warned. They stop when Yadi needs help pulling her big suitcase down the stairs.

Juan decides he should be a gentleman and call Paula. Ana is pleased to hear him. Unfortunately Paula went to bed, is there a message? Juan thinks "Just tell her I'm crazy in love with her" but he says "No no no" and falls all over his words. Ana tells him she heard he's a partner at Farell and she's proud he's climbed so high.

Nidia arrives home proudly dragging Kike behind her. She triumphantly yells to Alirio that the she's the Love Police and she's captured Kike and brought him home. Alirio sadly announces that things have gotten worse. He's sorry to say that Yadira has left home. Kike is muy, pero muy impactado.


Ajolote/Axolotl = a kind of salamander
Andar de capa caída = to be in a bad way (Lit. to go with a saggy cape)
Estar hecho un guiñapo = to be a wreck (Lit. to be made a rag)
Echar leña al fuego = to add fuel (firewood) to the fire
Echar chispas = to be hopping mad (Lit. to throw sparks)
Echar una cana al aire = to let one's hair down (Lit. to throw one's grey/white hair to the wind)Gacho = rotten, awful
Una patada en el higado = a kick in the teeth (Lit. a kick in the liver)
Por la boca muere, el pez = Stop yacking or you'll get into trouble (Lit. the fish dies by it's own mouth)
Sacate a bañar = get the heck outta here (Lit. Take yourself out of here and take a bath)
Zafarrancha = row, fracas, also nautical term for clearing of the decks

Labels: Juan

Hugo holds baby Aurora and is says how beautiful she is. He gives the baby to Soledad and tells her that he is Alcides, not Hugo. He says that Dr. Max told him something happened to the baby before she was born and asks Soledad what happened. She tells him that Dr. Max thought the baby had died but it wasn't so. 'That's what I thought,' says Hugo and when Soledad asks him what he said, he tells her that she has to take care of the baby, 'our baby.'
Since we know that if Hugo finds out that the baby is his, the novela is basically over, we are not surprised that when Soledad tells Alcides that she doesn't like him saying that the baby is his when he knows that she's Hugo's. Unfortunately, Hugo doesn't hear this. (And, of course, it seems ridiculous that with all that has happened between them, Soledad can't tell that this is Hugo, not Alcides. Let us suggest that having just had the baby, Soledad's psychic powers are directed at the baby, not at Hugo. Later, Soledad will say that Alcides seems to be different.)
Hugo cries thinking how circumstances have brought him back to being near Soledad again when all he wants to do is start his life again far away from her. He pulls himself together saying that he has to find Dr. Chirac now. Dr. Max threatens him with his sword. Max is convinced that he is Hugo, not Alcides. Hugo is packing heat, however, and Dr. Max has to back down. (We know that Dr. Max has a gun. I wonder why he wears a sword? Considering his propensity to kill people, it's probably better that he doesn't carry a gun all the time.) There's a knock on the door. It's the Obragons come to fetch Soledad. Hugo disappears.
In the cave, Beatriz gets Alcides to give her one of his rings on the promise that she will help him find out who he is. She also shaves off his beard. Back at the hospital, she gets some drugs and vows vengeance on Alcides for all that he has done. (Working at the hospital obviously hasn't cured all of Beatriz' psychological problems.)
At Dr. Max's, Beatriz tells her family that Alcides is alive and is the one who brought her there. They are impactados. Antonia scolds Dr. Max for not fulfilling his part of the bargain when Soledad's baby was born. Dr. Max says that he didn't have the opportunity to do say that the baby was dead with Alcides there. Now they hatch a plan to steal the baby from Soledad.
Hugo returns to the hotel and Boris and Marina tell him about Dr. Chirac's last words. Hugo says that he didn't know Chirac had a son. Hugo tells Boris and Marina how much he enjoyed holding Soledad's baby but his pleasure was tempered by the fact that the baby was the living proof of Soledad's betrayal with his brother. Boris changes the subject to their future plans. Hugo wants to be based at San Marino. At this point, Boris has to confess to Hugo about Soledad selling them the hacienda. Hugo is not a happy camper and Marina's excuse that they were just trying to prevent him from suffering further doesn't convince Hugo. He tells them not to hide anything from him in the future.
Paquito convinces Inspector Duarte to release Los Burque because there is no proof they were responsible for train incident. Paquito encourages the Inspector to focus on the possibility that Alcides de Medina is alive. Inspector Duarte agrees that if Alcides is alive, he should be hanged for trying to kill Soledad in the mine.
The enterprising Paquito finds out where Hugo is staying. Boris sees him and is able to warn Hugo. Paquito ambushes Team Hugo outside the hotel but they apparently have agreed upon a story. Hugo/Alcides claims that after he escaped from the mine, he lost his memory for several months. This enables him avoid Paquito's questions about what happened to his inheritance from Hugo. They also have a story ready for Paquito's question about why Boris and Marina are working for Alcides. Boris gambled and drank away his inheritance from Hugo and got Soledad to sell him the Hacienda for less than its market value. In return for not suing them, Boris and Marina have agreed to return the Hacienda to Hugo/Alcides and work for him. Paquito leaves but says that this is not the last time they will see him. Hugo recalls seeing Paquito with Eloisa and Boris offers to sniff around for dirt that they can use against him. Hugo agrees.
Paquito is still not convinced which brother this is.
Boris and Marina throw Elena out of the Hacienda. Elena refuses to play second fiddle (heh heh) to Guillermo's musical career so that when he goes back to playing in the taverna, she is looking for work, legal or otherwise. Dr. Max, who happens to be in the tavern, hires her to take care of a baby that he intends to acquire shortly. She agrees to work for him. Later, at Dr. Max's laboratory, he lays out the rules: she cannot tell anyone about what she is doing; she has to be clean; and she can't snoop around in Dr. Max's stuff especially the mysterious cabinet. Elena agrees and goes to take a bath. She reappears in a dress that obviously belonged to Dr. Max's dead wife, Eva, and Dr. Max is impactado seeing her.
Beatriz sells Alicides' ring and uses the money to rent a barn. She brings Alcides there and injects him with something saying that she will make him pay for what he has done. Staggering around under the influence of whatever drug she injected him with, Alcides asks why she is doing this, he doesn't even know who she is.
Eloisa is all happy to hear that Alcides is alive and Paquito is jealous. Eloisa says that the only thing she likes about Arturo is his money but Alcides is a different matter.
At the Obragon's Antonia is trying to get rid of Ursula and tells Ester that she can take of Soledad and the baby. Lucas reads to them the article that Paquito wrote about the return of Alicides. Soledad is confused because Alcides seemed different to her and actually saved her life by taking her to Dr. Max when she went into labor. Antonia says that people change and maybe she should go back to her husband.
Team Hugo buries Dr. Chirac. They puzzle about why he was murdered.
(Now the basis is laid for the big lie, part 2.) Enrico comes to visit Soledad and gives her a necklace from Jeremias that Aurora must wear all the time to protect her. He tells her that he has a feeling that something bad will happen to the baby. Ester comes in and says that if Alicides doesn't remember that the baby isn't his, Soledad should lie to him and say that it is because otherwise she may be putting her family in danger. Soledad accepts this weird rationale.
At the Hacienda, Hugo tells Boris and Marina that he has been thinking that maybe he was wrong about Soledad. The fact that she sold the Hacienda to Boris for so little money indicates that she is not mercenary and he finally recognizes that Ester may have had ulterior motives for telling Dr. Max that the baby was Alcides' and Ester has never liked him. He needs to go and ask Soledad directly about her relationship with Alcides.
He comes to visit Soledad and tells her that he doesn't really remember but he thinks that they were lovers before she got engaged to Hugo and that the baby is his. Soledad hesitates but finally confirms this story. The credits roll.
Tomorrow: Hugo says vengeance is mine (again).

Labels: la traicion

A blanket apology for past, present and future typos. It’s quite late when I post, and my brain is fried by then!

In Connie’s office, Damien is telling him how he wants to support him as always, and lookit what he brought him – a law proposal which he got through a connection. He doesn’t mention that that connection was a trash can. He says how it’s going to make Connie look like a guy with great ideas, and after all, the election is coming up. Connie says he’ll give it a look.

At the convent, it’s hijinks time as the Sor and Mili have the orphan in a little tub and are giving him a good scrubbing while he protests that they are torturing him. He pulls Mili down into the tub.

Outside a shopping center, Andrea in her red sports car is driving slowly next to Karla, who is walking. Andrea says she has a proposition to make and why doesn’t Karla get in and they can talk? Karla gets in smiling and caresses the nice interior appreciatively.

The Sor and Mili and the orphan are coming down the convent steps and Mili is telling him he’s going to get some great eats cooked up by the Sor. Here comes Alex looking for Mili, who rolls her eyes. Mili goes over to talk to him. The orphan wants to know who the blondie is – the Sor says it’s the young patron, and that they are in love, but are driving each other nuts.

Alex wants to talk, but Mili says leave me alone. The kid comes up and wants to know if this guy is bothering her, because he’ll beat him up if she wants. Alex asks who’s this puppy and the kid gives him a karate kick to the gut. Mili and the kid run off.

In Andrea’s car again - she is talking to Karla. Andrea says needs someone in the house to be her eyes and ears and she thought that could be Karla. Karla says not for free. Whatever you want, you get, says Andrea. You’re on says Karla, who gets on the job right away by telling about Mili and Hugo’s engagement and about the arrival of Pilar who wants to get Alex back. Andrea is impactada. Pilar is back in Mexico?

Connie in his office is pouring a couple of drinks for him and Damien. He really likes the law proposal! It could lead to great things, maybe mayor even one day. And he says he won’t forget that Damien is the one who opened that door for him. They toast.

Mili and the Sor and the orphan are still walking to the dining room. The kid says he’s glad that guy’s gone. Just then Alex drives up in his SUV and cuts them off. He jumps out and begs Mili to talk to him. The orphan threatens him, but Alex says please don’t put me in the hospital, I promise I won’t hurt your friend. The kid says okay and he and the Sor go on their way.

Mili asks what’s the big deal that you’re following me all day? Alex goes for broke: I’m sorry I didn’t believe you, you were right about Andrea, I acted like a jerk. Too late says Mili. If you can’t believe the person you say you supposedly love so much, it’s just not worth it.

Ad for the sombrero novella.

We’re at Pilar’s apartment. Andrea is at the door. I heard you came back from Barcelona, she says, and I guess you’ve heard everything they said about me. Yes, says Pilar. They smile real phony at each other. Come in, says Pilar. Andrea tells her that if she wants to get Alex, she’ll have to sharpen up her nails. I don’t have any, says Pilar, holding up an unmanicured hand. Plus I won’t be taking him from you since he already told you to go to hell.

Andrea takes her lightly by the throat. If you try to get him, you’ll be sorry. Pilar smiles I’m looking forward to comforting him after what you did to him - let go of me! Andrea lets go. And listen to me now – Pilar hisses, smiling, you are dead to Alex. And if you haven’t grasped that, it’s because you’re an idiot. Now leave. Andrea smiles, and vamps slowly out, a hand on one hip. Bye, corazon, says Pilar, and blows her a kiss. Andrea fake smiles. So much for any hopes we might have had that Pilar is a good-hearted girl.

Lucy is in her room overlooking the garden. Braulio comes in – you rang? You hate me don’t you, says Lucy because I’m occupying the position in this house you think your sister deserved. Well, it’s not my fault. Braulio pretends not to understand. Drop the pretense, says Luci. And now the granddaughter that Regina has been looking for is here in the house, that little conniver, and mixing in with my husband. And tell me, what was the point of your sister getting pregnant?

I must ask you not to insult my sister says Braulio. I don’t mean to insult anybody says Luci, I’m just stating the facts. I don’t blame you, says Braulio, it was Connie who decided to sell himself to be the father of a son who was not his. Well, I’m glad you don’t hate me says Luci, but you will. Because I’ve discovered the bastard child and now I’m going to destroy her.

Alex is still trying to persuade Mili. He says you are marrying Hugo just to hurt me. I love you. You did, says Mili, but that’s over. I won’t let you marry my cousin, says Alex, I love you! and he forces a kiss on her. Mostly she resists, then she kinda melts, then she resists again. What do you think you’re doing? she says, pushing him away. I’m engaged! I’m capable of anything to get you back says Alex. I’d carry you away, I’d shout “I love you!” Big deal, says Mili, and what about that hot kiss with Pilar? Oh that’s what it’s about, says Alex. You’re jealous! Pilar means nothing to me. Mili’s look says “yeah, right!”

Luci is still in unloading on Braulio. That’s confirmed my suspicions, she says. It must be the alcohol speaking says Braulio. I’m not drunk! Says Luci. Your behavior would suggest otherwise says Braulio. She slaps him. He is stony-faced. React! She screams. Quit pretending! I know she’s your niece and I’m going to destroy her. Slap! He doesn’t react. React! She slaps him again twice. This time he grabs her hand and says evenly, if you do anything to her, you will come to regret it. Finally you speak freely she says, that’s how I like it between you and me. I am here to serve you, says Braulio, but since we’re being honest, you should know I am capable of destroying the life of your son. Lucy says you do, and you’ll have to kill me first.

I have been loyal to this family for years, says Braulio, and I know a lot of secrets I have never told - don’t put me in a position where I have to tell them, for your own good, and for that of your children. He turns to leave then says, and don’t use the term “bastard” when talking about Milagros, or I’ll use it when talking about your son. If there is nothing else, I’ll go now.

Luci calls imploringly after him. Have some pity! Leave and take your niece – move away somewhere, far away from me. Money is no object, I’ll give you whatever you want.

Pity, tenderness, that means nothing to me scoffs Braulio. My niece will get what is rightfully hers, and your son , the true bastard, will discover that he has no right to either the inheritance of Regina or that of Constancio. With a rough, manly (!) gesture, he wipes a tear from his cheek. Con su permiso. Luci is left alone, stunned. She heads straight for the bed stand – no little flask this time, she grabs the bottle and chugs away.

Back to Mili and Alex. Pilar was my girlfriend, says Alex, and I think highly of her. But that was over a long time ago. I saw that big smooch, says Mili. Well, she took me by surprise, says Alex. That kiss meant nothing to me. Oh, I believe you says Mili because for you kisses mean nothing. But for others, they mean love, something you’ll never understand. She is starting to get tearful. Wait, he says, grabbing her arm. I told Pilar that we could be only friends, that I was completely in love – with you. She tries to run off. Wait, I want to know that you believe me, says Alex. I’m fed up, says Mili, fed up with all the lies. She runs off.

Connie is having a drink with Andrea in her apartment. We have to celebrate he says. I had a great day at the office. This super law proposal fell into my hands and it’s going to make me look like someone who is deeply concerned with the future of this country. You can read it if you like, but you won’t understand it. No, I won’t smiles Andrea. It’s something being right all the time like I am, says Connie. It’s a burden really, but I’ve gotten used to it.

I’ve sent it to the party head, says Connie. It’s going to make me a force to be reckoned with in the party. I’m sure, says Andrea. They toast and she goes up to kiss him.

Mili is in the kitchen with the gal pals, Horacio and Socorro. She is telling them about how the convent doesn’t have enough money to feed all the orphans. All feel bad about it, but Mili says she has an idea – a benefit dance! She figures the owners of the Rodeo will let them use the space for free. They decide to go ask after work.

It’s nighttime and Rorgan is letting Vale and Pilar out of the car – they’ve been at a show. Rorgan is a little flirty and Vale says don’t be fresh, especially not in front of my friends.

Mili and the gal pals are clearing up after dinner, talking about her engagement with Hugo. The gals think he’s handsome but Mili says who cares, all men are liars. Heavy warning music – here comes Luci, glass in hand. I want to talk to Milagros. She hands her glass to one of the pals and tells them to leave.

You know what you are – you are a pretender, a bastard, who wants to take what isn’t yours. Mili protests and Luci says you haven’t been given permission to speak. Mili starts yelling at her that she isn’t a mute servant and that she has the right to respond when she is insulted like that. Shut up says Luci. I won’t shut up says Mili. Luci starts calling her names, and meantime Pilar and Vale are walking up. Luci calls her pobrecita, and Mili says maybe I don’t have any money, but I’ve got something you haven’t and that’s a heart. Luci says don’t talk to my mother like that, you are so naco!

Pilar says don’t talk to her like that. Mili is right, everyone deserves respect. Don’t defend her says Vale, who takes her mother’s arm and goes off with her. Pilar remains. Thank you for being kind says Mili, this family thinks a servant is on the same level as a cockroach. But not me, says Pilar, I like you and I’m glad you’re going to marry Hugo. He’s had such a hard time since that accident.

Well, actually, I need to talk to you says Mili. Oh yes, says Pilar, taking her hand, let’s go out to the garden and have a chat.

Rorgan is down in the dumps. He’s in the kitchen with Horacio and Socorro. He says one day Vale is all sweetness and light, and other days… She just likes to make you suffer for love says Socorro. Rorgan says he needs a new approach. Horacio has an idea!

Alex comes into Bobby’s apartment and flops on the couch. Mili doesn’t believe me he wails. Bobby says time for the grand gesture. Everyone should know how you feel. I don’t care about everyone, just Mili. Okay, says Bobby I have an idea. I have a friend…

Pilar and Mili are sitting on a bench talking. Pilar offers to help organize the wedding, but Mili says Hugo’s taking care of all that. Pilar says you don’t look too enthusiastic – what’s happening? Everything, says Mili. Why are you being so nice to me? she wonders. My father is a doctor, says Pilar, and you know how he met my mother? She was a cleaning lady in the hospital. Mili is excited – and they married? Yes. And they’re still together? No, says Pilar, but they had many happy years. Then they stopped understanding one another. They split and my mother lives with her new husband in Barcelona. Oh, says Mili, their different social background finally broke them up? No, says Pilar, it was nothing like that – are you worried about that? I’m worried about everything, says Mili, I’m very confused. [I’m confused at this juncture too – Pilar is being very kind and it doesn’t seem phony.] Is it about Alex? Pilar asks. Are you in love with him? I have to know, says Mili, did he tell you that he is in love with me? Of course not, says Pilar, where did you get that? [Aha! I just got unconfused. Damn, she’s good.] Alex, says Mili. But Alex wouldn’t lie like that, says Pilar - he told me that he still loved me and wanted me at this side. I never stopped loving him, she says dreamily, and she wanders off leaving Mili a wreck. He’s a liar, says Mili to herself.

Connie and Andrea are making love – the phone rings. They don’t answer. It’s Luci, who miraculously knows the number of their love nest – ah, they’re together, she says.

We’re at the Rodeo, which is full as always, and Mili and Rorgan are talking to the manager. He says not here, this is a business, not a charity, but they sweet-talk him and say he’d look like a great guy, saving the convent. He is softening.

Luci is coming down the stairs, carrying her coat. Damien asks her where she’s going and she says out for a drink. He says why don’t you wait for Connie to come home? She says because he’s with his lover and I’m tired of being cooped up here. I’ve had a bit to drink, but I’m not drunk. She flounces off, Damien pops his eyebrows and Braulio watches from behind a pillar.

Bobby has been telling Alex about his plan. It’ll make me look ridiculous, says Alex. If you look ridiculous, says Bobby, she’ll really believe you. Okay, says Alex. Bobby says put this out and wait for her in the morning. She’ll be really surprised. I don’t doubt it says Alex. Good luck says Bobby. I’m going to need it says a doubtful Alex.

Luci is being seated alone in a nice restaurant. A piano is playing. She orders a whisky on the rocks which arrives in maybe 2 seconds. Closeup of the pianist’s hands. Holy cow, she’s going to sing! “They say time cures all” she starts up. But apparently they are wrong. The song mentions the icy heart of a lover. Slightly blurry in the background, a handsome fellow listens and nods. Pretty soon the waiter is listening and others in the background are listening too. And why not? She’s good and she’s really delivering up that song, seated alone at her table singing for herself. The song finishes and everyone applauds and she, slightly sloshed, applauds too, maybe not realizing they’re applauding her. The handsome fellow comes to her table and comes into focus. He says Luci? She is surprised and delighted. Nestor! she says.

Mili and the gal pals and Rorgan in the kitchen. They are back from the Rodeo – mission accomplished. Rorgan and the gal pals head off to bed but Mili stays for a glass of water. Vale walks in in her bathrobe. Are you going to start up again asks Mili? No, I just came for a glass of milk – what a horrible dress! Serve up the milk! Get it yourself says Mili. Until you marry Hugo, says Vale, you’re a servant here. I work for Regina, not for you, says Mili. Why are you that way with me? Because, says Vale, you and I are totally different. We’re not different says Mili. When I get a stomachache, it’s the same as yours, and when I have gas…. I don’t ever have gas! protests Vale. Mili laughs … sure. And when you go to the bathroom does it smell like roses? I’m happy, says Mili. Well, I’m not happy but it’s not because of money. Oh really says Vale, unbelieving.

Mili turns serious – have you ever had anyone say “I love you’? Well, they told me and it hurts right here – indicating her stomach. She is on the verge of tears. Vale looks serious, doesn’t have the heart for more insults and leaves without saying anything.

Luci and Nestor in the restaurant, laughing and talking. He says she is lovely – he loves her hair color. She laughs and he says he is glad to see that she’s still the happy girl from years before. She asks what he’s been up to all these years and he says work in England, Holland and just recently he’s come back to Mexico. He says the last time he saw her she was in Paris and in love with Frances. Francois she corrects. And I guess you married him, huh? A friend of mine said he saw you pregnant. Oops - the past has reared its ugly head and suddenly Luci isn’t laughing any more. She jumps up to leave. He says but they have so much to talk about, and he tries to persuade her to stay. But she says she really must get home. He gives her his card and says please call me. Adios she says and leaves. What happened in her life? he thoughtbubbles.

She returns to a darkened house and looks at the card. Braulio in a bathrobe turns on the light – can I get you anything? She rolls her eyes and heads up the stairs. Braulio turns off the light and returns to his room. A figure runs in – it’s Alex. He sneaky-runs up the stairs with something under his arm.

It’s a giant banner that he’s tying to the banister to be visible from the foyer. It says I LOVE YOU MILI and it’s signed “A.” Braulio lurks and sees. He goes to Hugo’s room, wakes him up and tells him to get some black paint and a brush.

Exterior shot to show us it’s morning. Mili is in the girl’s dorm just putting the finishing touches on her hair. Lina comes in all excited and drags her out to come see. Hugo is lounging on one of the couches in the foyer, waiting. He’s added to the sign so it is signed HUGO ARANGO, using Alex’s A. Mili sees it, is touched, and hugs Hugo. Alex comes down the stairs and says now what do you say? Then he sees the altered banner. It’s a lie! he shouts. No, says Hugo, I do love her and she’s going to be my wife. Alex punches Hugo, who lands on the floor. They stare at each other and … freeze frame.

Avances: Lina tells Mili that Alex is setting a trap for her and telling lies, but I didn’t quite understand what the trap is. Braulio tells Connie he better get a sombrero – to cover the horns. Luci has a lover!

Looks like Guapos is 2 hours tomorrow – check your listings

Labels: guapos

Kike is getting while the getting’ is good. Juan tries to cheer him that all marriages go through this, and underneath it all you love each other, but he says he’s had it and he just wants to go because she wants another joe. Squeaking noises as Juanito rubs Kike’s belly. Juan says not alone we are going too.

Back inside Yadi plays the victim and says well he wanted to go, so now I am being treated as if I were a big-footed spider (araña patuda). Nid and Mar in concert shake yes. Nid tells her Kike wanted you to beg him to stay, but you didn’t. Mar chimes in that it’s about time he left because he’s tolerated way too much and she hopes she doesn’t realize too late what she’s lost. Yadi recites a bunch of things that show she clearly doesn’t mind losing him. Nid tells her he’s not a loser, he’s a hard worker and a splendid papa. Yadi just doesn’t want him anymore.

In the car Kike bawls and Juan knows where to bring him. They show up at Anga’s telling him the red card has been pulled out and Kike has been ejected and needs a place to go.

Upstairs, Yadi tells Nid Mich they can go ahead by themselves without that useless guy.

Anga tells Kike that maybe now he will learn to not humiliate himself for a woman who doesn’t want him. Juan says it’s too much for now he just needs some peace. Juan tells Anga, that really, will he offer Kike political asylum? Anga thinks and says fine he can stay.

Jito tells Juan that when he grows up he doesn’t want a girlfriend or to get married. Juan says oh don’t worry when you grow up and the hormones start raging you’ll reel them in like slapping fish lined up for a banquet. Or something like that. He also tells Jito that everyone in love is beat up because men are like piñatas and love is the wacking stick. There are some pains but enjoyment too. He continues that as hard as he tries to resist love, he’ll see when some little young goat comes along and closes her eyes and blows him one (or blows up his manhood, not sure) he’s going to end up flat on his behind (knocked out by love’s punch essentially).

The next day, Juan is at the notario sealing CL’s fate and according to him maybe doing yet another crazy thing for love. Juan asks Moni if it would be good to go and tell CL now, and she tells him ooooh sorry, I’m off to the beach to live with my new hunk. You’ll have to tell him yourself. Juan is not sure he likes that.


Ivy comes in to tell Cl he has a call from Muñiz and Muñoz. He does not know who they are but he’s about to find out! The guy on the phone wants to set a meeting to discuss the dissolution with CL. He tells the guy not in his dreams. He hangs up. The phone rings and Ivy says it’s probably him again. Cl yells for her to get it and tell him to ask for meetings with his grandmother, because he’s not taking the call ever!

Delirio goes in to Nid who is brooding about the Yadi situation. He calls her his sweet honey syrup, Panal de Miel and offers her a Te de Gordolobo with cat’s claw but Nid can’t tolerate anything right now, least of all the cat’s claw. She’s upset about her girls. Nid says first Marely, and now Yadi is about to ruin her life. She says he should have told her right away, but he claims privilege. She tells him to give her a break with the client business crap, he should have told her. She whines that Yadi isn’t listening to reason at all.

Laura tells Moni how everything will work out fine. Moni has butterflies. Gus shows up to fetch her. Goodbyes, and musing over this being the first day of the rest of their life stuff ensues. Juan narrates that just as some go, some stay and as some are just leaving others come back, and as for some the doors to the past are closed, so the doors of the future are opened for others. Juan proudly walks up the steps at Farell, which I’ve never seen before actually….

Pau gets the news that her husband was less than helpful regarding the divorce negotiations. Pau tells Munoz she’ll take care of CL.

Perfan says if Nid can’t convince one side, try the other. He means Topete himself. She says she’ll never get him to listen to her. He instead is convincing Nid to send an emissary, himself, and she says if he can get Topete to withdraw moving in with Yadi she doesn’t know how she will repay him. He says her smile will be enough. Let’s see if that is the case.

Juan shows up at Farell and Ivy says he’s crazy, that CL is way out of sorts, he should not dare go in. Juan says either he’s announced or he’ll go in. Ivy announces him. CL thinks he has “big pants” for coming here, and calls him INFELIZ, MISERABLE. CL says he has no shame to come here and rub it in that he has taken his wife. Juan didn’t come to talk about Pau, but business.

CL cackles incessantly, that the swift sandal, GUARACHE VELOZ, greasy hick chauffer CHOFFER GRASIENTO Y NACO and mountain goat sucker CHUPACABRAS DEL MONTE came to talk to the jefe about business. Ha Ha. Juan admonishes him to sit. Cl even is surprised he uses tu. Juan thinks he should treat him with more respect, even offer him a drink as a socio. He finally lays it out. He says Mrs. Moni, whom I think you know well, has sold me her shares. All of them. I’m your socio. CL stops laughing. And Man I want to stop typing already I have been typing for 6 days straight on a project for work and I could really use voice recognition technology right about now. Oh well…
Commercials.

CL asks what this clown trick is. Juan says just what he said. He assures him that everything is on the up and up. CL curses Moni. Juan thinks it makes sense that she wants out to go live in another country without anything lingering. CL calls him an INFELIZ again and Juan tells him to watch his words talking to his socio.

Nid tells Yadi that every marriage has it’s problems and not to give up. Yadi mentions Nid’s marriage with her Dad, and that didn’t go so well, and she’s not about to end up the same way. She doesn’t want to be with that loser. Nid sings Kike's praises but Yadi is not swayed and she tells Nid she’ll give "the big stomach" away gladly to the first one who asks her. Oh and Nid doesn’t need to watch her daughter because she’s taking her to school.

This should be interesting. I had an event like this in school once. A lady came into class late, set down a tape recorder on a windowsill and turned around and walked right out again. The professor stopped class and went ballistic (very unprofessionally) and ran after her. When the professor learned the reason he calmed down and allowed the recorder to remain. Well, I was in front so I could see the exchange, and it turns out she had her baby with her because she had no one to watch it, but she didn’t want to come in with the child and didn’t want to miss the class, so I think she sat outside the whole time and collected the tape afterwards. Funny, anyway…

Ivy tells the lizards she can’t hear anything, screams, punches, nothing. They all speculate about what is happening. They wonder if maybe they are fighting or if CL is offering Juan money to leave the country. Fer chimes in that no way, Juan is not the kind of guy to be for sale.

Juan convinces CL as odd as it is that the former chauffer is now at your level, get used to it. CL asks what Juan expects to accomplish. He asks if Pau has something to do with this game. Juan says, no game, nor does she have anything to do with it, he makes his own decisions. CL asks why Moni didn’t tell him last night. Juan says you have to ask her if you can find her.


The lizards continue speculating, Julia thinks maybe they are reconciling not fighting. Pastor tries to break it down for everyone. Just then Pau shows up and wonders whose birthday it is. Mar tells her no birthday gathering, Juan is in Cl’s office. Pau rushes in. Looks like Marely is trying to copy her big sister lately. She’s rivaling the milkshake show these days. Pau seems to have cut hers down a little, surprisingly.


CL tells Pau what does she think about this, her little friend came to tell me he’s the new socio of Farrell. She wonders what kind of joke. Cl rambles on but she wants to hear it from Juan. Juan says it’s true he bought Moni’s shares. Pau is impactada. Juan says he has to go, and that he will talk to CL later, and bye Pau. Ice stare.

Pastor wants to know whats up and Juan spills nothing, he just came to say hello. Juan even quashes Marely. Fer follows him into the elevator. He gets outside and Fer can barely contain himself. He confirms Juan got it and gives Juan the biggest hug. Juan explains how impactado CL was, but that Pau was less than enthused, he’s not sure about her and wonders what’s going on up there.

Cl plays the victim and whines about what Moni did and she not only ended the marriage, but also the business. THE WORLD HAS BETRAYED ME. CL asks if she really didn’t know. She says of course, because if she did, he says, what, you would have stopped him, or came to told me? She stares blankly, cause duh, she probably wouldn’t have done anything, but she says maybe she would have. Cl tells her to leave. There’s nothing left to say and no sense in her being here. She says good bye and saunters off.

Perafan at lunch is painting Yadi out not to be so great. Topete is telling Perafan he wants his life with Yadi, but Delirio threatens to sever their association. Topete says, ha, no worries there, this would have happened anyway because of your lack of talent and ineptitude as a lawyer, so guess what, I don’t care, I only did it to be with Yadi, good riddance.

Anga is yelling at Heri whom he thinks is lazy. Juan shows up and backs him up and sends Heri off on a task. Anga asks how it went. Juan tells him how CL looked as if he was denied credit, etc. and then Pau showed up. He asks how Kike is, and then why Pastor isn’t living there anymore. Anga says he’s not sure he wants Pastor’s “style of living” in his own home and at this age it’s hard for him to change his way of thinking.

Cl is telling of the bombshell to Pastor, that the ORANGATAN is now half owner of this business!! Pastor throws back CL’s whiskey!!

Back at Anga’s Juan is telling Anga to have patiene with Pastor because he’s his only relative and he should accept him, they are arguing about this when Pau shows up. More ice stares.

At school, the only one behaving like an adult is the baby. I sure hope they pay her well. Marga tells Yadi this is not a preschool and she has to choose between school and motherhood, that there is no way to do both, etc. Yadi calls her professora Amarga instead of Marga (meaning bitter). Yadi outside of the classroom runs into Topete, and hands him the baby because she has something unfinished to do. Uh oh.

Pau yells at Juan for hiding things from her and going behind her back to stick it to CL. He swears Moni made him promise not to say anything, and this is a business and he didn’t do it to stick it to CL, rather it’s a good business deal. He wonders why she’s so ticked anyway, because he is hurting CL????


And there we leave it. Whew.

Labels: Juan

Update: If you're pressed for time, I've highlighted the most important stuff in blue. I'm not sure if that's really going to help or not, but I thought it was worth a shot.

That was just one of the many titles I considered this evening. Runners-up included:

• Dude, Where's My Chi?
• Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead
• In Which Ric Is Stabbed in the Pocket-Watch
• Golpes Aplenty

Yet again, I tried to be brief, but I couldn't help myself; this episode was bigger on the inside than it was on the outside.

In the junk room, Camila writes a tearful farewell to her father:

Dear Father,

I know you're not going to approve of what I'm about to do, and it hurts me deeply to cause you this kind of pain, but recall all that happened to me, and later the great sadness I felt when I returned and found out that Santiago had married my sister.

And then suddenly, a man came into my life. I will never stop thanking God for having sent him to me. I know you don't think so, but Ricardo is good, noble, and generous, and I love him.

I adore him; I need him; and if I lose him, I will be wretched until my dying day. Please understand me, and forgive me.

Ric is telling Ascanio, Jimena, Mario, and la Paisana that he doesn't believe all that Lis told him, but Alberto openly accused him of being a pirate, and then Jorge tried to downplay that against Ric's allegations of Jorge's dealings with Foreman. (Eh, something like that.) Ric says Jorge hasn't forgotten who Ric's godfather is. (Paisana is very impressed when he reveals that his godfather has friends not only in the court of Spain, but in Rome as well.)

Jimena wants to know what Ric's going to do. He says they'll get Camila and Lisabeta out of there. Jimena is in favor of leaving Lis behind, but Ric says if he wants Camila, he needs to take Lis too. He feels sorry for her, feels some responsibility for her and the crummy life she's had, which may have contributed to her poor character. They'll take the boat to La Iguana and figure out what's next. Pablo will be with them, so Paisana wants to come along too. She doesn't care about that dump she was running before - she'll take her money and go.

Ric says Jimena is welcome to stay with them too. Smiling at Mario, she agrees.

Ascanio doubts that Camila will like living with Lis. Ric says Lis has her money now and can go wherever she wants. Probably back to La Mariana.

Ric asks Ascanio to deliver a letter to Justo. He and Mario take off for an impromptu rescue of Cami and Lis; they'll meet at the house afterwards. He tells Paisana to hurry and get her things too - Paisana wants her wagon, her money, and to say goodbye to Chino.

Jimena hurries to pack, but asks Ascanio to stick around to say goodbye. Paisana takes advantage of this moment alone with Ascanio to recruit him as a pirate; he declines, and she's not offended. She asks if he knows Pablo; he doesn't. She wishes him luck and leaves.

Lafont runs into Santi on his way to the palacio. Santi tells Lafont he doesn't know why Jorge has summoned him. He continues to walk ahead of Lafont, not waiting for the older man to catch up.

At the palacio, there's a meeting of the Dandy Highwaymen - what's left of them, with Lafont psychotically smitten and Gonzalo dead. Jorge is trying to reassure Uriel about the legal paperwork regarding the black market goods he's to sell. Then Jorge asks el Chino about the acupuncturist; Chino says he found one in Veracruz. Jorge explains to Uriel that the healer will be for Santiago, and yes he does plan to recognize Santi as his son. Mateo is worried that Santi will find out what they're up to. Jorge says that if they're careful, he won't find out anything. (Famous last words!)

Chino says the healer can come over tomorrow; he left him at the inn because he didn't think it would be wise to bring him over right away. Uriel remarks that Chino is so intelligent that he finds it hard to believe that he's a pirate. Chino diplomatically answers that within the brotherhood of pirates, they have their own noblemen. Uriel asks if he's one of them. Chino says he didn't come here to talk about his life.

Santi and Lafont show up. Lafont asks how the baptism party was; Santi says there was no party, just some simple food because the family wasn't in the mood for a party. Jorge introduces el Chino by his proper name - Yosihei - and correctly explains that he's from "the island of Japan." Santiago apologizes that he hasn't heard of the place. Yosi graciously explains that most people don't know much about his folk.

Jorge says that the Japanese have a method of curing infirmities like Santiago's with needles. "Witchcraft?" Santi asks. Yosi chuckles and tells him about restoring the balance of the body's energy by inserting needles to open the channels and let the energy flow... something like that. Lafont asks if the needles don't hurt; Yosi says no, they're very thin.

Tia Fran is still banging on Lisa's door, saying if Lis doesn't open up, she'll ask a guard to bust it down. Lis answers in a pathetic, sickly voice that she's coming; however, when she opens the door Fran immediately takes note of the packed trunks and Lis's light traveling cloak.

F: Where are you going?
L: With Ricardo!
F: Where?
L: I don't know, wherever.
F: Have you lost your mind? What about Don Alberto?
L: I always told you I wasn't going to marry him.
F: You got engaged, you signed the contract.
L: I did that to buy time, but if he doesn't find me, he can't make me follow through.
F: ...THAT was your plan??

Fran wants to know what's supposed to happen to her. (Clothilde is listening at the door again. I am cracking up laughing because it appears that she really did stop at the concession stand this time - she doesn't have popcorn, but it's something small like peanuts or Raisinets!) Lis says she was going to leave her behind, but she'd have the house and some money.

Fran insists again that Lis has lost her mind and warns that Ric never has and never will love her. And what about Camila? Lis says they made a deal. (By the way Clothilde's working at her snack, it might be pistachios or something that needs to be cracked with the front teeth.) Fran seems very, very worried that Lis is literally crazy and begs her to "think" (in a getting-your-head-together kind of way). Lis scoffs.

Ric and co. are now on the trail with a couple of wagons and a small group of men. Mario says they should have a larger escort, but Ric doesn't want to arouse suspicion. Auntie and Lis will travel in one wagon, Cami and Jimena in the other - Paisana has her own, but if she doesn't use that she can ride with Cami. They'll take a back road so as not to have to cross the plaza.

Cloaked in black, Fran fearfully rings the bell at Lafont's house, but she's told he's not home.

Cami gives the pen, ink, and letter to Candida and asks her to deliver them in the morning. Candi says Lis and Fran had a big row earlier. She (I didn't see her!) and Clothilde were standing outside the room and heard the whole thing, but didn't understand it.

Santi is telling this large group of men at Jorge's house that he's not sure he wants to be healed. The wound reminds him of something he wants to remember. Yosi says the wounds we don't want to forget, we can keep in our hearts. The wounds on our bodies just get in the way.

Lafont has been looking bored through this whole conversation, but springs to his feet as Fran bursts in yammering about Lisabeta planning to run away with Ric. She's not sure what she said to convince him. Camila also had a long talk with him. The men all get up to hurry to the womens' house; Yosi tells Fran to stay behind because there are places where women shouldn't go. She begs them not to let Lis go.

Lafont rounds up some guards and tells them get ready for the pirates.

There's a guard at Camila's old house when Ric & Co. roll up. He is easily dismissed with a punch in the nose. I guess these "guards" are only effective when there's a bunch of them vs. one skinny woman who's already tied up, or one shackled man and a handful of malnourished prisoners. Ric tells Mario to go for Lis; he'll go for Cami himself. He reminds Mario not to tell Lis they're picking up Cami too.

Clothilde answers the door and is terrorstruck at the sight of Ric. He tells her that Lis and Cami are going with him, and she's not to scream, do anything, or try to leave.

Ric finds Cami in the junk room, and she tells him she wrote the letter to be delivered tomorrow. Cami takes the watch Ric gave her last night, and they sneak out together.

Mario tells Lis that Ric's waiting outside. He is aghast at all the trunks she's packed; she says she needs all of them. Auntie will not be joining them. She refuses to let Mario touch her to guide her out of the room and says she'll do it herself; she demands that he fetch her doll for her. He says, "if you can do that yourself, go for it." She begins groping around.

Ric and Cami reach the coach. Lis and Mario are not far behind. Clothilde asks Lis what will happen to her and Candi. Lis says Fran will take care of them. Then, Clothilde tells her that Ric just left with Camila! Mario looks ready to bitch-slap her all the way back to the Juan Querendón time slot, but he controls himself. Lis starts howling for Ric - why is he taking that tramp with them too? "I never said I wouldn't bring her," he says.

Lis screams for the guards. The town crier starts blasting away on a really cheap whistle; Mario chases him away. Ric scolds Lis, reminding her that she wanted to leave to avoid having to marry Lafont. "That was before I knew she was coming with us!" He tells her that Camila is his woman. "Let go of me," Lis pulls away in disgust. He asks if she's coming with them or not. She says sure, if Camila stays behind. "For the last time, she's not staying - are you coming or not?"

Mario warns that the guards are on their way. Pablo jumps onto one the guards from behind, causing the guard to fire his gun by mistake; another guard is hit by the shot. A full-blown battle erupts. At first, it appears that the pirates are getting the better of these poorly-trained men, but when the party from Jorge's house finally shows up, one of the guards makes a lucky shot, hitting Ric.

Camila tries to cover his body with her own; her cloak falls across him. The guard pushes her aside and stabs Ric, but the watch in her cloak gets in the way; it saves Ric from a lethal stabbing. Camila thinks he's been speared, though, and not spared; she screams disconsolately.

Santi rides in, yelling "Enough!" Yosi sees Ric on the ground and draws his sword. While Mario and friends tend to Ric, Yosi and the captain of the guard square off.

From the determined look in the captain's eyes, it seems as though there will be a real fight. Instead, Yosi defeats the guard captain with two simple moves, parrying the guard's limply held sword and slitting his throat. The kill is so effortless that even Yosi seems shocked when the man crumples to the ground. (I will skip a graphic description of the wound and accompanying sound effects.)

Lafont immediately calls for them to recover Ric's corpse. (Nobody cares about the dead guard, I guess.) Cami tells him he's not dead yet - they need a doctor. In that case, Lafont wants to send him to jail where he can die instead. He's more hysterical than Camila is at this point. She attacks him, calling him a wretch, but since he's up on a horse it's not as though she can hurt him. Nevertheless, he draws his sword against her. Santiago tells him not to dare! Camila begs Santi to take pity and not let them take Ric away. Lafont screams that he deserves the gallows.

Camila continues to beg Santi on her knees. With a seemingly detached air, Jorge asks Santiago, "What do you say?" Cami tries to appeal to Santi's Christian compassion. "You decide," Jorge prompts him.

"Let his men take him," Santiago finally says. "LISTEN TO MY SON," Jorge adds. "Gather up your wounded and get out of here before I change my mind. Leave town tonight and don't come back," he orders.

The pirates lift Ric into a carriage. Camila gets up to follow. Santi pulls her back. She says she wants to say goodbye. He won't let her. Jorge smirks to himself triumphantly. Never mind all that blood on the ground and the dead guard-captain; Jorge finally has a son to go to baseball games with!

One of Jorge's men says to another, "Gonzalo was right - that guy's a pirate."

Jorge congratulates Santi on his good decisions and notes that he's covered with blood. Yosi apologizes for killing Jorge's best guard; Jorge says "let's just call it an unfortunate accident." Yosi leaves gratefully. Santi asks Jorge if Yohi is one of the pirates. Jorge says it's some Oriental religious thing. He tells Santi to come back tomorrow so they can talk some more.

After Santi leaves, Mateo again expresses concern that Santi will not approve of their dealings with the pirates. Jorge says that's exactly why he doesn't need to find out. Or (with a tiny edge of menace in Jorge's voice) hear about it from someone else. Because he's his son.

Mateo and Uriel decide to go to the pub and listen to the gossip. People will be talking about how Justo's daughter married a pirate.

Lafont is screaming at Lisabeta. Apparently, she has told him that Ric was stealing her away. He says that's not what Fran told him - that she left with him on her own. Lis is crying and claiming that Fran was too flustered to explain herself properly. Lis SWEARS that Ric forced her to go, as a way to sneak Camila out!

Enraged, Lafont yells at her for going along with it; she could have told him, the maid, or anyone. She says she was too afraid. She asks him to stop hounding her!

She asks him what happened to Ricardo. He tells her that he died, and Jorge let Ric's people take his body away. She sobs loudly. With a calculating grin, he swoops in and asks, "he was your cousin, right? Ricardo Salamanca?" All she can manage is a confusing head-shake (it looks like a yes, or maybe a no) and a series of squeaks, "dead, dead, dead." He tells her she should go to bed, and he'll come back tomorrow. As for Camila, the guards left her there, under guard.

He leaves the room in a cheerful mood. Lis continues to squeak, "dead, dead, dead, dead..."

Clothilde is sounding pretty squeaky herself when she meets Fran at the door. Lafont tells her to get fix Lis a cup of Sleepytime (well, linden, aka tilia) tea. Fran tells Lafont that Jorge told her all about it. He barks at her and tells her to calm down and let Lis rest.

Fran meets with Lis in the living room and Lis says it's Fran's fault that Ric is dead. She tries to smite Fran with her cane, but she totally misses. "It was your fault!" She falls to her knees crying.

Camila is crying on her knees too, but in prayer; begging that Ric's life will be spared. She begins praying in Latin; but before long, she's curled up on the junkroom floor, "he can't die, he can't die, he can't die."

At Ric's house, some of the guys wait outside, sharing a bottle and waiting quietly for good news from the house, or trouble from the road. Pablo seems to have broken some ribs. Inside, Yosi's friend the healer works on Ric. He thinks the wounds are blocking Ric's chi, making it more difficult to balance his energy and heal him properly, etc. A bullet wound is bad enough, he says, but a shot to the gut is worse. (Ric's abdomen is already bandaged, and the healer seems to be applying a poultice to a lesser wound on Ric's chest.) Also, in order to save one, sometimes another must die. (Sorry, I don't know what that's in reference to.) Ric is at least semi-conscious and wincing.

Santiago has arrived home and is telling Ofelia about the battle. She is appalled by the cruelty. He says he's seen barbaric behavior before, but can't get used to it. Camila was desperate; he felt sorry for her, and for Ric's people, and for Ricardo; but he also felt that they were reaping what they had sown.

Ofelia asks what he's going to do about Jorge. He says he knows she's not going to like this, but Jorge's been pretty good to him. He's going to go for it. For better or for worse, they share the same blood. He'd like nothing more than to put it to good use.

"A wolf can change his hide, but not his evil nature," Ofelia tells him. "Miracles can happen, Mother." "As you wish," she says unhappily. He says he appreciates her support. She says he's the light in her eyes; but she's afraid he'll lose his way. He's had so many problems... he says she's had them too, with him. She says that's different. He's so young. He could get dazzled. (Or Bedazzled... remember that guy with the jacket in Mundo de Fieras?)

"That won't happen, Mom - I assure you."

Camila and Paisana are waiting at the weird-shaped table in the salon when Yosi comes out to tell them that the healer has done what he could. The rest is a question of time. Mario hopes this means they can go; Jimena says they mustn't move Ric yet. Mario is adamant that they need to leave immediately; Yosi agrees. Paisana is already looking for her coat and her Luckies, but Jimena won't leave. Mario asks her again. She says she can't leave Camila behind. "Sorry," she tells Mario, who looks crushed. Paisana wishes her good luck and good fortune; Jimena deserves it for being such a good friend.

Yosi confirms that they're going to La Iguana; he'll send someone with any news. He goes to look in on the healer.

Mario and Jimena are alone at last.

M: I'll miss you. A lot.
J: Me too. But write me about Ric.
M: I don't know how to write.
J: (tearful chuckle) I don't know how to read!
M: That's fine, I'll send someone... I'm not good at these conversations, nor at romance. But if life allows us to meet again, I would like to...
J: Make me your wife? Or your beloved?
M: Whatever you choose... Siren...
J: (Tugging at his beard to bring his face closer) I'll wait for that reunion with my Little Shark.
M: Me too.

A kiss. Not a big one.
He crosses the room and looks at her.
She lets out a big sob.
They are in each others' arms.
Then the kissing stops, and he hurries out. This time he doesn't dare look back. She kisses the skull ring and cries.

A moment later, it's morning at La Iguana. Mario rounds up some men to load up the boat. They're all goin' for a ride!

Back in San Fernando, Fortunata approaches the palacio, followed by a group of curious women. She motions at them to be silent, and goes inside.

I thought she was supposed to be on a fact-finding mission to discover whether Ric is alive or dead, but instead it appears that Sofia and Ursula are hearing of last night's battle for the first time. Fortunata tells them the word on the street is that Ric was a pirate, and his name wasn't Lopez de Carvajal; it was Salamanca, just like Don Diego (Gonzalo, I presume) told them.

Ursula is excited when she realizes that Camila wasn't legally married. Sofia tells them it's no good to dwell on what might just be malicious gossip. She asks where Cami is.

Santi knocks on the door of Frank/Lis/Cami's house (which really needs a name; maybe we should call it the Convent). Inside, Lis is still crying "it's your fault he's dead," but now she's directing it at Camila instead of Fran. Cami tells Lis that he was still breathing when they took him away, Lafont lied to Lis, and Cami doesn't care. It happened because LIS was the one who started screaming and drew all that attention to them.

L: Because I assumed he wasn't bringing you with us!
C: Why not, if he loves me?
L: Men don't love their whores!
C: Married or not, I am his woman.
(Lis strikes Cami with her cane; Cami wrestles it away from her.)
C: Don't tempt me. Don't think that because you're blind, I'll let you hit me.
L: (Struggling to her feet and softening her voice) Pardon, Camila. Give me my cane! Without it, I feel lost!
(Camila gives Lis her cane)

Lis calls for Clothilde. Clothilde is there to announce Santiago's arrival anyway. Cami asks if he has news of Ricardo. Lis tells Cami that she'll always be her servant, until the day she finds herself in the arms of her creator. Cami says that's fine with her, because she'll make Lis's life impossible. Or she could send her to jail - Cami would prefer that even more.

Jimena is at Justo's, describing what she knows of last night's battle, per Mario. She's still crying. She doesn't know if they'll be able to save him. "Well, where'd they go?" Ines asks. Jim looks at Ascanio; he shakes his head in warning. "I don't know," Jimena answers. Ascanio asks about Santi. According to Mario, Jimena says, he showed up with Jorge and allowed Ric's men to take him away. Lafont had wanted to send him to jail to die instead.

Justo asks about Camila. Jimena says she's not sure, but thinks she probably went back to that damn blind woman. Mario said it was all her fault, because when she found out Camila was leaving with them, she started screaming like crazy and the guards came.

Lis is dabbing at her dainty cruel face with a hankie as Santi apologizes for potentially bad timing and offers to come back some other day. She invites him to sit down. He says he just spoke to the judge, Eustaquio, who told him that Ricardo paid off Cami's debt yesterday. All that's left is for Lis to hand over Cami's papers so she can be freed; how much money does she want?

Lis stands and says sorry, she's not going to sell her. No money can pay for what Camila did to her. "I thought you were a compassionate woman," Santi says. "I am, but some things can't be forgiven." Santiago wants to know what Camila did to her. Lis gives the usual story about Camila being a tramp, seducing first Lis's father, then Ricardo.

In almost any other telenovela, Santiago would believe this. Fortunately, this is Pasión, so he shoots the story down. He says he knows Cami better than Lis does, and she's had some bad luck. Lis says she doesn't want to hear about Cami's problems because she's got her own.

He tries again to talk her into letting Cami go, but Lis won't change her mind. Santiago is shocked by her spitefulness. Lis insists that Cami deserves it. He tells her she should become closer to God. She says God abandoned her when she went blind.

Santi is done with this conversation. He finds Candida sweeping the ground outside. (I'm sure there's some manner in which sweeping dirt is a worthwhile pursuit, but I don't know of it. Maybe there's a compacted layer of dirt underneath the loose dirt on top?) She tells him Camila asked if he had any news about Ric. He answers, "No. Tell her... uh, no, nothing." Candi relays this non-information, including the unfinished message, to Camila, and also doesn't know why he came to visit. She gives back Camila's letter that she wrote last night.

Camila tells herself that Alberto must have been lying about Ric's death. He was there when they took Ric away, still alive.

Later, Ascanio is at the mill with Jimena and Vasco, trying to decide whether or not he should deliver the letter that Ric had given him to give to Justo. In light of how their plans have fallen through, it's not clear whether or not Justo should still read it. Since they don't know what's in the letter, they think it might be best to get it to Camila and let her decide what to do.

Vasco asks Jimena if she's going to stay at Ric's place. She says the rent is paid through the next two months, but she'll need to get a job, and it's tough that she can't see Camila.

Ines is venting to Justo about the situation as they stroll through the plaza, when they encounter the judge. He says he's very sorry about what's happened. "Everyone in the world knows," he tells them. "They know what?" Justo asks. "That your daughter wasn't really married to that man, and that he was a pirate."

"But she didn't know that - he tricked her!"

"Well, in any case I think he was a gentleman, because yesterday, an employee of his came by to pay off his debt." Eustaquio explains that at this point, they can now buy her freedom.

Santiago is at church, waiting for the padre.

Ines is delighted with Ric. Justo says he's "confused." They hurry to the Convent and ask to see Lis. Clothilde says Lis isn't accepting visitors, and nearly slams the door in their faces. Justo gets in the doorway and states his business: he's here to buy Cami's freedom. Clothilde tells them to wait and she'll ask. She bustles away.

A moment later, Camila comes out with some laundry. They have a happy reunion, and Ines lets her know that Jimena said they left with Ric alive. Cami is skeptical that Lis will let them buy her freedom, however.

Clothilde returns and says Lis is "indisposed," but left a message that she has no intention of selling her servant. And they're not allowed to speak with "la señora" because...

Ines is on top of Clothilde, screaming that that damn blind woman can go to hell. The whole world will find out what a harpy she is! Justo and Camila pry her off the maid and share a group hug. (Clothilde's fluttery hands are momentarily unable to flutter.)

On La Salamandra, Mario and Pablo check up on Ric, who is moaning on and off and not looking better at all. Paisana has been doing her best to take care of him, but she doesn't know which of the healer's herbs are which. (Remember, he was in SF for Jorge and Santiago, so he couldn't go along with them on their trip.) Mario decides to take a stab at preparing a new poultice.

They compare notes; none of them even knew this healer guy except through Yosi/Chino. They hope he's good. They remember he said that Ric would be like this for a couple of days, after which it would be in God's hands.

Paisana asks Mario about his love for Ric. Mario says "We all love our captain. All of us!"

Ines and Justo are on their way back from the Convent. Ines says her brother should talk to Jorge and fix this up, but he won't, because he's too full of himself. She was agreeing with him before that he shouldn't have anything to do with Jorge, but now it's the only way to help Camila.

Back to the boat. Ric's fever is not subsiding, and he's starting to ask for Camila. He wants to get out of bed and find her. They struggle to keep him down; he admits to being woozy. They tell him he's lost some blood. He thinks there are leeches and asks them to take them off. He doesn't believe them when they say there are no leeches. He becomes more agitated, until Mario has to punch him out to subdue him! Paisana says they need to get some cold water to bring down the fever.

---

Jueves
With Ric safely out of town, Lafont sheds the nice-guy act with Lis. He doesn't buy her story about Ric kidnapping her. They're getting married soon. He expects her to be obedient; she can be good, or he can be bad. And the first thing is that she's going to have to sell Camila to Jorge!

Labels: Pasion