Caray, Caray!

Well as if, anyone really thought Mili would marry Hugo. What a convoluted episode. Okay I am just going to dive in cause I gotta hurry and get back to work on work stuff.

Anyhow we see the church and Luci in her black clothes of mourning, Al is on the plane with Pilar who exits to the restroom. We see Al pull out the recorder which has Hugo confessing that Mili has no idea of his compliance in the fake dead fetus staircase nonsense. We don’t hear it, but one can indeed guess where this is going.

Rocky & Gardener guy are waiting to drive Mili to the church. She comes down and she does look good, I personally feel her hair would have looked better up, but hey if that was my only complaint.
Gardener is wearing a black suit with his shirt tails out and tennis shoes. I don’t know why.

Now some chit chat with snarky Luci and the Padre. The Padre is overwhelmed that his lil Mili is getting married, Luci is all nasty with the servant slams.

Pilar has returned from the bathroom….Egads Al is gone, she tries to get them to stop the plane, as she tells her tale of woe, two extremely bored flight attendants say the plane is moving and you are SOL, Pilar whines some more and the Stews thought bubble that they wish they could have gotten off the plane.

The car pulls up and someone jumps in and drives off with Mili in the car. Gardener Guy does not chase the car, so he was wearing tennis shoes for why? Anyway mucho gritoing and wringing of hands, people run out of the church; Hugo is muy impacted..he will soon be much more muy impacted, but at this point he steals a motorcycle from some poor kid, who is yet another victim of this chaos called a script.

Rocky and Gardener Guy try to stop him; but of course to no avail. Now Andrea and Carla, (ah who knew they’d be serving Ho-Ho’s at the Wedding) sorry…, anyway the girls take off in Andrea’s hot lil red sportscar. Shoutout to Consti’s taste in sock-knocking presents. The chiclets are in hawt pursuit of, well I’m not sure, but it is bound to be more fun than the wedding.

Whomever is driving the car…(Yeh, I am building suspense, I don’t want to give it away), is wearing a convenient ski mask and sun glasses, I am sure the mask is available on any street corner in Mexico City, being that it is quite snowy in Mexico City. Always the little firecracker, Mili while screaming non stop jerks the mask off. OMG, as the blonde curls tumble out, at last we see who the kidnapper is….it is Al.

I must pause here for a moment…Sorry, I was overcome remembering the emotion of the moment.

Now, the screaming continues, Mili is furious, Al is screaming back that he has saved her from a fate worse than death; marrying his BSC cuz.

In a true Wiley E. Coyote moment BSC Hugo lies smashed on the pavement, I’m not sure, but I think in a fit of trying to recapture his bride, he rode into an open door. Maybe the guy ran into him, anyway the bike is in pieces (ha ha ha with the tell tale oft use useless bent wheel spinning aimlessly) Hugo lies on the pavement as Andrea and Karla run up. Hugo is bleeding and at least Karla has the decency to appear concerned. Andrea is like, stay with bloody boy, I’m off in hawt pursuit of the bride snatcher. Yes, Andrea did betray her poor upbringing with her behavior. Hugo doesn’t look like he is long for this world.

Now we go back to Al and Mili fighting in the car, you can tell by the background circus music this is supposed to be a light moment after the Hugo paving the pavement. Mili is in the backseat and choking him while he drives. Seriously I have seen the streets of Mexico City…No freaking way. First there is a stop light at every corner and the traffic is always thick, but for the sake of the story let’s just pretend this could actually happen. The choking fighting and screaming continues Mili ends up getting pulled up into the front seat and the hilarity continues.

Meanwhile back at the church, Luci laments all their weddings turn out bad, referring to the prior escapades of Val and married guy. Damien wants to call the cops, but Luci doesn’t want the scandal over a servant. Then realizing they weren’t yet married, Luci cheers up, that way it won’t reflect badly on the family.
Back to the young lovers:
Either Scotty beamed the Car of Kidnapping to a lovely spot by a flowing river, or we are just supposed to assume you can speed out of Mexico City and be out in the country in a matter of moments. Anyhow, it is quite a pastoral scene and guess what there is a shack too. Mili demands he take her back and Al thows the keys off into somewhere, I am sure they will never be found. Good times

Meanwhile, no one has called the police, no one, not the servants, not the family, not the ever helpful Padre. The only thing I can come up with for this really strange inconsistencies is the Mexican version of “Miss Smith’s 8th Grade English class” is writing the scripts.

Luci plays the whole thing off, Gloves is upset, but Luci backs him down. Val seems to think this is all a bit strange, but suddenly she remembers it isn’t about her and her thoughts flit elsewhere. Val laughs that Pa is gonna be P.O’d when he finds out the coche has been stolen. Luci says he’ll buy another…they laugh.

Al ties Mili up at the cabin, she won’t shut the hell up. He gags her, he just wants her to listen to him. Oh he loves her so much and so on. He tells her how much he loves her and then seeing she has calmed down, he ungags her. Oh Al will you never learn? She asks him to untie her and he does. She stands up and looks all seductive and motions him over to the bed, with the universal come hither eye movement. Oh crap did I forget to mention our lil cabin of dreams has a rustic quilt covered bed? Nothing says hawt sex in the country like a ready waiting quilt covered double bed with one corner coyly turned down. Well Al, thinks he is gonna get awesome lucky, he ventures over and Mili she gives him the eye and BLAM she gives him a right to the side of the head, she runs out and Al is rendered even more ineffective than normal writhing on the bed, but so not in a good way.

Damien picks up Consti from the airport. Good, something else to make this more bearable, Consti is wearing a very nice leather jacket. Really I am reduced to rolling over for these little bones.
Damien starts filling Consti in on how Luci has taken over the company, she is the President and she is living large in Consti’s office. This leads to a classic “No Puede Ser” Cesar Evora look. Damien never mentions the wedding debacle.

At some point we are beamed to “Cruz Rojo”, where Karla is awaiting news regarding Hugo. A doctor comes out and tells her; Hugo has regained consciousness. Karla says that is good, but the doctor says wait there is more..isn’t there always? Hugo has lost his memory. Karla gets a cha ching look on her face.

Now then back at the Mansion, Consti arrives, Granny is wringing her hands cause oh yeah, Mili is missing, the good Padre, Father Ineffectual is pacing the floor. Consti comes in all upset over Luci duping him out of the company. Granny tries to tell him about Mili, but he doesn’t have time for servant nonsense.
The Padre forces Consti to speak with him. Much in the spirit of the Pope, Consti grants the Padre a brief audience in his study. ---Question---where do those steps in Consti’s office go? Anyway Padre Ineffectual tells Consti that his daughter was kidnapped, of course Consti thinks Val has been napped again. No it is MiliGol. “Who?” Once again the Padre must explain, your secret Bastard kid. It ends up with are you concerned about your kid or about how much you might have to pay to get her back? Consti doesn’t answer. Thank you Consti, like when an angel gets its wings, an anvil just fell and a demon was allowed to get its trident. AssHat.

Now Mili is sitting outside the shack of dreams, cue the chirping birds and unscrew the top off jar of butterflies. Now in a totally awesome moment we see Mili has scrounged some seriously oversized clothes and she is having yet another one of her one-on-one’s with either, the Father, the Son or the Holy Ghost. She laments her life, is she supposed to always be by herself. Geez Ellie Mae, it is okay to be eighteen and not married. Anyway keeping in form with trying the encourage Mili to think for herself, the Holy Trinity remain silent. Al creeps up on her. Mores screaming, arguing and so on. Wouldn’t you think Mili would find the creeping part enduring as she was going to marry Hugo?

Const, goes into the bedroom to meet his Stepford wife, version two, the Espanol model. Luci is now talking like a sit com wife. Ricky sorry I mean Consti, tells Lucy she is never going to be in the show. Oh my love, she does the vacant valley thing.. finally it comes down to she knows he and Damien committed fraud and he has two choice, STFU and pursue his political career, leaving screwing the company up to her or he and brother dearest can do time in jail. Consti, says “Hey Beeotch, I’ll take Al with me”. “Not so, my soap picking up beloved, Al has left the country”. Muy Impacto…Luci says she doesn’t know where he has gone nor does she know he know when he will return. She does all this without blinking, in a valley voice and Consti is forced to twirl his figurative moustache and say “Curses Foiled Again”

Pilar calls Val and tells her that Al jumped ship, Que the Hell!

My advise to Luci, order several cases of booze cause, that little albatross bastard you’ve carried around your neck for years….He’s Baaaacccckkkkk

Al and Mili have gone back into the cabin of promises, Al calls Granny and tells her…Shhhhh don’t say a word, but Mili is fine. Granny glows like a Christmas tree. She won’t tell Gloves the details, but Mili is okay.

Meanwhile, Karla goes into to Hugo’s room, he is wearing one of those neck stabilizers. He opens his eyes and she says your name is Hugo Whatever and I am you girlfriend Karla. Considering the way no one communicates any information to anyone else at the big house, this could possibly be a brilliant plan. I say you go girl.

Okay that is about all I can say…
Feel free to fill in.

Looks like tomorrow we see the tried and true TeleNovela plot of the Star Crossed lovers only wish they could remain in the Paradise of Quilt filled Cabins.

Consti gets a nine tonight for not caring that his kid has been abducted and just being a Prick in general..it would have been a 9.5, but he had me at leather jacket.

Labels: guapos

In tonight's episode, we continue to align the characters for the next phase of the story.

Hugo asks if Soledad is sure that she wants to come back to live with him. She says yes. Her daughter couldn't be in a more secure place. Hugo is happy that Soledad believes that. Eloisa says such precautions are not necessary; her fiancé Arturo has promised not to harm any of them. Soledad wants to discuss the conditions of her living there with Hugo but without Eloisa being present. Hugo sends Soledad to settle in and escorts Eloisa outside. Eloisa tells Hugo that he must be happy that Soledad has returned. Every time Eloisa tries to get close to Hugo, she gets pushed farther away. Hugo says that he can't offer Eloisa anything. He is married. He asks her not to make sacrifices for him. If she doesn't love Arturo, she shouldn't marry him. Eloisa says that it is too late. She got Arturo to give up his feud with Alcides and now she has to fulfill her part of the bargain and marry him. Hugo says that he doesn't remember their relationship and Eloisa says that she hopes his memory returns soon. Boris says that Arturo and armed men are coming. Hugo takes Eloisa back inside the Hacienda.

Elena prevents Dr. Max from killing Guillermo. Elena suspects that Guillermo is faking being blind and she tries to prove it by putting his violin in the floor in front of him. He really is blind so he steps on it and destroys it. He is devastated and Elena is sorry. (That's the second violin of Guillermo's that Elena has destroyed.)

Beatriz revives Alcides and reminds him that she has total control over whether he lives or dies. Alcides starts to shake and says that he doesn't feel well. Beatriz says that his symptoms are a side effect of the medicine she gave to revive him. She is annoyed that she needs to go to the clinic to get different medicine for him.

Ursula thinks that Eloisa is interested in Alcides and is jealous of Soledad. Soledad says that she doesn't care about Alcides that way and Eloisa is going out with Arturo. She is only at the Hacienda to protect her daughter. When the threat from Arturo is over, she wants to return home to her parents. Hugo comes in and says that armed men are approaching and they have to go to a safe place.

Paquito tries to egg Arturo's men on to kill Alcides so that Eloisa will be his. Eloisa goes outside to stop the attack. The men say that their assignment is to capture Alcides but Arturo shows up and tells them to obey his fiancé. Arturo wants to know why Eloisa is at Alcides' house. She says that she followed Arturo's men when she saw them approaching the Hacienda to prevent a massacre. Arturo tells her not to mess in his business and she tells him that he has to stop jeopardizing his safety with this feud. Arturo is moved that Eloisa was concerned about his safety. Eloisa says that she wants her future husband alive and at peace with everyone.

Hugo leads his women and children (Marina stays with Boris) into safety in the secret passages. Soledad remembers when someone led her out of the Hacienda when Arturo had attacked the Hacienda and a fire broke out. She decides that it was Alcides who led her out of the house but how could that be when he had just been trapped in the mine? Ursula reminds her that they were told it was Boris who led her out and Hugo supports this version of what happened.

With his women safe, Hugo decides to go and talk to Arturo. Marina tells Boris that Hugo always risks his life that way because he knows that Boris will save him.

At the Obragon house, Lucas comes down for breakfast and is told that Soledad has returned to her husband. He is angry that Ester and Antonia permitted this. Ester points out that if he hadn't been drunk, he could have given Soledad his advice. He leaves to go see Soledad.

Arturo tells Hugo that thanks to Eloisa he doesn't want to fight anymore. Hugo asks why Arturo has armed men on his property. Arturo says it was a misunderstanding and leaves. Hugo tells Boris that Eloisa is beautiful and brave. (Gag.)

Dr. Pablo finds Beatriz rummaging in the medicine cabinet again. She has a bottle of adrenaline. He asks what she needs that for. Beatriz tells him it is for a patient with a terminal illness. Dr. Pablo says that he doesn't believe her. He knows that she is living with a man. He wants to know who the guy is that she is living with and whether this medicine is for him. She says that she is happy living with the guy but Dr. Pablo asks why she is so nervous. She says that the guy is ill. Pablo offers to examine the guy but Beatriz refuses. Dr. Pablo appears to buy this very lame explanation and gives Beatriz the adrenaline. He says that he hopes Beatriz is telling the truth.

Hugo wants to have Aurora baptised and registered so that everyone will know that she is Alcides' daughter. Soledad doesn't think it is the right time for a baptism and registration or a party. Hugo doesn't understand why she is hesitating. Boris comes in to tell Hugo that Lucas has arrived and is very agitated. Hugo excuses himself. Soledad tells Ursula that Alcides hasn't wasted any time in showing his true colors. Ursula says that she doesn't understand her concern. She reminds Soledad that registering Aurora as Alcides' daughter was part of the deal when she married Alcides. Soledad says that she knows that would happen sooner or later but she is worried about betraying Hugo's memory.

Hercu-less comes to see Arturo to explain what happened at the Taverna. Arturo says that there is no justification for his stupidity. "How could you have have taken Soledad hostage in front of everyone?" ask Arturo. Arturo tells him never to take any action without his permission again and whacks Hercules in the goolies with his cane to make sure he gets the message.

Paquito congratulates Eloisa on her tactics with Alcides. He is sure that Alcides will fall hard for her. Eloisa isn't so sure. Soledad's return to Alcides has complicated things. Alcides used to have contempt for Soledad but now he treats her with respect. Paquito attributes this to the fact that Soledad has given Alcides a child. A child brings a couple together. Eloisa says that she isn't going to let that brat come between her and her plans to get Alcides. She will do what she has to to make Alcides hers. (So Aurora just got a new enemy and a dangerous one.)

At the Hacienda, Lucas tells Hugo that Soledad shouldn't be there. Hugo says, "Why not? Are you afraid that I will harm her?" Lucas says, "Of course, you did it before. You might do it again." At this point Soledad starts overhearing the conversation. Hugo tells Lucas that his time away made him realize the mistakes he had made in the past. No one cried when he was supposedly dead and many people were happy. He has changed. Now he wants to enjoy having a family and he wants to enjoy love." Lucas says that if he thinks his daughter could love him, he is mistaken. Soledad only loved one man and that was Hugo. Hugo is impactado and says, "Ok so you are saying that Soledad never loved me (Alcides)." Before Lucas can continue, Soledad interrupts. She assures her father that Alcides didn't force her to move in with him and that she is doing this to protect the baby. Then she changes the subject and says that on second thought, she agrees to have Aurora baptized at the Hacienda. Hugo is happy. Lucas thinks that Soledad is acting strangely but he leaves assuring Soledad that he and Ester are always there for her.

Hugo asks Soledad to confirm what Lucas said. Did she really love Hugo? Soledad tries to avoid the question by saying that her father drinks a lot and is confused. Hugo says that Lucas looked sober to him so answer the the question. Soledad denies that she ever loved Hugo. Her father probably said that to annoy Alcides and anyway he already knew that. She changes the subject back to her conditions for living with Alcides: she won't sleep in the same room with him, their relationship will be cordial, she will come and go as she pleases without asking his permission. Hugo agrees. He doesn't want to sleep with her in any room; she can come and go as she pleases but if she leaves the Hacienda with the baby, she has to take Boris or some other trusted servant for protection. Soledad agrees.

Soledad tells Boris that they are going to the store but she goes to Hugo's tomb and is shocked at its condition. Speaking to Hugo, she apologizes for not coming before but her pregnancy and the birth of her daughter prevented her. She tells him that she has to have Aurora baptized as Alcides' daughter to protect her but she promises that when Aurora grows up she will tell her who her real father is and begs his forgiveness. Boris has followed them and is watching this. He does not understand why Soledad is so upset, why she came to the cemetery and brought flowers to Hugo's grave.

Back at the Hacienda, Boris tells Marina that he thinks Soledad really loved Hugo. Marina responds that Soledad is not capable of loving anyone. She probably just felt guilty for all the things she did to betray Hugo. Boris doesn't agree. Marina warns Boris not to mention this to Hugo since it will just upset him. Hugo overhears this last remark as he comes in to the room and asks what they are talking about. Marina says it is nothing. Hugo is planning the baptism and is distracted. He wants to send invitations to the most prestigious families in the city including the Linares. Marina is surprised that Hugo would want to let his worst enemies into his house. Hugo ignores her and gives the list of invitees to Boris instructing him to investigate and find their weaknesses. Marina tells Hugo that when talks about his plan, it makes her afraid. Hugo says that his plan is dangerous. They have time to decide whether they want to participate or not. Boris pipes right up and says that he is always with Hugo. Marina hesitates but says that if Boris is in, she is in.

Lucas goes to see Rebeca and manages to arrive when she is half naked. Lucas tells Rebeca that Soledad and her baby have gone to live with Alcides. "Is Enrico there, too?" asks Rebeca casually. Lucas says that no one knows where Enrico lives. Rebeca says that she heard Enrico tell Lucas something about the treasure. Does Lucas know what Enrico meant? Lucas says he was drunk and doesn't remember anything. Rebeca asks Lucas to keep her informed about what is going on and he says that he will. When Lucas leaves, Rebeca says that she hopes having to put out for an old geezer like Lucas will turn out to lead her to the treasure.

A week passes: Soledad takes care of her baby and waters a garden; she strolls in the plaza with Hugo; Eloisa has sex with Arturo; Eloisa ignores Paquito; Beatriz throws buckets of water on Alcides; Guillermo learns to function as a blind person.

Arturo receives an invite to the baptism. He doesn't want to go. Eloisa wants him to go to show that he has really buried the hatchet with Alcides. Gladis states that all the best families are going so they will too.

Paquito bribes the druggist to sell him some poison. His plan is to get Eloisa back by poisoning Hugo and putting the blame on Arturo.

Boris reports to Hugo on a report received from the investigators searching for young Dr. Chirac. It turns out that he is doing research in Africa. Boris also reports that the people old Dr. Chirac sent to find the flower may have found traces of it in the deepest regions of the Amazon. Hugo asks about how the plans for the baptism are going. Boris reports thats the invitations have been delivered and Boris has done his investigation on the invitees. He turned up interesting information on Rebeca and Hercules. Hugo reads this information but we don't know what it is. Hugo asks Boris if he has contacted the mining engineer as instructed. Boris says that he has. "Good," says Hugo, "my plan of vengeance begins tonight." (People on novelas are always having private conversations in large rooms with lots of places for others to overhear. Since Hugo has to keep Soledad and Ursula from finding out his real identity, not to mention his plan of vengeance, you would think he would be more careful but he isn't.) Soledad hears the last part of his conversation with Boris. "What vengeance are you talking about?" she asks, "What are you planning?" The credits roll.

Tomorrow: the baptism party

Labels: la traicion

As usual, the first few minutes are a rehash of the previous show. Yadira brings the baby and leaves her with Enrique. Asks Marely if Juan is at the office. Marely tells her mom is AWOL and when Yadira laughs it off, tells her that Alirio has turned himself in, the jig is up, and who knows what Nidia might do in a case like this? Yadira offers that if it were her, she'd leave the country!

Now we have a little montage of Nidia walking around the city, looking worried, especially when she sees a couple of policemen hauling off miscreants. Pounding piano music in background as she stands on a bridge and looks down at traffic streaming below. We had this same scene with someone else in another telenovela, can't remember which at the time. That person didn't jump either.

We wondered if we'd see Cesar Luis again and we do...and he's looking awful. Sitting in a bar in Vancouver, Canada, slugging down whiskey and being rude to the waiter. The Canadian scenery is gorgeous and contrasts with Cesar's ugly looks. He really seems to have deteriorated physically.

Nidia has safely crossed the bridge and headed into a church to pray to...guess who?..Santo Niño de Atocha. We don't hear her words but there's a choir singing in the background. Seeing Nidia pray is a surreal experience. We know there must be big changes due.

Enrique, meanwhile, looking very much like a busy mom, is holding the phone twixt shoulder and head while he rinses out a baby bottle. He's talking deliveries with Remolacho, who probably would prefer that Enrique were there in the warehouse. Well, maybe not, given how they get along.

Marely and Yadira are in a taxi on the way to the office. They're discussing Yadira's dramatic expulsion from the university while the taxi driver's eyes widen, listening to every word. Yadira defends her hair-pulling of Señora Topete while Marely rolls her eyes in horror.

Meanwhile, Pastor, toupee askew, is stressing in Juan's office and crying on Ivonne's shoulder. It's time for the meeting with Campeoni! What do I do? Where's Juan? The ship is sinking and I'll have to go down with it. Nothing, not even a miracle will save us. Ivonne advises him not to get an ulcer over it, but it falls on deaf ears.

Bad scene with Cesar Luis. He's thoroughly drunk, the manager is trying to get him to leave. Finally they call in the bouncer. Cesar pushes him off but chooses to leave in a macho huff.

Now a tidy little role reversal. Paula is at the gallery talking with Ana, and it's Paula who's thoughtful and mild after listening to Nidia, and Ana who's furious and bitter. They both agree the worst part of the fraud was they were left thinking Papa Cachon didn't care anything about them, when in fact they were loved even more than his own family. And Paula knows how Ana suffered, thinking they were unloved. It's not right!

Alirio, in his hokey disguise, arrives at the jail to see Gutis.

And Nidia arrives home. When she sees Enrique with baby, she thinks all is well, Yadira has returned. He sets her straight...the baby is only here temporarily until Yadira and Topete get themselves organized and in a better place. Nidia is amazed to hear that Alirio has turned himself in and muses that not only is he noble, he's far more noble than she.

Our not so noble Cesar is still running his short man/macho number, feinting going back to tackle the bouncer but finally stalking off, kicking a concrete pylon and lighting a cigarette. Time for the relief of some advertisements.

When we come back, Enrique and Nidia are musing about Alirio's sacrifice and Kike tells her, "It's because he adores you, Nidia". Nidia looks thoughtful. Bit of a stretch for our gal pal.

Alirio, looking neither noble nor sacrificial but quite ridiculous in his disguise is explaining his visit to Gutis. I'm a fugitive from justice but they know now about the fraud. I want you to promise me that you won't divulge that Nidia was in on it. Keep her out of it. Gutis wants something in return of course....for Alirio to help him escape.

Quick scene switch to Laura, in another of her Tarts-R-Us sweater dress and tights, phoning the office to ask for Juan. Doesn't want to leave a message when she hears he's not in. She'll call back later.

Marely and Yadira arrive, also looking for Juan. Julia tells them he hasn't arrived and then we're treated to a scene of Yadira and Julia practically hissing at each other. If looks could kill! And the current Julia is a babe (played the secretary on Heridas) so watch out Yadira, this one is serious competition.

The interview with Alirio and Gutis is not going well. Alirio doesn't think he can bust him out. Gutis threatens then to blow the whole story sky high (soltar la sopa completa). You'll go down with me. Face it, I'm rotting here in jail and you're walking around free.

Maybe not for long. Paula is on the phone to her lawyer, ,making an appointment, but lo and behold, says she's going to wait and hear what HE has to say before making a decision about the fraud. The rehab of Paula has begun in earnest. Mom tells her of Willy's offer to be her partner in the gallery. Paul counsels caution..."you don't know him that well". but looks like Ana is going ahead with it. For one thing, romantic music plays every time she talks to Willy so I guess we know where this one is headed.

Juan FINALLY arrives at the office and is mobbed by all sorts of people swarming around him like bees. He brushes them off and escapes into his office, only to find Pastor already there, toupee still listing at half mast. Pastor is frothing at the mouth. We have to handle the Campeoni matter! You're fiddling while Rome burns!

Juan thought bubbles that Pastor is doubting his authority and he needs to set things straight right now. He orders him out of the office, informs him that if Pastor wants to see him, he needs to be announced through Ivonne, blows on the offending hairpiece and tells him to straighten it, and "zas!", poor Pastor is booted out.

Juanito is faring no better at school...except perhaps with the girls. One young lass bids him good-bye and gets her hair pulled by her friend. Then the three bullies arrive and tell him they're out to get him and when he least expects it, whomp, they're going to give him a good "mandarina" (thrashing). Prof Pomposo walks out, sees the boys sauntering off and looks thoughtful.

Cesar Luis, looking worse and worse, is now in a restaurant downing more whiskey. He confides in the waiter that "they're all the same". Waiter tells his own sad story of his wife running off with his best friend.

Makes you want to kill them, right? says Cesar. Yes, and also to kill myself. But time heals those wounds. And it was a long time ago. I took a boat, left, and ended up here. We have a super brief scene of Cesar on a hanging bridge looking over a ravine and we break for ads again.

When we come back, he's on the rocks. (Just kidding) Well, actually, he IS on the rocks, but he's sitting on them, safe and sound.

Nidia, at home, calls Marely at the office. Marely is relieved to hear from her and thinks she must be relieved herself after talking to Paula. Well....not so much. Paula was furious and Nidia figures she's probably facing a jail term. Well, the most important thing is that you're home, Marely sighs.

Juan, with a picture of Santo Niño looking over his shoulder, is now giving Ivonne the drill on her new duties. Don't move from your desk! And don't send anyone in without announcing them first!

Now who do you think is the most important? he adds. Pastor! Nope, he wants her to send in Fernando, first and then Yadira. THEN I'll see Pastor.

We flick back to Cesar, looking ever worse, bundled up in a black coat, dragging a suitcase, contemplating a ship, all with sad cello music playing like a dirge in the background. I know we're supposed to be worried at this point, but who would believe Cesar would ever harm himself? Oh well....we'll see.

Fernando's now giving Juan a CliffNotes course in business management. 1) Don't go back and forth on business decisions based on what others say 2) There are no "friends" in business so don't make a decision on what I, Fernando, say, for instance. Get the info, analyze it, take your time, and then decide. What you've got going for you is "astucia" (shrewdness) so make your own decisions.

We get a scene with Nidia and Enrique in the truck with baby. She's saying she won't be able to help with the little one if she's in jail. And worse, she's going to look horrible in those prison uniforms!

Back to the CliffNotes. Juan is complaining that Pastor is pressuring him ("duro y dale presionandame"). Fernando is firm. It's not enough to be the boss just sitting behind the desk. Think! And it's for others to be afraid of you, not you of them. Juan grasps the lesson all too well, and....treating Fernando like an employe rather than a friend, asks him to pour Juan a drink (no offer of a drink for Fernando you notice!)

Outside, Pastor is buzzing around Ivonne bleating "Has he asked for me? I have to wait!? Who does he think he is?!" (or words to that effect)

"The boss" answers Ivonne.

Fernando emerges, looking stunned and tells Marely he's created a monster. Nothing quite as frightening as someone new to power and using it for all it's worth. A new king is on the throne....and it is Juan. The ads come back while we're left wondering if Juan's going to change for the worse while Paula (is it possible?) changes for the better.

No change for the better with Cesar. Now he's aboard ship, but still clutching a glass of whiskey and muttering "Hasta nunca, Paula Davila, hasta nunca!" More ominous pounding piano music. I try to worry but I just can't.

Now Juan is giving a CliffNotes business lesson to Pastor. Campeoni may be in a hurry but why should we be? They want to sell. We need to take time to be sure we want to buy. Pastor is in a hurry to nail it down but Juan says he needs time to think....and offers Gaytan some chocolates.

Then he proposes making Fernano director of business development. Pastor is so upset he squeaks...there's no such thing as that office! And what...to you want to makeJulia the switchboard operator director of communications!? and Marely general manager!?

Hey, great idea Juan enthuses. You're creating posts like a political candidate would, retorts Pastor. There are rules, regulations! Do you think power has gone to my head ?(se me trepo a la cabezota) Juan asks. Pastor clearly thinks so.

Paula has arrived at the office and asks to speak to Marely privately. Marely, looking like a lamb to the slaughter, dutifully follows her into Paula's office. Now, miracle of miracles, Paula apologizes for her rant and false accusations, while also adding, but you have to understand how upset I was. And of course Marely does. Paula also adds that she still plans to bring the full weight of the law down on Alirio and Nidia, even though she's Marely's mother. Marely looks pale but replies, "Do what you have to do."

Cesar Luis is strolling down memory lane and it's a bummer. Ivonne telling him he did everything to kill her love for him. Monica saying she expected better of him. Paula expressing her desire for separation and divorce.

And we're at the police station where Nidia is schmoozing the desk man (sexy seduction music in background) to find out where Alirio is, since he has supposedly turned himself in.

Yadira is in full steam Cachon mode, throwing a tantrum because Juan hasn't seen her yet. Fernando quips, "Why are you in such a hurry. Have to run home and fix dinner for Topete?" She figures Enrique's "defense team" is all there but she doesn't back down any, just goes for the jugular with Ivonne, making her call Juan and then snatching the phone from her and demanding to see him.

Juan is still squabbling with Pastor about the rules (let's not complicate this with rules, argues our hero) while Yadira bullies her way into entry within TWO MINUTES.
Pastor tells Juan to get his priorities straight and Juan replies that he'll never turn his back on friends. (that's good news) All this said as he tries out Santo Niño on various walls and church music plays in the background. Pastor reminds him that he must follow the "organigrama" (flow chart, business organization chart). Juan tells Pastor to take care of it, flubbing it by calling it an "organo" or "organis" or whatever it is you said!

And out goes Pastor and in blows Yadira, who wants a job.

We end this episode with another grim picture of Cesar Luis, looking glumly at the wake of the ship (lovely shot of turbulent waters....mirroring his turbulent thoughts no doubt) and finally hoisting up a leg like he's going to jump over the rail.

Will he or won't he? And do we care? Tune in tomorrow to find out.

additional vocabulary

más cambiante que una velete : more changeable than a weather vane
conseguir hueso : get work
conmover une piedra : soften a heart of stone
me comen vivo las hormigas : the ants (hordes of people in office) are eating me alive
otra buena mandarina : another good thrashing

Labels: Juan

Hola amigos, I am reeling from my first double header of Friday Pasion and Monday Juan which were a sandwich for a weekend intensive at "El Portal a Fluidez en Español...". This message will be replaced a bit later today with the Juan recap. Sorry to mess with the breakfast readership. Mil besos, Cheryl

Thanks for turning the volume down on the screeching protagonist, Juan writers. We can all use the relief. We pick up the review scenes with Juan giving Marely a thank you kiss and compliments that seems pretty sexy. Apparently he thinks so too. Nidia packs her little red bag and while resisting the truth of her need to face the consequences of her actions and clean her conscience. The loving Angarita will not let her hide from herself any longer. She is sarcastic with him about leaving but is cannot deny his clear vision and in the end cannot hoochie coochie her way out of a situation for a change. The next review is of Señora Pomposa revealing to Juan that she insulted her husband so deeply by calling him a mediocre. Who wouldn't rather be regarded as a villain than to receive that deadly epithet from a loved one. She swears to Juan that it was really meant to get her husband to react. Juan counsels her to try to like the good qualities about her husband and not be so critical.

Juan hits his bedroom in the dark coming in late but realizes that Marely is asleep curled protectively around little Juanito. He thought murmurs how beautiful she looks as the great Mom figure for Juanito as he slips out for a few hours of sleep on the popular sofa downstairs.

Nidia reappears at Angarita's house saying she is scared and can't face a life in jail. She admits he is always right and she needs help to face this. He holds firm that she will have to do it.

Sra. Pomposa enters the men's game room to all the gentlemen's astonishment. As she approaches the table with her husband, he reacts that she must have come to criticize him? She says no but within seconds is spiraling downward into what sure sounds like a critical rant about her worries of his diabetes, his diet, his comportment. He finally defies her by announcing that his pancreas and his life are his problem to deal with. She relents momentarily to declare her love and caring but ends the sweetness with a demanding tone that he return to the house NOW. He capitulates but insists that from time to time he is going to continue coming to spend time with his buddies.

Nacho determines that the sleeping baby is really asleep then tries to rush a snuggle with the sleeping Yadira who is whiny about being awakened. His pursuit of some greatly craved intimacy is futilely met with enough rejection by Yadira that baby Nidia Michaela awakens with renewed howling. Yadira's simple retort to the unsatisfied Nacho is for him to have more patience with both her and the baby. Break.

Kike wakes up Juan sleeping on the sofa with questions about why he is sleeping there. Juan says the angelic Marely was asleep with Juanito and he didn't have the heart to disturb her. Kike agrees that Marely certainly loves the little Juanito. Juan asks if Kike has talked with his wife yet. Kike relates his trip to Nacho's apartment and Yadira's stubbornness. He worries about the shoddy apartment and yet isn't sure how to assert his rights for time to be with his daughter.

Meanwhile Nacho is having sensible thoughts that this new family unit is not working out well. He reasons with Yadira that the baby could be better off with her Dad until they are back on their feet economically with jobs. Yadi threatens to leave but he continues with more reason (unusual for this cast) this will be for the baby's good too. Yadira fears that if she lets go of custody for even a minute she will lose her rights. Nacho already knows that she can't if the separation is only two weeks, then he sneaks in.... or a month,,, and you can visit on weekends. It is all going to be good.

Paula is telling Ana that she is going to the lawyer to GET those ROBBERS when the phone rings. It is Angarita asking Paula if she can come to his house for something urgent he wants to discuss right away this morning. She agrees to come and he agrees to wait there for her.

Juan leaves Juanito off at school counseling him not to fight again but the little mensch bravely asserts that he won't look for it but if a fight finds him, he is ready. Juan seems secretly proud of his little chip. Off he goes and Juan turns around to see Señora Pepita Pomposa approaching him with her red suitcase. However hers isn't full of her stuff it is full of Don Lorenzo Pomposo's stuff... Break

We see a seaplane land in Vancouver and soon after Cesar Luis appears dragging the third bag of the evening, presumably his.

Back at Angarita's Nidia admits her cowardice says she feels like a cockroach. He encourages her to take courage/ charge her batteries. (carga las pilas) The doorbell rings and it is Paula. Nidia hides momentarily behind the palm but emerges and faces Paula with a trembling Good Day, Paula. After a BREAK, Paula on a slightly lower volume berates Nidia for robbing her and her mother of all the money. My mother thought of you as a true friend...you betrayed us.... whine whine, but controlled whine. Nidia assures her that her friendship for Ana was very sincere. Nidia then recounts her side of the pain of knowing Samuel was cheating on her and favoring Ana. Then realizing that Samuel had left her and her daughters nothing but had left everything to Paula, She felt desparate with pain and rage. It was hard to realize he would do that. Paula counters with how her Mother adored Samuel. Nidia gets in the deep truth that Marely and Yadira were his daughters too. Her actions seemed to her like justice at the time but it was also revenge. Paula says several other self centered things that will go unwritten here. Nidia continued that she doesn't know if Paula realizes that she (Nidia) will lose her house. It was her house for life. Paula's voice softens and she looks a bit softer, like she may be even thinking for a change, but continues her march toward her revenge that this house was to be hers by her father's wish.

Don Lorenzo tells Juan that he needs some time away from Pepita his wife. Her attitude toward him is just too much to bear.

Ana is in her gallery and when Willy learns that she plans to close the gallery, he asks why.

Back with Paula, Nidia is assuring her that the scandal did not involve her daughters, Juan it was all and only Perafan and Nidia. When Marely finally did discover the truth she was relentless in insisting her Mother reveal the truth to Paula. She finishes with saying she is ready to accept whatever Paula decides she must do up to and including jail. Paula wants to know if she expects to be pardoned. I am going to use all the remedy of the law. I"M DOING THIS FOR MY PADRE. This was a crime, a lousy thing (porqueria), you and Perafan will go to jail. Nidia totally abashed admits she deserves it.. [At this point, I was screaming "heartless bitch" at the screen and scared Willa, sorry I just lost it] BREAK THANKFULLY.

Ana is explaining to Willy that she started the gallery with a friend who betrayed her, then goes on to tell him about Nidia falsifying the will of the man she (Ana) loved the most. He committed suicide to show her his love. [Ed note: ???]

Kike asks Marely where Nidia is. He needs to talk about Yadira.

Nidia has gone. Paula stays on talking with Angarita who asks her if she is going to proceed to denounce Perafan and Nidia. Paula admits that Nidia seemed sincere but finally admits her own fury and asks him to help her understand this.

Back in Vancouver, CL snaps his fingers, claps his hands for service. He wants more drinks!

Ana goes on explaining how much she loved Samuel. Willy wants to know if she still does. No. But about the business, she has no partner. He offers to be that partner.

To speed up the chest beating mea culpa y culpa tuya ad nauseum the result was that Anagarita asked Paula to at least think about what she needed for revenge and perhaps to be softer with Nidia. He realized that his love for Nidia were in part responsible for his attitude but cautions Paula to think of Nidia and not only herself. He acknowledges that he would be full of fury in her place too.

Ana declines Willy's kind offer but he presses on that it would be a good business decision for him. She doesn't want another problem with partners but he assures her that she would manage it, he would just be investing money but is sure that the returns from sales of her art would make it a good business decision.

Cesar Luis is pretty soggy by now as he thought bubbles back through his meeting, courting, loving, fighting, marrying, betraying him with Juan, and what all with Paula in a beauty and the beast panorama in his head with Paula appearing as both. She is in all her stunning outfits and sexy as all get out until she carps at him in some of the scenes.

Yadira comes back to the house with Nidia Micaela and is telling Kike that she is leaving the baby with him for the baby's sake while she gets on her feet and finds work. but she will be back. Kike lets out little puppy yelps he can't contain his glee in having his precious daughter back. He asks Yadira if she doesn't want to say goodbye to the baby. She does with a sad look while a radiant Kike has a moment of glory. Yadira goes down stairs, encounters Marely and asks to go with her if she is going to work. Marely catches Yadira up on the news that Perafan had an attack of conscience and told Paula about the will switching. They are worried about the effect on Nidia who might do who knows what. We see Nidia leaning on a tree in desperation. She sees two rough looking men being hauled into a cruiser by two police and has a panic attack. We fade into the scene's reality being a coincidence as both Nidia and Cesar Luis consider flinging themselves off bridges and boats.

Labels: Juan

Gloria’s trying to talk some sense into Hugo about Mili. Hugo wants to hear none of it and tells Gloria that he will kill himself without Mili. Of course, Mili’s in the background and hears the whole thing. She runs off to the dorm and mutters that she can’t hurt Hugo, she’d die if he were to kill himself.

Meanwhile Pilar is making plans with a very uninterested Alejandro. She tells him of a place they can stay in Buenos Aires. He agrees to go.

At the office (not The Office, which is a very funny show, but rather Belmonte Enterprises---you see, Constancio is no Michael---both can be rather dim, but Connie's got an evil streak, he does share some similarties to the boss in the British version-i.e. the sexual harrassment stuff, but no real similarities to Michael, who lacks good people skills---well Connie lacks those most of the time, but in a different way than Michael)....where was I? oh yeah, at the office, Luci’s working on her autobiography. She’s dictating it to her new secretary, Karla. They aren’t making very much progress, as she can’t even decide how to describe the day she was born.

Horacio assures Socorrito that the creepy guy is gone (can't remember his name and I guess it isn't important since he's now gone), taken off to Veracruz. He adds that as of now, Amparo never existed. She’s thankful and tells him he deserves a great prize. He suggests a kiss and she tells him she was thinking of a cake. She fills Horacio in on the news that her daughter, Karla, has become Luci’s secretary.

Luci tells someone (can’t remember who) that although she doesn’t approve of Hugo’s fiancée she’s going to be the matron of honor and will put on her best face for the wedding. She then goes to search Connie's office with Braulio. She's looking for some incriminating paperwork.

Al searches for Mili, he begs her to not marry Hugo. She tells him to leave her alone and to just let her marry Hugo. He tells her that he’s been trying to understand, but can’t make sense of it. She cries and he asks her why she is crying. She tells him passion. Al lets her know that he’s got this opportunity to go to Buenos Aires, so he’ll leave her to marry Hugo in peace, but if he goes, he’s never going to see Mili again.

Now it is days later, Wedding Day.

The staff is up early trying to get everything done so they can go to the wedding. Mili gets up and goes to help. They tell her that she’s not working today. She is reminded that it is her wedding day. Today—she says with sorrow. Karla struts into the room and spouts out some insults like Mili will always be a servant, even if she does marry Hugo. Braulio comes in and urges the staff to hurry. He calls Mili “senorita”.

Al has obviously spent the night getting ploughed in a bar.

Mili is back in the dorm, crying. Brau comes in and offers help. She reminds him that he’s going to be the one giving her away. He says he’ll do so proudly. He laments that the house will not be the same without her and she begs the majordomo to take good care of Regina. They end up hugging.

Val and Pilar are downstairs discussing the trip to Buenos Aires. Pilar tells Val that the plane leaves at 10 this morning. Karla eavesdrops on the whole conversation. Al returns from the bar and the two girls comment on his “apparent” drunkenness.

Karla runs across Hugo and she attempts to rekindle their relationship. Hugo reminds her that it was only one time, he’s not interested.

Al and Hugo meet in the hall. Al is bitter and Hugo comments that he knew that all of Al’s well-wishes and saying that he was happy for Hugo was a load of crap. Hugo says you must be hurting, just like it hurt when I found out you slept with Carmen. Oh, Al says, so you are marrying Mili because of revenge. Nope, Hugo answers, I’m marrying her because I love her-you lost, I won, accept it and now don’t you have a plane to catch? Al says perhaps it’s better he stays in town. Hugo says no really it’s better if you am-scray out of here. So you are worried about me being in town, Al questions, is that because you know Mili won’t forget about me. What are you saying, Hugo asks. Just that later, don’t complain when Mili ends up cheating on you. Hugo punches Al after this comment. Al fights back and Manuel ends up breaking up the fight. He tells the boys that they are cousins and should act like it. He wants to know why they are fighting.

Karla fills Andrea in on the news that Al is leaving town with Pilar. Andrea isn’t happy and she wants to know why Karla didn’t tell her earlier. Karla says she just found out.

Al has flashbacks to his fight with Hugo and then to some passionate times he had with Mili.

Val finds her mother dressed in black, wearing a pill hat w/ a veil. Val reminds Luci that she’s going to a wedding, not a wake. Luci says she’s dressed this way so that she won’t be recognizable in the photos. She doesn’t want to be seen at a wedding with the chauffer and the gardener.

Andrea comes to the mansion to talk with Hugo. He tells her she’s not invited to the wedding and she says that Luci invited her at the last minute. She promises to not make a scene. She questions if Hugo, in time, will confess to Mili his involvement in her schemes. Hugo says he’ll never tell Mili his part in Andrea’s fake pregnancy and her “miscarriage”. He can’t risk her finding out the truth. Andrea offers a wish of happiness, even though he doesn’t deserve it. She leaves the room and the audience sees she taped their entire conversation.

Al goes to the dorm, where Mili’s in a bathrobe preparing for the wedding, and he locks the door behind him. He once again begs her to not marry Hugo. He says he can’t allow her to marry that low-life. She tells him to not speak poorly of Hugo again. She reminds him of how Hugo has been nothing but loyal and honest to her, unlike Al who has lied and then messed around with Andrea and Pilar. Al says that she’s not marrying for love, she’s marrying for revenge. She tells him to unlock the door and he swallows the key. She freaks out and gives him a half hearted Heimlich maneuver. She tells him to spit it out and then runs to get some water. The audience sees him pocket the key, but when Mili returns he plays along with her thinking he really swallowed the thing.

Manuel tells Hugo that he’s worried for Al. Hugo scoffs at the idea. Manuel then tells his son that he’s happy for him.

Rocky has an exchange of words with the cake delivery guy. He wants to know where the wedding topper is---one wasn’t ordered. Rocky ends up taking the cake out of the back of the truck and tells the delivery man to forget getting a tip.

Lina listens at the door as Mili pleads with Al to know why he’s doing this. He tells her that he loves her and pleads with her to start over again with him, to forget everything that happened before. She comments on how they won’t be able to start over anyway, since they are locked in the room. Al shows her that he really didn’t swallow the key. Mili is annoyed. Mili says what she felt for him is gone. Al says that she needs to look him in the eye and tell him that she doesn’t love him and if she can do that he’ll leave forever. She flashes back to Hugo’s threat to kill himself and she tells Al to hand over the key. Al is saddened by this and gives the key to her, and tells her that he’ll never forget her.

Pilar tells Hugo that she regrets she’ll miss the wedding, but their plane leaves that morning. She goes looking for Al.

Rocky drops the cake and asks Socorrito to help him put it back together. It is a mess and Rocky’s wearing most of it. Soco tells him she’s a cook, not a magician.

Al runs out of the house screaming. Andrea finds him crying in the gardens. She tells him she heard about his trip and she gives him a “good-bye” gift.

Mili’s still in her room, crying over her wedding dress (I was worried about her mascara, she’s going to end up having big black stains on the dress, but considering how much crying she’s done lately, I’m sure she’s using waterproof).

Pilar finds Al with Andrea and she tells him the taxis here. Al says he’s got to go say good-bye to mommy.

Manuel comments on Luci’s black dress. Al comes into the foyer where Manuel, Luci and Val are gathered. He says his good-byes and tells his mother and sister to do nothing to ruin Mili’s wedding day. Hugo arrives at this point and says he’s skeptical at Al’s noble gesture. Al assures him that he only wants Mili to be happy. Braulio overhears this whole conversation. Al goes up to say his goodbyes to Regina and the rest leave for the church.

Regina is sad at Al’s leaving and he urges her to learn how to email so they can keep in touch on a regular basis. She agrees to learn and then asks if he said goodbye to Mili. Al says he's got to leave, or he’ll miss his plane. Regina hands him the gift bag from Andrea, which he almost forgot.

Brau escorts Regina to the church, where many guests are gathered outside. Hugo looks quite pleased with himself.

Al and Pilar board the plane. She decides she needs to use the plane’s restroom prior to departure (good idea, because by the end of the flight that room will be completely disgusting!!). He takes the opportunity to open the gift bag, it is a tape recorder. END OF EPISODE.

Labels: guapos

Disguised as a monk, Ricardo tells Justo he loves Camila more than anything else in the world. Justo claims that Cami has gotten over Ric and doesn't want anything to do with him. Ric disbelieves and says he wants to hear that from her. Justo gives that tired old speech about decent people and shame and pirates. "Get out of here or I'll call the cops!"

Ric pulls the hood down over his face and checks in with Pablo, who tells him where to find Jimena. Ric goes to the inn and tells her to meet him at the church; she has a hard time concealing her glee. He prays at the church while he waits for Jimena. He says he knows he's a sinner, but asks for pity and wants to see and speak with his love.

The caretaker at the Garbancillo House of Shame is sipping from a bottle, which he hastily hides when Camilla approaches. She says she wants to go to Mass and say her confession, since she hasn't been in months. (How many sins can she possibly have on her conscience, considering she's been locked up all this time?) He says he can't let her do that, so she asks him to come with her and make sure she doesn't escape. He tells her she should wait and ask to go with Santiago or her father. Camila is stubborn and makes for the door. They struggle, and he knocks her down. He is horrified; the maid runs in and he swears to her he didn't mean to hurt her. Camila is in pain.

The maid and the caretaker help her to the bed. She asks for the midwife. The caretaker seems concerned, but a lot of that concern seems to be for his own welfare if anything bad happens to her or the baby. Camila assures him that it's an accident and she won't accuse him. The maid reminds the caretaker to go find her godmother (the midwife). He finally takes off, and the maid helps Cami undress. Cami cries out for Ricardo.

Jimena ditches work to meet with Ric; her boss chases after her, yelling. Santi witnesses this and asks Jime's boss what's going on. The boss, who wins the prize for Worst Wig of the Month, complains that she's always asking for time off and has a lousy attitude. He needs someone who's reliable, and if that's not her, he'll find another.

Jimena, looking very giddily pious, meets with the faux padre in the church. He tells about the letter to Cami he sent with Pablo, but Justo wouldn't give it to her. They compare notes on some things: Justo told Ric that Cami went to a convent in the capitol, but Jime says no, she's not that far - they've hidden her away, and she's pregnant with his child! He starts to stand up in surprise, but other people are in the church now too, and he settles down. He looks with gratitude at the crucifix over the altar and gets choked up.

The midwife completes her examination and assures Camila that the baby is okay - but Cami needs to take it easy and not walk around too much because she could lose the baby. She hands Cami a cup of tea and says she'll leave some more. Camila holds the cup and asks if she's sure the baby's okay. The midwife says sure, as long as you don't do anything dumb, you and the baby will be just fine. Cami continues to not-drink the tea and prays for her child. It looks as though she sets the cup aside.

In the foyer, the maid asks the midwife again (see, nobody trusts her!) if the baby's okay. The midwife says it was quite a blow, but despite being skinny, Cami's got strong bones. Just to make it look good, however, she scolds the caretaker and tells him to be more careful. He and the maid say it was an accident. He says he has his flaws, but he wouldn't shove a pregnant woman.

After the midwife leaves, the maid tells the caretaker she hopes the baby will pull through okay; but they'd better get their things together, just in case they get fired.

Justo is at the palacio, telling Santiago all about his visitor. They are concerned that he didn't buy Justo's story about the convent. (No one else did, so why did they stick with it?) Meanwhile, Jimena is telling Ric how much Camila loves him, and how Justo tried to get them to keep her pregnancy a secret, and then he and Santi took her away to an undisclosed location.

She then has to update him on Santi's change in misfortune, Rita's highly timely death, and Lis's marriage of inconvenience. Ric looks a bit overwhelmed.

Santi is already in the street, telling the guards to be on the lookout for a tall, strong man dressed as a monk. Justo takes Santi aside and warns him that if Ric ends up in the gallows, Camila will never forgive him (Santi). Santi likens it to putting down a rabid dog, and goes back to shouting orders. He tells the guards to surround the town, block the roads and check out Ric's old house. The guards disperse. Justo looks seasick.

In the church, Ric asks where Camila is. Jime isn't sure, but thinks it's probably a convent nearby. It takes them about two days to make the round trip. Pablo interrupts, somewhat indiscreetly calling him "Captain" (fortunately no one else hears him) and warning that the guards have just been dispatched - probably for him. Ric hurriedly asks Jime who would know where Camila is. Jime says it's just Justo, Santiago, and possibly Ofelia, since she's gone to visit her.

And they go in a coach - not a rented one, but one of Jorge's! Ric seizes on this and asks if anyone else accompanied them. Jimena remembers that Lafont and some guards went with them the first time. Ric tells her that if she sees Camila again before he does, to tell her to stay strong ("resista") and by God he will come for her and his child. He and Pablo take off. Jimena approaches the altar and starts praying like crazy.

Justo tells Santiago that Ric must be looking for someone to tell him where Camila is. Just then, Jimena comes out of the church. (Lost in thought, she plows right through a group of gentlemen who are chatting outside.) When Santi confronts her, she says she just went in to pray. Santi scolds her for meeting with Ricardo and ditching her job. Justo says he knows Ric was there, dressed as a monk. "I didn't see him," Jime claims. "We're not playing!" Santi yells at her. "Neither am I playing. It's indecent to me that you're keeping Camila prisoner and not giving her the consolation of knowing that Ricardo's alive." She tells them she knows about the letter Ric sent to Justo. "What did you do, tear it up?"

Justo says he did what he had to do to safeguard his daughter's honor. "At what cost?" she asks. "Her unhappiness?" Santi says her unhappiness comes with the pirate. "A woman's unhappiness is not with the man she loves," Jimena replies.

"What did you tell him?" Santi demands.

"That she is expecting his child!" Jimena turns to leave. Santi grabs her roughly and wants to know what Ric said. "What do you think? He'll search for her in the depths of hell if he has to!" She runs away.

Justo and Santi go back to the palacio to wait and bellyache. Tired, Justo asks why don't they just let them go. Santiago says he will not permit it - he wants to marry her, he has the right!

"Yes, of course!" Camila's incredibly wussy father agrees. "But maybe she doesn't want to." Santi thinks she will if she thinks Ric is dead. "There's always been love between us." (That was back when she was young and inexperienced, and he wasn't a conceited ass. Those two people don't exist any more.) Justo points out that Jimena already said he's going to look for her. Santiago's like, "we'll just see about that." (You go, tough guy!)

The guards come in with a report. They've staked out the roads and they also checked out Ric's old house. There's nobody there now, but there are signs that someone spent the night. Santi orders more guards for Justo's house and Garbancillo. "I'd like to make a suggestion," the guard captain says with a smug look. "Go ahead," Santi says... we never hear the rest of this conversation, but it becomes clear later.

Ric meets with his men out in the middle of nowhere and tells them Camila's within a day's journey from here. Pablo says that's a big area. Ric says that doesn't matter - they need to find her. Mario asks how pregnant she is. Ric says seven months. Guero says it'll be dangerous to move her that far. "Well, we have to find her first, then we'll decide," Ric says. He asides to Mario that he can't leave it up to "those people" (pretty sure he means Camila's people, not his people); he tells the group that Justo, Santiago, Ofelia, Jorge, and Lafont are the people who know where she is. (Yep, just them, plus a bunch of guards, Lisabeta, Auntie Fran, and the nosy maid... come to think of it, I think Clothilde has actually been the most discreet person of the bunch...)

Mario says it wouldn't be Ric's style to use violence against Justo or Ofelia. Ric says of course not. Mario says Jorge and Santiago would be well-protected, too. That just leaves Lafont. Ric announces, "Okay, guys - we're going for Alberto Lafont!" Pablo, Jesus, and Güero draw their swords. They are ready to rumble!

Fran and Clothilde arrive at tiny house. "From what they say, this must be it," Clothilde indicates. "Good God, this is disgusting," Fran answers, stepping around gingerly.

They go inside, where Auxiliadora, the midwife, is fiddling with some herbs or vegetables. She assumes that Clothilde is there on behalf of Lafont; but Fran comes in and says "no, we're here on a very delicate matter of justice." Auxiliadora nods as if this sort of thing happens to her every day. Fran casts a dubious glance around the little cabin.

Back in San Fernando, Ines notices all the guards and whatnot and sees that Justo and Santiago are getting ready to leave. She asks what's up. They say they're going to take care of something. They deny that it's about Camila. Santi snottily says, "tell my mother [she is also Ines's mother!] that I'll be back in a few days." The self-proclaimed San Fernando League of Justice gallop away with a group of guards.

Fran is laying it on thick, telling Auxiliadora that she loves her nephew like her own son, and that woman's child is of her own blood. Auxiliadora says she heard the father's baby was a pirate. Fran angrily says that that's just a story CAMILA made up to defame him. Taking that baby away from her would be an act of compassion.

"Okay, well, I've listened to your story but I still don't know why you're here." "I want to take that baby home," Fran answers. Auxiliadora looks confused. "But Don Alberto..."

"Don Alberto doesn't have to know about this."

Auxiliadora flashes back to Lafont saying "I don't care about the kid, but I warn you, if you open your mouth, you're dead." And he hands her a bag of money.

Fran tells Auxi to take care to save the baby and let her know when it's born. She puts a bag of money on the table. (Clothilde is eating Jujifruits or Raisinets out of her little feedbag.) She warns that if she speaks to anyone about this, things will go very badly. (Auxiliadora must be developing a very ugly mental picture of San Fernando's population by now.)

Fran leaves. Clothilde tries to give a flowery goodbye, but Auxi grunts and slams the door and secures it with a high-tech locking device (that is, she jams a piece of wood under the latch to brace it shut). She gets Lafont's money out of her high-tech wall safe (box hidden behind a loose brick) and combines the money into one bag. She muses that she's collected a fortune, and wonders what she'll do with it. Someone knocks on the door, so she puts the money away and activates the security system (puts a bag in front of the loose brick).

She lets the visitor in. It's a young woman, looking to be right around seven months pregnant. HMMMM! She's not doing well - her father has disowned her, her aunt doesn't want her either, and she's been staying in some guy's barn. She brought some corn. White corn, apparently - Auxiliadora is happy.

Pablo returns with a scouting report. There are guards everywhere. Mario asks about Jimena. I don't understand Pablo's reply (she's not "amalio"? probably a bad caption but I couldn't make out what he said). Mario asks Ric if they can take her with them. Ric says they'll see if she wants to. Pablo says Lafont went into the admin offices for a while, and then went home; it appears that there are no guards in front of his house. However, the men are concerned that there are too many guards everywhere else and they'll be overpowered. He suggests waiting a few days - maybe they'll give up.

Pablo thinks maybe Lafont told Lis where Camila is - but Ric says he won't trust Lis. Mario suggests looking at Lafont's hacienda, but Ric thinks the distance is too short to be correct; anyway, they wouldn't be so stupid as to take her to one of Lafont's or Jorge's properties! It'd be the first place they'd look!

Ric says they'll wait for some luck. Mario pats his shoulder and says Ric hasn't been so lucky lately. Ric says he's cheated death and is going to have a child - that doesn't seem so unlucky! He tells the guys to go back to the road and wait for the guards.

Auxiliadora goes to check up on Cami, who says that she's feeling a little better, but it still hurts. She hasn't been bleeding. Auxi puts leaves on her temples and tells the maid, her goddaughter (are they also niece and aunt? all I know is that the maid called her godmother earlier tonight), to brew up some chicken broth and giblets. Evidently, this is already on the stove. She asks Cami about the child's father. Cami says he didn't abandon her, but certain... things... happened. She doesn't know what happened to him, but she hopes he'll come back. (I cannot believe that it never occurred to Lis and Fran that Camila would squash their lame story within seconds... I mean, if you're going to bribe the woman anyway, why bother telling her some ridiculous tale that only proves you're a liar?) Camila asks again if she's sure the baby's okay. Auxi tells her again to take it easy, not to exert herself, etc. and she'll leave her some boldo tea (it's good for tummyache and gallbladder, apparently).

Alone in her room, Camila tells her belly, "Two more months and I will have you in my arms, and I swear to you that this hell will end, I promise you."

Jesus and Guero watch the road and curse their bad luck as numerous guards gallop past. They're everywhere. But then their luck changes: here comes Yosihei, or as the pirates still call him, "el Chino." Yosi says Ric has more lives than a cat; last time they met, he thought he'd be dead.

Yosi says this is going to be his final merchandise-related trip to SF because Foreman is planning one last grand caper, after which he will retire. He'll want to talk to Ric, too. He's in San Vicente now. Yosi asks why they're hiding out like "villains."

Ines is discussing Santiago's and Justo's abrupt departure with Ofelia, Vasco, and Jimena. Vasco is sure it's to prevent Ric from rescuing Camila. Jimena is exasperated with their stubbornness, but Ofelia doesn't like any of the places that Ric might bring Camila - like on a long boat trip fleeing from justice. Jimena says if they love each other, that's what matters. Ofelia says some kinds of love can cause sin. Jimena says they've paid enough already; and what Santi and Justo are doing is cruel. It looks as though Santi is trying to get Ric out of the way so he can have Camila. Vasco agrees and says that Santiago just isn't the same.

Ines recalls that they used to complain that Rita had changed. But now, he's even worse than she was. He doesn't visit them, doesn't spend time with them, or want to spend time with his mother and child. Vasco says his father has changed, too. He never used to be so hard, so insensitive. It was justified when he threw Vasco out of the house, but ever since this baby thing came up, what's become of the kindness he'd always shown?

Ines tells Ofelia that Jimena lost her job and can't stay at Justo's any more because she told Ric about the baby. Can she stay there? Jimena tries to give Ofelia a way out, but Ines insists, and Ofelia agrees. Jimena protests, saying Santiago will never come over if she's around. Ofelia tearfully says not to think so poorly of him. He's just confused right now. He'll get on the right track again.

Yosi says some mushy things about women filling our souls and children continuing our blood, then gives Ric and his men the rundown on how the merchandise arrangement works. They deliver the stuff to Uriel's warehouse on the edge of town. Mateo and Uriel take the merchandise. Lafont pays them anywhere - at the inn, the mill, wherever. Ric tells him to have Lafont pay at the warehouse this time. He is concerned that Yosi will get caught. Yosi says don't worry - he'll disappear when Ric is finished (with unspecified task that we'll find out about soon enough).

Someone's just gotten married in San Fernando. Lafont watches the crowd applaud before going in to see Jorge. A master guitarist plays background music. Lafont asks what's up with all the guards. Jorge says it's some project of his son's because he's afraid Ric's come back. Lafont complains that Santi is obsessed with that woman. He reminds Jorge that he'd like Santi to marry Manuela. Jorge motions him into another room, leaving the guitarist to play for no one.

Jorge tells Lafont he'd better not give him any more reason to think he had something to do with Rita's death. (I think we're all wondering how it's possible that none of the groomsmen noticed a knife wound, however shallow, on that horse.) Lafont insists it was an accident. Jorge lets that drop - for the moment - and says Santi's already agreed to remarry and provide an heir, but he'll decide for himself who he marries. Lafont says it would be too scandalous for him to marry the pirate's sweetie. Jorge doesn't seem worried. Lafont tells him he's getting soft. Jorge disagrees and says some things come with time, but if, when the time comes, he's unhappy about Santi marrying Camila he'll seek out a remedy then.

Jorge says he has no objection to Manuela - she seems like a nice enough girl. No, his problem is with LAFONT and his thirst for power. Jorge's concerned that Lafont just might be trying to take advantage of the situation. Lafont tries to play innocent, but Jorge says he knows Lafont too well. He warns him that if he, Jorge, dies before Lafont, not to get any funny ideas, because Santiago isn't as dumb as Lafont thinks. "He's got my blood - don't you forget it." Lafont finally looks worried.

(Is that the sound of background music? Or is it the sound of a wagon-wheel rolling into town?)

Operation Rooster-Grab is now in progress. The combined forces of Yosi's and Ric's groups are travelling together, with Mario and Ric hiding in the back where they won't be seen or recognized. A guard stops them. Yosi says he's there to deliver some goods for Uriel. A guard pokes around the back with a knife, but fortunately misses the good stuff. Yosi prepares to draw his sword, just in case. The suspicious guard asks what the empty coach is for, but Yosi says it's for when he needs to rest.

Having run out of reasons to harass the travelers, the guard lets them pass. When they reach the meeting spot, Yosi tells Lafont's guy to tell Lafont to meet them out there for payment because they're in a hurry and don't have time to go into San Fernando.

Alone in the warehouse, they proceed to "unpack." Ric and Mario jump out of the back. Yosi says he'll send Mateo and Uriel away and get Lafont to hang around afterward. Ric's men take their hiding places.

Meanwhile, near Garbancillo, Santi is telling Justo that he's afraid his mother will get soft and tell where Camila is, and Ines will certainly blab if she finds out. They wonder where else to stow Camila.

Uriel and Mateo are happy with their shipment. Yosi compliments Uriel's efficiency. "You too, Señor Yochi" Uriel says, mispronouncing Yosihei's name but not too badly (Yoshi is a pretty common Japanese name). Lafont shows up; cymbals crash to let us know he's the unwitting guest of honor at this tealess tea-party. Yosi says he's in a hurry, and a little nervous about all the guards. Lafont laughs and explains that they're around because Jorge's son is in a panic that Antillano will come back. Lafont sits to examine Uriel's paperwork.

(Alert! Alert! The bump going into the commercial break shows a smiling CLAUDIO... I suppose to remind us that his story is still unfinished! Nice to see you again, kiddo!)

Yosi has his money. He asks Mateo and Uriel if he can speak with Lafont privately. They agree to retire to the saloon and wait for him. Uriel shakes Yosi's hand and says goodbye. This time he pronounces Yosi's name correctly.

Alone with Lafont, Yosi says that their partnership is finished. Lafont says he's heard that the Spanish government is cracking down on the Caribbean, so Yosi's probably going to retire. He says yes - he, Foreman, and a bunch of their colleagues. (Ric is hiding behind a large prop painting of a little girl. The painting is so conspicuous that I have to wonder if it's there as a joke - like does it show up as a prop in lots of novelas, or is the little girl in the picture somebody's daughter who's in the show, or is it a famous painting that's being sold as a counterfeit in San Fernando, etc.) (At least it's not the Monster Ladyparts Seashell of Doom - a much smaller but very disturbing painting that frightened many a LFMB viewer back in the day.)

However, Yosi says, there's one guy who still has a dispute with Lafont. Lafont laughs. "Dispute? With whom?"

"ME!" Ric comes out from behind the painting with his sword drawn. The other pirates emerge from their hiding places as well. "Okay colleagues, see you later!" Yosi says. He and Ric say their goodbyes. Ric tells Yosi that he hopes he finds his Buddha. "Sayonara, Don Alberto," Yosi says, taking a bow on his way out.

"It's not very gentlemanly to attack a defenseless man," Lafont complains. (I wonder if Lis has any opinion as to Lafont's expertise in the area of gentlemanly behavior.) Ric points out that Lafont has said lots of times that Ric's no gentleman. He's desperate to find his woman and child.

Stunned, Lafont looks around, chuckles, and says no problem, they took her to Garbancillo. Ric says great, he'll accompany them and get them past the guards. Mario gallantly takes Lafont's weapon.

Justo, Santi, and their posse are already at the house. The maid tells them Camila suffered a fall yesterday but is doing okay. Camila's embroidering in bed and tells them the midwife said she'll get better, but she's not supposed to get up. Sounding almost hopeful, Justo tells Santi they can't take her away. Santi insists. Cami asks why they're discussing her as if she's not there. (She should be used to it by now. Just look at what she missed out on by not marrying this guy.) They ignore her and Justo caves in to Santiago. He simply tells Camila to trust them. She is taken aback by the change in plans and by their silence, but she bundles up and lets Santi walk her to the door.

The fact that they not only want to move her against the midwife's orders, but also want to keep her hidden, tips her off to the fact that Ric's people are on their way. They don't want to confirm her suspicion, but she wants to talk about it right now. She tells Santi she doesn't trust him. He says he's doing this for her! She tells him this isn't what she wants. He grabs her arms and rather roughly shoves her towards the door even though she's obviously weak and uncomfortable. Justo tells the now-frightened maid to remove all traces of his daughter's presence, put out the fire very thoroughly, and get herself and her husband out of there for a few days.

Outside, Santi admits that Ricardo's people came to the pueblo, but they don't know about Ric. She begs to see them. Of course they refuse. She struggles with Santi and screams that she hates both of them. They stuff her into the waiting coach.

In a different coach, Lafont is telling Ric that the only reason he went with Santi and Justo was because Jorge told him to. The decision was Santi's and Justo's.

They are stopped by guards who want to see everyone's documents. Ric's men pretend to look for theirs. Ric tells Lafont that he'll kill him if he says one wrong word. Lafont plays along. The guard asks for their names and destination. He peers in for a better look, apologizes to Lafont and says he's supposed to be looking for pirates. Lafont says ha, ha, no, he's just going on a trip with some buds. The guard lets him go - no document review or destination information needed. Ric even says "thank you" to the guard.

As they roll along, Lafont says he has nothing against them, and in fact he's happy to bring them to Camila, that poor girl. She's suffered so much, and after all, she's his lady and she's going to give him a child. Ric waves his sword near Lafont's neck to encourage him to be quiet.

Jimena is sitting outside at Ofelia's house when Ascanio comes home. He tells her she lost her job, won't dare go back to Justo's, and Ofelia's letting her stay there. He asks what happened. She casually says, oh nothing - just that she ditched work to go to church. "You got fired for that?" Ascanio asks with a little smile, suspecting that there's more to her story. "But in the church... was Ricardo!" Ascanio is surprised. Jimena asks if, being Santi's friend and all, he knows where Camila is. Ascanio says they never discussed it. Jime wonders if he could find out from Manuela, but he doesn't want her to be involved. Her father's a violent man, and he hasn't seen her in days anyway. He used to run into her at the market or at church, but ever since he started working at the palacio admin he can't go out.

Jime urges him to look for her. Ascanio says she's not like Jimena - she's timid and insecure. She doesn't know how to defend herself, and she's already taken too many risks to see him. Jimena asks if he doesn't care about Camila. He says he owes everything to her, but he wouldn't dare ask this of Manuela. The only thing it would get her would be a beating from her father. And Santi would never tell him. He says they just have to trust that Ric will find her.

He strokes Jimena's face and asks why she won't go back to Justo's house. She says he pushed her to the brink.

Meanwhile, Camila and her concerned captors arrive at a newly undisclosed location. It turns out that this place is what the guard captain was suggesting to Santiago earlier, at the palacio. The owner (a "Doña Purificación," I kid you not) has been away at a convent for several years. The maid herself has a pale, almost fairyish appearance, dressed in white ruffles. She excuses herself to get Cami some water.

Camila says they didn't just bring her there to keep Ric's people from finding her. Ric himself has been to SF, hasn't he? So he's not dead, he came for her, and she wants her right to go with him. "You're not going anywhere," says Santiago. Camila then appeals to her father, who says it's his obligation to prevent her from living a life of sin.

"You've always been my glory, my favorite gem, my pride... I hate to admit this, but you were my favorite child, and I don't want you to fall off that pedestal where I put you." He and Santiago leave quickly, closing the bedroom door behind them.

Camila yells that she's never been on a pedestal and doesn't care, and who are they to judge anyway?

Santiago Mancera, junior señor of San Fernando, that's who. He locks the door while she screams for Ricardo.

---

Martes
Lafont offers Ric a chair.

Labels: Pasion

In the Taverna, Hugo politely asks Arturo to go outside to settle their differences so as not to disrupt the entertainment. Arturo refuses. Hugo escalates the situation by challenging Arturo to a duel to the death. All this time, Soledad has been standing in the doorway out of Hugo's sight. After the challenge, Soledad comes forward and asks Hugo not to take on Arturo. Hugo tells her that this is a man thing and she should go home to her baby. Arturo says, "Yes, go home, put on mourning and get ready to bury your husband." Arturo takes a swing at Hugo who knocks him down. At this point, Hercu-less takes the opportunity to hold Soledad at gunpoint. Boris and Hugo threaten Hercu-less to free Soledad, Guillermo stops one of Arturo's men from shooting Hugo and the whole Taverna erupts into fighting. Hugo, Boris and Soledad escape from the Taverna. Arturo sends his men after them. Boris provides covering fire while Hugo and Soledad escape. In the confusion, Hercu-less carries Rebeca off over his shoulder like a cave man.

Ester and Antonia argue about whether Antonia should have told Soledad that Ester threw Lucas out. Ester says that she has had enough of Lucas's drinking, philandering and crazy behavior. Antonia says that if anything happens to Lucas, it will Ester's fault.

Alberto, Rebeca's coachman, takes Lucas to Rebeca's house. Jeremias wakes up Enrico and sends him to save Lucas from danger. Jeremias says that Lucas is important for finding the treasure. That motivates Enrico. Enrico tells Lucas that Rebeca is a bad person.

Hugo decides that the safest place to hide out with Soledad is in the famous cabaña where Hugo and Soledad first made love and where Hugo saw Soledad kissing Alcides. (I thought that cabaña had been destroyed by an explosion? There isn't even any smoke damage.) Paquito sees the carriage and knows where they are going.

Being in the cabaña provokes Soledad to have a flashback of her night of passion there with Hugo. Hugo says that Soledad seems very thoughtful. She says that she has been in this place before. "Yes," says Hugo, the night of our wedding," and has a flashback to seeing Soledad kissing Alcides disguised as Hugo. Hugo says that their baby was probably conceived in that night of passion. His says his memories of it are vague but he thinks she enjoyed it. Soledad says that she doesn't remember. "You felt guilty about betraying the memory of Hugo, right?" asks Hugo. "I don't understand why," says Hugo, "my brother was dead and we were married." Soledad says that she doesn't know why he is asking about all this. Hugo says that he wants to know if Soledad gave him (Alcides) her heart that night. Soledad says that she doesn't want to talk about it. She just wants to go home to her baby. However illogically, Hugo concludes that her response proves that she was his, only his that night.

Back at the Taverna, Arturo is instructing his men to search the forest for Hugo and Soledad when Paquito comes in and tells Arturo where to send his men. Arturo makes Paquito lead his men to the cabaña in spite of Paquito's concern that Alcides will find out that Paquito betrayed his hiding place. "You are on my team, now," says Arturo, "and this is war."

Hugo keeps Soledad from lighting candles that would betray their presence in the cabaña (although there seems to be plenty of light in there already - maybe there is a full moon ;-) )
Hugo goes back to his cross examination of Soledad. He says that he knows that he (Alcides) and she lied to Hugo to get his fortune and even had a daughter together but he wants to know if she ever loved him (Alcides). Soledad refuses to answer except to say that her marriage with Alcides was hell. "Would you rather have lived with my brother Hugo? Did you really love him?" Alcides/Hugo tells her that he spied on them when they were together and she seemed so in love. What were her feelings for Hugo? Naturally, just as she starts to answer, the bad guys open fire from outside.

Hugo wants to go out there by himself and lead the bad guys away but Soledad won't let him. "Why are you trying to help me?" he asks and she says that she won't let him be killed. They huddle together inside while the bad guys shoot every glass lampshade and bottle in the place. In crawls Boris, who has found an unobserved way out of the place through the basement.

Hercu-less brings Rebeca back to the house and starts groping her saying that he has missed her and he is sure she wants him back. The coachman interrupts to say that Lucas is waiting for Rebeca. Hercu-less, the nitwit, is consumed with jealousy. He goes to kill Lucas and in the fracas, Enrico and Lucas escape. However, Rebeca overhears Enrico says something to Lucas about being important to getting the treasure.

Back at the Taverna, Eloisa is giving the performance of a lifetime to Arturo saying that his vendetta against Alcides has shown her that he isn't the family man she thought he was, etc. etc. Arturo says he can be that man if Eloisa is by his side (gag). She agrees to marry him on condition that he calls his men off Alcides and there is no bloodshed. Arturo agrees but he wants to sample the merchandise right away. Continuing her Academy Award winning performance, Eloisa, with the aid of hatpin, manages to convince Arturo that she is a shy virgin. In a post-coital chat, Arturo says that he is so happy that he is first man she has been with and she says that she is happy that that he is the peace-loving guy she fell in love with and makes him promise not to continue his feud with Alcides. He agrees. (So much lying is going on here, that somebody's nose should be getting longer.)

Lucas and Soledad return to the Obragon house and Ester reluctantly agrees to take him back. (What could be a greater punishment for him than having to look at her and Antonia every day?) Soledad announces that she has made a decision about going back to Alcides.

In the Elena and Guillermo show, Elena agrees to stay with Dr. Max as his assistant but she doesn't like the work. The police come for Dr. Max to treat the wounded from the melee at the Taverna, including Guillermo. Guillermo ends up blind from a blow on the head. Dr. Max agrees to let him come back to his place. Guillermo stumbles into the room of the Cabinet of the Dead Wife that he thinks is a cabinet full of money. It probably wasn't that smart to try and rob it when you are blind. Dr. Max surprises him, whips out his trusty sword and says he is going to kill Guillermo.

At the House of Sadism, Beatriz gives a cheery good morning to Alcides but he doesn't respond and appears to be dead. (Presumably, Alcides isn't really dead. Could he be having a catalepsy attack as Margarita suggested?)

Two of Arturo's men didn't get the order to come back to base and now Arturo is worried that something might happen to Alcides and he would lose Eloisa. Unaware of this development, Hugo enlists the cooperation of his employees in protecting the Hacienda and Boris supervises arming them. And because Hugo is a good guy, he tells his men to make sure that they are careful and don't risk their lives. As badly as these guys shoot at each other in a gunfight, they should have no worries.

Eloisa shows up at the Hacienda to tell Hugo what she has done for him. She has agreed to marry Arturo and even slept with him just to get him to call off the feud. Hugo is impactado. "Why?" he asks. "Because I love you and I don't want him to hurt you," responds Eloisa. At this moment, Soledad shows up with the baby and Ursula and announces that her and her baby's place is at his side so she is moving in. The credits roll.

Labels: la traicion

Dear friends of Juan Q here I am once more substituting for our good friend Schoolmarm. I copied the end of the Thursday chapter from our great recaper Sylvia.

Juanito and Marely are ready for Fernando to drive them home. Juanito asks her is she sad because of what Paula told his papa? Marely tries to explain that Nidia did something very bad and Juan accidentally got mixed up in it. She's too ashamed to tell Juanito what it is but she feels responsible. Why? Because it affects other people. Juanito asks, did Marely do bad, yes or no? Marely supposes no. Then Juanito doesn't understand why she feels at fault. "You're good and my papa knows it!" he insists. Marely sweetly tells him how much his words mean to her. They leave with Fernando and his armful of Campeoni paperwork.Paula's tea party for one is interrupted by the doorbell. It's Juan. She screams that she has nothing to say to him! Juan angrily insists he has something to say to her and she's going to listen. She threatens to call the police. She says she won't listen. "That's why I'm here," he points out, "because you have the wrong idea!"Ana runs downstairs, what's the commotion? Juan tells her he's come to say something and he's not leaving until he says it. Ana suggests that now is not the best time as her daughter is out of sorts. "No Señora," Juan insists, "your stubborn daughter will listen to me, because although she yells, bellows and throws a hissy fit, I'm not moving from here until I show her she's mistaken!"

And now on to Friday’s show

Ana decides to give Juan a chance –Even the guilty deserve to defend themselves. Ana leaves them alone, and since she has no other choice, Paula decides to give Juan a few minutes. –But do it fast because I’m tired, she says.

Juan grabs his chance and tries to explain everything to Paula. He tells her that he can’t believe that knowing him she could even think that he was going to keep quiet. She yells that he lived at the house when her father died. Juan says that he wasn’t privy to all the conversations that Doña Lidia had. He swears by the immense love that he has for her that he did not know about the will. The odious Paula says one of the stupidest things I ever heard. She says that she can’t believe him, because he lived the life style of a King while he was living with the Cachon Ladies, and she adds that he did it with HER money. Hay Paulita if you only knew that our good Juanito had to look for a job to support the Cachon household while the Will was resolved, and later, as far as I know, Juan never, never asked Lidia for Money. Juan says that he is hurt because he could be a brute, an exaggerator, a liar; but never disloyal, a chit or a freeloader. Paula doubts it. Juan tells her that he doesn’t care what people (or Paula) thinks of him, but it is important that she knows that for him a promise is sacred, especially one made to a dying man and that is why he protected all of the Cachon ladies. He tries to make her understand that her father never told him about the will, but Paula is out of herself. She yells at him –What do you want me to do? Do you want me to believe that everybody is a saint? Juan says that no, but at least consider the possibility that not everybody is her enemy. He tells her that she should do this for her own good, because she is only hurting herself with all of that rage. He tells her to think about it and that that was all he had to say. He leaves.

Pastor asks Yvonne to call Marely. Yvonne informs him that Marely left with Fernando. She complaints that now that Juan owns half of the company, The dim-witted Marely thinks that she is the First Lady. Pastor tells her that she (Yvonne) is even more dim-witted because Juan really appreciates Marely and won’t take kindly if Yvonne tries to mess with her –“Mejor apechuga”( You better learn to live with it. Lit. brace yourself). Yvonne can’t believe how low things are at Farrell –Now the chauffer is the director, what is next, the cleaning lady giving us orders? Pastor tells her that she should be more like him. He learned to adapt to any circumstances. Yvonne is not too sure about that. Right then the phone rings. Yvonne answers and it is Laura, she doesn’t want to give her name and hangs up.

At the Cachon residence, Marely arrives and finds Kike sitting down in the living room. She tries to cheer him up by offering to cook for him. He says that it is ok, he is not hungry. She wants to know how it went with Yadira. He says he is not sure, he talked to her and hopes that Yadira understands that it is better for little Nidia to be with her father, he remembers about Delirio and tells Marely that he just dropped him at the police station because he went to turn himself in. Marely is impactada.

Cut to Delirio coming out of a costume store wearing a ridiculous wig with a mustache and black glasses. He thinks to himself that it is a shame that he has to hide his good-looks.

Back at casa Cachon, Marely is telling kike that she can’t believe Licenciado Pelafan was capable of doing something like that. Kike says that Lic. Pelafan might be a cheater, a thief, a crook, a con artist, but he acted nobly at the end; especially with Nidia, because he took all the responsibility for the fraud.

At the house of the shrieking witch… I mean Paula’s house, Paula is telling Ana that Juan told her that he did not know about the will. Ana says that she believes him, because Juan is not the kind that gets enticed by money. Paula says that he had to know, and she is sure he kept it quiet because he would benefit from the money. Ana tells her to take it easy, and let her resolve this problem. Paula says no, because she is sure that Ana will forgive Nidia.

Angarita and Nidia are eating dinner. Angarita is telling Nidia how good he feels that she is there with him, however he reminds her that she can’t keep on running. Nidia says that she knows, but she has to wait until Paula loses a little bit of steam. Anga says that maybe Nidia should talk to Ana since they are friends. Nidia says that she is convinced that Ana hates her and won’t want to talk to her.

Juan arrives at the Pomposo Manor, and tells Don Lorenzo that he needs his help.

At the chachon residence Kike and Marely are still pondering everything that has happened and how lonely the house is. Kike tells Marely that he also wants to leave. Marely tells Kike that he can’t leave; this is Yadira’s house and once she learns her lesson she’ll be back and Kike has to be there waiting for her. Kike asks Marely not to talk to him about Yadira.

At the Pomposo Manor, Juan explains Mr. Pomposo that he needs him as a financial adviser. Mr. Pomposo looks doubtful. Juan tries to convince him telling him that he has a lot of talent. Mr. P tells him that finances are not his cup of tea, and that he wants to think about it. Mrs. Pomposo that has been listening impatiently to the conversation says that there is nothing to think about, she wants him to accept. Juan tells her that Mr. P has a right to think about the proposal. She leaves in a huff. After thinking about it for the duration of the commercial break Mr. P decides that he won’t do it. Juan asks him why, and Mr. P tells him that to be happy you have to learn to know and accept yourself. He knows himself and he says that he wouldn’t be happy. Juan says that he understands and agrees with him. Mr. P then tells him that he doesn’t need a financial adviser; all he needs is to trust on himself. Juan thought bubbles that Mr. P was a great teacher, and gave him the right advice.

At Ana’s house Paula is remembering her conversations with Juan, CL, Delirio and Marely. Downstairs Ana is still trying to contact Nidia; she calls the Cachon household and Marely answers the phone. Ana asks Marely for Nidia. Marely informs her that Nidia is not there and that she won’t be able to talk to her. Ana asks if Nidia had something to do with the fraud. Marely says yes and tries to apologize for her mother, but Ana doesn’t even let her finish and tells her in a very cold tone of voice that she has to hang up.

At Angarita’s house Nidia and Angarita are almost finishing their dinner, when somebody knocks at the door. Nidia panics and thinks that maybe is the police. Angarita tells her to calm down; he thinks it might be Pastor. Nidia hides in Anga’s room. Anga opens the door and in fact is Pastor

At Ana’s House, Paula comes downstairs and finds her mother crying. She wants to know what happened. Ana tells her that Marely told her all about Nidia and Delirio. She is very hurt because she believed in Nidia’s friendship. Paula immediately says I told you so. Ana says that Paula can do whatever she wants she won’t oppose it, and she’ll close the Gallery first thing tomorrow.

At the Pomposo Manor, Juan is very happy with all the advice he received from Mr. P. He leaves the house and is thought bubbling about how smart and decent Mr. Pomposo is, when Mrs. P reaches him. She wants to know if Mr. P took the job. When Juan tells her that he did not, she gets all upset and starts yelling that Lorenzo (Mr. P) is a “zopenco” a fool, a coward.

At Ana’s House, Paula found another reason to be mad. –Close the gallery? Never, she used MY money to help you open it. Ana tells Paula that she doesn’t want to see Nidia ever again, that she is very tired and doesn’t want to deal with all of this and that that is her final answer!

At Angarita’s house, Anga is happy to see Pastor and after a little encouragement recognizes that he wants Pastor to come back. Pastor says that he has conditions. Anga says ok, besides he also has to ask for his advice on something else. Pastor says “Ya salio el peine” (Finally we have the real reason for your invitation. Lit the comb came out) Anga ignores the criticism, takes him to the kitchen and tells him about how Nidia “Cachiruleo” (Falsified) the will. Pastor tells him that Anga could go to jail for aiding and abetting a criminal.

At the Pomposo’s house Doña Pepita (Mrs. P) is yelling at Mr. P. She calls him a coward and a loser, why did he not take the job? What is he afraid of? He tells her that he is not afraid and he won’t try to explain because she won’t understand. Mrs. P keeps on channeling Paula and calls Mr. P a coward once too many. He can’t take it any more and leaves the house. Mrs. P tries to stop him, but fails.

At Anga’s house, Anga tells Pastor that he knows he is getting himself into trouble but he had to help Nidia. He tells her that Nidia “Estaba mas asustada que una gallina en Etiopia” (was more scared that a chicken in Ethiopia). Pastor says then, you’ll have to assume the consequences, from the moment you took her under your roof, you have become her partner in crime, a white collar criminal, a member of the organized criminal underground, an obstructer of justice. Anga tells him to stop it; he needs an advice not a spanking. Pastor tells him that he only has two options: 1) denounce Nidia. 2) convince Nidia to turn herself in. Anga says he’ll try the latter. He knows it won’t be easy, especially because he is in love with her.

Juan is finally arriving home. He is thought bubbling about the hard day, and how tired he is. He says he is going straight to bed.

At Anga’s house, Nidia is sleeping. Anga has finally decided that he won’t hide her any more and wakes her up to inform her that she needs to turn herself in first thing tomorrow morning.

At the Cachon house, Juan enters and finds Marely waiting for him. She tells him that Juanito is already sleeping. Juan thanks her for everything she does for Juanito. Marely tells him that she does it because Juanito is a lovely child, and she likes big Juan. Juan appreciates her sense of humor, and thanks her again. Marely just laughs and asks him if he is hungry. Juan thougt bubbles that Marely is a great woman and he doesn’t deserve her. He accepts her invitation and she tells him to sit down. While she prepares his plate, she asks him if he was able to talk to Paula. He says than more than talk they yelled at each other. Marely tells him that after everything that happened Paula’s behavior is normal. Juan thought bubbles that it is normal for a panther or for a wounded Cachon female. Marely keeps on trying to justify Paula’s behavior while Juan keeps on realizing how nice and good Marely is. Juan tells Marely that he wants to talk to Nidia, Marely tells him that that won’t be possible because her mother has escaped.

Nidia is now fully awake, and very upset. She is telling Anga that he is leaving his house right away, that she shouldn’t have trust him. Anga tells her to stop playing the victim and to understand that turning herself in is the best solution to the problem, and if Nidia doesn’t understand this then she should leave. Nidia can’t believe it. Anga tells her that she has to grow up and take responsibility for her actions.

Juan is listening to Marely while thinking how perfect Marely is and how foolish he is for not loving Marely in stead of Paula. Juan is pondering the injustice of everything, when his phone rings. It is Mrs. P asking Juan for help to find Mr P. Juan says that he’ll be there in a minute. He hangs up and tells Marely that Mrs. P “anda de semaforo amarillo” (Worried. Lit. She feels like a yellow traffic light) because her husband left the house. He is going to help her find him. As he is about to leave he returns and gives Marely a very nice kiss on her cheek. Marely asks why. He says that “honor a quien honor merece” (he is just honoring the diserving). Marely is impactada and has that look that says that she’ll never wash her cheek.

Nidia keeps on saying good bye, she says that for sure this time she is leaving. Anga answers with a known dicho “El que mucho se despide pocas ganas tiene de irse”(The one that says good bye a lot of times, doesn’t want to go) Nidia says fine I’m leaving you’ll never see me again Mr. Gañan. She walks towards the door, but before leaving she looks back to see if Anga is going to stop her, since Anga doesn’t move a muscle, she hesitantly leaves.

Juan is back at the Pomposo residence, he wants to know what she did to upset Mr. P so much. She reluctantly admits that she might’ve pushed his buttons by calling him a coward and a loser. She tells Juan rather dramatically that Mr. P must have gone to that drinking hole of his where he must be drowning his sorrows in alcohol. Later we see Juan walking down the street. He is thought bubbling that he was on his way to Mr. P Chess club. While he is walking he is thinking on Marely and how her sweet and pure heart is the only place where he could find peace.


The End.

Labels: Juan