Caray, Caray!

Bad things happen tonight, but the icy strength of our favorite snowball is fortified by the cold truth, and if you think this snowball is going to melt easily think again.

We left off with Mau and Coni having yet another disagreement. Coni threatens that since they're already at the hospital she might as well have a pregnancy test. Mau disagrees, it's been a long day. Coni juts her jaw out and tells Mau she's not moving from her spot until she talks to Valentina.

"How convenient, because here I am, Mummy" announces our sprightly heroine. For having just run over her lover Coni is amazingly uncontrite. She and Moni have it out with Moni accusing Coni of trying to kill Beto, Coni assuring her that Mau is a witness that it was an accident, and Coni reminding Moni she is supposed to stay 10 metres away from Her Husband. As usual, Mauricio stands by doing nothing, impotent (figuratively speaking). Moni rubs Coni's face in it by kissing Mau right in front of Coni. "What are you going to do about it, Mummy?" she asks. Something tells me this is going to cost our little monkey dearly.

Gabi arrives home and is startled by Sal standing in her doorway. She tells him he has the wrong address, Jacqueline doesn't live there. Sal's not confused, he's right where he wants to be. He wants to tell Gabi not to be jealous of Jacqueline, they have a great friendship and they spend all their time talking about Gabi. Gabi corrects him, she's not jealous but she's tired of Sal needing time, time that he is spending going out with another woman. She wishes him luck on his duel. He reveals he's going through with this ridiculous duel for her honor. She softens somewhat, her eyes sparkle, then she shakes it off, "Good luck on the duel anyway", and leaves him on the front step.

Coni sarcastically applauds Moni and Mau's great kiss, then comments "But it's really too bad". Moni arches her eyebrow and asks is Coni bugged that Mau will never kiss her much less spend the night with her? "Why don't you go ahead and tell her?" Coni asks Mau. She warns Moni that Mau is not as faithful as she thinks. Coni is just about to spill the beans when...

...Xime rolls Rolu up, grabs Moni and Coni and drags them down the hall.

Pau reassures Nieves that Christian will make sure Coni spends the night behind bars this very night. NO!! yells Nieves. Estrella starts to tell Nieves she understands..."SHUT UP!!" yells Nieves. Caesar also gets the same treatment. She can't bring herself to tell them that she doesn't want her son's Baby Mama going to jail. They are interrupted by...

...the doctor who tells them Beto suffers from some trauma. He doesn't remember his name. Didn't we already go through this once? I wonder if Nieves will go in and bonk him on the head to try to cure him? It worked before.

Jero is back with his old pal Oscar who is highly amused by the upcoming duel. He is telling Jero he's crazy for dueling Sal when they are interrupted by...

...Jacqueline who hopes she isn't bothering them. "Don't worry JacquelEEENAY," Oski says sarcastically, "I was just leaving." He departs, snickering about the duel. Jero tells her he's doing the duel for her. I guess this makes her hot because she starts to jump his bones.

The doc says Beto's trauma is only temporary. Nieves wails that she wants to see her Betito, her BETEEEEETO! She staggers off toward his room followed by Don Cesar.

Estre and Pau optimistically discuss the possibility of Beto losing his memory forever and leaving Monita in peace.

Monita and peace, I don't think those words are going to be together for a while yet.

Lets go back to the wacky trio of Xime, Coni and Moni. Xime accuses Coni of trying to kill Beto. She says Coni made a mistake because she (Xime) and Beto were just pretending to be lovers. She has three things to tell them. Una, Robiru and she are not lovers and never have been. Dos, they only did it to make Consti mad. Tres, if Coni didn't kill her (Xime) when Coni thought they were lovers please don't kill her now that she knows they are not. Moni looks like she is trying to process this logic.

The colorful couple of Nieves and Don Cesar rush to Beto's bedside. Beto pulls his hand away from Mami and stares at them blankly. "Excuse me Señora but who are you?" She does her whole I gave birth to you and nursed you for eight years speech. Beto scrunches his face and grunts at her bosom. "And is this man my father?" She says no, it's her boyfriend, they all live together. "Oh, so I have a Señora Cusca for a mother," comments our new and morally improved Beto.

Don Cesar pipes up that having amnesia doesn't give Beto the right to be disrespectful. Damn straight. DC asks him does he know El Fantasma Vengador? Nope. Nieves is convinced her baby really can't remember anything. "Give me some enchiladas," Beto demands.

Xime tells Coni and Moni her affair with Robi was all "a fake". Moni tries to leave but Coni stops her to tell her Mau is weak like all men. There is more she said she said between our two nemeses; in summary:
Moni - "Mauricio can't stand you." She raises her fist.
Coni - "Be very careful, you'd better not hit me because I'm pregnant."
Moni - Gasp.

Beto says he can't remember anything and the only thing he feels is hunger. Why haven't they brought him any tortas de milanesas? This gives Nieves hope, it's his favorite food! Does he remember? He says in his head no, but in his stomach yes. (It growls for effect.)

DC tries to jog his memory by mentioning Monita and the wife of Sermeño. Beto is all excuse me but who is La Monita, who is Sermeño, who is Constancia? Aha! Nobody mentioned Constanza. Beto backpedals, no he doesn't remember ConstanZA, ConstanZA. Beto mutters in his head no, but in the other (looks down at the family jewels), yes. DC insists Beto remembers everything, he's a cucuruchito! (Not sure what this is, maybe a character who is a pathological liar?) Nieves wants to be alone with her baby.

Beto comments on Nieves' weird hair bow and tells her he has never seen her in his life. "You don't remember me? You don't remember that The Flauta is expecting your child?" "How did you know that Jefa!?!" he yells. Aha! He is really truly busted this time. She whacks him in the head and beats him with his pillow.

Coni tells Valentina it's true, she and Mau are expecting a baby. "You are bad Coni, really bad," pipes up Ximena. Moni says in spite of everything she doesn't believe Coni. If Coni is pregnant then it's by Beto and she's going to tell this to Mauricio right now.

Moni jets off, Coni tries to follow, Xime grabs Coni by her hair and yanks her back. Hooray Ximena!! She really is Wonder Woman, in fact she strikes the wonder woman pose, almost does the splits (my, she's very limber!) and refuses to let Moni pass. However this doesn't last long. Coni alpha dogs Xime and races off, leaving poor Xime rubbing her nearly-strangled throat.

Xime and Rolu are talking about Rolu and Xime's marriage and are interrupted by...

...Monita who says Coni is going around saying she's pregnant by Mauricio. "Monita, forgive me," he begs. "Forgive you for what? You slept with her?" asks an incredulous Moni. Coni has planted herself behind Moni and raises her eyebrow at Mau. It's the bitchiest eyebrow-raise I have ever seen. Monita responds to Mauricio like she does to most strife, she punches him in the stomach and runs away. Coni stops Mau from following his love. Why he doesn't just step around her is beyond me. Why does everyone do what La Momia wants?

Nieves is still whacking Beto with his pillow and calling him a blockhead (tarugo) for impregnating Coni. She thought she taught him better. She tells him she needs to talk to him about his son. What son? Beto is still feigning (?) amnesia and calling her Señora. He insists he doesn't know any ConstanZA. He remembers nothing and nobody. Then he strikes his Vengador pose and Nieves whacks anew.

Jacqueline tells Jero he's acting like a penniless schmuck. Jero is highly insulted, he's the owner of a business. Jacqui points out it's really too bad that he's sharing his profits with Oski and not with her. Jero doesn't know what she sees in Salvador, he's just a waste of a man. He's got money yes, but he's not a millionaire like Jero (and his cousin he adds, as an aside).

Jacqui says Jero doesn't know Salvador very well. Jero says he does know Sal. Sal is stingy, envious, truculent, grumpy, ailing, and regurgitates when he talks. She says Sal is mature, established, a gentleman in every sense of the word but she prefers a pet, a slave, i.e. Jero. There he goes slapping himself on the ass again. She stands up while he follows her around on his knees. She won't spend the night with him because he needs his rest to be bright eyed and bushy tailed in the morning. She'll see him tomorrow, and if he survives the duel they can talk.

Beto is still feigning (or not?) amnesia to Nieves, he doesn't know a Monita. He congratulates her on being a grandma but can he have his Milanese sandwich? If she gets him a sandwich maybe it will help him remember. She says fine, she'll get him his sandwich and he'd better not try to escape. "The kid's not mine!" he wails. Nieves whacks him again with the pillow, she is absolutely certain the kid is his because she heard that skinny bitc...Beto cries he can't think because he's starving.

Moni is standing alone and crying in the hospital hallway. Estrella runs up to report that for some reason Nieves won't say a thing against the Mummy and that Beto has amnesia.

Coni threatens Mau that if he tries to see Moni he will have broken his contract and he'll never see his kids again. She calls Moni a stupid chimpanzee boxer. He flexes his jaw in impotent rage. (Yes I know I already called him impotent once, but if the description fits.) They leave together, she triumphant, he impote...er, silently angry.

Back to the waiting room where Rolu confronts Ximena with her charade. Rolu says, "You mean you don't have a lover?" "Nopis," answers Xime. "It was all a lie?" asks Rolu. "Sipis." How could she let him think she was seeing that old smelly cat? She says Una Dos Tres it was worth it to prove all the love Rolu has for her and to have him promise he will never be unfaithful to her again. He turns all mean and nasty, i.e. his old self, and tells her to get out of his sight! He doesn't want her near him and as soon as he get out of his casts he is out of there. She cries ouch, her heart is breaking. He says she is the WORST thing that has ever happened to him. Our poor beautiful Xime covers her ears but she can still hear him shouting "the worst!!" Shall we take bets on how long it will be before he takes another flyer?

Monita and Estrella visit Beto. Does he know them? Of course, "hello Monita" he says to Estrella. He tells Monita maybe he does know her because when he looks into her eyes he feels a warmth in his heart. The nice things he says to Monita are negated by his flatulence and he lets one fly. It's censored of course but we know by now when our stinky cat farts. Estrella is driven from the room but Monita doesn't seem to notice. She tells him they have to talk about The Mummy. No problem, Beto loves that movie, what special effects, wow! "No Beto, Constanza." He says he doesn't know that person. She says he better remember soon because he's going to be the father of her son.

She begs him to remember. He's trying but he remembers nothing. He keeps asking her who are all these people? She tries to jog his memory, Constanza is tall, skinny and crazy. Mauricio is her husband. Beto says then of course the baby must be Mauricio's as a result of (he demonstrates with his hands) intercourse.

She cries, she won't believe it. This makes Beto sad. Somehow he seems to know she's a boxer.

Yum, it's a torta stand! Nieves and DC are ordering dos Milaneses with chipotles, salsa roja and peppers in vinegar for Beto. DC says he wants a Cubana (woman from Cuba). This elicits a pinch from Nieves. No, a Torta Cubana, what's eating Nieves tonight? She admits it's not Beto's accident but what she heard the Flauta say when she thought nobody was listening. She said...no she can't bring herself to say it. DC tells her no matter what happens he'll be by her side.

Next morning Mau drops the kiddies off at school and even Katia gets a kiss goodbye. Thre is a Father/Son discussion about La Furia Enmascarada and Mau ends up loaning Aldo the keys to the Bat Cave. Looks like Aldo's going to get some today.

Ximena wears a Golden Delicious apple-colored dress and puts an apple on her head. Oh man, don't tell me Jero is doing target practice William Tell style using Xime as a target! Xime wisely stops the nonsense and says three things. Una, aim well. Dos, don't kill me. Tres, I didn't eat dinner last night and my stomach is growling. Rolu butts in and I think he says if Jero shoots her, in the head for example, instead of the apple then he'll forgive her for lying to him. She tells Jero in that case aim for her, aim for love. Circus music plays while Jero aims. Oh wait, I wonder if Jero will accidentally shoot Rolu instead? All of a sudden I'm in a much better mood!

Furia goes to the gym, sees Moni punching the bag, asks what's the matter, and she falls into his arms, crying. "I'm very sad," she weeps.

Mañana-Estrella jumps into Furia's lap and covers him with kisses. Jero and Sal are at their duel, they turn and fire. Nieves tells Coni she knows the truth and they have a stare-down.


Tacaño, envidioso, truculento, cascarrabias, achacoso, regurgita cuando habla = stingy, envious, truculent, grumpy, ailing, and regurgitates when he talks
Cucurucho = pointed hat, dunce hat? (Maybe Cucuruchito was a character who lied?)
Fresco como una lechuga = bright eyed and busy tailed, fresh (Lit . fresh like lettuce)
Un gato apestoso = a smelly cat
Lo peor = the worst
Muerto de hambre = penniless schmuck, a nobody
Un residuo de hombre = A waste of a man
Señora Cusca = streetwalker, loose woman
Tarugo = blockhead
Vete a la fregada = Bugger off, get out of my sight, brush off.

*Oscar Wilde

Labels: gancho

From yesterday we have a replay of the meeting of the abogados. They will talk to the judge and try to delay the the proceeding for 2 weeks What with Raquel being in an accident and all and Alex not being there. MJ tells Bruno that if he did anything to Alex she will see that he spends the rest of his days in prison. Bruno tries to convince everyone present that MJ is crazy. Victoria steps in and says MJ is not crazy and she storms out too. The abogado asks Bruno if he wants to go ahead with the proceeding and he says no. After they leave Bruno asks Vicky if she is happy.

Today:
Our castaways (with pants on) are trying to make a raft. Sure doesn't look very sturdy to me. Maybe they should try a little harder.

Back at the Casa the abogados are talking as they wait for their car. The first one says that he thinks it's really strange that Bruno has given up the will contest #2 says he thinks so too. Hmmmm...The plot thickens.

Victoria pays MJ a visit in her room. MJ is still wound up from the meeting. She understands Victoria's pain as a mother but she has to understand her desperation. Vicky says she feels the same. Do you think it is easy for me to kiss my son when I think he is a monster? We don't even know that what he says is the truth. MJ is convinced that Bruno went there with the intention of killing Alex. Victoria thinks they don't really know that for sure. All they have are suspicions. She asks MJ to think about her father and her sister. Bruno can't be responsible for everything (?). MJ isn't having any of it. She's says there is no way that Bruno is innocent. Duh! Victoria says something behind her hand about Fernando and MJ says how is she supposed to think calmly when the man she loves could be dead. Vicky is convinced that they will be found. They have to have faith. Vicky goes on some more about the will contest and MJ says she doesn't care about it. She just wants Bruno to pay for what he's done. Vicky understands but MJ must think about this family because it is her family now too. Think about your sister and you. MJ says I will have patience and I will wait. And if he doesn't return I will get even. By whatever manner I will get even. Dun dun dun!

Back to the island Alex is thinking about MJ and all the good times they've had together. Ah, those were the days. Big sigh.. He promises that he will be back at her side.

In the hospital Her Royal Majesty is sitting on her throne—uh-a wheel chair and gives a snotty look at the nurse. In walks Bruno with a huge bouquet of roses. She is glad to see him and he gives her a kiss on the cheek. He says he was really worried about her and she thanks him for taking an interest in her. He says of course, she's his sister. He doesn't like her being alone. She says Roberto o o has been there but she wants to divorce his sorry a$$. He says yeah, he's pretty much a Loser. Princess whines that her mom isn't with her on the whole divorce issue. He wants to know if she has another. She looks impish and says yes (like it's a big secret). He pulls her closer and wants to know who it is. She says it's none other than our boy Useless. He laughs. Yeah, I'm laughing too. That's another loser with a capital L. Still laughing he says get out—no way! She says yes way and I'm expecting his baby. Bruno says he's with her on the divorce but he would like to ask her a favor. Uh oh! He wants her to get involved in the will contest She wants to know why he can't do it. He's having some problems with MJ and his mother. She is worried about the scandal it would cause (but she's really afraid of losing her money.) He clucks that annoying cluck that he does. He says it is too late regarding the scandal. It's already been in the papers and people are on our side. Then he adds that Alex has disappeared and might be dead so now is a good time to do it. Raquel is impactada. Bruno says he went on a trip and nobody knows what happened. They can't find him anywhere. She gets up from the wheelchair and he grabs her-- flowers. Silly me, I thought he was going to help her because of her injury. Think about your future. You could have a life far away from Roberto o o. She's still freaking out about Alex. He tells her it is a long story. Can I count on you? Yes or no? Hey, no pressure there. She says you can count on me but I want to know what happened to Alex.

Back on Sorti Island Ferdumbo is still working on he raft, Charlie is fishing and Alex is gathering. (Yep, pants are still on and are still the same color.)

Back to the hospital. Bruno says that Ferdumbo and Alex went on a trip to the Dominican Republic. Raquel asks why they went on this trip. Bruno says, duh, to kill me of course because of the Will. Raquel is beside herself. Bruno says they went out on a boat and something happened. Raquel is still skeptical and Bruno says they got the info from the travel agency. So, MJ and Victoria have made accusations against me so that is why I can't carry on with the Will contest. That is why I need you to do it. Raquel can't believe it and wants to know why no one will explain it to her. We are saved by Roberto o o who has come to take Raquel home. Bruno says he'll see them at home. Roberto o o has a funny look on his face and wants to know what is going on. She says my brother brought me flowers FF>> just a little.

Vicky asks EZ to find out from Mari whether the little heifer showed up at work today. He scampers off to do her bidding. Seriously, where can I get one of those? Meanwhile Vicky is calling the consulate. Ez is talking to Mari and asks if heifer-ho showed up at work today. Back to Vicky and the consulate. She is told that the Governor of Mexico won't intervene because Alex is a foreigner. They have to get permission from authorities in the DR to look for him. She then asks what Sherlock Mari said. Ez says that Miss High and Mighty didn't show up for work today. Work? Ez should have asked her if Katia showed up to talk-on-the-cell-phone-drink-coffee-and -spy -on-people. And she didn't even call to say she wasn't going to be there. And you are surprised because...? She asks for Ez to get the car. You know, I've tried to get the dogs to bring me my car but it just doesn't work. I started off with “get me some coffee” and when that didn't work I should have known better. She asks for MJ and Felipa says she is in her room. Go figure! Felipa and Vicky head out. MJ and Paula are coming down the stairs. The phone rings and MJ answers it. It is the lady from the travel agency. Great you know what that means—yep, more crying. MJ says she is the wife of Alex and what news do you have. Senora Maya says that they went out on a boat but didn't arrive at the place where the tour was and they didn't come back. Perhaps they are lost at sea. MJ thanks her for everything she is doing. Senora Maya says that Alex was looking for his brother Bruno.

MJ and Paula are being driven to the town. MJ is explaining about Alex looking for the judge that performed the fake marriage that Bruno paid off. MJ was afraid that Bruno was going there to kill him. Paula can't believe it. MJ is worried that Arturo is listening to what they are saying so she asks him to please not tell anyone what they have been discussing. Arturo reassures her that she can count on him. Paula asks about Erik and Arturo says that Alex canned him when he kicked out Bruno. MJ says that he must know many things. Arturo says yes I do. For instance he knows about Katia too. MJ wants to know what the scoop is on that. He says that the day Bruno came back Katia went to the hotel. MJ says yes, she knows. She saw her there.

Vicky shows up at Ferdumbo's house to have a little chat with Katia. While the maid is getting Katia, she looks around the house and touches Fernando's stuff. She picks up a book and hugs it to herself. Heifer-ho comes down the stairs and lips off to Vicky first thing. Vicky says she didn't come here to fight. She came here to talk. HH says she doesn't want to hear anything from her. Victoria comments on her insolence. She says that she knows very well that Katia told Bruno that Alex and Fernando were going to DR. I really can't stand listening to her so if someone wants to fill that in go ahead. Vicky tells her that she could be responsible for the death of Alex and Fernando. That shuts her pie-hole as Vicky explains that the two of them are missing and no one has heard from them. Katie looks upset and starts to cry. I'm sorry, I don't feel sorry for her at all.

Charlie seems to be having a good time frolicking with his new friends in the water. I can't hear what they are saying over the waves. It doesn't look very important though.

MJ and Paula are at their dad's house. MJ tells her dad what is going on with Alex. They have disappeared and could be dead. They went looking for the judge and Bruno went there too. Now Alex and Fernando are missing. She cries.

Katia is hysterical. Good! Vicky wants her to come back to the house with her because she promised Fernando that she would take care of her. She doesn't want to but Victoria tells her she can live with her or can go live with her tio-abuelo. Vicky takes her hand. Still not feeling sorry for her. Nope.

Pedro and Chucho are trying to comfort MJ. Pedro tells her not to lose the faith.

More island frolicking. They still have their pants on and they are the same color and size as the last scene. Whew! What a relief.

Useless meets Bruno in a restaurant. Bruno tells him that Raquel has been in an accident and she says that Useless is the father of her child. He tells him that Raquel thinks she is getting a divorce so she can marry him. Useless smirks. He tells him that when Raquel wins the Will contest she will be very rich. Useless tells him that when he gets back from his trip they will talk. He tells Bruno that marriage to his sister would not be easy. Bruno tells him that it is his problem. He whips out a big wad of money. He throws it at Useless and tells him to pay the check. Useless gleefully thumbs through the cash. What a scum-sucking dog.

An ambulance is bringing Raquel home from the hospital. Don't they have cars? Felipa makes the mistake of asking her how she's feeling. Raquel tells her not to talk to her. Roberto heaves a big sigh. Ez shurgs his shoulders as Roberto o slowly pushes Raquel back to their house.

More half-naked swimming. Don't you think that salt water in that cut of Fernando's would sting just a little?

Bruno is on the phone talking to his reporter friend. He tells him that he has more news that he might find interesting. He says that his brother and Fernando went to the DR and there was an accident with the boat and now they have disappeared. It's possible that he could be dead. Katia shows up and wants to know if it is true that her brother is dead. He wants to know who told her and she says his mother told her. She came to my house looking for me. She screams at him and asks if it is true that her brother could be dead. He says he doesn't know for sure.

Victoria goes to visit Raquel. I think she feels sorry for Roberto o o. She finds Raquel in the living room. She is fine and the baby is fine. Vicky says she talked to the consulate but there's really nothing they can do. Roberto wants to know if they think he is dead. She says yes. Raquel being ever so tactful wants to know what happens to the company and her money. With the emphasis again on "money."

Roberto goes to see Moora to tell her the news about Alex. (How did he get there so fast anyway?) Moora thinks it is Bruno's fault and cries and clings to Roberto. You know the old saying “If it looks like sh!t, and smells like sh!t, then it is a darn good bet that it is sh!t.” And Moora thinks the whole story stinks to high heavens.

MJ and family to go church to pray. Pedro prays for MJ and for Alex . He thinks she has suffered so much. Please help her. MJ asks what she must do to bring Alex back to her. Please bring him back she begs. He can't be dead. FF>>.

The next day I'm assuming, MJ is eating breakfast outside talking to Paula. Paula thinks she has to have faith that he is alive. Victoria comes up. I talked to the consulate and they say that they are not going to look for them any more. MJ cries.

Raquel and Bruno are meeting with the abogado. Perhaps it would be more convenient for him to just move into the little house that Pedro was living in. But of course, then he wouldn't be able to charge mileage. Bruno informs him that he is not contesting the Will but Raquel is going to handle it all. Raquel wants to hurry up and sign the papers.

Back at the big house Felipa informs Vicky that Katia is gone. They think she has run off to go live with her tio-abuelo. Ah, but we see the real story as Bruno picks her and her suitcase up to go stay with him at the hotel. Ah, the little Minx. She thinks she is just so clever but let me tell you Katia, gasoline underpants come in your size too. She gives him a kiss.

Another abogado presents MJ with her divorce papers. She is now legally divorced from Alex, which is good he says because your sister-in-law has filed a claim against the estate of her father. Since Alex gave everything to you in the divorce there is nothing they can do. Victoria laughs but not a happy kind of laugh but more of a QTF laugh. She is sure that Bruno put Raquel up to it. Victoria and MJ cry on each other.

Raquel is talking to Useless. She's upset that he didn't come to see her. He wants her to have patience. She tells him about the will contest and he wants to know what the story is. Roberto shows up so she doesn't get to tell him what happened. He wants to know if she was talking to her lover. He tells her that Useless is not going to marry her. He tells her he's got another prospect. She frantically calls Useless again. He ignores her call and leaves. I can't blame him for that.

Pedro is talking to Meche and Gabriel and filling them in on what's going on. Chucho wants to go look for them and take the matter into their own hands. Pedro tries to tell him that violence gets them no where. Chucho looks determined and says where he's going there are no rules. He believes in justice with his own hands. I told you he was old school. Pedro thinks it will complicate things more. I say shut the hell up Pedro.

Felipa is talking to Mari. She tracked down the tio-abuelo. Victoria gives him a call. Apparently he is not in the house. She asks the maid if Katia is there. Cut to two viejitos playing dominos, smoking cigars and drinking tequila. The first old guy asks the second old guy about Fernando and Katia. Second old guy says Fernando works and has a good job. He says Katia is in the US attending school. Apparently the first old guy is Sandra's grandfather but I have a hard time understanding him.

Bruno and HH are in a restaurant. Not sure where they are.

MJ is crying in her room-- big surprise--and spraying Alejandro's shirt with cologne. She touches her baby bump and cries some more.

Tomorrow.
Probably more crying from MJ and it looks like MJ foils the evil twins bid to take over the money and the company.

Labels: sortilegio

I was out until late tonight, so only got part done, I'll finish the rest in the morning....

We open with Nieves screaming bloody murder because Beto has been bonked by the hood of Mau’s car. Cesar restrains her. Briefly we flash to Jacqui and Kati in the restaurant with Sal, they have been chatting all afternoon, it‘s dinner already, Jacqui accepts Sal‘s offer of another drink, Kati just wants to go home.

Return to the screaming fest Betito!!!! Betito!!!!! Breath!!!! Coni looks on in terror as Beto just lays there.

Gabi is at the restaurant when gorgeous hunk from the modeling agency shows up. We don’t learn his name but we learn he drinks water and is giving up alcohol. Gabi goes to the restroom, when, oh, cute waiter guy bring a Tamarindo margarita for our handsome model on the house, and don’t you know he sips it, and absorbs a wink from said cute waiter. Alright, what is going on here? Male flirting or is this some trick? Guess we shall see.

In the tocador Gabi runs into Jacqui, who sings Sal’s praises. Gabi is not alone however, she is with quite the virile young man this Sunday evening. Uh oh, this sounds like an anvil. They agree to join each other for dinner. Jacqui of course tells this to Sal, and that Gabi’s new man was described as quite virile. When Gabi gets back we see cute model has really racked them up on the margarita side. Oooh and the hunk waiter side. Turns out the guy is now off from his shift so cute model goes with him leaving poor Gabi distraught that she has no man with her. As Sal saunters over she turns around and clings to the first man she comes across. Sal wants to meet him, but ha, we already know him, it’s none other than our Jero boy, there to save the day. Bizarre looks all around.

Back to Jacqui and Kati, where Jacqui explains, look she’s doing this to facilitate another love, she’s pushing just a little on Sal. She know he likes Gabi and she thinks he should get off his high horse and go after her, but of course he won’t listen if she tells him that, so she has to set up a “trap” of sorts. She sends poor bored Kati off in a cab for home, she’ll understand this someday. The more you draw back from a man, the more like a little boy they come after you. Is this true guys? I think sort of. Anyway, Kati leaves.

Mona worries she’s heard nothing of Beto

Sal tells Gabi he gave her some time not to go out with other people, and least of all with this one who isn’t even people. She says then what are you doing with Jac? He says she’s misinterpreting things, and of course Jero chides him too. Sal reminds them Jac is waiting. Gab and Jero argue, turns out he’s there to be with Jac and he knows she with Sal so they simply must go over for dinner now.

Back to the wailing scene. Not much has happened in all this time, finally the ambulance arrives to take Beto away. Coni wants to go but Nieves calls her a disgrace!!!

Chris moves in to take statements. Coni follows the ambulance.

Mona is still worrying about Beto, Estrella bragging about the Furia. Evertone notes that she is still pinig for Aldo when he's around so what the hell. Chris busts in with the news and eventually tells them the mummy ran Beto over.

Luisa thanks Aldo for defending her against the Mummy. He’s the best bro her promises to get her out of that house soon and that Mummy will never lay a hand on her.

Aldo tells Kati about the Mummy trying to beat Luisa. She is shocked. She then remembers her Ma’s advice re laying off the man, and tells Aldo she’ll just quietly be his friend she knows he’s in love with another and doesn’t want to get in the way. Aldo likes this.

Mona wants to go to the hospital ut everyone is telling her what a baaaddd idea that is. She is not phased. She won't leave Nieves alone to deal with this.

At said hospital Momia is having a firm discussion with Ma Nieves. Nieves wants her to leave Beto alone, and it’s her fault he’s here, but Momia says they are the same and anyway it all was an accident. Ma complains to the boys she wants mummy gone, they tell her to chill out.

Xime and Rolu are playing a game with questions and being kissy face and Rolu tells her soon she’ll forget the naco. She says what naco and eats up his kisses. Just then Mau calls with the news about said naco. Whoops they have to go to the hospital. Rolu is not pleased.

We now go to the dinner between the four lust monkeys. This doesn’t end well. Insults are thrown and well, Jero ends up challenging Sal to a duel. He first insults Sal's health and toupe etc. Of course the women try to make sense of it all.

Mona shows up at the hospital to find out about Beto, Mau reassures her but tells her she should go because Mummy is there. She doesn't give a sh*t about the Momia and wants him to tell HER to leave she ain't going anywhere.

OK so now the famous scene. Momia is crying over the still lifeless Beto. She pours her heart out to him. She doesn't want him to die and he needs to get better for his little Beto that she is expecting. Ooops, Mama is listening to this. Yep safe to say she is impactada!!! She listens to a bit more, but the most exciting part for her is that she will be an abuela, grandma!!!

Mona and Mau still argue over whether mummy did this on purpose. Mau notes that she was really upset about the whole thing and he saw, it definitely was not on purpose.

The boys joke more about the possible duel. Sal thinks it's silly, Jero thinks he's chicken. They end up agreeing to it.

Mau explains this happened because Mommy found out about them being together. Mona wonders how she found out. She agrees to see Beto and Mau says before she finds the Mommy well he has something to explain to her. Yikes, another anvil. Mona rushes off to the room only to find Nieves blocking her way (becaue Mummy is still inside...doh

Labels: gancho

capítulo 55

Victoria and MJ get the news that Ale and Fernando are probably shipped wrecked. MJ loses it and Victoria tells her not to lose hope.

Dr. Hernan, Felipe, Vitoria and are in MJ's room. MJ's blood pressure is a little high. MJ needs to rest and be calm. MJ tells Paula that Ale was not really in NY, that he was in the Dominican Republic.

Ale, on Sortilegio island, is thinking, as young Charlie continues to nurse Fernando. back to health.

Hernan takes Victorias blood pressure and stars asking about Bruno being away.Victoria doesn't want to talk.

Ale and Fernando talk about how smart young Charlie is. He is learning how to write. Fernando tells Ale that Victoria is his life. Fernando starts walking with Ale's help.

We see Bruno arriving at the airport.

Rachel drives into the gated community where Useless lives. Rachel sees Roberto's car and is upset. Roberto has a ticket to Madrid for Useless. Rachel enters the apartment and Roberto leaves. Rachel finds the ticket to Madrid. Rachel and Useless have a few words that I didn't get, and she tears up the ticket and leaves angry. Useless mumbles that she is crazy. Rachel, driving turns a corner fast and another corner and smashes into another car. She has a bloody nose at least.

Back on Sortilegio island all the boys are hauling wood for a bon fire.

Paula gets home form school and sees Roberto all alone. Roberto asks her how school is going. Paula tells him how everyone has been on her about them being friends cause he's married. Roberto says something about Rachels lover. Paula wonders that he could be so calm. Roberto says it is not important. He walks off.

Victoria gets a call from Rachel telling her that she has been in an accident. Rachel wants Victoria to come and get her.

Back on the isle the Ale and Charlie fish using sticks as spears. Fernando looking like he is really burnt is dragging himself along that sand and stops to wince at his leg. Fer and Ale snooze.


Paula says something about Roberto to MJ.

On the Sortilegio isle Ale and Fer talk about home and what could be going on. Lots of waves making ocean sounds... that I can hear perfectly.

Ale now makes shoes out of his pants.

Bruno calls Katia at work and she is really excited to meet him. Mari follows her to the stairs then runs back and calls Arturo and tells him to follow her and let her know where she goes.

Back on the isle Charlie has caught lobster or something and Ale and Fer are really excited.

Katia is spraying herself with her favorite perfume. Arturo calls Mari and tells Mari where Katia is.

Felipe is giving EZ a grocery list when Mari calls. Mari tells EZ where Katia went and EZ says that Bruno has returned.

Our Castaways are gathering coconuts and Charlie is catching fish.

Okay so now Victoria Roberto and MJ are at the hospital. Dr. Hernan says Rachel has minor injuries. Roberto aks about the baby.

Victoria's phone rings. It is EZ. He has called to tell Victoria that Bruno has returned.

On the isle Ale and Charlie are having some kind of a conversation over the sound of waves. It gets dark and our castaways have a fire going and we see the moon. Hmm. It must mean time is passing, perhaps a month or so? BTW, not that I am complaining but why did they get rid of their clothes? Too much sun is not good on the skin.

Katia is serving Bruno and a lawyer wine. Sounds good to me...

Bruno sure is intent on correcting everyone that doesn't call him Señor Lombardo. Victoria and MJ come to Bruno's hotel. Katia answers the door. Victoria asks her where Bruno is and then tells Katia get to the house.
Victoria and MJ go out on the terrace. Victoria asks Bruno where he has been, he answers Cancun. Victoria says thats a lie. MJ wants to know what Bruno has done to Ale. Bruno says they are crazy. Victoria says she is only interested in knowing what has happened to Ale and Fernando. Bruno says he doesn't know what she is talking about. Victoria tells Bruno she wants him and the lawyers at her house in the morning and he better be coming with the truth. MJ says that if Bruno has kill Ale, that she will make sure this time that he his locked up. MJ says she now has the money and power to make it happen. Bruno's lawyer tells Bruno that he had better come clean with him if he want him to continue representing him.

MJ and Victoria are in the car. Victoria is telling MJ that she needs to go home and rest. MJ argues but finally relents.

Castaways are sleeping by the fire.

At the hospital Victoria asks Hernan how Rachel is. Rachel is doing fine. The baby girl is okay for the moment.

Roberto is talking to Rachel. I don't think Rachel cares whether she or the baby make it, and she tells Roberto that the baby could be Useless's. Victoria comes in and Victoria tells Roberto that Bruno has come back, and that Ale and Fernando have disappeared.

MJ comes home and Felipe asks for news about Rachel, EZ wants to know about Bruno and Paula wants to know if she has any news of Ale. MJ tells what she knows.

EZ calls Arturo and askes where he is at.

Victoria comes home and tells Felipe that Roberto is with Rachel.

On the Sortilegio isle, Ale and Charlie are collecting stuff inland when they hear a helicopter, and they go running and yelling to the beach where Fernando is trying to hurry and light a fire. I wanna know how Charlie can run so fast in his yellow flip-flops. How did they stay on his feet during the shipwreck? Well, it was for nought. The helicopter did not see them.

Next morning Bruno comes to the house and goes directly to Victoria's room where he wants to talk to her alone. Bruno snaps his fingers to hurry Felipe out. Bruno wants to know why Victoria is having a meeting with all the lawyers. Bruno says he doesn't know anything about Ale or Fernando. Victoria reminds Bruno of everything he has already done to get the money.

MJ tells Paula that Ale will come back.
Bruno cries and says he really doesn't know anything about Ale or Fernando. Victoria sighs.

Ale and Fernando are arguing because they didn't get rescued. Fernando is worried that Katia is alone , and what Bruno is doing with her. Ale yells that MJ is alone too, and shes pregnant.

MJ looks at Ales picture on her cell and kisses it. EZ calls MJ for some reason. Vitoria comes in and tells MJ that she doesn't think that Bruno knows anything.

Ale and Fer and Charlie are sad on the Sortilegio island.

Lawyers talk about postponing things. Bruno learns that Rachel is in the hospital. Bruno says he is not going to contest the will of his father. MJ loses and says Sure, that it is because Bruno doesn't think that Ale will come back. Bruno calls her crazy and Victoria says no, and she follows MJ out. Bruno tells his lawyer that he is withdrawing his participation in the contesting of the will. DVR ends. I drink the last of my glass of vine.

Labels: sortilegio

I am not feeling well this evening so I will do the best I can. Feel free to fill in any gaps or correct any mistakes I have made.

Gabriel looking at a picture of Paloma by candlelight.

Rafa and Joel at a bar having a drink. Rafa is swearing off women.

Camila shows up at the hotel goes to her room where she receives a call from Orlando. Orlando misses her, BLAH BLAH. He creeps me out. Monica shows up. Camila tells her that she didn't tell Orlando where she was and feels bad. Monica pretty much tells her to suck it up.

Rufi is home. Paloma's excited. They talk about how much they miss each other. Rufi inquires about Carlota. Paloma tells her she's in the city having tests done.

Natalia is worried about Alonzo and decides to go to the police.

Carlota is cursing Alonzo. She laughs crazily. She takes off her IV's. The doctor walks in and she wants to leave, but he says no. He called the police because she was poisoned with belladonna. Carlota claims she made a mistake. She drinks tea with belladonna to calm down and just took too much. She talks about her struggles raising Paloma and just wanted a couple of days rest. Looks like the dumb doctor believes her.

Rufi walks Paloma outside and gives her a blessing. Off Paloma goes and Edmundo walks up from behind a bush. Rufi tells him that she can't leave and thanks him for the fantasy of them together for the rest of their lives. They hug.

Emiliano runs up to Paloma and asks her why Gabriel went to her house last night. Why asks Paloma. Because I can't stand seeing you with another replies Emiliano. Paloma says you think I want to be with another? Emiliano says I have no choice. Of course you do replies Paloma. You could have chosen not to sleep with Romina, but you did. I don't remember that replies Emiliano. That's no excuse says Paloma. Emiliano says he's jealous and asks her to swear not to be with another man. Paloma says you don't have the right to ask me that since you are now married with Romina. They argue some more. I don't know if it's my stomach causing the nausea or the same damn argument between these two.

Yeah I was right. The doctor is dumb and has agreed to let Carlota go home. Most doctors would have admitted her to a mental hospital, but whatever. Carlota remembers her appointment with the bishop and calls to reschedule, but his assistant says too bad so sad. She argues. The assistant then decides she can come in a month. Carlota doesn't like it and says I'm coming now. The assistant says sorry, but no and hangs up.

The policeman tells Natalia that she has to wait 48 hours to report someone missing. She argues.

Rafa and Joel are registering for the conference. The lady gives them identification for them plus Camila. Rafa tells her to throw Camila's in the trash.

Paloma's friend who is obsessed with Gabriel tells her and Liliana that she invited Gabriel to be her escort to the party. German walks up and in front of Liliana asks Paloma who will be her escort.

Angelica and Emiiano talk. Same crap.

Rafa apologizes to Joel for his bad mood. A beautiful young woman overhears and asks who or what put him in a bad mood. Rafa smiles at her. Camila sees it all. The woman apologizes for being nosy. Rafa just waves it off. She introduces herself as Raquel(?) She came to the convention in hopes of growing business to other parts of the world even though she does not own a factory herself. Rafa is interested.

Angelica tells Emiliano that she will be leaving soon now that she has finished her book. Whatever Dario already published it in his name.

Camila the idiot calls Orlando and tells him the truth. That she is at the convention. Orlando is not happy, but Camila wishes him a great trip and will see him when he returns.

Rufi and Felipa gossip about Carloca and a secret that Rufi knows.

PJC and Paloma talk about Natalia and the missing Alonzo. They are both worried.

Natalia tells her friend that something bad happened to Alonzo. She feels it. Her friend says that Alonzo has been acting funny lately. He' obsessed with Inaki's death replies Natalia.

Pain in the hind end Diana goes into Rafa's office with the pretense of looking for a paper. Rafa's secretary offers to find it if she'll tell her what it is. Diana claims not to know until she sees it. Then throws out the secretary. She remembers her divorce attorney's request to look for damaging information on Rafa. Rafa's secretary calls and leaves him a message to call her a.s.a.p.

Rafa and Raquel talk about his line while also making eyes at each other. She leaves to look at other exhibits and Camila strolls up with Monica. Camila wants to talk to Rafa alone.

Carloca comes home to find Rufi. She tells Rufi that her post is filled. What do you want? Rufi tells her it's her decision. She's only here for Paloma until they leave to live with Dr. Bermudez. Carloca says she doesn't feel good and will decide later what to do. Rufi tells herself that Carloca really doesn't have a choice since Rufi holds all the secrets. She says she may be old, but still feisty.

Angelica the dumby chats with Dario online about her book. He tells her it's wonderful but a couple of things will need to be changed. What things asks Angelica. Dario says it's probably a waste of time since you already registered it and will have to register it again if you change anything. Angelica who doesn't have a brain in her head tells Dario that her book is not registered.

Monica and Joel have a conversation and she admits to having a son. Joel says he doesn't mind, but she says her son is sick and has ? (I don't understand what he has) So all her free time is spent with her son.

Paloma goes up to see Carloca in her room. She wants to know what Carloca's decision is regarding Rufi. Carloca says it pains her to see Paloma protecting Rufi then her. (perhaps because Rufi has never once yelled, hit or threatened her. just a thought) Paloma says she has always seen Rufi as family and if she doesn't want her at the house then she will find her another place until they can leave together. Carloca says so you are just going to leave me alone? You'll be fine replies Paloma. You are a strong and able woman. We both know you don't need me. On the other hand Rufi does. Carloca tries to play a guilt trip on Paloma and starts crying. Paloma says you know I don't want to live in Real del Monte anymore.

Rafa and Camila talk about their feelings. Camila tries to explain her feelings regarding Orlando and how tired she is of Diana. She will always try to hurt them. Rafa pleads with her, but gets no where.

Orlando is at a business meeting, but thinks of Camila.

Rafa asks Camila if she loves Orlando more then him? Camila says that Orlando offers her a life of tranquility. (with your crazy daughter and Diana, I don't see that happening) Rafa understands her feelings, but thinks she making a mistake. Camila says their love affair ends today. Rafa says he'll respect her decision.

Emiliano questions PJC about Gabriel. Why asks PJC? I just want to know a little about this guy since he is giving Paloma classes. I really can't stand him.

Paloma goes to Gabriel's. I'm guessing for her first art lesson.

Carloca writes a note saying the death of Alonzo was not an accident, but the intentional murder by his wife and the priest at the local church. She's going to include pictures of PJC and Natalia. She calls their relationship dirty.

Manana: PJC tells Emiliano that Gabriel is okay; German tells Paloma he wants to go to the school party with her while Romina watches from her balcony.

Labels: amor

Paloma has a little chat in church with her dapper daddy, as we discussed yesterday. Upon second viewing, I really think Cris recognized the necklace, which is why he was asking Paloma if she’s sure it was a gift from her father. If he’s still wondering whether she’s his daughter, though, he’s keeping that to himself.

Carlota is looking unfortunately healthy in her hospital bed, having only barely missed having a heart attack. The doctor wants to know about the poisoning. Carloca claims she just meant she felt like she was poisoned. Really it must have just been something bad she ate. The doc is all, “I am a doctor. I can tell you’ve been poisoned, duh” but Carlota won’t talk about it, so he gives up and tells her she has to stay in the hospital overnight, as she might yet have a delayed reaction. We should be so lucky.

Paloma tells Padre Cris she’ll probably never return to Real del Monte. He says he’s leaving too, to become a bishop. He takes the necklace and twiddles with it while assuring Paloma he’ll always take care of her as he promised Mac. Lots of flashbacks of Mac and Cris. Paloma tells Cris she’ll take care of him, too. They agree they are inseparable.

Germán has his arms around two trashy-looking dames who were, naturally, attracted by his new babe-magnet toolmobile. Romina comes along and tries to tell him the marriage is going swimmingly, but he doesn’t believe her because Emiliano always looks like he’s at a wake. Romi tries to get him to tell her how pretty and skinny she looks, so he feels her up and tells her she’s getting a bigger belly and has that maternal glow. She gets crabby at that, and he says that’s what happens when girls are pregnant; they lose their cachondería (vulgar way of saying sexy hotness). Romina calls him an imbecile, dumps dead leaves in his new auto, and departs.

Camila and Orlando loiter in some ugly place by the side of a highway in Mexico City killing time before their flight. Camila wants to call Romina, but Orlando thinks she should wait until they get to their hotel in Houston. Why, so it can be more expensive? Right now, he wants her to forget about everything and just pay attention to him, him, him. I think Cami has found herself a replacement Romina. She claims she never thought he was so possessive, because she hasn’t been paying attention.

Joel and Rafael are in the car en route to their conference and petulant Rafa is not a fun road trip buddy, on account of his anger and jealousy over Camila choosing Orlando. They pass a woman getting into her slinky convertible on the side of the road and Joel disrupts Rafa’s griping to admire her fine form. Rafa doesn’t approve since they are both interested in other ladies, and Joel says even if you’re on a diet, you can still look at the menu. Rafael takes a long moment to remember all the time he’s spent with Camila as their theme song plays.

Sandra, friend to Liliana and cousin of Eric, happens upon Gabriel and tells him she wants to take painting lessons from him, even though she is not very good. That goes well, so she invites him to be her date for graduation. He says no at first, but she looks sad so he immediately agrees, and kisses her on the cheek. Well, that was easy.

Emiliano lounges in the office, recounting to Angélica every tedious detail of his great luuuurve for Paloma. Ange is a little jealous.

Dario carries the envelope containing Angélica’s newly-finished pamphlet, “101 Stupid Mistakes and How to Make Them,” and says to himself out loud that he’s going to go straight to the D.F. and read it and not stop until he’s finished.

Germán parks his shiny new car, and Licenciado Rojas happens by, in town for a few days on personal business. Rojas comments on how expensive the new car looks, and Germy claims it was a gift from his proud dad. Rojas asks about Carlota’s papers. Germy says he had to pick them up himself and just delivered them yesterday, and of course he didn’t read them. They agree it’s always tempting to call Carlota a witch to her face.

Rabid mongrel Diana spews nastiness all over Inés, who tries unsuccessfully to convince Diana that she should try to move on from Rafael (who is NOT with Camila, she reminds her) and that she put the cord around her own neck. Diana responds by telling Inés that her new gentleman caller is no good and is trying to separate her from her friends. Behind his angelic face there is a demon.

Obispo Calixto has returned (!) and is wondering why Carlota hasn’t shown up for her appointment. Padre Otherguy gives him the background on the situation (i.e. Carlota says Paloma is Cris’s daughter, but the priests think she’s lying) and says she must have realized she wouldn’t get far with her lies.

Orlando and Camila try to check in at the airport. Holy crow, the airline agent is Gabriela’s hottie escort from Gancho! He has recovered from his fancy-food allergic reaction, but still has the same cheekbone-enhancing facial hair. Camila is denied because her visa has expired. Orlando doesn’t want to go without her, even though it’s supposed to be a business trip for him. She convinces him to go and says she’ll go to the American Embassy for her new visa right away and join him in a few days.

Rafael and Joel have arrived in the lovely Valle de Bravo, Estado de México. Joel thinks he spots the roadside babe in the hotel lobby as they check in.

Paloma and Felipa wonder why Carlota hasn’t returned home. Right at that moment Carlota calls. She claims she had to return to Mexico City to repeat some routine medical tests that got screwed up, and she has to stay overnight to have blood drawn tomorrow. Come on, Paloma, throw a party this time! Carlota remembers her latest grisly snuff. I am amazed that a truck can knock off a laced oxford shoe.

Natalia frets to Ivonne because Alonso hasn’t come home and hasn’t called. They head out to look for him.

The artifact couple stroll down the street carrying random handicrafts and gossip guy tells his wife about the priest going to visit the pretty lady. Don’t priests spend a lot of time visiting with parishioners? What is suspicious about this? Gossip guy fills us in—Nat kissed Cris on the cheek. Artifact lady says people from the city are like that, more forward and cheek-kissy. Gossip guy does not approve of these modern ways.

Camila is driving home. She stops at an intersection, makes a decision, and calls Mónica and tells her to pack a suitcase and meet her in Valle de Bravo.

Ivonne and Natalia ask Paloma if she knows anything about Alonso’s whereabouts. Paloma says no, but it’s weird because Carlota was also missing, but just called to say she’d be gone overnight. Nat and Ivonne say they’ve left lots of messages for Alonso, but he hasn’t called. The only thing left to do is ask the police about accident reports, but Nat doesn’t want to do that until tomorrow because she thinks Alonso will show up and get mad at her for going to the police as if he were a lost little boy.

Some medical types stand next to a covered corpse and say that the guy didn’t have any identification on him, so they’ll need to send photos and prints to all the nearby police delegations.

Samuel is for some reason flirting with a woman who works at the hospital and he reads the form and sees that Carlota is a patient there.

Gabriel goes to Misery Manor, Now With Less Misery (for a limited time only!). He gives Paloma the money from the sale of her paintings. Naturally, Emiliano sees Gabriel there and is muy celoso. Paloma sees Emo and gets all agitated and invites Gabriel in. Gabriel immediately figures out what’s going on, which is how you can tell he hasn’t been in town long.

Natalia and Ivonne go to the church and tell Cris that Alonso is missing and they can’t find him anywhere. Nat is getting very worked up and Cris tries to calm her down, saying that this is a very peaceful town (yeah, all those mysteriously dead people don’t make much noise) and Alonso will probably show up just fine at any moment.

Paloma doesn’t like that Gabriel can read her totally obvious thoughts, and gets all huffy and snippy with him as usual. He tells her she’s not at all sweet and nice like Padre Juan says, and she’s lying when she says there’s nothing between her and Emo anymore. Paloma reneges her parlor invitation and stomps inside. Emo and Gabe do a little competing peacocks routine in the street.

Samuel creeps into Carlota’s room. He tells her their date for Saturday is still on. He steals a flower from another patient’s room and gives it to her, wondering why she’s in the hospital in Pachuca. Carlota thinks to herself that no one can find out she’s in Pachuca. Buh-bye, Samuel? Out in the hallway, Sammy tries to get a nurse to tell him what Carlota’s in for. Unlike every other medical professional in Novelaland, she’s into confidentiality, so Sam slimily tries to flirt it out of her.

Paloma paces the gloomy house, turning off the lights and remembering good times with Mac and Rufi. She does not even try to have any fun with Cruel away. The best she can do is cry and almost make a phone call.

Romina sets up a fancy dinner for two. Emo says he isn’t hungry. He heads off to bed (or, more likely, the balcony).

Gabriel drinks wine and putters around his messy studio with a candle, looking at the sketch he’s been drawing which is apparently supposed to be Paloma.

Rafael has finally decided to buck up and be more pleasant company, owing to the magical charms of Valle de Bravo. He and Joel have drinks in the hotel bar. Camila arrives at the hotel.

Tomorrow: Rufi returns. Carlota wants to leave the hospital. Emiliano is all jealous and possessive, i.e. definitely Orlando’s son.

Labels: amor

Alex and MaryJo exchange verbal declarations of love and adoration before they hang up the phone. Fernando asks why he didn't tell her about Bruno being there. Alex thinks Bruno is going to try to bribe the judge, but Fernando doesn't agree.

The next morning, Sra. Maya takes them to the town that the ferry leaves from, but the tour has already left. Never fear, though, Sra. Maya tries to find a "yola" (a small fishing boat) and finds a man and his grandson who will take them over for $100 cause it's pretty far and dangerous in such a small boat. The guy thinks it will take them three hours to get there. Alex thanks Sra. Maya for all her help. She wishes them a good trip and off they go in the little fishing boat that could.

"Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale,
A tale of a fateful trip
That started out from this tropic port
Aboard this tiny ship.

The mate was a might sailing man,
The skipper brave and sure
[Two] passengers set sail that day
For a three hour tour, a three hour tour…"

Katia calls Bruno and berates him for not answering the phone before. You know, I think I'm going to start using "bad cell phone reception" as an excuse for ignoring people from now on…even if they're in the same room. Seems to work for Bruno. She tells him that Alex and Fernando's whereabouts are a big mystery around the office. Bruno thinks he'll be back in about another five days and complains about how slow the bus is going and how many stops it's making on the way back to Santo Domingo.

The boat thinks it can, it thinks it can, it thinks it can…. Alex eats a banana. Shirts are removed, though not Alex's. The boat guy starts clutching his chest and then keels over, dropping the cigarette from his mouth into a bucket of…wool? The guys try to help him, but he's dead and the boat is on fire. Alex grabs the grandson and everybody jumps in the water as the boat explodes. Wow. And Bruno didn't even have to engineer this near-death experience. Add one more to the list of Alex's acquired dependents. You just know that kid's got no other family and no way is Alex going to leave him behind.

"[The captain had a heart attack
The tiny ship blew up,
If not for the courage of Al and Fer
The grandson would be lost, the grandson would be lost...]"

MaryJo and Paula go to the Mercado. MJ gives Paula yet another lecture about how they're poor, so they shouldn't put on airs. Chucho and Pedro are working in the shop, as are Meche and Gabriel. Paula is not enthusiastic about meeting them. I've noticed that Chucho keeps calling him "Grabiel" instead of "Gabriel." Paula is also less than impressed with Gabriel, though he's got a bit of a spark in his eye for her, I think. Oh, well, the course of true love never did run smooth.

"The ship set ground on the shore of this uncharted desert isle
[With Alex L
Fernando too,
The little kid and his skills,
There's coconuts
And a bunch of flammable stuff]
Here on [Sortilegio] Isle..."

Our men and boy overboard manage to swim all the way back to the shore of somewhere, with Alex having to help Fer as he keeps trying to swim even though their feet have reached sand. Fer has a bleeding leg wound and Alex and the kid run off, presumably to get help. But then, there's the kid, right by Fernando as he tries to console him with "your grandpa went quick, so don't cry, it's the best way to say goodbye, just let him go." Alex comes back from having gone back into the ocean to try and retrieve the body. He says he couldn't do it cause it was too deep. He tells the kid that he and Fernando will take care of him as the kid sobs that he wants to die in the sea. Fernando's leg wound is burning horribly. The kid, with his expert medical knowledge, declares the wound "feo" (ugly). Alex, with his expert medical knowledge, rips up Fernando's pant leg and says they need to get bandages so Fernando doesn't bleed out. The kid, identified in the closed captions as Cogüi, runs off toward the trees. Alex starts to follow him, but then comes back to Fer. The guys don't know where they are. Fer, ever the optimist, doesn't think anyone will come looking for them there. Alex says it's all his fault, but Fer's not having it. Alex proposes looking for shelter. Fer is thirsty, so Alex dips a piece his shirt in sea water, slaps it on Fer's wounded leg, and binds it there with strips from Fer's pant leg and his shirt. Then Alex puts what's left of his shirt back on. We go now to our expert fashion consultant Tim Gunn--Tim? "Yes, we're seeing a sort of roguish castaway look that I think the model is very well suited to pulling off. I have to give him points for creativity in using the shirt as both bandaging and island attire. But I'm concerned about this asymmetrical look--you've got to be very careful and intentional with that, and right now my assessment is that it looks exactly like he ripped up his shirt for bandaging. I don’t expect the judges to respond favorably to that, but perhaps if he thinks very carefully about the styling and makes judicious use of the Macy's accessory wall, he might be able to pull it of. OK, Alex, time to make it work!" Thanks, Tim. Alex pulls Fernando up and they hobble over towards some trees. He superfluously tells Fer to stay put while he looks for water and someplace to spend the night. Alex goes deeper into the trees.

"So this is the tale of the castways,
They're here for a long, long time,
They'll have to make the best of things,
It's an uphill climb..."

Alex runs back to the beach and walks up a tree. Cogüi takes over the care and feeding of Fernando. He shows Fernando a scar and says his grandpa healed it with the same leaves that Cogüi just found. Fer is less than enthusiastic about being patched up by a 10-year-old, but Cogüi is confident in his medical assessment. He uses a vine to bind the leaf to Fer's thigh. Alex tosses down some coconuts from the tree he climbed. Cogüi takes Alex's bandages off of Fer because they're making him look "muy güero" (I'm guessing he means pale, as in the bandages are cutting off circulation, rather than the bandages making Fer look very blonde). Fer admits the leaves are taking away some of the burning. Alex comes back with bad news. He's checked out as much of the island as he can and they're all alone with no water. He did find a coconut, though. They make jokes about how they're going to open it. Alex notices that Fer is starting to run a fever. Cogüi knows what to do, though, and goes off looking for more herbs. Alex starts laughing about what they'd do without the little C man. Alex tries opening the coconut by throwing it against the tree as Fer pants and mutters Vicky's name and Cogüi gathers more vines. Alex gets something stuck in his foot. Alex comes back to Fer with the outer shell of the coconut broken off, but he has to keep beating it against the tree to get to the coconut water, which he lets Fer have most of. Then they break it down further and eat the coconut meat. It's a good source of fiber and it's got some good fats, so that'll hold them for a little while.

"[Well Alex and Cogüi too,]
Will do their very best,
To make [Fernando] comfortable,
In the tropic island nest..."

Back in civilization, Maura comes a'calling. Never mind, forget what I said about civilization. Ezequiel and Maura chat briefly about not having been able to get hold of Alex.

Inside the house, the lawyer advises Vicky and MJ that they really need to get Alex back there. The lawyer actually knows where Alex went and what he's doing there and he tells the ladies--I think he just didn't know that that they weren't supposed to know. He doesn't know where Bruno is, though. He tells MJ that the divorce will be final at the end of next week, but it would be better if Alex were there. MJ starts to get worried that something has happened to Alex. Vicky supposes that if something had happened, Fer would have called to let them know, and it's not likely that something happened to the both of them. Riiiiiiight.

In the little house, Raquel and Roberto have a very loud and overheard-by-Maura argument. Raquel has been throwing up in the mornings and Roberto is convinced she's pregnant and wants to know whose baby it is. Maura comes close to being vomited on as Raquel leans over the patio rail. Gosh, that would have been fitting.

The ladies ask the lawyer to please put the judge off and tell him that Alex will be back as soon as he can. The lawyer takes his leave and Vicky and MJ agree they need to get hold of Alex. Of course, his cell is out of area. Vicky tries the office, and asks Mari for the number of the travel agency. She convinces Mari to give her the number of the agency and the hotel.

Back on the island, Cogüi is mopping down Fernando's brow while Alex builds a crude hut out of dried leaves. Alex makes a nice little speech about having found a brother in Fernando. He then tells Cogüi that brotherhood comes before everything else. Alex asks Cogüi where to get food that's not fruit and the kid says "duh, in the sea." They drag Fer into the hut. Cogüi keeps applying things to Fer's head as Alex tells him not to die. Cogüi starts a fire with sticks. He's confident that Fernando's fever will come down.

"No phone, no lights no motor cars,
Not a single luxury,
Like Robinson Crusoe,
As primitive as can be... "

The travel agency doesn't know what to tell Vicky, except that Sra. Maya called to report that they'd been taken over to the island by boat. The travel agent says that the two guys were trying to catch up to Alex's "brother" on the tour. MJ and Vicky are alarmed. The travel agent remembers that the brother's name is Bruno. She offers to have Sra. Maya call them when she's back in the office. Now MaryJo panics in earnest. Vicky says it's going to be fine, they obviously knew that Bruno was there, so they didn't need warning. She wants MJ to calm down before she harms the baby. Fat chance. Ezequiel comes in to report that Maura is in the house. Vicky tells MJ to stay put, tells Ezequiel to tell Felipa to make a tea for MJ, and goes off to attend to Maura.

Maura tells Vicky that she's worried about not being able to get hold of Alex. Maura tells Vicky that she knows where the boys, all three of them, are. Vicky is confused that Alex knew that Bruno was there. Maura says she knows that Alex is lost to her, but she does care about him and that's why she's worried. Maura assures Vicky that she hasn't told anyone about this. Vicky tells her that the travel agent is looking into the matter.

Roberto and Ulises discuss the baby. Ulises thinks they ought to just raise it together. Roberto is pissed that Ulises slept with his wife without using a condom (and now the people three tables over know that too). Roberto lets Ulises know that Raquel intends to divorce him and marry Ulises, but no way is he going to let Ulises raise a child of his. He wants Ulises to go to Spain, get Sandra, marry her, and get the hell out of their lives. Ulises says that's going to be difficult because her family hates him, but maybe if Bruno and/or Alex were to get him a job at the company, he could look like a decent guy. Oh, it's going to take a lot more than that, starting with getting rid of that ridiculous shirt with the giant lip mark on it. Roberto says they're out of town. Ulises wants to wait until they get back, but Roberto says he's going to get Ulises the ticket tomorrow and then he wants him gone. Awww, I don't think they're friends anymore. Ulises cell phone rings and he ignores yet another call from Raquel.

Paula finds MJ crying on the sofa in her room. She's upset because Alex isn't answering his phone. Paula tells her she's sure everything is fine and MJ is just being overly emotional because of the baby. She thinks that MJ needs to call the doc and get some pills for her "nervios" (nerves, both literally and figuratively). She asks, a little too casually, what MJ knows about that Gabriel guy and then claims that she's just asking cause, you know, he and his sister are big fat liars and so Paula just thinks it's best to know about them and be on alert. Methinks I spoke too soon about fair Paula's heart not being stirred. The kids will just love the story of how mom and dad met. MJ really doesn't seem to give a crap, even after Paula tells her, "tranquis" (Ximena-speak for "tranquilate", i.e., chillax already), and keeps right on weeping.

Felipa is reading a book titled "Adiestre a su Perro en 21 Días" (Train Your Dog in 21 Days). Vicky complains that "la luz" (literally, "the light," but in this context, it means the electric bill, which a lot of people do refer to even in English as the light bill) has gone up again and that no one's turning off the a/c even for a second. Vicky says she's got a really bad feeling about where Alex might be or what might have happened to him, especially with Bruno around. Felipa agrees, since they know that Bruno is "de armas tomar" (a person you don't mess around with, literally "one who will take up arms" but without a positive connotation). But at the same time, she's sure that Alex and Fer can handle him. Raquel walks in, and without any preamble, declares that she's pregnant. Vicky is thrilled, but she immediately tells Raquel that she's going to have to quit drinking. Raquel brushes her off and says there's nothing good about this and she doesn't know if it's Roberto's or Ulises' baby. She announces that Roberto "me tomó a la fuerza" (took me by force, i.e., raped me) two months ago. Vicky puts her head to the wall and sighs. Poor woman. I know she didn't intend to have such a screwed up family, but it happens.

Roberto kinda sorta admits the truth to Vicky and says maybe he was a little rough with Raquel that one time. He feels really embarassed to be talking about this with her. He kinda sorta defends himself by saying Raquel made him so angry that he lost control (yeah, not really a defense, there). He complains that she'd been with Ulises and was putting him up in an apartment and everything. He doesn't even know whose kid it is. He says that besides, Ulises has no intention of marrying Raquel and has another prospect, some rich girl from Madrid who looks identical to MJ. Vicky asks Roberto what they're going to do. He says that if it's his kid, "yo lo quiero" (which in this context could just as easily mean "I love it" as "I want it").

Back on the island, Alex has rounded up more coconuts. He steps on something, yet again, that has to be pulled out of his foot. He sees an aircraft and runs for the beach, wildly waving his arms, and then waving a big stick. No, not that big stick. The helicopter or whatever it was, keeps going. Fernando is trying to teach Cogüi how to spell his name, but now the captions say its Kugui. They discuss which words start with C and which ones start with K. And actually, there are no words in Spanish that start with K except for ones that have been imported from English (kilo- and so forth). Fernando praises Cogüi, Kugiu, whateverthehell the kid's name is (and I wish they'd decide--whatever, I'm renaming him Charlie) and says they'll work on the 2 times tables next so as to make good use of their time. Way to kill the vacation mood there, Fer. Alex comes back to report his adventure with the helicopter. He hopes that Charlie's family has reported him missing, but Fer thinks the family might assume that he and his grandpa just stayed on the island with Fer and Alex. Alex has assembled some "leña" (firewood) so that he can send up a signal the next time someone comes looking for them. He assures the boys that whether it's days or months, they will get out of there.

Vicky fills MJ in about Raquel. They agree it's best to wait for the baby to be born before they do a paternity test. Felipa wonders aloud when all the problems will end. Um, five minutes before the end of the Gran Final? Just guessing. Sra. Maya calls Vicky. She doesn't have good news. The guys didn't get to the tour, so they rented a boat, but there has been a report that the boat neither made it to the island nor back to the port. Sra. Maya says there are a lot of rocks in the ocean and it's most likely that the ship "naufragó" (was wrecked). MJ goes into hysterics. Vicky asks about searching for them and Sra. Maya says they're on it. I miss the next few seconds while the DVR cuts off and then starts recording the next hour. Sra. Maya is saying it's very complicated. Vicky asks about Bruno. Sra. Maya says he caught up to the tour, but then decided to come back to Santo Domingo, though he hasn't come by the agency. Convenient that she didn't mention that (a) Bruno was trying to catch up to his "friend" the judge and that (b) the judge went over the waterfall and is presumed dead. Vicky asks her to please pass on any news and they hang up. Vicky practically screams at the panicky MJ not to lose hope and get a frickin' grip! Felipa tells them both to calm down and start praying. She ramps up her usual exclamation "Santo del día de hoy!" (Today's saint!) to "Santo del día de hoy, de mañana, de pasado mañana y todo la semana!" (Today's saint, tomorrow's, the day after tomorrow's, and the whole week's!) just to let us know how truly desperate the situation is. MJ keeps crying.

And tomorrow: looks like Raquel is in a hospital bed with a neck brace as Vicky tells Roberto that Alex and Fernando had an accident and have disappeared; the boys keep waiting for a rescue and start a big 'ol fire; and Paula assures MJ that they have to be found.

"So join us here [again] my friends,
You're sure to get a smile,
From [those three] stranded castways,
Here on "[Sortilegio] Isle." (With my sincere apologies to George Wyle and Sherwood Schwartz!)

Labels: sortilegio

Well, it was a torrid night, filled with romance, drama, life-threatening allergies, life-threatening accidents, betrayals, emotional and physical abuse, and oh yeah....a little humor. But not much, campers! Not much. In short, quite a rollercoaster.

Here's what the writers served up for us tonight: Monita and Mauricio are smooching big-time at the amusement park and Dany notes with amazement( and a touch of horror) that they're kissing on the MOUTH. And how! And elsewhere in the park, Estrella and Aldo are strolling around while he reassures her that he's absolutely not jealous, ready to just be her buddy and perfectly capable of hearing about her tryst with Furia without a problem. As she gets in gear, sharing how she'll never have eyes for another man, not after those torrid, life-changing kisses with Furia, Aldo just smiles. Hey man, he's happy for her. Estrella looks more and more upset. And Aldo looks more and more smug. As well he might. What a confidence builder!

Tryst-wise, things aren't going as well at Gabriela's. Our Marlon Brando hunkalicious lookalike has been transformed into a swollen blotchy mess (face-wise anyway). Seems the appetizer snacks had crab (or crayfish) in them and he's wildly allergic. Finito romance. Finito escort service. For David anyway. Gabriela advises him to head for the hospital while she telephones the agency and asks for a replacement. Cold. Very cold. But she concludes the call in her usual polished way "Te agradezco infinito".

Let's get back to Estrella who's still raving about her fabulous interlude with Furia. Those kisses...ah, those kisses. Fervent with the yearning of an adolescent, yet meaningful as only the kisses of a mature man ,ready to fall in love, could ever be. More smug smiles from Aldo. But how about the rest? Did he take care of you? Did he use a condom (capuchón)? No, really, he reassures her....I'm not jealous, just want to make sure you were protected.

Estrella is really conflicted now. On the one hand she's knows that she's waited all her life for a loverman like Furia. On the other hand, she's crestfallen because her "cachorro" (cub) doesn't care for her anymore. And Aldo? He just keeps smiling.

Well, speaking of love...Dany has seen enough, thank you. Stop kissing! she yelps to M&M, and get me a dolly. Mauricio, try as he might, can't connect. So Monita steps up and yes, you guessed it, hits three in a row and wins Dany the little bear she wanted.

And our last glimpse of Estrella and Aldo? She concludes her ode to Superlover by saying "It was worth the wait. I will NEVER be interested in any other man." Our delighted Aldo muses to himself, "Not bad for my first time". Indeed.

Now let's take a big dive down into awfulness. Yes, Connie is on a real tear. It's as if she waited for Carlos to return before she really hit the dark side. She rips into Teresa who's preparing a tray for the incarcerated Luisa. And after insulting her as an "igualada sirvienta" (uppity servant) she makes off with the tray herself, muttering that she'll just eat it herself. (Carlos, I know she hasn't killed anybody yet, but I'm ready to take out a contract on her myself! Really!)

Back at the amusement park, night has fallen and it's time for our ill-fated lovers to part. Christian, Paula and Estrella are heading back to the barrio with Monita. Mauricio, Dany and a very self-satisfied Aldo must return to the house. But nobody can get Mau and Moni unglued from each other. More kisses, more hugs, more I can't say good-byes, more....whoops...Mau mentions that he made an "arreglo" (arrangement) with Connie that guarentees that she'll divorce him. And what "arreglo" is that? He looks uncomfortable and fails to answer. But even Monita knows enough to be worried. What is Connie if just playing with you? she muses. We break for ads while this loaded question hangs in the air.

When we come back, Monita is still worried. You don't want to answer me? The "arreglo" is THAT serious? Why ruin our farewell thinking about Connie, Mau reassures her. And just then the romantic music swells, there's more smooching, more plaintive good-bying, longing looks and finally, the two lovers slowly back away from each other, eyes still locked as their bodies draw further apart. Ay yi yi...what anguish. We viewers know some bad stuff is coming fer sure.

Back at the barrio, we have some lighthearted banter. Besos are being compared to criminal offenses and Christian and Paula have "committed" almost as many as M&M, but only to get Christian over his fear of roller coaster rides!. Beto emerges in a foul mood, snarls at Paula and Christian to "get a room" and then wades into Monita. He wants to explain what was really going on with him and Ximena that morning. Monita could care less. This enrages Beto even more, and after insulting Christian by telling him he lets Paula push him around (eres muy mandilón) he wants to know why everyone is so goshdarned happy. Christian's the one who inadvertantly drops the dime on our lovers and lets Beto know that Mauricio and Monita were together at the park. Sure, they shouldn't have been together...but who can fault them?...they're so in love, concludes Christian.

Well, we know who can fault them. And Mauricio's trying to avoid just that. Remember, mum's the word, he cautions Dany and Aldo. And in passing, he notes that he's really happy Aldo's over his infatuation (deslumbramiento) with Estrella. I mean, she's a nice lady...but way too old for you. And Aldo? He just smiles, the little dickens.

Alright. Smiles over. Teresa arrives with the story of Connie's mistreatment of Luisa, including preventing Teresa from taking her any food. Mauricio is furious. "Esto es el colmo" (this is the last straw!) We briefly hope for a real confrontation with the witch goddess but it is not to be.

Here's how it goes down. Vicious Connie is idly thumbing though a magazine when Beto calls. He gives her the 411 on Mauricio and Monita being together at the park, billing and cooing in front of everybody. Fully armed and dangerous now, Connie is ready to turn Mauricio every which way but loose. And she does. And calmly threatens Aldo with military school after our angry adolescent storms into her room. Clearly she still holds all the cards, even without Beto's betrayal of the lovers' secrets. But it's not over yet. For one thing, Nieves has overhead her criatura's cruel phone betrayal. What will come of that?

After the ads, the scenario unfolds. Nieves is pacing like the angry lioness she is. And Don Cesar is dying of hunger. When's he going to get some of those "enfrijoladas"? (a great concoction of beans, tortillas, Manchego cheese, chiles de arból and crema). Enter Beto who wants some too. And with lots of cheese, lots of cream, lots of.....Holy Moley, Nieves slams that big ol' plate of enfrijoladas right in his chest! Beto is stunned. Cesar is amused. And Nieves is just gettin' started!

I hate to leave this delicious scene but we find ourselves back with the despicable Constanza. She's mounting a glacial defense of her actions, complaining that the children don't respect her, don't treat her well and she's teaching them some manners. Mauricio huffily reminds her that good manners don't include striking a child. And let's face it. They don't like you and neither do I. Connie simply smiles and says "How's Valentina? And don't bother lying. I know very well that you two were together all day." This is Cold War. And a nasty one. Let's get back to the Hot War going on in the barrio.

Nieves is going after Beto hammer and tongs. But every time Cesar tries to join in, she swats him a good one. This is MY son! I'll handle it! In between swats, hair pulls and pummels, she berates Beto for betraying Monita. She's FAMILY. You grew up together. If you can't be loyal to family, you're beneath contempt. Hear hear!

Alas, back to the Cold War. Mau's trying to explain that their meeting was just a coincidence. They didn't plan it. If Connie doesn't believe him, well that's her problem. Oh no, you've got the problem, replies Constanza silkily. You broke the rules. So we're not separating and we're not divorcing. Ugh. She's got him by the short hairs for sure.

Back to the barrio again. Estrella wants Moni to tell Paula about finding Beto in bed with Ximena that morning. Paula can't believe those two are lovers. Oh yeah, mumbles Monita, he's got it goin' on with three women. And those are only the ones we know about, quips Paula.

More mayhem chez Nieves. She's belting Beto with shoes. Cesar joins in with some pillows. Cesar suggests running Beto off permanently. Nieves tells him to shaddup, this is between her and her son. Cesar, undeterred, suggested she use "el jab" when punching her offspring.

More insidious cold war at the mansion. Connie is coyly suggesting that since Mauricio is such a communicator, perhaps he told Monita about their making love the other night. No? He didn't?! Well, he left out "the most interesting part of the film". She'd better get right down to the neighborhood and let that chimpanzee know all about it. Mauricio begs her not to. She grabs her car keys and heads down to the garage, triumphant.

Things are still hot at Casa Nieves. She's not covering up for her son anymore. He's gotta tell Monita what he did. Beto's whining about being picked on, it's always the "perro mas flaco del rancho" that gets beaten. But sure, he's "macho", he can face up to it, he'll go tell her and zip! he's out the door, heading in the opposite direction from Moni's room, with Nieves and Cesar in hot pursuit.

Mauricio's in hot pursuit as well. First, he plants himself in front of Constanza's car, hoping to stop her. She starts up and accelerates as he jumps out of the way. Plan B. He gets in his own car and follows her. Night driving. Worried looks. A police siren wailing. More worried looks. More driving. Angst-type music. Bad stuff comin' doncha know.

In the meantime, Beto is dodging wildly through the park, our portly lovers chugging along behind. Momentary lull while Beto hides behind a tree. Then he's off again And starts to dart across the street just as Connie speeds up.....and hits him.

Well, it couldn't happen to a more deserving guy.

Previews:
Mauricio appears to be confessing to Monita about his "arreglo" with Constanza.
Constanza is draped over Beto in the hospital, begging him to be strong and recover, for the sake of "our baby". Nieves, muy impactada, overhears.

Vocabulary:
cangrejo = crayfish or crabmeat
repuesto = replacement, spare part
panchote = not in dictionary, but from context, I'd say it was a "big scene" like what happened with Monita when she saw Beto in bed with Ximena
retentiva = memory (Connie mentioned this when she was chastising and insulting Teresa)
deslumbramiento = something dazzling, in this context it meant "infatuation"
afligida = very upset (Teresa)
esto es el colmo! ( a stock telenovela phrase. This is the last straw!)
el mundo es un pañuelo = lit. the world is a handkerchief. In other words, it's a small world.
andar de tapadura = act as a coverup....something Nieves is not going to do anymore
el perro más flaco del rancho = the poor picked on underdog. Beto's self-characterization
cachorro = cub, puppy
igualada sirvienta =uppity servant
capuchón = condom
arreglo = agreement, solution
mandilón= word to characterize man who's very accomodating with his woman

Dicho of the Day

Genio y figura hasta la sepultura You can't get a leopard to change his spots.

Question: Carlos thinks Connie is redeemable. If she is, this dicho is wrong, verdad? We shall see. Perhaps true love and a little Betito on the way will change her very ugly spots.

Labels: gancho

Friday: Carlota is all tied up in a cellar with Alonso, looking a bit nutsy himself, pouring some drink down her throat and generally gloating that he has found her out. She begs him to let her go, offering money (no thanks, he has plenty) and telling him to think of his wife and daughter (no fears, they’ll never find out) and offering maybe herself (no thanks, you make me want to puke).

How does it feel to be controlled by someone else, to have no power? He asks, smiling.

I don’t know how Carlota feels, but I’m feeling pretty great right now. On with tonight’s show:

Diana, who has unexpectedly dropped in on Orlando, says I just wanted to talk, is that so bad? Orlando says everything connected with you turns out bad. She comes on strong to him, caressing him, and he backs up. She says things between us have changed, our secret is out in the open, and there’s our son we have together. She smooches his hands and says she remembers all those hot times. She drops her jacket, revealing some shoulder. Poor Orlando is trying to fight her off, but suddenly it seems like she has thousand arms.

Orlando says You go shouting from the rooftops that Camila is a golfa, and look at you, you’re way worse. That does the job. Diana turns her back, arms folded, wounded. He says that the disrespect that Em has for you is even less than you deserve. He tells her to get out and she gits, spitting rancor as she goes.

Split screen of Camila at home, leaning on her suitcase, undecided, and Rafa packing his and sighing.

Inez is shyly walking with her secret admirer. It seems like he wants to have lunch together. She titters okay, but next time her place. Into this sweet little scene comes Diana running. She wants Inez to come eat with her, so she can talk, but Inez says she just promised Juancho. Diana says cancel. Juancho graciously says we can do it another time. Inez stands her ground and says I’m going to have lunch with Juancho and you can come talk afterwards.

Camila is ready to go and Orlando has come to pick her up. Romina tells them bye, and don’t forget to buy me all the stuff on my list. Orlando tells her the agent has the keys to her new place. Whoopie claps Romina. They say they don’t know how long they’ll be gone and off they go. Alone, Romina is ecstatic that she can play house alone with Em now.

Angelica is picking up papers from Orlando’s desk and finds the slim manila envelope that holds her book. In all these months in Real del Monte, it looks like she’s only managed to turn out a 50-pager. He didn’t even care enough to read it, she sighs. And wouldn’t you know, just then the phone rings and it’s that skunk Dario. Hey, he’s in Pachuca and can drive over for lunch. No need, says Angelica. He says oh, but you’re so important to me.

She tries to wave him off by saying she’s the only one in the office and she can’t leave. He says he’ll bring food and he’s dying to talk about her book. She caves and says okay, but make it short.

Oh boy, we’re back where we want to be, namely in a dark dank cellar where somebody has turned on a fog machine. Carlota says I’m not scared of you or anybody else. Alonso says shut up and listen, and the he begins to read her Arcadia’s letter about how Carlota did in Inaki.

We are treated to all kinds of effects, the late Arcadia in sort of a light blue fuzzy light doing an echoey voiceover of what she’s writing, the image hovering over Carlota, who says would you believe that low-life woman? Shut up! says Alonso again, and now he takes up reading. Soon it’s Arcadia’s voice again and we see a ghostly-colored reenactment of her trip to the market and how she saw Carlota buying something, and how she asked the seller what that herb was, and how she found out it could stop a person’s heart.

Chris rings Natalia's doorbell and she, in high strappy heels, a form-fitting dress and of course her tumbling curls, answers and hugs him in greeting. They go in, and a complete stranger, a man, stops on the sidewalk and asks himself out loud Who is that woman that Padre Chris is greeting so tenderly?

Another thing about Real del Monte: The people there talk to themselves. Out loud.

Romina is on the phone with Diana. She says she understands, but she feels split loyalties; it’s her mother and her mother-in-law after all. Plus she didn’t like that Diana used her wedding to air her grievances. Diana said she just couldn’t help it, it was making her blood boil. Romina says but didn’t you think it would create a problem between you and me? Diana says you mean you and Em don’t want to talk to me?

Romina says I can’t receive you in my mother’s house, and if Em doesn’t want to talk to you, that’s his decision. I really miss you, but if that’s what my husband says, that’s what I have to do. Diana says but I really need you. We can meet secretly. Romina says you know my situation with Em is delicate. But maybe with my mama gone, things’ll get better.

Gone? Where? Diana wants to know. With who? Romina says I don’t know how long she’ll be gone, but when she gets back, Em and I will be in the house Orlando got for us. A house??? Diana says. It’s wonderful says Romina, well, gotta go now, buh bye. She clicks off the phone while we hear Diana still ranting on the other end and saying If she went somewhere with Rafa, I’ll kill her.

Chris asks Natalia how things are going with the investigation into The Will. Natalia’s girlfriend Ivonne is there too, hanging out. Natalia says Alonso hasn’t had any luck so far. Chris says he hopes all this gets found out before he leaves. For where? asks Natalia. Chris doesn’t know yet. Natalia says it looks like they’ll be in Real del Monte a while, Alonso really likes it. Chris asks where he is, and Natalia says she hasn’t seen him since morning.

Paloma is visiting Licha, the girl who sniffed the paint thinner, in the hospital. Licha begs her not to drop her from the art class. Paloma says of course not, but you have to promise not to sniff any more art supplies. Licha says but I like to. Paloma says we have to work on that together. Well, says Paloma, I have to go because my aunt gets really cranky if I’m late for lunch.

Carlota says just because I bought some herb in the market doesn’t mean I poisoned anybody. Arcadia’s voice starts up and we have flashbacks of her going to Carlota’s house to blackmail her about Inaki’s death. Arcadia says she should have gone to the police, but she needed money.

Closeup of present-day Carlota grimacing like she’s going to bite someone.

Long-gone Arcadia continues: I didn’t realize what evil that woman is capable of. I am writing this letter in case anything happens to me. If it does, you’ll know she was responsible.

Alonso folds up the letter. He says to Carlota Is there anything you want to say before…
Before what? says Carlota.

Musica de suspenso! The violins scrape furiously. Greenish light darkly illuminates the basement. Alonso turns his back, then turns to approach Carlota, a small earthenware pitcher in his hand. He sneers.

Em is at the hospital desk, paying Licha’s bill. Paloma comes by and sees him. They chat a little about Licha being better, then Paloma says I understand you’re moving to your new home with Romina in a week. Em says yes, and I won’t be able to look across the street and see you every day.

Paloma says it’s painful to see you. Anyway, I don’t think the young girl you knew exists anymore. I don’t believe in happy endings anymore. The day you married Romina, I lost all my illusions. The girl who believed love conquers all has died.

I still love you, Em says. Paloma says but what use is that? Em says maybe one day we can be together again. Both are tearful by now, natch. Paloma says I don’t believe it. It’s happened to me twice now - first with Inaki who died the day of our wedding, and now this with you.

Em says our love will last forever. Paloma says you are beginning your new life, and I have to go make mine. Our love isn’t eternal.

Em is holding her face, caressing it lightly with his thumb when who should walk into the hospital but Gabriel because people in Real del Monte hang out at the hospital a lot. Maybe the cafeteria food is really cheap. He studies them thoughtfully. He’s not talking aloud to himself, or even thoughtbubbling, but I can read his mind. Say, he’s thinking, this might make a great subject for another swell drawing! I could even do it on velvet, maybe put some glitterglue for the teardrops.

Diana has materialized at Rafa’s office and is yelling at him for going out of town with Camila. Rafa retorts that he’s going to the ceramics convention in Valle de Bravo and no, Camila isn’t coming. Diana says I know Camila is going out of town and I’m not stupid. Rafa says she’s going to the U.S. with Orlando.

Ha! says Diana. Now you’re the one who got left for someone else. Rafa says get out. I’m tired of you putting on scenes. You’re not allowed in my office from now on.

Diana scoffs and points to her wedding ring. She says I’m you’re wife. Rafa says but you’re not anything at this factory, or for me. Get out!

Orlando and Camila are eating at a casual outdoor café overlooking a scenic parking lot. He tells her that Diana tried to seduce him, and that it was the second time. He wants her to know so she won’t feel bad about Diana, who’s the bad one in town, not her. Orlando thinks that Diana’s sending Em to Monterrey was the best thing that could have happened to him, so he wasn’t under her influence. Camila says maybe people are just born the way they are. She brought up Romina, but Romina’s very much like Samuel.

Orlando says maybe she’ll grow out of it. Camila is doubtful, but she hopes being a mother will change Romina.

Romina is walking along a tree-shaded sidewalk and runs into Lili, who snarks at her about not being on bed rest. Romina brags that she’s going to see her new house, and unfortunately she’s going to be her neighbor. But when she and Em have their second child, she’ll need a bigger house in a better neighborhood.

You won’t be having one with him, I assure you, snipes Lili. They trade insults. Lili tells Romina how bad pregnancy makes her look, her skin, her weight gain. Romina brushes by her, but looks doubtful.

Joel stops by the shop and tells Monica he’s leaving town for a while, but when he comes back, he wants to have a long talk with her.

Gabriel has brought Licha a drawing pad and a set of chalks to draw with. She is thrilled and tries one out. He points out that these don’t require thinner or any kind of chemical.

Paloma has come home and is astonished that Carlota isn’t there for lunch. Felipa doesn’t know where she is.

Back to the green-glowing cellar. Alonso pours some of his potion down Carlota’s throat. She struggles and says I didn’t kill him! Alonso pours more and says I know you did, and you have to pay for it. You’re going to feel just what he felt.

Carlota gasps and laughs. You should have seen how happy he was, she says. He thought he’d won, investigating the inheritance. He thought he’d vanquished me when he married Paloma.

A: Shut up!
C: That night he drank everything – everything! – that I gave him. That belladonna is great stuff and it doesn’t leave a clue.
A: You’re an evil woman.
C: Not evil, just a woman who always gets what she wants.
A: Well this time you’ve failed. How long will it take you to die? You’re going to suffer hours of terrible pains, of gasping for air.
C: Same as Inaki felt.
A: Rot in hell!

He leaves. Carlota struggles against her bonds.

It’s bright and sunny out, and Alonso has a nice white Mercedes. But he’s anguished. He leans on the car’s hood and, looking heavenward, tells Inaki that’s he’s avenged him. He covers his eyes and sobs.

Carlota has escaped! Chin down, her eyes shooting fire, she slowly sneaks up on him and wham! whaps him a powerful one on the back of the head with a big chunk of wood. He staggers and looks back at her.

Captions: Gritos. Ruidos.

Both reeling, they stare at each other like castmembers of the Night of the Living Dead. A truck drives by, and Carlota shoves Alonso in front of it.

Alonso is left on the street, one shoe off, blood pooling under his face. The truck driver jumps out, looks at him, and runs back to his truck and screeches off. Closeup of Carlota looking evil but also relieved.

Chris is leaving Natalia’s house. She has to go on an errand near the church, so can she walk with him? They both wonder where Alonso got to. Maybe his cell phone batteries died. Natalia says if he’s not home when she gets back, she’ll start to worry. Across the street, the same fellow who wondered aloud why Chris was so friendly with her is knocking on a door. He watches them leave together and asks himself what’s going on with them. We see he has a Madonna statue in his hands. Is that the same man who along with his wife gifted Chris with a statue the other day?

Paloma is remembering Mac giving her her pearl necklace and putting it on her. She remembers sobbing over Inaki dead in bed. How happy my mother was to give me this necklace, thinking that I would be happy with Inaki. And I wasn’t even able to find happiness with Emiliano.

German shows his new red convertible to Em, who says they must be paying him very well. German wants to take him for a spin, but Em says Romina’s not doing well and he has to stay with her. German teases him that now he’s married, he has a good reason to want to be at home.

Em says quite the opposite. He leaves as early as he can.

Dario and Angelica have finished up the sushi he brought. He wants to know when they can do it again, and she is unenthusiastic. He says give me a copy of your book and I’ll look at it, and then we can do dinner. Okay, she says wearily, and gets it for him. When she’s not looking, he gloats over the manuscript.

We see Gabriel returning to his studio when Don Eugenio calls. He says he’s transferred the money for Paloma’s paintings into Gabriel’s account and wants Gabriel to go get it out in cash and give it to Paloma. Gabriel says sure. Don Eugenio says keep me posted on her progress.

Paloma has given up on waiting for Carlota and tells Felipa that she’s going to go out and tell Carlota that she’ll be back. Felipa says Why don’t you like me? Paloma is surprised, as she was being very polite. Felipa says she knows Paloma is upset Rufi is gone. Paloma explains that it’s nothing to do with Felipa, it’s just that Rufi is like a grandmother to her and it’s not fair that Carlota let her go just because she asked for a few days off.

Felipa says how did you know? Paloma says I talked to Rufi. She’ll be back in a week. Felipa says and I’ll be out in the street. Paloma says I don’t know what will happen when Rufi comes back to town, but I do know that in two months (is that when her birthday is?) she and I will be moving out of town, and my aunt will need help in the house. Felipa beams. Gracias, señorita!

Señorita! Paloma repeats the word, surprised. I’m a señorita now and not la niña Paloma.

Edmundo is discussing Mac’s medication and Carlota with Rufi. He thinks a sister wouldn’t kill another sister, but that maybe she was trying to control how fast she got better. Rufi says Mac never could rely on her health, and so Carlota was able to control her.

Carlota is staggering along, clinging to a rock wall and dry heaving. A tax driver comes by and stops to help her. She says take me to a hospital!

Edmundo tells Rufi you better forget what you know about Mac and about Carlota, because if what you suspect is true, your own life is in danger. Rufi gasps.

The taxi driver brings Carlota to the hospital. The emergency staff set her in a wheelchair and a bunch of them run down the hall with her.

Paloma is visiting Dr. B. She asks him if Rufi can stay in his house. He says of course, and you too. Paloma says she can’t until she’s 18, but she’s so grateful about Rufi.

Back to the hospital: Carlota is starting to rave vaguely. The doctor says they’re going to pump her stomach. Carlota begs him repeatedly not to tell her family that she’s there. Don’t tell anyone!

Natalia comes home and Ivonne tells her Alonso hasn’t come back yet. Natalia is worried.

Paloma is in church asking God why bad things happen to good people, like her for example. What doesn’t she understand that she’s supposed to? Why does everyone she loves go away? Please don’t let her fall in love again.

Padre Chris comes by her pew and she tells him why she’s so sad. She’s holding the pearl necklace. He asks her where she got it. She says from her mother, her father gave it to her. Padre Chris says are you sure it’s from him? Paloma says it’s from the man my mother said was her true love, and she also told me I was born from love. My father was the only man she loved. Although maybe he didn’t love her the same way, or so it seemed when I saw him.

When I found this necklace this morning, it really came over me. I miss her so much and wish she could give me a hug. Chris says I’m here – can I give you a hug? Please, says Paloma, hug me as if you were my father. He does.

The doctor tells an improved Carlota that they got her just in time to avoid a heart attack. Her heart was racing. They are going to run tests to find out what she was poisoned with. I was poisoned? Says Carlota. The doctor says you told us so yourself. Who poisoned you?

Carlota turns her head away. Nobody. The doctor says don’t be afraid. I can call the police right now. Who was it?

Avances: Paloma wonders where Carlota is. Natalia wonders where Alonso is. The doctor says the police should be called and Carlota’s eyes open wide.

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