Caray, Caray!

Episode #1:

* A violent tumultuous thunderstorm begins this romantic adventure. First we have the brief and rapid summary of the story starting with Juan and Maria’s courtship, then jumping to Rodrigo with twins Aimee and Regina. Then it jumps to Juan Jr. and his meeting the twins on his ship La Promesa. Gabe meets Jimena on the dance floor. Renato on horseback through pastureland. Woman threatens Leonarda with secret about Juan Jr.; Juan Jr. states his regrets and the promise.

* Julio Aleman (Narrator) starts to describe the time period (1850) and location (Veracruz) for our story of love and jealousy.

* In the midst of a major thunderstorm, we see a soaking wet Juan de Dios thinking of his soulmate Maria del Rosario.

* Back in the home mansion, Leonarda is fearful of the thunderstorm, thinks it is a premonition of what the future holds. Noel calms her down.

* Maria del Rosario meets with Rodrigo. He gives her a very expensive necklace. She’s surprised and humbled by the gift. In the hallway, Clemencia drops a tray on the floor and the other maid talks with her about something being a premonition of trouble to come.

* Leonarda, Rodrigo, Noel and Maria del Rosario have dinner together in the family dining hall. Noel and Rodrigo discuss the financial and legal arrangements to unite them permanently as family.

* Man (Benny?) in group of fisherpeople (pescadores) discuss Juan and Maria’s plan to marry.

* Juan, dressed as Zorro, sneaks into Maria’s room at the mansion. He tells her that after tonight, they will forever be together. They are enchanted by the thought of being together in marriage.

* Noel and Rodrigo discuss Rod’s plan to propose to Maria.

* Juan and Maria make love in her bedroom.

* Rod and Noel discuss Rod’s plan to marry Maria and what he may plan to do about the fishermen (pescadores) accepting it.

* Leonarda is jealous over Rod’s obsessive interest in her sister Maria. She throws a ring on the floor. She has a guilty conscience and picks it up - apparently it was a gift from Rod. She vows to split him and Maria up permanently (so she can have him for herself).

* Noel and Rod discuss a man named Santiago.

* Santiago is talking with his girlfriend, Mabel on the fisherman camp on the beach. He has to leave to meet with his new business associates. She’s not happy as she watches him walk away.

* Juan and men are in town market. Soldiers stop by and try to get them to leave. Juan tells them they are not doing anything wrong and will stay. The soldiers provoke a fight - Juan swipes one of the rifles and points it at the soldiers. The soldiers leave - one vows vengeance for this set-back.

* Clemencia and Maria are in Maria’s bedroom. Maria tells her about her plan to marry Juan and asks Clemencia to go to her sister, Leonarda, to get her to back the plan. Clemencia has misgivings.

* Fulgencio meets with Leonarda at the mansion. Leonarda tells him that he is the administrator of the hacienda at the sea and orders him to return there until further notice. He obediently leaves.

* Clemencia tries to talk Maria out of the idea of getting Leonarda to understand. Maria is focused on her happiness and plan to marry Juan. Leonarda enters and asks about the flower arrangement. Maria asks Clemencia to leave. Alone, Maria tells Leonarda of her plan to marry Juan de Dios.

* Rod sits in his office, admiring his engagement ring. Leonarda walks in and tells Rod the horrific, shocking news. Maria has disgraced the family - she wants to marry a lowly fisherman! Leonarda plays up her horror and shock and cries to Rod. Rod is mortified and impactado. He can’t believe it. She says Maria confirmed it herself. She doesn’t love Rod at all, she loves a lowly fisherman. Rod leaves the office, impactado. Leonardo grins over her “Oscar-winning performance” with Rod.

* Maria and Juan at the altar of the town church. We are at the exchange of vows. Maria says “I accept”. As Juan is about to speak, the soldiers storm in and stop the wedding ceremony.

* Rod stands in his office and vows vengeance against Maria and especially Juan.

* Soldiers have orders to arrest Juan for stealing expensive jewels. Juan denies the charges. Maria cries and whines against the soldiers. Juan fights with the soldiers (the same ones he fought with on the street earlier). Maria cries in horror.

* In the mansion, Rod and Leonarda fight about Rod’s plan to stop the wedding and separate Juan and Maria.

* Soldiers are beating up Juan right there at the altar of the church.

* Rod grunts to Leonarda how much he disgust and hatred against Juan.

* Soldiers drag an unconscious Juan from the church. Maria and Padre follow them down the aisle. Mabel and (Benny?) follow them. Mariel blames Maria for bringing this violent bad luck to Juan’s life.

* Maria sits with Padre in the church rectory/office. Rod enters. Maria starts to beg Rod to help Juan. Rod is angry and hurt because Maria went behind his and the family’s back to marry with Juan. She begs him to help her and Juan. He is disgusted and asks why? She finally blurts out that she is pregnant with Juan’s baby! Rod is muy impactado.

* Soldier/guard splashes Juan with a bucket of cold water in the prison cell. He demands that Juan tell them where he stashed the jewels. Juan tells them he never stole any jewels, as they well know.

* Rod is angry and calls Maria a flirt and harlot and played on his emotions. She begs him for forgiveness and understanding. He only has disgust for her and her way of throwing away all the kindness and gifts he had showered on her. She loves him only as a brother. She loves Juan in her heart and soul. Rod says that Juan will never be with her, he will remain in prison for his lifetime. Maria breaks down and yells that she hates him! Rod tells her ‘touche’ (now she knows how he feels about her and Juan).

* Guards talk about Juan’s denial of the charges and Rod’s orders.

* Leonarda and Maria in Maria’s bedroom. Maria is distraught and is sure she is the only woman in Juan’s life. Leonarda tries to convince her sister that maybe Juan and Mariel were a couple also.

* Mabel and Juan’s friend (Benny?) go to the prison to try and convince the warden to let them see Juan/ he is innocent. The warden and guards don’t want to hear it and send them away.

* Leonarda acts to console Maria - talk about Rod.

* Noel and Rod discuss Juan’s arrest and how long Rod plans to keep Juan in jail on trumped up charges. Arcadio sides with Rod and says Juan will remain in prison forever.

* Mabel and fishermen at night at beach campfire, discussing how to help Juan, get him out of prison. Soldiers approach and fight with the group.

* Juan prays to self about his love, Maria, in his prison cell.

* Clemencia promises Maria that she will always be there for her. Maria thanks her for her support and tells Clemencia to leave all the jewelry from Rodrigo there on the dressing table, she doesn’t want any of them.

* Fishermen and Mabel continue to fight with soldiers at beach campfire.

* Clemencia thought bubbles as she helps Maria. Leonarda enters and tells Maria the coach is there to take them to the ranch by the sea.

* The coach pulls up at the ranch by the sea. Fulgencio stands in silence as Clemencia, Maria and Leonarda walk passed him and into the house.

* Juan is still lamenting Maria in his prison cell.

* Clemencia and Maria discuss Maria’s desperate plea to leave the ranch and visit Juan. Clemencia has misgivings, but Maria is so focused and desperate, Clemencia gives her a pendant for luck and says she will support her always. Maria is excited and they leave.

* Leonarda is meeting with Rod at the city mansion. They discuss Rod’s plan for Maria’s baby. Rod tells Leonarda that when the baby is born he wants her to make the baby disappear for good and forever.

* Celestino stops Maria and Clemencia as they walk out to the patio of the ranch. They beg him to keep quiet and let them leave. He thinks and lets them go. He thought bubbles to self as they leave.

* Maria and Clemencia stop on the path when they see Mabel. Mabel is still angry about what happened with Juan and blames Maria. Maria explains that she wasn’t to blame and is just as hurt as Mabel over what happened. Mabel offers to accompany/help them.

* Soldiers lay Juan on the bed of hay in his prison cell.

* Arcadio meets with Maria, Clemencia and Mabel. He refuses to let them visit Juan. They offer him a bribe (a pearl necklace). He accepts it and says only one of them can visit. Clemencia watches as Mabel tells Maria to go visit Juan.

* In the cell, Juan wakes and sees Maria - Maria tells him she is really there with him.

* A gala in the ballroom. Noel stands on the stairs as the orchestra plays. Leonarda and Rod greet and mingle with the guests. They talk discreetly with a Doctor about Maria.

* Maria and Juan talk in the cell. Juan can’t believe this is happening, wonders why? She says that because they fell in love - Rodrigo is angry and jealous of them - he did this to separate them. She can’t live without him, she loves him. Juan loves her just as much. They kiss.

* Leonarda continues to talk with the doctor about Maria. She explains that they need the utmost in discretion and privacy in regards to Maria’s pregnancy and the birth of her baby. Leonarda thought bubbles to self over her plan as Rod watches her.

* Maria cries to Juan. He consoles and assures her of their future together. She tells him that she’s pregnant with his child. He is surprised and happy by the news.

ADVANCE: Maria’s pregnancy continues Rod’s violent jealousy and rage against Juan.

Labels: salvaje

The goons drag Jade away. She screams at Lucas to stay away and for once the hero obeys the heroine and doesn't do anything to help her.

Cristina and Diego encounter one another outside of Leo's house. Leo comes out and Lucas gives him an ultimatum - if Leo wants him back, he has to get rid of the bimbo. Even though Leo wants to end it with Cristina, he won't take defiance from his son. He says that Cristina is staying. "Your choice," says Diego and leaves.

At the market, Zoraida tells Latifa that this is her chance to get out of the marriage. She doesn't have to accept the insult of Mohammed's inability to buy so much gold. Latifa thinks it over. She tells Zoraida that she might not get another man. She decides she doesn't need so much gold. Mohammed rejoices.

Dora is doing Luisa's nails.

We find out that Dora has always dreamed of having a baby and completing herself as a woman. With her house, her business and her savings, she can raise a child properly now. She believes that she is close to realizing her dream. Luisa also thinks that she is close to realizing her dream of starting a family. Dora says that she loves Osvaldo and wants him to be the father of her child. Luisa says that she loves Albieri and he loves her back but they have never even kissed. She thinks it will happen soon, though.

Leo and Cristina are driving. He tells her that it is over between them. Cristina plays her cards very cleverly. She insists on telling her version of what happened to Leo but not in the car. She persuades him to go to her place.

A furious Diego pounds on the door of Albieri's house. He tells Luisa that his father has rejected him. Diego says that as far as he is concerned, Leo can have Cristina. Luisa babbles about how men need companionship but Diego isn't paying attention.

The goons drag Jade back to Ali's house. Zoraida asks if she knows what she has done - now no one can help her. Latifa asks if it is true that she kissed a man on the lips. Jade admits it proudly and says that she won't be like the women here who have children but have never learned to kiss out of love. She says that she has found the man of her dreams and she won't marry Said. Latifa tells her that if Mohammed's family finds out what she has done, he won't marry her. When Zoraida leaves, Jade and Latifa start giggling.

Latifa wants to know all about what kissing a man on the lips is like. Latifa has never even seen a man kiss a woman in a video since such scenes are cut in local releases. Jade says it's no wonder Latifa obeys Ali, she doesn't know what she's missing. Jade tells Latifa how wonderful kissing is and shows her a video of same.

They sober up thinking about what Ali will do to Jade.

At the camel market, Ali gets the news that Jade was seen kissing a foreigner.

Cristina gets Leo into her house. He still doesn't want to hear her version of what happened and she continues to try and convince him to take her back by acting more and more desperate. Finally she dresses like a whore (not much change was needed) and tells Leo that she will become the woman he thinks she is. Thus attired, Cristina saunters down the street and accosts a guy while Leo watches from his car. He drags her away and ends up kissing her.

Ali comes back to his house in a fury. He curses Jade and says that she will never go out again and then he slaps her. Ali says that he will hunt down the man who defiled her to the ends of the earth. He demands to know the guy's name. Jade gives a false name and says that the guy was on his way out of town. Ali wants his address. Jade tries to protect Latifa and Zoraida by saying that she acted alone. Ali drags Jade to her room and says that she will never leave it again; she betrayed his trust, she is filthy, etc., etc.

Albieri tells Lucas that he regrets letting Leo go home alone and he is returning to Miami that night. Lucas says that he will stay. He asks Albieri for his friend Ali's number in case he needs him. Albieri writes Ali a note and gives it to Lucas.

Leo and Cristina return to her place and kiss passionately.

Diego is back at his father's house. Rosa tells him that Albieri is returning the next day. Diego is going to fly with his instructor to a party in Daytona and needs a shirt ironed. Diego sees some toys that Lucas doesn't want anymore and concludes that his twin is doing everything he can to be different from him.

Lucas wastes no time in bringing his letter of introduction to Ali's house. Latifa asks Ali what will happen when Mohammed's family finds out what Jade did. Ali prays for guidance on how handle the situation. Latifa sees Lucas arrive, which enables her to tell Zoraida about it. She also tells Zoraida that she is starting to like Mohammed more. Observed by Zoraida, Ali tells Lucas that he now has a family in Morocco and he asks Lucas to stay for dinner.

Zoraida brings Jade food and Jade says that she is tired of being locked up. [What has it been - an hour?] Zoraida tells her that Ali has been involved with the preparations for Latifa's wedding. Then she lets Jade know that the friend of Ali's godson is visiting. Zoraida realizes that Lucas is the man Latifa has been seeing. Latifa begs for Zoraida's help as a woman who knows what she is feeling. Zoraida confesses that she doesn't know. She has been a servant in Ali's house since she was eight. Years ago, a man wanted to marry her but she had to go to the States to take care of Latifa and there never was another. Jade ask Zoraida to help her run away to America with Lucas where they will get married immediately. Zoraida says that if Jade is caught, she will be kiled. She replies that would rather be killed than live the life her uncle wants for her. She says that she will kill herself if she can't be with Lucas. Zoraida tells Jade that Ali is going to Mohammed's house the next day to talk about her.

Ali is the gracious host to Lucas. He shows him how to eat according to local customs. He invites Lucas to his niece Latifa's wedding on the weekend. He tells Lucas that he has two nieces living in his house but he prefers boys. "When women are beautiful," he says, "we have no control over them." Zoraida calls Ali to the phone. She takes the opportunity to tell Lucas to wait for Jade in their regular place at 5pm the next day. Zoraida says that if Jade doesn't come, it means that her destiny is fulfilled and Lucas should go home and never return to this house. Lucas ask if that means Jade will be killed. Zoraida doesn't answer; she just pushes Lucas out the door.

Osvaldo spins a yarn for Dora about why he didn't show up at his appointment at the fertility clinic. She buys it but says that he has another appointment on Wed and he'd better not miss it or she is through with him. They dance.

Leo comes home smiling after being with Cristina. Rosa scolds him for driving Diego away and for letting Diego fly the helicopter. Leo reassures her that there is no danger. He has spoken to the pilot and Diego will never fly alone.

The next day Diego finds out that the pilot has appendicitis and isn't available for the flight to Daytona. Diego decides to fly there solo. Rosa is horrified and threatens to tell his father. But it's sex in the afternoon with Leo and Cristina and he doesn't answer the phone.

Now the intertwined threads of twin tragedy unfold. Diego takes off in the helicopter. Lucas waits for Jade in the ruins.

Jade is delayed. Diego runs into clouds that he has been told not to fly through. Lucas decides Jade isn't coming. He takes a horse and rides into the desert.

Diego flies into a storm. He loses control of the helicopter and crashes.

Lucas rides into a CGI sandstorm and is thrown from his horse.


The credit roll.

Labels: clon

Tonight's lineup was:

Maria Jose & Alex

Victoria & Fernando

Bruno and Raquel

Most of the show was spent with Jacki and William. I swear he brought his own teeny-bopper fan club. He looked very handsome of course and Jacki looked beautiful in her red dress that defied gravity.

Daniella looked beautiful and who says older women can't have long hair. (Hear that mom?!)

Fernando, Bruno and Raquel will be interviewed next Monday I believe.

I'm not recapping this but wanted to post something so we could discuss it and not interfere with the first fabulous recap of Corazon.

Labels: sortilegio

Hi y'all,
I'm switching my day to Tuesday because my Irish music duo the Pratie Heads just got a gig at Kildare's Irish Pub in Chapel Hill for some Monday nights including tonight.

So I'll be back with you tomorrow after the show. In the mean time if people would like to fill in, leave your comments below! Thanks.

Labels: dinero

For too long, our clever Coni has gotten her way. She’s trampled everyone in her path. Long ago, she paid off a judge to get custody of Mauricio’s kids. After sending them to a horrible boarding school for six months, she threatened Mauricio that he’d never see them again if he didn’t marry her, which he grudgingly did. But not only did he have to marry her, he had to sign a paper, agreeing that if he got within 10 feet of La Monita, he’d lose the kids and all his money (which eventually happened). When she became pregnant with Beto’s child, she connived to sleep with Mau just one time, promising to divorce him. She then didn’t divorce him, and claimed the baby was Mau’s. When Moni was in a big boxing match, she sprayed mace in Moni’s eyes right before the fight. Moni fought anyway, but was knocked out, and was in a coma for six months. Coni then arranged for Oscar and Jero to kill Moni while she was in the hospital, although it didn’t work. She fired Teresa, and is cruel to the kids (and everyone else). Even when she had a chance to choose between her love for Beto and revenge against Moni, she chose revenge. And (except for those nights with Jerry), almost everything’s gone her way. But not tonight.

We begin with Moni banging against her Mamá’s door. Ábreme, she pleads (which means open up, but it feels more tragic in Spanish since they add the ending, making it open up for ME). Isabel and La Momia are on the other side of that door, but Moni can’t hear them, and feels helpless and alone.

Tano, after appearing semi-reasonable in his advice to Aldo and Estrella, has made some of us question his motives by threatening that if they don’t tell Mauricio about their marriage plans and pregnancy, he will. Is that really what friends do? Estre begs him not to blab, in the name of the friendship he keeps touting. Aldo pleads too, saying I grew up without a family, and I don’t want that for my child. In typical telenovela fashion, Estrella asks Tano to swear he won’t talk. Tano, hems, he haws, and he’s supposed to say “Está bien.” However, he says, “I’m not promising anything. We’ll see.” He then strangely congratulates Estre on her forthcoming motherhood, and makes his exit, leaving Estre and Aldo to roll their eyes. They’re not happy about this at all, and Estre adds that if Tano talks with El Príncipe, they’re really going to be done for.

Speaking of El Príncipe, Mau is trying to locate Moni without success. He’s at Don Cesar’s, and the Don tells him not to worry. We can see that Cesar has his hands full (of dirty clothes, as he now has to do his own laundry). Mau recognizes Cesar’s discomfort, and offers to help any way he can. But why doesn’t Cesar go back to Nieves, since he still loves her? Cesar thinks that would be futile. Nieves knows where he is, and certainly hasn’t appeared. She loves another now.

In the lobby of a posh hotel, Alicia stifles a yawn, slumped in an easy chair, as Nieves sits ramrod straight, much more concerned with appearances than our sleepy sister. They’re waiting for Marcos, and Nieves, nervously clutching her blue unicorn purse, won’t budge until the big guy arrives. Nieves is blazing mad at him for the lie he told, which threw Beto into such a funk, who knows where he is? They checked three cantinas, and came up empty. Alicia also wants to know where Isabel is. Now that she knows the truth, certain accounts must be settled. They agree that Isabel must pay.

But Isabel, dressed in her customary black, won’t back down for anyone, not even a furious Coni, who stands hands on hips, tall and proud with her gorgeous legs wonderfully displayed in short shorts and black pumps, bragging about how she’s destroyed Moni, who’s crying out in the hall.


Isabel warns Coni, one day you’ll find out what Valentina really means in your life, and you’ll be sorry. Nah, says Coni, I wouldn’t mind if she died! Hissabel doesn’t bat an eye. We’re so different, you and I. You’re so impulsive, you let your emotions control you. Oh really, shoots back Coni. Are you saying you don’t have any feelings? No, I don’t. And why did you bring Valentina here? Something really strong must have happened to you. What was it? Well, this really enrages Coni, who decides to leave. She walks out, closely followed by Isabel, and when the door opens, Hissy pushes them both out, and forcefully shuts the door again, leaving Moni more desperate than ever, banging on the door, Mamá, I just want to talk to you!

Well, Marcos has arrived, he extends his arms to Nieves, how nice to see you, as she SWATS him with her purse. How dare you lie to my son! After what you did, he might have let himself be run over on the beltway (periférico), or he could have thrown himself into the subway, I’ll never forgive you! Marcos calmly explains he just did it for his daughter, whose relationship with Beto just shouldn’t be. Ah, why not, questions Nieves, because Beto’s not good enough, just as I wasn’t good enough for you? You destroyed my life, and I won’t let you do the same to my son.

Coni is starting to suffer. She’s watching Moni bang weakly against the door, telling her how great it makes her feel to see Moni suffer, because she, Coni, is the unhappiest woman in the world. Moni’s not listening, but Coni tearfully tells her, I put up with (suporté) losing Mauricio. I put up with losing the baby from my belly. I put up with losing Roberto’s love, since I knew I could have him back at any time. That love was the only thing I had left, and now that’s been ripped away by something you can’t even imagine. The only comfort I have is that you’re suffering as much as I am. Valentina, you’re wasting your time. Isabel will NEVER open that door. And you know why? Because she HATES you. She leaves.

Moni continues to knock, pleading with Isabel to open the door, there has to be an explanation, she loves her Mamá, can’t they talk, please? Inside, Isabel coolly pours herself a tall glass of red wine. Moni continues, we should talk, remember that night, we were together, you said you were sorry, you felt proud of me, don’t you remember? I forgave you. There’s no way it could all have been a lie. Hissabel has NO expression. None. She sits unmoving, unmoved, no smile, no frown, like Poe’s Raven, as Moni keeps on tapping tapping tapping at her chamber door. But is there hope for Moni’s love? Nevermore.

Marcos assures Nieves that he’s always loved her, and still does. Well then SHOW me how much you love me, says Nieves, by helping me find my son. Alicia whispers in her ear – that other thing, too, remember? Right, they both want to know if he’s seen Isabel. Marcos plays dumb, Isabel who? Oh her, no, I haven’t seen her in years. Sure wish I could help. But, he adds, smiling broadly, you can always count on me. Then help me find my son, she replies. Marcos will help, if Nieves promises to keep her son away from his daughter. She’d be HAPPY to keep him away from that worm! Okay, Marcos points out that at least they agree on that one point. The two should not be together. Nieves agrees, that flauta does not deserve someone as fine as her son! And you, Marcos, don’t deserve me, either. In fact, I’m GLAD you left me at the altar. Well said, adds cheerleader Alicia, backing up Nieves (literally, she’s right behind her, holding onto her), having now found a new hero to worship.

A dice cup slams down, five dice come out, and Beto has won again!

He’s skunked the monks into some unwise wagers, and they’re giving a whole new meaning to the term holy rollers. The stakes? If Beto loses, he’ll clean the bathrooms for a week. But if he wins? They have to make milanesa tortas for all! He raises the cup, the dice are cast, and it looks as if he’s won that repast. But not so fast. Here comes Tomás, quite aghast.

Mau’s still searching for Moni. He’s now in the vecindad, and finds Gabi, Estrella and Paula. But they have no idea where Moni is either. Gabi figures Beto could be in some mess as usual, and Moni went to save him (as usual). So, they’ll try to keep the faith, Moni will be okay.

But she’s not, she’s still crying, still knocking. She sinks down.

Tomás is appalled that the good monks should be playing in the Lord’s house, and at this hour! Beto doesn’t think it’s so bad, just look what he just rolled, and the truth is, it’s a bit boring around here, you know? Tomás (I don’t think they’ve ever given us his name, so that’s what I’m using) dismisses the other brothers, but Beto must remain. What he did was very bad. He’s going to have to be “omni palabrum omitem”. This means Beto has to be absolutely silent for seven days. And what’s more he has to fast, too. All he can have is water. Beto’s vow (voto) of silence begins now. Beto starts to protest, but Tomás shuts him up. Beto says, but – Tomás glares at him. Beto’s pained expression tells us this won’t be easy.

Nor will it be for Arnoldo, who is nervously fidgeting in an exotic gay bar, as Lalu slyly sips wine, pinky properly extended. In the background we see two drag queens with wild wigs. Arnie wants to leave, but Lalu doesn’t want to leave without accomplishing anything (irse en blanco). He tries to get their first kiss. Arnie protests, does Lalu think that on their third, fourth, fifth or sixth date (cita), he’s getting a kiss? No way. Arnie’s not that easy.

Xime arrives home to find Rolu sleeping at the table. He wakes, and he’s a bit miffed. He prepared a romantic dinner, and now the candles have burnt out, the food is cold and the champagne is warm. And her cell phone was off! Where was she? he shouts. Xime’s a little taken aback with his tone, she was just with Gabi, supporting her because of Sal. So Gabi’s more important than I am? What if there were a fire, and I was stuck in my wheelchair? You’re my wife, and your obligation is to be with me.

Moni’s voice is weak, she on the ground, still talking through the door, begging her mother to open it, she’s been there for hours, but she’s not moving. Inside, Isabel is pouring the last of the wine (it doesn’t seem to affect her, though, they should have called her in for the Nieves/Jacqui drinkfest, no?) Moni begs, I won’t judge, just open, please! But Isabel won’t do that. Her heart is shut tighter than that door.

Lalu sees Arnie as a challenge. He’s going to wear him down, little by little (he walks his fingers up Arnie’s leg), and he’s sure he’ll succeed, as he lunges towards Antsy Arnie and plants a big kiss on his cheek! Arnie recoils, of course, and quickly grabs some kleenex to wipe off the evidence. Lalu hopes that Arnie will change his feelings towards him, just as Rolu changed his feelings towards Ximena. Well, Arnie can understand why THAT’s happening. Ximena is a wonderful woman, intelligent, affectionate, smart, and quite good-looking, he sighs. Uuuuy, Lalu is surprised, is Arnie ATTRACTED to her? No, of course not, it’s just that, um, he can understand why Rolu would be attracted to her. Just as I’m attracted to YOU, says Lalu sexily, which prompts Arnie to jump up, time to go, as he bumps into the fawning drag queens on the way out, delighting them.


We then get a very subtle scene between two very intelligent characters, neither willing to show all their cards. Xime and Rolu are both wearing black, casual clothes, facing each other.

R: Is that it? Are you going to stay silent?
X: Can I tell you three things, Rolu? Uno, Tomorrow morning, let’s go to some new doctors and get a second opinion, so you’ll be able to walk again. Dos, if you walk again, we’ll be able to go ahead with our plans to separate, and Tres, we can’t continue like this, because nothing good is happening for you. Or for me.
R: Look, things are not bad for me, on the contrary, I’m the happiest man in the world, because I love you, I’m at your side. Don’t you remember the letter I wrote you?
X: Of course I remember, that letter was the most beautiful anyone’s written to me in my whole life. And remembering it gives me…..look at this (she touches her forearm), goosebumps! (se me pone la piel chinita, literally it makes my skin little pebbles). But…that letter doesn’t change what’s happening between us, Rolu.
Rolu doesn’t seem to agree, as he slides his wheelchair close to Xime, takes her hands, leans forward, and kisses her tenderly. The heat starts rising until Xime pulls back, smiling and flushed, saying
X: Ay, Rolu, such fire.
R: My love, I want to be with you. I want to make love to you. I want to kiss you.
X: No, that’s not happening, you can’t turn on the “boiler” if you’re not going to get in the bathtub. (She stands up, turns, smiling seductively, then continues). What a shame, though. Too bad you and I can’t be together, since you’re an invalid, and don’t, umm, function from the waist down, ooops (claps her hand over her mouth, smiling). Unless….unless you could miraculously walk again. Ay, but you can’t. Or can you?
(Rolu doesn’t know what to say, but looks a bit guilty).
X: Ay, Rolu, just imagine, if you could, if you could, we’d make love so deeply, like two crazy people without restraints…..
R: Tell me something, Ximena, if I were miraculously cured, you’d also still want me to leave, right? Or would you change your mind?
X: (twisting her hair). I don’t know, we’re left with what is, our marriage has to end.
R: Of course, miracles don’t exist, anyway, right? I can’t walk.
X: Yeah, too bad, you know?


They stare at each, so much left unsaid.

It’s finally morning, and everyone’s met in the vecindad to discuss the missing Moni. Mau, Estrella and Tere are concerned about Moni, Nieves about Beto, and Cristian still thinks they’re together. But not mixing it up, he hastens to add, quickly. Alicia thinks they’d better call the cops, as Cris clears his throat, ahem. Well? asks Paula. Cris reminds them he can’t report a missing person unless they’ve been gone 48 hours. But he’ll go down to the station, and see what he can do. Paula’s going with him. Affirmative, partner, he replies. Operation in action. They salute and march off in step.


Gabi approaches Mau, I know this isn’t the best time, but I need to talk with you, it’ll only take a minute, but it’s really important. They go off to Moni’s apartment to talk. Estrella, Alicia, Nieves and Tere comfort each other.

Coni’s not happy, but she’s ready to greet the day, looking in her hand mirror, somberly applying the final touches to her look, as her Mom Jacqui enters cheerfully, good morning, dear. Jacqui reminds Coni how rude and uncaring it was not to say goodbye to her sister Katia. But Coni reminds Jacqui how destroyed she’s been from what her father told her. She couldn’t sleep all night, was going through hell thinking about her and Roberto together. She starts to cry, as Britney Sofía bursts in with a red manila envelope. Coni grabs the envelope, angrily dismissing Britney. Jacqui suggests a spa date, it’ll make Coni feel so much better. And they can spend the whole day together. Coni’s not interested. Jacqui admits it’s just a pretext so they can talk to Nieves (whom she calls La Chicharronera, or pork-rind lady). Coni has no desire to talk to Nieves, especially after what her father told her. Well, responds Jacqui, you’ve heard HIS version, but let’s listen to what Nieves says, because your despicable father lied to you. This really wakes Coni up, it was a LIE? Of course, and we’re going to meet Nieves at noon, so get ready. Wait, Mamá, says Coni, what about the child Dad said he had out of wedlock? There is none, replies Jacqui, it’s all just made up by your father to trick us. Now just relax. She leaves.

Coni then goes from the world’s saddest, most distressed woman, to the world’s happiest, as she radiates relief and pure joy that she and Roberto aren’t siblings. She’s on top of the world, as she eagerly opens the red envelope, and bam! Inside are pictures of Sal, dead, and Coni’s clothes, smeared in blood. After only two seconds of being the world’s happiest woman, she’s destroyed again, starts shaking uncontrollably, saying, N-n-n-n-n-n-n-no puede ser!!!!!

In the park, Arnie’s in the wheelchair, and Rolu’s running around, getting his exercise. He tells Arnie to have some fun, but Arnie doesn’t want to, he doesn’t like to perspire. Rolu starts in with some pushups, as Arnie relates how last night was terrible in the gay bar, Lalu kept trying to kiss him. This has got to stop. No, says Rolu, as my brother, you have to keep this going, Lalu is the only one who knows what Ximena really feels. And you’ve got to write some more love letters, the last one worked great. But I have to get Ximena back soon. I’m supposed to be an invalid, but when she turns me on, it’s hard to control my body’s reaction, you know? Well, it’s your own fault for lying, chides Arnie. Nothing good will come of it. At this point, two pretty girls jog past, and Rolu’s drawn to them like a bee to honey.


Telling Arnie he still has a kilometer to go, he heads off in hot pursuit. Arnie throws his hands in the air.

Lalu has come to visit Xime, tells her things with Arnie are not good, everything “van en picada” (this apparently has two meanings, one relating to puncturing, or pricking, which Xime takes to be a good thing, and the other, to be decayed or chopped up, which is what Lalu meant). Lalu’s despondent, he’s getting nowhere with Arnie, he feels that the call of love turns on, turns off, turns on, turns off (se enciende, se apaga, se enciende, se apaga). He illustrates this with his hand opening and closing, saying it’s like the lights of a cheap hotel, turning on, turning off. Xime can sort of understand this, it sure would be hard to put on makeup if the light kept turning on, turning off. Lalu thought he’d unlocked Arnie’s heart, but now it’s locked again, and the combination was changed. Not to worry, Xime has her three things. Uno, she’ll write a new super love letter, even better than the first one. Two, when Arnie reads it, they’ll have their first kiss of love, trust her. Thanks, Ximena, and the third one? Oh, Lalu, I haven’t even written the second one yet. No, says Lalu, not the letter, your third thing. Ummm, don’t know. I forgot! But, how about some daiquis to refresh us both, yeah!

Coni’s in shock from the pictures of Sal. She rushes into her closet, where are my shoes, they’re gone! The phone rings, and it’s Oscar, calling from his Castle of Doom, Sal sitting motionless in the wheelchair in front of him, Lorenza fawning over him. What’s the meaning of these pictures? Coni shrieks. Oscar calmly tells her it’s because she didn’t pay the money she owed. Then is this extortion? Not only that, replies Oscar, it’s also meant to teach you a lesson, Jerry will explain. We see a stuffed ram, a stuffed mountain lion, and Jerry’s head is framed between two giant tusks.

What is this, a cruel game? demands Coni. Apparently it is, as Jerry tells Coni there are 6 more envelopes with the pictures, and each one has a clue (pista) leading to the next one, until it’s just too late, dear Coni. Oscar grabs the phone back. You have very little time, Coni. The envelopes have already been sent out, and if they fall into the wrong hands, such as Mauricio’s, you’re going to jail for murder!

Hissabel has apparently had a good night’s sleep, probably molted or shed her skin or something, as she looks all refreshed in a brown outfit, showing no effects from that bottle of vino the night before. She opens the door to the apartment, and look who’s sleeping on the floor – poor little Monita. Issy kicks her tush with a haughty heel, are you still here? Moni stirs, I told you I wasn’t leaving. Fine, you win, says Hissy. Come on in. She motions to the sofa. Let’s talk. Moni stares at Hissy, Hissy stares at Moni, and ominous chords tell us that’s all for tonight.

And Monday, we have the Amazing Race! Apparently Coni’s envelope has a clue to the location of the next envelope, that one to the next, and so on. It’s a race against time! Can Coni save herself? Do we even want her to? And is that short skirt and heels really the best outfit for her to be running all over the place in? Carlos, Mike and I vote, “Sí!”

Vocabulario:
Perifério – a beltway, a periphery around something
Soportar – to put up with something
Voto – a vow, can also mean a vote
Irse en blanco – to leave without accomplishing anything, literally to leave in white. Dar en el blanco means to hit the target, or hit the nail on the head, so I guess blanco can be bad or good, depending on context
Se me pone la piel chinita – it gives me goosebumps, literally, it makes my skin into little pebbles
En picada – decayed, or choppy, but there may be a another, somewhat sexual way of translating this expression, relating to puncturing or pricking
Una pista – a clue, can also mean a track, such as on a record, or on a racetrack

Labels: gancho

Jade and Lucas have their first kiss that leaves them out of breath. Jade tells Lucas that her heart is about to explode and wonders if she is sick. "It's called love," replies Lucas. "Then I want to be sick with love," says Jade. More kissing ensues.

Diego packs up his stuff at his father's house while Rosa entreats him to stay. She says that since their mother died, Leonardo has always put his sons first and never got involved with any of the women that pursued him. Diego says that was in the in past. Now, Cristina is all that matters to daddy. Rosa's pleas fall on deaf ears. As he leaves, Diego tells Rosa to let his flight instructor know that he is back in town and wants to fly the helicopter at 5pm.

Osvaldo has not come to his appointment at the fertility clinic. Luisa gets a call from Diego letting her know that he is moving into Albieri's apartment. She decides to move in with him to keep house. The other clinic staff are sceptical of her motives but she claims that she is responsible for Albieri's apartment when he is away. Dora makes another appointment for Osvaldo.

Back to kissing central.

Luisa moves into Albieri's house and gets off on handling all his stuff.

Leonardo has decided to go back to Miami. Albieri reminds Leonardo not to forget about Lucas' problems. Albieri is surprised and alarmed to hear from Leo that Lucas has fallen in love with a local girl.

More kissing. Jade tells Lucas that she is being forced to marry and there is nothing she can do about it. She just wanted to see what it was like to kiss someone she cares about. Lucas suggests that they run away to the US. When Jade hesitates because they are not married, he proposes. He tells her that he has loved her from the first moment he saw her. More kissing.



Zoraida and Latifa return to Ali's house and tell him that they lost Jade.

Now Jade asks Lucas why she followed her heart and not her head. What will happen if her uncle locks her up for the rest of her life? Lucas replies that she did it because she loves him as much as he loves her. He suggests that they take the first flight back to the US but Jade tells him that Ali has locked up her passport. Lucas says that they should go the hotel and ask Albieri for help. Jade refuses. She doesn't want anyone to know about this before Latifa's wedding next week. Jade tells Lucas that since she has met him, she had lied and deceived, things she had never done before. She believes that she is lost - she will be punished for what she has done.

She runs away,dropping her head scarf and Lucas picks it up.

Jade returns to Ali's house. She tells him that she got separated from Latifa and Zoraida and got lost in the market. Ali asks what became of her headscarf. Ali tells her that the first time she lies to him will be her fault but the second time will be his fault. Jade asks why he is telling her that since she has never lied to him.

Labels: clon

We’re double dipping tonight since the show wasn’t on yesterday and they have to fill the 9 o’clock spot with something until Corazón Salvaje starts on Monday. It has been a very long and exhausting day so please forgive any typos or mistakes.

The selling match begins! By the end of the day, if Marino sells three or more cars, Rafa has to shave his head. If Rafa sells at least one car and Marino doesn’t sell at least three, then Marino ends up a cue ball instead. Ale walks in on the festivities and everyone tries to look busy.

Julieta tells Leonor she’s going to study with a friend from school but as soon as her madre leaves, she calls Jamie and asks for his help.

Ale holds a typical business meeting and Ramiro lets slip about Rafa fighting to keep his hair. They sing the company song.

Jamie arrives in record time and Julie asks him to help her package the whiskey bottles. He wants no part of it but she gives him puppy dog eyes and he gives in.

Ale meets with Lic. Beltran, who is terrified about losing money and going bankrupt. He is furious with the lackluster performance of the employees, Rafael in particular. Ale assures him Rafa will pull through. Lic. Beltran says if Rafa doesn’t sell at least one car by the end of the day, he’s going out on his ear.

Ale calls Rafa into her office and scolds him for partying with the other employees. She’s furious he even has “free time” when he still owes her money. Ale lays the guilt on thick; Rafa can go out dancing while she’s left laid up because of him.

Ale warns Rafa about Lic. Beltran’s ultimatum. She pretends to be a drill-sergeant to get Rafa fired up to go out there and sell. Once he leaves, she smiles warmly.

Let’s get ready to rumble! Rafa and Marino start wheeling and dealing right out of the gate. Vicky calls for Rafa and screeches at Ramiro to put Rafa on the phone. When he doesn’t, she turns her squealing on her padre and hermanos.

Marco visits Ale in her office. He’s excited about the possibility of Rafa going back to jail and his family being thrown out on the street. Ale says that isn’t fair; Rafa’s madre and hermana didn’t have anything to do with what happened.

They change the subject and Marco asks Ale if she wants to go horseback riding with him that night. She asks if he’s kidding, since he knows about her injuries. Nope, he really wants to go. Besides, it’s a business outing.

Ale is upset and tells Marco to go on his own. She tells him the day before was their 2 year anniversary as novios. Marco is so smooth when he says: “What? Did you think I forgot?” They argue and Marco leaves the car keys on her desk. She starts to cry.

Rafa gives it all he’s got on the sales floor but Marino is obviously having more luck than he is. Nelson/Dandy asks Rafa what Vicky’s deal is. He elaborates a bit about how overly affectionate she is and what a crazy family she has.

A man named Enrique Quintana visits Rosario. He asks about Jorge’s poor memory. She tells him about what a tough time Jorge’s been having and Enrique says it’s a shame since he’s always liked and respected Jorge. Rosario bemoans their misfortune; Jorge, who has always been so sweet and kind-hearted is losing his memory and Ale is recovering from a terrible car accident. But they have to stay strong.

Enrique flirts very obviously with Rosario and admits he came to see her and not Jorge. She’s charmed.

Julieta and Jamie are at a bar and Julie is working her magic to sell the whiskey. She orders a drink at the bar and Jaime does not approve. Julie tells him to leave her alone for a minute so she can get to work in peace.

Isabel has had enough and yells at Vicky for incessantly calling the Siglo. She truly is the General and briskly tells Vicky to stop bugging them. Vicky goes completely loca and takes off to deal with it in person. Her padre tells the hermanos to follow her.

Julieta wheedles an overly eager bar-owner and flounces off with his business card.

A gang of thugs harasses Vicky and the hermanos hurry to her rescue. The fists start flying and the thugs are left a bloody heap on the sidewalk.

Rafa is charming a pair of ladies into buying a car and it looks hopeful that he’ll make a sale. Ramirez tips Marino off about it but he isn’t phased.

Vicky and her brothers get to the Siglo and are after Rafa. He sees the poor janitor fighting off the locos and tries to rap up his sale. Rafa lets the ladies stew over what color they want their car and runs outside.

Rafa pleads with Vicky to do this another time because he’s working. Vicky tells him about Isabel’s answer to her phone call. Rafa tries to hold them at bay.

Ale wanders out to see Rafa’s customers waiting around without being helped. Ramirez tells her that Rafa is outside with Vicky. She seethes and tells him to go get Rafa.

Vicky boo-hoos about being alone and abandoned. Rafa tells Ramirez he’ll be back inside in two minutes. Ramirez returns to Ale who wants Rafa back to work ahora mismo.

Vicky tries to go inside and confront Ale because no other woman is allowed around her pajarito. Rafa has to hold her back. Ramirez tells Ale about Vicky’s episode and she tells Marino to take care of Rafa’s waiting clients. He sleazes over to them.

Rafa begs Vicky to leave. Of course he loves her but he loves not being in jail more! (In not so many words.) He convinces Vicky to go just as Ale shouts for Rafa.

Dinero #25

Ale scolds Rafa for leaving his clients to go talk to his novia. Nelson/Dandy and Ramiro let Rafa know the score is 0:2.

Rafa is livid Marino took his clients and pleads his case to Ale. She asks why his novia and her family were even on company property in the first place, let alone that he left his clients to fraternize with them.

Rafa asks why she let Marino have his clients and not someone, anyone, else in the Siglo. Ale says it was just because he was nearby. Rafa is not satisfied with her answer but goes back to his desk.

Marino rubs it in that he’s winning the bet but Rafa is not to be intimidated. Rafa rushes off to help a client who walks in the door. Claudia slinks off to steal him but Nelson and Ramiro hold her back. They’re on Rafa’s side and aren’t going to let her get in the way. (All right!)

Just then, Marino loses a client who decides to go to a different company. Now Marino is starting to get a little hot under the collar. He’s only sold 2 cars and Rafa is so close to his first sale.

Marino starts fighting dirty and tells Rafa’s client the car he wants isn’t safe. (Something about protective glass?) Rafa convinces the client to sit down with him and talk it over.

Rafa begs Ale for help with a sale. He needs her permission to give his client free (or discounted?) accessories for the car or else there won’t be a sale. Ale says to tell the client they already offer 2% less than the commercial price. Rafa already told him that and he said other companies offer free accessories.

Ale says it isn’t true; no one does that. Rafa is adamant about making the sale. Ale says the only way is if Rafa pays for the accessories out of his own pocket. (!!) He agrees to do it and runs out the door. Ale tells Susana the great news that Rafa sold a car.

Ale calls Rosario and tells her about the fight with Marco. Rosario tells Ale she’s being selfish and should have gone with Marco if it was so important for his business. Being novios is all about compromise.

Marco brags to Chavez about his great luck in getting a free night with Karen because of the ridiculous story about going horseback riding. Marco compares his two ladies and it all boils down to this: Karen is gorgeous and relaxed but doesn’t have near the money that Ale does.

Ramiro tells Rafa he thinks Marino was the one who lied to his client. Rafa wants to rip Marino’s head off but Ramiro convinces him to wait it out and not cause a scene.

Ramirez laments Rafa’s sale to Marino, who is determined to sell another car and beat Rafa.

Marco tells Chavez he can’t have worked on Ale for 2 years to have to throw it all away for Karen. Chavez says Marco may resent Ale but she is very attractive. He goes on about her but Marco makes Chavez reign it in before he gets too pervy.

Marco says Ale is a great woman but the problem is she’s only one woman. “Why be with only one when you could be with several?” Marco complains that Ale never sleeps and is so meticulous, disciplined, and irritating. “No amount of money is enough to justify putting up with her.”

Susana is thrilled her spiritual guide from India is going to be in town and she invites Ale to come along since Marco is such a dud. Ale turns her down. Susana asks why Ale keeps tolerating Marco’s behavior. Ale claims Marco has done a lot for her and her family and she has to be with him through the good times and the bad times.

Rafa decides to throw Marino’s game back in his face by telling Marino’s client about the free accessories they’re offering with a new car.

Marco greets Karen and says she and her car are so beautiful. He asks Karen to forgive him for neglecting her the night before. She does and they drive off to her place.

Rafa tells Marino he told the current client about the same deal Marino informed his client about earlier in the day. (Now Marino has to pony up for his client’s accessories too.)

Ale asks why the Siglo is still open so late and tells the janitor to close everything up. Marino scampers around wildly but is helpless to stop the inevitable.

Karen and Marco arrive at her hacienda; she wants to introduce him to her family and friends who are already inside. Karen makes him promise not to play games with her. “Of course not! I’m your novio.” Ale calls at just that moment. Marco says it’s a business call and hides in the bushes to answer it.

Ale wants to make up for their fight and agrees to go horseback riding with him, as long as they can be together. Marco spews his usual reasons why she can’t join him. “It’s too dangerous, It’s too far away, etc.”

Ale says she feels like he’s making up excuses to avoid her. Marco tries to schmooze some more but it doesn’t fly. “And there’s going to be a hurricane, rabid cannibals, and piranhas in the river.” Ale is fed up, hangs up on Marco, and calls herself an idiot for calling him.

Karen introduces Marco as her novio to the party. Her prima wants to take a picture of the happy couple and Marco bolts for the baño to avoid it.

Isabel announces the final score to everyone: Marino 2, Rafa 1. Rafa wins!!!! Nearly everyone cheers but Marino and Ramirez contest it. Rafa asks Marino if he wants to take it up with Ale, especially the part about where he tried to sabotage Rafa’s sale. Marino is truly defeated and everyone cheers.

Ale cries on the phone with Rosario; she feels humiliated. Rosario is worried about Ale because of all the tragedies lately. Ale still blames Rafa for all of her problems. Ale overhears the employees cheering in the other room.

Nelson and the other employees tell Rafa to grow a spine and stand up to that crazy novia of his. (Again, in not so many words.) Ale breaks up the celebration and demands to see Rafa in her office. The employees all chant for Marino’s shearing to begin.

Marco is itching to go to Karen’s apartment since her tío never showed up. Just then, said tío walks in and Karen introduces Marco as Marco Valenzuela. Tío shakes his hand and says: “Aren’t you Jorge Alvarez de Castillo’s son-in-law?” Marco gulps.

Avances: Vicky prepares for a hot date night with Rafa, Ale tells Rafa he has work to do overnight, and Karen’s tío questions Marco.

Labels: dinero

For those of you who didn't get a chance to post yesterday, we are continuing the discussion again today.

Labels: sortilegio

Quite a few rules were broken in tonight’s cap, and surprisingly, the first to go were some entrenched telenovela rules. Cómo puede serrrr?

TN Rule #1. When major players come to wrong conclusions, they continue to believe that conclusion for at least five cap’s, but usually 30 or 40. At the elevator, Jade sees Diego but thinks he’s Lucas. When Diego acts like he doesn’t know her (which he doesn’t), she’s shattered. She goes up to the roof to be alone, and the real Lucas sees her there. He is breathless for the opportunity to talk to her again. She’s furious that he would play with her emotions like that; she’s sure he has a wife or girlfriend and she was just sport for him. She tells him clearly that she never wants to see him again. BUT she’s willing to hear him out! Cómo puede ser? When she says they talked down in the lobby and he pretended he didn’t know her, he’s puzzled. But when she says he changed his shirt, Lucas realizes she saw Diego. He explains the mistake and she actually believes him! Cómo puede ser?

Back in Miami, Osvaldo’s afterglow is darkened when Dora suddenly suggests that his ex-wife put a curse on him so he wouldn’t have more children. Osvaldo says he feels like he’s just her stud bull (semental). She seems to be using him to father her child and his feelings mean nothing to her. She objects lamely, but he throws on his clothes and marches out.

Diego walks into a tempest known as Papa.
Leo surprises him saying, “I know everything. But I want to hear it from you.” All Leo knows is Cristina’s invented story that Diego tried to take advantage of her some time after Leo introduced them, but Diego thinks Leo knows the truth, that she threw herself at him like a dog in heat.
Diego’s sweating, but he tries to explain. “If I knew she was yours, I would’ve never considered it.”
Leo: “You mean It’s true? You don’t deny it?”
TN Rule #2. When a character hears part of the story and fears the worst, he refuses to listen to anything else. But instead, Leo wants Diego to explain every detail. Cómo puede ser?
Diego explains, “she flirted, I flirted, she led me to a secluded place, and .. it happened. We had sex.”
Cristina bursts out of the bathroom where she was hiding. “Lies! All lies! I didn’t do anything with him! He wanted me to leave you and run off with him. You seized me, you threatened you’d tell my novio.
Diego slaps her and calls her a cualquiera. Leo warns him to stop, but Diego goes on. “She’s making a fool of you. She’s sleeping with other men right under your..”
Leo punches him in the face but then turns quiet. “Why, son, why? To get her away from me? Were you jealous? You didn’t want me to marry? I always thought you and I were one. (Is that a hint?) How could one who comes from me be such a stranger?”
Diego says, quietly, “If you prefer her over me, I hope you’ll be happy,” and he leaves.

Down in the lobby, Albieri tries to convince Diego to stay, but there’s no turning back. “How could he believe someone he just met, over his own son.” He asks if he can live with Albieri. Al says, “I never needed a son, because I have you. (Is that a hint?) Up on the roof, Al tries to calm Leo, but gets nowhere. Leo asks, “You’ve always taken his side. Just how far will you go in your blindness regarding him?” Al says, “Even if I had a son of my own blood, I couldn’t feel closer than I do to Diego.” (Another hint?) And what about Cristina? Leo tells Al to get rid of her. He still has one son left, and he’s just the same as Diego. Leo will take Lucas to Paris. Al breaks the news to Cristina, and she tells her woes to the taxi driver (I guess there are no bartenders in Morocco).

Speaking of Lucas, he explains to Jade that although they are twins, they are very different. Lucas is the introverted idealist. They agree that they haven’t been able to stop thinking of the other. Jade feels as if she’s known him for a long time, as if from a past life. Lucas says he never thought about reincarnation, but he agrees, it’s as if he remembers her in his mind and his heart. He tries again to kiss her, but she won’t let him; it would be wrong. She needs to go; she’ll contact him when she can. When she gets home, she dances for pure joy (as corny as Kansas in August?). Zoraida pulls her up short, asking where is this supposed package she went to collect. Jade makes up a feeble lie. Zoraida doesn’t buy it for an instant. She rebukes Jade for using the veil as a disguise and warns her, if she ever brings shame to the family, Ali has the right to kill her for it.

Albieri questions Lucas to find out exactly what Diego said about Cristina. He reports it to Leo, who is stunned to learn that Diego didn’t force himself on Cristina; she was quite willing. He doesn’t know which hurts him worse, he only knows he never again wants to see either.

In the market, Latifa worries that Jade’s brazen behavior could derail her wedding. Zoraida says she’s tired of covering Jade’s lies, and she’s going to tell Ali everything. At home, Ali breaks the news to the ladies. Latifa will marry Mohammed, and Jade will marry Said. Latifa throws a fit. “Why me? Why oh why? Oh, the humanity! (o algo así). Jade flatly refuses, “I’ll die first.” (Refuse? Did she say refuse? Another rule broken.) She appeals to Ali’s honor, since he gave his word that she would be allowed to study medicine. He says that she is double minded, with the conscience of a Muslim and the desires of a westerner. He says he’s arranging the marriage for her own good, to protect her. Interesting side note, the Law of Moses gave a woman the right to refuse the husband selected for her. I’m not sure any other law system of that time recognized any rights of women.

In the women’s quarters, Latifa cries she’s being sacrificed like a ram. Jade says they should run away. She pleads with Zoraida, do something. I can’t marry him. I’m in love with another. Meanwhile, Lucas tells Pop that he won’t be going along to Paris; he’s met a girl. Leo accuses him of ruining Leo’s life just like his brother. Lucas protests the comparison; “We’re not the same person.” Leo persists; “You’re so synchronized, what one of you starts, the other finishes.” (More hints?) Leo tells Albieri, “You’re lucky Laura died; the dead don’t betray you.” Laying on a bit thick there, Leo Baby. He says, “I feel a profound rage (rabia, like rabies) toward women.” If that’s not a foreshadow, I’m a chupacabra. Albieri says his honeymoon would've been here, and Leo responds, "Yes, mine too." I'm sure that's a clue about something but I don't know what.

Back to Miami. Diego arrives home and fondly greets Nana Rosa. She reminds him about Maritza’s birthday party; he says she’s not his novia. Yet. Diego packs to move in with Albieri, and tells Rosa his father disowned him.

Ali counsels Jade. She cannot change her destiny; she must accept it. He does these things to protect her from the trap of emotions. He says that love is the fruit of time, and a husband should be picked with the brain, not the emotions. True wisdom lies in making the emotions servants of the mind. He says there are four traitors which we should distrust. : the sultan, the sea, luck, and love.
She asks, “What if I love a man who is not the one picked as my husband.”
That stops him cold. He asks, “Does that man exist? Are you in love with someone?”

Now Jade is the one stopped cold. She answers no, but takes far too long to give that answer. Only a fool would believe her after that pause, and Ali is no fool. But he lets it rest and tells Zoraida to take the girls out to the market and buy them something pretty to cheer them up. Maybe a lollipop or some Hello Kitty rainbow stickers, huh?

Zoraida and Latifa press her to tell who she loves, but she denies it. (I think there’s a rule against that.) Both are fed up with her lies. Before they go out, Jade makes a secret phone call. At the market, Jade sees Lucas and slips away from her wardens. (There goes another rule.) They meet at the ruins, away from everyone. She says, “I want to know the feel of a kiss.” (Definitely breaks a rule. Definitely.) Lucas gives a kiss that will last clear into next week.

Tomorrow: Marriage?

Labels: clon

Discussion post for Friday's ENDA episode.

Labels: amor

First we are reminded of the long unpleasant drive to Monita's "surprise". Then we go over to the neighborhood where Mau lets slip to Tano that Estrella and Aldo are back together again. Tano's expression tells us absolutely that he still carries a torch for our bright star. Methinks he's not done trying to displace the kid.


Valentina soon grows weary of Coni's histrionics ("I'm sick and tired of losing to you!") and decides to egress from the car. How convenient (and safe) that Coni has pulled over. She rushes out and insists that Moni get back in the car. Monita wisely rejects that idea until Coni stops her dead by revealing that Isabel Lopez is alive! The expected argument ensues but Coni vows she's not lying or trying to fool Monita and she's the only person who knows where her mom is. Now it's Moni's turn to run after Coni. "Let's go" Coni agrees.

Nieves and Jacqueline resign themselves to the fact that their progeny can't live happily without each other. Alicia butts in at one point and expounds that a stud like Beto can get any other woman, many in fact. Normally Nieves would agree but now she tells Alicia to shut it and sit down. It takes Nieves three times to finally silence her loghorreic lodger.

Gabi is at her apartment with Xime picking up a few personal items to take back to the vecindad. Xime has gathered three huge ziploc bags of cosmetics and some sexy garb just in case Salavatore's spirit decides to visit Gabi in the night. Gabi's sceptical, she's going to be with Monita so why should she take an evening dress? Xime says three things, first one never knows when one will need an evening dress; two, Gabi is a widow and the dress is black, and three...well the sound went out here but maybe Xime wants to borrow the dress? Anyway Xime is ecstatic that Gabi is going to Moni's where they will all hang out and Gabi is amused by Ximena's enthusiasm.

Jacqui tells Nieves that the kids are heartsick and they have to do something about the fact that they think they are half brother and sister. Nieves says she'll tell Beto the truth as soon as he gets back and she promises to call Jacqui and let her know. Meanwhile Alicia's got her hand over her own mouth trying to shut herself up until she explodes that Beto won't be home soon because surely he's at the cantina hablablablabla...

Gabi observes that when Ximena married Rolu she disappeared off the map and didn't have time for her friends. What's up with her marriage and why isn't she with her husband now? Xime tries to change the subject and gives Gabi a sly little smile.

Speaking of Rolu, he's trying to call Xime while Arni sets a romantic table for two. Rolu frets because he can't get a hold of his lady love. Arni tells him to relax, everything's under control and the exquisite gourmet meal is prepared. Aha, so Arni is an accomplished cook. Is/was he a chef? Rolu is certain that this romantic dinner will rekindle their romance and Xime will never leave again. He even gives Arni a kiss on the cheek which sets Arni off in fits of gagging.

Back at Gabi's it's clear that Xime doesn't wish to discuss her marriage which is OK because what Gabi really wants to discuss is Sal. She can't get rid of this uneasy feeling that he's somehow reaching out to her. And to make it stranger, when Gabi went to see Lorenza she told Gabi that Sal is alive. Xime's sure Lorenza says the same thing about Pedro Infante and Elvis. But Gabi has more info, Lorenza told her that Oscar helped her poison Sal by putting drugs in his coffee. This gives Xime a flash, she once heard Lorenza talking to an accomplice. The two pals decide Oscar was that accomplice and he must be responsible for Sal's death. They need proof. Won't these two be a delicious detective duo?

Over at Goth Acres Lorenza is horrified to see Oski and Jero drag the dead-looking Sal back into the house. She shrieks in horror that they've killed him and starts chasing them around the gigantic tusks. Ouch, Sal gets dropped to the floor with a thunk. Luckily for them they manage to convince her he's alive before she tears their heads off. She grabs Sal's head and starts cooing until his eyes flutter open and he calls for Gabriela. "Kill him!" she demands, "He's thinking of another woman!" Oski calls the nurse to give him another injection and calms the panting savage that is Lorenza.

Coni and Moni are on the move again. Moni can't believe her ma is dead because she was in the hospital when mama died. Well Coni has seen her alive and talked to her too. How does Moni feel knowing she has been deceived by her own mother for so long, a mother whose gift for saving her life was to give Monita an urn with ashes that weren't even hers? Moni combusts as we go into commercial.

Whew, time for some comic relief. Welcome to the monastery where Brother Beto prays for guidance. He was with his sister, his own meat and lint (I think that's what he said), and he asks God what should he do next? He needs some sort of a sign. Surely God will forgive him because he didn't know, right? Brother Tomas approaches from behind, crosses in unison with Beto, and comments that he's impressed to see Beto praying with such fervor. Beto gasps, is this God talking to him already? But no, it's just his Bro. Beto gives his hermano a little too much information about the details of his sinning and Bro is all, that's enough! Time to continue your penance in your cell. Beto freaks until Bro explains the cell is the room where he sleeps. Beto suggests another version of penance, why don't the two of them grab a couple of goblets and break into the booze? No Beto, a sin does not absolve a sin. Will Beto last the night?

Mau and Tano intercept Nieves and Alicia as they are leaving the house. Have they seen Monita? No, has Mau seen Beto? They have something very important to tell him. Also, they need to find THAT PERSON so they can talk to THAT PERSON, wink wink. Tano, being the only one who doesn't know they're talking about Isabel, looks confused. It's a good look for him.

Coni parks in front of her dark, ominous apartment building. Moni looks up in trepidation, "my mom is here?" She tells a cruelly smirking Coni that she'd better not be lying or else.

Mau and Tano have no luck finding Monita in the barrio. They try Estre's door (after Tano ever so casually suggests her) but neither Estrella nor Paula have seen Monita.

Coni smugly opens the door to her apartment and tells Monita to wait outside. Inside Isabel is annoyed that once again Coni comes in without knocking. Coni couldn't care less because she thinks it's time for Isabel to face the demons from which she's been hiding. Coni opens the door and it's Monita who has to face the Demon. "Mama?"

Danni sighting! The kids are all over at the house saying goodbye to Katia. Luisa cries because her friend is leaving and Danni asks will she be gone for a long time? Katia cries yes and the girls all have a group hug. Katia faces Aldo and apologizes for her badness. He's very kind about it and gives her a hug goodbye but I wouldn't be surprised if he's doing the happy dance within. Jacqui interrupts this scene to tell Katia the car is ready and they need to go. "Is my sister going with us?" asks Katia. Uh, er, your sister told me to give you a big hug and kiss and she'll call you later, lies Jacqui. Katia tells her ma to quit lying, she knows her sister doesn't love her.

It's not that Katia dear, it's just that your big sis is very busy ruining people's lives right now. Let's take a peek...Isa is cursing Coni, Monita is crying but happy. She rushes toward her mama and Isa rebuffs her. Coni smirks that Isa and Moni probably have a lot to discuss. Isa yells at Coni "I have nothing to say to her!" She points to the door and tells Monita to get out. Moni is no longer the champion boxeadora, she has turned into the little girl who just wants to talk to mommy. She keeps trying to get her message across "You're alive, how is that possible?" but Isa grabs her daughter, throws her out into the hall and slams the door behind her. Coni gloats victoriously but only for a moment, because in the next Isabel slaps her hard across the face. Coni holds her face, however her pain is nothing compared to poor Monita's who has taken a blow to the heart. Uuff, that was a tough scene, let's take a commercial break.

Over at the barrio Gabi and Xime have arrived. Thank goodness, I need a big dose of Ximena right now. They see Mau who is still looking for Monita. Gabi hasn't seen her since they went to see Lorenza at the manicomio. Mau said he's tried to call but she left her cellular at home. Gabi knows Mau is preoccupied but she needs to discuss something with him in private. Tano is cool, he'll just hang out and drool over Estrella. Oh crap, Tano wants to "talk" with her.

Let's return to Rolu's night of Romance shall we? The romantic music is playing and Arni puts the final touches on the table. The bell rings and the brothers jump into place, which means Rolu in his wheelchair. Alas, it's not Ximena. Surprise, it's Lalo with a big bouquet of roses for his novio! Arni runs upstairs for his jacket and Rolu takes the opportunity to tell Lalu that he really does love Xime with all his heart. He knows he treated her horribly, he was a blind cad, but now he knows she's the love of his life. After the novios skip out the door Rolu tries to call Xime again. He leaves a message that he wants her to call him, he has a surprise for her. "Te amo," he whispers, hopefully and sadly.

Tano is in Estrella's house talking at her. What's up with her getting back together with Aldo? Breaking it off with him was the best decision she made in her life, not that Tano cares or anything, he's just saying this as a friend. (Some friend!) Estrella kind of hems and haws and says she just doesn't want to do anything she's going to regret later. Tano's ears perk up. Regret? Why, what's she going to do? Aldo comes in and says "she's going to marry me."

Tano tells Aldo they were just joking around and Aldo tells Tano that he and Estrella are getting married. Tano gets pissy and snitty, imitates Aldo because he's so mature, then has the nerve to call Aldo a boy. He also mocks Estrella for calling Aldo cachorro. He scolds Aldo for betraying Mau, the man who saved him and his sisters. Why are they getting married so soon? Don't tell him that... Yes, says Estre, we're going to have a child.

Shoot, I was hoping I wouldn't have to recap another scene with Monita and her witch of a mother. While poor Monita sobs and bangs on the door Isa and Coni take turns alpha bitching and telling each other they'll regret their actions. Isa grabs Coni and hauls her off to the bedroom so they scream without hearing that nuisance outside the door. Isa calls Coni a disgusting imbecile. Coni retorts that's what disgusting is a woman who hates her own child. Isa goes through the usual telenovela phrases, vas a pagar muy caro, ten cuidado, vas a arrepentir todo. Coni snorts and tells Isa her daughter is just outside the door and if Isa doesn't love her she should just go out and tell her.

Aldo tells Tano he knows he's young but he wants to do the right thing. Tano tells him there are other options and this sets Aldo off, is he suggesting they lose the baby? Tano says he's suggesting that Aldo tell Mau what's going on.

Somebody poke me in the eye with a stick. Our poor little Monita is still outside the door begging to talk to her mother. She puts her ear to the door and listens. She bangs and begs, "Why do you hate me mama? Mama? Mama?" And that's our final scene. Time for me to sit on the table and find my inner peace, or maybe pour a shot of tequila.

Mañana = Beto is leading the brothers in a game of Holy Craps. Coni is horrible!!!! Ximena eventually goes home for dinner. It looks like Oski has sent Coni pictures of dead Sal. Serves her right.

A couple of sayings to honor our Constanza:

Voltearse la tortilla = the shoe is on the other foot (Lit. to flip the tortilla over)

Dar alguien una sopa de su propio chocolate = to give someone a taste of their own medicine (Lit. to give someone a soup of their own chocolate)

Labels: gancho