Caray, Caray!

Dr. House is at a PG-rated nudie bar, watching a girl dance. Suddenly he realizes that he can't remember coming to the bar. The dancer tells him he hasn't even had a drink yet. House discovers that he has a bleeding head wound and is suffering from retrograde amnesia.

He limps outside to find the street clogged with police cars, ambulances, a crashed bus, and a trashed garbage truck.

But that is not our story.

(When I agreed to do Monday nights, I didn't realize that House was moving to Monday nights too. It's still the best weeknight for me to recap, but I don't know why they had to move House. It's okay, though, because there's only one new episode left after tonight.)

Back to church, where Sofia is blithely lighting a candle, and Feonando is warning the padre that he's about to lay some heavy stuff on him.

"It was I who raped Sofia. I raped her." The padre reacts by moving his head slightly. (Please imagine that his eyes widen with surprise.) Not far away, with her back turned, Sofia continues to pray, oblivious to the ethical trainwreck happening behind her.

Franco opens his eyes for a moment, but can't stay conscious long enough to answer his brothers' queries as to who beat him up. Still, they are happy that he seems to be doing a little better.

At the nightclub, Rosario fumes about the beating. Ofelia warns her that she now knows what Feonando is capable of. She must stay away from Franco!

"But I looooooove him," Rosario protests. Now that she's seen him all pulpified and defenseless, she loves him more than ever. (blech) Ofelia says that if she loves him that much, she needs to sacrifice that love before Feonando kills him with his bare hands. Rosario curses Feo and says not even God can have pity on this guy.

Fr. Tadeo finally snaps out of it and asks Feo to confirm what he just said. Feo repeats that it was he who raped Sofia on her way home from teaching catechism. The padre is like, oh no you dittent!! No way, it can't be.

Just then, a crazy wind blows out all the candles. Feo tosses a casual glance over his shoulder as Sofia shivers.

"How can you be so cold-blooded?" the padre asks, "to confess this horror with such satisfaction?"

Feo claims that it was tough for him to say it, but the padre insisted, and that gave him the courage to speak. "Ever since I met Sofia, she struck me with her beauty; she never looked at me - it was like I didn't exist. That's why I decided to make her mine at any cost. I began by watching her, waiting for the right moment, and that moment was not long in coming."

Fr. Tadeo begs Feo to stop talking.

"You can't refuse to listen to a sinner's confession. What kind of priest are you? You're obliged to listen to me, and you're going to do it!" (Feo tilts his head from side to side, the way people do when they have to crack their necks.) "So I laid in wait for Sofia, like a hunter awaiting his prey. I waited at the church exit; she walked by unsuspectingly."

Feo grins through the confessional screen. "And when she least expected it, I attacked her. I attacked her, Padre, and made her mine." Another Cheshire grin.

"How can you say you love Sofia, if you were capable of something so vile?" In an increasingly loud voice, he explains that if you love someone, you'll give anything to make them happy. True love is respect and sacrifice, not humiliation and violence.

Feo said it was out of desperation, to get her her to notice him, because she had never paid him any attention. (Another big creepy smile.) "Later I showed up as her rescuer, which won me the confidence of Gabriela. She herself offered her [Sofia] on a silver platter."

The padre expresses disgust and dismay.

"I married to Sofia, believe that I would save her from shame, that she would love me, but I was wrong." (The SOB sobs.) "Sofia has never loved me; I suffered through her disdain."

Unmoved by Feo's alligator (or crocodile, if you prefer) tears, the padre asks if he expects any pity now. "You're a very cruel, sick man, sick with evil."

"Okay, well, I'm done confessing. So, what's my penance, Padre?"

"Death by trampling," I wish the priest says, but he does not. Instead, he flexes his jaw muscles. The upper portion of his face remains smooth and inscrutable.

Sofia is praying for peace. Feo crawls up alongside on his knees, saying one measly Hail Mary, which is less than what Fr. Jusseaume would give us for something like writing on a desk, not that I would know anything about that. He sighs loudly and tells Sofia that they can leave, now that he's give his confession, and he hopes she can understand that he's done all this because he loves her.

Sofi says she'd like to stay and visit with the wounded bricklayer. Feo wants to come with! He crosses himself piously and pulls himself up by her hand.

She proceeds to cross herself on her way out; he copies her like a synchronized swimmer. He pauses at the confessional to give a gratuitous "¡Amen!" to the shellshocked priest.

After Feo leaves, Tadeo hops out of the confessional and staggers into the aisle to pray for guidance. He prostrates himself on the floor as an unseen choir (with symphonic accompaniment) blasts him full of inspiration.

Grandpa is in his deerstalker cap again, using his spyglass to examine the backyard in which the brothers are not building Feonando's love shack. Eva says she hopes they don't come back. Grandpa finds this odd, since she was the one who hired them and has been their accomplice. "We both know that those boys aren't working here for their skill." (Ha! I love Grandpa.) Eva says she's sorry, but she can't say. For the good of everyone, however, it's best if they don't come back. Grandpa writes:

They didn't come to work. Eva behaves strangely; she took off out of here.

The donkey brays forlornly outside the dispensario as Oscar dabs cool water on Franco's forehead. Sofia says they really need a doctor. Feo agrees and thinks they should take him to the hospital. Walking in, the padre nervously says he doesn't think it will be necessary. Oscar thinks Franco shouldn't even be moved. Sofi says they need to get a doctor from someplace. Juan comes in and says no thank you, will take care of him ourselves, we don't need any help. The padre urges Juan to reconsider, but Juan gets very huffy at the sight of Feo and says no again.

"Yes we need help. Franco needs it!" Oscar answers. "And they, Juan, are going to give it." Sofi looks from one brother to the other, wondering what's going on (or maybe wondering if someone forgot his lines). Feo looks at Juan with a faint, shit-eating grin.

Franco looks unconscious.

Sarita paces in her princessy bedroom, pausing frequently to look out her window where the brothers are not working. She remembers the day (yesterday? Two days ago?) when Franco wore a big hat and gave her a rose and they talked about poetry. The rose is smushed up in her poetry book, but still looks fresh and alive. She wonders if it's really possible that she's Franco's impossible love.

Rosario prays tearfully to Virgencita, saying she's a sinner and doesn't deserve pity, but please don't punish her loved ones too. "Just punish me, but protect those who love me. Protect my child [notice she never says his name], protect Franco."

Somehow, someone has located a doctor, who has put a bandage around Franco's forehead (good thinking, that will keep his brains from falling out) and is listening to Franco's chest. The doctor has them help move some extra furniture out of the room that's going to be in his way. The padre is giving Feo a suspicious look. Soon Feo is alone in the room with Franco. He reaches for Franco's face as if to claw it off.

Then, suddenly, there's a stretcher in the room, next to Franco's bed. (Maybe Feo was just imagining being alone with Franco and ripping his face off.) Feo and the other guys transfer Franco to the stretcher. Juan and Feo exchange suspicious looks. Or maybe Feo is staring at Juan while Juan stares at Sofi... or... all I know is there's a lot of staring going on, and other people noticing the staring.

Now Franco's on some kind of IV drip, and the doctor declares him to be out of danger. Franco mumbles and half-smiles at Juan. Oscar smacks his face with joy. Franco winces at the appropriate time, and Oscar apologizes. Juan and Sofi beam at one another.

Oscar and Juan are walking home, hopefully to change their rooster shirts. Juan is saying that he was pissed when Oscar accepted their help. He doesn't want to owe anything to their enemies.

Crabi's driver nearly runs them down as they are crossing the street. Crabi gets out of the truck and starts insulting them for blowing off work without prior notice. She should have figured they were a bunch of lowlifes.

Juan calls her back. She tries to stare him down. She is not that much shorter than he is, but he hulks over her anyway and tells her never to call them lowlifes (malnacidos) again. They came from very decent parents. "Well then you didn't learn anything from them, or they didn't teach you to be responsible workers." She tells them they're fired, and jabs her fan at them in a dismissive manner.

Sofi comes back from church; her sisters want to talk to her about Feo. It's important - they promised him they would. She doesn't want to hear about it; she doesn't have time. She explains that someone beat up Franco. Sarita is upset; Sofi asks if she loves him. Sarita's not sure if what she feels for him is love or not, but it's something she's never felt before. Sofi asks if she'd like to go see him.

Jimena is on board with the plan. Sarita is worried about incurring their mother's wrath. Sofi says she'll take responsibility. She says that if Sarita's really in love, she has to go for it, no matter what.

Now Feonando is at the nightclub, scolding Mustache Guy Armando and his other cronies. "I told you to make him disappear, and you didn't follow my orders." A henchman says they left him to sink in the lagoon. Feo says no, they're the ones who "sank." Henchman #2 says they don't know what happened or who helped him. Mustache guy says they're telling the truth.

Feo laughs tipsily. They all laugh too. Then he scowls. They stop laughing. He says he'll let it go, but it had better not happen again.

Sofi is driving her sisters into town and agreeing with them that Feo isn't evil. She tells them how he went to church with her today and went to Confession. Her sisters think that proves something, and she should give him a chance. Sofi says there's something she just can't explain.

Sarita says there is something else - that Sofi is hiding from them. Something that she doesn't even want to accept herself. Sofi says "maybe so." They beg for more info, but she's not ready to give any. She mysteriously says that if that's what's keeping her from loving Feonando, then she has to get it out of her life, the sooner the better. "And then you'll love Feonando?" Jimena asks. "I don't know," Sofi says. "After that, I probably won't be able to love anyone else." (Snif!)

Sarita complains that Sofi doesn't trust them. "There are things that are better left unsaid; things that are very painful." It's better to hide them in our hearts, so they don't destroy us. I wonder if the American Heart Association knows anything about the health benefits of keeping painful things in your heart. In any case, it shuts the sisters up.

Speaking of the American Heart Association, the padre is rubbing his right arm. I think he's just chilly, though; there's a windlike sound effect. But the pages of his Bible aren't ruffling in any breeze; the sound seems to be on the inside of his head. He recalls Feo's chilling confession. He looks as though he's having a stroke. (Acting or Botox? You make the call!) He prays something like "You teach us that that which is in heaven cannot be separated from the earth," (??? I'm not sure what this means literally, but I think it refers to his vow not to repeat the confessions of others) "but what about Sofia's suffering? I can't pretend to be deaf and cross my arms; I have to protect her." The unseen choir and symphony begin again. "I have to protect that whole family from themselves."

Note - talking about not crossing one's arms is something like when we say we won't take something lying down.

For a long time I wasn't sure what the crossed arms literally referred to, exactly. I assumed it was something like folding your arms so that your hands are tucked away harmlessly, unwilling to interfere.

But then when they beheaded Lafont in Pasión, I noticed that they crossed his arms around the tree stump to immobilize him for the axe. Does anyone know if that's what's meant by "crossed arms"? Because if so, I don't recommend ever crossing your arms for anything.

Rosario visits Franco at the dispensario and cranks him up. His bed, I mean, so that he can sit up and get a better look at her stuff. She tries to urge Franco to forget about her. No, he wants her to let him love her.

He asks about her relationship with Armando (aka Mustache Guy, aka Lopez from LFMB with bad hair). She doesn't want to answer; she says the less he knows, the better off he is.

Franco explains that they'll have to kill him to keep him away from her. She doesn't want to hear any more of this, so he kisses her instead. She gets into it. Now they're making out. Great, now let's see if he can forget her.

Crabi arrives at the church, where the girls have already arrived with their donations for the dispensario. She is muy enojada to see that they've left the hacienda without her permission. Sofi takes the blame, and Crabi says "That doesn't surprise me, you always were the bad apple." Sofi says it's for charity. Sarita explains that the littlest bricklayer got some boo-boos, and since Mommy Dearest taught them to be charitable, they brought him some things, following her example.

"You help those who deserve it," answers Judge Crabi. "Those who earn that help." Sofi says charity isn't so choosy. Crabi says she doesn't care what Sofi says, and they're not going to talk about it. She orders them back to the truck.

Jimena argues. Sarita simply says she's not going - she'll say with Sofia.

Franco is telling his brothers, who have indeed changed out of the rooster shirts, that he couldn't see who it was; it was too dark. He tells them to pretend it was an accident. He's the youngest and he appreciates that they've always taken care of him, but this is his responsibility. Oscar scoffs at this. Juan says their mother told him to watch out for the younger brothers. They talk about how their parents watch out for them from where they are now.

Franco says Libia, too. She was the one who saved his life. When he regained consciousness, he was in the place where they had found Libia; he felt her presence, like a strength, which prevented him from sinking. It was Libia who saved his life. When he gets better, he'll visit her grave and thank her. (A flower glows with an eerie light, as if to confirm Franco's story. I think it really means that the mother ship is coming to take E.T. home, but I don't want to spoil the moment for Franco.)

Dr. House realizes that his guess about the patient's disease was wrong; he quickly comes up with a new theory. (I don't think that's a spoiler, since that's the plot of every House episode.)

Oscar excitedly asks if this Libia-sighting isn't a sign that she wants them to stop their mission of vengeance against the Elizondo women. Juan snorts at him and stomps out of the room in disgust. Oscar just wants to hear more; but if there is more, we don't get to hear it.

Crabi complains that Sofia's setting a bad example. Sofi says she and her sisters are tired of being shut-ins. Crabi says God will punish her for defying her mother. Padre shows up and Crabi asks him to take her side. Then Feo shows up and says the dispensario is all set up. Impactada, Crabi asks him if he's helping those losers (the Reyes brothers) too. "Those losers, as you call them, are our fellow man - isn't that so, Padre?" The padre agrees, but he looks like he just swallowed a bug.

Outnumbered and defeated, Crabi tells them to finish up and they'll talk later. She asks to speak to the padre privately. (She's probably hoping to give him some advice on how to be a more irreproachable priest.)

She steps out, leaving Feo alone with the padre. The padre turns to leave; Feo grabs his arm, pulls him in for a ring-kiss, and says in a very slimy manner, "thank you for your advice, Padre."

The brothers (minus Franco) and the sisters meet up in the lobby with the fountain. They're all impactados and impactadas. Sarita asks to see Franco. Juan grumpily allows it.

Now Grandpa is in his centurion hoplite costume, playing with his game board and horsie figures again. He tells Eva he's dressed like Alexander the Great, and tells the story of the Gordian Knot, the traditional version of which is something like the following:

There was a kingdom that didn't have a king. The local seer said that the next guy to drive an oxcart into town would be given the king job. That lucky winner tied his cart to a post with a complicated knot that seemingly had no ends to unravel, and then the oracle said that the person who untied it would become king of Asia.

For many years, no one could untie it; but when Alexander came along, he solved the problem by cutting the knot with his sword.

Grandpa seems to be telling a somewhat different version of the story, in which Alexander must cut the knot in order to enter the city. He demonstrates the knot-cutting with a chop of his toy sword. Eva winces.

Then he tells Eva he's still working on reconstructing Bernardo's accident; it's not adding up. She tells him to leave it alone - it's just upsetting the family. He says he must follow his investigative instincts. In reference to his other investigation (the search for Eva's child), the Black Widow keeps getting in the way. She caught him with his hands in the corn - that is, in her papers, but he's going to keep trying. Crabi committed an injustice, and she's going to have to fix it.

He asks if she's considered marrying. "Who would marry me?" she asks. Grandpa says he'd marry her right now, if not for his crummy legs. She laughs. He says it would be the first case he knows of in which the woman could "take advantage" of her husband. Eva is speechless with mirthful exasperation.

The padre is rubbing his hands together nervously; I see there's no ring, so I guess people have been kissing his bare hand. He tells Crabi that he needs to take care of Sofia and not continually judge and attack her. Crabi says she loves her daughters, but Sofi is too rebellious. The padre urges Crabi to examine her own behavior; the way she has treated Sofi after the atrocity she experienced. A rape leaves deep scars. She needs space to put her soul at rest. She should be allowed to sleep away from her husband.

Crabi is horrified by this request. A priest is supposed to encourage marriage and family. Padre says he does, but the ways of God are mysterious and not always the same for everyone. Evil is like a mist; it infiltrates and is hard to get rid of.

Gabi has no idea what he's talking about and is creeped out by his manner. He gives her a keen look, as if he is trying to communicate telepathically, but everyone knows that you can't send ESP messages without wrinkling your forehead.

Sarita asks Franco if he feels better. She says it's awful to see him this way. He touches her face and says she is kind and pretty. Sara looks about ready to pass out from the thrill of it. "You'd better rest," she says reluctantly. He says he'll close his eyes and she'll be the last thing he sees, and that way he'll dream of her. (He probably read that in a poem.)

Bam, just like that, he's asleep, or at least he's a good enough actor to make Sarita think so. She puts his hand down and gets up to leave. She smiles at the gigantic crucifix and steals a kiss from her unconscious boyfriend. She puts her hand over her heart and smiles at the crucifix again. Then she touches Franco's face and then brushes her fingers across her lips.

Go ahead and laugh. I couldn't help it.

Oscar tells Jimena he wanted to see her. Jimena says she came here for his brother; after her last encounter with Oscar, she doesn't want to see him again. He apologizes. She asks if he thinks she's some nut who'll just get together with anyone. If so, he's mistaken. She is looking for love and to live intensely, but not the way he thinks.

"Give me a chance," he says. "I did, and you blew it. Bye, Oscar. I wish you the best." Oscar is bummed. "But YOU'RE the best," he murmurs as she walks away.

Just in case you were tricked into thinking Feonando was a nice guy, here he is knocking Rosario around again. "Next time I see you with Franco, I'll kill him!" He threatens her child too. She begs him to leave her child alone.

Back at the dispensario, Juan thanks Sofia for helping with Franco. She says there's nothing to thank her for. He says he has more to say; she doesn't want to hear it.

"You have to listen, because this is the truth, it's burning in my stomach. I can't get rid of this feeling. I love you!"

Sofi tries to stifle a smile, but can't. She turns away.

"Wait, don't leave. You have to listen. You have to let me finish. I don't want you to suffer, or to cause you problems. I also know that you're not available, and me, I'm nobody... I would never deserve for you to look at me, but I love you, like I never could love before, and this feeling hurts me, torments me, I have..."

He tries to kiss her; she turns away. He is bummed.

"Okay, I just wanted you to know that, and I promise not to bother you again."

She calls him back. "I love you too. I love you with all my heart.

"But you're not getting my Bud Lite."

Martes
Have you noticed that the avances are usually a rerun of the last scene of the episode? That's not helpful at all.

Labels: Fuego

On a bright, sunny day in the D. F., we review the anticipated glorious demise of Profe-wannabe Topete at the Instituto Tlalpan S. C. Juanito and crew have strung up a booby trap to trap the booby. Juanito is left with a telltale handful of string.

Fernando can’t believe what he’s hearing as we continue our review from last night—this is the worst idea he’s heard from Juan since he’s known Juan. Juan can’t understand why Fern thinks that. Well, it could be because Juan scarcely knows Laura and is pushing her candidacy for the VP position. He convinces a very reluctant Fern to help him.

Still in the review reverie mode, Ivonne strolls into Farell’s lobby with the lobby lizards gaping. Paula’s right behind Ivonne, so they try to keep it in check. Marely greets her warmly and Ivonne returns the favor. Ivonne kicks Julia out of her seat—but not until Julia has made pointed remarks about what might have been altered during Ivonne’s little procedure. The doc surely messed up because Ivonne looks just the same! Julia speculates on what got augmented – or not ….Ivonne gets her seat back with Julia grumbling. She’s got no new info to pass on. She makes a parting jab at Ivonne that it’s a durn shame they can’t operate on a personality. Ivonne is indignant impactada.

Fern emerges from seeing Juan to first scold Ivonne for getting out of her sickbed so soon, and then kiss her from sheer joy at seeing her back. He runs off on an errand for the boss while Ivonne sighs happily after him.

At the Instituto Tlalpan S. C., the booby trap is ready and the booby is approaching the classroom. Ruperto runs jubilantly back to his seat, advising his mates. The bucket of white stuff empties perfectly on Topete’s head, though one wonders why Juanito didn’t notice that the school director was standing right next to Topete when Juanito deftly yanked the cord to empty it. The incensed educators look up, and then in the direction of the rather thick and unmistakable cord that goes directly into Juanito’s hands. Juanito is busted impactado. Flor and Ruperto tremble for him, too. Topete, whose looks are somehow improved slightly when dusted in white, removes his glasses and the school director looks at Juanito in a way that suggests suppression of his need to collapse in laughter. The worried-impactado kidlets stare at the white-coated educators [pun intended], who glare back with fiery threats emanating from their eyes.

The Perafán , etc., and Associates firm has just gotten its first call, which Nidia answers soooo professionally while Delirio utters sweet nothings behind her to interrupt her train of thought. For what it’s worth, that train left the station a long time ago. She looks at him for approval as she continues, and he continues to interfere from the side. The prospective client is an unwary (incauta) victim, Nidia tells Delirio while she muffles the phone with her hand…..er, a client! She gives directions to the oficina Perafán Rocha de Francisco y Asociados.

Fernando, meanwhile, has gone procuring for Juan. He approaches the waitress in Juan’s favorite restaurant and asks a favor. She’s not keen on the idea. He mentions Juan, and her eyes light up. You mean that really nice guy who comes here to eat sometimes? She’s keen, all right. The waitress describes Juan in shivering, drooling detail, eyes glazing over—his smile, his arms….sometimes you’d just like to eat him up. Fern stammers nervously. Will she do the favor or not? Sure, for that Prince, Juan, she’ll do it. Fern tells her it’s easy and walks with her to explain the favor.

Juan’s not losing any time—he gives Ivonne a great big kiss to welcome her with about a dozen “Bombons” to punctuate his joy in seeing her back at work. He missed her! Well, she missed the office, too. [Ed. Note: That’ll last all of ….what….twenty minutes or so?] She gives him a big, grateful smile. He orders her to rest if she finds herself needing it no overtime! He kisses her again on the cheek and the phone rings, so Ivonne runs to answer. It’s a mystery woman asking for Juan. May I tell him who is calling? Hillary Paris. Ivonne is muy, pero muy, impactada. The waitress hands the phone to Fern while Ivonne hands the one on her end to Juan. Juan’s end of the conversation sounds positively delightful. He asks how his caller is, and Fern sarcastically responds that he’s there following up with the boss’s whims. Juan talks about the little massages and (sauna-temascal/oven hot??) and how Hillary must be really bored with all that. He runs on about the lovely little hands giving the massages while he notes Ivonne’s stunned face. Ivonne stage whispers—is it really Hillary? The one in the magazines? Juan tells her it is and she can leave already. Ivonne wants the confirmation again. Juan continues his fake conversation with Hillary Paris. Ivonne slides away, but listens intently. Juan “scolds” Hillary, that when she calls, she shouldn’t be giving her name. Ivonne plays with her ID badge.

At Fernando’s end, he tells Juan not to be so rude with Ivonne there. The waitress, pleased to help with the joke, chuckles and walks away. Juan laughs at Fern and tells “Hillary” they’ll see each other tonight—“my love of a thousand loves.” He’ll bring the champagne. Ivonne has continued her slide to the door, still listening for all she’s worth, as Juan says his sweet farewell and kisses the phone. He “notices” Ivonne messing with the mini-bar and asks if she’s all right. What about it? I’ll send the custodian—she gestures toward the bar. Juan chuckles and thanks her as a very somber Ivonne leaves. Juan cracks up. He’s got them! The gossip mill can take over now.

Topete and the school director stand in a cloud of white powdery stuff in the office. The director points out accusingly that when Profesor Lorenzo Pomposo was in charge of that class, they were model students, totally compliant and studying hard, always on the honor roll. On the other hand now…..Topete attacks the director—you’re going to blame ME for them changing into wild beasts? [Schoolmarm note: Yes.] The blame is THEIRS! The director sees it differently. Since Topete has been the teacher, the classroom has become a battleground. Topete accusingly yells that the kids not only don’t like him, they hate him. [Ed. Note: at least you’re becoming more perceptive as time goes on, Topete.] The director is sorry, but Profesor Lorenzo has to return. And me? You’re out. But, Topete pleads, we’re friends. I’ve just lost the woman of my life, and now this. The director tells him he’s not cut out for this position. He’s sorry, but Topete is OUT. He goes and leaves Topete reeling, impactado.

In the classroom, Ruperto worries that something awful will happen. Juanito asks how they were supposed to know Topete would come in with the Director? The kids discuss their problem—they hope they won’t get suspended. Ruperto’s folks will just kill him. Juanito gives them a pep talk and the director is at the door, sending everyone scrambling to their seats. He announces that what just happened cannot happen again. He doesn’t imagine that if he asks for the names of those responsible he won’t get them—he has no doubt they all collaborated on it. Am I wrong? One little girl nods, as little kids do when they forget they need to feign innocence. He points out that they need to remember that many children in the D. F. would like to be there, to study and become something in life. Juanito, ever the brave little soldier, tells him they know that, but that Topete was a terrible teacher. They didn’t like him! For that reason, Profe Pomposo is returning. [Ed. Note: Not to put too fine a point on it, Director, but you haven’t asked him yet. He could just tell you where to get off. But, sigh, he won’t.] The class cheers.

Juan tries his best to schmooze Laura into good humor. She’s not buying it. She tries to hang up, but he begs prettily for her to listen. She indignantly complains that she was subjected to humiliation. She gives Juan an earful about her interview. Paula was tough on Laura and he didn’t defend Laura. He tells her, in a firm but kind voice, that she hadn’t prepared for her interview too well. Laura knows she’s busted on that, but still complains. He let this woman offend Laura. Laura paints her pot furiously. What, you think she was only tough on you? For sure, I think that. She took advantage of that moment to get back for what happened long ago [not that long ago, we think.]. And you, Juan, helped her.

Ivonne has gathered the troops in Paula’s office. Marely and Paula stand behind Paula’s desk, sisters united, while Ivonne stands in front. [Surely she should be sitting down!] Paula wants to know what’s so important that she’s come to see them right now. Well, she’s found out more about the mystery woman. What? Ivonne explains about the call that came in while she was in Juan’s office. Well, who was it??? Laura? No, no way. You’ll never guess, never in years! Marely want to know why, do we know her? Well, yeah….well, actually, everyone in Mexico knows her. It was Hillary Paris! Paula plops into her chair, impactidíssima. Marely is equally impactidíssima.

Juan continues his attempt to unruffle Laura’s feathers. He begs prettily some more and invites her to dinner. She’ll consider it. He pours it on, and she tells him there’s just one thing—if he stands her up this time, she’ll never forgive him, never. He’s going to find her work in another part of the company. Really? He’d do that for her? He says for such a lovely woman, and he doesn’t want her staying resentful with him, he’s capable of most anything. Laura declares it’s impossible to stay mad with him. He’s such a charmer (encantador).

Fern has made his way back to Farell and to Juan’s office. He hears Juan uttering a farewell with kisses to her. Fern wants to know if she was a wild animal like he told Juan she’d be? More or less. But Juan brags that there’s no lioness that can keep those fangs sunk into him for long. Fern wants to know what happened with Ivonne. She bought the whole story. At this very moment, she’s busy informing the Licenciada and Marelicita. Like in baseball. They high five each other, jubilant. I told you, Juan brags.

Across the hall, no one is jubilant. Are you SURE? When I answered the phone, Ivonne tells them, she told me her name. Marely can’t buy this story at all. She hedges about Hillary Paris, well, she’s a really pretty woman, right? Pretty, nothing, she is a MILLIONAIRE! Ivonne calls it like it is. Paula is pained to note that her company is one of the biggest in the entire country. Ivonne reminds them she’s in all the magazines, and ah, those boyfriends!! The most attractive in the world! The sisters gasp; and now she is….now she is….with JUAN??!!! Ivonne nods firmly, lips pursed. “With Juan Dominguez?????!!!!” Another nod. “Juan Dominguez Coral???!!!!!” No! Can’t be. Marely argues it’s another of his pranks. The girls are stymied.

Nidia ushers Pepita Pomposo into the living room at the Casa Cachón. No, make that the Law Office of Perafán Rocha de Francisco y Asociados. He’s presently occupied, but Nidia wants to know what she can offer Pepita. Pepita needs nothing…..but whimpers enough that Nidia sits beside her to comfort and help. It’s a very sensitive matter. When she talks about it, she it on the verge of tears. Nidia tells her no problem, she’ll get an entire box of tissue. Pepita spills the story about her wandering hubby –imagine, after almost 20 years married--and Nidia empathizes—the JERK! Nidia runs at the mouth about all those men being the same. She imagines it’s some good-for-nothing, layabout sleazy wench (pelafustana cualquiera), a scarlet woman (meretriz-prostitute, harlot, etc.)! [Ed. Note: Nidia, if we didn’t know you better, we might agree about Lorenzo’s new little friend]. Nidia is all sympathy and Pepita describes how he’s trying to convince her this hussy is just a friend. Nidia says that there’s a payback for everything in this life. Pepita is very pleased to hear that Nidia thinks so.

Paula walks into Juan’s office, shoulders slumping more than we’ve ever seen. He congenially welcomes her. She gets to the point. Is the woman you’re seeing Hillary Paris? That’s right. Why? Paula has no answer. Good thing, since we’re going to the commercial.

Juan, if this is another of your lies…..Paula is righteously indignant. Juan wonders why she thinks they’re lies and thought bubbles that he doesn’t get why she lacks faith in him. Hm. Paula asserts it’s not possible. She’s young, rich, lovely, very famous. Juan adds that Hillary Paris is “chula” – very cute and acts offended that she doesn’t think he fits the picture, but he’s snickering on the side. Paula, oblivious to his snickers, rattles on about her not being quite as attractive as they say. What’s more, she’s not even in his reach (alcance). She is outside his universe! Paula gestures in frustration, like she can convince Juan that this is just foolish. This woman will never really pay attention to……Juan fills in the blank—to a guy like me, to a fool (naco- stupid, trashy, fool)? Paula is taken aback. No, I never said that. El Rey Tiburón music plays in the background. No, but you thought it. Don’t forget that now I am the 50% owner of a great company, at the international level. Paula steps more carefully, backpedaling so not to offend Juan—it’s just that this woman is out of your league, and mine. Juan smiles as he leans toward her over the desk. Hillary Paris hangs with impresarios who have international standing, way higher than ours; with members of the European royalty (realeza). You’re not this woman’s kind of guy. Juan points out that Paula should explain to her because it appears she hasn’t understood that. Paula tells him this is all in his head, a dream, and he knows it….right? He thought bubbles that his boots have seen the dawn under Paula’s own bed, or has she forgotten that night of passion they shared? She tells him that this dream is….what, Juan asks. Well, it won’t happen. Juan wonders why she thinks he would invent something like this. Well, to bother….Paula stammers. To bother….someone??? Juan is carefully sets her up. Like who? Paula looks away and shrugs. She changes the subject a little and protests. Let’s stop playing games and you admit this is a tall tale, Juan. Juan smiles sweetly but smugly at her over the desk. After a little more of this game, he points out it’s late and he has work to do, if she doesn’t have anything more to cover with him. She petulantly smiles and tells him not to worry, she won’t waste any more of his precious time. She’ll leave him with his great fantasy. Juan watches her leave, thought bubbling about her jealousy and cracking up, doing a victory dance over his success. He thinks that there never was born a little goat who couldn’t scale a mountain, and there’s never been a gal who wouldn’t succumb to the arms of this irresistible man. He puts his boot on the desk and slaps his knee in glee.

Pepita waits for Delirio and Nidia brings coffee for the two of them. Nidia assures Pepita she’s there for Pepita. She’s been a victim of those men. She tells the story of Samuel putting the horns on her and we hear the mooing. Pepita tells how she’s given up the best years of her life for that man, and she was stupid. It’s over, Nidia tells her. Now you’re going to have the strength to confront him. Pepita can’t live like that. Nidia declares that now Pepita’s husband of loose morals will be left like a dog with no owner. This pleases Pepita. He’s such a cynic, with this matter of his little friend. Ha, a simple friendship. Can you believe him? Nidia rolls her eyes in disbelief and makes disbelieving noises emphatically. She calls the woman a harpy, shameless. [Ed. Note: Well, Nidia, if that’s how you want to describe yourself…]. Pepita describes how he talks about this woman, with these flowery phrases. This gouger (gurbia, my best guess from Babylon’s definition), must know the Kama Sutra [Ed. Note: one wonders if Nidia has a clue what she’s talking about], upright and upside down. [Ed. Note #2 – whew, had to fan myself here.] Nidia paints the picture of an insatiable beast in the bed. Pepita is scandalized—she cannot tolerate this in her marriage! She has to get rid of the rage she has! Nidia exhorts Pepita to leave off crying and get practical. Pepita looks around, then lowers her voice to ask what Nidia recommends. Nidia says that the Licenciado will give her the details, but Nidia recommends Pepita catch her hubby red-handed with the woman—photos, the whole nine yards. Then confront him. When the divorce is finalized, she’ll be on top of the heap. Pepita giggles with glee. Delirio comes and tells them how he’s been on an international call—very international, Nidia chimes in, with the US. He ushers her into the office, but first Pepita thanks her new BFF for the advice.

Marely and Ivonne pace Paula’s office while the three consider this very strange situation of Juan and Hillary Paris. When’s he coming down off this cloud? Paula did her best, but Juan thinks it’s so funny to invent these stories. Ivonne thinks they shouldn’t put so much brainpower on this—don’t obsess. What does the man really want? To focus your interest. Marely and Paula see her point totally. Marely thinks this is his vengeance for Paula nosing around and making inquiries into his private life. Paula thinks they shouldn’t give him the pleasure. Ivonne agrees, and points out they probably have plenty to do. Yep. They agree to get back to work so Paula can have all the accounts ready for the new VP.

Well, that didn’t last. Paula focuses on work about 10 seconds before she’s spouting to Marely that it’s just not possible that a woman like Hillary Paris is interested in Juan Dominguez. Does Paula look like a crazy woman? No, Marely tells Paula, totally startled. Okay, so this guy is more or less a handsome guy, but really, a woman like her isn’t going to pay attention to someone like him. Paula agrees, not even in his dreams. Marely asserts it’s just a mean trick. Julia interrupts with a guy delivering lovely flowers. Guess who? Sandro sent them. It’s the second arrangement he’s sent. Paula looks positively sullen.

Juan is teasing Pastor about how his eyes are sparkling and how Pastor must have had chicken skin (Hawaii term for the Mexican version of Chinese skin) when he heard the name. Pastor blushes. Was it so obvious? For all Pastor tries to keep a cool demeanor – his presence is so overwhelming (apabullante). So, who is this paragon of machismo? None other than Heriberto! Juan gives Pastor a pep talk about Heri’s manly traits. He tells Pastor that Heri’s Papi Aldemar is the founder of the Union for He-Men of Achichipico. They fight for the rights that real men have lost, does Pastor understand? Pastor, wide-eyed, understands—but what cynicism! At least Heri didn’t come in to work with his pistol in his belt. Pastor appreciates Juan’s efforts. Juan changes the subject. They have the candidate for Administrative VP. Who? Sandro, of course. In this office veneration of Paula counts for more than many years of experience do. Juan denies this and Pastor has to laugh. But now Pastor has his turn to disabuse Juan of his impossible love. Sandro has sent Paula the most divine arrangement of flowers! Juan slams his fist on his desk and stands, scowling.

Speaking of the King of Rome, Sandro strides across the lobby, hands in pockets and focused on the floor or forward at Marely, it’s not clear which, so he bumps into Ivonne who is also focused elsewhere. She confuses him for César Luis and faints dead away since this is the first time she’s seen Sandro. Sandro is embarrassed and uncertain what to do.

Fernando, on the other hand, knows exactly what to do. He calls her name until she comes to, looking at an unfocused face that is remarkably like CL’s, but way kinder. Sandro asks if she’s feeling better, and Ivonne groans and remarks that they had told her he was CL’s living image. She asks his pardon; they had told her but she didn’t realize how identical they were. He tells her it’s fine; he’s getting used to folks thinking he’s his brother’s ghost. He’s not, though, and introduces himself to Ivonne. Sandro helps her up—Paula is waiting for him. She leads the way, muttering that he really gave her a scare. Fern scowls after them—jealous?

Juan attacks Pastor—they aren’t going to discuss the personal situation of anyone. Pastor points out Juan was just discussing Pastor’s. But then, Juan is boss and Pastor is a peon. Juan accuses him of taking it out of context. Pastor tells Juan that on the contrary, his mistake in the company has been to be too sincere, telling folks truths they haven’t wanted to hear. They exchange heated words about how it was then and how it is now. Juan declares that CL must have been the eighth wonder of the world, and Pastor asserts he was, but that time has passed. The guy in his seat is nothing like CL. Juan points out that even if Pastor doesn’t believe it, Sandro has the credentials and experience to do the job, equal or better than CL’s. [Ed. Note: Probably so, since they are CL’s credentials and even a little more added for effect]. Juan crosses himself for about the third time, so CL will rest in peace. Pastor proclaims that the credentials and experience, even the very face, may be the same as CL but it isn’t him. He’s certain this guy doesn’t have CL’s nose for great business, his intensity (fiereza) for closing the deals, his intuition for guiding the company. Okay, Juan acknowledges, you could be right. What’s more vital and sensitive……what? Well, this Sr. Sandro Arenas doesn’t want the vice presidency. He wants the whole package (paquete, which has double meaning here—the entire position and the total package). What package? He wants to be the owner. Juan laughs. Pastor joins him laughing, but it’s fake. It’s simple—if he’s the owner of all the effects CL left, he can have both the company and the dueña Paula. Juan’s brain clicks on. The Licenciada Paula? Yessir. Juan is impactado and Pastor’s voice continues. The decision was made. You handed him the Licenciada Paula on a gilded platter. Pastor takes a pink marshmallow and makes to leave, but Juan calls him back. Don Pastor. Wait. Don’t. Go. Pastor smirks a little, and turns back. Talk to me, Juan. Juan just looks at him, trying to assemble jumbled thoughts.

Paula, meanwhile, greets Sandro. She’s cold, but he thanks her for her confidence and assures her he’s going to devote all his abilities, time, his whole sole into the mission they’ve given him. He won’t disappoint them (defraud). They sit and she tells him she believes they chose the best person. He’s ready to start whenever they want, even today. Paula reluctantly asks a favor before they finalize his contract. She wants him to stop sending flowers or making any other sort of gesture like that (obsequio – gift, courtesy). Sandro, who already told CL it was a Bad Idea, hangs his head and asks if she didn’t like them. Sure, she liked them, and appreciated it a lot, but it could be misunderstood. There can’t be any appearance of favoritism in the company; she doesn’t want the gossip. Sandro lifts his glasses and pinches the bridge of his nose in embarrassment and then nods in chagrin.

Juan is still incensed about his discussion with Pastor. He acknowledges that he messed up big time and opened the doors to this backhander/chump (tarugo, two definitions). Pastor still eats his marshmallow, totally smug about his coup. He points out that this is the result of Juan listening to the advice of Fernando. Juan tells Pastor to sit down, not scold him, and help him get his bearings (guide him). What can Juan do? Well, if I understand correctly, you haven’t finalized the work conditions for this Sr. Right, we’re doing that today. Okay, offer him an insultingly low salary (sueldo-salary; bicoca-slap, smack) and he’ll turn you down! Juan likes this plan a whole lot.

Lorenzo is showing his frustration with a caller—Lorenzo doesn’t want a credit card, nor a retirement plan, nor does he want to reserve his site in a cemetery. Delirio interrupts to assure him that Delirio isn’t selling anything of the kind. He’s Pepita’s attorney. Her attorney? Yep, I want an appointment with you and she wants a divorce. Lorenzo is muy impactado.

Juan’s Santo Niño de Atocha fountain bubbles on while Juan offers a marshmallow to Sandro and welcomes him. Paula is there, too, so they can finalize the position details for the contract. Juan points out this is his house [closer than you know, Juan]. Juan expects with Sandro’s expertise they’ll recoup their losses. Juan waxes eloquent about how Sandro will contribute to their place in the market, with clients, etc. Sandro looks awestruck and Paula squirms in her seat, disgusted with Juan’s sermon. Juan continues about starting at the bottom to finally occupy that chair –and pats his own chair. It’s a great responsibility. Juan thought bubbles about his strategy to intimidate Sandro, who smiles goofily at Juan while the cuckoos chime in the background. Juan thought bubbles about how he told the Sermon on the Mount and the Parable of the Prodigal Son, etc. and then his Palomita put the brakes on. Paula interrupts to get to business—salary expectations. Juan remarks it’s a very good point. Sandro begins a discourse about the state of the company, etc., and Juan thought bubbles that Sandro should just spit out what he wants. But this seems to be a divine help so he can do what Pastor advised him. He can twist Sandro’s tail with the salary he’ll offer.

Lorenzo’s on another call—to Nidia. He needs to talk to her, someone he trusts. The situation with Pepita is worse than he thought. Pepita wants a divorce! Nidia sits in her living room where pretty much anybody in the house can hear her, telling her new boyfriend to calm down. She’ll escape from work and see him. He needs a hug in the worst way (apapacho). Super Nidia is just the person to give it. Lorenzo tells her to imagine losing his job and his wife at the same time! What will be next? What will happen, she tells him, is you have a nice cup of tea and get out of this funk (leave this panorama that’s so dark). This woman is intimidating you all the way to taking away your smile! She agrees to see him and makes him promise to calm down. He’ll try. She gets the address from him. [Ed. Note: no spoiler here, but we can all see what’s coming in the next ten minutes--Pepita going home with Nidia’s advice about catching Lorenzo red-handed, right? ]

Paula thinks that Sandro’s request is reasonable. Marely interrupts; there’s a call from Argentina for Paula. Sandro’s eyes twinkle (and we can even hear them!) at Marely. Paula excuses herself and leaves, with Sandro drooling after Marely. And the wolf is left alone with the lamb. Juan jubilantly thought bubbles to himself that we’ll see now how far Sandro is willing to go so he can work at Farell and be close to Paula. The boys grin widely at each other as the real negotiations begin. We’ll see how long your smile lasts, Juan chortles to himself. Sandro tells Juan that he’s made his position clear and the ball is in Juan’s court. He wants to know what Juan thinks. Juan says he agrees with Paula, what Sandro has asked is perfectly reasonable. Perfect! On the other hand, Juan continues quickly, we’re in the tank here and it’d take a miracle to give you what your resume suggests you’re worth. Sandro, still clueless about what’s coming nods and wonders what the offer will be, then. Juan feigns thinking about it after his discussion with Pastor, and pulls open a drawer with a folder. He offers it to Sandro who looks at the figures, looks at them again, and then looks up in shock and disbelief. Juan, meanwhile, is thought bubbling that Sandro shouldn’t forget to close the door behind him when he bails. Sandro pushes his glasses up and pinches the bridge of his nose.

Pastor has joined Juan and Sandro, who is telling Pastor and Juan that the offer seems awfully small to him. Juan is slick as he understands Sandro, what a shame it is, but really the company (right, Sr. Pastor?) the company is in desperate straits and that’s our offer. Pastor empathizes, it’s lamentable. The three talk over each other, Juan and Pastor empathizing and Sandro finally tells them, okay, okay. He’ll think about it, he promises, but with this figure….Pastor remarks that it’s such a shame with their financial situation that they can’t offer….he looks beseechingly at Juan to raise it [Ed. Note: Good cop/Bad cop]. Juan sighs in regret, and draws them closer to listen as he lowers his voice and explains how CL took them down. He and Pastor cross themselves. Administratively, the man was a disaster. Sandro looks at them, puzzled. Juan and Pastor play off each other as Sandro watches back and forth. Juan points to the salary they offered—“here are the consequences.” Pastor chimes in and Juan stops him—they’ve said enough. If that offer is unacceptable to Sandro, with all the pain in their hearts, they’ll understand. Sandro looks at the figures again doubtfully, and at each of them.

Paula looks at the figures and expresses her misgivings. That can’t be right. It’s too little. She didn’t think the company’s figures were so bad. Sandro didn’t, either. He expected about anything, but not that. Her partner and Pastor Gaitán explained the circumstances but that offer is completely inappropriate. She agrees. Then she remembers that this decision, from her discussions with Juan, was to be based completely on the finances from the get-go. Paula can’t do anything more. [Ed. Note: Looked to me, gentle readers, like she had an “aha” and realized she could avoid a lot of discomfort if he decides against it.] She regrets it so much, but her hands are tied at the moment. He understands. Maybe later, she continues, when they are out of the crisis. Sandro goes into thinking mode. Nope, he’ll accept this post with this ridiculous salary. [Ed. Note: it’s not like you are broke, or anything, with the CL inheritance.] Paula is skeptical-impactada.

Pepita is armed and dangerous with her camera. It’s not long before Lorenzo goes to the front gate to let his amour in. Pepita gets shots of Lorenzo greeting the woman, muttering about this husband-stealer, hussy! Look at them hugging on the street in front of the world! How could Lorenzo dare to do this to me? Nidia looks around, guilty. Lorenzo thanks her for coming and guides her into his happy home. Pepita keeps shooting and suddenly realizes who the hussy is. This woman is the wife of my attorney! How can it be, what country are we living in? She shoots away, then growls in hurt, anger and frustration.

Paula just cannot grasp that Sandro is going to accept this absurd offer. It doesn’t match his credentials. Sandro self-effacingly points out that money is not always the most important thing, right? It’s not important what you pay me. Why? Because this company has enormous potential. Sandro is going to generate what’s needed so he can be paid what he’s worth. But, it’s for the fact that he wants to work with her. [Ed. Note: and we notice that he’s tutearing her here, too, folks.] She doesn’t know what to say; it seems so unfair to him! He points out that if all goes well, things can change in the near future. He grins sincerely and tells her there’s no more to say; tomorrow first thing he’ll present himself to work! And he asks her to tell her associate he’s accepted the offer. Paula, bemused, agrees to let Juan know. He tells her it’ll be a pleasure to work with her. They say their goodbyes. Paula stares after him, thoroughly baffled. Sandro sees Marely doing something not very work related and finds she’s doing research on some writers, preparing an essay for a scholarship (beca) competition. Imagine this, he knows the writers. Marely is pleased to find he knows the work. No, Sandro knows this one guy personally, as he was one of Sandro’s teachers. Marely is impressed. He’ll loan her some of the guy’s work; it’ll help her with the essay. Marely thanks him, and Sandro says he’ll bring it tomorrow. Marely is impactada. Does that mean he’s the new Veep? Yes. Even though he’s going to earn a very low salary….but when he’ll get to see such a lovely woman…he feels more than satisfied. Sandro chuckles and Marely shyly smiles. Heavy breathing and shy stares ensue.

And we are reminded that any similarity to real life is purely coincidental.

Monday: Will Paula bust Juan’s chops about Sandro’s salary? Will CL create havoc for Sandro and everyone else? Will Juan’s jealousy erupt as Sandro/CL become(s) embedded in Farell?

AND.....hold your applause, everyone.....we are in the Últimas Semanas, according to the Monday preview!!!!

Vocabulary

Incauta – unwary victim
Temascal – sauna (my best guess, a temascal is hot, or an oven)
Encantador – charmer
Pelafustana cualquiera - good-for-nothing, layabout sleazy wench
Meretriz - scarlet woman (prostitute, harlot, etc.)
Realeza – royalty
Gurbia - gouger (my best guess from Babylon’s definition)
Apabullante - overwhelming
Fiereza - intensity
Sueldo-salary; bicoca-slap, smack -- an insultingly low salary
Apapacho – hug
Querendón – irresistible man
Beca - scholarship

Jeanne

Labels: Juan

Alcides presents the divorce decree and renunciation of paternity documents to Soledad. Once she signs them, she is a free woman. Soledad is suspicious. Alcides explains again that he has changed and he wants to demonstrate that. Soledad asks the judge if the documents are legit and the judge says that they are.

Lucas stands there watching the flowers burn and calls on Antonia and Ester to bring water. He sees the plant pyromaniac running away.

Michelle tells Hugo that they found the flower in a garden at Soledad’s house after Antonia recognized the picture in a book. Hugo says that it is amazing the that flower that he has people looking for all over the world is growing right in San Marino. He wants the tests to determine if he and Aurora have the right blood stuff to be done as soon as possible. He says that Soledad will be so happy to find out there might be a cure for Aurora.

The judge stamps the agreements and gives copies to Alcides and Soledad. Her civil marriage has been dissolved. She asks the judge about annulling her church marriage on the grounds that it was never consummated. Alcides acknowledges that is true and the judge says that he will start the paperwork. Soledad says she doesn’t know whether to thank Alcides or… Alcides finishes the sentence - or despise him . She has despised him since he was a boy. He says that he hopes that one day she will appreciate that giving up their marriage was terribly hard for him since that is what he has always wanted but he doesn’t want to force her to do anything.

Boris asks Marina how he can blame Hugo for the death of their baby. Marina says that Hugo pushed her down the stairs. Boris replies that isn’t true. He was there. Marina says that Hugo didn’t reach out to save her. Boris says that she stepped back and fell. It was an accident. “I lose my baby and you defend Hugo,” says Marina bitterly. “You can’t imagine how much I hate you.”

Hugo wants the baby’s blood tested first but Dr. Dan says that it is dangerous. The treatment is risky and has never been tried on babies. Michelle says that they will test Hugo’s blood first and the baby later. Dr. Dan says that they will need the mother’s permission to test the baby. Hugo says that he will speak to Soledad. For his test, Hugo should come in an hour to Dr. Max’s lab (and bring a referral from his primary care physician, oh sorry, wrong period). Dr. Dan says that Dr. Max is away and they are using his lab. “I’ll be there,” says Hugo. Hugo kisses Michelle’s hand and thanks her.

Lucas, Antonia and Ester put out the fire. Ester says that it was no big deal, it didn’t reach the house. Antonia doesn’t understand how it got started. Lucas says that he saw someone set the garden on fire on purpose and he thinks it might have been a woman. Ester and Antonia think that he is crazy. Why would someone burn a garden? Ester thinks that maybe Lucas wanted to burn the house down.

Eloisa returns to her room in Rebeca’s house and says that the flower has been destroyed. Too bad for Hugo and his little baby. Alcides will pay her well for what she has done. Paquito and Rebeca break in and demand to know where she has been and what she has been up to. Paquito says that he knows she has a deal with Alcides.

Reviewing the documents, Soledad concludes that Alcides was honest with her. Ursula tells Soledad that if she hadn’t seen the documents, she wouldn’t believe Alcides had done it. Soledad says that she only needs the annulment of the church wedding and she will be free. Ursula asks if she believes that he has changed. Soledad says that a man who was capable of burying his brother alive doesn’t change overnight. What are you going to do? asks Ursula. Instead of replying, Soledad says, “If only he hadn’t hurt me with that plan of vengeance. It could have been so different. We were so happy when we were together and Aurora is the product of that love and now there is nothing left of it. Ursula tells Soledad that time heals all wounds. Give her heart some time. When the wounds are healed, she can find happiness again. Soledad says that she believes that it’s too late. Ursula says that it isn’t too late. If later Hugo … Soledad says not to mention Hugo to her. Doesn’t she realize that she still loves him?

Sobbing, Boris tells Marina that what happened was an unfortunate accident. He understands her fury and pain because he is suffering inside as well. He says he is very sorry. Hugo appears in the doorway. He knocks and comes in. He kneels by Boris and says that he wants her to know that she has all his support. He wants her to know how sorry he is for what happened. She tells him to get out. Hugo starts to get up and Marina says, “Have you ever had a child taken from your body? No, right? You can’t know how I feel because that is what happened to me. I lost my baby. You killed it.” Hugo says that she is confused. He tried to stop her from falling. “You pushed me down the stairs because you thought I had robbed the investors' money,” says Marina. Boris tells her not to say that. It was his fault. He thought… Marina interrupts, “You don’t think” she says sarcastically, “You’ve spent your whole life obeying your lord and master like a faithful dog. Get out, both of you. Leave me alone.” Hugo helps Boris up and they back away from her and you can see they are both thinking, ‘guys don’t really belong here.’

Ester continues to accuse Lucas of wanting to destroy the house because of the whole Jeremias, father of Soledad thing. Lucas says she is crazy. Antonia tells Ester that she knows perfectly well that Lucas didn’t burn the garden. Antonia says that she told Ester the secret of the flower. Someone wanted to harm Soledad and they succeeded.

Eloisa denies that she has a deal with Alcides. The argument deteriorates into fighting and Eloisa tries to bite Paquito’s ear off. Eloisa decides that she needs to leave Rebeca’s house.

Lucas can’t believe that anyone would destroy a flower garden on purpose. Antonia tells him that Dr. Dan told her that the flower might cure Soledad’s baby of catalepsy. Soledad overhears this and wants to know what she is talking about. They explain it again. Soledad remembers that Enrico told her to take care of the flower because it would save someone’s life. She wants to know where this Dr. Dan is. Antonia says that he is at Dr. Max’s. They all run off and leave Ester behind.

Hugo tells Boris that he doesn’t have words to express what he feels for what happened to Marina. “Believe me,” he says, “I understand your pain.” Boris says that he knows he did everything possible. His wife is young and he is sure they can have more children. Boris points out that it is almost noon. What is Hugo going to do when Arturo and the investors return for their money? Hugo says that he doesn’t know. He doesn’t have that much cash. He doesn’t know what to do.

Arturo, the investors and Los Burque are hanging around at the mine waiting for the time to pass before they go demand the money from Hugo. Manrique says that if there is gold in the mine, there’s no fraud. Guillermo suggests they ask the guy who is in the mine right now. The guy comes out and it turns out he is a mining engineer hired by someone he’s never met to check out the mine. He says that there is no gold in the mine. Arturo says that now they have proof that Hugo defrauded them. It’s time for Hugo to pay for what he had done.

Alcides returns home to find Eloisa there. He says that they aren’t supposed to be seen together. She reassures him that no one followed her. She has come to share her good deeds for the day. Alcides says that everyone was impressed by the slaps she gave him in front of Soledad. “No one can deny that I am a great actress.” She repeats one of her insults but Alcides is not amused since she says exactly what Beatriz would scream at him. She tells him about burning the orchid garden and said that she wants to be paid.

Michelle flashes back to Hugo kissing her hand. She sighs. Dr. Dan says that they say a sigh is air that you lack or someone you miss. He bets he knows who she is missing. She agrees that Hugo seems like a good guy. She notes how he treated his employee whose wife had lost her baby. She can’t understand how he could hurt Soledad so much. Andres comes in and says that they are ready to test Hugo’s blood. Soledad, Antonia and Lucas hurtle in. Dr. Dan introduces himself and Michelle. Michelle says that after what happened at the fiesta, she is an admirer of Soledad. Soledad is very courageous. Soledad says that her aunt told her the flower that was in her garden is the cure for catalepsy. She needs to know if that is true. Michelle asks why she used the past tense in speaking about the flower. Soledad tells them that the flowers got burnt up. There isn’t a single living flower. She asks if there is hope for her daughter.

Arturo and the investors are banging on the door of Hugo’s house (why don’t they just walk in like everyone else?) Boris says it is dangerous to open the door but Hugo says that he has to show his face. He opens the door. Arturo says that it’s noon. Time’s up. Hugo says that he needs more time. Inspector Duarte arrests him for fraud. Hugo orders Boris to stay with Marina. She needs him. He is handcuffed and led away. Arturo says that he hopes he will rot in jail. Boris says to himself that if Hugo is locked up, he will get a catalepsy attack and die. Marina overhears with satisfaction.

Eloisa says the old Alcides would have rejoiced in what she told him. (Eloisa is probably the only person in San Marino who wants the old Alcides back). She says the without the flower, Hugo can’t be cured and he can’t interfere with Alcides’ plans. Alcides tells her not to do anything without telling him. She did a dumb thing by burning the flowers. Eloisa doesn’t understand what the problem is. If Alcides wants Soledad, he needs to get Hugo out of way. Alcides says he wants Soledad but he wants to do it fairly. The flower is important to Soledad because it could help Hugo and her baby. If she suspects that he had anything to do with destroying it, she won’t forgive him. Moving towards Alcides from behind, Eloisa says that she realizes she made a mistake. From now on, she will consult him before doing anything. She reaches under his coat and strokes his leg. (I don’t know if she wants sex or is just looking for more money.) Alcides turns around and coldly tells her that from now on, they will communicate by letter (good idea – leave a written record of what you are doing). They can’t risk being seen together. Eloisa asks who will be the messenger. Alcides replies that she’ll know when she sees him. He pushes her firmly away from him.

Soledad tells Dr. Dan and Michelle that the flowers were burned on purpose. Lucas corroborates by saying that he saw someone running away. Soledad says that whoever did it must know about the healing power of the flower. Michelle sends Andres out into town to investigate. Dr. Dan says first his father was murdered and now this. He jumps to the astonishing conclusion that someone wants to prevent a cure for catalepsy being found. Soledad asks Dr. Dan if there is any other cure for catalepsy and he has to say that unfortunately, there isn’t. One again he explains that it is flower + blood with stuff = cure. Dr. Dan mentions Hugo and Soledad is surprised to hear that he knows about this. (Hugo has catalepsy, too, Soledad). Michelle says that Hugo’s first thought was to help her baby.

Arturo and the judge lock Hugo up in a cell. He tries to tell them that he can’t tolerate being in confined spaces. No one appears to listen. He asks the judge to let Boris bail him out. “No bail,” say the judge, “this is a serious offence.” With a parting, “I hope you rot in here” from Arturo, they leave. Hugo sighs, looks around uneasily and says, “This horrible place is colder than ever.” He tells himself that he has to think about Soledad and his daughter. He can’t suffer a catalepsy attack now.

Los Burque don’t know what to do. They have no money, the job in the gold mine is over, Alcides hates them, Hugo is in prison and Dr. Max has left town. They are all alone.

Andres is at the police station. He asks Hercu-less what is going on. Herc tells him that Hugo has been arrested for defrauding the investors in the gold mine. Hugo passes out in his cell. He says that he can’t give up; he has to fight the catalepsy. I guess he loses the fight because he whispers in his mind, “I’m going to die. I’m going to die.”

Michelle tells Soledad that when she read about her daughter’s illness in the paper, she dropped everything to come to San Marino. Michelle and Dr. Dan are here in San Marino to help her daughter. Soledad thanks her. Soledad muses about how strange it is that the flower was in her garden all the time. She hopes that her daughter’s blood has the right stuff to cure her. Michelle asks where got the flowers. Soledad says that her friend Enrico gave them to her. They should find him and see about getting more. Soledad realizes that she hasn’t seen Enrico around lately. Michelle tells Soledad that she should try and prevent her daughter from getting in situations where she is upset. That could provoke an attack. (How can you keep a baby from being upset?) Soledad responds that the baby had an attack once and Hugo saved her. Michelle says to Soledad that she has reason to be grateful to Hugo in spite of all the harm he did to her. She says that she thinks Soledad still loves Hugo. Soledad says she prefers not to talk about that and after what happened, there isn’t any point.

Back in his cell, Hugo has flashbacks to various bad things that have happened to him. He tries to fight the attack for Soledad and his daughter.

Andres comes back to report that Hugo has been arrested and there’s a lynch mob at the police station. Soledad says that Hugo can’t tolerate being locked up. When he was in jail before, he got very ill. Dr. Dan says that if they wait too long, he could die. Soledad says that they have to help Hugo. Michelle says that her team could get Hugo out but they need some place to hide him where no one would look. Soledad raises her hand, “He can come to my house,” she says. Lucas and Antonia think that is a terrible idea but Soledad says that he is the father of her daughter. Are they going to tell Aurora that they stood around and did nothing? Michelle tells Andres to break out the swords (uh, the police have guns) and Dr. Dan has his Indiana Jones whip. Soledad tells Lucas to go home and get things ready there. (I can just see him telling Ester that Hugo, always one of her favorites, is coming to hide at their house as a fugitive from justice.)

Boris is in Hugo’s cell. He says that Hugo is very cold and is barely breathing. He says that Hugo is about to have a cataleptic episode. He has to get him out of the prison or he might die. We hear Hugo’s mental voice whispering, “I’m dying. Get me out of here.” Boris tries to tell the guard that Hugo is having a catalepsy attack but he doesn’t care. He says Boris’ visit is over and hustles him out. Boris goes back to the station where Arturo and the other investors are milling around. Arturo asks why Boris, Hugo’s known accomplice, isn’t in jail. At this moment, Team Michelle comes in. Boris tells Soledad that Hugo is in bad shape. Boris is called away so he doesn’t get to hear the plan. Soledad will create a diversion so that Michelle, Dr. Dan and Andres can get into the cell block. They’ll get Hugo out the back door.

Eloisa is visiting Marina. Marina says that Boris is off getting Hugo out of jail. Eloisa says that Hugo ought to be in jail for what he did to Marina. Marina says that she fell. Hugo didn’t push her. Eloisa asks her to think a little more about that. She is sure that in a fit of rage, Hugo pushed her down the stairs to kill her and her baby. Since Marina is still weak, Eloisa will send Inspector Duarte to see her. (Once again, Eloisa is using her initiative without consulting Alcides.)

Soledad starts haranguing the crowd about how justice needs to be done after Hugo deceived all the investors. It’s not terribly clear how this makes it possible for Team Michelle to enter the cell block but they do so using ropes. Soledad takes a short break from her harangue to ask God not to let Hugo die. Boris, who is not in on the plan, concludes that Soledad really hates Hugo. Soledad is on her way out of the room when she runs into Alcides. He says that he heard what she said and it left no doubt in his mind that Soledad hates Hugo for what the did to her. Team Michelle, with fencing masks on except for Dr. Dan who has a bandido mask, get into the cell block. Dr. Dan shoots off the lock of Hugo’s cell. Michelle says Hugo is very cold. Dr. Dan hopes it is not too late. Dr. Dan uses his whip to knock the guns out of the hands of the stupid guards who don’t fire and Michelle and Andres incapacitate them with swords and fists. Dr. Dan grabs Hugo who probably weighs more than he does.

Soledad tells Alcides that she has to leave. He tells her that he came to get his brother released. “Even though Hugo doesn’t deserve it,” says Alcides, “I’ll make them release him.” Soledad says, “Fine, do whatever you want. I don’t care.” She leaves and Arturo tells Alcides that his brother isn’t getting out of jail until he pays for his fraud.

Soledad runs out to where Team Michelle have Hugo. She asks how he is. Dr. Dan says that it is bad. They’re losing him. Michelle asks Soledad to speak to Hugo. She begs him to wake up for their daughter, for their love. She asks him to please not die.

Inspector Duarte comes to see Marina. She says that she wants to accuse Hugo of attempted murder. Because of him, she lost her baby.

At Rebeca’s house, Paquito comes to see Eloisa. He asks if she is still mad. The bite she gave him still hurts. She ignores him. He persists. Finally, she says that she wants him go away and leave her alone. “That’s going to be hard,” says Paquito, “We are more connected than ever.” He hands her a note from Alcides. “You are Alcides’ messenger?” she says.

Soledad tells Hugo that he himself told her that love can conquer anything. She begs him to wake up. Dr. Dan says that it’s too late. Michelle says that she knows he can still hear them. He knows that there is nothing they can do. She experienced this. Dr. Dan says that Hugo is not breathing and his heart has completely stopped. Crying, Soledad says, “Please, Hugo, don’t go. I love you, Please don’t go.” “Wait a minute,” says Dr. Dan producing a syringe, “I have some of the flower extract I made this morning.”
“Give it to him!” says Soledad. Dr. Dan says that if Hugo doesn’t have the blood stuff, this will finish him off.” Michelle says, “You yourself said that he was already dead.” Soledad grabs the syringe and says, Hugo is not going to die,” and injects its contents into his chest. The credits roll.

I guess they needed some drama and now that so many people know Hugo has catalepsy, he’s not going to be buried alive again but they just made catalepsy go from a disease that makes you appear to be dead when you aren’t to one that kills you. Hugo has had many catalepsy attacks before; he appears to be dead and eventually he wakes up. Having an attack doesn’t kill him. Why is he in danger of dying now? It doesn’t make any sense. We recall that when Michelle got her shot from Old Dr. Chirac, she lost her memory and ran off into the woods. Let’s hope that doesn’t happen to Hugo. The fact that Los Burque are at loose ends is suggestive that they may end up taking care of Hugo. Maybe they can hide at Enrico old place?

Labels: la traicion

Mili meets professor Mat in the parking lot. He's not keen on her boy's costume, and she takes some offense--after all, she wore it to play soccer at recess, and she got five goals!

Al drives up and engages in some possessive head butting with Matt. Al is wearing his striped shirt with the spray of red roses again. Didn't anyone ever tell him that when you want to bust some other guy's chops it might help if you would lose the floral embroidery? Mili tells Al she doesn't need his help. He says if he goes now, it'll be forever (or until an hour from now, whichever comes first). She says please do me a favor! This time maybe you'll keep your promise. Ultimately Mili tells them to stop making a scene in front of the school (do as I say, not as I do?). She tells Al to go with his "Floreeeenda . . ."

Back to Val and Rocky, who are kissing and planning their future . . . just a little house in Tulancingo, with two cows. I don't really know Tulancingo, but I'm guessing it's not Beverly Hills 90210. Still, I give them credit for having their own web site. Will it bother you, Srta. Valeria? No, call me Vale, she says. What will your father say? What father? she says.
He reminds her that if they stay together, her father will throw them out of the house and cut off her car and credit cards. Suddenly, she is back to calling him Morgan . . . But she is torn.

Over at the office, Andrea is telling Connie she's bored. He starts laying it on thick--he promises to dedicate all day Saturday to her. They start kissing, but they are rudely interrupted by Nestor.

He takes Nestor into his office, where Nestor gives him a check for the campaign. Connie asks what he'll owe for that, but Nestor just wants to be able to have a connection, he says. Why don't they celebrate this weekend at Connie's house in Cuernavaca? Connie realizes he can't go because of his promise to Andrea, so he tells Nestor to take Luci there alone! Nestor laughs over how he figures Connie is going to boink the secretary. Connie does not know that Nestor intends to boink his wife.

Mat continues to feed Mili some baloney about her eyes and her laugh. She makes him forget his troubles and how he has no money. Mili goes to class.

Connie tells Luci she's going away with Nestor. She contains her surprise, but we in the audience can detect a little smirk. She asks him where's his jealousy? He says don't worry, she's too old for Nestor. Anyway, they won't be alone--there'll be a servant there.

Rocky tells Horacio about Connie's threats to cut him, but that he's sticking with Vale. Horacio gets the Amarillo Paginas and searches for a funeral home.

Mat tells Mili about a crazy client who's leaving everything to her cat.

Luci calls Nestor and exults over their upcoming weekend of fun. I think if they weren't putting one over on Connie, it wouldn't be as much fun.

Karla comes to Damien's room. She's been missing him. She wants to fool around, but he says he has a game. Since we haven't seen Damien playing soccer or even golf, I suppose he means a poker game.

Mat tells that obnoxious single friend about his potential new love interest: a servant who is getting a fortune from her new adoptive mother. The only catch is that she must be married. His friend warns him that he should see her first--she might be a hot mess (adefasio). Nah, and anyway, meanwhile, he's going to amuse himself with Mili. Even in her boy's getup, she's hot. The other guy says that if he's "hitting" that (clavando), he's nuts (I think because he thinks Mili is nuts). But Mat says it's just a passing thing. She's not the girl he's looking for. I know, says his friend. She's not the heiress to anything . . .

Regina is meeting with the lawyer. He says his grandson is on the way with the papers. Mili comes in and asks if they want hot chocolate. She says that it's just like what she's learning in literature class--warm things warm up the soul. Granny smiles indulgently. Oh, who am I kidding--she's kvelling with all the nakhes her little bubbeleh is bringing her. Translation: she's busting out with pride and wonderful feelings from her little girl. It's like what a Jewish mother feels the day her son graduates from medical school and marries a nice Jewish girl besides!

Over to the church: Yolanda gives Padre M a letter to read. She's too nervous to read it herself. Chamuzo comes over and meets Yolanda, and he learns she's Gloria's mother. Gloria's a real cutie, he tells her. Then his pop comes over. Yolanda seems to know him . . . Uh-oh.

Al goes to visit Floreeeenda, because he's a good boy and does as he's told--and also because he's an idiot! Flor is sitting on the couch in a baby doll nightie and high heels drinking wine by herself. Why is he here? He wants to tell her something important about what her father said. (So nu, the phone isn't good enough?)
He tells her that her father wants to combine their two businesses after the two of them get married, and that his parents are also pushing for it. He says he has been very clear about his intentions, and he doesn't understand why her father doesn't get it. Flor doesn't understand either--after all, she hasn't done anything either. Anyway, she tries to get Al to stay, but he tries to leave. Oops, wouldn't you know it--she spills wine all over that shirt. Now he'll have to take it off. Let's just have a drinky-poo and talk like friends while I wash your shirt. (Or as Robert Benchley says to Ginger Rogers in my favorite movie of all time, "The Major and the Minor," "Why don't you get out of that wet coat and into a dry martini?") Al is not so sure they can be friends. He weighs the dilemma for all of three seconds before slowly beginning to disrobe.

After the commercial, we see Al and Flor sitting by the coffee table drinking wine. Al is shirtless, and you can see only his torso above the level of the table. He is raving about how wonderful Mili is. I don't know, but if I were Mili, I wouldn't be so glad that my boyfriend was sitting around without his shirt drunkenly telling another girl how crazy he was about me. This doesn't bother Flor, though. She pours more wine and goes for the kill: She's sure his family doesn't like Mili. He agrees--all but Granny--she's changed her will. Oh, she shouldn't, says Flor. Mili is just out for money. She was even going to marry Hugo. Al tries to explain that situation. She touches his face and they kiss, but he pushes her away. It's just one night, she says. No, he rejects her and asks for his shirt. No, don't go--make me yours, she pleads. Al tears himself away. Flor asks if he's so sure Mili isn't out with that other guy. He leaves without his shirt. She calls him an imbecile as the door slams.

Back at the mansion, the bell rings. Mili is going to answer, but Braulio gets there first. It's Mat, coming over with the papers. Mili hides behind the door and slams it so Mat won't see her. She scoots out of the room and then tells Braulio to reopen the door.

Lina catches her. Mili tells her she doesn't want Mat to see her, 'cause she lied about being a servant.

Gramps and Mat discuss the papers to be signed. Granny's forboding tinkly music box theme plays. Uh-oh. Well, at least she didn't have an angina attack today. Anyway, the adoption papers are ready and can be signed whenever she wants. The house papers will be ready in a couple of weeks. Granny says she's going to talk to "her daughter." They always pretended she was her grandchild, but now she will have a daughter. Gramps tells Mat to go.

Down in the kitchen Padre and Gamuza are talking to Gloria about her mother. She explains how she is gradually getting to love her. Lina comes in and says the coast is clear--Mat left.

Connie and Andrea have dinner. He tells her about Alex!

Flor laments to Luci about Alex. She'll never get him. Don't worry, Luci says, she won't allow that mugrosa to marry her sonny boy. We have to take down that servant once and for all.

Mili asks Granny what all the lawyers are there for. Granny tells her she has special news for Mili. She has bought the house for her and what's more--she's hired a detective to look for her uncle. Mili is overcome. She dreams of living in the little house in the barrio with her uncle someday. (I don't know, but if Granny's detectives are the same inept boobs who have been looking for her grandchild all these years, I wouldn't put much faith in this outcome.) Granny calls Mili hija. She has another surprise for her--what would she think if Regina were her mama? Will Mili let her adopt her? Mili is truly overcome now.

They tell Padre M and Sister Cachete. Padre and Sor don't seem very happy, because they know all the back story. But they come around and congratulate the happy duo. Mili laughs at the fact that Connie will be her boss--and her brother!

Connie wishes his wife and Nestor a bon voyage. He tells Nestor he knows his wife will be safe, 'cause Nestor likes the young meat--the bebotas, nudge nudge. I can't find bebotas in the regular dictionary, but it's clear that it means hot chicks with big bazoongas, like that girl on Fuego. As soon as the coast is clear, Connie calls Andrea.

Gramps comes over to Mat's frat boy apartment, where Mat is lying in bed. He tells Gramps his noble plan to marry the heiress of their client. Aside from being skeevy in general, it's also a violation of legal ethics, but somehow I think frat boy doesn't care.

In the avances: Luci tells Nestor the news about his new son--Alejandro. Damien manages to overhear. Over at the dream house, everyone is assembled for a toast to Mili. Luci later faints when she gets handed some news.

Labels: guapos

I feel that the kind of enjoyment that we're receiving from this telenovela is the kind that shouldn't go on for too long, or we'll all end up like Grandpa. According to this Wikipedia article, it will be done some time in October. After that, we won't have Feonando and Crabiella to kick around any more.

(Anyone can edit a Wikipedia article, so take it with a grain of salt.)

---

Feonasty searches in vain for his lady love. Is she hiding in the closet? Nope! And her clothes are all gone too!

Furd's apelike face contorts in deep thought. Finally, comprehension dawns: Sofia is not in this room. Perhaps she is in another. He goes to look.

It turns out that instead of running away to join the circus, she has simply run down the hallway to a different room, where she is already unpacking. She says she's asked him for her freedom, and he said no, so she's taking control of her own life from now on. If she can't split up with him, at least she's not going to sleep in the same bed. This is going to be her room from now on, and nobody's going to change her mind.

He grabs her and says he's been patient, but he's at his limit. She's going to sleep with him whether she likes it or not! She puts up a fight, and he tries to drag her back to his room.

Fortunately, Jimena and Sarita interrupt and get him to leave. He pretends to be hurt and bewildered by Sofia's actions, when all he's done is love her more than his own life. They tell him to be patient and give her some time. He says he's given her a year already. He's not a saint, he's a human being, he needs to give and receive love (yuck). Sarita says pressuring Sofia will only make things worse. He's going to have to stay strong.

Furd isn't sure he can. He says she already despises him with all her heart, as if he were responsible for her tragedy (rape). Jimena and Sarita hug him sympathetically. (If you watch carefully, you'll see him leering at Jimena, then when she looks at him he puts on a sad face!)

Juan and Oscar take unconscious Franco to the dispensario - a bare-bones health clinic run by the padre. It doesn't seem to have even one person around with any kind of medical training, but it's clean and roomy and isn't caked in flour and sweat, so it's already an improvement over keeping him at home. The padre is curious as to what happened, but they don't know yet.

While the padre searches for towels, Oscar undresses Franco and Juan swears vengeance on the unknown culprit(s). (I don't know how he has time for baking when he's got so many scores to settle with people.) Oscar feels sure that Rosario knows what happened - he remembers how nervous she was when they questioned her at the club. (They had this very same conversation last night at home while they were waiting for Franco to come home, I believe.)

Juan tells Franco to fight for his life, because they need him. Oscar watches almost-tearfully.

Over at the club, Rosario is still singing the Bonbon song, which was just beginning when they went over there earlier. (I'll charitably assume that this is her second show of the night, but she's still wearing the same outfit too.) After the show, she tells Ofelia she's worried that something happened to Franco. She wants to go look for him. Ofelia warns that Furd could find out. Rosario says she doesn't care about him right now, she has a moral debt to Franco because he loves her and she feels responsible for what could happen.

Sofia sees the rodeo trophy and begins daydreaming about the first time she saw Juan and fell in love with his scruffy self. She caresses the rider on the trophy and thinks to herself that it's an impossibility. (Why? She should just run away with him. I'm serious. He'd take her up on it in two seconds. And just wait till she finds out that he's the guy who makes that bread she loves so much, and that the secret ingredient is the stuff he wipes off of his forehead with the back of his hand. Just try to keep her away from him then. Just try.)

Juan and Oscar clean up their brother. Oscar puts his scapular on Franco (unless he just happens to have an extra with him), and they stay up with him.

(I guess it was an extra, because in a later scene, Oscar still has his. Or maybe it's Franco's, except I didn't notice him wearing one before.)

Feonando stares at a photo of Sofia. Gabi comes in and says she heard everything and wants to know how he's doing. She offers to speak to Sofia right away. He warns her not to overdo it and compromise her health! "You're all I have, my only family," he tells her. She is moved by his calculated words.

He says he tries to understand Sofia, but sometimes she gets upset about what happened to her and he doesn't know what to do or say. He blames it all on that guy who raped her. If he knew who it was, he'd kill him with his own hands.

Gullible Gabi, who has so much ugliness and cynicism inside her that she shouldn't be capable of trusting a mosquito to bite, is soothed by his smarmy words. Even he looks surprised at the relief on her face.

Eva puts Grandpa to bed. He offers to help her find her child. She says she would love that, but she doesn't know how that's possible. Speaking to Gabriela didn't solve anything; she said she'd never reveal what she did with her. Grandpa is indignant that Gabi would deny Eva the right to know her own child. Eve says she appreciates his interest, but she doesn't dare hope.

The padre promises to help the brothers and also mentions God's help. "God?" Juan asks sharply. The padre says yes, and excuses himself.

Juan tells Oscar again that the guy who did this is going to pay. Just then, Rosario totters in wearing her Cruel Shoes. "I want to talk to you," Juan barks at her. "Look what they did to my brother."

"What did they do to you?" she asks Franco, hunkering down by his bed, but then denies knowing anything when Oscar and Juan demand an explanation. Oscar throws her out, but tells Juan he's sure she knows everything. She cries outside the room.

Crabi is painting flowers the color of blood, jabbing at the canvas with her paintbrush the way Don Timoteo used to stab his painting of Ric's dad. Eva comes in to ask if she needs anything. Yes, she does! "A little peace and quiet, but that's impossible in this house." She complains that her daughters are ungrateful for all she's done for them (i.e., locked them up and married one of them off to a rapist who's going to spend the family fortune on gambling debts).

Eva says Crabi has three wonderful daughters, and Eva herself would fight tooth and nail to have just one daughter like that of her own. Crabiela laughs, knowing what Eva is hinting at. She says Eva's child is better off being far away from Eva. Eva disagrees and says she should never have let her take that baby out of her arms. She (Eva) was a coward, and she'll never forgive herself for that. Eva scoffs.

Anyway, Crabi would rather talk about her own kids. "Did you hear how Sofia spoke to me? God won't forgive her," she mutters, looking at her Bible (or some other gilt-edged tome). Eva suggests that Crabi be more affectionate with her kids. Crabi says she doesn't need her advice. She's been the best mother. She accuses Eva of trying to steal her daughters' affection as revenge for stealing her own child. Eva denies this and says no one can make a play a mother's love, the most sacred love one can have in life, as long as she acts like a true mother.

She excuses herself, leaving Crabi looking vexed.

Rosario is still weeping at the dispensario. Juan sees her and reminds her he told her to leave. She says he can banish her from Franco's side, but not from the church. She'll stay until she knows Franco will be okay. She doesn't care what they think or say.

Juan approaches a gigantic, graphic crucifix. He tells it that his mom said Jesus would listen. He begs that Franco not be taken away from him. (Repeat several times, with minor variations.) The padre comes by and says to trust in the Lord. Juan says he has a lot of anger and desperation. Why is this happening?

The padre says God is great and mysterious, and Juan shouldn't give up. Juan says he won't give up, but his brothers are important to him, he doesn't want them to suffer. Padre says let's pray, after which he'd like to talk. He has questions about the family. What happened to their parents? Juan says that's too many questions to answer right now. Padre says okay, but if he wants to talk, to find him, he'll always be there to listen.

Juan says he'd like to tell him his life's story, just not now. The padre tells him to have faith.

Franco is stirring, but not in a good way. He's shivering but also feverish. The padre says he'll find the doctor who usually helps them. He rides out on his little donkey, looking a bit ridiculous but determined, while the brothers mop Franco with cool water.

Later, Franco begins to babble. He's begging his brothers not to let Libia go. Then he starts telling Libia not to go. "We let her down."

Meanwhile, Padre meets with some people along the road. He's asking questions; they don't seem to have any answers. (I wonder if he thought to ask to borrow their cell phones.)

A half-moon hangs in the sky. I mean LITERALLY a half-moon... the stars are shining through the dark side. Amazing!

Franco is doing better now. Juan goes out and stares at Rosario for a while, then shrugs and lets her come in to see him for a minute. She holds Franco's hand and cries, but doesn't say anything.

It's dawn. The padre is sad that he couldn't find a doctor, and prays for help.

The brothers tell Franco they couldn't leave him. They try to wake him up. They can't avenge Libia without him. (Does anyone else think that Libia probably would not approve of their plan??) Oscar says he's been thinking of what Eva said - maybe only the widow is to blame, and the girls had nothing to do with it. Juan says it's too early to decide who's guilty or not - but someone has to pay. Oscar agrees.

At the hacienda, Crabi is complaining that the brick boys haven't arrived yet. She wants to fire them. Sofia reminds her that they came over and worked on Sunday. Crabi is offended that Sofi is taking their side against her!

Sofi apologizes for upsetting her last night. Crabi says she's not upset - she's hurt. Sofi, she says, is worse than a raven who can't wait to pluck out her eyes! Sofi tries to hug her; Crabi pulls away and accuses Sofi of saying things no mother can forgive. Sofi offers to go to Confession; perhaps God will be more understanding! This blasphemy shocks Crabi speechless. (Thank goodness!)

Jimena and Sarita and Grandpa wonder where the brothers are. He teases them and says they must have run across three pretty girls and taken off with them to frolic in a beautiful forest, or somesuch. (Sarita and Jimena do not like this idea.) Sarita says they're just worried because, um, er... because they wouldn't want anything to happen to them. He teases them some more about being interested in the brothers. They try to play it cool. Jimena says their mother says the brothers aren't good enough for them. Grandpa tells them to watch out, because he's going to be watching. He says he's old and crazy, but he isn't sucking his thumb and he knows how this stuff goes. He'll be watching.

Rosario is back, kissing Franco's hand. Juan shows up with some water for washing, and kicks her out. She has no right to be with him, he's sacred and her silence will be the death of him. If she won't say who did this, then he has no use for her. She says he's being unfair. Juan says he has to protect his younger brother, and it's dangerous for Franco to be around her, so scram, don't come back, get out or I'll throw you out.

Juan tells Franco he wants to know who hates him so much as to want to kill him.

Eva asks the Franco-hater if he wants breakfast. No, he wants Sofi. Eva says she went to Confession. Crabi says maybe the padre will talk some sense into her. She also says the workers didn't show up yet, and she's going to fire them. Furd acts outraged as he recalls the beating he gave Franco. Then he says maybe they had something more important to do that's keeping them away.

(Weird graphic transition to next scene)
Grandpa is looking for something in the office. Gabi comes in and scolds him for looking through her papers. She says there's nothing here that he needs. He says he's investigating a complaint, and therefore he has to review the Holy Office of Inquisition's (Santa Inquisición) files and there's a risk of discovering even more horrors that she's committed. Gabi rolls her eyes in disgust at his daffy talk and says she's never hurt anyone. It's everyone else who is hurting her. If he wants to know something, he should ask her directly.

He says no, she'll lie, so he'd rather investigate on his own. (The other night, I was thinking he had a Columbo-like approach with Furd, but I guess he doesn't bother with that when dealing with Gabi.) She says he'll be sorry if he goes poking through her papers.

He says sooner or later the past comes back to get us, and then we have to pay for what we've done. "Like what happened to you, right?" she asks, leaning in with a cruel grin. He tells her not to worry about him; she should worry about how life is going to settle its own scores with her when the time comes. He puts on his deerstalker cap and rolls out.

Sofia shows up at church with some donations for the dispensario and says she has more stuff to bring next time. He notes that she seems odd. She says she has a lot on her mind and would like to give a confession. He says first he needs to look in on someone who took a terrible beating - one of the bricklayers at her house. She asks which one, and even looks slightly relieved when he says it's the youngest! He says he couldn't get the doctor. She wants to go with the padre to see Franco.

Oscar sees them coming and tries to warn Juan, but he's not fast enough. Juan is impactado and suspicious. He says maybe it's not a good idea. Padre says she's really worried about him. Oscar convinces Juan to let her stay and pulls up a chair for her. Padre tells her (again) he couldn't find the doctor anywhere. (No phones?) Sofia sneaks a gratuitous look at Juan. Juan thinks to himself that he's finding it difficult to hate her.

Oscar tells Juan that she seems like a nice person, and he keeps thinking about what Eva said. (We know that, because he's already mentioned it at least once before in this episode.) Oscar says he's also finding it difficult to go through with this vengeance that the girls don't deserve. Juan says they can't fail Libi on their promise to avenge her.

Yeah, I'm sure she's just cackling with glee knowing that they're going to crush three women in her name.

Sofia gives her confession. She says she's overwhelmed by the vows that she swore on her marriage to Feonando; she can't go through with them.

(The padre listens with a faint smirk that I"m 99% sure isn't supposed to be on that character's face; he's not a bad-looking guy but I think he's not a great actor. Through this whole scene I thought he was a bad guy and was half-expecting him to have a cobra tattoo just like Feonando's, like they were twins or in a fraternity together or something.)

The padre says those vows are the foundation of family and children. She says it's greater than she is, she can't explain, she knows Furd loves her in his own way, but she can't give herself over to him. Padre he says it's natural considering what happened to her, but she has to try to forget what happened, or she'll never be happy.

Well, that is great advice. After more than a year of not discussing the rape with anyone, she's supposed to forget about it. I guess now we know where the doctor is. He's hanging out in the village that has the telephones and the rape counselors and the embalmers. That doctor is in no hurry to come back to Backwards Bonbon City because he can feel his brain losing five IQ points every time he crosses the city limits.

Franco wakes up. Juan hugs him so hard and Oscar pummels him so much that I'm afraid they'll kill him. Did they forget he nearly got beaten to death?? He asks what happened. They asks hiim the same thing - who did this to him? Franco grimaces in pain and passes out again.

Confession is over. The confessional is totally open; Furd strolls right up, and Padre nods pleasantly. Furd tells Sofia he knows they've had some bad times, but he wants things to change, to show her how much he loves her. Maybe then she'll change her attitude towards her. His actions will speak more than a thousand words. (He's going to give her a picture?) First he'll give his confession, to prove that he's willing to change.

She tells him again that she doesn't love him. He says he loves her, he worships her. He's going to get the padre's help to find peace and forgiveness in the name of God for the way he has treated her. He grins hopefully and goes to Confession. Sofia lights a candle.

Padre says I can't tell you what she just said, but just be patient. Furd replies, "Padre, I would like to tell you some things I've never told anyone." The padre encourages him to go for it, but Furd says that once the padre hears what he has to say, he's not going to want to help him. Padre says that would never happen - it's his responsibility to lead his flock. Furd says, well okay, if you insist, but it's at your own risk.

The padre says it's no problem - speak with the same confidence as if you were speaking with God. I'm listening.

"Okay, I'm going to start out by saying that I'm the one who raped Sofia."

The words echo like a nightmare in the impactado padre's head, and now I know he doesn't have a cobra tattoo. (Thank goodness for sound effects, or who knows how long I'd suspect him.) "I raped her," Furd repeats.

Labels: Fuego