Caray, Caray!

-W. Somerset Maugham

Hola Guapistas! Here we are at the final recap. Thanks to all my fellow recappers who shared their talents in this mix of translation and snark that is recapping. Thank you also to those faithful readers who stuck it out with us to this, the bitter end. Now settle in with your tequila or your hot chocolate, cause we've got a bumpy road ahead!

Karla lies in the hospital bed remembering talking to Hugo after sex that one time…okay, after one of the many times…about how she's really in love with him and doesn't care that he's using her for sex. Socorro walks in and Karla wants a hug. She cries about having her heart broken. Socorro says that Hugo really loves her and said he'd realized how she really is a nice girl. Socorro says she always knew it, but Karla always tried so hard to hide it. "Hugo just wanted to know if he could give you his heart." Socorro begs clemency for Hugo. She says she always prayed for a good man for Karla and she feels like her prayers have been answered.

Constancio gets wheeled in and Alejandro begs Dr. Aro, aka, the only Doctor in Mexico City, to save his daddy. Hugo and Horacio are in the same waiting room and Alejandro tells them what happened. Now everyone else comes over from the Rodeo. Alejandro explains to Hugo that Rigo was really trying to kill him. Valeria passes on the news that Rigo killed Florencia.

Break for PSA:
In the US, four women and eight children die each day as a result of domestic violence. Most domestic-violence related homicides, at least in the US, happen when the victim is in the process of leaving. We should not put the focus and the blame on the victim by asking "Why doesn't she/he leave?" What we should be asking is "Why does the abuser abuse?" The answer is power and control--it's not about anger management. Leaving is a dangerous business because it challenges the abuser's sense of power and control over the victim. The number for the National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-7233. For more information about what constitutes domestic violence, go to http://www.ndvh.org/educate/what_is_dv.html. End of PSA

Karla tells Socorro that she needs to think about the Hugo situation, but really right now she wants to get out of there. Socorro tells her that the doctor wants her to stay overnight for observation. A nurse comes in with a wheelchair to take Karla to her room.

Hugo tells Mili and Alejandro that Karla's there also and that she lost the baby. Mili is surprised to hear that Hugo always knew where she was. Hugo fills Mili in on what's up with him and Karla. Mili looks either confused or constipated. He's all excited that Karla really fell in love with him, but sad that she rejected him. Mili gives Hugo a big hug while Alejandro looks on suspiciously. Dr. Aro comes out to tell them all that Constancio's going to live. Everybody's happy.

The next day Karla and Mili have a heart-to-heart. Karla says she used to hate Mili…did she, really? I never noticed…because she thought that Mili had everything and she had nothing. Karla appears to have decided not to give Hugo a chance mostly because she doesn't think he can ever love her the way he loved Mili. Um, you mean in that obsessive, controlling, potentially homicidal way that calls into question his use of the word "love"? I should certainly hope not! Karla doesn't want to feel like seconds. She tells Mili about Hugo's dress up games. She says Hugo will never forget Mili and she can't live with that. With Mau, however, she didn't have to fight to drive some other woman out of his heart--he was all hers. Mili has gone back to that confused/constipated look. Karla mourns the loss of her beloved Pandroso: "I never felt this before. I've never missed someone so much. I've never counted the hours to see someone again." Mili approaches cautiously, and gets up in Karla's face, as if she's trying to see if the tears are real. She hugs Karla and then says that Hugo told her that he was in love with Karla. Karla's surprised that Hugo said that to Mili. Mili says that he fell in love with her sincerely and feels bad about hurting her. "I've never seen so much love in his eyes as when he told me about everything he did to be with you." Karla looks a little more hopeful now. Hugo walks in.

Valeria and Rocky go to visit Constancio. Everybody makes up. Constancio even wants to hug Rocky. He tells them he quit politics because he loves and misses his family…and that's going to include Rocky. Constancio says he's going to show them that he's not the same guy he was. Constancio tells Rocky he wants him to be a prince because Valeria deserves no less. Rocky says he'll be a king.

Mili leaves Karla and Hugo alone. Hugo asks for forgiveness and says he should have done things differently. Karla says she started to feel things for him back when they were sneaking around. She didn't want to feel alone, but she felt alone every morning when she left his room. With Mau she felt loved and she thought she was getting the relationship she'd always dreamed of. Hugo says it was real, he is in love with her, and it's his fault that she fell in love with a disguise. He's sorry he threw it all away. He promises he'll never bother her again. Karla asks him not to leave quite so fast and to give her a kiss. It's one of those weepy desperate ones. She pushes him away and looks like she's going to cry some more, but then she says "hey, you really do love me!" Hugo jumps her on the hospital bed and they get to making up for lost time.

Alejandro and Constancio chat. Constancio jokes that "mala yerba nunca muere" ("bad grass never dies" in other words "I'm too much of a ratbastard for Satan to want competition"). He calls Alejandro "son" and says there's a part of him that still thinks of Alejandro as a son. Alejandro says there's a part of him that still thinks of Constancio as a father, and oh, by the way, thanks for saving my life. Constancio says he couldn't let Alejandro be taken out like that. He says he never hated Al, he hated what Al represented--a young man with courage and intelligence and the "garra" ("fighting spirit") and guts to confront his father--everything Constancio wasn't in his youth. Constancio wants Al to know that he was always proud of him even though he didn't say so, he admires him and loves him, but his arrogance ("soberbia") kept him from admitting it. He asks Alejandro not to stop calling him Dad. They hug and cry. Mili walks in and sees them and Alejandro asks if she doesn't want to join in. They all hug. Constancio jokes that he's going to be Alejandro's father AND his father-in-law. He wants to know when he'll have more grandkids on the way. Dude, recover from your gunshot wound first!

Mili goes to church to bring her Cuatacho some vino. She thanks him for giving back her mom and for her dad being ok and for her having her family back, all thanks to Cuatacho. She says the vino isn't a bribe…well, only a little one…she wants Alejandro to be happy. Alejandro brings in his own glass of vino. Cuatacho says, "hey people, I like a little nip now and then, but what kind of lush do you think I am?" Alejandro tells Cuatacho thanks for Mili and sorry cause he's going to need to borrow her for a minute. He takes her outside the church.

A: I love you Carlitos
M: Carlitos las pelotas!
A: See, that's why I took you outside! I didn't want you to say that in the church. What would Cuatacho say about you?
M: That I'm a crazy, crazy woman!
A: Oh, so you are a woman? [he kisses her] That was to prove whether you're a woman.
M: Oh, yeah? Want me to prove whether you're a man.

Heh. That was fun while it lasted, but Alejandro remembers what happened the last time she said that and he's going to need his equipment intact if he's going to give Constancio all those grandchildren. He swears he's a man, so Mili kisses him. Padre Manuel and Sor Cachete come outside to ogle. PM says the story isn't over, it's just beginning.

Days later, Damian is being wheeled around the pool by Erika. In a bikini. He's pissed that he had to give Luciana all her money back. And that Hugo forbid him from coming to the wedding. And that his relatives are getting married to members of the unwashed masses and are happy about it. Erika says it's not so bad, it's like the two of them--she's a secretary who's going to marry her boss. An optimist, that one. Damian says he's fine as a bachelor. Erika starts yelling at him about everything she's done for him since the accident including certain personal hygiene tasks that shall remain nameless. She's aiming him at the pool and it makes Damian nervous. She says she can have any man she wants, but she stayed with him because she thought marriage was in the offing. She demands that he tell her right now that they're getting married and when he won't say it, she dumps him in the pool and walks off.

We next find ourselves at the wedding site, Estadio Azteca, home of "El Tri" (the Mexican national team) and Club América. This, my friends, is where the infamous "Hand of God" goal was scored by Maradona. They have the wedding tent set up at one end of the field. I wonder which one. The guests mix and mingle.

Padre Manuel tells Constancio he's gratified that all his prayers for Constancio's salvation have finally been answered. Well, his and Mili's.

Paolo asks Braulio what he's going to do now that he's not working. Braulio's feeling a little odd, having worked all his life with no vacations (except for that time he went fishing) and not knowing what to do. He says he's at least had Paolo's excellent company. He mentions that he's never been out of the country…he's never even seen the ocean! Paolo invites him, breathlessly, to travel the world with him. Braulio says that would be maaaaaaahvelous as they clasp hands and wonder how soon they can reasonably blow this pop stand and get to the hot monkey love.

Rosario I tells Constancio that the girls are on their way. She says she's happy he's better. After all, he is her baby daddy. Constancio would like it to be for more than just that reason, but Rosario I says he was very important in her life back in the day. Constancio says he still loves her, but he thinks now she must hate him. Rosario I says she no longer either loves or hates him. Constancio says maybe with time…but Rosario I shoots him down. "We've been down different paths." Constancio says that now that their paths have crossed again, maybe they only have one path left --together. He kisses her and I finally see that the miracle of miracles has happened. Yes, my friends, it took a long time to get to this point, but at long last Rosario I isn't wearing that same pair of FM heels! I'd like to thank the costume department for collecting that $10 and rushing to Payless five minutes before closing just to bring me this long-awaited moment. Rosario I tells Constancio that the kiss has confirmed that she no longer feels anything for him. She leaves and Luciana comes up and tells Constancio he still has a chance and don't give up. They laugh and hug.

Back at Casa Belmonte we see several wet spots on the carpet, leading to a drenched Damian who grins at his recovered ability to walk.

At the wedding, a horse-drawn carriage pulls up with Karla inside. Horacio waits for her. They're both carrying umbrellas and the path to the tent is lined with little trees and soccer balls. Horacio helps Karla out of the carriage and walks her into the tent. She's in a long, blue dress with a little sparkle around the bodice. It's got one shoulder and some gathering at one hip, but basically falls straight to the floor. I'm not usually a fan of asymmetry, but this works. She could wear it to the Oscars, I think. No veil, but a light blue flower in her hair. Horacio walks her in and hands her off to Hugo. She's all yours now, dude…no returns, no refunds.

Next comes Valeria's carriage. She steps out in a different wedding dress that we don't get a look at right away, since Constancio also has to wait for Mili. Or is it Vanilli? Mili's wearing a big white poufy dress with, I kid you not, a white pimp hat with a flower on one side and some tulle hanging off the back. As her carriage arrives we see that Valeria is wearing a pretty simple long satin-y pink dress with minimal bling and no pouf whatsoever. Oh, I get it, this is Mili's world and the rest of them are just living in it. Constancio helps Mili and her big pouffy off-white dress out of the carriage. Her skirt has a bunch of layers that I don't quite understand and some of the layers look wrinkled. And, oh my…the pimp hat is pinstriped with sequins. I need a moment.

Constancio walks his girls into the tent and does the handoffs. I'm distracted by the pimp hat. And the ponytail on one side and pulled over one shoulder. *sigh* No one else seems to care and they all smile and get weepy. Lina holds a blanket covered bundle that we're meant to assume is her offspring, but is probably just a ten pound sack of flour. We don't get any words in the ceremony, just the visuals of rings being slipped on, then Padre Manuel declaring them all husband(s) and wife(s). Rocky gets all excited and asks if he can kiss Valeria now. Alejandro says they all want kisses and Hugo adds "lluvia de besos" (a rain of kisses). To that I say, what you do in the privacy of your own five star hotel suite in Paris is your business. Padre Manuel gives them all the green light. Everybody sucks face. But first, Mili has to tell Alejandro she loves him. The band from the Rodeo starts up and everybody dances. Then they start trickling out of the tent in pairs…like going into the ark. Unfortunately, it appears that Rosella's FM shoes migrated to Socorro. Curse you costume department. Mili and Alejandro stay behind after everyone else leaves so they can mack some more. Oh, the pimp hat. What were you smoking, costume people? Now they head out, slowly. Alejandro stops outside the tent and picks up one of the soccer balls. "Jueges o te rajas?" ("Play, or are you too chicken?") Mili says she'll play and tosses her bouquet. Once again, I question the costume department's choice of mind-altering chemicals. Mili hikes up her (voluminous) skirts and we see that she's wearing white lacy knee socks and silver cleats. The run off to the goal area on the other side of the field. Mili tosses off the pimp hat and puts on a white baseball cap. Alejandro sets up in goal and Mili, of course, scores (as long as you ignore the angle of the kick, which, as Mr. 5ft informs me, would have gone waaaaay over the goal…actually Mr. 5ft has been complaining about Mili's bad technique, as aided by the editing department to look like she knows what she's doing, through the whole show). And Fin.

Well, all good things must come to an end. Thanks for all the comments and I'm sure I'll be seeing you around.

What?

Well, that's where they should have ended it, but it wasn't only the costume department who was getting out of hand. Mrs. Sanchez' 8th grade class had already handed in the final episode, but then, since Josh Lowenstein, aka "Josue," invited the whole class over to a party at his house while his parents were out of town the weekend before finals and they all raided his parents' liquor cabinet and ate too much pizza…

Five or fewer years later: There's a family reunion on the lawn of Casa Belmonte. Rosario II is old enough to walk and be tossed around by Constancio. Mili and Alejandro have a second baby. Rosario I is also there. Valeria and Rocky have a couple of toddler boys--twins, perhaps? Nestor and Luci are still into each other. Karla pushes Damian in his wheelchair and then lets him roll down a hill when Hugo distracts her. He crashes into a tree and everybody laughs--no one louder than Karla and Hugo.

Ten years later: People have aged to an alarming degree that only 8th graders would imagine is realistic (seeing as how they tend to think that 25 is "old"). Alejandro has grown an unfortunate moustache. There's a picture of him, Luciana, and Valeria, where they all look sad. Luciana's wearing a depressing grey jacket and glasses that are way too big for her. There are also pictures of Luciana with the grandkids (in that same hideous jacket and uncomfortable smile). I would guess the two in front are Rosario II and her younger brother and the two in the back are Rocky and Valeria's boys, who look less like twins in this picture. Luciana is dying of one of those vague diseases that afflict people in their fifties, cause, you know, that's ancient. It may be possible that all those years of drinking caught up with her, but once she stopped, her liver should have either healed or at least stabilized, unless it's from some disease she caught while living out on the streets. Mili and Valeria weep. Nestor has also grown an unfortunate moustache and gotten tanner than George Hamilton. Luciana dies.

On the soccer field, it's time for the next generation to play while Mili, Alejandro, Lina, Bobby (another one who grew facial hair for no apparent reason), Valeria, Rocky, Gloria, Chamuco, Karla, and Hugo coach. Yikes! It's not clear whether Karla and Hugo have a kid of their own or if they're just taking a picture with one of their many pseudo-nieces/nephews. Gloria and Chamuco have a boy.

Twelve years later: Karla somehow has a daughter older than twelve…or else she shouldn't be letting her twelve-year-old dress like that. Karla scolds Nameless Daughter that she doesn't care if she's got a party, they are staying here at Dad's gallery show. Karla helps an exhausted-looking Socorro onto a bench. Socorro's probably thinking "Like mother, like daughter" as Karla complains about how Nameless Daughter talks to her. Heh. Hugo and his moustache come over to give Karla a glass of wine and lead her over to a painting he wants her to see. I think it's a painting of Karla on velvet. What? That's what it looks like. Socorro sees a light come down from above and coalesce into Angel!Horacio. He flirts with her, as usual. She responds in a croaky voice and puts her head down in his non-corporeal lap. Karla cries over her dead body.

After re-thinking the math, they must mean another twelve years after the original ten, for a total of 22 years later, otherwise people's ages really don't make sense.

Alejandro and Mili are at Padre Manuel's church, all dressed up for their daughter Rosario's wedding, at which her Nameless Brother will be officiating. Alejandro now has grey hair in addition to the unfortunate moustache. Mili just has her hair pulled back into a giant knot. Rosario comes up in her wedding dress and gets hugs from her parents. Everyone walks into the church.

Five years later: okay, so 27 years total. Casa Belmonte has completely gone to seed. Constancio hasn't cut his hair in years and has grown a beard. Damian still lives with him and is still pretending to be unable to walk. A nurse comes in and gives Constancio his medicine. Damian takes advantage of his back being turned to shuffle over and steal Constancio's concha (a type of sweet bread, really good with coffee). Constancio busts him walking and gets pissed off. They shuffle around the couch and then Constancio clutches his chest and falls over. Damian freaks out. Constancio laughs at having faked Damian out, but now he dies for real. Damian begs him not to die because he loves him. Where's the nurse? And why did Constancio end up alone? And why is the house in such bad shape? What happened to the construction company? And why, in 27 years, does it look like no technological advances have been made? No robot butlers? No new, younger bodies?

Seven years later: 34 years total. Casa Belmonte is restored to its former glory, and no longer full of angry, bitter people. Valeria and Rocky watch their grandkids open Christmas gifts. There are four adults around, the parents, one presumes, but no way of knowing which grandkids belong to whom. Rocky has taught the grandkids to say "ay, papantla!" Aw, granddad, that's slang from, like, forty years ago. Valeria gives a grandmotherish "obvio, si!" They hug all the grandkids.

Many years later: in other words, enough to get to 90. Mili and Alejandro shuffle up a sand dune. Once again, I am amazed at the lack of technological advancement. No hover scooters? We get flashbacks of their time on the beach the first time. Meanwhile, future Mili and Alejandro sit down on a conveniently placed wicker bench in their love den (which is still there, for some reason). Future Mili's face seems to be stuck on one expression--slight confusion with an open mouth--including when she kisses Future Alejandro. More flashback to Past Mili and Al macking on the beach. Future Mili and Al look rather shocked as they remember having sex right on this very spot, many, many years ago. Alejandro dies. How ungentlemanly of him to go first. A few seconds later Mili dies. The screen reads "Un amor que perduró mas allá del tiempo" (a love that lasted beyond time) below "FIN."

Okay, people, that's all they wrote. If you missed it the first time around, it looks like there's a repeat next Sunday (check your local listings). Also, the cast will be on Cristina on Monday night.

Labels: guapos

Lots of pictures from Friday's episode because there was a lot going on and I have more time on Fridays ;-).

Marisela finds the missing picture of Luisana on DB's altar and it has obviously been used for sorcery.

Federica tries to 'be friends' with Antonio. He is suspicious but finally agrees to shake her hand. Federica is following some plan devised by Josefa.

Marisela is afraid in DB's altar room but she perseveres in her attempt to defeat the spell. She sprays what appears to be a perfume atomizer on the altar and repeats what a priest says when he sprinkles holy water.

Locked in the altar room, Marisela tries to say the Hail Mary but she can't remember beyond the first line. She tells God that he knows what she is trying to say and begs him to help her get out of the room.

Genoveva tells Cecilia that Marisela has gone to El Miedo and Cecilia tells Santos who goes there to find her. He comes upon DB who is just starting to take her revenge on Julian Barreta. When DB asks Santos about the health of those at Altamira, he accuses her causing Luisana's illness. She doesn't deny it. "She messed with what is mine, and she is paying for it." ["Ella se metió con lo mío, y lo está pagando."]

Eustaquia gets Marisela out of the altar room and signals to Santos that everything is ok and that he should leave.

Lovely, sweet Eustaquia

DB toys with Julian Barreta like a cat with a mouse.

Medicine is failing Luisana. The doctor is clueless. Now religion fails. Luisana asks for the priest to come. She doesn't want him to give her the last rites; she wants him to do an exorcism. He refuses saying that she's not possessed by a demon and anyway, he'd have to ask the archbishop and that would take time. He scuttles out like the coward he is.

As Timoteo said, Marisela is the one who is taking charge. She encourages Luisana to fight and suggests that she think of whatever she loves most. Luisana replies Santos, of course. Unfazed even though she loves Santos too, Marisela describes a beautiful wedding to Luisana. "Isn't that something to live for?" Marisela asks Luisana. "Santos is something to live for," replies Luisana.

Santos overhears Marisela's description of the wedding. Marisela tells him that she thinks Luisana doesn't want to live. Santos says that maybe he should marry Luisana to make her happy.

DB is going to kill Juan Barreto in a very grisly way involving rope and 4 guys on horses.

Cecilia is trying to cheer Luisana up by brushing her hair when it starts to come out in hanks. Poor Luisana is horrified.

Labels: barbara

OK, finally it happens. Ángela is an idiot (and I agree with you completely, Marie Celeste, that she is the worst dresser. It looks like she's auditioning for the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders or something). She blurts out to her father that Isabel has a lover. He doesn't believe her, of course, and has another attack, of course.


Salvador gets a bath. Neanderthal is right, Marie Celeste. Either that or he's had a stroke.

Now Ángela discovers that Isabel's lover is none other than her supposed boyfriend and daddy's right hand man at the factory, Andrés!

Isabel and Andrés caught in flagrante delicto.

Ángela runs to tell Daddy. Since the first revelation didn't kill him outright, this one certainly will but it's too late. PJ has played his last chord.

The bright white light of death has come for Salvador, too. Either that or it's the mother ship.

Gaetana feels the psychic disruption...

PJ's burial.

Salvador's velorio.

Salvador's funeral procession


PJ's soul or something brings Salvador's body back to life.

Salvador's coffin starts moving and the pallbearers drop it.


Out of the coffin (notice the cross effect..)


Here you go, Cindy. A promise of things to come-

Labels: cuerpo

At the end of the last episode, Damien produced Andrea's ashes, and Karla was under attack by the attempted rapist. Sylvester and another guy fight him off (did Mono have the day off?), but Karla is in pain. Looks like she's going to lose the baby . . .

Flo is in the mansion with Connie, who is going off to fix some dinner if he can figure out how to use the microwave. Flo picks up the phone. Who is she going to dial? We hear the phone ringing--it's Rigoberto's cell, and he is walking right in the door. "Hello, my love," he says.

He drags her outside with the gun. He says her place is with him. He tells her not to make a sound or he'll shoot. She calls him a sicko. She does not want to go back to him.

Meanwhile, Connie is talking to Damian and Erika, the secretary-"nurse." Connie looks sad about Andrea. Damian is consoling Connie in his inimitable way: Yes, I too will miss her killer T and A (he says "caderas"--hips--and "pechos"--chest). But dust to dust, you know. Connie doesn't believe she's really dead, so Damian shows him X-rays and pictures of the accident. It's a miracle he's alive, Connie agrees. (Raise your hands if you think Damian is really paralyzed). Anyway, Connie goes on, if you're going to be a paraplegic . . . what are you going to do for love. Damian wriggles his fingers and shows he has other ways to satisfy a woman (yuck). He says it's a great irony, isn't it, knowing how he is.

Back at the club, Macarena is singing, while Socorro, Horacio and Homeless Hugo arrive for the big showdown with Karla. Horacio predicts that Karla will be angry when she learns the truth.
Socorro thinks she will be happy.

In front of the mansion, Rigo continues to torment Florencia. She says no one could love a creep like him. He asks how she could go looking for Alex, that creep who humiliated her and traded her in for a servant. She says she didn't come back to Mexico to look for Al--she came to get away from Rigoberto. She first had high hopes. She wanted a tender lover who would love her and caress her. He repeats that he loves her. She says if he loves her he must let her go.

Cut to Connie and Damian. Erika is giving Damian a sensuous shoulder massage while Connie looks deflated. Damian says he's going to return the 20 percent of shares he still has and apologizes for Connie's losing control of the company. Connie says that's the least of his problems--he resigned from the party too. For his family and Mili. Damian is touched, but he doesn't understand about Rosella, the enemy. Connie reveals the truth about Rosella. Damian says he's impactado, making this the first time I actually heard a character utter that word.

Connie picks up Andrea's ashes, looking mournful, and walks up the spiral staircase. Suddenly we hear a toilet flushing, and we realize that he has sent Andrea to her final resting place. Damian and Erica look shocked as Connie emerges from the upstairs bathroom, rubbing his hands to show he is finished with a dirty job. Back downstairs, he sits down and says, "Now, where were we?"

Macarena is trying to coax Karla out of the dressing room, and she learns that "Amparo" has arrived. Quickly, get her over here to talk to her daughter!

Back to the mansion, where there is more repetitive dialog between Rigoberto and Florencia. If she won't take him back, he won't let anyone else have her. She wishes him dead. He walks away, but holds up the gun blindly behind him and fires, striking her in the chest. (Jeez, couldn't he have missed? I really don't think Flor deserved this. Every few weeks we see one of these horrible murder/suicides in the news, and it always follows the same pattern.)

Connie, Damian and Erica come out to investigate while Rigo hides in Connie's car. Flor's last words are to tell Connie who did it and warn him that Rigoberto wants to kill Alex--save Alex! Connie drives off, leaving the others to call the police. Damian, ever the philosopher, says "See, just as I said, dust to dust."

Socorro now pleads with Karla through the dressing room door. This is another heartbreaking scene of resolution a long time coming and very well done by these actresses. She starts by saying that there are good men and bad men. She's known all kinds. She was hurt in her life too, in the same way, so that she didn't want to live. She know what it's like to have someone touching her all over and having their eyes all over. She knows what it's like to scream No a thousand times. She begs Karla to open the door and let her help.

She says she hasn't always been the best mother but she tried to do her best. When she had a baby it was the best thing that happened to her. And when she became a cook it was the best thing for them, even if her hands always smelled of onions and her world was three pots and a frying pan. She had to be strong to go out alone. "Your father didn't abandon us, she finally reveals. I was never married. Someone attacked me . . ." Suddenly the door opens, and Karla comes out and continues " . . . and I was the product of that violation?" She asks forgiveness, because she never knew. Socorro says that she is the one who needs forgiveness. Together they will now overcome everything. But Karla winces in pain--she thinks she lost the baby . . .

Cut to Rodeo, where the gang is dancing. I'm glad they went back to Rodeo for the finale, as they hadn't been there for a while. Valeria remembers how they used to have to cook while everyone else was having fun. Rocky says he liked that better, when she was helping him. Al and Mili dance with their hands. Mili is worried about Florencia, but Al continues to reassure her that whatever happens they will be one big happy family. The family is growing, Mili says, as they now have mothers and fathers. It's time to knock on wood. Mili worries that things are going too well. As the cuatacho says when things are going well, watch out. Alex says they will be together till they are 90, as they have always promised.

Back at the orange house, Nestor is cuddling the baby. He finally persuades Luciana that they have a future together.

Hugo and Horacio are now in the ER waiting room, where Karla is presumably in a treatment room. Socorro emerges to tell them she lost the baby. "Mi hijo," Hugo says sadly.

Nestor and Luci are basking in their newfound contentment when someone pounds at the door. It's Connie looking for Alex. Who is Rigoberto? he has to ask. They fill him in, and they scramble to protect Alex. Connie will go to Rodeo while Nestor and Luci remain with the baby. Luci calls Alex on the cell phone.

Cut to Rodeo, where Mili is now on stage, singing. Braulio is kvelling and pointing out to his sister that not only did Mili inherit her beauty but also her great singing voice (who knew?). He pushes Rosario to go on stage for a duet. Mili is thrilled to sing with her mother, and it all sounds okay, but we have to avert our eyes from the train wreck that is Rosario's trashy white dress with more giant black splotches. Did Gateway Computers open a clothing chain?

Homeless Hugo has gone in to talk to Karla. She says life isn't as good as he says, but he says don't worry, he speaks from experience. Things will get better. He has lost many things: "number one" lovers, "number two" money (or slang, villano?), and "number three," the trust of his band. But he's seen the light. He sees the world with new eyes, new glasses. They can have more children. But most important, they should be together. He asks if she loved the father of her "morro," and she says it was an illusion. It's too bad she lost the baby, because she was getting to like the idea of being a mother. He turns and says she has found the real Hugo and starts to pull off the wig and glasses but not the beard. Karla says don't pull off any more--I can see it's you. Hugo pulls out a big ring and asks her to marry him.

Cut to Rodeo again, where Alex is now singing to the "woman of his life and the woman who gave her life." Connie comes in looking around axiously, followed by Rigoberto. A strobe light flashes and Rigoberto fires at Alex, but Connie steps in front and takes the bullet for his son. Then Rigo shoots himself. The climactic doom music plays as we cut to a commercial.

After the break, everyone gathers around while Alex says that Connie gave his life for him. The EMTs say he still has a pulse, so there is hope.

Back at the hospital, Karla is berating Hugo for mocking her, so it was all a joke. No, he says, he had to find out if she could love him for himself, and not money. (Well, that's not was I thought yesterday. I am surprised. I still think he crossed a point where he realized she didn't want money but he still had to win her in a disguise.) Karla sneers that she supposes she passed the test. She throws him out. He and Damian were always mocking her. The first time she finally finds love it's another cruel joke. Pandroso and Mauricio don't exist.

Val calls Luci to tell her the news. She finds out about Florencia.

Hugo tells Soco and Horacio that Karla was furious, and Horacio says "I told you so," but Socorro is going in to talk to her daughter.

This is the end of the first hour. I will leave you in the able hands of 5ft for the rest.
I thought this was a great finale, but it seems that early returns are not unanimous. I'm sorry to hear that some people didn't like it.

P.S. Don't forget to watch Cristina on Monday. I think it will be good. Someone on Telenovela World managed to post photos!

Labels: guapos

We will have to get our EY/ AN fix (for dorado dave and hombre de misterio) by watching reruns of the last few nights as the 2 hour finale to Al Diablo is on tonight from 7-9 Central/8-10 Eastern I believe.

Ibarramedia - I think you asked to have this photo of Susana Zabaleta (who is playing Ruth) posted on the site and so here it is. Per alma-latina.net her last telenovela was Bajo la Misma Piel which was shown in the U.S. in 2004. She plays one mean villana in that one. Don't know what she'll do with this character.

Labels: Fuego

Ah bliss- Toño and his Mariposa have their night of passion. Santos still does know about their relationship, however. Now the widower doctor is expressing an interest in Cecilia. He probably thinks she would accept being unpaid help to raise his children over being an old maid. Antonio is jealous and Federica is still out there so we can be sure there is more trouble ahead for these two.


When DB sees the doctor heading to Altamira with Antonio she is pleased that her curse has worked. She tells Pernalete that the Doña always wins and now more than ever.

Poor Mauricio is very upset about Luisana and feels guilty for not making her leave Altamira. He says that he and Luisana don't belong in the Llanos. He believes that DB is responsible for Luisana's illness but Santos is skeptical. Here Mauricio seeks comfort from a disconcerted Pajarito.

Marisela tells Santos that Luisana is doing better, which turns out to be over optimistic. After getting information from Juan Primito, Marisela decides to go to El Miedo and confront the brujeria at its source. She doesn't tell anyone where she is going though.

The doctor is clueless about what is wrong with Luisana.

Marisela gets into El Miedo unobserved and finds DB's altar. Then she gets locked into the room.

One of DB's rapists, Juan Barreto, comes to El Miedo and gets a nasty shock when he finds out who the Doña of the hacienda is. By having JB go by mistake to Altamira and talk to Santos and show him a distinctive ring that he wears, the groundwork is being set for Santos to find out that DB had this guy killed.

Labels: barbara

And now, gentle readers, we arrive at the penultimate chapter in the story of our plucky orphan, a story where evil is punished and good rewarded.

We open with our no-longer orphan returning to the little orange house after having confronted Connie. Everyone is standing around looking tongue-tied. What’s up? asks Mili, worried. They tell her that Flor is back. Mili is scared – for my baby? They say they don’t know, they’re waiting to hear.

Meantime, Rigoberto is menacing Flor. He says he’s not stupid, he knows she was with Alex. He tells her that he almost scored the baby, and when he does, she and he and the baby can be happy together. He says he can’t trust her and he slugs her a few times.

Alex to the rescue! He comes flying in the open apartment door, shoves Rigo on the couch and gives him a righteous pounding (actually, if you look closely, he’s pounding the couch). He grabs Rigo by the hair and tells him to stay away from Flor. Rigo’s face is bleeding heavily and he pleads Don’t hit me! Don’t yell at me! Coward, says Alex, who tells Flor to get her things and they’ll get out of there. Flor runs off and within seconds is rolling a suitcase out the door. Rigo shouts Flor! Don’t forget what I told you! He laughs maniacally.

Now Alex is at the orange house, telling Mili and her ma what happened. The two ladies heap scorn on wife abusers. Luci comes in and says that she’s given Flor a sedative, but shouldn’t she be taken to a hospital? Nobody thinks of reporting this to the police, apparently. Alex says he’ll call the good doctor to come see her.

Mili is worried about the baby. Alex reassures her that everyone will protect her. Mili says she worried Flor will want to take the baby, she’s her mother and all. Alex says he doesn’t know what’s going to happen, but Mili will always be part of little Rosario’s life. Big Rosario simps.

Alex says so did you go see Connie? Mili says yes, she talked to him plainly and said she knew she was his daughter. Luci says and..??? Mili angrily says I couldn’t wait all my life for him to confess it. I told him I won’t disturb his precious political career, but he has to leave us alone. Whoa, Mili! says Alex admiringly. Mili says I told him not to work against you, or he’d find out who he’s dealing with. You go, girl! says Alex.

Rosario says I dunno. She says when Connie gets sworn in as the new president of his party, she’ll be there. She’s reserved a seat. Mili is impactada. Rosario says you confronted him and now I will too, in order to defend all of you, my new family.

Connie is a rumpled bleary-eyed mess, slouching on the couch of the foyer. Here comes Hugo down the stairs, hauling a big suitcase, probably full of disguises. Connie says You leaving too? Hugo says tomorrow I’m going to rent an apartment, and I’ll just need to take this suitcase. Connie says how about we talk? Hugo says he doesn’t have anything on his mind, except please leave Alex and Mili in peace. Connie says Mili was just here and she asked the same.

Connie says she told me she knew she was my daughter - she didn’t find out from Damien, did she? She found out from you. Yes, says Hugo. Hugo says I’m very glad you told her, you have no idea how much she suffered that you wouldn’t acknowledge her. Connie tries to say something, but Hugo says don’t lie! She was working in your house as a servant and you never did anything for her. She was just an impediment to you. Hugo says I’m sorry… I’ve gotta go.

Connie says you know what? In a couple of days I get nominated as the party president, the greatest day of my life. Hugo politely says congratulations, says goodbye and rolls his suitcase out. Connie talks to himself, saying the greatest day of my life and nobody will be with me. Nobody.

Rigo meets a thug in a dark alley. He gives him a thick wad of bills and the thug hands over a big handgun. Rigo tucks it into his belt and walks off, looking around him.

It’s a few days later. We’re at Connie’s big day and Peralta is saying A big round of applause for Constancio Belmonte! Connie steps up to the stage. The somewhat small crowd applauds. Connie starts up his speech and we see Mili and Rosario coming into the rear of the room, but he doesn’t see them. Connie’s speech is subdued. He thanks everyone for the nomination and then – ta dum! – says he cannot accept it. Everyone is impacto, especially Mili and Rosario. The crowd murmurs.

Connie asks for their understanding and respect, then he launches into his explanation: Many years ago I renounced love. In order to save my business, I left the side of the woman I loved even though she was carrying our baby. She was… my servant.

Peralta wrinkles his nose and looks like Oh, man! Don’t do this! The crowd rumbles a bit.

Connie says you may have heard rumors, which were denied, but they were all true. I fell completely in love with her, Rosario, but I abandoned her and my child out of ambition, for power, and because of a sense of obligation to my mother. I couldn’t sleep and I spent the nights thinking that if I could turn back the clock, might I have made a different choice? Maybe, I don’t know. I was a very different person back then. But now I don’t want to keep being the wretch that I have been since then.

Now I find myself in the same situation, needing to make a decision between my career and my family. I feel that with my experience and capability I would be a great party leader, and bigger and better posts would follow, but I’m not interested. I’ve lost so much to get to where I am now, and I don’t want to lose anything more. This time I’m going to listen to my heart, not my ambition. I’m choosing my daughters, Valeria and Milagros - Mili begins to sob quietly - and my son, Alexandro. And my granddaughter, Rosario, and all the grandchildren to come. I will put all my energy into them.Connie is getting tearful. The crowd seems sympathetic. Connie says I’m sorry I deceived you all, but the person I deceived most was myself.

His speech is over, the crowd applauds politely and photographers get a few shots. The room falls silent and Mili walks through the crowd who part like the Red Sea. Connie is stunned and deeply impactado. Milagros! He tells the reporters and the crowd This is my daughter, Milagros. Mili says Papa! and they embrace. Both are crying and heck, so am I. Flashbulbs pop and the crowd applauds. Forgive me, says Connie, forgive me. Forgive me for being so blind and so stupid. Forgive me, my daughter! He is blubbering.

Rosario walks up but he doesn’t notice her. She says I never thought I’d hear you talk like that, Constancio. He looks up and is stunned. Rosario? he stammers. She says yes, but stands there good and straight so her mighty bosom thrusts out just right. Who needs acting classes when you’ve got those two babies?

Mili says to the crowd This is my father and this is my mother! This is my family. Tearful Connie looks at Rosario and I want him to say bodacious ta-tas, but he says you are as lovely as I remember. It’s late, I know, and I should have made that speech to my father 20 years ago, but I didn’t have the courage.

Rosario says but you did it today. I thank you for my daughter. Our daughter, Connie says. Mili says Mama, Papa, let’s go now. They start to leave, but Peralta says wait! Where are you going? Connie says I’m going home to get my family back. Peralta says but you can’t resign now, didn’t you hear the applause? The people are going nuts! You’re on a roll! Connie says I don’t care. Peralta says you can’t leave the party without a leader! Connie says you’re the idea person - Peralta is very flattered. Connie says I can’t think of a more disreputable person than you – you’re perfect. He and his new family walk out. The crowd applauds and then reporters swarm around Peralta who preens and smiles.

At Bobby and Lina’s apartment, Gloria, Lina and Socorro are anxiously awaiting someone. The door rings and it’s Hugo who greets all with little cheek kisses. Kimberly the super-efficient maid positions herself so she can hear.

Socorro thanks Hugo for coming. He tells her to use “tu” with him. She says she’s not sure she could get used to that. Socorro asks if the two girls can leave her alone with Hugo and they willingly go to another room.

Over at the new construction business, Horacio and Chamuco need job assignments and the guys figure that Horacio can do landscape design and Rocky says Chamuco can be his assistant. He hands him some cash to go run get them lunch and Chamuco looks none too happy. Rocky tells him to call him Licenciado. Chamuco looks even more displeased and says as you wish, using Usted. He leaves and the others glare at Rocky who says what? He gets the hint and runs off to make it up to Chamuco, saying let’s go together!

Back to Hugo and Socorro. She says she has some stuff she wants to tell him, but first she wants to thank him for watching out for her daughter, in spite of everything. She says when she first heard Karla was pregnant she was mad at Hugo, and at Damien who was always ridiculing her. Socorro says I knew she was going to your room, like she had gone to your fathers. Hugo tells her to not be afraid to tell things like they are. He says that he could have turned her away as he should have, but he felt very alone and very lost. Socorro says and Karla took advantage of your painful marriage.

Hugo says Karla was feeling very alone too, we had that in common. Socorro says I know why she got pregnant by you, to entrap you. She never wanted to be a servant, she wanted to get a rich man. She never liked to work.

Hugo says if you could see her now, you’d be so proud. She has learned that money isn’t everything. She’s fallen in love with a poor man who lives in the streets, who sings in the parks. Socorro says she’s fallen for a man who starving? Yes says Hugo, he doesn’t have a cent, all he has to offer is his heart, and she has accepted it. Socorro says and does he really love her? Hugo says like I never would have imagined possible. Socorro is weeping and takes his hand and says thank you so much.

Hugo says this fellow loves her because he found strength, tenderness, nobility in her. Socorro says I’ve never lost faith that she would find the right way. We see Gloria, Lina and Kimberly, arms around one another, listening secretly out of sight.

Hugo says bring Horacio and let’s go see her. Socorro says I’m dying to see her but no, I can’t, she’s angry with me. Hugo says I need you to come tonight when I tell her that that street guy is me! And that I love her with all my heart. Socorro is surprised and happy. Hugo says you have to be there when I ask Karla to marry me. Socorro is pretty much a puddle of tears by now. The watching girls rush in, Gloria and Lina hug Socorro and Kimberly hugs Hugo. We hear happy guitar strumming.

Karla is happily putting her makeup on in front of a light-ringed starlet mirror while Macarena’s assistant ribs her a bit. She says her guy says he has a surprise for her tonight. He says probably he’s going to ask you to be his novia. You think so? says Karla. Sure as I’m called Sylvester, he says (oh, so that’s his name!). They imagine some great kisses. Syl says your eyes are so happy, but when you first came here those eyes were full of sorrow and pain. Karla says I’ve never felt anything this wonderful, but I’m scared too. I’m afraid it’ll all end, that I don’t have the right to be happy.

Syl is a bar-guy philosopher. He says everybody has the right to be happy. (He’s never met Andrea.) We get second and third chances so we can right those wrongs we’ve committed. You don’t know what a long list of wrongs I have, says Karla. I’ve hurt so many people, worst of all my mama. Do you think she’ll forgive me one day. Syl says I’m sure of it.

Alex and Nestor are having lunch at a café. Nestor is reproaching him that he didn’t call him to help out, since Rigo is a dangerous guy. Alex figures Rigo won’t try anything now, but Nestor says the main thing they have to do is to get Flor to break off from him. Nestor says he’s proud of Alex, he helped out the mother of his daughter. Let’s go talk to her, he says. Like a good daddy, he signals for the bill. The waiter walks by some other customer, and guess what it’s Rigo with his back turned. He’s in a suit, but he stands and opens his jacket so we (and all the patrons in the café?) can see the gun tucked into his waistband.

With Connie and Rosario standing by, Mili and Vale call each other sister and say they love each other and embrace. Luci comes in and says thank you Connie, and thank you Rosario for coming into all our lives and putting a stop to all the secrets. Rosario looks sainted.

Connie says to Rosario We have to talk. Rosario looks sainted some more. The others clear out politely. Mili goes to her room and guess what there’s Flor sitting on the bed holding little Rosario.

Mili says she’s your daughter. Flor says you and Alex picked a good name for her. Mili says actually it was Luci. Flor says she’s met Rosario and she’s a beautiful woman, like Mili. Mili says she came to her room because Connie and Rosario are having a private talk. Flor says did he finally acknowledge you as his daughter? Mili says yes. Flor says you grew up an orphan and now you have two parents. I lost both mine - my father was murdered. And you find out that your mother is alive. What irony life hands us! And you have a man who loves and respects you, and I have nobody.

When Rigo came back, I thought he was rescuing me, but he ended up hurting me even more. When I first met you, and found out you were a servant, I thought I was superior to you in every way. And now, I’d give anything to be in your shoes, to be surrounded by love like you. She gets up and holds the baby out to Mili. Take her into your arms, she’s your daughter. Mili takes her.

Rosario is taking a hard line. She says that speech you just made doesn’t change things, it doesn’t change the past. Connie says I understand, I deserve your anger. I know I hurt you terribly. Rosario says you separated me from my child.

Connie says I kicked you to the curb, yes, I knew you were pregnant, I was a coward, a wretch, but I wasn’t the one who separated you from Mili. Rosario is starting to get mad. She tells the story about the final words of the Mother Superior, and says that the MS said he was the one who made her say the baby had died. Connie said what did she say exactly? Rosario says it’s burned into my brain, she said Senor Belmonte made her do it.

Connie says my papa. That Senor Belmonte. It’s Rosario’s turn to look impactada and bewildered. Connie says after you left, I had no idea where you were or what had happened, until Padre M told me one of my servants was your child. He told me you had died in childbirth and that you had been buried in an unmarked grave at the convent. I’ve never had reason to doubt his word. I went to your grave to cry over you and to beg forgiveness.

Mili is holding the baby and Flor is standing by the door telling her that the baby is better off with her, she hadn’t changed her mind about child rearing. She says I’m not here to cause trouble for you and Alex. Mili gets weepy with relief. Flor says can I see Rosario time to time? I don’t want to be a stranger to her. Mili says of course. Help me change her diaper!

Connie is saying to Rosario that that’s what the MS told him, and that’s the actual truth. His father said she and the child had disappeared forever from his life. He says he’s not trying to justify himself because he never stood up to his father, or confronted him with the love the two of them had.

I loved you says Connie. Rosario finally has a reaction and stops him to hold a manicured hand to her face. He says let me finish. My father set a price on my soul, and I sold it. I wish I could have torn out my heart to get rid of the pain, every beat shook my very bones. Over the years, I got used to the pain, and I forgot I had a heart. And that’s the miserable fellow you see before you now.

He holds her hand to his chest and says tell me what you feel. Tell me you can feel my heartbeats, tell me that I have a heart in there, because I can’t feel it. Rosario puts his hand on his chest and says today you can feel it, today after what you did. Feel it? she says. It’s beating strongly. Connie says And yours? He falls to his knees. Forgive me Rosario, please forgive me. She weeps and her lip gloss glistens.

A car pulls up to the orange house, Alex and Nestor get out. Another car pulls up behind them and we see Rigo’s face in the rear view mirror. Alex and Nestor walk in on Connie down on his knees. Oops they say. Connie gets up and he and Rosario step back and wipe tears away. Rosario says it’s okay, we don’t have anything further to say to one another. Connie looks surprised.

Alex indicates Rosario and says what do you think of my lover? Connie says I was stupid. Connie says can we talk? Alex says no. Rosario says talk to your father. Alex says Nestor Miranda is my father, this man is nothing to me. Harsh, Alex.

Mili and Flor walk into the room. Flor is pulling her suitcase behind her. She says to Alex that it’s better that she leave, there’s no room in the house and she doesn’t want to be a bother. Alex says he and Nestor want to take her to the police. Flor says tomorrow, and Alex and Nestor try to get her to go now. She says tomorrow, she promises, and she wants to go to a hotel. They try to get her to stay, but she says no. Connie says you can stay at my house. Flor says okay, let’s go and she heads for the door.

Connie says to Rosario I hope I see you tomorrow. Rosario shrugs and says maybe.

Connie goes to Milagros and says thank you and kisses her hair. She says bye, Papa, and he says I really like it when you call me that. Connie tells Alex when he comes for Flor tomorrow to please bring Vale along, he needs to talk to both of them. He heads for the door and for what fate?

Rosario presses a hand to her bosom and breathes deeply. Alex and Mili lean against one another. Nestor knits his brow.

Karla is working the pole and a drunk patron waves some money around and talks a bit lewd to her and approaches the stage. She makes frantic eyes at Macarena who signals Syl to go take care of the guy. Syl tells the guy if he wants that kind of entertainment, he’s in the wrong place, this is a decent bar. The guy subsides, but murmurs some remarks and Karla looks a bit disturbed.

Well, looks like Rigo didn’t shoot anybody yet. Connie and Flor pull up in the dark to the deserted house. Connie gets Flor’s luggage out of the trunk while she waits in the car. They go in. Somehow Rigo has read their minds and has arrived there before them, because he’s lurking in the bushes.

They are in the foyer when somebody rolls Damien in in a wheelchair. He’s dressed and doesn’t look bruised. In his lap, he’s holding a gold-colored urn. Hello, Cunado, he says apologetically and holds up the urn a little.

In the dressing room, Karla is telling Macarena, who is draped on the couch in an impressive blue number, that that man scared her the way he looked at her. Macarena says she knows what it’s like to have a man gobble you up with his eyes. Syl comes in and says it’s time for Macarena’s number. She and Karla tease a little and she takes off. Karla starts removing her makeup when the door opens and the drunk patron runs in and grabs her from behind. She manages to shove him off, and yells at him to leave. He throws some money at her and grabs her again. They struggle.

Connie and Damien, in his wheelchair, are in the study. Connie is smiling wryly and says so you were in an accident, huh? Damien says attention! A terrible accident. Connie smiles some more. Then he lunges at Damien, grabs him by the lapels and shakes him, saying how dare you come around after everything you’ve done to me? Cut! Cut! says Damien. I’m an invalid!

Connie backs off and says you ridiculed me, you sold 60% of my company, you were lovers with Andrea, and then you ran off with her. Damien says yes, but I’m returning her, and he holds up the urn. Connie looks like eeeeww.

Karla is still struggling with the would-be rapist. Slo-mo he hauls off and slugs her big in the side. The two bouncers burst in and subdue the guy, but she is in terrible pain. Are you okay? Sly asks. Apparently not.

In the foyer, Flor decides to dial Rigo. She hears a cell ring and looks up. Rigo walks into the foyer, gun in hand. She is terrified and freeze frame.

Labels: guapos

From yesterday: Lorena breaks up with Ernesto and he accuses her of using this as a pretext to dump him. (It would kind of serve him right since he's done the same to so many women, but we like him now so it's OK to root for him.) He says under the circumstance maybe it's best if she leaves. He says it hurts him that the kids want to go with Gladys. His sis was his only family. Lor says no, so are her children. Lor insists vehemently that Ern should fight for his niece and nephews.

Maru and Rossy run into Zulema at the fabulous market. Maru tells them she's back on track with Omar, what they had was a failure to communicate.

Omar tells his limp boss that he was revising a report and found a serious error, something about applying a tax rate that the Secretary of Finance just changed which alters the final results. Limp boss asks was it to their benefit or to their detriment? Omar says they are reporting profits that don't exist. Limp boss says Omar just saved his ass as he was just about to report the profits to the director. He doesn't have time to correct so could Omar go with him and elaborate the details for the board? Limp Boss is either going to throw Omar under the bus or make a hero of him.

Greta lies in wait for Jaime at Conchitas. She sucks up to him and stuffs food in his mouth and pours him a big glass of wine. Big mistake, he doesn't drink anymore and pushes the wine away. He escapes her clutches and says he has a lot of stuff to do. He firmly tells her he needs to be alone and think. "I'm such an idiot," she sighs.

In his room Jaime also sighs, it's been another black day and no work for him. What if he listens to Maruja and partners with her?

Dumb Dario takes Paula to his fabulous big apartment and tries to talk her into moving into it, it has great furniture and everything. No way Jose, she says, it's where he lived with The Other. She says he's "practical like all men" but she'd rather die than stay in the same place as The Other. He attempts to lure her into bed to persuade her. Idiot. This sets Paula off , it's the same bed where he betrayed her! She leaves in a fury.

Heh, Jaqui strolls into Mother In-Law from hell's kitchen and does her Armendariz Kitchens tasting thing. She wrinkles her nose at the big pot of soup, it needs something, a pinch of dill? (pizca de eneldo) This shows how little she really knows about food, it's doubtful a pinch of dill would have much taste in a big pot of soup, but I digress. MIL asks does Jaqui know food? But of course! MIL suggests Jaqui help out. No no no no no, says Jaqui, she is an expert in tasting not chopping onions, that's MIL's job, and by the way she likes to eat at 3:00 she says as she flounces out. One of these days, mutters MIL as she stabs the cutting board.

The head chef at Armendariz kitchens shows Sara how to make a special pork loin that he marinates with a little garlic, pepper, orange juice and the secret ingredient Tequila which lends a special something to the dish. Sara tells him if she wins the contest (fat chance) she'll dedicate it to him. (Fat chance on that too.)

Lor tells Rossy she feels awful, it was her first fight with Ern. Rossy, best pal that she is, agrees that the way Ern treated the kids could be a sign that he doesn't like to compromise.

They are setting the table for a dinner to celebrate Rossy's engagement with Julian. Maruja wonders will two bottles of wine be enough? Lor says absolutely, when Al bought her ring....Oops...why did she bring him up? Rossy and Maru stare at her. Silence and weird looks all around.

Jaime makes a surprise visit and tells Maruja he wants to talk about her proposition. Rossy walks in, sees him and is going-to-commercial indignant.

Jaime sees it's a bad time and excuses himself. Rossy gives Maru a hard time for flirting with the enemy. He's married! No longer. He's a criminal! He was exonerated. Rossy says being with him is politically incorrect considering their in-laws. Maru insists they are not novios, the topic is closed and mother and daughter reach a glaring stalemate.

Omar happily tells Zuly he got promoted! He also got a raise (hee hee "got a raise") so now he can pay off their debts and get a car. Zulema tells him something that I think equals "don't count your chickens before they are hatched". She says "no te vayas a pasar como a la lechera que se le cayo la leche a la mitad del camino"; which I think is "don't act like the milkmaid that drops the milk in the middle of the street". I think I remember that fairy tail from when I was a kid.


Julian interrupts them and Ma says dad has super news. Julian comments that his engagement brought them all luck. All that is except for Diana who can't come because she can't leave work. A likely story.

Ern's housekeeper Fanny drives him crazy by babbling incessantly about how she misses the kids, misses their laughter, doesn't he miss them too? Oh how they must be suffering at Aunt Gladys's. Ern tells her to shut it. Doesn't she have something to do? Si si si si si, she says a hundred times.

Julian, in his best suit, officially asks for Rossy's hand in marriage. He starts to read a script, remember when they met and he ran from the house half naked? Nervous looks around the room. Julian ad libs and brings up other embarrasing moments, but the parents understand he means well. Rossy finally jabs him and he asks for her hand, promises to protect her and make her very happy. Maruja gives her consent and after some bungling Julian puts a ring on Rossy's finger and they kiss.

Bruno goes over his accounts which are a disaster. Diana walks in and tells him she's craving black olives. He bites her head off, where will he find black olives at this hour? He's sick of her and her pregnancy. Diana weeps that it was his idea to get married, not hers! He tells her to go get her damn black olives herself and to get out of his sight.


Diana doesn't back down, good for her, she screams at him that he's a loser, a loser! He hauls off and slaps her! Holy crap. Then he does that abuse thing and hugs her and apologizes. Will he tell her it was her fault, if only she hadn't pushed him? No, she yells that he's a coward and stomps out. She locks him out of the bedroom and he begs at the door while she cries.


In the restaurant kitchen Ernesto tells Maruja to tell Lorena that her dish (some sort of duck I think) is delicious. Maru thought bubbles that these two need to talk.


Chalo and Barb are back at the club dancing to naco music. I say naco but actually it sounds pretty good, it has some awesome accordion going on. She tries to teach him to dance and he comes on to her. She calls him Chalito and they kiss to the lyrics of "a grand passion".


They kissed through the commercial, and afterward Chalo begs her pardon, was he out of line? She grabs him and kisses him back as we knew she would.


In the Armendariz kitchen Sara tries to cut her pork loin; it's harder than wood. The chef tries and he can't slice it either. She says she cooked it just like he said, twenty minutes at 200 degrees (celsius, which is about 400 degrees fahrenheit). Chef says no wonder it's like shoe leather. Sara asks does he have any simpler recipes? He suggests scrambled eggs then thought bubbles that she's useless (nulidad) in the kitchen.


MIL Mamita complains to Icky about Jaqui and he says give her a chance. Ma says she does nothing around the house, no cleaning, no making her bed, nothing! Icky excuses her by saying some women don't do domestic. MIL ratfinks and tells Icky that Jaqui called her mami in the U.S. Oh, didn't Icky know? Well there's a lot he doesn't know about Jaqui. MIL says that compared to Jaqui Valeria was a marvel.

Icky and Jaqui argue about her phone call while she eats popcorn in bed. Jaqui tells Icky to chill, his mamita is only making a storm in a glass of water. By the way, did he open that account in Grand Cayman? Icky says yes because he wants to buy a house in New York. Jaqui wants a place in Vegas so they can gamble.

Barb and Chalo have finally made it to bed and both are happy and satisfied. He keeps saying her name, Baaarbaaaraaa. But Chalo, she wants to know, aren't you worried about the difference in our ages? He says if she's not worried about him being younger why should he worry about her being older? (Darn good logic if you ask me.) Barb decides to stop thinking about their differences and start thinking about what they have in common. The sexy music starts and oops, they do it again.

Oh no, now there is a scene with Al and his sick patient Florencia. She looks terrible. I swear if she dies on my recap night I'm going to drink. I think I got stuck with the Duelo leukemia child death scene too and it made me cry.

Omar brings Zuly breakfast in bed with a red rose. He doesn't know why he couldn't tell her about his problem before. She says she was so silly dying of jealousy, the pill worked quickly, like magic. She makes him promise to consult his doctor, the pill helps for now but she wants him to get fixed up for good. He loves her, she wants to lose weight, all is well in the lesser house.

A nurse brings Al the lab reports on Florencia, sorry she's late but there was a problem in the lab. Al sees the results and rushes out. OK, I'm going to start looking for the vodka.

Over at Evil Acres Vasco tells Barb he is happy because his old boss asked him to help with protecting the jungle, providing alternative incomes for the locals, and preventing the extinction of endangered species all rolled into one. And it shouldn't get in the way of Armendariz biz because he'll work on the weekend. Vasco comments that Barb looks unusually beautiful and happy.

A stroller gets delivered to Di and Bru and when he complains she snaps "I'll pay for it!" He asks her does she not get that they don't have money? He insults her and they fight again. He stalks out and she talks to the baby, she's not sure being with Bruno for the baby is worth the sacrifice. This is a definite about-face in her attitude. I think she's ready to take a lesson from Maricruz's stroller mommy, except that Bruno will be in the stroller.

Chalo washes the car in his surf shorts and Barb sneaks up behind him and caresses him. Sara watches while Barb whispers that she adores him but they need to be discreet.

Sara tells Chalo she has his money. She mocks him for wanting a credit card. It's a waste because Barb doesn't care if her lovers are rich or poor. Chalo defends Barb which amuses Sara, she reminds him he took the fotos of Barb and her lover. Sara says Chalo knows nada of women. Chalo says he's beginning to regret being her accomplice, what happens if he opens his mouth and reveals her lies? He has nothing to lose. She asks what will Barb think when she hears Chalo nearly killed her son? (Oooh, good one Sara.) She says if he ruins her plans he'll go down before her. He flares his nostrils at her.

Lor tells Maruja to hurry up they'll be late for work. Jaime shows up and Lor agrees to go ahead. He says he's been thinking about her business idea. She thinks they should create and market gourmet Mexican products such as squash blossoms, huitlacoche (mmmmm, our favorite), chilacayote, etc. He doesn't know why she'd put her savings in his hands. She says he has administrative talent and knowledge. His past means nothing, it's all about his future.

Ern watches Lor from his car and calls himself an idiot. He's about to get out when he gets a phone call from Gladys. Lor grabs a taxi and he misses his chance. Gladys calls to ask why didn't he tell her Gina wets the bed? She ruined the mattress so Gladys had to punish her by making her wash clothes. Ern is aghast and says Gina's not responsible for what happened. Wicked Witch Gladys didn't call him for advice, she called him to say Gina is crying for him. Ern tells her he can't come now because he's on his way to work. He'll see the kids on the weekend. At first I thought this was harsh of him but I'm thinking it's a pretty effective way to get Gladys to tire of the kids sooner rather than later. Intentional or not, it should work to Ern's favor.

Jaime tells Maru she's a great friend. A friend, she scoffs, too bad he only sees her that way. What way would you like, he asks? As a woman, you idiot! (OK, I added the last bit.) Jaime doesn't waste any time. He kisses her, tells her he loves her, and he's dreamed of this moment a thousand times. I'll bet it was when he was in jail and had a lot of time on his hands.


At the restaurant the gossipy hostess tells Monica that Ern and Lor have been fighting for two days. Lorena won't forgive him for getting rid of the kids. Monica snickers that Ern needs moral support and she's the one to give it.


In the kitchen Lorena tells Maruja that if happiness had a name it would be Maruja. Why the big smile? Maru asks Lor not to tell Rossy, but she and Jaime are novios!


Rossy sees them hugging and asks did Lor make up with Ern? Lor answers that there are some who won't drop the pan even if they burn the mango. (Hay gente que no suelta la sarten ni aunque le queme el mango.) Huh, asks Rossy? Lor tells her to ask Ern. He walks past and attempts a quick smile at Lorena. I love him.


The Armendariz Chef is trying to teach Sara how to make risotto, a dish that will impress anyone. She tries her hand at stirring but she acts like the risotto is going to bite her.


Alonslow tells another doctor that Florencia didn't react positively to the test. Other doc says all they can do is wait. Al has to go because Florencia is calling for him. Oh shoot she's in pain and looks on the verge of death. Sorry folks, I had to fast forward. Al pats her head and says everything will be fine. Vodka in glass, add ice, a splash of cranberry juice, one vodka cranberry (aka Cape Cod) standing by.



The restaurant is closed and Monica is "surprised" to see Ern is still there, doesn't he have to get home to take care of the kiddies? She tries to suck up to him but puts her foot in her mouth every time. It must be hard to care for the children of others. "They're not others, they're my family." She says they were a lot of work. "Thanks for calling me incompetent," he replies. She says she doesn't see him as a dad and now he can think of himself first and last. He thanks her for opening his eyes, for showing him how immature and egotistical he was, that he was only putting on the pretext that their leaving was best for them. Monica has been soundly put in her place and she knows it.


Only one minute left and we are at Florencia's bed. It's never good when a sickbed is the last scene. Florencia tells Al there isn't time for her to say goodbye to her godmother (who was never there), tell her not to be sad. She weakly grasps Al's hand and thanks him for being her friend during her last days and for giving her hope. She's so tired...her head droops and her eyes stare. Of course she dies ON MY NIGHT! (And to make it worse she'll die again on Monday). Al looks consternated and constipated. I believe I'll have that vodka cranberry now.



Note: No QE tomorrow, it returns on Monday and Sara tries to throw herself at Al and Al gazes numbly at Lorena.

Labels: enemiga

Simón sees Isabel kissing Andrés. Both Isabel and Andrés convince Simón that it is in his best interest not to say anything to anyone about it.

Nina puts some substance on a piece of meat and gives it to Azur. Nothing appears to happen to the dog, though. What was that all about?

Nina catches Simón and Nora, the maid, in the stable and tells PJ and Isabel. PJ has to have a talk with Simón and tell him to think with his brain not his other parts.

Andrés tells Isabel that they can't wait for PJ to die naturally. He gives her some poison to use in small doses. She doesn't want to do it at first but when she sees Andrés making moves on Ángela, she gets the stuff out. It seems like when she gives PJ some orange juice after one of his nightmares about Salvador that she used the poison but we don't see her put it in the glass.

Salvador and his wife miss a bus.

We are obviously setting up things that only PJ knows about so that when PJ is in Salvador's body, he can demonstrate that he really is PJ. Here, PJ shows Ángela a necklace that belonged to her mother. He will give it to her when she marries. He tells her not to tell anyone about it's nickname, which the titles don't translate very well into English as, 'Little Shiny Tear,' [pequeña lagrima brillante']. PJ also says that where he keeps the necklace is also a secret.

Nina says nasty things about Antonio's father in front of him but Antonio just leaves the room. Nina does the same thing to Simón and Simón tells her off necessitating another visit by PJ to the brothers to smooth things over.

Finally Valeria is ill with some kind of rash on her face. After the charming Nina touches her niece, she is only concerned about washing any possible contagion off her hands.

Labels: cuerpo