Caray, Caray!

Patricio and Candy get on a plane, it looks like they are going to go skydiving. Patricio is Valentino Lanus, Candy is of course Jackie Bracamontes. They jump out of the plane, on the way down Patricio holds up a sign asking her to marry him! How sweet. Then he pulls out a ring and puts it on her while they fall, which is ridiculous. In real life he would have dropped it. They land on a heart shaped landing pad and get busy with the making out. Candy points out their differences while laughing, they don’t support the same soccer team, etc, he keeps nagging her for an answer, she finally says yes. More making out. She says she wants to get married right away this Saturday. Too soon? Ok Sunday! She says she’s in a hurry, they have been dating for three years and she’s desperate to be Mrs. Patricio Molina de (something – sorry I’m watching this part on youtube and I couldn’t make out that last part). Anyway, she wants to get married in a hurry. They agree on six months, and the text at the bottom of the screen says “Six months before the wedding.”

The actress who was the middle sister on Heridas de Amor is Paulina, who is on the phone in her home. There is a diploma and a bunch of photos in frames on a table. Santiago (Jaime Camil, your ‘tan divino’) is her husband (I think they are married) Santiago, he sneaks up on her and she shushes him because she’s on the phone. He’s dressed in hospital scrubs, I guess so we can know right away that he’s a doctor. The house looks nice and expensive, so that makes sense. She scolds him when she gets off the phone for interrupting her. He starts playing around with a pair of baby shoes, then tells her that she’s pregnant!

3 months before the wedding – Patricio and Candy leave a soccer game, dressed in opposing soccer jerseys. They argue about something, but playfully. Patricio kisses her to shut her up.

Santiago picks out baby clothes for a boy, she says what if it’s a girl? Surprise, he has a skirt too! He is very very excited to be a daddy. Kiss kiss.

Less than a month before the wedding – Patricio and Candy are still lovey dovey. She asks him for a favor. She wants for her and her parents to stay in a hotel during the wedding, etc, not in Patricio’s parents’ house. He says sure, but on one condition – the wedding night, she and Patricio go to a DIFFERENT hotel, so her family doesn’t listen at the door while they make crazy noise knocking boots all night. I think that’s a good plan.

Santiago reproaches Paulina for working so hard while being so pregnant. He wants her to rest. She says she was thinking about it and she doesn’t want to go to Acapulco with him. He wants to go have fun, not go by himself. She’s busy with some work, he’s tired of it. Wow, and he’s a doctor! She says she’s tired. He says yeah from working so hard. She promises him to take good care of the baby, to placate him.

Patricio and Candy talk about having kids. Kissy kissy.

Acapulco, 2 days before the wedding. Patricio and Candy make out on the beach, shop for wedding cake decorations, etc. She wants to return to Acapulco every year on their anniversary, Patricio says that sounds like a good idea, let’s make it official!

One day before the wedding – bachelor party. Patricio is enjoying strippers dancing to Oops I did it again by Britney Spears. He’s getting mighty drunk. These strippers are more like dancers, there isn’t any stripping going on. They are somewhat scantily clad though, which is ok.

Bachelorette party in the hotel pool – Candy opens presents. A friend reminds her of the deal they all made to tell each other the details of the wedding night. Lots of group ‘whoooaaa!’ sounds, I guess that’s the Mexican version of the American ‘Wooo!!’ girl chant.

Patricio continues to get drunk, one guy ducks out to meet some hoochie in the lobby. He stops talking to her when he sees Alicia (Thelma from Duelo), who is Candy’s sister. Ah – the guy who ducked out of the party here was Saimon from La Fea. So he’s trying to pick up Alicia, she says no to the one night stand. After the wedding she’s headed back to Tijuana. It sounds like these two had some kind of history in the past and she just gives him a nice goodbye rather than relive it with him.

The girls have moved on to proper American “woooo!!!” noises as the gifts get more and more sexy. Garter belt this time.

Alicia gets herself all gussied up in her hotel room. Nice. She takes the elevator down.

Patricio’s buddies give him a keycard to a room, telling him that it’s all his for a good time! Jeez who thinks giving their buddy a hooker the night before his wedding is a good idea. I guess Saimon (whatever his name is here) was trying to get that other girl up to that room, but it looks like Alicia copied the girl’s style and will be there instead. I think. Sorry this is so disjointed, first episodes are so hard sometimes.

Some girl at the girl party teases Candy about Patricio being with some hoochie, she says no way, he loves me! So of course right now Patricio is being led up to the hooker’s room.

Yes, there he is. Blindfolded, being fed many more drinks by his buddies. He’s trashed. He wants his buddies to hang out with him, they say no way, you’re on your own here, and they throw him into a hotel room. He starts talking to whoever might be there. Turns out to be Alicia, in a cat mask and black gloves. She is ready to give him a good time. She looks good, but he’s blindfolded so he doesn’t see this. I guess if he had the blindfold off he’d recognize her. He starts making excuses about getting married, etc, but she throws him on the bed. He finally pulls off the blindfold, so he can check out how sexy she looks. She still has the mask on, so I guess he doesn’t recognize her. She starts kissing him, he goes for it. Tool. She gives him some more booze, champagne this time, it spills and she licks it off his body.

The girls party some more, Candy thanks all her friends for such a great time and talks up how great Patricio is. I really wish I was watching this on TV instead of youtube with all these bathing suit beauties walking around. Damn. Candy misses someone named Veronica, but at least her beloved sister Alicia is here with her. Candy is so excited to see her, she has been gone for three years. A friend asks why she left, Candy doesn’t know why, Alicia never said.

Patricio wakes up with Alicia’s bunny ears on his head. He hears Alicia make a noise and panics. She asks if all his fantasies were realized or are there more? He says no, I’m good! She takes off her mask and says ok, just promise her that he’ll be happy with Candy. He looks at her and finally recognizes her, “Alicia!” She says what, you’re a man, I’m a woman, we were enjoying your last night as a single man! Patricio seems to realize his big mistake and puts his face in his hands. Um, too late dude. He makes her promise to never tell Candy what they just did. His phone rings, it’s Candy. He tries to talk normally, but of course hottie Alicia is right there wearing his shirt, being all sexy. He sweet talks Candy but it pains him to lie to her by acting normal. Alicia leaves to go get dressed.

Wedding day – Candy greets an older couple, her parents. The guy is named Clemente, I didn’t catch the mom’s name. They make small talk, then mom tells her to remember what she told her about the wedding night, something about Clemente. Clemente says please woman, Patricio doesn’t want to spend his wedding night thinking about his father-in-law. Mom calls for some Pina Coladas, Clemente says what about breakfast? I guess mom wants to get drinking early. She yells back “without alcohol!” Mom is excited about the huge wedding, Candy says she just likes Patricio because he’s a millionaire. Clemente says yeah. Mom says if she was after money, she wouldn’t have married him! Candy swears to never give up her loyalty to Chivas futbol club, not even for Patricio.

Saimon shows up to greet Patricio, Patricio’s father is there too. Patricio thanks him for coming. I guess dad doesn’t like him marrying Candy. The waves of the ocean drown out the conversation, but basically dad is an asshole and really lays the heavy “don’t do it” on Patricio. I think it’s the fact that Candy is not from a rich family or something. Patricio thanks him for coming anyway.

The wedding begins, in a beautiful outdoor location. Patricio walks in with his mom, walking to the front of the crowd. On the way by, he nods at Santiago – I guess they know each other. I don’t see Paulina, but now we know why Santiago had to go to Acapulco, he was invited to the wedding. I wonder what the connection is. As Candy walks down the aisle, she shares a looong look with Santiago – who looks like he got hit with the thunderbolt, like in the Godfather when Michael Corleone first sees his Sicilian future bride.

Candy’s gay uncle is there too, he waves at Candy’s mom (I think that’s who it was), who seems to be ashamed of him and turns away quickly.

Candy reaches Patricio, there is a lot smiling, etc. They finish the walk to the altar together, walking by Alicia who is wearing an awesomely low cut red dress. Yowza. The music changes from the wedding march to “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Is that wedding music? The ceremony goes on, Alicia bends over a railing to give us major cleavage, other faces in the crowd much less interesting than that. The couple say their vows.

At the reception, the bride is very happy, sharing her joy with her sister Alicia. She thanks Alicia for coming, she was worried she wouldn’t. She is going to re-introduce her to Patricio, wait right here! As soon as Candy walks away Alicia runs away. When Candy tells Patricio that Alicia is here, he tries to play it cool and is relieved when she isn’t there.

Gay uncle catches Candy’s eye, she says “Tio Meño!” Ah so that’s his name. Gregoria appears to be Candy’s mother’s name, she comes over to ask Meño what he’s doing here. She tries to run him off, nobody likes him! He says Candy invited him. He plays up his gayness, she is scandalized. I guess he has been shunned by the family. He says whatever, though, he doesn’t care. She insists that he leave, he finally says gives in, leaving an envelope for Candy with Clemente, who came to assist Gregoria in running him away.

Santiago’s buddies hang around with him, all wearing pure douchebag style sunglasses, huge bugeyed things.

Candy talks to Alicia, I guess in the past Alicia wanted to be a dancer and somehow Candy interfered with that, but Alicia says whatever, now she lives in Tijuana and everything is cool. Another mention of Veronica, sad music, Candy wishes she was here. Who is Veronica? Some conversation about one day Alicia thought she’d be with Patricio, but now here he is married to Candy.

Patricio’s mother comes to talk to him – First, to dog Candy a bit, then something else I didn’t understand. Candy shows up, Patricio’s mom can’t get away fast enough. Patricio tries to hint at getting away for some sex right away, she laughs but shuts him down for the moment. Again, some background noise drowns out half the conversation. Some of Candy’s friends arrive and steal Candy away ‘just for a minute!’ Patrico runs over to see his father, who is still frowning at him. He insults Candy’s family. Candy’s father comes up to chat with Patricio’s dad, calling him amigo, Patricio’s father rudely says he will never call Clemente amigo, only employee. Does Clemente work for him?

Candy’s mother chews out Candy for inviting Meño, Candy tells her to stuff it, but nicely. Gregoria goes on and on and on. Finally Candy tells her to just drop it already. Gregoria says he left this envelope, it has money in it. Candy can’t believe she opened it! I can believe it, metiche. She makes to give her the envelope, then says “no I’ll hold on it for you.” I have a feeling that this will be significant later. Candy heads off to change clothes.

Some other guy is trying to pick up on Alicia, with no luck. For some reason Patricio goes after Alicia. He catches up to her in the bathroom. He wants her to swear again that she won’t say anything. She says she isn’t going to say anything. He wants to know why she did it. I didn’t quite understand her whole speech, but basically she wanted some action so she took it. She tells him how handsome and sexy he is in his tux.

Santiago is charming some ladies at the reception, an excuse to pass out his business cards. He’s talking with Patricio’s mother (I think), who introduces him to Candy. Patricio’s mother says Santiago is responsible for her youthful good looks! Santiago says pleased to meet you Candy, and holds out his hand. Candy refuses, saying “you’re a plastic surgeon? Sorry, but I hate everything about plastic surgery” and stomps off. Santiago looks mighty confused. Patricio’s mother explains that one of Candy’s sisters (ah HAH that’s who Veronica is/was) died from a liposuction mishap. Ah that explains it. She changes the subject to whether or not she should get a boob job, Santiago says absolutely, lift and augment!

I guess Alicia wants some more, she grabs Patricio and kisses him, just in time for Candy to walk in. Of course the first thing he says is “I can explain” – yeah, the explanation is that you’re a dog. Candy slaps Patricio and runs off. Candy runs into her father, who stupidly defends Patricio, “he’s your husband now!” Patricio tries to talk to her too, she wants none of it. Now that they are in front of a crowd, Candy calms down for show, while Patricio tries to talk her out of dumping his ass right here and now. He begs and begs. She doesn’t agree. She completely melts down and freaks out, screaming at him in front of everyone. Patricio blubbers at her, going on about the guests, her dress, the location, the cake…..finally she says she doesn’t want any of it, she takes off her ring and throws it on the ground, then her shoes, then her veil, then her dress. Niiiice. In her bra and panties, which is way too short of a scene by the way (and damn that horrible youtube video quality), she throws over the wedding cake, then runs off down the beach.

So that’s the first episode – the stage is set, I expect tomorrow night’s show to be a Candy ugly crying tour de force – remember that Jackie Bracamontes is responsible for the ugly crying scale being created in the first place. Alina in Duelo kept it going, but it was Miranda “No Estoy SoooLLLAAA” from Heridas that got it going first. I hope you all enjoyed it, Jaime Camil didn’t get much screen time but he is so obviously head and shoulders above everyone else in sheer acting talent it isn’t even funny. He just morphs into his roles. I’m a fan.

Labels: Tontas

EPISODE 48:
* Cande cries as MC swears that she will never tell JM about her baby and goes upstairs to the loft.

* Ceci and Pat continue to discuss what Padre told her about her baby girl and that Steffie and Isa are liars. Pat is really curious and asks who is their child?

* MC daydreams about holding her baby in her arms.

* In Fantasyland, Granny and Mayita discuss MC and her baby. Granny tells Mayita if MC says it's so, then it will be so. Mayita is impatient and wonders when? Granny tells her to be patient and wait. They hug.

* Cande and MC at the table in the apartment. A knock at the door. MC knows it's visitors and doesn't want to see anyone. Cande goes and answers it. Adrian enters. He asks to speak with MC. MC isn't really interested. He asks about her acting career. MC mumbles about no acting career anymore. He's surprised.

* JM and Ed are in JM's home office discussing Viv now residing at the sanitarium. JM says he talked with MC, about the divorce and whatever. He's pretty sure it's over for them.

* Ceci is desperate and feels super guilty over abandoning her daughter at the church orphanage. Pat demands that Ceci tell him who is their real daughter. Ceci finally blurts out MARICHUY! He's impactado.

* MC and Adrian continue talking. He is her friend and will support her. She thanks him for his friendship and patience. He leaves to meet Purita for dinner. Alone again, MC tells Cande that she needs to leave the city.

* Pat's impactado. Ceci cries about all the negative things he's said about Marichuy. She reminds him that she is their daughter, and then tells him that they have to make Steffie and Isa leave the house now.

* JM finishes with a phone call in the office. Mayita, holding Cuate in her arms, wanders up to the desk.

* MC is determined to carry out her decision. Cande rolls her eyes.

* JM and Mayita talk about MC's departure from the house. He says soon her mom will return. Mayita jumps and claps, then tells him about MC and the baby. JM is impactado.

* MC visits Padre at the church. She asks him for a huge favor.

* Pat and Ceci discuss MC, and Ceci's quilt over abandoning her as a baby. Ceci wonders if Pat will continue to reject MC as their daughter.

* MC talks with Padre about how she can't be with JM because Viv is still alive and in town.

* At the sanitarium courtyard, Ed sits with Viv on a bench. He asks her several questions - she just sits and stares into space.

* MC gets some chairs as she and Padre talk. They sit and then she tells him that she's pregnant with JM's baby.

* JM sits at the window thinking about Mayita's statement of MC and the baby. He shrugs it off as one of Mayita's fantasies.

* MC cries and explains her reasons to Padre about why she needs to leave town ASAP. She has to get away from JM. However, she cares for Cande and is worried about her. Padre mentions that there are others who care for her also - her parents.

* Isa and Steffie commiserate together in Steffie's room. Isa asks Steffie to wish her luck - Isa leaves. Steffie stays on the floor and cries.

* Isa walks upstairs. She and Martirio talk about what happened with Pat and Ceci. Isa walks away, as Martirio mumbles to herself.

* Pat and Ceci are still talking. Isa enters to interrupt. She says, pouting and acting guilty, that she will leave immediately.

* Padre talks with MC about finding her parents. MC wonders if they are still alive. Padre says, yes, they are very much so.

* Ceci doesn't believe that Isa is sincere. Pat gives the benefit of the judicial doubt and listens. Isa says Steffie is innocent, that she and the parents are to blame.

* Padre talks to MC about how her parents' have searched for her. MC doesn't believe it. Padre tells her about her mom's grave illness and why she left MC at the orphanage. MC has a lot of residual hurt, anger and resentment built up over the years and doesn't want to know anything about her parents. To her, her parents are dead.

* Isa explains how she got Steffie away from her parents and took her to New York to live. Then as the parents were so grave, she brought Steffie back. Afterwards, Isa came up with the idea to use Steffie in the scheme with Pat and Ceci.

* MC argues with Padre why she doesn't want anything to do with her parents; she doesn't want to even now their names. She asks Padre again to help her leave town; leave JM. She asks Padre to take care of Cande for her. MC says that she has to leave for the sake of her son.

* JM sits and hopes Viv does recover; he needs her to recover. He then daydreams about MC and hopes that she can find happiness with another man. JM says that he's lost MC; that it's over for them. The only woman for him now is Viviana.

* Adrian and Purita are laughing as they leave a restaurant and walk down the street. The gossiping neighbors come out in their curlers and spout off about Purita and that her mom's a slut. Purita and Adrian are impactado.

* Ceci doesn't believe any of the story Isa is spewing out. Pat, the judge, listens. Isa finishes her explanation, says believe it or not. Isa leaves the room. Ceci tells Pat that those two are con-artists and not to believe a word from either of them. Pat wants to talk with Steffie - he leaves the room.

* Pat enters Steffie's room. Steffie is still on the floor crying. He tells her he needs to talk. She gets up and cries about her shock over Isa's actions and schemes, and that she has no defense. She cries and he asks her to tell him everything. She tells him how Isa convinced her to leave her parents and go with her to live in New York; how Isa plotted and schemed. Steffie brings on the tears and begs forgiveness from Pat.

* Gossips finish spouting about Olga as a prostitute. Purita doesn't believe them. They tell her to ask Olga and leave. Purita is mortified and storms away. Adrian runs after her.

* Steffie cries about leaving the house. Pat wonders where she will go. She's not sure and asks for time to pack her things. Pat feels sorry for her, and asks for a moment to speak with Ceci first. He leaves the room.

* Purita storms into the apartment and confronts her mom - WHO ARE YOU??

* Pat comes to Ceci in the living room - he explains about Steffie guilt and her story. Ceci doesn't believe it and is still firm and unyielding. Steffie enters and cries and begs Ceci for forgiveness and compassion.

* Olga is shocked by the question. Purita starts in on all the gossip the neighbors had just told her about her activities in town (how she made a living). Olga cries. Purita demands the truth.

* Pat is silent. Steffie cries and tells her sad tale of woe to Ceci; that she had no idea of Isa's plan and says she will leave ASAP. Ceci stops her and says she can stay the night then leave in the morning. Steffie thanks her and leaves.

* In the hallway, Steffie tells Isa that they've won round one, and Ceci has let her stay in the house for the night.

* Isa enters the breakfast room and tells Pat and Ceci that she will leave now. Pat talks with her.

* Olga tells her daughter that the gossip is lies. Purita demands the truth. Olga finally breaks down and blurts out that yes, she is a prostitute. Purita is impactado.

* Cande sits at the table as MC brings down her suitcase and then puts the box with it. She's all packed and ready to leave.

* Pat and Ceci talk in private about MC. Pat still thinks MC is a street urchin and delinquent. Ceci says that she's our daughter! Pat still has high ideals about Steffie and blames MC for JM canceling his engagement with Steffie. Ceci reminds him again that MC is still their daughter, and has every right to their last name, love and support from both her and Pat.

* Cande and MC talk. A knock at the door. MC says more visitors. Cande doesn't move, so MC has to walk over to answer the door.

ADVANCE: Ceci visit MC at the apartment.

PROGRAM NOTE: Univision's holiday gift to the viewers - they are re-running "NAVIDAD SIN FIN", airing at 1 p.m./Noon. (See sidebar for all the recaps I wrote for this program the last time it aired on Univision.)

Labels: Cuidado

Don Clemente comes over to pay Juan for his crop, and invites Juan to his daughter Juliana's birthday dance. He adds that Juliana really likes Juan. Juan says he'll think about it.

Sofi and her sisters are excited about the three nameless girls' upcoming baptism. Sofi has a sad flashback to when Juan bought a baptismal gown for the tiny pillow under her dress. Gabi shows up, thinking she'll be among the godmothers. Sofi breaks the awkward news that she picked her sisters and Eva over Gabi. Gabi is insulted and says she won't even go to the baptism, then, and by the way since Sofi doesn't yet have possession of the hacienda, Gabi's not going to let her have a baptism party there.

Juan and his brothers are excited about the money Don C. gave them for their crop, which they're going to use to buy a tractor. Or spend on a party for the baptism. Or save. (They discuss which should be first priority.)

Sofi confides to her sisters that the hacienda is in financial trouble - in addition to the crop troubles, evidently they have some big debts thanks to Feo. So they can't afford a party for the baptism. It'll have to be just a religious ceremony.

One of the adopted nuns comes over to tell the sisters that the social worker showed up to check on the happily married couple. Jimena is annoyed to have to pretend to be living with Oscar, whom she's angry with at the moment, but it's an emergency, so away she goes... with Sarita, not sure why - I thought they were divorced? Oh well...

Juliana pays Juan a visit to persuade him to go to her birthday dance. She adds that she's not into deceitful games. She says her dad really likes Juan, and would be very happy to have a son-in-law like him. Plus, she thinks he's attractive. He says his heart belongs to someone else, para siempre. Juliana's flirting gets on his nerves, and he pushes her away. She asks if they can be friends.

Juan says he doesn't know about going to the dance, but they might as well be friends, sure. She then suggests that perhaps someday he'll see her as something more. And by "someday" she evidently means "now," because she launches a facial attack, battering him with kisses. He pushes her away, but not before Jimena and Sarita see. He shakes his head at them in horror and denial. They ask to see Oscar. Juliana tries to be friendly with them, but they snub her. Juliana surmises that one of them is his girlfriend. Juan says no, neither of them. She looks like she's planning another kiss attack.

Now awaiting Oscar in the kitchen, Sarita and Jimena discuss what they've just seen. Sarita clarifies that Juliana was kissing him, but she doesn't understand why Juan allowed her to. "All Reyes are alike!" Oscar and Franco walk in. J punches Oscar, and S kicks Franco. The social worker shows up, and the two couples put on a fantastic show of affection while hissing at each other through gritted teeth.

Quintina sells conchas in the street. Juliana's two friends try some of the bread and are impressed. Evidently, they made a deal with Q some time ago - something they don't want to talk about explicitly, but whatever they agreed to still stands. Q says she loves her Reyes boys, but other women have already claimed them. Except... well, they're sort of fighting now, she adds. This news makes the girls' day: they want to get these guys for themselves. Q doesn't like the sound of this, but one of them reminds her of their agreement and says she'll pay Q later!

The social worker is happy with what she's seen and says the kids can stay with Oscar and Jimena now that they've reconciled. Their steamy displays of affection convince her not to wear out her welcome, and she leaves. The brawling resumes immediately, and the sisters explain to the brothers that the only reason they showed up was for the kids, NOT to be with the guys. They leave. The guys complain that they get crazier and better-looking every day.

Juliana is still bugging Juan and he's still not interested. She tells him to they can always decide later! He firmly shows her the door. He tells Oscar and Franco about the upcoming dance. They tell him about the social worker visit. Now all three of them understand why Sarita and Jimena were so annoyed. Juan worries that they'll tell Sofi what they saw.

Jimena and Sarita go to Crap From Afar, where Eva overhears them debating whether or not to tell Sofi.

Pablito comes home with a note from school about his non-consensual kissing of Rosita. Juan and Oscar are furious and send him to his room. Franco points out that Pablito's no worse than they were. Juan gets fed up and is ready to walk out on them. Then they all think how harmless it was, and how cute it must have looked, Pablito kissing that girl on the cheek, and they laugh.

Sarita and Jimena tell Eva all about the kiss this Juliana chick was giving Juan. Eva advises them not to tell Sofia. Then they have a surprise for her: Sofi wants her to be a godmother (I didn't realize Eva didn't already know this). "Does your mother know?" Yeah, she knows, she didn't like it, and she's not going to let them have the party at their house. Eva says that's okay, they'll have the party at the "Uribe" hacienda (I can't believe she doesn't call it the Robles hacienda!). She tells them it's worth sacrificing a little bit of their pride to do this for their sister and her kids.

Quintina is bummed out, thinking that thanks to Santa, Grandpa no longer pays any attention to her. Franco says it's time for them to go do a serenade. She tells him how she feels about being sidelined. She's jealous. Besides, she says, Santa is about as much a saint as Quintina is an astronaut!

At this moment, Grandpa is having Rosende take Santa's bags up to Feo's old room, and they agree to meet in the parlor later for a drink. Gabi overhears and privately vows that Santa will pay for all the trouble she caused.

Juan burns himself on the oven again but doesn't get upset because he's so excited about how great his daughters' baptism will be. He's going to make something with his own hands. (I'm guessing it will be some kind of baked goods.)

Franco and Quintina do their scheduled serenade, but no one comes out to hear it. Franco asks Q who hired them. She is very, very vague. Then Paulina - the non-blond friend of Juliana - comes out and says she's the one who hired them. Quintina confesses that Paulina paid them a lot for their services... they're going to have to stay for a long time. Franco has to dance with her while he sings (or lip-syncs along with a boom box) a song about jealousy. Jimena and Sarita just happen to be passing by at the time and see. They even drive up for a better look. Franco waves timidly. Quintina tries to cut in on the dance to make it look more innocent, but the sisters take off.

Grandpa and Santa enjoy martinis in the salon as planned and talk about old times. Their romance was before either of them got married, and they had some memorable times. She can't remember why they didn't marry each other. He reminds her that she married a much richer guy than himself. But now that they're both available, they can make up for lost time. She agrees to this. Then Sarita and Jimena come in with steam coming out of their ears. Santa deduces that this is about a couple of jerks who aren't worth the trouble, they're all the same. It's best if they just have fun with men and don't take them too seriously. Grandpa admits that Santa knows more about men than he does.

Santa also tells them that all's fair in love and war, and they can't give these guys up without a fight.

Juan hops the balcony into Sofia's room to give her three little cupcakes he's made in honor of their daughters. Sofia gets all sad. He reminds her that they had decided to call their daughter Maria Guadalupe, and he was thinking another could be Maria Libia after his mother, and maybe Sofi has a good idea for a third name. She suggests Maria Jose, after his father. (She says "Jóse" but the captions say "José".) He is touched. She is sad as usual. Destiny is so cruel and won't let us be happy. She can't live without him, she loves him so much. He loves her too. (Will someone please get rid of that noisy crinkly bag!!!)

Kiss! Kiss! Kiss para siempre! But he can't stop thinking about how her father killed his parents (according to Gabi). "Try to understand," he says, and exits over the balcony.

Quintina and Franco come home from their gig and Oscar is impressed by the money they've made. Franco is not at all happy that Quintina agreed to this deal with "La Pau" (Paulina). Q says "money is money" but the guys don't like this complication in their love life.

Oscar privately tells Franco that he just can't believe that Bernardo killed their parents. Franco agrees. The met him, and yes he did deceive their sister, but he was also planning to dump Gabriela on the day he died. He just didn't strike them as the killing type.

Also, Padre Tadeo told them that kids mustn't bear their parents' guilt, so they can't blame any of this on the daughters.

Sarita and Jimena consider what Santa told them, but they feel they've already lost the loves of their lives since the guys are convinced that their father killed their parents. Still, they know their father couldn't have done that.

Franco and Oscar also say goodnight without making up their minds - but Sarita and Jimena are there. (For real? Or is it just a dream?)

Grandpa looks down the hallway with his spyglass to see Santa. He invites her to his room. They try to be quiet at first, which lasts about five seconds.

Grumpy Gabriela overhears them laughing and playing, and specifically she hears Santa say "no, that won't work, you have to straighten it/stand it up" (enderezarse) and is mortified.

Sofi wonders how she can live without Juan. Juan is wondering how he can live without Sofia. His heart won't listen to reason.

Mexico airdate: 12 de agosto
Next time: Looks like a party.

Labels: Fuego

Sorry but due to the time change of this show airing I didn't tape this episode. Therefore, I can only go from memory of watching it one time through. So this won’t be a recap, it is only going to be a brief summary…..

Marichuy tells Cande that she’s decided to forgive Juan Miguel and to tell him that they are expecting. She heads over to the castle and is told by Balbina that he’s left for work. Marichuy decides to stick around and wait. She has a run-in with Stef and they exchange words. Stef is her typical biznitch- self, as usual, and tries to use her status as JM’s girlfriend to boss MC around. MC reminds her that she’s JM’s wife and that trumps girlfriend any day. Stef leaves and then MC has a reunion with Cuate and a little chat with Mayita. Mayita lets MC know that Cuate’s been to see the vet, been vaccinated and now has a collar with a nametag. MC tells the girl that Cuate is there to stay and in the course of the conversation she mentions that perhaps Mayita would like a little sibling. Mayita is ecstatic over the idea.

Juanmi speaks to his lawyer, he wants to speed up the divorce process. He heads to the mental health center to check on patients. When he arrives, he’s told there is a new patient, a woman without any memory, apparently suffering from some trauma. The police recently brought her into the facility (she's been there three days, I think). JM goes to talk to her and it is Viviana. She plays like she’s catatonic and doesn’t recognize him (because we all know she's faking, although the powers that be made no indication of this, but we all know). He tries to jog her memory, but doesn’t tell her outright that he’s her husband (that would be really bad as a mental health professional). Getting no response from her, he goes and checks out her personal effects and spots her wedding band among the stuff. He tells a nurse that Viv is his wife.

Cecilia comes home and lets Stef and Isa know that she’s wise to them, that there is no way Stef is her daughter and that she knows that they prevented the rightful daughter, Marichuy, from taking her rightful place. Isa tries to tell Ceci she’s not thinking straight, but Ceci didn’t come down in the last shower of rain and she tells the two frauds to vacate the premises. Gestapo servant hears raised voices from the kitchen, but I can't clearly remember her reaction. Patricio shows up and wants to know why he’s heard yelling. Ceci fills him in and tells him that they need to stick together on this.

Elsa goes to see Eduardo and has a pregnancy test run. She’s not preggers. She mentions her and Nelson’s financial problems and Eduardo says that he’s there for her if she ever needs him.

Juanmi heads home and finds MC waiting there. He’s not too receptive to her visit. She attempts to tell him her news, but doesn’t get a chance because he tells her that their marriage was never valid, because Viv isn’t dead. In fact, she’s in a terrible situation and he’s going to do everything in his power to help her. So, MC's got what she wants...she's free.

Mayita goes to visit her abuelita Marianna and she tells her that Cuate's been to the vet and in an unrelated note, that she's soon going to have a little sibling. AM is impactada.

Isa comes up with a plan to save Stefi. She’s going to take the fall for the whole deception, but Stefi’s got to promise she’ll take care of her.

Marichuy leaves and heads home to cry on Cande’s shoulder. She fills Cande in on what she learned…..her baby won’t have a father and won’t have his last name.

That’s about all I remember. Please fill in any details and anything I might have left out. Thanks.

Labels: Cuidado

PJ/S is walking around outside the Donoso house. He talks to Antonio, waves at Valeria who is riding a horse and then he sees Isabel lounging by the pool

and Isabel sees him...

and the next thing we know, they are going at it hot and heavy in Antonio and Ángela's love nest in the attic.

Isabel considers braining PJ/S with a candlestick but she decides not to and drops it.

After sex, PJ/S asks Isabel when she is going to kill him. She asks if he is still convinced that she was one who shot him. He replies that she told him that she wanted to get rid of him. Isabel says that she hates him when she feels that he is far away from her.

PJ/S says that she just wants his body. Speaking of which, he no longer has the bandage or even a scar from the shooting!

Isabel tells PJ/S that he is wrong about her. She loves him. He asks her to prove it. Would she marry him if she were free? She says that she would consider marrying the family chauffeur if she were free and furthermore, she wants to be free from her husband whom she doesn't love anymore. His eyes full of tears, PJ/S just shakes his head.

Isabel asks Andrés for a divorce and tells him that she is in love with someone else. Andrés says that he won't let Isabel go with someone else. He swears that he will kill her and him.

Cantalicia finds PJ/S and is a lot happier to see him that he is to see her. He runs inside, gets some time off from Ángela, borrows her car and whisks Cantalicia and Moncho away from the Donoso house. Cantalicia has taken he wrong piece of paper with her and has no idea how to get back to Tío Felipe's house. PJ/S has no choice but to take her and Moncho to Gaetana's house and leave them there while he goes back to work.
Tío Felipe is desperately looking for Cantalicia.

Meanwhile, Isabel is fantasizing with PJ/S's uniform.

Ángela asks to speak to Antonio. He tells her that he is keeping his distance from her because he respects his superiors and maybe someday PJ/S will tell her what that means. Ángela thinks he is still not right in the head.

Labels: cuerpo

Santos confronts Antonio in the bar. He says that he thought Antonio was a friend but he is only a filthy traitor. Antonio tells Santos that he and Cecilia tried to tell him about their relationship but Santos won't listen and keeps hitting Antonio. The Altamira vaqueros try to keep them apart with mixed success. During the melee, Santos mentions that Cecilia is pregnant. "Cecilia is having a baby?" says Antonio, "She didn't tell me anything." Santos doesn't believe it.

At Altamira, Marisela tells Gonzalo that she would die before having his baby. Lorenzo tells Gonzalo to leave his daughter alone. Then he sees that he and his friends are armed and ask what they are doing at Altamira.

DB sends Juan Primito to find out what is going on at Altamira.

Federica is hiding under the dining room table and Pernalete demands that she come out and tell him what they told Antonio. Federica stays under the table and wails that it's all lies.

When Lorenzo tells Gonzalo his name, he and the other rebels say that he is their idol. They produce a copy of Lorenzo's thesis: "A new constitution for a new country," and say that they are honored to meet him. Gonzalo says that he will be Lorenzo's son in law and Marisela leaves in disgust. Gonzalo explains to Lorenzo that he and his friends are fugitives from the tyranical government. Lorenzo replies that the local government is very corrupt but he and Santos will help them get over the frontier.

Carmelito drags Antonio out of the bar. "She betrayed me," he says, "she's going to have my baby and she married someone else." He borrows Carmelito's horse. The vaqueros are unable to prevent Santos from following.

Antonio comes into Cecilia's room. "How could you do this to me?" he says, "You're carrying my baby and you marry another man? What kind of a woman are you, Cecilia Vergel?" Cecilia says that when she found out she was pregnant, all she could see was the image of Federica carrying Antonio's baby. She says that she was too proud to beg for a father for her baby. Antonio says that he doesn't believe her and now they are even because she didn't believe him. The difference is that he didn't betray her. Antonio says that the truth will come out and she will repent what she has done to him but it will be too late. Cecilia says that she hasn't done anything to him. She married Lorenzo to forget Antonio and because she thought Lorenzo would be a good father to her baby.

Antonio says that he is the baby's father but if Cecilia wants to go ahead and get it on with that drunk Lorenzo, she should go ahead. Cecilia says that Antonio knows full well that there is nothing between her and Lorenzo. "Right, there's nothing between you and your ex-boyfriend. Tell me another one. ("A otro perro con ese hueso," literally, "to another dog with that bone.") Antonio says that he feels pity for her and he curses the day he met her.

Lorenzo brings Gonzalo and his buddies to a worker's hut where they can stay. Gonzalo tells Lorenzo that he has adored Marisela from the first moment he saw her and intends to make her wife however long it takes. Lorenzo warns him that will be difficult since Marisela has already taken against him.

DB waits for Santos to come to her. She tells Eustaquia to keep the men quiet and put flowers everywhere. She wants El Miedo to be a place of rest from Santos' domestic war.

Armed with a stick to protect herself, Marisela watches while Casilda feeds Gonzalo and his friends. Marisela asks why they have come to Altamira. After joking that he has come just to see her, Gonzalo explains that they are running from 'bad guys' ('malos tipos') from the government and need her help. He says that he will be killed if he is caught and she'll be a widow before she's a bride. Marisela pretends to attack Gonzalo with the stick
and he and his friends cower behind the table.

Santos returns to Altamira and yells for Antonio to come out. Juan Primito is observing the goings on from a tree. Santos comes out and says that he doesn't care if Santos beats him to death. Cecilia is right behind him and she begs them not to fight. Santos say that he won't dirty his hands with someone like Antonio. He tells him to leave Altamira. Santos tells Antonio to disappear from his sight forever. "I will leave here but before I do," says Antonio, "I'm going to tell you something. What I just saw today reminds me of what I saw in this house many years ago when we were children. I saw in your eyes the same hate and the same thirst for vengeance that I saw in the eyes of your father. Today you are the same as José Luzardo. Then, with only one blow, you lost your father and your brother. Today because of your arrogance and blindness, you are losing your best friend."

Antonio leaves and Cecilia goes after him. He tells her that he will do everything he can to take her baby from her because a woman like her doesn't deserve to be a mother. Cecilia says that he seems like a different person. Antonio says that he is a different person and soon she will hear about the new Antonio Sandoval.

Santos is muttering to himself about what a traitor Antonio is when Lorenzo comes out to speak to him.
L: If you want, you can hit me to relieve your fury.
S: Leave me in peace. What do you want?
L: Let us see the 'different Luzardo' ('el Luzardo distinto'). The centaur of violence is inside you, Santos. You are the same as your father. Are you going to kill Antonio with a bullet?
S: You too? Is everyone here trying to destroy my life?
L: No one is destroying anyone else's life. Everyone is resonsible for his own misfortunes. Do you remember how many times you've told me that?
S: I don't want to talk to you or to anyone right now. Go away.

Lorenzo tells Santos that Gonzalo and his friends are at Altamira. He says that he has put them in a worker's hut until Santos decides what to do with them.

Marisela says that Casilda likes Gonzalo. Casilda says that Marisela likes him too. She protests but Casilda says that it is a short step between love and hate. Marisela gives Casilda a look.

Santos tells Gonzalo and his friends that they should rest up at Altamira for a few days and then he will help them get over the border.

Antonio comes back to the Sandoval house and tells Melesio and the terneras that Santos has thrown him out of Altamira. Antonio tells his family that Santos was offended that he didn't tell him about his relationship with Cecilia. Melesio says that Santos was right - they went behind his back but Genoveva doesn't agree. Melesio asks where they will go. He has lived on these lands his entire life. There has always been a Sandoval at the side of a Luzardo.

Back at the hut, it's decided that Gonzalo and his friends will pretend to be workers at Altamira. For that they will need clothes and tools. Lorenzo agrees to see to that. Santos then tells them that he isn't living at Altamira.

Antonio tells Melesio and the terneras that he will find them new land where they can live without bowing their heads or calling anyone, 'boss.' Sandovals don't need a Luzardo to live. He tells them to pack up their stuff. "It's not right!" says Genoveva and runs out.

The Altamira vaqueros are patching themselves up after the fight with Antonio when Genoveva comes in. She attacks Pajarote saying that it's all their fault and they are cowards and liars and Pajarote is the worst.

Santos return to El Miedo. He tells DB that she was right. Everyone lied to him. He can't trust anyone. DB says that he can trust her, only her.

Pernalete is giving Mujiquita orders to search evertwhere for Gonzalo and his friends. Antonio comes in and says that they have to talk.

Marisela comes breezing in to the Sandoval house and sees the terneras packing up all the stuff. She asks if something happened. They tell her that they have to leave the house since Santos threw Antonio out of Altamira. Marisela doesn't believe that Santos would kick his best friend out. She says that they are as close as a fingernail and dirt ("ellos son uña y sucio"). Repeating that she doesn't believe it, Marisela leaves the room but she comes back in a second. "He really did it?" she asks. The terneras nod yes. Marisela tells them to stop packing. She says that this won't happen.

Pernalete refuses to believe Antonio that Federica had sex with the vaqueros. Antonio calls Mujiquita to verify that Federica and Josefa laid a trap for him.

DB lies down on the bed with Santos. She tells him to rest. Tomorrow he can decide how he will punish those who betrayed his trust. DB says that this is his refuge, her love will protect him from all bad things.

Antonio helps Pernalete drag Federica out from under the table. He asks to be left alone with her.

There is one more revelation necessary before everyone knows all the secrets. Genoveva brings the vaqueros to Cecilia.

She orders them to, "Tell it to her!" ("¡Díganselo!"). She has a right to know. Cecilia says that she has a headache and doesn't want to hear any more. The vaqueros look for a way to escape. They say that Cecilia is ill and this will make her feel much worse. Genoveva won't be denied. When the vaqueros won't speak, she tells Cecilia that the vaqueros slept with Federica and one of them is the father of her child. Antonio was telling the truth. Federica trapped him. Cecilia is impactada.

Antonio tells Federica that she is a disusting cockroach on the inside ("cucaracha asquerosa") and an insignificant mouse ("ratona insignificante") on the outside but he has the perfect way to get vengeance for what she did to him. He will marry her and make her suffer every day that she is by his side.

DB continues to pour poison into Santos' ear by repeating all the bad things that the folks at Altamira did to him when Marisela's voice is heard outside demanding to talk to Santos. Santos comes out and asks why she is yelling like a rude uneducated person. Marisela says that is what she is but he is a heartless wretch. She tells Santos that he has been converted into a monster like DB. Santos replies that it is he who should be annoyed with Marisela. Marisela says that she doesn't care. Her conscience is clear but his is black like that devil. She says that because of him Melesio and the terneras have to leave their land and don't have a roof over their heads. "Where is the Santos I knew? Where is he?" she asks hitting him.

Labels: barbara

Whew....the writers didn't disappoint...this was a rip-snortin' gran finale. Lots of action. Symbolic hands (touching, consoling, slapping, slipping on rings, attacking etc.) and the cruel contrast of Sara's harassment and humiliation with Lorena's triumph of love and affection. And the wedding...always awaited, often a dud, this one was great fun with some dynamite dancing. Vive la boda y arriba los novios!

But let's start at the beginning. The first hour Friday was covered in a stellar recap by Julie Wednesday. Check that one if you missed it. And so we start with Lorena and Alonso's sad despedida (good-bye) in his office. She's thanking him for all he did...in particular reuniting her with her family and saving Ernesto's life. He's regretting his errors and promising that if Ernesto doesn't make her happy, he'll have to deal with Alonso!

Alonso is alone now in his office when his dad enters, surprised that he's not in a more celebratory mood, given the success of the operation. Dad thoughtfully consoles him when he learns Lorena is lost to him forever. You won't forget her right away but she's moved on and so will you. At least you know you fought for her to the end. "El corazon no se mande". This is one phrase that every telenovela watcher learns quickly. Literally, the heart can't be ordered around...but I prefer "The heart has its reason which the reason knows not." The scene ends with Toribio gently placing his hand over Alonso's in sympathy.

Out in the corridor, Lorna is signing for Ernesto's effects when a ring box slips out of the bag. While the nurse rolls her eyes in delight, Lorena stares at the box in equal delight. Ring no. 2 and this one is for keeps!

Valeria is now with Alonso, continuing the consolation scene, trying to get him to eat (he hasn't had a thing all day) and agreeing to listen to his tale of woe as she tenderly covers his hand with hers.

Cute scene with Lorena teasing Ernesto about the ring (although I was horrified she sat down on the bed. You never do that with a hospital patient and particularly when they're recovering from from major surgery on a torn liver!) Oh well, they ramble on about how nothing is conventional in their romance....he fell in love with her selling muffins on the street....and she happily accepts his proposal. He slips the ring on her finger. Tah-dah!

Sara, on the other hand (no pun intended) has a pair of handcuffs slipped on...and this time she's cuffed behind her back. No chance of escape. She's limping but otherwise no sign of the gunshot wounds.

Now we have the Alonso/Ernesto farewell. I've noticed writers seem to favor scenes where two men who fought for the same damsel recognize each other's valor and part as gentlemen. More symbolism as Ernesto reaches out his hand and Alonso extends his for a manly handshake. (and here, Julie, I must say....Alonso's is bigger!)

Valeria is crying when Paula calls to see how the surgery went. He's still in love with Lorena, weeps Valeria. ¿ "Y eso a ti qué"? says Paula, although she's figured out by now that Val is a goner for our doc.

Another tender scene in Ernesto's hospital room (he evidently needs no recovery time from this major surgery). Gina, still missing a tooth, wants to know if he's okay with all these tubes hanging out. Hey, he's great and he's been thinking about them all the time. Ivan doesn't believe it but it's true...he doesn't need to think about Lorena because she's "in his heart" and when she enters the room he introduces her as his future wife (and my mom, pipes up Gina) and there's a group hug. Fortunately they don't all jump on Ernesto's bed after that.

The screen shows "a few months later" and we see Ernesto and Lorena walking around what I assume to be Chapultepec Park(thanks for the spelling correction, Cheryl) which he has picked for their wedding. I guess it's the primo spot though with a population like Mexico City I would think you'd need years to get it reserved. Whatever. She's thrilled because every bride wants her wedding day to be unforgettable.

Back to the mundane. Alonso's helping Valeria study for her new certification when one of her kids comes in and complains that the tv is busted. Val promises to look for a new one tomorrow but in the meantime Alonso jumps up to see if he can fix it (an ideal quality in a man, believe me! forget about hand size) Paula arrives in the meantime, looking for a ride home with bro' and notices that Alonso is already acting like "the man of the house" so why doesn't Valeria tell him how much she loves him!?

Whoops....Alonso comes back just in time to hear this. He's standing there stiffly, looking puppet-like, hardly encouraging for our Val, and she asks him to leave. She can't look him in the eye after this...can't bear him looking at her with pity. (Paula has already scooted , forgetting her need for a ride)

Alonso clumps out, lost in thought, remembering all the tender loving things Valeria has said to him in the past. How could I have been so blind? he asks himself. (something we viewers have discussed ad nauseum I might add).

And speaking of blind (and dumb as well) we have a final scene of mamita and Arturo in prison. She's looking down on her luck, kerchief on head ,but has brought him a yummy treat from the old folks home where she works for room and board. He's full of grand ideas for running a betting pool in the prison which will translate into big money to start a betting parlor when he gets out....in 5 years with good behavior. And you are being good aren't you? coos mamita. Oh yeah.

Brief scene with Diana and Vasco. She has news. He doesn't want to be distracted from Julian's debut commenting on a soccer match. She insists. She's pregnant! Joy all around. In fact I could have titled this "They all (but Sara) lived happily ever after in Fertile Valley" because most of our couples are like the Biblical fruitful vines in this ending.

Julian, by the way, is introduced with the nickname "El Genio" and Dad (complete with cap) Zulema and Hortensia are all watching at home. Meanwhile Maruja and Rossy are at their usual affectionate bickering...boy, girl? healthy! etc. when the labor pains strike big-time. Rossy thinks she's peed her pants but actually "se le revento la fuente" (her water has broken).

Julian gets a text message and goes berserk in the middle of the broadcast, announcing that his son is being born as he speaks, then noticing that a goal has been scored and screaming Gol gol gol gol! Guess we can forget about Lamaze coaching for papas in Mexico. There's a happy scene with the whole family in Rossy's room, Julian arrives out of breath, Rossy teases him that it's a girl...then unwraps the little guy to show him the blue blanket. They name the bebito Omar. All is forgiven. Ernesto announces that just seeing the little critter makes him want one and sassy Rossy asks him if he's doing his homework on that. hah hah

A wistful Valeria is looking at a multitude of tv screens while the salesman tries to talk her into an expensive one by offering a credit plan. Suddenly the screens are all filled with Alonso's face! And Lordy, he speaks! lamenting his blindness, telling her he can't imagine life without her and ohmigosh, he's actually standing right behind her! Yowsa. Can you believe it? She's suddenly backtracking...she's divorced, two kids, it's difficult. Alonso reminds her they've practically been living together the past two months, the kids already sometimes call him "papa"...they'll build a life together step by step. Big clinch. Some nice kisses and the deal is done. (Hope you saw this Ferro...Valeria is looking especially fetching.)

We switch now to Paula's apartment where the family is anxiously awaiting Alonso's arrival. He has some big announcement. Can you guess what it is? Sure enough, it's him, Valeria (and strangely only one child....but whatever) and everybody toasts to "LOVE" including Toribio who wants it to come knocking at his door once more...but with careful vetting of the candidate this time. (for you Amalia fans, sorry, evidently our incompetent black widow/con lady is a no-show).

These happy family scenes are cruelly contrasted with Sara's daily reality. Look at our little tv star, sneers an inmate named Olga. She's not so hoity-toity anymore is she!? We'll take her down a peg or two in here (bajarse los humos).


Lousy prison food for Sara ( most of it on her clothes); wonderful bridal shower for Lorena with....heavens to betsy, a sexy bustier and thong given by no less than Hortensia.

Lorena is off to the beauty parlor/spa to get all a spiffy hairdo and more for the wedding. Sara, on the other hand, is spit upon by Olga and then slapped in the head. Just gave you some hairspray honey, Olga sneers. Okay, they're clubbing us over the head with irony here, just like in the opening scenes of this telenovela...but hey, who wants subtlety? This is drama and comeuppance par excellence!

The harassment continues. When Sara walks past Olga and her gang without saying anything. Olga taunts her. Hey didn't your mama teach you any manners (see what I mean about irony?) Say hello when you pass your elders. You're gonna get it now. Ever feisty, Sara punches her but a fellow inmate slips Olga a knife and as they go down, she repeatedly stabs Sara (or seems to...I didn't see any blood). Then mean jailer arrives. Olga accuses Sara of starting it and having a knife to boot, and eventually both of them end up in the same dark punishment cell, ready for the final confrontation. If you want to kill each other, go for it! snaps the jailer.

The writers are really pulling out all the stops now, contrasting the tender mother-daughter scene of Lorena and Zulema with the can-you-believe it? horrifying mother-daughter scene of Sara and Olga. I've got to say, this was a gem. Much better than having Sara simply offed by the police or killed in a car wreck. The writers really know how to wring all the pathos and horror out of this discovery.

Lorena and Zulema exchange tender words of love and joy at finding each other.... thanking God that they'll be united forever. The scene is full of light.

Sara , in the dark and dank of the cell, is also making a discovery. Olga talks of her downward path, beginning in '83 when that bastard of a guy who got her pregnant is kicking her around, even as she's about to give birth to his brat. But she fixed him. Who'd of ever thought she could come by a machete and do him in! But then the pains started really bad, she was in this dumpy little town, San Martin, (What? shrieks Sara.) San Martin, stupid, are you deaf!? And I give birth in pigsty, can you believe it? What did you do with the baby? Threw it in the garbage, what else?!

I'm your daughter!!! I'm what you threw in the garbage! No way, that trash rotted in there! No! the nuns found me and raised me.! I'm your daughter, damn you, screams Sara and begins to strangle a stunned and dazed Olga. Whew! That was exhausting.

We see Lorena leaving the house for the wedding. Must say she looks fabulous as a bride. Julian thinks so too...in fact she's the prettiest bride he's ever seen (don't tell Rossy). We have the lovely wedding vows (with Gina as flower girl), tender looks, radiant smiles....the usual. And then a rip-roaring dance party. A couple of people in the cast can really shake it, including Zulema, Vasco, the nuns doing a fantastic conga and my all-time favorite, Ernesto, pantomiming magical tricks while swiveling his hips in the smoothest manner possible. Ay yi yi....lucky Lorena. Who cares if his hands are much smaller than Alonso's? That man can move his "caderas".

When the bouquet is tossed, who should catch it but Zulema? At last she will have the church wedding she always wanted (after minimal protest by Omar) and Zully looks lovely indeed as a bride.

And now the final wrapup. Ernesto leads a blindfolded Lorena to.....tah dah, her new restaurant which he knows will be a success because every dish she makes will be filled with love. Julian's new career is so successful he can afford an apartment. He and Rossy now have two sons. Gol gol gol!!!!

Diana and Vasco are living happily in their biosphere ecologically correct nature reserve and they too have another son, named Jaime, in addition to her first child.

Hortensia and Santiago are beavering away on charitable works but romance is in the air. He covers her hand with his. She slaps it away. He smiles. (we know he's not discouraged by rejection!)

Similar hand-slapping scene with Patty and Felipe as he steals a kiss. But what is this? as their hands now intertwine, she finds an engagement ring! Kisses and hugs.

Whoa...and who saw this coming? Toribio has also found his "medio naranja" (better half). It's...can you believe it?...Barbara! We focus on their hands holding up wine glasses (catar vinos...tasting wines) and the narration intones that "love has no age". (I'm expecting a product placement for Cialis any minute now).

Bettina and Ivan are still a happy couple, dancing dancing dancing. He's also about to head off to the university and Bettina is planning to be a doctor, just like her uncle.

Alonso has headed back to Quebec to start a clinic with Valeria's help. (good way to avoid granny Catalina). And they've had twins...and fortunately they look just like Valeria. Way to go.

And Sara? Well, Lorena hasn't seen her but she imagines she's still paying for her crimes. (Indeed she is. We have a shot of her hands gripping the prison bars, an anguished look on her face.) Sometimes I miss her, muses Lorena. She was my best friend....or perhaps I should say my beloved enemy "querida enemiga").

And FINALLY...it's picnic time. Ernesto and Ivan are setting up a group shot. (Gina is still missing her front tooth) And we see that Lorena is holding a little baby girl, Marianna, which she plans to take back to San Martin to show her loving nuns. She's surrounded with blessings, she has the family she's always wanted, "her cup runneth over".

And they all lived happily ever after. Aren't you glad?

Labels: enemiga

[An excellent episode. Usually in a novela, truths are told at the end and the misunderstandings that moved the plot along go away. Here, there is a general revelation of all the secrets concerning Cecilia, Antonio, Federica and the vaqueros and it creates nothing but problems. Since I had time, I put in some pictures for you, Chris Ferro.]

Santos tells Marisela that he cannot understand why Lorenzo and Cecilia have gone to San Fernando to get married or why Antonio went there also. He says the whole thing is absurd (un disparate). Marisela doesn't tell him the whole story.

"So Aunt Cecilia is pregnant," DB says to Federica. Federica says that just like with her, who knows who is the father of Cecilia's baby - Antonio or Lorenzo. DB says that Cecilia would never sleep with the drunk and the baby is Antonio's. "Do you think that all women are like you," says DB, "and display their boobs (se pone de pechito) for every guy who stops in front of you?" Federica pouts and says that she did all for love and now that Marisela knows everything, Federica won't be able to get Antonio. DB pays no attention. She realizes that Santos doesn't know any of this and she can use the information to help her relationship with Santos. Federica asks for DB's advice on what do. "Disappear (Esfúmate)," counsels DB, "You don't want to be here when everyone finds out you slept with the Altamira tribe." Federica whines that DB doesn't want to help her. DB replies that Federica has destroyed everything by herself. "You're up to your neck in it, girl." ["Estás metida en el fango, muchacha," literally, "You've gotten yourself in the mud, girl."]
Pernalete comes back and DB leaves saying that Federica has given her very good news.

Furious, Santos borrows Marisela's horse and leaves for El Miedo. He says that if Lorenzo and Cecilia didn't bother to tell of their plans, he isn't going to wait around and hear their explanations.

Marisela laments to Genoveva that she couldn't tell Santos the truth and now the fat's in the fire ("se va a armar la gorda"). Genoveva wasn't familiar with the phrase either and asks, "What fat person (gorda) are you talking about?" I looked it up and it has something to do with cannons.

Santos comes to El Miedo. DB says that she wants to discuss what happened in the capital, at the restaurant, about their child. Santos says that he doesn't want to talk about that. He has too many problems right here. Santos mentions Cecilia and Lorenzo's marriage. DB says that she found out about it when she met them in San Fernando. He asks why she didn't tell him. She says that she was going to tell him about that and about other things that have happened. "It's not right, Santos," she says, "it's not right that you are concerned about everyone at your hacienda and none of them have been truthful with you. None of them have been honest with you."

Antonio recall that he met Gonzalo in San Fernando and he tells him and his rebel buddies about his situation and that Santos doesn't know anything about it since he has only been occupied with DB.

DB says that she doesn't want to tell Santos the truth because he won't believe her and he'll get angry and say that it is her fault, just like he always does. Santos tells her not to play the victim and tell him why Cecilia and Lorenzo got married. DB says that Santos thinks that his aunt is a living saint but she isn't. She and Antonio have been lovers. Santos is impactado. He says that he doesn't believe it. [It's worth setting out the rest of the dialog to see how the person who has never stopped lying to DB about things like killing people, uses the Cecilia/Antonio situation to separate Santos from the people at Altamira.]
DB: I didn't make it up. They were lovers. What happened is that the business with Antonio and Pernalete's daughter destroyed their romance. I suppose that your aunt got in a fight with Antonio and ended up marrying that drunkard Lorenzo for spite. Frankly, your aunt is a very devious ("retorcida") woman.
Santos: Don't talk that way about my aunt.
DB: Sorry. I know you love her a lot. As far as I'm concerned, in spite of her bad treatment of me, I like her a lot. But what is really matters to me in all this is you. What hurts me is what they did to you because they slept together right under your nose and you didn't realize what was going on. Antonio Sandoval, who has so much to be grateful to you for, fell in love with her and she, the poor thing, all alone as she was, fell hard for him.
Santos: Lies, all this is lies. Then why did she marry Lorenzo?
DB: I told you - for spite ("por despecho"), because she likes to make life complicated. How do I know? To punish Sandoval. But if you want me to tell you the truth, I believe she did it to conceal her pregnancy. Yes, my love, you heard correctly. Your Aunt Cecilia is pregnant with Antonio Sandoval's child.

Cecilia and Lorenzo return to Altamira and Marisela asks them to tell her that they didn't get married but of course they can't. She tells them that Santos was very angry when she told him. She says that there is going to be big trouble and she will be blamed ("la que va pagar los platos rotos soy yo," literally, "the one who will pay for the broken plates is me.")

Back with Santos and DB, Santos says that he doesn't believe it. DB tells him to interrogate even the cat at Altamira because everyone there, including the cat, has been lying to him. "You will realize that I am one telling the truth," says DB. Santos leaves and DB has an evil smile.

Marisela tells Lorenzo and Cecilia that she had to tell Santos about why they went to San Fernando and she had to lie about why Antonio went there. Marisela repeats how upset Santos was and how she is jinxed ("bien sala' "(-'salada,' Marisela leaves off the ending) literally, "salty"). Lorenzo says that he will talk to Santos when he comes back. Marisela urges them to tell Santos everything but Cecilia says that Santos must never know that her baby is Antonio's. When Marisela asks about Antonio, Lorenzo says that he stayed in San Fernando. He tells Marisela that Antonio was very upset about the wedding and got drunk.

Santos comes back to Altamira and says to Cecilia that besides his mother, she is the woman that he venerated the most in all the world. He asks her to tell him that it's all a lie and she didn't have anything to do with Antonio Sandoval. Cecilia doesn't deny it and Santos says it is true then and that she is pregnant, too. Cecilia is impactada. He calls them hypocrites and liars. Lorenzo claims that the baby is his.

Gonzalo tells Antonio that they are fighting against the tyranny of the government. They are on the run and Santos offered them sanctuary at Altamira. They ask Antonio to take them there.

Marisela goes to see the terneras. They tell her that Melesio is worried about Antonio and she tells them that Antonio has been drinking for two days in San Fernando. Then Carmelito comes in to see Gervasia and Marisela tells Gervasia that Carmelito has something to tell her.

Santos asks if Cecilia has slept with Lorenzo, too? Cecilia denies that. Lorenzo tells Santos not to judge Cecilia. She is has the right to fall in love like him or anyone. Santos says that his aunt was perfect and now she isn't. Cecilia defends Antonio. She says he is the same friend to Santos that he always has been. He just fell in love with her. He tried to tell Santos but he was never available and then everything went to hell in a handbasket. Santos says that a man who gets two women pregnant at the same time isn't a friend, he's a traitor and so is Cecilia.

Carmelito sits down with Gervasia and tells her that before he got engaged to her, he did things that he regrets. As the other terneras listen from hiding,

Carmelito says,
I did things that men do without thinking. Things that right now are creating big problems for us - for Pajarote, Maria Nieves and for me.
G: What 'things'?
C: Federica Pernalete.
G: What does Federica Pernalete have to do with you and the other guys?
C: The three of us... we slept with her. (The terneras are shocked.)
G: At the same time?
C: No, no, separately but but it wasn't for love. It was a bodily need. She trapped us. We let her take us but at no time was there love. She talked and we... then we...
G: ..and you became sheep to be with her and now my uncle is paying the price because the baby she says is Antonio's must be by one of you three.
Carmelito gives the smallest of nods.

Lorenzo defends Cecilia to Santos but he is on his high horse about being the head of the house and being lied to. Lorenzo reminds him that he vowed to be a different kind of Luzardo (than his father). Marisela comes up and Santos chews her out too. He says that she lied and was a part of what was going on. He is disappointed in her. Even his 'sun' (mi sol) has failed him. Marisela tries to explain but Santos won't listen. He says that she knew about Cecilia and Antonio and said nothing. He rides off. Marisela tells Lorenzo that Santos will never forgive them for what they have done.

Lorenzo goes to see Cecilia. She says that she should have told Santos about Antonio from the beginning but she didn't dare. She agrees with Marisela that she is a coward. Lorenzo says that she is a marvelous woman who makes mistakes like everyone in the world but those mistakes shouldn't obscure her many virtues. Cecilia wonders if Santos will ever forgive her. Lorenzo says that there is nothing to forgive. He says that it's a question of understanding he knows that Santos will understand eventually.

Marisela is telling a baby rabbit that she always ends up fighting with Santos. The Altamira vaqueros come in and say they are sorry for what happened. She tells them that if they truly repent what they did, they have to tell Antonio the truth. They are the only ones who can prove that Federica's baby isn't his.

At the bar in Progresso, the three vaqueros say that Antonio is their boss but he is also their friend. "More than that," says Maria Nieves, "he's our brother." They say that Antonio will kill them when he finds out or at least throw them out of Altamira. They agree that they have it coming since they each believed that Federica had the hots only for them. "The truth is," says Pajarote, "she's not ugly but she really is a snob" ("no es fea, pero pesada sí es") and," he adds, "she's an animal in bed." The other two nod.

Josefa comes in. Pajarote asks her if there are other matresses to turn over and Carmelito asks if Federica is entertaining other clients. Maria Nieves says to Josefa, "tanto peca el que mata la vaca, como el que amarra la pata," literally, "he who kills the cow sins as much as he who tied up its leg," that is, as Federica's accomplice, Josefa is as guilty as she is.

Antonio comes into the bar.

Maria Nieves tells him that all three of them slept with Federica. "A few times," says Pajarote. "Many times," says Carmelito. Antonio starts to fight with them and they don't fight back. Each one tells Antonio to hit him, that he is the guilty one.

Meanwhile at El Miedo, DB is waiting calmly to see the result of what she has put in motion. She tells Eustaquia that she has never seen snow but she knows that an avalanche that destroys everything starts with a tiny snowflake that grows bigger and bigger as it comes down the mountain. The snowflake that she started to roll will end up destroying Altamira. "When Santos finds out what was going on around him," she says, "he will break off relations with everyone at Altamira and then he will be mine, all mine."

Gonzalo and his buddies arrive at Altamira. Gonzalo introduces Marisela to his friends as the future mother of his children. Marisela is impactada.

Back at the bar, Antonio has just about finished with the vaqueros who are not fighting back when Santos comes in. He call Antonio a miserable traitor.

Labels: barbara

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Sorry for the late posting but I had so much to do before the big day that I did not have the time to watch and post. Many apologizes.



Okay on with the show...



Ceci is at the orphanage and finally meets with Padre Anselmo.

Marichuy finally admits to Cande that she is with child. Cande is over joyed.

Padre Anselmo finally recongizes Ceci and wishes to speak with her in private.

Cande wants to know how long Marichuy has known and why she did not tell her. Marichuy says for many reasons including the show that she is in. Cande thinks that she can no longer work on the show, but Marichuy says that Amador can probably write it in. (i think that is what she said)

Ceci says that some nice people took care of her and when she was well and came to look for him he was gone. She feels bad for leaving her daughter but we get from Padre that she was so ill to the point of death. Ceci tells Padre that finally god gave back her daughter to her. Padre asks who her daughter is. Why it's Estephania. Padre looks muy impactado.

Marichuy confesses that she does not think that she wants to get a divorce. Why asks Cande. She says that the doctor told her that now that she is pregnant, she should not get a divorce or separate from her husband. And she did not want to tell Cande about her preganancy because she just got out of the hospital. She has to now think about the baby that is growing inside of her.

Ceci tells Padre about meeting her daughter and how happy she is that Estephania is in her life. Padre asks how she found her. Ceci tells him that her friend Isa took her daughter and raised her. Ceci asks her if he has met Estephania. He says that he has, but that she is not Ceci's daughter. Ceci muy impactada.

Back to Marichuy. She is going to be a mother. Cande wants to know if she has told JM.

Padre tells Ceci that she was lied to and her real daughter is another.

Amador visits with Marichuy and asks her what happened with her and JM when they left. Amador gets on to her for still laudering clothes. He brings by a script for her.

JM is talking with Mayita and asks her what she is doing. Mayita is looking at the paper and shows JM the photos. She wants to know why Marichuy is not living with them. He says that she cannot right now. He remembers the fight from last night and the kiss.

Marichuy looks at the script and it's about Romeo and Juliet. He tells her about the story.

Back at the orphanage Ceci gets upset and begs him to finish telling her. Padre starts to refuse since this is such a shock to her it is best to leave it for another time. She continues to beg for him to tell her and he informs her that it is Maria de Jesus.

Adrian goes to visit with Marichuy and brings her candy. He asks her how things are going and she tells him that she will have to go and speak with JM. Why asks Adrian when you told me that he hates you. Well he does because he thinks that I testified against him, but I did not. Why do you care if he hates you? They talk some more and Adrian tells her that if she wants to go back with JM to call him.

Estephania and JM are having lunch and she asks him if he is going to get back with Marichuy. No he says. Well I will help you forget responds Estephania.

Ceci tells Padre that finally she understands everything. How they (Isa and Estephania) caused so many problems to get Marichuy out of the house. Padre tells her that Marichuy told her that they invented it all.

Marichuy is at the church crying and praying.

Padre tells her of a couple of things that Isa told him and that now Marichuy needs to be in her home and have her love since they are her real parents. Ceci tells him that she has loved Marichuy since she first met her.

Abuela asks Mayita about the photo of JM and Marichuy. Then begins to tell her a story about a dog.

Ceci tells Padre that Patricio thinks that Estephania is his daugther and has taken it upon himself to eduate her. She also goes on to say that Patricio cannot stand Marichuy and has called her horrible names and has wanted to put her in jail. Ceci blames herself for abandoning her. Padre then tells her that Marichuy has really never been happy, but that Ceci can give her that. Ceci tells Padre that she will go and find Marichuy and they will go off somewhere and talk.

Back at Cande's it the next day and Marichuy asks her how she slept. Cande confesses not very well because of the things that Marichuy told her the day before. What are you worried about asks Marichuy. Cande says telling JM about the baby and that she thinks Marichuy should not tell him because he may take the baby away from her.

Estephania confronts Israel and asks him why he told JM that she cares for Israel and not him. Isreal says because you do. Estephania tells Israel that she denied everything and now you look like a liar. He reminds her of there kisses and she yells at him that she needs a man with money.
Israel recalls his conversation with JM.

Marichuy tells Cande that he will not take the baby away from her. Cande asks how will this child be raised? Being pulled into two different directions. How can you forgive JM for all the things that he has done to you?

Isa asks Estephania why Israel and her were arguing. Estephania tells her that Israel told JM that she was in love with him. Isa is outraged and asks are you in love with the chauffer.

Marichuy tells Cande that she wants to get back with JM and raise the baby together. Cande cries. Marichuy makes her promise not to tell anyone about the pregnancy. Cande tells her to hurry up because it is a hard secret to hold.

Isa yells at Estephania that she will not permit her to fall for Israel. That her plans will not go down the toilet. Estephania tells Isa not to forget that she is only the aunt and she is the daugther.

JM is in his office remembering the fight again from last night. He calls his attorney and tells him to hurry up with the divorce.

Tomorrow: Ceci confronts Isa and Estephania with the truth.

Labels: Cuidado