Caray, Caray!

[This was an excellent episode but a recapper's nightmare because it had a lot of dialog and most of it was very important to the story. So although it has taken a long time, I translated most of the conversations between Santos and DB and especially the long conversation between Santos and Cecilia where he talks about Marisela and describes his feelings about DB.]

Santos and DB-

C: Santos, that woman is the most manipulative being on the face of the earth. Yesterday, she was here in my living room, going crazy. She accused me of writing anonymous letters and sending them to you in the mail. I don't know what she was saying but...
S: Anonymous letters to me?
C: Yes. Santos, that woman still has my letters in her power and she has the nerve to come to my house and accuse me of writing anonymous letters. That woman is sick! You need to be careful because if this anonymous letter business is true, that woman is intercepting your mail.

Fausto and BP search for the notebooks and make a big mess. Fausto finds the notebooks.

Santos and Cecilia-
S: I can't take any more. You're right. This Barbara thing is like a disease and the worst of all is that it's driving me crazy, too.
C: No, you're making a mountain out of a molehill ('tú te estás ahoganan en un vaso de agua,' literally, 'you're drowning yourself in a glasss of water'), That's what's happening. The question you have to answer is very simple: do you love her, yes or no?
S: I already told you that I don't know. I don't think words exist for what I feel for her. I don't know if it is passion, obsession, desire, habit, I don't know.
C: Do you love her? Yes or no?
S: What I feel for Barbara is worse than love. It's a feeling that ties me to her more. She moves me so much. It makes me feel so bad to see what she has suffered. Cecilia, what I feel for her is compassion.
C: Santos, pity isn't love.
S: It's not pity that I feel for her. In the beginning, I did love her. I desired her with an enormous passion. But when I got to know her and understood all she had suffered in her life, that feeling was converted into... compassion.
C: It has been bad for her but she has never been a saint. Santos, she has hurt a lot of people.
S: Yes, I know but all stories have a beginning and hers was horrible. Her father and fiancé where murdered in front of her eyes and she was gang raped by five guys. She had to fight alone to make her way in a world of men. After all that, she succeeded in becoming a power in the Arauca.
C: By killing and robbing.
S: Because that's how she learned to survive.
C: But are you defending her?
S: I can't. I only wanted to explain to you why she moves me, why I have compassion for her.
C: But she is taking advantage of that.
S: While Barbara needs me, she will have me. Because the day that I leave her... that is the day she will be lost forever. The woman depends on me as her last resort (tabla de salvación). I won't let her down.
C: And Marisela?
S: I've lost Marisela and the reason for that is that she doesn't care about me. I have ruined this love myself but, look, don't worry, I know how to fight against this guilt.
C: How will you fight against this guilt, Santos? By drinking? Are you going to drown your guilt in alcohol like Barquero did?
S: Look, if I can't do it any other way, yes.

Fausto tells BP that he is pleased with what is written in the notebooks. He needs to show them to his boss.

Cecilia tells Casilda about her conversation with Santos. "It could be that Santos doesn't love DB anymore," says Cecilia, "but he did love her. I have no doubt about that and where there's fire.., well, you know. Casilda says that they have to find a big bucket of water to put out all that fire and the ashes that remain. Cecilia tells Casilda that she thinks she knows how to do this by making Santos and Marisela realize their dreams and be happy together but she doesn't know if she dares to interfere. Casilda replies that lack of daring in her life is what got Cecilia into her current situation. She urges her to take the chance.

Pajarote gives MN advice on his romance with Altagracia. He says that MN should behave very elegantly, go to Melesio's house, stand in front of Altagracia and say what he has to say. Pajarote tells MN that he is an idiot (bruto) but he is good looking. His rival, Bartolo is an idiot and ugly at the same time. Pajarote tells MN that Bartolo looks like a boiled chicken (pollo hervido).


Altagracia is furious that MN hasn´t come to see her since he returned from prison and is taking it out on her ironing. She hears someone arriving and thinks that it might be MN but it's Bartolo arriving with a bouquet and the novelty seems to have worn off very quickly because Genoveva is just barely civil to Bartolo.

Fausto shows Danger's diaries to El Sapo. He says that it is what they need to defeat their enemy. He tells El Sapo that just before the last entries in the diary, Danger wrote that DB must never find out about the oil at La Chusmita or she would kill him. El Sapo says that Danger must be dead since he has not shown up. Fausto suggests that in the hands of the authorities, these diaries would be sufficient evidence... El Sapo interrupts and says that he doesn't want the authorities involved in this. He says that business comes first. To get control of the oilfield, he has to separate Santos and DB. He tells Fausto to send the diaries to Santos, "to see if this so-called lawyer (he uses a diminutive of the word for lawyer, 'abogadito' that I am translating that way) is as just and civilized as everyone says." (All we see are Sapo's lips. Why can't we see the guy's face?)

Mujiquita comes to torment Pernalete by asking for advice from a man who can't speak. He tells Pernalete that some of DE's cattle have been stolen. He says that DE is his friend and an important person in Progresso but if Mujiquita wants to help him, he has to question the woman of his childhood friend, Santos Luzardo. He is in a difficult situation because he has to offend one of the other of his friends. Mujiquita says that he is sure that DB stole the cattle just like she did when Pernalete was police chief in Progresso. He asks Pernalete what he should do in this case.

DB comes to see BP at Danger's house, notices that the place is a shambles (patas para arriba, literally, 'with legs in the air,') and asks what BP was looking for. BP tells her that someone must have come in when he was out and tossed the place. He can't imagine who it could have been. He is not a good liar.

Altagracia is telling Bartolo to go away when MN arrives. MN strides purposefully up to Altagracia and says that he has come to tell her that all this time he has been thinking about what he feels for her. He kisses her. Bartolo sinks down in his chair.

Melquíades attacks the mailman on the steps of Altamira, holds a knife to his throat and takes his bag. Melquíades bad luck holds. Santos comes up on him in the middle of all this.
Antonio is angry that Cecilia has taken the baby to the Capital without telling him.

Santos asks Melquíades if now DB has ordered him to intercept his mail. "Think what you like," says Melquíades and slinks off.

Altagracia responds to MN's kiss and then slaps him for kissing her without permission. Altagracia then goes over and says that Bartolo is her boyfriend and will beat up MN. (Bartolo is several inches shorter and probably 50 lbs lighter than MN who just spent a year doing forced labor. He looks rather nervious.)

MN looks Bartolo up and down and tells Altagracia that if this wretch (infeliz) is her boyfriend, she should make the most of him. He leaves. "I'm really your boyfriend?" asks Bartolo. "Shut up," replies Altagracia.

Santos tells Eustaquia that he will be in his study and does not want to be disturbed. He wonders if the book has anything to do with the anonymous letters.

DB asks if BP really doesn't know who tossed Danger's place. He assures her that he doesn't have any idea and asks why she has come to see him. She says that the walls at Altamira have ears and here they can talk calmly. She asks if he has thought about how to make it so that DE has to sell his hacienda. BP says that he has, "What if we poisoned the water where DE's cattle drink?" suggests BP. Melquíades arrives with the news about the book that was delivered to Santos.

Antonio angrily tells Lucía that he won't let Cecilia take his baby away from him. She tells him that they can go to court and get an order that the baby must spend time at their house. Antonio says that he is grateful for all she has done for him and says that they should get married right away.

Marisela is happy to see Cecilia and her baby. She asks why Cecilia has come. Cecilia says that the time has come for Marisela to read the last wishes of her father.

DB comes in to Santos' study and asks what he is reading. "You really want to know, Bárbara?" says Santos, "This is an unexpected gift that was made to me. It's the diary of Mr. Danger. You didn't know that the gringo wrote his memoirs? He wrote everything, Barbara. Do you want to know what he said about you?"

Labels: barbara

Kris had something come up, and she won’t be able to write Wednesday’s recap. I told her I’ll do a bare-bones version. It’s 11 PM and I’m starting it right now. Bear with me. I’m not taking the time to decipher CC’s, so if I get something wrong, please correct me.

Isabel and Jaime are discussing wedding plans. Jaime is eager to get married as soon as possible. He is particularly looking forward to the honeymoon. Isabel is fretting. She’s worried that they need to work out all the details of her household, such as, who will take care of the girls while Santiago is on his honeymoon?

At the hospital, we see a montage of Chava’s recovery. So those who predicted that he’d be well by Friday were right, except that more time passed in TV land.

Candy goes to the big house to implore Luc to tell anything she knows about where Charly is. Meño is really suffering from the loss. Luc claims she hasn’t heard a word from him, but Candy’s look says she doesn’t believe her.

In the hospital cafeteria, Pat tells Candy that Chava needs to know that “I’m his dad.” Candy and Pat are working together instead of screaming at each other. Santiago is glad to see that Candy is finally talking to Pat as she should have, eight years ago. Santi is also glad, for Chava’s sake. But along with that, you can see some worry about what this reconciliation with Pat portends for him. Nonetheless, when the doctors tell Candy that Chava had a complete recovery, and Candy wholeheartedly thanks Santi, Santi reminds her that the one she really needs to thank is Pat; he’s the one who saved Chava’s life.

Back in Santi’s office, he gives Candy a supportive hug. She says, “You’ll take any excuse you can find, to hug me.” With the crisis over, Santiago feels liberated to return to some good-natured blatant flirting. Candy tells him, “There’ll be no more of that. You’re engaged.” At this point I threw my shoe at the TV. While Candy has a crisis, she wants Santi at her back and call, 24x7, oh, and thank you for the several thousand dollars you provided for the operation. But my son’s all better now, so leave me alone. So long, and thanks for all the fish.

Candy tells Santiago she thinks Lucía is hiding Charly.

Pat tells Alicia that he’s taking his son to the movies. Alicia has a fit of jealousy. I shall abbreviate that “FOJ” for the remainder of this recap. Coming out of the theater, Beto calls Pat “Papa.” Beto wants to know how he can have a cool car like Pat’s. Study hard, eat your Wheaties, and get born into a rich family (I added the last two).

In his office, Santiago is considering Pilar’s threat. By the time he and Ed arrive in surgery, Santi has figured out what he is going to do. Isabel stops by the office, and her son notices how happy she has looked lately. “Is it love, mama?” Yes, that’s what is making her so happy. Santiago cowboys up. “Then I wish you every happiness. He’d better treat you well or he’ll have me to answer to.” (Sound familiar, anyone?) Isabel notices that, while she’s very excited about her upcoming wedding, the same cannot be said for her son. He doesn’t have an answer for her. Chalk up another very sweet scene between Santiago and his mother.

In his room, Meño is again thinking about losing Charly. He’s consumed by guilt because he has only himself to blame.

Candy thanks Pat for saving her son. Pat reminds her, as he does many times in this episode, that Chava is our son. Pat says he’s glad that every time Candy looked at Chava, she was reminded of Pat. Yes, Candy remembered him every day, but you can tell she’s not so glad.

Santiago tells Donato that he thinks Luc is hiding Charly at the house, and he asks Don to look into it. Don points out that you get much better intelligence info if you pay off the butler.

In Chava’s bedroom, Candy confesses to her son that she has lied to him (No puede serrrrr!). His father is alive. Chava is thrilled! It’s.. it’s.. it’s Patricio, and Pat walks in with Beto. “Pat is your father and Beto is your brother.” Hugs all around. Chava says, “I want to hug my mom and dad.” Chava is thrilled. Pat is fulfilled. Candy is stressed. Alicia walks in and has a FOJ. “Ain’t that cute?” Soledad picks that moment to walk in. Alicia thinks it’s quite a Payton Place we have here. She asserts loudly, “Well, he’s my HUSBAND! Pat reminds her of the uncomfortable truth: Not exactly. He never divorced Candy, and she’s not dead, so it’s bigamy. Alicia, ever the loving sister, reprises her FOJ and informs Pat, “She hid your son from you 8 years. You have legal right to punish her.” For being “totally in love” with Pat for so many years, she has absolutely no idea what makes him tick!

Tina and Lucía are in the kitchen. Tina is in on Lucía’s secret, and she is helping prepare a lunch tray for Charly. In the best telenovela tradition, Donato is listening behind the door. He hides and watches Luc take the tray down to the basement. We all knew Santi would find out that Charly’s staying there. The question is, will Don rat out Tina for being an accomplice?

Raúl goes to Santiago’s office to make sure his friend does right by his sister. He says, “You wanna’ be a good dad? Forget about Candy.” Santi reminds him that he’s a good father, but pardon me, best buddy, this is for me the couple to resolve, not the metiche future brother-in-law. IOW, butt out.

Sabes que? I’d feel a whole lot more compassion for pregnant Marissa and her wandering, disinterested boyfriend, if she hadn’t lied about her fertility status in order to entrap him with a pregnancy. Just like Alicia, she used dirty tricks to capture the man she wanted, and just like Alicia, she’ll end up with a man who resents her because he wants to be with Candy. If they’re going to play like that, they have to edit the “happily ever after” line out of their stories.

Out on the street, in a FOJ, Alicia is terrified that Pat is going to move out. He tells her he doesn’t want Candy and doesn’t intend to live with her. Alicia squares off with him and demands, “Then divorce her.”

While Pat and Alicia are on the street pondering living arrangements, Candy and Soledad are in the kitchen pondering sleeping arrangements. Candy is shocked that Soledad is sleeping with Pat. She says, “How can you be so stupid?” Did you ever wonder how Candy keeps any friends? Sol tells Candy that Alicia knows and has accepted it. Maybe Alicia does, but Candy doesn’t. She kicks Soledad out.

Remember the sweet popcorn, the night Candy stayed at Santiago’s house because of hamster infestation? Well, tonight we have bitter popcorn. Santiago is on the same sofa in the same TV room. Marissa comes in and tries to sit on his lap but kinda’ awkwardly falls, half on his lap and half on the couch. Santiago looks like he’d rather be passing a kidney stone right now. She invites him to feel her belly for kicks, but he doesn’t feel anything. Then she puts her head in his lap. Isn’t that sweet and warm? Except that every time that he starts to doze off, she insists that he wake up. We’re supposed to be having a loving moment here, Buster! Shape up!

Back at her apartment, Marissa is talking to her belly. “When we’re married, your papa will live for me alone. And for you. We need to send Luc somewhere. Like Europe.”

At her house, Candy and Pat are trading accusations.
Candy: You slept with my sister and never apologized.
Pat: And I won’t.
Candy: And you made Soledad pregnant when I thought I was your only.
Pat: That’s the past. I’m not going to say I’m sorry.
Notice, someone else who is as unremorseful as Candy!
Candy: Get out!
Pat: You robbed me of my son for 8 years.

Isabel and Marissa are bringing packages home from a shopping trip. Mar says Luc is impossible, and Isabel says she’s just a normal teenager. Donato looks at the pregnant woman struggling with the packages but refuses to help. “I won’t help her because she’s going to fire me.” Isabel is stunned.

Chaya insists that Ed help with household duties. He can cook or he can do the laundry. He is his usual pig self, and threatens to go out for the night if she doesn’t watch out. Chaya doesn’t watch out. Ed heads for the door and keeps giving Chaya opportunities to call him back. Which she doesn’t.

My notes are unclear on this part. Please correct me if I’m wrong. Meño counsels Candy that she has to face the consequences of playing dead for 8 years. She sidesteps. Candy says Santiago prefers his pregnant novia. She whines, “I just wanna’ talk with him.”

In the basement, Lucía is trying to cheer up Charly, but he’s too angry and depressed.

Outside Candy’s house, Gregoria, Alicia, and Candy have a lovely mother-daughter chat.
Alicia: Leave my husband alone or we’ll take your son.
Candy: He has amante, 2 sons, now me.
Alicia: He belongs to me.
Candy: You’re stupid!

Labels: Tontas

Well, I have a sort of emergency and I goofed up trying this quickly by you tube, so Paula graciously agreed to fill in for me...look for her post next...thanks.....

Labels: Tontas

We start off with a repeat of last night’s episode with Vicente standing in the doorway looking for Rocio and finding her with Humberto the doctor.

Amador tells Marichuy that Eduardo can stay with Beatrice, but that child is his and should be carrying his name. Marichuy tells him that the baby needs a mother and father and who will raise him in a happy home. Amador tells Marichuy to be careful because JM could find out about the baby and with all his money can take the baby away.

PA is reading the article in the paper about Ceci’s accident to Cande. The paper said that the airbag did not deploy in the vehicle and doctors say that she has internal injuries.

Vicente walks to a nearby table while Humberto the doctor toasts to love with Rocio looking uncomfortable.

Marichuy tells Amador that JM will not be taking her baby from her. JM Jr. only has her and no one else. Amador tells her that he will take his baby away from Beatrice. Marichuy tells him that Beatrice will not allow that to happen.

JM goes to visit Patricio and Ceci in the hospital.

Marichuy goes on to say to Amador that before anyone takes her baby away, she will kill them. You have no idea what I am capable of doing to protect my son. Amador tells her that JM is a man and much stronger than her. He also has what you do not and that is money. He can pay anyone to take away your child. She tells Amador the only way JM will find out is if he or Estephania tells him.

Patricio tells JM that Ceci suffered internal injuries and her prognosis does not look good. JM asks if there is anything that he can do. Patricio tells him the doctors are doing all they can. JM asks him how the accident happened. Patrricio tells him that Ceci was upset and that she wasn’t really paying attention and crashed the car. All because she wanted to see her. JM asks who she wanted to see.

Humberto the doctor asks why Rocio is not toasting with him. Rocio tells him that she does not love him, but Vicente. She doesn’t want to hurt him. The whole time Vicente is listening and goes up to her and asks her to dance.

Olga comes to visit Marichuy and they talk about her visit with Purita. Cande goes in out of breath and tells Marichuy that Ceci was in an accident and is dying.

Patricio tells JM that it is all her fault. JM asks who he is talking about and finds out its Marichuy.

Marichuy asks for more information from Cande and takes the paper away from her to read the paper herself. She asks if it’s her fault.

JM tells Patricio that he does not understand. Patricio tells him that Ceci went to the Threate Principal to talk to her and tell her the truth, but Marichuy did not want to listen to her. Ceci went back to talk to her again and the accident happened. If Ceci dies it will be on Marichuy’s conscience forever.

Rocio asks Vicente if she is dreaming. She starts dancing with Vicente totally forgetting about Humberto the doctor. Eduardo sees them and smiles along with Elsa, Nelson and Becky. Humberto the doctor not so much.

Marichuy suffers a pain in her chest.

Rocio wants to know how Vicente did it. He tells her that he wanted to regain her love and that it has helped him to get better. Humberto the doctor finally stands up and says to Rocio that he wants to tell her that one knows when they have lost and hopes that they will be happy and shakes Vicente’s hand. Elsa goes out to the balcony where Nelson is observing the party and says that she’s happy to see Rocio and Vicente together again. Nelson tells Elsa that Rocio and Vicente have the rest of there lives to be together, but they don’t. He asks her to love him till the end.

Omar questions JM on Ceci’s prognosis and confesses to JM that it is absurd to think that he can find Liria (Marichuy) in the streets. But that is all he can do. JM tells him that he found Marichuy. Tomorrow he will go and talk to her.

Eduardo asks Beatrice where the baby is. Beatrice says he fell asleep after eating. She thanks him for defending her from Amador. Also for making him believe that he was going to marry her and that you were going to take care of the baby. Eduardo tells her that he was serious. She says that it cannot happen. When he questions her as to why, she tells him that she doesn’t need to tell him. But thank you for doing it. He looks sad.

Omar asks JM why he is concerned about Ceci and JM informs him that she is the mother of Marichuy. That Ceci went to see her at the theater. Marichuy became an actress after our separation. Omar also asks him about Estephania. He tells him the story. (which I will not go into since we know it all)

Ceci is lying in the hospital bed and Patricio is looking on as the doctor examines her. He asks the doctor if there is anything more that can be done.

Marichuy is talking to JM Jr. She tells him how bad she feels about treating Ceci and recalls her harsh words to her. She prays to god that she can see her and ask for forgiveness.

The doctor tells Patricio that Ceci suffered massive internal injuries and they have to wait. To have faith. PA comes in to see Ceci and tells Patricio that he found out what happened thru the newspaper. He asks Patricio how she is. Ceci says PA’s name.

Isa asks Estephania how Ceci is. Estephania says very badly and she could die. Isa says this cause for a celebration. Because if she dies, Patricio will be alone and in our hands. (what an evil witch) Isa puts music on and pours wine. She fantasies herself back at the Velardes house living the grand life again. They toast to a bright future and the death of Ceci.

Rocio and Mayita come back from the party. Mayita is tired and Rocio says she has a lot to tell him. JM wants to put Mayita in bed first, but Rocio says she will do it. JM wonders what happened at the party to put Rocio in such a good mood.

Ceci tells PA that she wanted to talk to Marichuy and tell her the truth, but she could not. Marichuy did not want to listen to her. PA asks if she wants him to bring Marichuy to her.
Marichuy confesses to Cande that she could not sleep because of the bad way she treated Ceci. She says that the accident was her fault because Ceci left upset. Cande tells her that it was not her fault.

PA tells Ceci that he will go get Marichuy immediately. Ceci tells him that she wants Marichuy to forgive her. If she dies, he wants him to tell Marichuy about her and how much she loves her. Ceci suddenly becomes unresponsive and Patricio breaks down crying.

Isa is drunk and says that they will spend the rest of there lives living in comfort. Aren’t you happy? Estephania says that Patricio will be in there hands and that she always gets what she wants from him. Suddenly Estephania grabs her arms and Isa asks her what’s wrong. Estephania says that suddenly she felt strange. Like something just happened. Isa thinks that it’s because Ceci may have died. They toast again.

Marichuy is trying on her wig and thinks that it looks weird. Cande asks her if she is nervous being in front of a lot of people. Marichuy tells her that she is very nervous. She keeps trying on wigs and keeps rejecting them. Cande asks her why Amador was so upset yesterday. She explains to her about what happened the day before with Beatrice and the baby at the baptism.

The lawyer wants Blanca to act different. She seems to into herself, timid.

JM bought tickets to Marichuy’s first play and wants Omar to go with him.

Cande tells Marichuy that she should not be sad, but happy. Cande tells her to call the Velardes house and ask how Ceci is doing.

Patricio curses the day they found out about there daughter.

Marichuy calls the Velardes house and asks how Ceci is doing. She tells the maid (the one that was nice to her) how bad she feels about the way to treated Ceci. The maid tells her that she should have listened to what Ceci had to tell her. It was very important. Marichuy wants to know if she will tell her what it was that Ceci wanted to tell her.


Tomorrow: JM and Omar head out to the theater to see Marichuy’s (Liria) play.

Labels: Cuidado

Well that was a nice Countdown with Keith Olbermann intro. Speaking of interesting music; let’s drum-up a gay afternoon orchestra and play light, airy British picnic music as Gabi tells herself she’s the Angel of the Apocalypse…Bwahahahaha. More like Angel of halter tops gone amiss. Clearly, the musical director kicked back a few of whatever Ricky keeps in his secret pouch before compiling today’s melodious mix of mishap. It’s the perfect interlude for a declaration of war—that is, if you’re fighting over who get’s the last short bread cookie at a riverside brunch…

Sally Scarface feels compelled and confident enough to repeat something Six-feet under Raquel told her about Sofia; it’s probably not true. As if we didn’t know since day one, Sofia’s real mommy is Eva. And everyone in North America knows, except Sofa who, among other things, lacks a cable connection and much less a tin can and string. Don’t you all be so surprised all at once.

Well, we know Gabi is thinking clearly again on account of the flowing amounts of liquor. Some people are simply better when they’re not conscious. As if this weren’t enough, Coyote is now officially public enemy “numero uno,” and will probably attack her at any time now. That’s why she has taken up the custom of shooting at anything that isn’t her beloved goblet. Then again, maybe she shouldn’t shoot her ex-husband because, as Thomas Jefferson Washington Carver so prophetically said; the enemy of my enemy is my husband…

Seems that PadTad had a run-in with one wild, demonic donkey and lived to tell about it. The whole town, or at least the small handful of people who weren’t holding out for his downfall, is present and is lead in a recalcitrant chant commemorating the great Paddy by the ever-clueless Quinti. However, nothing was sweeter to my ears than the heartfelt rendition of “Ave Maria” Franco so generously regaled to us. I am confident that you will appreciate the true beauty after considering that this is post-South Beach marijuana bust; it’s obviously taken a lot for him to return to voice-over quality in a sound-controlled booth. Hallelujah, PadTad, Jesus and the Saints.

After many years of desperately searching for a reason to be bitter and kill innocent people, Sally finally summons Juan to get payback for Ricky’s brutal murder of the only remaining proof that someone actually found her desirable many, many moons ago. Can’t you see that memories of the drunken sex-capade are all she has left to cling to? You must kill Ricky, Juan-y.

The girls are all like “what a lovely mass, and Franco should open the SuperBowl, blah, etc., blah.” Gabi’s all like “did he die, did he die? God, I hope so.” No, he’s alive and preaching to any inanimate objects that will listen. “What a pity,” only she thought bubbles this one because she’s so drunk she forgot about her own personal vendettas and is just more “chill” like this. Note to criticizing AA rep. Sofia and discerning reader: If the traps, landmines, tree explosions, cyanide pills, heart conditions, and hidden strings on the steps didn’t kill her, it’s almost certain that the alcohol won’t either.

In a performance worthy of Mighty Joe Juan Robles-Reyes, Ricky goes to Sally in a fearful fit of tears and “forgive me’s.” She breaks down into one of her blind rages and delivers a performance curiously reminiscent of that of little Hellen Keller in the 2000 ABC remake of “The Miracle Worker.” No, honey, that's the well, I'm over hear. That’s just like life to introduce us to our estranged narco-trafficking children and take them away before we can formally accept to ourselves and others that they are the biological fruits of our loins.

In keeping with tonight’s British country side war scene Sundays, Juan is on his own less-taken war path of vengeance for Ricky’s wrongdoings. Just when you thought his thickheaded astuteness and insistence were unbreakable, Root convinces him not to kill the father of her late brother. As if he were even remotely capable, he asserts that he will gather the compromising evidence to ruin Ricky for good. See, look, I have a piece of paper he once signed in my armoire—clearly that means he killed Raquel. And see this belt; Gabi had it in her possession, so that means he killed my parents. And he thought Fernie would have been old enough to kill his parents… Yes, this scene is the culmination of a year of torturous ignorance and naïveté. Pinch me, I’m dreaming…

After taking his own son’s life, the only way Ricky can make it right is by taking more lives. Like, for instance, Gabi, who, as we all know, forced Ricky to kill Coyote. Then of course, there’s that whore Sofia who probably looked at Coyote the wrong way. Quick, while he lets go of Sofia, go tell Juan that he’s got Sofia at gun point. The monstrous Ricky goes for a stab at Gabi. Just then Fernie intervenes with his gun. If she dies, then there’s no hope at him becoming universal heir or even horse-shit scooper-upper. Not so fast, because faster than a speeding bullet is a speeding 45-year-old man in boots and mariachi gear. Take that, old man, and that, and that. How do those spurs taste? Just like WWF, Juan runs up the stairs, sits on Ricky’s face, then rolls him down the stairs. You killed my parents, I kill you. Now taste this leather belt. Gasp! If only we could all put 40 years of history behind us and all get lives… “Beg me, beg me.” Juan contemplates killing Ricky. Yes, even though this is something Juan thought about every day of his life and dreamed about in the womb, the subject still requires more contemplation. In this side of the ring, Gabi is encouraging the death of this murderer. In the other corner Sofia, who is pretty much the town psychologist, convinces Juan to not kill Ricky. That’s right; turn him over to the local (equally incompetent) authorities. Just when you thought the sheriff was going to lock Ricky away for the night, Ricky punched him out and ran away. I am so putting in for a federal grant for this police locale…

Thus, we have our wild horse chase. Which, I’m willing to bet is the same exact scene they used when Juan’s baby was missing and he went tumbling down the waterfall for a moon-light swim.

The other happy couple, i.e. Gabi and Fernie, are enjoying a nice cognac in bed while contemplating whom to kill next. How about my licentious daughter Root? We will kill her for having a better leather push-up. Indeed, dear.

So, Ricky is all out and about and shooting at shadows or anything else that moves. Then he sees Juan right in front of him and stops shooting. Just for that, he deserves to die. Anyway, the gangs all there in their Disneyworld ponchos and BB guns. I hope he’s ready to meet his maker…

Well, it just goes to show you, as in every other episode, if you get enough alcohol and barbiturates in someone, you can get them to make you the universal heir to their fortune. Provided they haven’t wasted it on halter tops and brandy.

Once an incompetent buffoon, always an incompetent buffoon. I can’t even describe how stupid this death scene was. But, if you have to know… Juan had several opportunities to kill his father’s assassin; but he didn’t. Then, Ricky almost killed Juan on several occasions; but he didn’t. Then Ricky almost fell off a cliff after Juan shot his snake belt (funny that the thing that killed his parents saved him), but Franco told Juan to pull him back up because “the Reyes aren’t killers.” So, Juan turned his back to the storm and almost got stabbed, except a Gardner snake slithered on Ricky’s boot and, sadly enough, forced him to drop his knife and fall off the cliff which was easily 30 yards away. Now the Reyes will never have to feel guilty about beating up an old man who might not have killed their parents. Yay for moral justice!

Labels: Fuego

Labels: barbara

who saw Ceci pass out at 31 Flavors last night. I guess it’s pretty serious.

At the jail visiting room, Blanca swears to Juan Miguel that she had nothing to do with her sister’s death. Apropos of nothing, JM responds to that by mentioning that he has a friend staying with him, a guy who’s had some bad luck. He wants Blanca to meet him. Blanca looks baffled by the non sequitur. However, she’s used to being baffled.

Patricio and Estefanía sit in the garden. Pat tells Stefi that he doesn’t want her to leave because of Marichuy. If Ceci brings Marichuy back, he’ll pretend to be all nice to her for Ceci’s sake even though he thinks she’s a nasty brat. Martirio brings the phone out; the Red Cross is calling to say Ceci’s been in a serious accident. They all run off.

Marichuy tells Cande how she drove Ceci away. Cande thinks she did the right thing, but notes that it must have really hurt Ceci.

Pat and Stefi arrive at the hospital and ask about Ceci. Thus commences an overly long chat with the medical staff about whether they want her moved to a fancier hospital since she’s got medical insurance and why they aren’t allowed to go into the treatment area to see her, which seems like a waste of time when people need urgent medical attention. Pat surprises me by saying the Red Cross hospital is fine; he doesn’t want her moved.

Maite Perroni was totally sick when this episode was filmed. Her voice sounds painfully scratchy. She and Cande chat in Marichuy’s bedroom, which Amador has decorated rather like I imagine a bordello looks. Cande’s heading out to visit Olga. Mari mentions that she wants to talk to Olga also about helping her with her wardrobe and such at the theater. Amador told her she could hire an assistant, and who better than Olga? Cande looks offended by that, but Marichuy laughs and says Cande can’t do it because she takes care of the baby. Someday maybe they’ll be able to afford a nanny, though. Cande is skeptical about the quality of care a nanny would provide. She’s happy to be with the baby. All is well.

Pat continues to argue with the nurse about wanting to see Ceci rather than letting her care for patients. Finally the nurse escapes, and Stef points out that Ceci could die and not even have Patricio by her side in her last moments. Thanks, Stef, so helpful. Pat’s look of horror/disgust/pain doesn’t stop her, so she continues along this pessimistic line with comments about how it’s a shame Ceci will probably die just because she wanted to go find that worthless Marichuy. Try to use the words “die” and “death” a little more, Stefi, I’m sure it will really endear you to Patricio.

Marichuy talks to BabyJM, worrying that she may have been too harsh with Ceci.

The nurse finally says that Ceci can have a visitor, but only one. She asks Stefi if she is Ceci’s daughter, because the whole time Ceci has been asking for her daughter. Pat goes to see his wife, and Stef gets the grim details of the accident—Ceci hit a concrete barrier near the theater.

Ceci lies in a hospital bed, all scraped up. The doctor tells Pat that her condition is very delicate. Pat hovers over her and pleads with her not to die.

Meanwhile, in the waiting room, Stef hopes that Ceci dies, because then she won’t have to worry about that guacha claiming her rightful place in the Velarde family.

Cande and Olga sit in the courtyard at the old building. Some neighbor lady comes by and gives Olga a big slice of cake. I want to live in a neighborhood with cake service like that. None fer Cande, though, which displeases her. She tries to continue the conversation, but is distracted by the cake and insists on trying it, to make sure it is okay. Olga lets her eat cake. Cande mentions the job helping Marichuy, and Olga says she’s happy to do it, even for free. That settled, Cande starts squealing about the baby, when suddenly Juan Miguel appears. He tells Cande he wants to see Marichuy. They have a staring contest. Is it just me, or does JM look especially like a funeral director today?

Ceci mumbles for Marichuy through her oxygen mask. She mumbles a bunch more stuff, and tells Pat she’s atolondrada (confused). Regarding her condition, Pat tells her, “te sacaron unas placas” and I’m not exactly sure what that means, put together in this context. They extracted something? Had to pull pieces of metal out of her, maybe? Ceci tells Pat that she went to the theater to see Marichuy. He’s all mad.

JM wants Cande to tell him where to find Marichuy, and she refuses. He goes up the stairs to knock on the door of the old apartment. Cande tries to sneak away while he’s up there, but he sees her. She screams and tries to run away from him, which was the best tiny moment of comedy I have ever seen on this show.

Meanwhile, Marichuy is walking toward the building with the baby.

Juan Miguel catches up with Cande, obvio, and Cande begs him to let her go, because if she brings him to Marichuy, Mari will “me pone como lazo de cochino” (literally, she’ll make me like a pig’s rope. She’ll yell at me; she’ll tear me apart). Juan Miguel doesn’t believe that Mari doesn’t love him anymore, so he wants to talk to her. Marichuy walks up right behind him, and nearly flips her lid when she sees him. Cande, who fortunately is not a poker player, makes the most comically exaggerated astonished expression when she sees Mari, then badly tries to turn it into a forced grin at JM. JM doesn’t react to the hammy gasp, but even he isn’t dumb enough to buy that Cande is really smiling at him, so he turns around. Mari must have run off. He looks at Cande, puzzled (as usual).

Mayita visits Abuela Mariana and tells her about Beatriz’s baby’s upcoming baptism. She mentions again how much she wants a little brother like Marichuy promised her, so granny brings her a flying cartoon baby with wings, which is actually much less weird than that dancing baby on that one show with Calista Flockhart. Mayita tries to catch the baby like it’s a butterfly. Which also, I guess, is not any weirder than having kids believe that storks bring babies. I’m getting to sort of enjoy these odd little forays into Mayita’s mind.

Ceci tells Pat that Marichuy rejected her, so she left the theater feeling destroyed, then had the run-in with Amadork. As she was driving she decided to go back and tell Marichuy everything, no matter what, but she was too nervous to drive and thus crashed.

“What’s up with you?,” JM asks Cande. “Me? Huh? What’s up with you?,” Cande waffles. Cande tells him Marichuy never wants to see him and she’s going to marry someone else soon. He says he’s also going to marry soon, to a good woman who needs him and will be a good mother. “Yeah, a good woman who’s in jail because she goes around killing people!,” says Cande. JM has no clever comeback for that. Marichuy has ducked into a store and wonders aloud why JM is following her everywhere when he’s already replaced her. BabyJM looks indignant.

JM walks right past Marichuy in slo-mo, and even turns back, but of course doesn’t see her. Sigh.

Pat returns to the waiting room and Stef hopefully asks whether Ceci died. Nice, Stefi.

Cande, Olga, and Marichuy have a boring rehash conversation while Cande munches on a loaf of bread bigger than her head. Possibly even bigger than a breadbox. Why does Cande have to be constantly eating so much? It seems kind of rude on the part of the writers or directors to me, like they’re just trying to draw attention to the excess weight of a great actress. Cande assures Mari that JM won’t look for her anymore, and Marichuy looks sad and says she’ll never be able to forget about him.

It’s now Thursday, which we know because Rocio talks to Balbina about getting Mayita ready for the baptism.

Pat tells Stef he has decided to move Ceci to a different hospital, but he’s going to give a big donation to the Red Cross because if not for them his wife would have died. Stef looks disgusted with the Red Cross and their blasted lifesaving ways.

In the loft, Vicente is standing (!) and getting ready for the baptism. He seems to have no trouble using his legs, but apparently needs the physical therapist to do his tie for him. He quickly sits back in the wheelchair when Mercedes appears at the door. She’s delighted to see her son looking so happy, but he won’t let her come closer to give him a hug. Instead, he stands up and walks to her, and there is much rejoicing.

Rocio and Mayita are ready to go to the baptism, and they’re all happy, which means it’s time for our least favorite ogre to make an appearance. Ornerylia says that Mayita can’t go to a party and have fun after what happened to her mother. “Screw you, witch!,” says Rocio, although out loud she only says, “Let’s go, Mayita.” Ornerylia gnashes her fangs and spits poison.

Vicente tells his mom that he didn’t tell her he was learning to walk again because…the PT who really missed his calling as a jolly ice cream man chimes in that it was a surprise. For mother’s day, just a little late. She says it’s the best surprise ever, and they hug some more and cry and grin and Vicente pinches her cheeks, which oddly does not seem to annoy her. She’s just THAT happy.

Elsa’s parents’ backyard is all done up for a party, and Beatriz is greeting the guests and hoping Amador doesn’t make an appearance. Padre Anselmo tries to be comforting and priestly to Nelson, who is lounging under a blanket and stewing pessimistically about his chances in the hereafter. Eduardo arrives and looks way hot. Rocio and Mayita arrive with slimy Dr. Humberto and steal the baby. Ed asks Beatriz why she seems scared, just as Amador walks in. How hard would it have been to spend a little money on security, Party Planner Elsa? Eduardo tells Amador to leave. Amador just stands there, and they grin at each other and have the following silent conversation:

E: You look like a dork. I shall burn you to a crisp using only the fact that I am hot as hell.
A: I am evil; hell is my home base. Fire does not hurt me.
E: Loser!
A: If I just keep grinning maybe he’ll think I won the fight.

Martirio calls Castle San Roman and leaves a message with Balbina about Ceci’s accident.

Ed and Amador turn verbal and Ed tells Amador to leave because he has no reason to be there. The baby’s father is Eduardo.

Olga goes to the convent to visit Purita, who is wearing nun clothing and has angel music following her wherever she goes. She gives Olga some kind of tchochke as a gift.

Ed and Amador’s argument devolves into fisticuffs when Ed says he’s going to marry Beatriz and adopt the baby, but Elsa’s dad breaks it up right away and throws Amador out. On the one hand, I’m glad mi querido Eduardo is too much a gentleman to stoop to Amador’s level, but on the other, I really wish someone would give the jerk a good pounding.

Olga tells Purita that things are much better for her around the neighborhood, and asks if Purita if she’ll come back, but Purita says she’s happy where she is and is going to stay forever.

Balbina tells JM and Leo about Ceci, and JM leaves to see her. Leo asks Balbina who Ceci is, and Balbina tries to fill him in, although she lies outright when she calls Stefi “a friend of the family.” Leo rolls his eyes at JM’s complicated life.

Ed apologizes for the scene, but Elsa’s parents are like, “Whatever! Let’s party!” Elsa remarks that Ed was quick, making up that story about marrying Beatriz to get rid of Amador. OMG, is she really that thick? Beatriz named her baby after Ed, they went to Acapulco together, and they are pretty much attached at the hip. Ed and Beatriz exchange sly looks but don’t bother to tell Elsa it’s true.

Amador rants to Marichuy about having been thrown out of the baptism party, but he came to the wrong lady for sympathy. Marichuy reams him out and says he never wanted the baby and is only trying to claim him now because of ego, not love, so he should stay away and let Beatriz marry Eduardo.

The baby is baptized; everyone claps. Humberto is sticking to Rocio like a leech (sanguijuela, FYI), which means it’s time for Vicente to turn up. Sure enough, there he is standing (!) in the doorway looking hurt.

Mari tells Amador he should stay away from the baby; he just needs a mother and a father for a happy home and he’ll have that, so naturally Amador says that Mari’s baby doesn’t know his father. What if Amador told JM about his son? “It wouldn’t matter,” says Marichuy. Amador says JM would take the baby away from her.

Avances: Pat tells JM that Ceci went to visit Marichuy at the theater. Hmmm…will JM try to find her there also (preferably without the follow-up medical trauma)?

Labels: Cuidado

Last of my recaps for Cheryl, who'll be back from Mexico any day now...

"Die, Soledad! But first, tell me who your son is! I tried to burn you alive once before, I'll get you this time, here, sniff this gas!" That's Gabriela yelling as she flings gasoline all around Soledad's place and throws a match in it. Obediently, Soledad sniffs, gasps, chokes, and stands stock-still instead of leaving the house.

Gab brains her with a crucifix, yes, this has got to be about the top of the list of punishable offenses. Only thing worse, braining your own mother with a crucifix. Or a baby.

Gab just about runs her truck into Coyote's truck, yes, I see why we were discussing his neckwear yesterday. My mother had one of those fox fur neckpieces...

"Be more careful, Gab." "I was, uh, distracted." "Well, can't stand here and chat, I have to go see Juan." "Juan? He and those brothers are my worst enemies!" "Well, then, so am I. You never noticed I was faking my affection for you? I'm your worst enemy." Big reveal: his parentage. She counters: "Well, don't worry about your mother's happiness, I just took care of it. She won't be suffering any longer."

Juan busts into Soledad's house, scoops her up a la the Incredible Hulk, takes her outside, goes back in and extinguishes the fire in about 25 seconds. Soledad anxiously orders him to find Coyote.

He finds Coyote. As Darth rolls his bug-eyes emotionlessly behind a tree - imagining that Coyote is ratting him out for killing Juan's parents - Coyote is actually trying to tell Juan who assassinated Libia. However, he pauses so frequently, so portentously, and with so many ellipses that Darth shoots him before any helpful information gets out. If they put their minds to it, these people could tell each other all they need to know in about four seconds. --Ed.]

It's a bad day for Soledad: first almost burned to death again, then her son gets shot. As she cradles him in her arms shouting "Hijo! Hijo!" at him, he asks for her blessing and dies. She sobs and gives a lot of speeches. She sends all the silent awkward looking extras away.

Father Bouffy (now you've really got me staring at his forehead trying to find the wig line) is asphyxiating in bed (if you read the closed captions, they tell you so). Bouffy is muttering about breaking the sacrament of the confessional because he has to stop the evil of Gabriela and Fernando. He calls for Commandant Muttonchops! Mutton comes stumbling in and asks "Who shot you?" [No harm in trying to make his work easier. --Ed.]

"I don't know, I have a suspicion, but that's not why I called you here. I denounce ... (asfixia) I denounce ... " Too late! Too many ellipses!

Muttonchops watches him dying without bothering to call for the doctor. Luckily, though, the doctor happens by just then and, luckily, he has with him today's most cutting edge technology: a stethoscope, which he applies firmly to Pad's writhing torso.

The Reyes brothers and their girls are reviewing in the next room. A shout brings them scurrying to Pad's bed. They count off, all present! "Love each other! Guard your love!" "Oh we will we will!" "Don't squabble!" And he seems to be gone! We cut to church, it's a funeral, some preacher is telling our grieving assembled cast: "Don't let your light become darkness!" Then we snap back to the hospital bed where Juan's big argument in favor of Tad not dying is: "You promised you'd perform our marriage!"

Why doesn't the doctor give Bouffy some oxygen? "I go in peace!" And there's a bright light, and Tad is dressed in white, and it's the pearly gates, and he spreads his arms, but then he breaks into song:

Whoah, Death come a knockin' on that Christian's door,
Said, "Old Christian, are you ready to go?"
He said, "No, no, no, no, no, no, no,
Because I ain't got on my travelin' shoes...
(Ain't paid my dues, yes, sayin'...)
...No, no, no, Oh Lordy, no, no, no
Because I ain't got on my travelin' shoes..."
Pad explains to God: "I left a job unfinished," so boom, he's back in his hospital bed looking pretty darn good. It's a miracle!

[If you taped this, go back and look at the doctor in the background: he spreads his arms in pious amazement and then stares all astonished at his stethoscope like, "Whoah, stethoscope, according to you this guy was gonna be dead!" Fine method acting. --Ed.]

Bouffy recaps his whole pearly-gates experience to his boss, His Eminency (previously seen as that sleazy lawyer guy in Juan Querendón) and says he didn't actually break his sacrament; he'll have to "stop the evil" himself.

Elsewhere, Ruth is all happy, thinking about her brother. "You're my only, last hope!" She innocently adds: "He won't fail me!"

But Darth, a relaxed and cheerful drunk, arrives to boast: he's gotten rid of one of his worst enemies, now there's only Furd and Gabriela to deal with. "Who'd you get rid of?" "Coyote of course, he bothered me, he bothered me right much!" "You killed him?" "He was my enemy, he had to die!"

She screams and hits him, he's confused. "You killed my brother! Your own son!" He rolls his bug eyes. Ruth shrieks and breaks things. "I'm alone again, my father is an assassin." She considers shooting herself in the mouth.

It's another full moon!

Gab is reading something pretty dreadful, or else she's just monologuing as she stares in her book: "I am the Angel of the Apocalypse! ... burning people ... sending of plagues..." what is she wearing, it looks like a black straitjacket pulled down over a white blouse. She's mad at herself for not figuring out that Coyote was the vengeful son, and she gives snake eyes to her pill bottle - she thinks Coyote put poison in it. "War is Declared!" she declares, hmm, what was it before?

Soledad has gone to a convent to end her days. She will pray for her son and make sad speeches. Juan goes to visit her and offer his assistance. "Don't blame yourself, Juan, he chose the path of hate and vengeance. Now sit down, I have to tell you: Raquel confessed to me that Sofia is not Gabriela's daughter, she is the daughter of Eva." Whoah, be still my heart. Where are my travelin' shoes? I'm out of here, Cheryl, back to you!

Labels: Fuego

Alternative title: What Goes 'Round Comes 'Round

Hope this doesn't offend anyone's religious sentiments, but I kept thinking of the Stations of the Cross tonight (Via Dolorosa) because of all the suffering and emotional flagellation going on. There's the obvious difference that we visit and remember Christ's sufferings for our sins while doing the stations, whereas these people revisit "stations" (decisions) in their lives that caused their own suffering and that of others. And the recurrent cry is "my fault, my fault" (mi culpa, mi culpa). Also a lot of flinging blame around to others...but we'll get to that in due time. First, the rehash.

Pato is at Soledad's house, asking about his favorite penalty kicker, Chava. He has leukemia answers Soledad. Patricio's stunned and saddened. But...he can die from that, right? No, says Candy, suddenly appearing. You can save him. In the space of a few seconds, Pato learns Candy is alive and that they have a son who is dying. I swear even a young man could have a heart attack trying to process news like that all of a sudden. He's angry of course and bewildered. How could she do this to him? She destroyed his life. And a son? How could they have a son?

New stuff: Remember my 18th birthday? Candy asks. And of course he does. The tender lovemaking on a rose-covered bed. Chava, at least, was conceived in love, rather than the drunken romp that led to Beto's arrival in this world. I want to see my son, Patricio continues angrily...OUR son...I WANT TO SEE HIM. Candy slips out the door. He turns to follow her but first gives Soledad an angry look as well, realizing that she knew all about Chava and Candy but didn't tell him. A tear slides down Soledad's cheek as the door closes. First staion of the cross. Multiple suffering.

Next station. Raúl and Marissa. She's letting him know she saw the fateful e-mail from Santiago telling Raúl that he'll do the right thing by Marissa and his baby but don't expect him to be happy, because he's giving up the woman he loves....Candy. Raúl of course assumes Marissa will give up her wedding plans but no way...she's decided she can't live without Santiago and is determined to have him at all costs.

Another station. Candy waits for Patricio to open the car door for her (even now she has that attitude of entitlement) and once in the car (which is always a very intimate venue for a man and woman. Just think back to your dating days) he remembers their rides as sweethearts....Candy singing a Mana song...and the memory is so poignant and powerful, he has to get out of the car and groan. Finally he gets back in and tells her that from now on, only their son counts. For him, she remains a ghost, a dead person.

Back to the unpleasant Raúl/Marissa scene. She's bad-mouthing Lucia and promising to take her down a peg or two once she's married to Santiago. She also decries Lucia's "empalagosa"(sickeningly sweet) romance with Charly. You mean...she's happy, right? answers Raúl gently. Like you were when you were 15 and in love. All Marissa wants is payback for her crappy life and that means Santiago. But the conversation leads her back to memories of her abortion. We see a very young girl, doubled over with cramps (I've had a miscarriage so I know how painful those contractions can be) while a brisk, and not particularly sympathetic nurse watches over her. Marissa assumes her boyfriend is waiting for her, but the nurse bluntly tells her that he left after handing over the money. No man's worth your tears, she adds, while the girl silently weeps from both emotional and physical pain. They get what they want and then they're gone. But you're young, you'll fall in love again. Next time just use protection.

He used me and then threw me away, Marissa tells Raúl angrily. He destroyed me. From now on I'll do the hurting.

A powerful and painful scene. We're left hoping that one day Chava will listen to Marissa's heart and find that she's a good person. But for now she's filled with resentment and vengeance.

After the ads (which tonight were a relief rather than an annoyance) we see Meño entering Charly's room, finding him gone and the closet empty. At least he has left his dad a note, saying "I don't want to force you to lie. Good-bye." Meño immediately goes into self-blame...The time came and I couldn't be honest. Mi culpa. Mi culpa. Another station of the cross.

At last, a somewhat light-hearted break. Donato is circling Tina in the kitchen trying to reassure her about the results of the tests. Don't worry...you're a good person. You'll be alright. Even good people get sick and die, retorts Tina. Well, I'll fix you a delicious dinner with three kisses, how about that. Really! And the kisses begin. First one cheek. Then the other. Then her mouth. Bof! Another kiss on the mouth. Another "bofetada" (slap) Donato figures it's worth it and takes his punishment gladly. This does not qualify as a station.

And a tender scene with Santiago, Rocio and Lucia singing together. Pretty off-key ("desafinado") to begin with, and some teasing about Santiago's alternative rock group but then Lucia sings a song her dad (Santiago's brother sang to her) and her voice is really lovely. The words are poignant "Reloj, deten tu camino porque mi vida apaga" (Clock, slow down because my life is slipping away).

The next scene is at the hospital and Patricio is impatient with the whole process. He doesn't want explanations of what's going to happen. Just do it. My son's life is in the balance. Candy is babbling her thanks but Pato silences her with a look as he dials his cellphone and tells Alicia to come to the hospital....and hurry! Gregoria enters the room, thanking God that Candy is finally there because Chava is asking for her. So Patricio's anger and pain increase as he learns that Gregoria knew Candy was alive also. Yes...but only recently, stammers Gregoria. She lied to me too.

Another light break. Jaime and Santiago are in his office. Clearly Jaime is there to tell him of his wedding plans but Santiago's having none of it. "Don't do a Beethoven" chides Jaime. (don't be deaf to my words) and of course, regardless of what Santiago says, Jaime's going to marry his mom. Punto.

The doctor reassures Chava about the procedure (Just imagine you're in a space ship). Patricio learns from Alicia's reaction that she too knew about Candy. Everybody but stupid Patricio, he mutters angrily. Santiago greets Candy in the hallway and hands her a rosary that comforted him when his father was undergoing an operation. And of course he asks about Pato's reaction to the news and tries to reassure her that while he doesn't know Pato well, he really doesn't think he'll try to take her son.

Pato is indeed a good match for Chava and Candy at his bedside stammers her gratitude, adding that she'd give anything to be in his place. Alicia stomps in, marks her territory by pushing Candy aside, kissing Patricio and giving little sis the LOOK. (nice try Alicia, but you've already lost this battle). Then Gregoria arrives, kisses Candy as she's on her way out (further enraging Alicia) who then goes on to say I don't care a thing about that kid. I'm only going along with this because it's important to Patricio. Big slap from Gregoria.

Lots of pain being passed around here. Physical and emotional. And lots of stations still to go, alas.

Everybody's pacing around, waiting for the surgery. Once Patricio's part is over, Alicia wants him to leave with her but he refuses. He wants to stay for his son, naturally. But it's not natural to her and she's angry and frustrated, angry that he never listens to her or considers HER feelings. Basta! enough, he shouts. I'm staying.

An odd shift here where Candy is back at home (this makes no sense...in real life she would never leave the hospital at this time) listening to Meño lamenting the rupture with Charly. He suffered so much when his own family rejected him...but being rejected by his son is even worse. Candy is somewhat dismissive. Well, if Charlie's prejudiced he'll just have to change. People who discriminate are never happy. This fails to comfort Meño who hates seeing his son suffer because of his fault...more cries of "mi culpa, mi culpa".

Then we have a little twin scene format so dear to the heart of telenovelists. Lucia goes down to the basement with a tray, trying to get Charly to eat. He angrily refuses. And Candy's outside Meño's door with a tray trying the same thing with the same results. Nada. Leave me alone.

Pato has also left the hospital, running, trying to work off his emotional storm with physical exertion (this part makes perfect sense to me). He remembers the romance, the wedding, the fateful kiss, the rupture, the news of her death, her ashes, the brutal reality of finding her alive and learning a son he didn't know he had is dying of leukemia...and suddenly he breaks out in shouts of gratitude, laughter, weeping and more Gracias Diosito, gracias, gracias. Candy's alive! Candy's alive!

I loved that scene. It seemed real to me and well-acted. When Patricio is trying to act stunned, I'm afraid those chipmunk teeth ruin it . But this exhuberant flailing happiness he did well.

Candy now calls Charly's mom to see if she's heard from him, alarming her and bringing forth more cries of it's all Meño's fault. Then Santiago arrives to take Candy to the hospital and we see Alicia at home, going through Patricio's old photos of him with Candy and setting fire to them. More stations, more suffering.

Well it's THAT TIME. You know .......the long chat with the Virgencita. Candy's in the hospital chapel briefly acknowledging her faults (I know I've been thoughtless and hurt a lot of people) and remembering Chava's birth and Meño gentle remonstrances about her lies;and how Chava was named Salvador because he saved her life and gave her a reason for living. And you know what it is to lose a son, she reminds the Virgin, you know the infinite pain, so you must save him. If I could, I'd take his place. But care for him, Virgincita, care for him.

Santiago comes into the chapel, sits beside her. Tells he he's here for her and will be here for her. She leans her head on his shoulder. Patricio enters. The final betrayal. Even his "hermano" Santiago knew about Candy. And in spite of knowing how Patricio suffered from her death, didn't tell him "the secret". Pato storms out. Santiago tells Candy to follow him. After she leaves, he looks sideways at the Virgincita as if to say "Now what?" Indeed.

Meño calls Lucia to see if she knows Charly's whereabouts. She lies and says she doesn't. Well if you do, tell him I need to see him immediately, pleads Meño and then looks sadly at a photo Charly took of them in chefs' hats with his cellphone. Good times. Gone forever? Who knows.
This sad scene is capped by an angry telephone conversation with Charly's mother. He's MY son. In your life he was just an accident. Everything's YOUR fault. "Mi culpa, mi culpa" echoes Meño sadly.

Surgery on Chava is about to begin. Patricio is remembering his times with the little guy, playing soccer, asking for his help with Beto, going to the game with the two of them, wrapping his arms around them affectionately. Candy and Meño are encouraging the little guy, explaining they can't be with him in the operating room but will be praying for him. And he should pray too. "God bless you. I love you." The universal words of comfort and support.

And herewith endeth the lesson for tonight.

Previews: Candy sees Patricio leaning tenderly over Chava as he is in recovery.
Alicia is angrily stating that Patricio is HER husband. Actually, I'm still married to Candy, he replies flatly.

Vocabulary

empalagosa = sickly sweet, gooey, cloying
apagar = to go out, as in a light going out
la verdad sale a flote = the truth comes out in a big way
bofetada = slap, punch
desafinado = off-key

Labels: Tontas

At the pozo, DB responds to Santos' accusations. She denies stealing Cecilia's letters. Then Santos accuses her of hiding the information about the discovery of oil at La Chusmita. DB claims that she was going to tell Santos about it at their wedding but Santos doesn't believe her. Then Santos brings up how Danger discovered the hiding place of the rebels and then disappeared. DB asks if Santos thinks she murders people. Santos says that she doesn't murder people herself. She orders other people to do it. He shows DB the blowgun dart and accuses Melquiades of killing people on her orders.

Confronted by Cecilia, Melquiades leaves her house without returning the letters. Outside, he says that he has failed DB for the second time.

BP is dumped out of a truck. He has figured out that his captor was the remaining rapist, Sapo. He recognized Sapo from DB's photo. So I guess Sapo wasn't involved in the oil business. It's not clear how Sapo found out about BP or Danger's house.

Eustaquia complains to herself about how her food doesn't turn out right in the kitchen at Altamira. She wishes DB had never brought her there.

Santos tells DB that he was so in love with her that he believed she would change but she is the same. She can't love him because deep down she despises him like all men. She is just a big lie.

Bartolo brings flowers to Altagracia but he is allergic to the garlic they are using to cook.

Santos tells DB that doesn't believe in her anymore and he wants to separate.

Cecilia comes to Altamira and tells Santos that Melquiades was at her house to return her letters, which confirms that DB took them. Santos says that he knew that DB was involved but when he confronted her, she denied it. DB comes in and admits that she took the letter but says that she has the right to know where her daughter is. She says that she found out that Marisela is ok. She has gone abroad because of Santos. Santos says that if she is talking about rights, he has the right to be alone.

Santos gets a telegram that Antonio and Maria Nieves are being released from prison the next morning. He tells Melesio and immediately goes to the capital.

DB accuses Cecilia of trying to separate her from Santos and Cecilia says that DB has done it all herself. DB slaps her.

DB comes into the bedroom where Santos is packing up his stuff. She begs him to stay but he says that he needs to be alone to think and decide what he wants to do.

DB castigates Melquiades for failing to return Cecilia's letters without being caught and for leaving evidence of the blowgun. He says that he didn't fail her. It is the bad luck that is all around them. She humiliates him by saying that he is as big an imbecile as the Mondragon brothers.

Carmelito tells Cecilia that Antonio is going to be released. She tells the baby that he will see his father.

Lucia gets Antonio out of the prison the night before he is scheduled to be released. She seduces him.

DB has her rape nightmare again. She wakes up screaming and tells Eustaquia that it is the same as always but now she can't see the faces of the men.

Cecilia did keep the property transfer document and Lorenzo's letter in the same unlocked and accesible secretary as Marisela's letters. Fortunately, no one has stolen them. She takes out Lorenzo's letter and reads it. It contains Lorenzo's final request for Marisela. We don't know what it is but Cecilia decides that it is time to share the contents of the letter with Marisela.

DB has devised some plan to get Santos back but we don't know what that is either.


Santos comes to the prison to wait for Antonio and MN to be released. He sees Marisela there. She is in a hat I did not find attractive at all and we still only see her from the neck up.

Labels: barbara

Tonight is an extravaganza of ugly. Ugly situations, ugly attitudes, ugly reactions, ugly results. Feo, feo, feo. The writers used their entire February ration of ugly all in one episode, so maybe they won’t have any left for the rest of the month. Ojala! Tonight is also Episode #42. Perhaps Pat will begin to find the answer to life, the universe, and everything.

Gregoria tells Alicia that Chava has leukemia, and Alicia says she doesn’t want to tell Pat, just as Pat walks in and insists on knowing their secret. Suegrita suggests, “I’ll tell my secrets if you tell me yours.” Pat prefers to go see a man about a dog.

Lulu shows up at the park looking ridiculous, as our pair of metiches spies on her. They see Meño arrive for his mystery date, discover that it’s Lulu, and leave without being seen. Lulu waits, feels rejected, gives up, and leaves. The writers have treated Lulu badly all along, but tonight they were at their worst. Feo, feo, feo. Charly and Luc conclude that Meño isn’t interest in Lulu. Charly speculates that maybe his dad really is gay.

I’d like to forget that scene. Fortunately for me, Santiago is wearing an orange sweater that makes me forget every feo thought I’ve ever had. I always thought Camil looked best in black; I was wrong. In orange, he looks as good as Colunga. No, I lied. But Dang! He looks good!

Santiago takes Rocío to see her good friend Chava. She’s healthy and masked against germs. Chava says that when he gets well, he’ll be Rocío’s novio. Roc makes a hearts-and-flowers picture of the two of them so she can always be with him. Can anyone tell what Chava’s picture is? A monster? A germ? Meanwhile the doctor advises Candy, Santiago, and Meño about marrow donor compatibility. A brother is the most likely match. Lacking that, Santiago gently suggests Chava’s father. Candy is not willing to talk to Pat. She tells the doctor that Chava has no father. Santi has been wrestling with himself, debating how much to push and how much to respect her choices, but he can’t take it anymore. “Candy, you’re playing with your son’s life.” She still refuses. Feo, feo, feo. The doctor brings up the subject of costs, and Santiago assures them that he’ll be responsible for the costs. Outside by the noisy fountains, Santiago again promises Candy his complete support. They give each other warm looks. I give Santiago and his sweater warm looks.

Raúl starts reading Santiago’s e-mail, the one where Santiago tells him he’s in love with Candy yet he’ll marry Marissa, but Raúl shouldn’t ask him to be happy about giving up the woman he loves. Raúl gets called away without closing his e-mail. Gee, I wonder what will happen next.

Back at the institute, Chayo tries to talk to Lulu, still in the pink dress, but Lulu has a mental block against all reason because of the way the writers portray women who are unattractive. Feo, feo, feo (the writers, not Lulu). Lulu even speculates that maybe the anonymous card was someone‘s cruel joke. Bull’s-eye!

A power outage strikes Raúl’s office, and his e-mail from Santi is lost before anyone else reads it. Yeah, and if you believe that, you also believe Sophia when she says, “I’ll never doubt you again, Juan.” Actually Marissa comes in, reads the e-mail, and throws an ugly fit, throwing papers everywhere. Feo.

Meño counsels Candy on the couch. If she’s not a viable donor, she’ll ask Soledad to get Beto tested. But not Pat. Anyone but Pat. Meño tells her to think positively, and to take care of herself so she doesn’t get sick too.

Santiago consults with a new patient, Pilar. She wants the works, a total rebuild. Santi brings up the question of cost. Pilar says that is no problem, since Santiago will be doing it for free. Santiago is of course curious about why he would operate for free. Because if he doesn’t, she’ll cry rape. Feo, feo, feo. (He hasn’t had good luck with that name. I think he should refuse to work with anyone named “Pilar.”) She admits that many won’t believe her, but the doubts will be enough to ruin his reputation. As Pilar lists her demands, he’s interrupted by a call from Chava’s doctor, to remind us how many demands weigh on Santiago. He can’t believe Pilar would do this. I can’t believe someone in his position isn’t prepared for such situations. And as if that weren’t bad enough, he’s not wearing the orange sweater anymore. Que lastima!

Gregoria also tries to talks sense to Candy, to save Chava’s life. If Candy’s not compatible, she needs to ask Pat. Candy won’t budge. She’s the one who makes the medical decisions for Chava, and Pat must never know he has a son. Feo, feo, feo.

Meño answers the door to Raúl. Note Meño’s formal and deferential language. Raúl offers his support as well. Meño later encourages Candy in her office, reminding her of when she played Super Mama with a little fair-haired, fair skinned, square-faced boy who is supposed to be Chava. He reminds her that she needs to call on Super Mama again. The conversation shifts to Lulu. He told her directly that he’s gay, but she refuses to listen.

Tina talks to Isabel about her fear about her medical test results. Isabel tells Tina about when she got her diagnosis, and Tina asks Isabel to pray with her.

In Candy’s office, Chava’s doctor (has anyone heard his name?) shows Santiago the projected cost, Santi again agrees to cover it, and they join in a PSA for charities for kids who can’t afford medical treatment. We know the PSA was shoved in because Candy actually shows concern for someone other than herself! Note, Jaime Camil always participates in Teletón Mexico, an annual event which supports children’s rehabilitation facilities.

Isabel and Jaime talk about her son’s jealousy, their upcoming wedding, and decisions they need to make before that time. While they talk about their mutual attraction, Donato manages a well-aimed accidental spritzing, trying to dampen the fire.

Chava’s doctor makes another house call to introduce the nurse that will care for Chava. And there is encouraging news. The orange sweater is back! Chava wants to thank Santiago for paying for his operation. Chava promises that when he gets better, he’ll pay Santiago with lots of kisses because he likes him so much. For now, they trade man-hugs. Santiago is such a papa!

Charly goes to the restaurant and tries to get answers from his dad. Meño avoids him.

Outside, Santiago tells Candy how moved he was by Chava’s hug. Candy is moved as well, moved to kiss Santiago, but Raúl interrupts them before they can, setting the stage for dueling galáns. The battle is as much in their stance as their words. Santi takes a step back to allow them room to talk.
Raúl informs Candy that he has set up a bank account in her name to cover medical expenses. He’ll provide whatever she needs. He strokes her hands to express his concern for her son. At least that’s his pretexto.
Santiago moves in and removes Raúl’s hands from Candy’s and tells him that won’t be necessary since Santi has already offered to pay all expenses.
Raúl tells his sister’s fiancée that he should save his money (and his affection) for his new wife and family. Smacked down, Santi steps away again, Raúl takes her hands again, and Santi moves back in again. Raúl says he doesn’t want them to ever lack for anything; he wants to be the father to her son.
Santiago can’t restrain himself any longer. “I can’t believe what I just heard!”
Raúl tries to pull Candy away to talk, but Santiago follows.
Santiago sets Raúl straight. “Chava already has a father.” Candy tries to say something because she thinks she’s involved in this conversation. Santiago cuts her off because he thinks she’s not. He’s not willing to risk Raúl scoring any points, so he has to think fast. “Candy, don’t you realize he’s taking advantage of your crisis, of this vulnerable time in your life, to capture/win you?”
Raúl protests, “That’s a low blow. You know I’m not like that.”
Santiago hates to admit it, but he knows Raúl’s right. Failing to score his point, he steps back.
Raúl, seizing his momentary advantage, moves in to close the sale. He takes Candy‘s hands yet again and says, “You know I’m in love with you.”
Santiago moves into panic mode and steps between Raúl and Candy. He asks, “Raúl, do you have the half talisman?” Raúl is totally baffled, but he says he doesn’t. Santiago turns to Candy for the first time in this conversation, and he’s getting desperate (he does ‘desperate‘ really well, don‘t you think?). “See? He doesn’t have it.” Turning back to Raúl, “You’re not the love of her life. She’s waiting for someone else.”
Raúl asks if Santiago has been smoking his mother’s weed again, and Santiago insists that he has never smoked.

I know I devoted lots of attention to a relatively unimportant scene, but we had so much sadness Friday, and so much ugliness today, wasn’t it fun to focus on something fun and pleasant? Did you notice that while Santiago was obviously defending Candy as if she were his territory, she never protested?

At the restaurant, Charly tries again to talk to Meño about an important question, but Meño avoids him again.

Pat calls Santi to invite him for poker. Pat asks Santi not to tell anyone what he said about Candy. Pat implores him in the name of their friendship, even brother to brother because he feels so close, not to betray him in this. Santi says, “Who would I tell?” but all the while he recalls telling Candy, “Pat still loves you and feels responsible for your death.” Several things were odd about this scene. 1. Pat only met Santiago recently, but he acts like he is his very best friend. I think Santiago is his only friend. 2. Why is it suddenly so urgent to Pat that Santiago doesn’t tell anyone? Alicia already knows he still loves Candy. 3. Does Santiago’s hair look much shorter? The sun is on the wrong side so he’s usually in shadow, but it seems really different. If his hair is shorter, then they shot this scene long after the surrounding parts. It seems like an unnecessary scene. Why would they tape something useless, long after this phase in the show?

Rocío and Beto are once again trying to figure out how the world works. Beto knows that when people get sick, they die, since his grandmother got sick and she died. Rocío counters that only old people die, not kids (we’re with you, Rocío; run with that thought!). She remembers she had a cold and she didn’t die. You can’t argue with logic like that!

Gregoria asks the doctor what will happen if Candy is not a qualified donor.

Candy tells Santiago that Chava will be in the hospital for two or three weeks, and she’ll really need his support. He is glad to offer it. Then she says she’ll tell Marissa so she’s not jealous, and Santi is not so glad. He tells her it’s unnecessary since they’re not doing anything for Mar to be jealous of. Candy insists on telling Marissa anyway. In other words, “Pay a mountain of money to save my son’s life. Come running whenever I call. Support me because I’d be a basket case without you. But I‘m keeping my distance from you.” Feo, feo, feo.

Charly is angry because his dad keeps running away from his questions. He takes out his anger on Lucía. Feo.

Santiago takes Candy to a church and reminds her of all the things in their favor. Candy says that she used to think she could manage everything, but now she has to leave her son’s life in the hands of others, and she realizes how much she needs God.

TWO WEEKS LATER
At the institute, the staff talks about Chava’s upcoming operation. Soledad says that tomorrow they’ll test Candy for compatibility.

Charly goes to talk to Meño with a chip on his shoulder because his dad has been evading him. Charly says, “Are you gay or not?” Meño lies with the truth. “I feel like an animal being chased. And I’m not!” Feo.

At the hospital, the shorter doctor, Martin, a leukemia specialist, explains the procedure to Candy. Candy is surprised to learn that if all goes well, when Chava recovers he’ll be able to live a normal life. He’s already been admitted to the hospital.

Santiago takes Candy home, and the strain is just too much for her. She begs him to promise that she’ll be a match and Chava will be alright. He would do anything for love, but he won‘t do that. Candy breaks down. He holds her and promises that he’ll never leave her alone, that he’ll always be with her.

The next morning, Dr. Martin gives Candy the news – she is not a match; she cannot be a marrow donor. Candy, grasping at straws, suggests Beto as an alternative. Santiago once again tries to convince her to contact Pat, because she is playing with her son’s life.

Pat takes Beto home and counsels him about soccer. Beto misses Chava and tells Pat that he’s sick. A girl in his class says Chava might die. Pat is visibly shaken by the news, the universal tragedy of a terminally ill child.

Candy tells Soledad that she is not a qualified donor, but Beto is a possibility because siblings have the best chances. Soledad starts to tell Candy that she is afraid to put Beto through the procedure. Candy interrupts her because what Soledad wants doesn’t really matter, does it? Candy wants Soledad to subject her son to surgery, because Candy isn’t willing to face Pat to save her own son. Feo, feo, feo. Es tan feo que, por eso se inventaron la palabra feo.

Charly goes to tell Lucía that he’s leaving town. He’s fed up with the way his dad treats him, not talking to him. Luc is desperate to keep him from leaving, and she suggests that she can hide him in the basement (sótano).

Back at the apartment, the doorbell rings. Soledad warns Candy that it’s Pat, and Candy hides in the bedroom. Pat sends Beto to the bathtub and asks Sol what’s wrong with Chava; Pat heard he’s very sick. She tells him that it’s leukemia. Pat is taken aback by the news and asks, “He could die from that, couldn’t he?”

“No, he’s not going to die,” says Candy, coming out of hiding. “You’ll save him.” Pat tries to stand up but his legs fail him. He tries to talk but his mouth fails him. All he can stammer out is “Candy.” Before Pat can corral his thoughts and emotions, while he’s still trying to comprehend what his eyes are telling him, the second Richter 8.2 earthquake strikes. “Our son needs you. Chava is yours.” And the third, “You can save his life.” Pat looks like he got hit in the gut by a meteor.

Welcome to Paris. The weatherman says it’ll be a dark and stormy night.

Labels: Tontas