Caray, Caray!

Juan and Paula are arguing in his office about how to choose candidates for Vice President of Administration. He confidently states that he has a perfect candidate in mind, Ferndando Lara. Paula is incredulous and wants to know on what basis Juan would choose Fernando. The decision doesn't feel right to her.

Juan's phone rings and Laura is calling to confirm their date. Juan makes a point of letting Paula overhear that it's a lady friend and the purpose of the call is not business. Paula's eyes widen in anger like she is temporarily possessed, but she regains her composure. When Juan finishes with his call, she tells him she can't continue further with their discussion right now. She walks out and Juan grins to himself that she must still care about him.

But the discussion isn't over! Juan opens his office door and calls after her in front of everyone in the office lobby that they're not finished, he needs to talk to her. She tells him to make an appointment with her secretary. He persists. She asks, about what? He answers: how much you want for the Cachon's house. Paula is disgusted, Yvonne shocked, Marely mortified.

Delirio is taking care of his Nidia, promising her that things will get better in the future.

Paula is not going to sell the house. Juan tells her that the Cachons are dear to him and he doesn't want to see them on the street. He accuses her of vengence. She calls it justice. Marely is trying to shush Paula and end the public conversation.

Willy continues to try to make inroads with Ana, telling her what he can do for her career. She is reluctant and a little uncomfortable.

At the schoolyard, Juanito's bullies are at it again. Juanito is seated holding his sandwich in the air and the bully ringleader tries to knock it out of his hand, but misses. There is talk of settling the score, fighting, who is chicken. Juanito says he is not scared. In a classic scene, the three little guys shimmy away doing a choregraphed chicken dance. The teacher steps out into the yard just then, trying to get a read on the scene.

Kike is looking for a new place to live -- not in Acapulco, but in DF! -- that would also be good for the in-laws. Nidia is like a second mom to him.

Fern asks Juan about his plans to buy the Cachon's house. Juan fills him in on the will and Fern understands why Marely has been upset recently? And how is Juan going to pay for the house? With credit, like all businessmen do!

Ivonne and the gals in the lobby are trying to make sense of situation with Paula and the Cachon's house. One thing that Yvonne knows for sure and helpfully shares: Paula is the daughter of the late Samuel Cachon! Que?!?

Pastor Gaitan is meeting with Paula to make his case about why he would make an excellent Vice President of administration. He goes on at length about his excellent qualities, she is less than impressed.

Juanito's teacher is called out of his class for an urgent call.

Pastor continues to plead his case to Paula, who almost rolls her eyes.

Don Lorenzo realizes his "urgent" call is from Juan Domingues asking him to take Juanito by the house to pick up a book. Don Lorenzo gives Juan an earful about interrupting his class.

Paula tells Pastor that he already has an important position and does a good job with it. Pastor wants to know why they didn't think of him as a candidate. He jokes with Puala, but wants to be considered. She's not promising him anything.

Juan apologizes for pulling Don Lorenzo away from his class. Don L agrees to look after Juanito, no problem. As he tries to leave, Nachito barges into the school office looking for the director of the school.

Yadi comes home, her Nacho's not there. She settles down on the couch and finds on of her daughter's toys under a pillow and is sad.

Nacho makes his case to the school boss.

Paula and Marely talk about how Juan and Paula are fighting. Marely advises her to calm down. Paula tells her about Gaytan's positioning for the VP of Administration job. They have an important job to do to find the right candidate, Paula wants Marely to be in charge of the candidate search.

Nachito comes out of the school director's office with a momentary leer for the secretary. He got the job, so he and the director do some back slapping.

At the close of school, the little wolves are gathering in anticipation of their fight with Juanito. But Don Lorenzo keeps the two sidekicks after school. Juanito is ready for whatever's next, but the lead bully is starting to look a little nervous.

Juan tells Fern about his "conversation" with Paula about the VP of Admin. About all of Fern's good qualities. And what happened? Fern is dying to know the outcome. Juan tells him that Paula wants to look at other candidates. Fern tells Juan that Juan and Paula are just trying to show each other who has more power at Farrell. Juan tells Fern he has to show Paula that he's better than any other candidate. But now Juan has a date with a classy lady who's waiting for him at her apartment...

Juanito and his former bully classmate approach the park. Juanito is a lot more ready to fight. He accuses the bully of being afraid to fight one-on-one without his sidekicks. At first the bully shies away, but then pulls down Juanito and puts him in a headlock. They tussle and Juanito wins.

Yvonne is taking pain pills and Heriberto makes his triumpant entrance looking at her and looking for Juan. Just then Juan burst out of his office and hurriedly talks to Heri, then dashes to join Paula and Marely in the elavator. Heri exits stage left.

Juan is eating and gloating in the elevator and it's a tense ride down. Paula wants to know why he's so aggitated. Marely invites him to lunch with them, but he has important plans. Paula gripes about how it's now necessary to make an appointment in advance.

Pastor approaches Yvonne to inquire after Heri, a young man with so much potential. Yvonne tells him Heri went thataway.

Juanito's teacher approaches the victorious Juanito and asks him what he's up to. Oh, nothing.

Yadi's fuming as Nacho comes home. Where were you? She interrogates him. He tells her the good news... that he got a new gig. Not in a university. In a school. Yadi explodes at him.

Juanito takes his teacher on a hike up to a bluff that overlooks the surrounding nieghborhood. The teacher asks that's so special about this place.

Willy tries to ask Ana out to eat, to celebrate. She is reluctant and tells him that she has not been out to dinner with a man in a long time. He asks if she still misses Samuel. Yes, of course.
Juanito tells the teacher his story about what happened at the outdoor spot.

Marely and Paula confer over lunch.

Juan is excited as he drives to his lunch date.

Laura is waiting for him and is beyone thrilled to see him.

Later, Marely and Paula are speculating about where Juan could be, since he's not back at the office. Paula has a lot to talk to him about.

Juanito's teacher compares the brushy spot on the bluff to a labyrinth, and starts in on a talk about ancient Greece. Juanito sees a little girl walking on the hillside nearby. There she is!

Juan is happy at the reception he's getting at Laura's. He taps his black boots together in anticipation of what the afternoon holds in store for him.


*Note: Any similarity to real events is purely coincidental.

Labels: Juan

EPISODE 87:
* Rico talks with Cami - Cami says she came with Sofia and Ursula and then was going on to find him. They hug; Rico asks about their son; Cami cries and says he died, he was born too early. Rico is impactado and kind. He asks her why she's there; she says Jimena gave her his message and she just had to tell him about the baby and be with him. Rico consoles her and helps Mario escort them out to a safer place.

* Mario and Rico hurry Sofia, Ursula, Romualdo and Cami down the stairs to a large green space. Rico stops Cami and advises her strongly that whatever confrontation happens to keep her mouth shut and not say a word. Cami is curious and agrees.

* In the main hall of the palace, Foreman and all the pirates are enjoying a special grand feast in their honor (wild pirate party). Foreman and pirates toast their success. Romualdo, Sofia and Ursula enter first, followed by Mario. Sofia is mortified and upset by Foreman and knowing he lied to them about who he was. Foreman apologizes to Sofia and Ursula and tells them the truth about his true profession. Ursula is aghast, disgusted and scared by all the dirty, nasty pirates. Foreman tries to console her. Rico and Cami then enter. A pirate yells down with his complaint against Rico taking away his right to have sex with Cami. Rico yells back that Cami is his wife and he needs to respect that. The two argue back and forth with Foreman trying to mediate. Foreman yells for the pirate to choose duel or money. Rico yells at the pirate to answer the question. Pirate yells back he and his buddy will duel against Rico. Rico is baffled by the pirates' decision. Mario stands in the hall, protecting Sofia, Romualdo and Ursula. Rico whispers to Cami and then has Mario take her to join Sofia, Romualdo and Ursula on the side of the room. Foreman calms the crowd down, reminds Rico what kind of duel this will be. Rico, reluctantly, says to the death. Foreman and everyone move around the room and make plenty of space for the duel. Cami is scared and worried. Rico walks out to the middle of the gallery and wraps his hands. As the pirates get into position with their arms, Rico grips his sword in one hand with his dagger in the other. Rico and the pirates start their duel right there in the gallery. Rico and the pirates have their two on one sword fight until the swords and daggers all cross and stall out - Rico overpowers the two and eventually succeeds in slicing a cut on one's upper arm, then cuts the other also. The pirates fall on the ground, one gets up to go again. Cami tries to run into the action but Mario forces her to stay back. Rico stabs, swings his sword at the pirates, then jumps on the table and using the chandelier as a swing, takes out a pirate with a push of his mighty powerful legs. He takes out another pirate then uses the chandelier rope to help him climb the walls (like spiderman) and climb onto the balcony where he takes out another pirate and tosses him down on the table below; he rolls a beer barrel down the stairs at another, and breaks the neck of yet another. (I think it was more like a six on one mutiny that Rico was fighting.) As Rico runs down the stairs, Foreman hands him a sword and he sword fights with the final challenger of the mutiny - this one he stabs clear through the stomach and the pirate drops dead. Rico and the pirates all have a chest-thumping cheer - Rico stops as soon as he sees Cami put her head down in sadness; Rico turns human and puts his head down and gulps down his manly Tarzan yell. Sofia and Ursula are impactado (in different ways) by the scene.

* Cami is in her bedroom, ready for bed and kissing the pocket watch. Rico knock as asks to enter - she says come in. Rico walks quickly into the bedroom - they hug tightly. He missed her so much; she was in his thoughts the whole time they were apart. She tells him she was going to La Iguana to look for him; he hugs her and says that was crazy - he couldn't imagine all the dangers she could get into during the search. He dies just thinking about it. He asks about their son. Cami sits down and tells Rico the whole story - from when she and Jimena discovered she was pregnant, her father's animosity towards him and how he went straight to Santo and they devised the plan to have her stay at Jorge's property at Garbancillo in order to hide her and the pregnancy - she agreed to it because all she wanted was to give birth to Rico's son. Then Santo and Justo came in and had to move her quickly because they said Rico's men were in town - Rico says that was right, he did return to town, he searched for her and found the midwife Auxiliadora, but then he got stuck in La Coralina due to the plague and everyone was quarantined. Cami is concerned and curious. Rico explains all the deaths and disgusting sights - he asks her to tell him more about their son. She tells him that the midwife was busy delivering another baby so in the pain of childbirth, Santo and Justo forced her to move to the midwife's house - Rico is disgusted and grows angry with Santo. She tell him she thought she heard the baby cry - Rico realizes maybe their son was born alive. Cami says the midwife said it was stillborn so she may have been dreaming or wishing it. She's not sure, she was out of it with a high fever for several weeks. When she woke up, that's what the family told her and she even visited their son's grave - she's crying as she describes the grave and her feelings - she sits on his lap and says how much she needed him and his consoling hugs at that moment. Rico is grimaces with thoughts of revenge against Santo.

* Foreman visits Ursula in her room. She's ready for bed; he pours some wine in two glasses for him and her to share. They go to the bedroom and talk; she wants to know all about his battles and adventure stories. Foreman responds in delight. She asks him about Rico's position in his team. Foreman says all captains are independent but on this occasion, he is the Captain General. Ursula flirts and asks about Foreman's next adventure. Foreman says it's the most dangerous he's ever attempted. She asks what is it? He says falling in love with someone like her, and not getting himself killed in the process. They kiss.

* Rico holds Cami in his arms; they kiss and tell each other how they missed each other so terribly while they were separated. They love each other. Rico sits himself and Cami on the bed - they are still hugging and getting closer and closer to kissing. After Jimena told her about his visit, she continued to have hope that one day they would be together again. They kiss. She needs him. He, in mid-kiss, says he needs her too... They make mad, passionate love all night long (ed. note: a bit of really fuzzy, censored video on the television screens here, folks.)

* Ursula wakes up alone in her bed, wrapped up in her bed sheet and finds the pearl necklace laying on her neck. She smiles and laughs as she is enchanted by the necklace and who gave it to her (Foreman).

* Foreman and Rico walk down to breakfast together; they discuss the other pirates, their mistreatment of the innocent citizens, and fair payment for all their work (partition of the treasures). Rico tells him that the ladies need to leave town, it isn't safe for them to remain in town. Foreman tells Rico that he had done something with Ursula last night; he enjoyed it. Foreman mentions Rico being with Cami last night also. Rico says he sent Mario to La Bonita to book passage on a merchant ship that will take the ladies away. Foreman agrees and will stay in case the citizens decide to revolt against them. Foreman mentions Rico and Cami; he notes that Rico is a man of strong passions. Rico nods.

* Ursula is fixing her hair and her necklace in the mirror as she and Sofia talk in their bedroom. Sofia is grateful to Rico for arranging for their passage away from town. Ursula wants to stay, she likes the palace and says it's safe and Foreman is there also. Sofia looks up and sees the necklace that Ursula is playing with. She asks what is it? Who gave it to you? Ursula says it's a gift from Foreman. Sofia slaps her daughter right across her cheek. On her way out the door, Sofia grumbles, ('lo ramera jamas se le quitara') "a whore will always remain that way." Sofia leaves.

* Rico and Cami hug in their bedroom. Cami isn't happy about being separated from Rico again. Rico explains this time, it's necessary and promises that this will be the last time. He explains he has to go to La Coralina for the partition of the treasure and ... and they sit down and he tells her about his adopted son. Cami is surprised; he explains how he wanted to tell her this under better circumstances, not after finding out about their son. Cami is happy and agrees to being the boy's mommy - as if he were really his son. Rico explains his mother died during the plague and his mother gave him to Rico to care for. Rico tells Cami the boy is three years old, and describes him. Cami wonders where they will see each other - Rico says how about San Fernando. I will bring the boy with me. Rico mentions a favor for Ascanio to do for him. They hug - he emphatically asks her to wait for him - she smiles and promises to wait. They kiss.

* Foreman visits Ursula in her room - they flirt together as they say good-bye. She tells him she wants to travel and have adventures with him. He proposes that they take off on an exciting adventure just the two of them. Ursula is doubly enchanted by the idea. They kiss.

* Candida and Ines are at the San Fernando town market. They gossip about the baby that Candida cares for. Ines is pleased about Lis arranging for the baby's baptism and being the baby's godmother. Candida mentions that Alberto is furious with the baptism, and informs Ines about the violent fights he's had at night over the subject. Candida goes inside; Ines is intrigued.

* Santo comes outside to the patio after checking on Ana Maria. Ofelia asks him about the baptism and the parents of the baby - Santo says the mother is the niece of a servant. Ofelia wonders if it's another of Jorge's bastard children. Santo doesn't suspect that, and he will be the godfather. As Jorge explains, it is all part of being the Lord of San Fernando. Santo doesn't know more, Lis is planning everything. They turn their conversation onto Manuela and Ascanio's relationship. Santo then asks about Cami. Ofelia says losing her baby was really difficult for her so she needs time to heal. Santo holds out hope that she will return alone and he can marry her. She's the only woman he would consider marrying.

* Vasco shows businessman outside after their productive and successful meeting. Ines stops by - Vasco smiles and hugs her. They sit and have a picnic. He tells her how beautiful she is; he stares at her and notices how distinct she is. Ines cries and confesses that she overheard his conversation with Ursula the other day. She was deeply touched. Vasco meant every word. In fact, he's almost thankful that Santo and his dad forced him to marry her - he's lucky to have such a wonderful treasure in his corner. Ines says she's always felt the same way. They laugh and kiss.

* On the coastal walkway towards the docks, Sofia and Ursula walk ahead with Mario. Rico and Cami trail behind, talking again about the plan. Rico has to assure Cami that he will be free and will be with her again. He begs her to trust him. She does trust him. They kiss. Mario whistles and thumps his chest. Rico and Cami break up the kiss. Rico wishes Ursula and Sofia a safe trip. Ursula thanks him and goes on to the dock. Sofia talks with Mario, compliments him on being a gentleman. Mario respects her also. Mario asks Sofia to tell Jimena that he misses her and will see her soon. Sofia agrees to deliver the message. Pablo reminds them they have to leave. Rico and Cami have a last moment together to hug and kiss, and he asks her when they reunite, and he asks her to leave her family and hometown to go away with him, will she go? She says yes. She watches him walk away with Mario. Rico tosses a kiss and his heart to her. Cami cries and smiles. Rico and Mario dart away. Cami walks slowly towards the boat dock.

* Ines and Jimena wander through the streets, gossip about Lis and the baptism of baby Pedro.

* At the door of the church, Santo and Fortunata wait and talk with Don Agustin. Lis, Fran, Cleo, Candida and baby Pedro greet them at the door. Cleo and Fran hand the baby to Lis. Lis greets Santo and Fortunata and Padre; she thanks them for agreeing to the baptism. Santo replies. Don Agustin asks for the baby's name. Lis says Pedro. Don Agustin wonders about the last name; he suggests using "N.N. for no nombre". Lis objects, thinking that's not dignified. Don Agustin asks Cleo for the last name of her niece - Cleo nervous replies a made-up story of her niece not having a last name. Fortunata and Santo say it's perfectly fine for a child not to have a last name in the eyes of G-d. Lis doesn't like it, she wants the child to be dignified - she says that the baby will be "Pedro de Salamanca." (UY!)

* Later, in the salon, Alberto slaps Lis hard across her face in front of Fran and Manuela. He goes ballistic over Lis going ahead and giving Pedro her last name. He hates the idea and wants it changed. Fran and Manuela try to help Lis defend her position. Alberto yells and screams even more. He storms out. Lis screams after him, It's already registered! It's already registered!

* Alberto meets with Don Agustin at the church. Alberto is furious and demands the padre delete the last name from Pedro's registration. Don Agustin apologizes but church rules are very different and once the baptism has been performed, the name stays with the child. Alberto continues to bully and try to force the pastor to do as he demands. Don Agustin is adamant and says no, besides Lis, Santo, Fran, and Fortunata were signed witnesses. Alberto storms out. Don Agustin crosses himself and kisses his cross necklace.

* Alberto returns home. In the salon, he demands Lis take herself, her maid and the baby and leave the house immediately - he no longer wants to have them live under his roof. Lis cries and asks where will she go? Alberto storms away. Lis cries, "where? where?"

* Ines talks with Ofelia in the sewing room at the house. Ofelia tells Ines all about Santo's dream of marrying Cami - just listening to him, she is sick in the stomach. As they continue to discuss Santo and Cami, Ines says Cami is very much in love with Rico. Ofelia knows this and fears the worst for Santo, especially after Rita made her wishes known, about Cami and Santo raising Ana Maria together, before she died. Ines tells her mom that she and Vasco are extremely happy together now. Vasco is much more responsible and grounded. Ines is hoping that someday soon she will have a baby - and Paco will have another cousin. All the baby talk and Ines and Ofelia grow sad thinking about Cami and the baby she "lost".

* Lis and Fran argue in their bedroom about Lis making her husband angry over her decision to name the baby Pedro de Salamanca. They wonder where Alberto ran off to, and if he went to talk with Santo. Fran advises her about Alberto's temper. Lis needs to think of a plan, where to live.

* Rico, Mario and Pablo sit down for drinks at the local watering hole (saloon). Mario and Pablo talk about the ladies departing on the ship. Rico, really sad and lonely, tells Mario and Pablo that his son died at birth. He tells them the story Cami told him about the disgraceful Santo moving her to Garbancillo, then to another location and then to the midwife's cottage during labor. Mario sympathizes with Rico. Rico grumbles about revenge against Santo.

Labels: Pasion

We begin again with Al/Mili besos. Good times Good times.
Also “The Stranger at the Door”, mujer who showed up on the steps of the humble but heartwarming “St. Depections, patron saint of deceivers. Soon La Mujer de Mystery has confessed she is indeed the mother of lil Gloria. So anyway how is the hija, I abandoned these long eighteen years ago. Well, she turned out all perky and fine and pretty, answers the good Padre. Did she join the religious orders. No she has a job.
---Isn’t it awesome when parents return after eighteen years when they are under no obligation to support their spawn?---Anyway Ma Mujer wants to know if Gloria will hate her? Padre has a Hmmmmm, look on his cherubic face.

Now it is the next day at the hacienda, someone is swimming in the pool as Val is reclining on a lounger, carelessly using oxygen, in a city that is famous for bad air. One again a rich person using the limited resources, taking from someone who could put it to much better use. Rocky/Morgan strolls by. The banter begins. After the Don Juan scene of the night before, Val would like to continue in a mode of careless, frivolous whiling away the hours playing. Hey Princess, the Rockster has a great idea, he starts talking about how they can play. Val thinking he is suggesting an afternoon spent together in a hotel, gives him a cheeky smack across the face. No, a misunderstanding, Rocky wants to take her to play video games and such. Val quickly dumps her model friend and takes off with Rocky.

In the kitchen, Gloria and her delivery guy boyfriend are flirting. Socorrito is watching, with a sour look on her face. She is still smarting over her being dumped by Horacio the day before. ( filler, in case you missed it, Karla told Horacio, gardner guy if he marries her mother, she will never see her mother again).
---This has led me to propose a theory, that everyone should just take their spawn to the Catholic Church and trade them for a different model. I know this sounds heartless, but statistics prove (at least in every TeleNovela, that the children who grow up not knowing their parents, turn out far better than the ones who are raised by their own set of AssHat rents). Even Karla, and Socorrito was probably a stellar parent.

Meanwhile, delivery boy is sporting a new Tat…, sorry I don’t know this kid’s name, so delivery guy is just going to have to cover it. It says Delivery Boy + Gloria forever, in an awesome giant heart. I hope it won’t be too much trouble to turn it into a panther or something when they break up. Gloria is thrilled, she thinks her name is going to be Gloria Forver, no mon cherie, Delivery Boy explains it mean forever only in English. They kiss, Socorrito figuratively throws a bucket of cold water on the only truly happy couple and sends delivery boy on his way. Seriously the Tat was pretty romantic in a really stupid kid kind of way.

Mili is milling around Hugo empty tomb of a bedroom, she looks at that gawd awful painting of her head on dead ex girlfriend’s body and takes the picture down. Where can this be going?

Over at the apartment, Karla is going to take a bath, don’t answer the door, she tells Hugo. Hugo questions Karla over the sketch he has drawn of Mili. Karla says she doesn’t know who the girl is. Why does he worry. Hugo must know who the girl is. Karla goes to soak her troubles away.
I laugh everytime I see his sketches cause they remind me of those art school come-ons in the back of magazines.
The door bell rings and it is the building guy with a big painting covered with paper. Hugo opens it, it is her, it is her.

Damien is on the phone over at “No Work Ever-Done Headquarters”, he sets up a reporter to come over and take some pictures of Consti, talking about helping kids. Consti doesn’t want to do it, but hey it is good publicity.

The reporter comes ands Consti drones on about helping poor street kids. Photos are snapped. As it winds up, a kid, hey it is that kid that hangs around Mili, comes up and tries to shake Consti down for some spare dinero. Consti, blows the kid off and the kid kicks him in the shin. Consti grabs the kid by the ear and photos are snapped. Simon La Gree caught in the act.

Now Mili has shown up at the construction site, where Granny and Big Al are building a clinic. She sees Granny who says did you come to see Al? Al is here? Mili plays like she is surprised. Al comes up and in acts mad that Mili is there.
Here we are forced to spend a commercial break wondering if Al is really mad, could this be it, the true break-up. Oh Oh Oh, it is okay, he only is chastising Mili for not wearing a hard hat.

Now Val and Rocky are having a rip snorting time at the arcade. They play many games no dialogue.
When they are back on the street, she says she is going to give him a surprise. Next thing we see, they are getting massages at a spa. Val asks Rocky, if he believes in love between the classes, he says sure, females are one class and males are another. She says no dumbass, (really I said dumbass), between the social classes. Rocky says no. Val says she doesn’t think she could live with out Lujo, luxury. Rocky says he doesn’t think he could live without love. Val smiles

Finally Finally, someone said something worth paraphrasing during the normal nonsense, a supershoutout to whatever 8th grader penned that line in Senorita Smith’s Spanish class.

Consti is sitting his his office with a bag of ice on shin. Damien is working on him. Consti has to make a huge donation to some idiot who helps kids, seriously their words not mine. Consti reaches for the phone, and unable to stretch that far, bellows for Andrea. She comes in and he tells her to call the idiot.

Granny asks Mili to go get something from the car, she give Granny three kisses, then Al grabs Mili and kisses her. Al asks if she is still worried about Hugo. She starts to say something and we are left hanging.

Hugo has quizzed Karla about naked chick portrait, Karla plays it off as it was some model you hired. You paid cash, no I don’t know her name. In comes Andrea, Al follows her in. “Hugo, what are you doing here?” Everyone starts yelling and poor Hugo looks totally confused. Al queries why didn’t Hugo call his father? Good one Al, like Damien would care. Hugo is like, I have a father? Al does his stiff leg stomp out of the apartment and Andrea follows. Karla meanwhile explains that Hugo was in an accident and the doc said it would be muy peligroso to tell him the truth, better to buy him a sketch pad and a big box of 100 crayons w/sharpener. She is crying and says she was a servant at his house.
Out in the hall of lies, Andrea tells Al of the stiff legs the same story.

Back at the office Consti makes a big deal of presenting a check to idiot guy and idiot guy’s wife (They are over the “Foundation for Ear Transplants”) dedicated to restoring ears to poor children, when their natural appendage is ripped off by rich guys gathering trophies. I’m not sure, maybe I misunderstood it, but I think it was like when rich guys shot buffalo off the trains, just cause they could (supported by both the Robber Baron railroad companies, as well as the American Government for keeping the natives on the reservations by depleting their natural food supply). Anyway it is a way touching moment as well as an excellent photo opt. It breaks my heart to tell you that the earless street urchins will be receiving Nada as this was a set up by Damien and he gets a healthy chunk of the change.

Damien now drags Bobby to a bank and says he has forgotten his ID, like you know the guy probably has more id’s and passports than Ben on Lost. Anyway he is going to open the account in Bobby’s name. Bobby seems a bit uncomfortable with this and apparently bankers in Mexico are like bankers here, least we forget the mortgage crisis. Oh Bobby, lil dreamer, prison isn’t going to be kind to you.

Hugo, who still doesn’t know who the hell he is and gee after all the bombshells, no one has bothered to tell him is standing out on the street. Some guy walks by in a hoodie with a hat kinda like Mili’s and Hugo says wait, wait. Dude turns around. Hugo says nevermind. Now at this point, I’d have forgiven anything prior in this TeleNovela, had they only played a few strains of ‘Lola’ by the Kinks.

“Girls will be boys and boys will be girls
Its a mixed up muddled up shook up world except for lola
Lo-lo-lo-lo lola”

Once again they have failed to earn my forgiveness.

Enough with the angst, it is Naco hijinks time. We see Lina, Gloria, Horacio, Rocky and Socorrio in the kitchen. Someone tells Socorrio to give Horacio some coffee. She pours it and doesn’t stop, it runs all over and she slams the pot down breaking it. Meanwhile Gloves, “Brau” has come in. He demands they all go to work. Geez what a Nazi boss suck-up. So Rocky is like giving him the eye, meaning check out Socorrio and Horacio. I think Gloves is not getting the message. Then Socorrio dumps all these crackers or pans (the mexican version of donuts, kinda only not) on Horacio’s head. He just says thank you and walks away. Gloria and Lina stare at her and Socorrio is all Que the Hell are you looking at.
Karla calls Luci and says she needs her job back. As if you little blackmailer, but what is few character flaws among jaded compadres? Luci takes her back.

Now Rocky and Gloves are sneaking around the living room, I have no idea why, but unless I’m wrong Gloves took Rocky’s eye movement as a come on. This turns to naught. They hide as Consti arrives home and the shadow of darkness follows him, he is like the Darth Vadar or Dick Cheney of the Mansion.

Luci is upstairs with cream all over her face, Consti is dressed in his Black Satin jammies. Luci wants him out of the company, she threatens him and says she is taking over the company and he needs to play politico.

Downstairs, Damien has arrived home and Al is all, Geez Tio, I totally need to tell you some news. That is when Luci glides in with her face cream and tells them Consti is out and Al is in. Damien says Al still won’t have enough shares. Guess again AssHat, Granny glides through and says Al has her total support and gets to vote her shares.

See what I mean about bright and shiny objects? Al never does tell his uncle that Hugo is alive and well and being held hostage by Damien’s father/son tag team doing amante.

Damien confronts Luci and she tells him, you will do as I want or it is jail time, dear brother. Karla has given her the goods on Damien.

So after tonite, I must rate Consti a 9.0, partly cause his mother gave him a twenty-five year too late beeoych slap last night and cause an eight year old kicked his ass on the street tonite. Alas it is a sympathy vote.

Tomorrow Hugo returns home only to realize he loves Mili and Al pulls out the recorder and plays Hugo’s BIG confession.

Labels: guapos

Well, the good news is that the plot is hurtling forward again; the bad news is that there is no La Traición tomorrow.


Soledad tells Ursula that she needs to talk to Alcides. He has been acting very strange lately and she has many things to talk about with him. She goes into his room but he's not there. She has a flashback to Alcides telling that he loves her when she was sick. She tells herself that she has trouble believing that he has changed so much. What could have happened to make him such a different person? He is so much like his brother now. While having these thoughts, Soledad has strolled over to the box where Hugo put the ring. She opens the box and sees the ring. She says that it is hers. What is it doing here? Ursula comes in to Hugo's bedroom to see what Soledad is doing.


Soledad shows her the ring. Ursula recognizes it as the ring that Hugo gave Soledad and that Soledad in turn gave to Marina. How did it get here? At this moment, Marina comes in and demands to know what they are doing in Alcides' bedroom. Soledad quickly puts the ring back into the box. Marina says that no one is allowed to come into this room. Alcides is a very private man. Ursula says that Soledad owns the house and is married to Alcides and so she can go wherever she wants. Marina says that doesn't matter. No one is allowed in Alcides' room and he will be very angry when he finds out they were there. Before the matter escalates into another Ursula/Marina battle, Soledad says that they will leave. She leaves and Ursula warns Marina to be careful. She is assuming an importance that she doesn't have.


All the guys in town are at the mine. Manrique the moneylender plans to invest all his money in the mine and he thinks Arturo ought to as well. Arturo is not convinced. "What further proof do you need?" asks Hugo. Arturo says that suddenly finding gold in the mine is suspicious. What guarantee does he have that the whole thing isn't a set up? He knows Alcides has a weakness for easy money. Hugo suggests that he go see for himself. He tells the assembled crowd that the exploratory tunnel is open. Arturo says that he will go and see for himself provided that Alcides comes along. Boris thinks it is crazy for Hugo to go into the mine because he can't tolerate being in enclosed places. Hugo says that if he doesn't go into the mine, Arturo will become more suspicious. For his plan to work, Arturo has to invest in the mine.


Outside their house, Paquito tells Eloisa that he is going to the mine. He thinks that Arturo should invest in it and Eloisa agrees. She is on her way to Arturo's house to tell him so. "Don't bother, " says Paquito, "Arturo is at the mine." "Let's go to the mine, then," responds Eloisa.


As I predicted, Dr. Max has determined from studying the blood samples from Hugo and Aurora that the baby is Hugo's daughter, not Alcides'. (Never mind that even with modern science, no one could determine the paternity of a child fathered by one of identical twins since they both have the same DNA. At least that's what I learned from watching CSI.)

Eloisa comes to the mine and asks for Arturo. She is told that he is in the tunnel with Alcides. She says that is crazy. It is too dangerous in the mine. Hercu-less says that everyone told them that but they wouldn't listen. Paquito tells her to calm down.


In the mine, Arturo is convinced that there is gold there. Hugo says, "I guess we can leave now." Arturo notices that Hugo is tense. "You aren't remembering what happened the last time you were in the mine, are you?" he asks Hugo. Arturo goes further into the mine. Hugo says that that part of the mine hasn't been secured. It could cave in. Arturo says that you don't succeed if you don't take risks and says that Hugo can go back if he is afraid. So, of course, with the logic of 6 year olds, they go into the dangerous part of the mine.


Dr. Pablo is at his desk at the hospital when Alcides comes in with his face covered by a yellow scarf. He threatens Dr. Pablo with a gun and says that they have to talk. Alcides seems to be having trouble breathing and that is probably because he is picking up Hugo being back in the mine. Dr. Pablo says that if he has come for money, there isn't any. This is a hospital for poor people. Alcides says that he wants information. He wants to know what the doctor knows about Hugo and Alcides de Medina. Dr. Pablo wants to know why Alcides wants this information. "That's none of your business," says Alcides.


Hugo tells Arturo that they are in a very old part of the mine. It could collapse at any moment. They should go back or they might die in there. Hugo is now having serious problems and appears to be on the point of passing out. Arturo responds that Hugo can go back if he's scared. Arturo is sure that they will find more gold.


Back at the hospital, Dr. Pablo refuses to provide any information and Alcides threatens to kill him. But Alcides suddenly doubles over in pain as he shares Hugo's sensations of being in the mine. Dr. Pablo fights back. The gun goes off. Dr. Pablo is wounded in the shoulder and Alcides staggers out of the hospital.


Back in the mine, Arturo believes that Hugo's reluctance to go further into the mine means that he is trying to hide more gold from him. Hugo warns him not to yell. The vibrations could cause a cave in. Just like a 6-year old would, Arturo starts yelling and part of the mine collapses on him.


Outside the hospital, Alcides falls to the ground in agony. The detective watches him from behind a tree.


In the mine, Arturo's arm is hurt and he is trapped under a beam. He calls for help. Hugo was not caught in the fall. Hugo tries to get the beam off of Alcides but he can't lift it.
Outside the mine, Eloisa is concerned that Hugo and Arturo have not come out. Paquito reminds her that mines are dangerous. She is angry that he is trying to scare her.


Rebeca comes to visit Lucas at the Obragon house. After some small talk about Soledad's recent brush with death, she cuts to the chase. What does Lucas know about the medallion with the letters SDM engraved on it that Enrico gave to Aurora? Lucas doesn't know anything about it but Ester, who is listening out in the hall, is suddenly upset, "Dear God," she says and adjusts the sausage curls. Lucas asks Rebeca why she is so interested in the medallion and Rebeca spins a tale about suspecting Jeremias of infidelity. Rebeca rises to leave and Ester sees her out. She tells Rebeca that she overheard part of the conversation. Now she asks why Rebeca is so interested in the medallion. Rebeca says that it is simple curiosity. She can't figure out how the medallion got into Enrico's hands. Ester does not find that strange. Jeremias was fond of Enrico. He probably gave him the medallion. Rebeca says that she has to leave. After she is gone, Ester prays to God not to let Rebeca find out anything about her past. (Ok, now we have some support for what we speculated in the past, namely that Ester probably had an affair with Jeremias and Soledad is their child. This would explain Jeremias' interest in Soledad and her baby.) Antonia reproaches Lucas for letting Rebeca into the house. She never stops flirting with him. Lucas says that he didn't invite her and to lay off already. He has enough on his conscience.


Alcides makes it back to the House of Sadism where Beatriz is still chained up. He staggers in and wants to know which of the medicines that Beatriz gave him are making him feel this way. She say that the medicines she gave him don't have this effect. Alcides wants to know how to make the feeling go away but Beatriz can't help him. He decides to inject her with the drugs. He is about to do so when the detective burst him and holds him at gunpoint. He asks why Beatriz is tied up. Alcides says that he doesn't have to give him any information and asks again who he is. Beatriz pipes up and says that Alcides is very dangerous. The detective fires a warning shot and tells Alcides to get on the floor.


Back in the mine, Arturo begs Alcides to help him. Hugo says that he will try one more time to move the beam and if he can't, he'll go for help. Hugo manages to move the beam. He helps Arturo up and then falls unconscious to the ground. Arturo tries to get Hugo to wake up.
He doesn't know the way out. He doesn't know anything about mines. Now Arturo is like a scared 6 year old. He touches Hugo and he is cold so Arturo concludes that Hugo is dead. (Now maybe the bodies of people having a catalepsy attack get cold right away, but the bodies of dead people cool off slowly so that if Hugo had really just collapsed and died, his body would not be cold to Arturo's touch for several hours. I understant why the writers keep doing this, though because it makes it easy for people to conclude that Hugo is dead, rather than just unconscious.)


Aurora is fussy. Does she have colic or is she picking up her Dad's problems? Hugo is really broadcasting here. Soledad feels anxious and nervous too. Ursula offers some possible explanations but Soledad believes it is something else.


Outside the mine, people are concerned that Arturo and Hugo haven't come out. In the mine, Arturo can't find the way out. He is afraid that he will die in the mine. An unconscious Hugo has a flashback to Alcides taunting him about being trapped in the mine forever. Boris decides to go into the mine and look for them.


At the House of Sadism, Alcides is chained up again. Beatriz was sure that the detective was looking for her but he tells her that he was hired by Boris Monsalve to find Alcides de Medina. Beatriz is confused. Alcides listens quietly. Beatriz tells the detective that she found Alcides in the woods and he had lost his memory. She tried to help him but he took her to this abandoned cabin, chained her up, raped and tortured her. Alcides tells the detective not to believe her since she is obviously crazy. The detective says that he has to go send a telegram about finding Alcides. He tells Beatriz that she is safe from Alcides because he is tied up and gagged. Beatriz works her wiles on the detective to stay with her and plies him with drink. Alcides falls asleep. The detective starts make moves on Beatriz. She whips out the detective's gun that she has gotten ahold of. We only see Alcides' reaction as the gun is fired. (Has Beatriz joined the LT murderer's club?)


In the mine, Arturo feels sorry for himself. He doesn't want to die. He curses Alcides. How could he die after finding this mine.


At the Hacienda, Soledad continues to have strange feelings. Meanwhile Ursula tells Marina that the baby is very restless so she is going for some hot water to give the baby a bath. Nastily, Marina says that a bath won't help. Like mother like daughter. Ursula says that Soledad has always been nice to her. She gave her a valuable ring. If she hates Soledad so much, why doesn't she give the ring back. She never wears it. Soledad comes downstairs and hears Marina say that she sold the ring to Alcides for a lot of money. Soledad tells Ursula to stop fighting with Marina. At this moment, Guille burst in to say that there's a man with bad news outside. The mine has collapsed and Alcides is trapped inside. Soledad says she has to go to the mine and find out what is happening. Marina says that she will go with her.


Boris is searching in the mine. He calls for Alcides and Arturo. Arturo answers and says that he is injured and Alcides is dead. Boris is impactado. Boris helps Arturo but he wants to find Hugo.
Arturo insists that Alcides is dead and that he, Arturo, can't get out of the mine without Boris' help. Boris has no choice but to help Arturo but he says he will come back for Alcides' body. He can't leave it there. "Whatever", says Arturo,"just get me out."


In the carriage, Marina says that the stupid mine has only caused them problems. Alcides nearly killed Soledad in the mine the same day that Hugo almost died. Soledad is impactada. Suddenly she remembers running out of the mine, having it explode and calling Hugo's name as if he were alive.


The men pull Arturo up to the top of the cliff above the entrance to the mine. Eloisa says that she is glad he is ok. Arturo asks for medical attention and Dr. Max starts to treat his arm. Eloisa asks Arturo about Alcides and Arturo says that he isn't sure but he thinks that Alcides was killed. Eloisa is super impactada and Paquito warns her not to show how upset she is. Arturo asks why she is so affected by what happened to Alcides and she tells him that she is sensitive to any loss of life especially a married man who has a newborn. Paquito helps her out by saying that women react like this to any disaster and Arturo should know that his fiancee is very sensitive.
Arturo buys it but says that Eloisa should try and control her feelings in public. After Dr. Max treats Arturo, he wants to leave but Eloisa and Inspector Duarte insist that he stay until Boris and Alcides come out of the mine. Dr. Max mutters to himself that he is worried about what Elena is up to alone in his house.


Boris finds Hugo in the mine. He is conscious, which is good because I don't think that even Boris could carry him out of the mine. Hugo tells Boris that they have to get out of there because the place could collapse at any moment. Boris says that Hugo is still cold and that he will help him. On the way out, Hugo and Boris stop to rest. Hugo says that Boris did a good job salting the mine. Arturo believes that there is gold there. Boris says that Arturo is a cruel man. He told Boris that Hugo was dead. Hugo says that Arturo doesn't know about his illness and probably thought he was dead.


Soledad arrives at the mine, much to Eloisa's annoyance. Arturo tells her that after the cave in, Alcides was in bad shape. Arturo couldn't get any response from him and it seems like he was dead. Soledad faints.



Guillermo is worried about Elena at Dr. Max's place. He decides to go find her even though Dr. Max's place is far away and Guille is blind, of course. He sets off, falls down in the mud and gets his sight back. Meanwhile Elena is trying to use her opportunity of being alone at Dr. Max's to open the Cabinet of the Dead Wife. She ultimately succeeds and screams in horror at what she sees there. She is surprised by the return of Dr. Max. He tells her that she shouldn't have opened the cabinet. She says that there is a dead lady in the cabinet. Dr. Max says that it isn't a dead lady, it's his beloved Eva, she's only sleeping and he will bring her back and Elena will help him. Elena says that Dr. Max is crazy. (Need we ask if Guillermo will come and save her?)



Marina and Eloisa are tending to Soledad when Hugo, supported by Boris, comes out of the mine. Soledad is impactada. Marina runs up and drags Boris away. Fortunately, Hugo can stand on his own. Soledad runs up and embraces him. Hugo looks at her tenderly. The anti-Soledad contingent: Eloisa, Paquito and Marina are unhappy. After a few seconds, Soledad draws back confused. Hugo tries to kiss Soledad and she slaps him. The anti-Soledad contigent rejoice. Hugo looks at Soledad with hatred. The credits roll.



Thursday - Aurora has a catalepsy attack.

Labels: la traicion

Nidia is understandably teary about having to leave her home. She lies on her satiny bed and compares her lot to a protagonist on a telenovela but she finds her real life dilemma much harder than watching this story on TV. Marely tells her not to cry, lamenting solves nothing. NIdia tells her she is a girl who can still adapt to change but for an old fool like herself this is a hard lesson to learn. The daughter is giving advice to the misdirected (descarriada) mother. Marely reminds her that she doesn't really have to change, she is already a great woman, full of life, Intense, passionate and this isn't like her. Marely also says there is the good example of Perafan who has turned from an immoral tough guy (mula desorejada) and he is changing... well....

Make that digging. Well make that clutching his shovel. Perafan cowers in his improbably deep hole dug with a childlike shovel as two guards approach, he yells not to shoot, don't kill me, help me out. They pull him out and once he realizes they are hired security guards on private land, not the police, he asserts his usual self pride throwing out a story of digging for buried treasure his grandfather left on this spot during the revolution. But, they ask him if he thinks they are sucking a finger, or stupid (tarados) and demand he produce identification.

Nidia admits that she doesn't understand the laws (ni un pepino), Marely wnders if he will be prosecuted, Nidia compares it to understanding Russian and doesn't know which laws prevail in this kind of mess. Nor does Marely. They don't even know where he is. Nidia has checked various prisons but no one has heard of him.

Yadira in her own dark hole, turns on the light in the middle of the night to find herself still in Nacho's dismal apartment. He wakes up with a start, she is depressed and can't sleep feeling she is in the wrong place, not in her nice home, nor with her family, overall she misses her daughter. Nacho tries his usual promises that it will get easier, she just has an uncontrolled anxiety. She is really down (bien gacha). She further rejects his suggestion that she breath deeply and calm down with telling him that he gives too much advice and should talk less and feel more. [Ed. Lessons in sensitivity from Yadira, here, not Yoda the Jedi sage]

The resourceful Alirio has been driven home by the security guards, who are no longer watching the property. Seems they want him to produce the ID, but he suddenly forgot his keys, but his wife and step daughters live there with him. They menace that they will just take him on to the authorities when he relents and says he doesn't want to wake them up so late but look, he pushes the doorbell.

This launches a dream sequence for Marely in which the bell is an elevator opening at Farell and a star speckled Juan emerges, rejects the eager Paula, strides to Marely's desk, offers her a red rose and calls her the love of his life forever as he sweeps her off her feet in a passionate kiss. Unfortunately, Juan's parallel dream is of him sweeping Paula off her feet first with his brilliance and business acumen then with telling her if he is the president he must have her as his first lady. Juanito's star flashing dream is of the lovely girl who helped him last week, dressed in colonial splendor, the nasty school mates approach, he saves the damsel with one well placed fist to disperse the ruffians, gets a kiss on the cheek as she calls him her hero. Switch to Nidia who is having a nightmare of the injustice of being a bag lady in the slums. The door rings again, the real life nightmare guards are disbelieving. NIdia saves him at the last moment by yelling out the upsstairs window.

Next hole, rather next bed, Ivonne awakes in pain searches for pain pills. Back at Casa Cachón, Nidia is now negotiating with the guards who back away while all make friendly thanks. She is still sweet tongued when she turns to Perafan and tells him she was worried about him, thinking he was cold and hungry in a jail protecting her. Now insues the first friendly conversation between Nidia and Alirio as she invites him into HIS house. Inside she repeats how she looked for him in all the jails and then tells him that Paula did not press charges after all. He exclaims, seriously? As we go to BREAK.

If front of the school, Doña Pepita Pomposa hands a food box to Juanito asking him to take it to Lorenzo who she imagines is eating junk food (comida chatarra). She leaves and the Juans discuss how sad she seemed as Lorenzo approaches. Juan needs to talk to him, Lorenzo tells Juanito to get into line so he won't be late for the bell.

Nidia in red suit and matching tam in the dining room has breakfast with Marely and Kike. She relates that Alirio came home in the wee hours from jail (or so she thinks). They seem to have reconciled and Kike congratulates her.

Lorenzo insists to Juan that Pepita is very mistaken if she thinks he will die of hunger without her. Juan takes the box back but gives Lorenzo a lesson about the food box meaning Pepita wants Lorenza back at her side. It's a mark of nobility. No, it's a mark of arrogance (soberbia) counters Lorenzo. The two hand the plastic box back and forth several more times with Juan insisting that Lorenzo really loves Pepita and she is showing with this food that she really loves him.

Nidia is telling Kike that there will be cold nights coming and he better be getting a house since this house is lost. Kike says the housing will be resolved easily but he doesn't believe that Yadira will come back to him. Yadira in sparkly sparse clothing comes in more cheerful than usual. Kike beams smiles at her, Marely looks puzzled.

Juan and Lorenzo continue, Juan needs a bit of counseling, Lorenzo looks at his watch

Nidia still in tam, talks to Yadira wrapped in a blanket in her old bedroom which NIdia takes as a sign that Yadi isn't sleeping well? Yadi says she misses the house, also mama, Marely, and even gorda, Kike. Yadi has been thinking of returning to the house, but Nidia has been thinking that Nacho may need to open a little camp for her, Nidia to stay in.

Juan asks for advice on his problem of standing up to Paula. Lorenzo reminds him of his half ownership in an important business, but Juan wants to know how to look like a big businessman with a command of the numbers, decision making and all. Juan feels like he is a gringo lost in the Zocalo. Lorenzo assures him that he doesn't have to conquer everything at once. And he needs to learn to delegate. He will then have capable people but he will learn to beg even a bigger businessman.

Yadira is informed that what NIdia has to do next is PACK. Yadira worries about the baby, but Nidia tells her that she will have to take over worrying about her, in fact each of them will have to plan out their own plans.

Lorenzo concludes his private business seminar with telling Juan he needs to learn and manage. There comes a time in every business that grows so large when the owner is a danger (nefasto). Juan gets it, he has to hire the intelligence in to help him.

Marely come into Juan's office to tell him that they all have to leave the house. Paula is seizing the house in exchange for letting Nidia and Alirio out of the charges she could make against them for theft of her inheritance. BREAK

A disbelieving Juan says Paula cannot leave you all without a roof PERIOD! Marely defends Paula's right to take the house and to deliver this lesson to her mother that she must grow up. Juan says little God will be sure they do not end up on the street and kisses Marely to seal the deal. She insists that Juan is the angel her father sent them to guard them. He thinks sinful thoughts at her shapely back side as she exits.

Kike discusses needing to find an apartment, he has the deposit and the rent but needs time to find a decent apartment appropriate for his daughter. Angarita is reluctant to give him the time off needed to find something..

Ivonne is explaining her lateness due to feeling sick all night. She asks to leave early to go to a doctor. He tells her to do whatever she needs and asks to see Fernando. Then he thinks about how could Paula make Nidia frightened about not having her home. It's not just.

Nidia and Yadira pack the office. Angarita calls, Nidia asks him if he called to offer help or another lawsuit (echar pleito). She is on her way to poverty (inopia). He insists he just called to offer his support. She asks if he will loan her money, when he says no, she says well that is the only kind of support she needs right now, Thanks for worrying himself about her she adds as she hangs up on him.

Juan and Fernando discuss that Juan is more confused than ever and his solution is to promote Fer to vice president for administration right now. Fer is left speechless. BREAK

Paula shows up asking Marely for Juan but Marely pulls her into Paula's old empty office for a talk. Across the hall Juan is telling Fer about his new post. Fer is worried about Paula's reaction and if he is ready but Juan assures him that he has everything to do well, he knows the business matters so well, he has worked at Farrell industries for centuries, and Juan has perfect confidence in him. Fer's job is to take over the business duties, Juan will take charge of handling Paula.

Perafan is finally up and sweet talking with Nidia wondering why she is so worried acting. She finally tells him the real deal that Paula's demand for dropping the charges is to take the house.

Marely, begs for clemency for Parafan and Paula says she won't put him back in jail but she is going to demand the repayment of all the money.

Paula asks Ivonne to announce her into Juan's office and digs at the obviously sick Ivonne that for once she doesn't have the energy to fight with her. Into Juan's office she goes. He says he is still not ready with a decision. She criticizes his hesitance as unprofessional. Asks if she is invited to sit down. I am thinking hard (echando coco) about all this.

Perafan and Nidia wax melodramatic over their fate and then talks about starting their new life. She is startled, he tries to assure her that their dark, difficult life will be clean and pure with a pure love. She assures him she is not going to wear second hand clothes. She would rather be dead than live poor.

Juan tries out all his new tough businessman lingo on Paula, they argue about who is more the usurper, despotic, etc. ad nauseum. Then he drops the bomb, Fernando Lara will be the new vice president of administration. Outside Marely is shocked, not that she doubts Fer's capabilities but she is sure Paula will pull a hissy fit. Which by the way, she is doing just that in the next office. They are now accusing each other of nepotism and getting back to who has the right to decide what they will do about the Campeoni deal. Phone rings again and Juan reluctantly answers then hears when it is Laura begins his bravado talking is loud and very flirty. Paula slowly realizes he is sweet talking someone else making plans to meet with someone that isn't her! -FIN-

Labels: Juan

I'm sorry to say this episode was watched under the influence of cold medicine, so therefore many details are lacking. Please fill in the blanks.

Andrea flashes her cleavage in front of Constancio & mentions they should spend the night together ---not at her apartment (where Hugo is hidden), rather in a hotel. This distracts him enough that he signs a stack of papers without reading the documents. Included in the stack-- the blank documents that Damien, knowing that Andrea had diddled around with Perlata, blackmailed her into getting signed. So at this point, I think that if Connie is stupid enough to be distracted by a pair, he deserves whatever Damien has in store for him.

Horacio mopes around the garden, thinking about Karla’s threat to never see her mother again if Socoritto marries Horacio.

Karla gets another payment from Luciana---she promises to keep her mouth shut and Luci tells her former maid/secretary that this will be the last payment.

Mili and Gloria are working the streets---no not in that way---Gloria throws eggs at windshields and Mili cleans them for a price. They are working it in Andrea’s neighborhood, apparently Mili hopes to run into Hugo again.

We get a montage of Hugo sketching Mili, Mili and Gloria working their scheme, and Karla shopping.

Damien meets some man and it appears he passes off the documents signed by Constancio. He gets a briefcase full of money in exchange and mutters that his brother-in-law is a gold mine. He later returns to the office and gives Andrea a stack of bills---they are partners. She accepts the money, but refuses to give him the kiss he wants.

Horacio tells Socoritto that he’s realized he made a mistake and he should have never asked her to marry him. He gives her the it isn’t you, it’s me speech. She slaps him and later has a good cry in her room where she laments that she should have known not to trust him and that she’ll always be alone.

Damien meets some old college friend for afternoon drinks…..have to admit I missed the point of this bit.

Hugo goes out and the cab he’s in falls victim to Mili and Gloria’s egg and wash scam. Mili sees it is Hugo in the back seat and freezes. Hugo realizes her face is the one he drew. He orders the cab to turn around and go back, but by then Mili is gone.

Rocky is reading Don Juan and discusses the book with Horacio. I guess as a distraction to his own sorry love life, Horacio decides to mess in Rocky’s affairs. He suggests to the chauffer that he should pretend to have multiple personalities: Rocky and Don Juan, in order to woo Valeria.

Karla returns home to an empty apartment. She spots Hugo’s sketch of Mili and she’s ticked off.

Horacio tells Val that he’s concerned for Rocky---he’s developed another persona. Rocky comes in dressed up in costume and we are treated to comic relief as he stumbles around. He makes a move on Val—quoting the book I assume. He goes in for a kiss and she runs off. He later admits to Horacio that he really looooves Valeria---she overhears this confession.

Damien offers Al’s little buddy, Gamusa, some money. He’s up to no good for sure, but I haven’t figured out how getting involved in Al and Regina’s charity work is going to help him, but we all know it isn't because he is secretly wanting to help the poor folks of the DF.

Karla chews Hugo out for leaving the apartment. She questions him about the drawing and he admits that he saw the same face on some girl when he was out. This worries Karla.

Regina fills Mili in on Al’s good deeds. Later, Regina talks to Al and says she’s proud of him and behind him 100 percent. They talk about Connie and Al questions why his father seems to hate him so much.

Mili wishes Al luck with the award ceremony, which will be held that evening. He asks Mili to go with him and she turns him down, she’s too preoccupied with her worry over Hugo. Al wants to know why she’s worried---it is guilt, is she seeking a pardon from Hugo or does she want to get back together with Hugo, so they can be married. Mili says she doesn’t know and she runs off.

Regina scolds Connie for his treatment of Al. Connie tries to defend his behavior and ends up calling Al a bastard. Regina smacks him and tells him to never call Al that again. She orders her son to be nice, and makes it clear that in this battle she will always be on Al’s side.

Rocky, as Don Juan, makes another move on Val. He shoots and he scores……they kiss.

Some woman (I’ve seen her before, but can’t place her---not from this show but on another novela) comes to see Padre Manuel. She wants his help in finding her daughter whom she left on the church altar many years before when the child was a baby.

The Belmonte family watches the award ceremony. Al wins, but isn’t there to accept the award. He’s at home and comes into the room shortly after it is announced he won. Everyone offers him congratulations, even Connie (who apparently hasn't gone out to meet Andrea for their hotel romp).

Rocky tells Horacio he’s bothered by the kiss, because Val was kissing Don Juan, not Rocky. Horacio is confused and Rocky tries to explain that Val isn’t Dona Ines (whatever that means, I know my lack of a literary background makes me deficient in this area----I never read the Don Juan book, I did however see Don Juan Demarco with Johnny Depp, not that they compare, but any movie with Johnny Depp is worth mentioning).

Al seeks out Mili. She is surprised he didn’t go to receive the award in person. He tells her that awards only feed vanity and ego (yep, tell Hollywood that ---People's Choice anyone?). They flirt and tease each other. He goes in for a kiss. END OF EPISODE

Labels: guapos

Jorge pays a visit to Ascanio to supposedly see how he’s getting along in his new position. He offers him a little advice and makes him an offer he is sure Ascanio cannot refuse. “You know, these documents all probably have tons of errors and most of them are just written up as a formality because of bureaucratic regulation. Rather than learning what you need to do your job well, you could become more confused than ever.” --Ascanio wisely plays dumb and nods.-- Jorge makes him understand that he will make Al give him Manuela's hand in marriage if Ascanio would help him keep Sancti pacified regarding the examining of certain questionable city administration records. “Not a bad trade, wouldn’t you say?” says Jorge as he walks out the door. Impactado with this bribe, Ascanio just sits there with his mouth open.

Across town, after Cami has left with Sofia and Ursula for Puerto Paraiso, Jime tells Ines that God willing Ascanio might find something that Cami had asked him to look for in order to help Ricardo. Ines and she worry that he might be more loyal to Sancti. Jime says that Ric’s fate depends on Ascanio finding something and acting on it. She looks down at the ring Mario gave her and tells Ines that if Ric doesn’t come back then Mario probably won’t either. Ines teases her about having the hots for Mario and they both giggle. Then Ines tells her that Vasco and she are getting along great now and she begins to tell Jime how Vasco turned Ursula down flat at the mill the other day.
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Foreman, Hernan, Antillano, Mario, and Pablo and the other captains assemble for the meeting on Foreman’s boat to plan out their attack strategy for Puerto Paraiso. They will disembark on a small bay and from there will arrive after crossing through jungle. Within a week the assault on the city will take place and all the pirates cheer as Ric frowns pensively at what this will mean: an outright massacre of innocents.
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Matteo, Uriel and Alberto are discussing the delay of the next caravan shipment and how they’ll need more men to cover a double shipment. Uriel asks what Jorge’s involvement is. Al says Jorge’s turned coward because he doesn’t want his son learning about their involvement in caravan hijackings so they aren’t going to tell him about this one. Matteo says with reason and he is worried that Sancti might turn them in to the authorities. Al sneers loudly at Matteo, saying why should he do that since people generally don’t wash their dirty laundry in public, meaning that this would be too embarrassing to even consider for Jorge and his son. Neither Uriel nor Matteo seem all that convinced.

Meanwhile, Sofia, Ursula and Cami, are stuck in the middle of nowhere when their coach breaks down and one of the men must ride hours to find another wheel or coach. (Yeah, I’d say that basket of goodies Fortunata thoughtfully packed for them probably came in handy after all, since they must wait a few hours till the coachman can return with help.) Ursula, dressed in tons of petticoats under a long-sleeved black dress can’t stop complaining about the heat and the bugs. She’s been driving her mother crazy because of it. The women wait for help to arrive from the next inn, some three hours ride up the road.

Jorge goes to see Alberto about Ascanio’s looking over their false documents and not wanting to alert Sancti to all of their dirty deeds yet. He is still too naive about the ways of doin’ bidnez. Besides, if Ascanio finds anything and isn’t properly stopped with some sort of meaningful incentive, that being Manuela, Al’s neck ends up in a noose.

However, Ol’ Party Pal Al, self-consciously pulling his forelocks over in a useless attempt to hide his eye patch, disagrees and stubbornly (methinks, foolishly?) refuses to permit Ascanio to marry his daughter as Jorge suggests. Defiantly he tells Jorge he’s got to find some other way to avoid him finding proof of their dirty business dealings. Since both of them are in this up to their necks together they will either sink or swim together. Thus threatened, Jorge answers him, “Oh, then it’s war?” “—Take it however you want.” Jorge pulling out his scabbord and examining the stiletto in side it, warns LaFont, “Were I you, rather than think twice about this I’d say think 5 times before forgetting that I am still the Lord Governer of San Fernando.”

Just then Lis walks in holding “Clotilde’s niece’s” baby. Jorge notices it and asks about it. Lis tells him it’s orphaned and Al is refusing to let her be its godmother. Al gripes that he doesn’t want her baptizing the kid of some farmer, murderer or what have you. Jorge, figuratively poking a stick at Al’s one remaining eye, says that his wife is godmother to numerous orphans and unfortunates. He is certain that Sancti would charitably join Lis in being the child’s godparent.

After Jorge leaves, Al, enraged, drags Lis into his study and beats her complaining that she put on that little comedy in front of Jorge just to make sure she got her way. Lis can’t understand why he won’t allow her to baptize the child. He hisses while nearly strangling her with a chokehold, that he’s not about to baptize someone else’s child, only his own. Lis says she’s been a dutiful wife in bed and it’s not her fault that he hasn’t gotten her pregnant. Alberto malevolently elucidates for his wife that when a woman doesn’t get pregnant it’s always the woman’s fault, not the man’s then angrily strides out of the room. Lis, choking and gasping for breath tearfully swears to herself that one day she’s going to take revenge on him. “You perverted, disgusting old hog! One day, you damned, damned pig!!” (Lis, I, for one, hope that day comes a few decades or so down the road.)
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Finally days later, the three women arrive in another coach at the home of Brigida de Mendoza in Puerto Paraiso. All Ursula can do is complain about the way the house smells old. Sofia tells the others that she’s not interested in the money left her, but rather in taking family mementos back with her. Herminia, the elderly companion of Sofia’s aunt, comes in and greets Sofia very lovingly. Sofia introduces Cami and Ursula to her.

That night Ursula is still complaining, now about having to share a room and the bed with her mother while Cami gets a room of her own. Sofia tells her she’s tired of hearing it and she should have just stayed home. (Many of us mothers out here in Viewerville commiserate, Sofia. Truly we do!) Ursula wants to know how long they’ll be there. Sofia figures a week should do it till they get the legalities handled.

In her bedroom Cami takes out and rereads the letter to her father from Ric. “Camila is my wife in the eyes of God and will be till the day we hand our souls over to our Creator. I know that it will mean great sorrow my taking her away like this, but it was never my intention to separate her from you. ”

Ric tells Mario that his child ought to be about 3 months old by now. He is still tormented by not having been able to go look for Cami because of this business with the plague. Mario reminds him there just wasn’t enough time, but not to worry. Just as well since Sancti saw him and would be waiting for him. Ric says, “The same way we’ll be ready for him when we return for them.” Mario continues to cheer him up saying that after the attack at Puerto Paraiso they can afford to hire all the pirates in the Caribbean they need to confront Santiago’s palace guard and no little army of his will be able to stop them. Mario then advises him to shut his heart and mind to this and concentrate his efforts on the business at hand. If Fortune smiles on them they’ll have one heck of a pile and their future depends on that. They toast to good fortune.

Ursula sneers at her mother and chooses to take a walk around town instead of accepting her mother's offer to pay respects to the dead relative at the cemetery. Later, on their way to the grave site, Sofia tells Cami that she understands what Ric means to her, but it seems a little loco to want to go off alone to look for him. If something should happen to her along the way Sofia is going to feel entirely responsible. Cami tells her that she is a grown woman now, one who has survived any number of things, that even though it may be crazy she wants to, needs to, and must go to La Iguana. Besides, Cami says she has already inquired from the shoemaker in town and San Jose is only two weeks journey and from there it’s just a turn off the main road.
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With their individual gangs of pirates in league Foreman, Ric and the other brigands make their way over the next few days and nights through the jungle toward Puerto Paraiso for their final foray. (It looks more like prairie with a few trees to me, but hey, what do I know from Mexican rain forest and jungle?) The week passes quickly for the women who are planning to return the next morning to San Fernando. They only need to pack the mementos and a few family paintings.

The night before their departure Sofia comes to see if Cami has hired her coach. She has and will leave at 5 AM, but she refuses to let Romualdo accompany her as a bodyguard as Sofia suggests. (I’m all for brave, pioneering women, but venturing alone in a hired coach to the middle of nowhere in that time and place is more than a little bit harebrained.) Sofia reluctantly agrees then gives her a pouch of money for emergencies and tells her to come say good-bye before she leaves.

Outside the city, El Antillano gives his men their final instructions before initiating their attack. “Pirates fight fearlessly, but honorably; don’t kill anybody who gives up or who is unarmed. There is enough money in the city for us all to go back very wealthy. Fight bravely and may God bless us all!” Mario wishes him luck and reminds him that if he dies he gets his share of the loot. Antillano asks Mario in case he dies to share his loot with Cami and his child and to remind her not to forget the people living in La Iguana. Mario asks Pablo who his share goes to, doesn’t he have anybody to leave it with? Pablo says it should go to his mother. Mario laughs, “Of course, though in truth La Paisana knows how to take care of herself better than any of us.”

Ric, Mario, Pablo, and his men now join with Foreman and Hernan. Foreman tells his captains to make sure the men fight with precision, fight for their lives and for the riches that await them.

Within their individual bands, the pirates begin to climb rope ladders they’ve secretively strung up along the fortress walls. They jump over the tops of the fortress’s guard walk and kill the distracted soldiers who are playing cards, then enter into the city. More soldiers come to fight the hoards of pirates climbing over the walls and the bloodbath begins as Sofia and Ursula go to sleep.

At the sounding of the alarms all bedlam breaks loose in the city. Cami is getting her baggage ready to leave for La Iguana when she hears an explosion of gunfire. The shots are followed by dozens of church bells ringing the alarm throughout the city. Cami wakes up Sofia and Ursula and tells them something dangerous must be going on outside. Ursula wonders if it’s a fire or something. Herminia runs into Cami downstairs in another part of the household and tells her that it is a pirate attack and they have to flee. Pirates are evil and have no respect for anyone or anything. The three women get dressed, wrap their valuables, money and jewels in sheets. They try to get Herminia to leave with them but she refuses saying she’s too old and will be a hindrance, so Sofia and the rest are forced to flee without her.

At the fort the bloody battle continues between pirate and soldier. Romualdo carrying the little bit of possessions they are bringing and his rifle, leads the women through the streets through absolute mayhem and carnage. (Ursula, honey, is this enough excitement for you?) Cami tells them that they have to get out of the city to safety. All around them, in the streets, there are others with the same idea who are also trying to flee. Cami, Sofia, Ursula and Romualdo eventually find their way through the throng to a stable yard, barricade themselves in and manage to finally sleep a little.

There are dead bodies of men and women strewn everywhere, all around from the pirates’ handiwork. Foreman arrives accompanied by Hernan, Antillano, Mario and Pablo, together with several other pirates. He announces that the city is won and they are free to rape, pillage and plunder as they see fit. “There. It wasn’t so difficult, was it?” he asks Antillano. “Too many dead,” he answers and shakes his head in disbelief. Foreman tells him death is part of life, but now he has all the money he needs to make up for what was stolen from him. He orders Antillano to organize the patrols in the city to guard against the Spanish guard coming back to ambush them all, but advises him first to wash up since with all the blood on his face and clothes he looks like a butcher. Ric turns to Mario with an aside, looking at his bloody hands and dagger with a dazed look in his eyes, and tells him that he feels like a butcher.

The next morning Cami wakes up and tells Romualdo the well is dry and they need food. He tells her it’s best to wait but foolishly Cami refuses-- making me wish somebody would “Grita-slap” her and knock some sense into her for putting everyone’s life at risk this way when she, more than anybody, knows how murderous and depraved these types are supposed to be. (Word up, Camila! They aren’t all like Antillano, remember?) She says she’ll go while he stays to guard the others. Romualdo has no choice then and says he’ll go with her. They hear shots just then. “Hear that! You cannot go.” “—and neither can you!” and since he’s da man and obviously women don’t belong out there in this he says he’ll go see what’s what.

Cami returns to their little storeroom hideaway and the women begin to pray, even Ursula, who this time (as hubby noticed) looks like she means it! Romualdo opens the gate to the street beyond and sure enough three pirates violently barge in and immediately rush around the yard chasing the women (--did we expect any less?) intending to ravage them and steal their valuables.

Outside and down the street pirates are threatening to hang people unless they tell them where their money and jewels are. (According to historical accounts they hung men by other, more sensitive parts of their anatomy than their necks and also tortured the women and children in order to get this information out of them, but I digress.) Antillano followed by Mario is not a happy camper…er…pirate as they walk through the streets trying to find some order. Mario reminds him that he fulfilled his obligation to Foreman and now is rich. Ric says he’s repulsed by the excessive abuse he sees all around him. Mario says it’s just the excitement of the victory (which was incredible considering the fortifications). Ric says they’re high on wine and blood lust and he can’t stand it anymore.

Antillano goes around chasing off various pirates from the weak and defenseless and those who obviously haven’t any valuables or money left to offer in exchange for their lives. Mario warns him his actions are dangerous since the pirates are in their right to take and demand whatever they want. Ric complains he is disgusted and sickened by so many dead men, women [and children]. He throws money at a few pirates who are harassing a couple who’ve already given them everything they have and tells them to scat. Mario tells them the couple obviously haven’t got anything else and are not rich people. The pirates complain that the Captain General gave them instructions. Antillano tells them to heck with that and scram! They do.

Mario reminds him worriedly that all the captains agreed that Foreman was the Captain in charge and the boss. Antillano yells back through the noise that this time with the excesses he has gone too far and he’s sick of hearing the screams of helpless men and women. It’s one thing to fight armed soldiers who have the same chance as they, but all this killing and harming of innocents is not right.

Just then Ric and Mario hear the screams from Ursula and Cami in the stable yard. Ric kicks open the gate and runs inside to see the two pirates on top of the two younger women fighting through scads of petticoats in hopes of (eventually) “having their way” with them. (In an A-Hah! moment for anyone in Viewerville still wondering why wealthy women wore layers of petticoats, the term makeshift chastity belt might come to mind.) Before these pillaging rapscallions can get their fly’s unbuttoned, our two pet pirates push their way in and recognize Sofia being held by one against the wall at knife-point and that it’s Cami and Ursula on the ground screaming, in the respective clutches of the other two. (At this point I have to admit I was cackling at the screen at Ursula, “Enjoying your orgy, Ursula? You’ve got one in spades now, don’t ya, hon –or rather, ‘espadas’?” More cackling, now from Hubby.) Romualdo is unconscious and wounded on the ground over in a corner of the stable yard.

Ric and Mario quickly start to rescue Cami and Ursula. “Let them loose! Let them loose!” Swords start slicing through the air. The pirates are angry (hopefully getting a good case of blue b@lls about now) and complain. “What’s the matter with you, Antillano??” the guy who was on top of Cami asks him. “‘—That is MY woman!!” “—Since when?” “Since I say so!” (Wonderful playground dialogue.) Mario tells the other pirate at sword point, after fighting and kicking them off the women, that Carmi is Antillano’s woman and the others are the wife and daughter of Foreman’s friend. The two pirates gripe that the rules are that whoever sees the woman first can have her for whatever they want. Ric says not this time and if they don’t think it’s right they can settle it right here and now. They back away and stomp off saying that they’ll confront him about it, but in front of Foreman.

Freed, Sofia runs over to help Romualdo while Cami explains to Ric that she’s in the city, accompanying Sofia to see about Sofia’s dead aunt’s inheritance. Ric asks about their child and Cami tearfully tells him the child was born premature and died at birth. They console each other then compose themselves. He tells her they’ll discuss it later because it’s too dangerous to stay there. He has the women get their things and they leave to return to the meeting hall in the central palace.

Ric, Cami, Sofia, Ursula, Mario and Romualdo arrive. Before they go inside Ric pulls Cami aside and warns her not to say a word and not to intervene. “One word, one scream of yours and I could be distracted and that could cost me my life!” “—Why?” “You’ll find out later. You must promise me that whatever happens you will put up with it. You must tolerate it.” They all enter the great hall at the central palace where Foreman is overseeing the drunken revelry as Pirate in Chief.

Foreman leads them all in a toast of the Brotherhood’s grand triumph as Antillano and Mario appear with the women in tow. Cavalierly Foreman greets the women. Both Sofia and Ursula are drop-jaw impactada to find Foreman is there. He offers his gallant apologies and says that he is captain of the ruffian horde as he introduces himself as Captain John Foreman, English corsair for the British Royal Navy (and thus a legitimate arm of the English Crown in what has been a massacre of a major Spanish holding.) Sofia reprimands him for having lied to them and demands that if he’s in charge that he tell them all to stop this horror immediately. “Have you no shame?”

Ursuala starts screaming at Foreman that if he’s the one in charge then punish the one who tried to rape her. He assures her that whoever has laid hands on her he’ll cut them off, then tries to calm her down. He then turns to Ric and says there’s been a complaint made against him. “Yeah, I imagine so.” Foreman turns to the crowd and says, “We all know that hostages belong to us all.” Antillano yells out at him, “Not when one of the women belongs to one of them already, they don't!!”

Antillano reminds Foreman that it was evident to Foreman himself, having eaten at his home with his family that Cami was his woman. Foreman nods, but the pirate who wanted Cami yells out, “Yeah, but I didn’t know that!” “—That’s your problem, not mine,” Antillano yells back. The pirate argue s with him that the rules say that a women belongs to whoever finds her first. Antillano insists not when it has to do with another pirate’s woman. “And in this case I will pay for her.” The second pirate yells out that he will pay also and he wants the blonde. Yells break out all around the room.

Foreman offers an economic arrangement. “Fight for her or buy her. Antillano?” Ric yells over at the pirate who was trying to rape Cami, “Confrontation or money? Which do you prefer?” He refuses the money and demands to fight. His buddy yells out then that fighting El Antillano is like fighting three of the rest of them so he demands to fight alongside his pirate buddy. A third pirate and then Mario complain that it is unfair to allow two against one in a fight, and the rules don’t take into the account something like this for a woman. Foreman tells the crowd, “This is an unusual situation, so majority rules.” The room votes for them to fight it out.

Antillano accepts the challenge. (Swooning here. Hubba hubba!!) Foreman warns him this must be to the death and Ric agrees, “To the death.” He turns to Cami and warns her again not to utter a sound then hands her off to Mario for safekeeping. He pulls out his swords, does some mental calculation and makes the first strike……

Labels: Pasion

Much as I love this novela, I confess to being a tiny bit frustrated as we went through all the poisoning stuff only to be left back at square one.

Hugo tells Soledad that she was poisoned but he assures her that she's not going to die. She just has to hold on until the antidote comes. Soledad wants to see her baby.

At the House of Sad*sm, Beatriz finally gets Dr. Pablo to go away and says that she's tied up (heh heh) and won't be at work for a few days. But Alcides overhears the name of 'Hugo de Medina' and that it was Hugo's brother who abused Beatriz. I never thought Beatriz would let herself be chained up again but she does and Alcides dozes off and has a memory of when he was a child and of when he and Hugo were in the mine.

At the laboratory, Elena threatens to destroy the vial of Aurora's blood unless Dr. Max makes the antidote. He agrees but he needs a mushroom with the active element of the poison and Enrico and Elena go out into the woods to find it.

Eloisa tells Hugo that he has changed. He never cared about Soledad before and now he is suffering because she is dying. Hugo basically pays no attention to her and repeats to himself that what is happening is not fair .

Paquito sends off an article to his paper that says that Soledad was murdered by Arturo. Paquito thanks Soledad for being the opportunity to start a war between Arturo and Alcides. Eloisa overhears and says to herself that she warned him not to mess with Alcides and now Paquito will find out what happens to traitors.

A despairing Hugo tells Boris that Soledad is going to die and he can't do anything to help her. Boris says that Dr. Max will produce the antidote. Hugo says that it hurts him so much to see her like that - so defenseless. Even though Soledad was so cruel to him, played with his feelings and betrayed him with his own brother, Soledad is the only woman he has ever really loved. She can't die. We get some flashbacks to happier times for Soledad and Hugo.

Soledad is making some deathbed wishes. She wants her parents to get back together and take care of Aurora. Then she asks to speak to Ursula alone. Naturally, Antonia (notice that Soledad has nothing to say to her!) tries to prevent this but Soledad insists. Soledad tells Ursula that she has been like a sister to her and she hopes that someday Ursula will find a nice guy and have babies of her own. Soledad asks her to take care of Aurora and be her godmother. She should tell Aurora about her parents and make sure that she knows that Hugo is her real father. (Soledad doesn't appear to have a deathbed wish to tell Alcides about her lie.)

Eloisa comes to warn Hugo about Paquito. She tells him that Paquito has sent off an article to the paper that probably says that Arturo poisoned Soledad. Hugo sends Boris off to take of Paquito. Eloisa sidles up to Hugo but he is oblivious to her. Boris brings Paquito in to Hugo's study. Paquito says that he has to get his article to the paper first so he's assuming that Soledad will die and that as a gentleman, Hugo will want to avenge himself on Arturo. Hugo says that Arturo did not poison Soledad and this article isn't going to be published. Someone else is behind all this and it might be him, Paquito. Paquito pretends to be shocked. Boris roughs him up a little bit and Hugo tells Paquito that he knows he has been pretending to be effeminate to get people to tell him their secrets and that he has destroyed several marriages. Faced with these accusations, Paquito capitulates and slicks back his hair. Hugo tells him that from now on Paquito works for him or he will destroy his career. Hugo tells him not to publish the article and to stay away from his house until he is called. He leaves.

Marina feels it is necessary to tell Ursula that Soledad is a bad person who betrayed Hugo. (I'm beginning to be worried about Marina's sanity. Only a complete nutcase would say what she does to Ursula while Soledad is dying.) Naturally, Ursula objects to what Marina says and they get in a fight and Boris has to separate them. He says that Soledad is Ursula's boss and she is grieving for her. Can't Marina understand that? Marina says that if Ursula is suffering, Boris should go console her. (Yes, do that Boris and find a nice lady.)

Paquito believes that Eloisa betrayed his secrets to Hugo. Eloisa denies it and they both threaten each other not to mess up the other's plans. Paquito goes home and tells Rebeca that Eloisa betrayed him. Rebeca curses the stupid people like Hercu-less that are messing up her plans. Paquito says that Hercu-less must have been good for something. Rebeca says that he was good in bed. Paquito suggests that Rebeca look for another man to make her happy. She says that maybe it's time for both of them to find new partners and that they could work together well. They hop into bed. Rebeca is very passionate but Paquito knows that she's not giving it away. She wants something in return. She admits that she wants Paquito to be her partner in finding Jeremias' treasure. She needs someone intelligent to help her (well, that leaves Hercu-less out). Paquito agrees to help Rebeca for a share of the treasure. (I'd get that in writing if I were you Paquito. Pillow talk is not admissible in court.) Later, Rebeca tells Paquito that Soledad is somehow connected to the treasure. She also tells him about Aurora's medallion. Paquito says that he will use his contacts to get information. Rebeca lays it on about how intelligent he is and how they will have a great partnership. "Of course," says Paquito.

Silly things happen at Dr. Max's.

Antonia comes to get Hugo. Soledad is very ill. Hugo tells Boris that he is going to tell her that he is really Hugo. She has to know everything. Hugo asks Ester, Lucas and Antonia to leave him alone with Soledad who is still fully dressed. She thinks that it is still dark outside even though dawn has broken (a sure sign of approaching death). Hugo sits down and tells Soledad, without looking at her, that he has deceived her. He is Hugo, not Alcides and he has taken his brother's place. He hopes she can forgive him. He looks back at Soledad and she has fallen asleep or gone into a coma or something. She didn't hear his confession. Hugo tries to get Soledad to wake up and listen to him. At that moment, the diminutive trio arrive with the antidote. Eloisa makes a last-ditch effort and says they don't know where the stuff in the syringe came from but Elena swears it is from Dr. Max and to trust her. Hugo gives Soledad the injection and she is saved. Everybody is happy except Eloisa.

Hugo (isn't it kind of early to start drinking?) in gratitude for saving Soledad offers Guille, Elena and Enrico "techo y comida," literally "a roof and food," that is, a place to live and eat and an honorable employment. Guille is grateful but Elena says that she has a prior commitment to Dr. Max who is waiting for her.

Soledad (she is still dressed in her gown from the previous night) is having breakfast with Ursula. Outside in the hall, Boris addresses Hugo by name, oblivious to the possibility of being overheard and Hugo's order that he not do so. Boris asks if Hugo told Soledad of his true identity. Hugo says that he did but she didn't hear because she had fainted. "What are you going to do now?" asks Boris. Hugo says that he needs to get Soledad out of his house. He has too many enemies and look what happened to Soledad because of it. He still wants revenge for what she did to him but he doesn't want her to die.

Hugo goes into Soledad's room and asks if they can talk. He asks Soledad how she feels and she says that she is better. She thanks him for what he did for her last night. If he hadn't been there, she wouldn't be alive right now. (If she hadn't been there, she wouldn't have gotten poisoned in the first place.) Hugo looks at her with such a sweet smile and says that he is happy she is better. Soledad says that she remembers that when she was ill, she heard him say that he loved her. Is that true? Hugo hesitates but finally says that he loves her with all his heart but then says, "Why are you suprised? We were lovers. Wasn't that so?" Soledad doesn't answer his question and has a flashback to Ester advising her to lie about her relationship with Alcides. Soledad says that she is a little surprised to her him say that he loves her since he was always such a serious person. Hugo responds that maybe he didn't appreciate her in the past but now it is different. They have a daughter. He wants to have a family. Now there is nothing that can come between our relationship. Then he twists the knife and says, "Besides, now we have Hugo's fortune." Soledad responds that they can never have a relationship, not now, not ever. She tells him that he was a very difficult person and treated her badly, like an animal, from the moment they were married. Hugo says that he has changed. The person she sees is another Alcides, a different Alcides. He kisses on the forehead and says that he will prove it. Leaving the room, he looks back at Soledad with his vengeance-is-mine expression. We're back to square one.

The real Alcides appears to have left Beatriz chained up in the House of Sad*sm. He hobbles to a river and is accosted by a robber. He tells the robber that he doesn't have anything (which is pretty obvious) but the robber won't take no for an answer, pulls a knife and attacks him. Alcides kills the robber in the ensuing struggle. He takes the robber's horse and clothes and rides off. Alcides comes to a town and is directed to the hospital. Meanwhile, one the detectives Boris has hired spots Alcides.

Back at the Hacienda, Hugo is psychically aware of Alcides again. He asks Boris about the progress of the search for his brother. Boris says that they are searching in the southern reaches of the river but have had no success yet. Boris asks if the search should be intensified and Hugo reminds him unnecessarily that they have to be discrete. No one can know that he is impersonating his brother. Then Hugo asks Boris about the progress of the mine scam. Boris reports that the tunnels are almost finished and that the mine has been salted with gold nuggets.

At this point, Eloisa asks to speak to Hugo. She is still in the pink dress she wore to the baptism so I guess she never went home.

At Dr. Max's, Elena tries to find out why he needs Aurora's blood. He won't tell her and she says that she can't permit him to continue. She tries to run away but falls down (and it's a miracle that her breasts don't pop out of the front of her gown) and Dr. Max injects her with a sedative. When she is unconscious, Dr. Max says that she is a good soul. Sometimes, when he sees her, he could swear he is seeing his dead wife. He says that Elena is pretty and innocent but so imprudent. What can he do with her? For a start, he will keep her asleep a long time. In his lab, Dr. Max finds the same substance in Aurora's blood that he found in Hugo's. Luckily, he has kept a sample of Hugo's blood (he appears to be using dry ice to refrigerate it). He will compare the two samples.

At the tavern, Arturo asks where everyone is. Omar, the tavernkeeper, says that most of the men are at the mine working on the tunnels. Arturo says that the mine played out years ago. There's no gold there. People are stupid and don't remember. At this moment, some men return from the mine and show the gold that they found there. Arturo's greed is awakened and it looks like he is going to fall for one of the oldest cons in the book.

Soledad tells Ursula that she is a little worried because she believes that Alcides really loves her. "Get that idea right out of your head," says Ursula, "Alcides is not trustworthy." Soledad says that he seems to care about her and Aurora. He worries. She says that Hugo/Alcides has such suffering in his expression when he looks at her. Sometimes she thinks that it has something to do with her. But that isn't what is worrying her. When he says that he loves her, she could swear that she is looking at Hugo. Ursula tries the 'but they are identical twins' response. Soledad says that it isn't a physical thing, it's his soul, his words. As Hugo stands in the doorway listening, Soledad says that Alcides looks at her the same way Hugo did. Back in his room, Hugo swears that he will make Soledad fall in love with him the same way he fell in love with her. He takes the ring (that Hugo gave to Soledad and Soledad gave to Marina and Hugo bought from Marina) off the chain he wears around his neck and puts it in a box on his desk saying that he doesn't need it to remember what she did to him. She will pay for her betrayal. The credits roll.

Tomorrow: Soledad discovers the ring. Will she figure out Hugo is alive? Not bloody likely.

Labels: la traicion