Caray, Caray!

Another crazy evening with our mad, mad, mad buddies on the Dinero show. Dandy gets a minimal meal but a fabulous evening of yogi lovemaking....off camera. Jaime, Vicky, Marco, Milagros and Marian all strike out in the romance department. Rafa thrills Ale with a return to their early morning phone calls. Jorge still can't remember a goshdarned thing. And David Bisbal shows up at Auto Siglo and gets mobbed by the sales force. Don't ask me what that cameo appearance was about 'cause I don't know. Maybe we'll find out tomorrow. I do like his Buleria song and it's very danceable. And that's all I have to say on that subject.

But I've got lots more to say about what happened tonight. So settle in and we'll get started. New stuff begins with Dandy and Susanita chanting "Om" and looking very cosy. Well, one is concentrating and meditating; the other is twitching, asking questions, thinking about dinner and sneaking candy out of his pocket. (Dandy meditates like I do. Whadda guy.) Anyway, his "Om" morphes into an "Ummmmm" but Susanita wisely ignores it.

And Rafa would like to ignore Jaime but our hysterical sidekick wedges half his body in the front door and eventually pushes his whole neurotic self in. Rafa's suspicious now that he knows Julieta found Vicky in Jaime's apartment. Even if it was a trap....why does Jaime always fall in it? Multiple excuses, explanations and regrets fly out of Jaime's mouth at a million miles an hour. Here's the short version: Vicky forced me. Her brothers intimidated me. And just today it came to blows. But my cousin, the boxer, defended me.

Back to our lovers. Finally our hungry man gets to eat. One little ball of tofu covered in yogurt with some alfalfa sprouts on the side. Yum! Well it seems one musn't eat heavily at night. The metabolism slows and it could give you nightmares. Well heck, he wasn't planning on sleeping. Same deal. No heavy meals before heavy exertions. With the promise of a fabulous new sexual pose to come, Dandy not only makes do with one miserable ball of tofu, he even offers half of that to Susana. Ah love! Who can understand it?

Well, not Julieta. We get the classic telenovela question when she arrives to find Jaime twitching in her front room. QUE HACES AQUI? And she threatens to go to her room without eating (even though she's starving) if Jaime doesn't get out. Señor Twitch deflates suddenly and slinks off, tail between his legs. Poor poor Jaime.

Because whom does he meet going out? Vicky Vicky Vicky coming in. Hoisting a big sheet cake she's made as a reconciliation gift. Before making the peace offering though, she sneers at Jaime "I thought I forbade you to come to this house." Yep. Poor poor Jaime.

But not Dandy. Dinner has ended. Kisses and erotic promises have begun. "Esto es vida" (this is the life) he exults and off they go.

We'd love to go with them (always ready to learn something new, right?) but the cameraman leads us back to Marco and Ale. Dang! He's quizzing Ale on what happened between her and Rafa. She's saying it's none of his business. After all, he's certainly had relationships with other women before her. That's different! I'm a man! Well, think what you like, snaps Ale. But before we get involved in a destructive relationship, maybe we should just divorce. Time for the ads while we and Marco think that over.

Mientras tanto, Vicky and her mega cake aren't making much progress. Rafa wants to know why she's there. After all, they've broken up. Does your dad know you're here? he adds. The whole family is trying to hustle her out when the doorbell rings again and it's Marian. This produces a mega-explosion. Vicky wants to know why she's there. Marian wants to know why Vicky's still wearing the veil. BECAUSE I WANT TO! AND I'LL BE LEAVING NOW shrieks Vicky, and mercifully, that's all we get of crazy jilted fiancée tonight.

Unless you count Marco. Because that's where he's headed. Though he reminds her of all the good reasons (family) that Ale decided to marry him, she's stamping her little feet and saying "But what about me!? (¿Y yo qué?) What about my happiness? I'm tired of thinking about everybody else. I'm fond of you Marco and I'm grateful for all you've done. But I'm not in love with you. Marco makes a bid for time and intimacy. We'll look for an apartment for just the two of us, and leave this one to your dad and your aunt. But if it doesn't work out, we'll separate. But we have to TRY, Ale. She seems to consider this (No Ale! noooooo) when Jorge wanders out thinking that someone is yelling at him. Once up, he decides he wants to play poker or some other card game and Ale off loads him on Marco while she scoots off to bed....alone.

But the evening's drama isn't over yet. We find ourselves at the hacienda where Camarón, Chavez and the cowering hacienda help, are facing the fearful headless horseman. Camarón whips out a gun and fires two shots at the ghost. And nothing. Head for the hills folks because this fantasma is real. And the hacienda is truly haunted.

After another round of ads, we return to our terrified menfolk. Seems the prospective buyer is quite a marksman. He never misses. So fer' sure the property is cursed. And all those gunshots are probably going to put the cows off their milk (les va a espantar la leche). Curioser and curioser.

Goodness, let's get back to a more cosy reality. Marian, Rafa, Julieta and Leonor are now gathered round the table enjoying Vicky's cake, sans Vicky. Marian has to admit crazy novia is a good cook whereas Marian can't even boil water (se me quema hasta el agua). Well, we're not really here to talk about cooking are we? Julieta and Leonor fade away and Rafa and Marian are ready to talk turkey.

R: Where's Daniel? Didn't he come with you? Or is he about to burst in and interrupt like he always does when we're alone together?
M: Are you jealous?
R: No way. (para nada) But what's the game here? One day you like me. The next, you have a boyfriend.
M: Well, it's true, we were novios for a few months. And since you came on the scene, he's become very attentive because he knows he could lose me.
R: If he's the one for you, go for it.
M: Are you telling me I don't interest you at all?
R: Look Marian. I'm just trying to get myself back together. The woman I loved got married. I'm still a mess.

The evening ends with Marian being understanding (and disappointed) and Rafa being awkward and twitchy. He reminds her that the trucks are bing delivered tomorrow and they bid each other good-night with a few botched cheek kisses and a walk to the door. After she leaves, Rafa talks to himself: How can I explain (to Marian) that today I finally have hope of getting Ale back?

Someone else has hopes as well. Milagros is busying herself around a fusty old parlor, awaiting the arrival of Ramirez who is startled, and horrified, to see her. She's whipped up a platter of cream cookies because his "sagrada mamita" said those were his favorite. They are not! Well, let's talk then. Did you go to Mass this week? No. Never go. Have to work on Sunday. But if you work on Sunday you'll never have time for your wife and children!!! Who said I wanted children!? That's it for Milagros. She denounces Ramirez as an atheist and a brute (grosero) grabs her cookies and whisks out the door. An outraged mama sends sonny off to bed with no dinner (and no cookies) muttering that his girlie magazines and his bad companions have led him astray. Crossing herself before the mini home altar, Sagrada Mamita heads off to bed. So does Ramirez.

Ale is tossing and turning in bed herself, realizing that she doesn't love Marco and will only have a chance at happiness if she divorces. But if only Rafa would stop hurting her! But could he be right? Is Marco not what he seems?

To borrow Private 057's phrase...." Just like that, it's a new day." And Ale's telephone is ringing. She sees who it is. She's thrilled. She's hesitant. She's excited. She's.....(Answer it already Ale!!!!) She finally does.
R: Are you with your husband?
A: No.
R: (in a delighted, warm, intimate voice) I have to pick up the trucks and collect the money today. Do you think you could handle the meeting for me? I'd sure be grateful.
A: Of course. My morning call to wake me up. Like old times.

We have nice shots of both of them looking punch drunk and crazy happy in love. Ah it's been too long. Let's just stop here and enjoy it for a moment.

Nope. Sorry. More ads and then back to business. Rafa wakes up hungry as a bear (un hambre de léon (lion). Although hearing about the new guy at work almost cuts his appetite. Cesar? Cesar who. What's his last name? Is he decent? Julieta accuses him of planning to research the guy on the internet. She's probably right. And I'm sure Carlos would agree that big brother Rafa has reason to be concerned. This guy looks like a preppy snake.

At Marco's apartment, Ale is equally hungry and radiant with happiness (and wearing a cocktail dress to the office!?...well it's very fetching anyway). Marco wants her to go with him to look for apartments but she counters that she has to work. He'll have to look by himself. He cozies up and strokes her bare arm suggestively, murmuring that he'll be on the hunt for their own little love nest (nido de amor). Ugh. Ale's so blithely happy, she doesn't even notice the attempt at fondling.

Back at Auto Siglo, our perpetually incompetent carpenter still hasn't put the door up between Rafa and Ale's office. No problem. Rafa's thrilled. Susana though has some questions for our galan. What do you feel for Ale? I love her. I'll do whatever it takes to get her back. Then why did you agree to marry Vicky? Her dad lent me the money to pay Ale back. But in return he demanded I marry Vicky. Susana is horrified. See, that's why I don't tell you the truth, protests Rafa. Well, you should at least tell the truth to Alejandra, counters Susana. I DID! I told her the truth about Marco and she didn't believe me. As they both conclude that Ale doesn't deserve a scum like Marco, she arrives and wants to know what they're talking about. Hey must be time for more ads!

Jorge the Confused is sure of one thing. Once Ale and What's His Name move out, and Rosario and What's His Name get married and decamp, he'll be left all alone in the apartment. And that's not right. Marco promises that he and Ale will move back in with him when that happens. But his phone rings right then. He pretends it's Urdiales but he's not going to answer. Too early. But Jorge scoots off so he does....and it's Chavez. Drunk and terrified, cowering in the wine cellar of the hacienda and ready to beat a fast retreat. As long as his buddy Camarón is still ready to pose as the fake buyer, Marco doesn't care. Now sober up, get out and go home, he advises.

Our final scene? Trapito is brandishing a mop and gouges yes, none other than....the great Spanish singer David Bisbal. I'd know those curls anywhere. One of the hospitality gals butchers his song "Brujeria brujeria..." she warbles. It's "Buleria, buleria" he corrects and then gets swarmed by all the salesfolk, Claudia and her cleavage in the forefront. And on that cozy note, we end.


Previews:
A slew of scenes. The only one that stood out was Claudia on the phone to Marco, telling him that Ale and Rafa at work were thick as thieves (come uña y mugre).

Vocabulary:
vamos a comer un pollito = we're going to have a little talk
los fantasmas me pelan los dientes = (lit. ghosts skin my teeth) (fig. ghosts scare the s**t outta me? help....)
esto es vida = this is the life!
correr a patadas = kick him out, run him off (Julieta about Jaime)
galletas de nata = cream cookies
embriagarse = to get drunk (Chavez)
les va a espantar la leche (the cows will be "off" their milk)
se me quema hasta el agua (I can't even boil water)
un transa, un tranza = a crooked guy (Marco)
un mujeriego = a womanizer (also Marco)
nido de amor = love nest
despeinado = bedhead
qué mosca te picó = what's got into you?
como uña y mugre = (lit. like fingernails and dirt) (fig. thick as thieves)

Useful phrases

ser un higado = to be totally obnoxious (Marco?)
ser encajoso(a) = to be pushy or try to take advantage of people (Marino?)
se hace guaje = to pretend to be stupid (any of these characters at one time or another)
ser largo (a) como la cuaresma(Lent) to be very long, interminable, very slow to conclude (these telenovelas when they extend them!)

Labels: dinero

The pregnancies advance to term
Daniel does a bunk
Everything else is pretty much the same


Rosa tells Leo that she and Daniel (of course, she calls him 'Diegito') are going to the mall to buy some things for his room. Leo tells her that if the kid wants stuff for his room or to remodel the whole house, 'que lo haga', let him do it. He also tells her to buy Daniel a lot of clothes.

Marisa and Lucia come in with shopping bags. (I guess Marisa has decided to try shopping therapy for her problems). When Leo leaves, Lucia says that she has never seen Leo in such a good mood (buen animo). Marisa replies that the appearance of Daniel has changed everything. Lucia confesses herself to be dying to see Daniel. Marisa says that she is impacted every times she sees Daniel. 'Me estremece,' he makes he tremble, she says. She tells Lucia, 'es que me toca el corazon,' he has touched her heart and reawakened everything that she had thought was over with Lucas. Lucia asks if Lucas feels the same way. Marisa doesn't know. Lucas refuses to see Daniel.


Daniel arrives at Leo's house.


Andrea is with Pablo talking about Natalia. Pablo does not want to see Alej go down with Nati. If she doesn't want help, there's nothing that they can do. Diana arrives and tells them that Paula has been arrested numerous times for drugs, assault and robbery. She found this out on the internet. Andrea decides to go tell Nati about this. When she is gone, Diana says what we have been suspecting - that Andrea is in love with Pablo. Diana thinks Andrea would be great for Pablo but he says that, 'Alicia es muy buena novia para mí', Alicia is a very good girlfriend for me.


Luisa and Anita double team the Chump. They ask why he put the apartment in the name of someone he just met when he has known Clara for 20 years. The Chump trots out the old story of Clara dating younger men and doing crazy things. '¡Exactamente!,' says Luisa, 'Si no puedes confiar en alguien, que conoces hace años, ¿cómo vas a confiar en una persona que conoces hace meses?' Exactly, if you can't have confidence in someone you've known for years, how can you trust someone you have known a few months? They advise the Chump to get a good lawyer right away to try and get his apartment back. When Escobarde hesitates, Anita can't contain herself and tells him that Malicia has shacked up with a guy who is, 'mucho más joven que tú ... incluso... ¡mucho más guapo!' much younger than you, and also.. much handsomer than you!' The Chump is impactado.


Clara tells Carolina that the celebration the previous night was wonderful. Fernando and Rogelio talked for hours and seemed to get along. Fernando went out afterwards to find his friends in the band. She didn't have an opportunity to speak with him in the morning because he was asleep. Carolina is sure that her relationship with Rogelio will develop ('tu historia con Rogelio está yendo lejos,' literally, 'your story with Rogelio is going far). Clara is thinking about living with Rogelio. Carolina tells her that means that she has gotten over the divorce.


Leo gushes to Enrique about how his life has changed since Daniel came into it. He can't understand why Albieri didn't tell him about Daniel before. Then he tells Enrique what an amazing job Roberto is doing in preparing the paternity lawsuit. He says that he thought Roberto was mostly a business lawyer and is surprised at his hitherto unknown abilities. Enrique makes some sarcastic comments about how sometimes we don't notice the people around us who are talented and competent and they get treated like garbage but fortunately that has never happened to Leo. Leo asks what he is trying to say. Enrique replies that if he had something to say to Leo, he would say it. He says that he hopes Leo values the person behind the lawsuit.


Rosa and Daniel are shopping. Rosa shows Daniel a shirt in the style and brand that Diego liked. Daniel says that isn't his style and Rosa doesn't object.


Lucas is astonished to find the Diego shrine room practically empty. Marina, the maid, tells him that Leo ordered that whatever Daniel didn't want to be removed and that he and Rosa are buying new stuff at the mall.


When Leo comes home, Lucas asks him to explain what is going on. No one could even enter Diego's room for 20 years and now he want a stranger to live there? Leo protests that Daniel is not a stranger, he is his son. Lucas says that Leo doesn't even know that Daniel is his son. He just looks like Lucas and Leo has not insisted on a DNA test. Leo tells Lucas to see the boy before he makes any decisions. Leo tells Lucas that he knows that Daniel isn't Diego and that he isn't crazy. He says that the kid is so much like Lucas that it is like having Diego here all over again. Lucas finds the whole thing suspicious. He wonders whether Leo refuses to have a DNA test because he is afraid of the results. Lucas says that a person can be identical to someone else and not be related. Leo repeats that when Lucas sees Daniel, he will understand. Lucas says that he doesn't accept Leo's plan to take Daniel from Dora and that he told Dora that he would stop Leo from pursuing it. Like it or not, says Leo, I'm asserting my parental rights and bringing Daniel to live in the house.


The Chump forces his way into Malicia's apartment and tells her to get her stuff and leave. She dares him to call the police. He has no proof that the apartment isn't hers. The Chump can't contain himself and blabs that he knows Malicia is seeing someone else. Somehow, Malicia manages to convince the Chump that she is being maligned and he apologizes to her (!).


Jade, Zoraida and Ali return to Fez. Jade tells Zoraida that she misses Jadiya so much. She says that if she had known that she would end up barren and alone without a husband, she wouldn't have cared as long as she was with Jadiya.


Without realizing that he is listening, the Naz tells Zumaya and Zamira that Mohamed is more like Tío Abdul every day. He doesn't live in the present. In Cairo, women walk around unattended, they have men friends and go to university. Zamira says that she just wants to go to university and be independent. '¿Y sabes qué mas?' And you know what else? says the Naz, 'Ellas van a las discotecas y a los bares solas. ¡Solas!' They go to discoteques and bars alone. Alone! Mohamed accuses the Naz of spreading corruption and says that he doesn't want any Cairo feminists in his house.


Dora tells Estela that Daniel has left the house with all his things.


Daniel has done a bunk on Leo, too. Leo orders Roberto to find him.


Amina and Rania are effecting some ritual to nullify Jadiya's dream and ensure that Rania has a boy. Jadiya tells the maid that she is sure the spell won't work and Rania will have a girl as ugly as a frog (sapo). The ritual involves giving pastries to boys and saying each time that she hopes her child will be as strong and healthy as this kid. Evidently, these kids have not been told not to accept food from strangers.


We leap forward in time. Rania is great with child, Said is attentive and Jadiya is sad.


Alej has won some fights. He wants Nati to go to Atlanta with him for the next one but she says that she has to study for finals. 'Tú sí sabes que esto es por ti,' You know that all this is for you, says Alej, (the sí emphasizes the verb) It's for their future. Alej says that Andrea is coming over and Nati gets angry, accusing Alej of sending Andrea to keep an eye on her. As soon as Alej leaves for the airport, Nati gets some money and heads out to see Paula. She tells Paula that she needs a hit (pase) because of the stress of waiting for the results of Alej's fight. Paula needs a hit, too because of the stress of living with her mother. [I thought her mother threw her out?]


Andrea comes over but no Nati.


Fight night at Gloria's. She says a prayer that Alej will succeed. He does. Alej returns to Miami. He calls Andrea and tells her that he can't contact Nati.


Nati is in the scary drug dealer place. She doesn't have the money to pay for her drugs and we get another PSA from Enrique. Nati tells Paula to call Alej and tell him to bring the money to the drug dealer.


Big welcome at Gloria's for Alej. Gloria says that she loves seeing him on TV. It's beers all around. Paula shows up and tells Alej that Nati is being held a prisoner until he brings what she owes. Alej wants to call the police but Paula tells him that these people are dangerous and will kill Nati if the police are called. She says that Nati owes the dealer $600. Alej tells Gloria that he will go get Nati and be right back. Paula demands that he buy her a hit before she takes him where Nati is.


It seems like Karla is is diverging from the sugar daddy religion of Hilda. Hilda doesn't think much of Alej's achievements in the ring. She says that the best profession is, 'aquella que dé mucho, ¡pero mucho dinero! al hombre que me pueda mantener,' is one that gives lots, I mean lots, of money to the man who has to support me. She says that Karla would rather be pregnant by some poor guy like Alej. Karla agrees. Alej loved her and she loved him. 'Los hombres no se enamoran de uno; no uno se enamora de ellos. ¡Sencillamente, te usan! ¡O tú los usas a ellos!' Men don't fall in love; and one doesn't fall in love with them. They simply use you or you use them, says Hilda scornfully. Karla says that she would rather spend her life with a young guy that she likes rather than the old guys Hilda wants her to marry.


Alej goes to the drug place but without any money. The drug dealer is a little irritated, as you might expect. He says that if Alej doesn't come up with the money, bad things will happen to Nati.


The credits roll.

Labels: clon

Mauricio finally tells Mari that he and the vampires will leave her alone if she enters the beauty contest, she agrees just to be left alone.

Emiliano tries to explain himself to Fedra, who ignores him and reads a book. He has to do what’s right for Mari, it is his duty! He finally tells her that Netty is right, when Fedra gets mad, she acts like someone with no education. Fedra says fine if that’s how you feel, leave our bedroom and forget you have a wife. Dude this is the opportunity you (I mean all of us) have been waiting for! Take it! TAKE IT! Of course he doesn’t, but he does say “is she asking for a divorce?” He should have said “CON MUCHO GUSTO!”

Netty is trying to contact the dead through the medium again, who apparently can hear the dead but not everyone else right in front of her talking about her. Juan Pastor makes an appearance. He warns that the enemy is strong and wants to destroy Netty. She knows who it is, the enemy wants her dead. Same message as before, but everyone reacts in huge shock like they forgot the last time Juan Pastor came to visit.

Fedra is getting a drink in her office, The Mask is there looking unhappy. Fedra says “is it really so hard? Do I have to do it myself?” I guess she is referring to killing Netty. He says she better watch it, one of these days he’ll get tired of her rudeness and bad treatment, does he have to remind her of all he has done for her over the years? She says oh yeah? You would abandon me? She gets all hysterical and he says he’ll take care of it, chill. Also she better start acting like La Dueña that she is, or everyone is going to find out that she is really Fedra Curiel. I guess the name Curiel should mean something, or it will eventually.

Lorenzo takes Muneca to a fancy restaurant and acts all nice. Blondie at another table must be the mistress, of course she is in the same restaurant. She says she’s going to show Lorenzo that he can’t mess with her.

Eman and Ilitia talk in bed after getting busy. He talks about her working at the agency, she says Mauricio also offered her a job, which he finds hilarious. She is going to work the beauty pageant and crown the champion. Wouldn’t it be funny if la gorda won? Hahahaha. Predictably, Eman freaks out at this and says they are all nuts.

Lorenzo toasts to their happiness. Muneca says if only that were true and not just a dream. He says what do you need to believe in me? He proposes a second honeymoon. She says the only thing she needs is to know that there are no other women. He swears up and down that there will never be another woman. Of course, right at that moment, Blondie approaches and says hello to Lorenzo. The look on his face is priceless. Muneca is not pleased.

Outside the bar Mari whines. She says she will go find Axel, then sees him across the street being hassled by vampires.

Lorezo tries to laugh it off, Muneca recognizes her voice as the woman who called and said she was his lover.

Ilitia is upset that Eman cares so much about Mari. He continues to be upset that they treat her so bad. He has a message to call home, so he does. He gets Delicia on the phone who tells him that Mari went to a club to try and find Axel.

The vampires tease Axel, Mari tries to defend him. Wow a lot of time is spent on this show with “leave me alone” “hahaha”

Lorenzo is trying to play that Blondie works for him. Muneca says surely she is the one who (I accidentally typed ‘ho’, I guess that’s true too) makes him so tired and keeps him so late out of the house, right? Blondie gives Loreno a look too, she doesn’t seem like she’s going to play along with his ruse. I guess she wouldn’t, she already tried to get him in trouble once already.

Kristel finds Mauricio and they watch Mari and Axel across the street. Lots of nothing happens. Axel is super drunk and Mari tries to take him home. The vampires follow.

Fedra says if you want out, leave then! That is her strategy for the day I guess and everyone is too dumb to take her up on it. He says no, but quit acting like a nutjob. Then she cries and whines again. Her fake cry is as annoying as Lucero’s in Manana es para siempre. The Mask falls for it though and vows to help her.

Netty yells at someone for causing her trouble, but who? Some doll on her window? Maybe it’s a statue of a saint. She rambles on for a minute or two.

Muneca says ‘you called the house, right?’ Lorenzo tries to cover, but Muneca invites her and her friend to sit at the table with them. Lorenzo argues no, but blondie says sure, of course! I guess Muneca wants to make him suffer at least, if she can’t get what she wants.

Emiliano wants to know what’s up with Fedra and The Mask, Mask starts kissing ass and Fedra says she just asked him to serve her a drink. What is The Mask’s actual job here anyway? Do they really have a chief of security AND two security guards? Unreal. Emiliano asks The Mask to leave him alone with his wife, please. After he leaves, Emiliano tells Fedra that if it weren’t for all their years together and the trust he has in her, he would swear that there is more between Fedra and The Mask than just an employer/employee relationship. She looks very very slightly guilty at that.

Mari walks Axel home. She tells him please not to puke in the street, they are almost home. He lays down on the hood of a car an she goes to look for a taxi. In the background the vampires reappear and mess with Axel. More of the same “leave him/me alone” “hahahaha”

Fedra tells Emiliano to chill out, he’s being stupid. Emil says whatever. Fedra says something about Netty for some reason. They argue about whether Eva was awesome or a drunk. He says he hopes that tomorrow, after Mari gets her money, Fedra can quit with all this crap. She tells him back that tomorrow he’ll understand so much, why she has so much hate for Mari.

Ugh more Mari yelling at the vampires. MAN this is tiring. I only actually watch the show on Fridays, I read the recaps the rest of the week to keep up (great job everyone sorry I haven’t commented, I haven’t been able to keep up current enough) and I’m sick of this device, I can’t imagine how tiring it is to see 20 minutes of this every single day. Mari tries to wake up Axel to go home, the vampires push him back on the car. She calls for Benigno to help.

Delicia is in Gretel’s room, trying to reach Kristel to tell her about the family meeting tomorrow. She is acting like a baby and complaining. Gretel says the one who will be in trouble if he doesn’t show up is Axel, she is sure something happened with him. Delicia wants to know what’s up with him, tell me! Tell me! Gretel won’t tell. Delicia says fine, whatever, we do everything for you guys and you don’t even say thank you. Gretel says (rightly) “don’t act like you’re trying to help, you just want all the gossip.” Then she tells her it’s not good to know everything, it can ruin your life. Like knowing some truths about Fedra, I imagine. Gretel gets out of bed and Delicia yells at her “where are you going?” like she is her mother or something. Wow some nerve this girl has. Gretel says to take a shower, does she need to ask for permission? They yell at each other some more and then my captions went out so I’m not sure what Delicia said after Gretel left. More complaining it sounds like.

Blondie makes a toast to what a great man Lorenzo is and how lucky Muneca is to have him, such an important man in Mexico, in all of Latin America! Muneca says did you know that Lorenzo really wasn’t anything until he married me? I own the business with my brother, Emiliano Ruiz y de Teresa. Lorenzo just represents my ownership. Hey another bottle, huh? Lorenzo says no, no, but Muneca says don’t worry, I’ll pay the bill! Oh BURN! That was awesome. Blondie says ok sure, let me bring my friend over. Muneca tells Lorenzo to get another bottle, she’s going to freshen up. After she leaves, Lorenzo wants to know what Blondie is up to. He tries to get her to leave, she won’t. Muneca shows up again, “did I miss anything important?” Lorenzo looks just a bit uncomfortable.

Fedra tries to spin Emil’s care for Mari – too bad you don’t care for your own kids so much! He says what are you talking about? She tells him to get ready, because there is about to be a lot of trouble with Axel.

Muneca goes on and on to Blondie about how poor and almost homeless Lorenzo’s family was when she met him, they had lost everything! I get her point here, telling Blondie that if she steals Lorenzo away, he is worthless. He won’t be her rich boyfriend, he’ll just be some dude with nothing to offer, not even a job. Ah, finally she just comes out and says it. Then she toasts, to love!

More yelling with Mari and the vampires. Cripes these writers suck when Mari is involved. Just awful. It’s like they have different writers for different parts of the show. Eman drives by in the background and sees what is going on.

Emil wants Gretel to tell what’s up with Axel, she says she doesn’t know. Then they find out he isn’t home. Fedra reacts like he is a three year old escaped from the house. Isn’t he a grown man?

Kristel has had about enough with the whole Mauricio/Mari thing. She throws a drink at him, she is getting jealous! She calms down a bit and her phone rings, it is the announcement of the family meeting.

Eman saves Mari from the vampires, she immediately says “it was nothing.” Ugh I hate her. I know she is the star of the show, but ugh. Eman wants to know more about what is going on and one of the vampires pulls a gun on him.

Fedra is sure Axel is hiding something and that Gretel knows what it is. Emil wants to know if it is something about school? I guess he wants to be a musician but Emil says first he has to get a real career, like medicine, then he can do that. Are we supposed to feel bad for these kids that want to play music instead of going to college? Most of us aren’t from rich families where that would even be an option. Lucas in El Clon is the same way. Waaaaa cry me a river, my daddy has a company where I have a guaranteed high level job that pays lots of money but I want to play guitar. Whatever, get a clue. Delicia reports that she talked to Eman and Kristel, but can’t reach Axel. Ominous music and Gretel looks guilty.

Eman teases the gunman for hiding behind a gun. Lots of yelling, mostly from Mari, being a whiner. Mari keps trying to step in front of Eman. Eman pulls a ninja move, stealing the gun away and using the guy who was holding it as a shield, another vampire kicks him (the gunman) and he goes down. Now it is just Eman and two vampires, no gun. He pulls the clip out and throws it and the gun to the side. Now who’s first, he says.

Séance lady tells Netty that she has a ghost friend who wants to talk to her. Is she a friend of Juan Pastor? Lady says she doesn’t know, her name is EVA. Dum dum dummmm.

One vampire grabs Eman, when the other one charges Eman kicks him in the nuts. He knocks the other guy over and then chases them off. Our hero. Benigno finally shows up, arm in arm with some young hottie he must have picked up at the bar.

Netty and Séance lady try to reach Eva. The candles go out, she is here! Eva has a daughter, who is very alone. Netty wants to know what to do. The spirit of Eva says something about the silver flower. I can’t decide if this lady is for real, or if The Mask sent her over, or what.

The vampires report back to Mauricio the boss vampire that Eman kicked their butts. Kristel wants to know what’s going on and she isn’t happy. He tries to say it was a misunderstanding, but then one vampire pulls out a gun and says “next time hire someone else.” Kristel goes crazy on Mauricio and takes off.

Muneca and Blondie enjoy their dinner, they say we have to do this again! Lorenzo wants to kill himself. Muneca talks about her charity work at the orphanage. Blondie says there is nothing worse than a child that has been abandoned by his parents, RIGHT LORENZO? Lorenzo has no comment. Blondie says she’ll help with anything Muneca asks. She wants to help with the orphanage. Lorenzo screams for the check. He can’t believe what is going on. I guess Muneca has given up on Lorenzo and is going to make him suffer.

Eman and Mari show up at home, carrying Axel. They can’t believe the state he is in. Fedra yells at everyone. Emil tries to lecture Axel right now, in his state. More yelling. Kristel shows up. Axel says to everyone that he is drunk because nobody here knows him. He has something secret, kept inside of himself. And he’s going to tell them.

On Monday, apparently.

Monday – Mari yells at Fedra for being a bitch. Mari thinks Eman is falling for her, but then she sees him kissing Ilitia (in a swimsuit, thank you writers, sorry about before) and freaks out.

Labels: llena

Hello friends, I'm in Berkeley where I can't watch Univision, que colmo, but I'm working on a translation of "Khasrileke Progress." In the passage below, the author, ostensibly visiting the town of Kasrilevke, notices how they draw in their readers with a crazy novela that sounds like the ones we watch!

Labels: humor, telenovelas

What better place to begin today's wacky excursion than the office of Valenzuela and Chavez, the Oasis, where we find them seated at their usual table deliberating. They are unobtrusively observed by Secret Agent Zetina,


attempting to take a successful candid snapshot of the two. His photography skills are legendary. Chavez is observing how nifty it would be if Marco's little soldier were able to stand up and salute as nature intended. Not only would he be able to fully enjoy the attributes of his beautiful new bride, he would have the treacherous Carlota eating from his hand. Not surprisingly, Marco doesn't want to discuss it. He's working on that with a capable therapist and a cure is imminent. Changing the subject, Chavez point out that when Quintana weds Rosaura and acquires a similar control over the hacienda, matters will become more difficult. Marco is not worried, "Quintana will be quiet as long as he is receiving his monthly hush money." "What will happen when he learns that you are selling the source of those funds?" Hmm, food for thought.

Over at Autos Siglos, serious girl talk. Has Nelson given Suzy a clue about what Rafa and his Merry Band are up to? No, she's back with Nelson because she loves him. Ale notes that Rafa was happy as a little rattlesnake (cascabelito) during the morning sales meeting. Ale whines that now she can never be happy with the "man I love." Susana says, " I warned you, but you married Marco like a capricious child." Ale will just have to talk to him and ask for a divorce. "At least it was only a civil ceremony," Suzy observes. "And uninspiring," Ale adds, "Daddy and you weren't even there." Borrrring. Well at least we learned a useful new word, desangelado (uninspiring, dull, borrrring)... next!

Saved by a happy little rattlesnake, "Hola, hola, hermosas señoras, or should I say beautiful señoritas?" Rafa is bubbling and babbling which is baffling Susana who finds his exuberance odd (raro). "Odd is too close to ugly (feo), strange (extraño) is more like it," the manic Rafa burbles. Ale thinks that Marian must have agreed to be his novia. Nopis, la licenciada Celeste has nothing to do with his bright mood. Rafa leans close and shares a secret, "It concerns the woman I love." He exits singing. Ale gapes, then smiles an encouraged yet uncertain smile.

More serious girl talk at Groupo Celeste. Marian's leggy pal Monserat can't understand why her friend (whose attributes affords her the pick of the best Mexico has to offer) would prefer the naco (not her word, but the intent) over her more desirable and cultured brother who has asked her to marry him. Marian notes that was troubling for Rafa. "Then why hasn't he asked you to marry him? You could then choose fairly between them."


Marian doesn't know. "And you don't want to know." Bitch. (Albeit a very comely bitch.)

We've heard all that before. Let's see what the simple folk of Groupo Celeste are up to. Julieta arrives to find her cubicle infested by a proud pretty preppy, who has made himself at home. He sits in her chair. He has his feet on her desk. He is holding forth on her phone. She claims her territory. He flirts.


She is polite. He is Cesar. We're not impressed nor do we care... next!

General and Claudia offer Rosaura romantic advice. Girl bonding. They spy Ramírez mom. Oops, so do Jiménez and Marino. Marino recognizes her and turns Ramírez to face her. He greets his sacrosanta mom with a flourish of pomposity. She is fulfilling a promise. She has brought a virtuous señorita to meet him and save him from perdition. Presenting... O. D. M. (OMG)... Milagros Saldaña Escandón.


Yikes! Is there a dentista en la casa? We have an emergency over here! Ramírez suddenly realizes the impropriety of such socializing in the workplace. On the other hand, Marino seems charmed. He invades her space, smiles the Marino smile, offers his card, and introduces himself, " They call me the master of pleasure." She responds by making the Sign of the Cross.

Meintras tanto, Dandy is working on shoring up his recently rescued rocky relationship with his noñita. She takes advantage of the situation by seeking the reason for Rafa's current manic state. To tell her would betray a pact of friendship. "Well which is it buster, friendship pact or our relationship?" He waffles and waivers for the sake of appearance, but she knows, he knows, and we know, he will cave.

Vicki's shrink has his work cut out. She'll quit wearing her veil once wed to her Pajarito. He explains obsession to her.


She briefly ponders, "People like that are ugly..." Nope, doesn't apply to her. " I WILL MARRY MY PAJARITO! UNDERSTAND? UNDERSTAND? UNDERSTAND?"

Doña Quieta admits her social faux pas by bringing Milagros to Germán's workplace. She and the lovely Milagros will await him at home. Dodging Marino whom Milagros thinks is ugly (perceptive lass) the two make their way for the exit, but not before a brief pause for the sainted mom to flirt with Bebe.


As they leave Bebe gently observes to Ramírez that he does not think she is well suited. The others join in with doubts, with the exception of a smiling Marino who contemplates the future mother of German's children... nude.

Once more we find ourselves back in The Oasis, this time Jaime is sitting alone at the best table sipping a frosty beer. Trumpets herald the entrance of our second fresh character of the night. Clearly an athlete, sort of a Lobo (Gancho) Lite, it's Jaime's cousin who ecstatic to see his primoso whom he hoists in a warm manly bear hug of greeting. They catch up on old times.


Jaime knows that his cuz is pursuing a sports career (gamasos, boxing? karate?) and confesses that he almost abandoned his pursuit of becoming a lawyer. The cousin is a positive thinker and offers encouragement and inquires about Julieta. Once again, Jaime must admit that things aren't going so well. The waiter asks what Jaime's guest will have. Water. Jaime seems a bit disappointed and even more so when he hands the waiter Jaime's beer. Life is a matter of good choices. Water... OK, with ice.

A beaten appearing Jiménez stands head bowed, hands folded , before the imperial doña Arcadia. He admits to being a mediocre. She is firm with him. She wants him to handle the building project in Vera Cruz. Is he up to it? He whines that la licenciada Alvarez del Castillo has warned him about his poor sales record. She gives him a firm pep talk, then asks, "Do you want the job in Vera Cruz?" Of course he does. Then he must work hard to be a success at both. "Now get out there and sell! Money! Money! Money! He sprints to the door, stopping briefly to thank her profusely. She calls for Chatoooo! to bring her doggies water as she lavishes them with affection. If only the whole world were like them, she chortles.

In the empty sala de juntos (conference room) Nelson is ready to tell Susana why Rafa is so happy, but insists that she promise to keep the secret. Ummm...sure. She agrees, having no intention to do so. He tells her that it's because Rafa has learned that Ale has had no real physical contact with Marco ( nada de nada con su peor es nada... ummm... OK... that makes sense to me). "How did he find out?'

After commercials he tells her about Jiménez running into Marco at the sex therapist's office. She asks if Jiménez has the same problem. Dandy tell her that for Jiménez to have sex with his wife, he doesn't need a therapist..." he needs to put a rag in her mouth..." Susana understands, knowing said wife, but nonetheless accuses him of being grosero (crude). She doesn't understand why what Rafa knows must be a secret. Nelson explains, leaving Susana and us as well... confused. "¿Ah?"

As she exits the shrinks consultation room, Vicki emits a long sigh, then inquires of the receptionist about Marco. He moved his appointment until later. Vicki is not pleased but maintains composure... almost. Just a quiet (for Vicki), short shriek. As she excuses herself to leave, the receptionist asks about her next appointment. "Ask the Dr. and let me know."

Back in the conference room, Susana wants Dandy to tell her what they have learned about Carmela and Marco. He tells her about the run each of them, Jaime, then Pepeto, and finally he himself each took a run at her with similar luck. "She is a giant octopus..." and offers to demonstrate. No need, she saw it with her own eyes. When he tells about the enlistment of Zetina, she pronounces them all crazy. Comparing notes, they both know about the embargo of the hacienda, and not much more. Susana doesn't think it strange for Marco to be meeting with her. Dandy thinks that the kissing and such need not be part of the negotiations. He manages to recruit Suzy to Team Rafa... Yea! "But only in the interest of Ale's happiness. I don't trust you guys, para nada." They seal the deal with a sweet kiss...Awww.


In The Oasis, Jaime has been pouring out his woes to his primo. The failed marriage attempts of Rafa and Vicki, his own Vicki problems. The cousin can't believe that Jaime would be helping Vicki after all this. Jaime tells him about the Brothers Grimm, orangutans. "That's why I'm here." The cousin, Rizos (Curls) is training for his next fight. He'll be on call for Jaime. As they exchange cell phone information, who is walking through the door? None other than aforementioned orangutans, looking to make Jaime miserable.


Well boys, there's a new sheriff in town and his name is Curls. As Rizos fiddles and fusses with his phone, the boys molest and rough Jaime up a bit. Rizos is annoyed and complains. From his choke hold, Jaime manages to indicate that these are Vicki's murderous brothers. Rizos warns them, as they hurl taunts, then he begins a little clock-cleaning. As we go to commercial, the boys are cowering behind a bar patron as they continue taunting Rizos.

The bartender Pascual intervenes and calls for calm. Rizos protectively embraces his cousin. He's peace-loving, not looking for trouble. The brothers are not used to this type of treatment. They try to menace, tossing out more feeble threats as they back out, "¿Qué? ¿Qué? ¿Qué?" They leave to regroup and lick their wounds.

At the therapist's office, Marco is seeking fast results. She insists that it's up to him. Since he hasn't actually seen Ale intimately involved with Ale, he needs to get her to confirm that nothing has happened between the two. Hmmm, that is a problem that Marco doesn't want to confront. He's actually pretty certain that they have been together... in that way. " Well, then we are dealing with the problem of excessive jealousy." Wounded, he asks her what she would do if her novio had slept with someone else? "I'm not the patient with the problem," but then she goes on to tell him that her novio slept with many women before her and they function just fine, thank you very much. "Maybe you can, but I can't." So, he's going to have to confront his problem with tact, tenderness, and patience. "Well, patience is not possible because I don't have a lot of time." As he's leaving she reminds him to be careful, this is a very delicate matter. As the door slams behind him, she doesn't look hopeful.

Marian has taken her cares and woes to the loyal Chepis, who offers sage advice, "Want to get close to Rafa? Get close to his family. Thanks Chepis, I knew we could count on you. Marian sees this as both wise and doable. "Buena idea. Muy buena idea." Heck, she's already in solid with Julieta.

In Marco's apartment, Rosauro is helping Jorge with his homework to improve his memory. He is memorizing a page of the phone book and doing quite well, I might add. He hands her the book and asks her to check his accuracy,


"Garcia, Garcia, Garcia, Garcia..." She is exasperated. Fortunately Marco arrives and Jorge explains their method. He asks about Alejandra just as she arrives. Greetings all around, then Rosauro broaches a delicate subject,. She and Jorge think that Ale and Marco should have the privacy of a bedroom shared by the two of them. Awkward responses from the newlyweds who finally agree on the propriety of waiting until after the Church wedding. "How decent," Rosaura weakly observes.

We're in the homestretch here and fittingly, Rafael is home. Leonor is setting the table. An ebullient Rafa is ravenous and ready join his family for dinner. Noting his extreme happiness she inquires. He tries to dodge by telling her of the successful truck sale but she knows better. "Guess." "The licenciada is divorcing." Very close. He tells her that since her wedding , la licenciada has had nada de nada with her husband. With Pasión playing on the TV behind them, they rejoice together.


At Marco's place, the four of them are enjoying dinner."No Mexican food in Croatia, just hasscakes," Jorge grouses. "Switzerland," Rosauro corrects. "Same difference." Tia then coaxes and coerces Jorge from the table, "Time for bed." With a little pinch from her Jorge gets the cue. They leave Ale and Marco alone. She inquires about the therapy. "Fine. Well same old thing... worrying about you having relations with Medina. " Then he drops a little bomb, "Mi amor, have you had anything to do with that man?"

Carlos

Labels: dinero

Harry Geithner debuts as Leonardo Faidella

Insomniacs Club

At the scene of the accident, Alejandra painfully limps from the taxi to the microbus. Someone lays Piedad with a head injury out on the ground, and Alejandra is in so much pain she sinks down next to the microbus. Amid smoke and blood, they wait for the ambulances; Doña Piedad isn't moving.

In Adolfo's luxury condo, Yolanda tells Félix that at the Sagittarius restaurant, she saw a waitress looking exactly like Márta. Her family details fit, too, she says. Yolanda pointed this out to Adolfo at the time, but he didn't care, she says.

Thinking back, she says he never should have done "that" -- much less blamed Santiago. When Félix points out that Márta unfortunately found out about their smuggling, Yolanda insists she could have convinced Márta not to turn Adolfo in. They were friends, she says.

But Félix is tired of this complaint: if Yolanda had cared so much about Márta, she should have turned Adolfo in and saved her. But Yolanda liked the money too much, didn't she, Félix prods. Yolanda doesn't answer; but then pointedly comments that he can't bother Gabriela, because he himself well knows Santiago is innocent.

Medics place Alejandra on the rescue squad bay to triage her, while she listens to a medic describe the grandmotherly woman's injuries, amid a din and moaning. Finally someone pulls a blood-stained sheet completely over the lady's face, and they wheel her gurney into a waiting ambulance.

At the Genovés's mansion, Berthe is going out carousing and begs a house key from David. She'll be returning late, she says. David tells her with a knowing look to take care of herself; and before exiting she gleefully pecks him on the lips, regretting there are so few good-looking keepers like him -- to which he looks perplexed.

A phone call he receives alarms David, and he runs straight out. While in her apartment, Elsa phones around worriedly trying to locate Piedad. She finally gives up and calls the authorities, where she learns to her frantic dismay that there has been a microbus accident with serious injuries.

Back at the Genovés mansion, Abelardo tries to comfort a tearful Mario, who learned earlier that day he has an inoperable, terminal brain tumor. At the hospital, David visits Alejandra in bed with a neck brace, who is embarrassed to be transferred to such luxurious digs.

David wants to make sure next time she uses the family cars; with a sweet smile he tells her their house and everything in it is hers, including him. She marvels at this; and as he moves to her side, Alejandra repeats, "including him?" Of course, he says, grinning. He's her cousin, her friend, her admirer -- and he's going to be her driver until she's better.

She grins and thanks him gratefully, and they both agree it's a shame they haven't been close -- but will be from now on. Alejandra offers her hand and says she cares very much about him, and he also says so in return. As he's leaving, she reveals she hurts all over and wonders how bad she looks; and she chuckles when he says terrible.

At a city morgue, Elsa breaks up pitifully when she has to identify the body of Piedad. At Gabriela's, she explodes in frustration when she and Julieta encounter Fausto finishing up the packing. They changed cities every six months as kids, she exclaims. It makes no sense; they can't finish their education!

How are they ever going to be anything but waitresses? Gabriela demands. He never gives any good reason for moving, either. She grills him on details of his decision; and when his answers sound lame, Gabriela digs her heels in. If he wants to leave, fine! she exclaims. She and Julieta are not!

At the mansion, David questions Abelardo about Mario's health, but Abelardo denies any problem. David explains about Alejandra's accident but doesn't want Mario worried about it. Later in his home office, when Abelardo urges Mario to get a second opinion, Mario definitely wants to. He can't die now! he says.

If he does, he explains, David and Gabriela will both be left with nothing! No one must know he's sick, Mario insists -- especially Adolfo. With Abelardo looking perplexed, Mario reveals the conditions of their business contract: if either partner dies before the 20 years is up, everything goes to the survivor!

Mario must stick around for at least six months until the deal is up; and when Abelardo can't fathom why Mario would have put up with such an absurd stipulation, Mario reveals to a shocked Abelardo that Adolfo has him under his thumb, accusing him of the murder of Márta -- the mother of his daughter.

In a warehouse district, a team of AFI agents (i.e., FBI: "Agencia Federal de Investigación) pour out of an SUV and, armed to the teeth, silently stalk smugglers moving merchandise into a warehouse. One crook spies them, but is overcome; and the team, led by detective Leonardo Faidella (Harry Geithner), swarms into the warehouse to capture the others, except for one -- who escapes.

At Gabriela's, it seems Fausto has reluctantly agreed to stay put; he begins to unpack. At the luxury condo, Carlos is just leaving when Félix enters with a determined air and braces Adolfo at the breakfast table with the news their new warehouse has been breached! The cops took everything and everyone -- except for one guy who told the story! he reports.

This puts Adolfo on his feet, exclaiming he had five million pesos tied up in that merchandise! Who in hell knew about it, he wonders. He's been losing too much money lately! Up in Elsa's apartment, she sobs inconsolably over Piedad when the doorbell rings; and it's Carlos, just come from breakfast with his dad.

She's in no shape for company and asks him to leave, but he insists on feigning to comfort her. He pretends interest as she explains the reason for her sorrow -- and offers to help her in various ways. Finally, when she turns him down the last time, he just leaves his card and promises to help if she needs anything.

At the prison, Elsa has come to meet with Juan Jose; but she's crying so hard she can't tell him his mother is dead. Juan Jose mistakenly thinks the sharp lawyer must be giving her a hard time, so is completely shocked to hear there was a fatal accident. He rejects that Piedad could be dead, sobbing and asking repeatedly where his mother could be.

At the Sagittarius restaurant, at Roberto's urging, Carlos asks Adolfo on the phone if he might have a job for Roberto; but Adolfo ignores him. Yolanda enters the restaurant and snags Gabriela to have a private talk; she commandeers Carlos's office and boots the boyz out. She learns to her surprise that Fausto is a night watchman but doesn't learn much else new.

Out in the bar, Carlos explains to Roberto that Yolanda is a former dancer who is just good friends with Adolfo and that Carlos is very fond of her even if she's kind of crazy. Carlos admits he went by the "naca's" place earlier; and together with Gabriela, Roberto points out Carlos has a thing for slumming with working-class girls.

About then David arrives to sit at their table. He asks Roberto whether he's seen Alejandra lately; and Roberto lies that he saw her just that day at the office to talk about the wedding date. When David points out facetiously then that Roberto must know she's been in the hospital since the other day, Carlos sniggers at Roberto -- and happily jabs David for being future relatives with Roberto.

David is just asking after the new waitress when Yolanda and Gabriela emerge from the office, and he calls to Gabriela who comes over and greets him agreeably. From back in the office, Roberto and Carlos can see on the closed-circuit TV that David is flirting with Gabriela; and Roberto digs at Carlos about it until he's in a jealous snit. Out in the bar, Carlos orders Gabriela back to work and David to leave the help alone. After both leave, Carlos swears to Roberto that idiot annoys him more and more every day.

A little later, up in the hotel penthouse, David sits working at his desk when the door buzzes; and it's Gabriela with a serving cart. David has ordered a champagne supper for two. When he tries to invite her to share it with him, he keeps touching her; and Gabriela gets the apparently wrong idea and becomes furious.

Gabriela accuses him of being a spoiled rich guy, feeling free to insult others -- and gives him another smack on the face. After she leaves, he leisurely pours a glass of champagne and ruefully admits to himself that he deserved that.

At the luxury condo, Adolfo tells Félix it's about time they got rid of Mario; he explains that if one of the partners expires before the next six months when their contract is up, the survivor receives everything -- and that survivor should be himself, Adolfo thinks.

Labels: verdad

Capítulo 142: Love and the Single Clone
In which Daniel fears that no woman could truly love a clone; Mohamed makes his MTV debut and performs impressively in a cruelty contest with his brother; Rania and Jadiya hold a Swooning Contest; Alí hustles Jade out of Miami; and Natalia asks Andrea for help.

Tonight’s episode opens at Salamandra where Fernando, with a nice buzz going, finds a pretty girl to dance with -- and all in celebration of sobriety! Clara and Rogelio are dancing too – and with obvious affection -- and chatting about what a great kid Fernando is. If they feel something burning, it must be the hatred coming at them from Malicia. She glares at them so pointedly that Zein asks her if there’s a problem. No, para nada, she answers.

Jade and Zoraida are at Mohamed’s place. They are trying to make sense of the existence of two Lucases and Jade wants to know what it means that shadow Lucas has her jade necklace. Maybe, suggests Zoraida, it means you are going to meet up with him again.

Daniel is on his bed in Dora’s apartment, gazing at Jade’s necklace and smiling.
Dora tells Estela she’s going to ask Vicki to help her find a lawyer to look after her interests. Estela can’t understand why Osvaldo isn’t around to help. Dora finally admits that Osvaldo is in jail.

At Mohamed’s place, Samira protests her punishment: it’s not fair to keep her confined to her room. And she can’t understand why her cousin Jadiya is allowed to have male friends. It’s true, pipes up Zumaya: she's friends with Jamil! Latifa explains that it’s because Said has a more western outlook than Mohamed. She’ll talk to Mohamed, she says, but she can’t promise more than that.

Dora explains to her mother that as much as she loved Osvaldo, his lies and betrayals finally became too much to bear:
Aunque me duela, aunque a veces quisiera salir corriendo a sus brazos para que me de su apoyo y su comprensión, yo ya cerré este capítulo en mi vida.
Although it hurts me, although at times I’d like to go running into his arms so he’d give me his support and understanding, I’ve now closed that chapter in my life.
And Miguel? asks Estela. Miguel, says Dora is a great friend, always ready with a smile, always there to lend a hand.

Cris and Vicki are at the bar going over accounts when Dora arrives. Cris, still angry at Dora, tells Vicki: Go ahead and talk to your friend, that shameless traitor (esa sinverguenza y traidora). But Cris’s attitude changes quickly when Dora tells Vicki why she’s crying:
El Señor Leonardo quiere llevarme a la corte para quitarme a mi hijo.
Mr. Leonardo wants to take me to court to take my son away from me.
Enter Cristina the Avenging Angel! Over my dead body! (sobre mi cadaver), she tells her old friend. [Cristina is still mad at Dora for her supposed fling with Leo twenty years ago, but she has her moral priorities in order: First you stand up for mother and child; later you can worry about who cheated on whom.]

Mohamed thinks a sojourn in Fez with Tío Abdul is exactly what his wayward daughter needs. Latifa tells him she couldn't bear to be separated from her daughter. (Yo no soy capaz!). Well, then what about this, smiles Mohamed: I’ve been thinking about building a house in Fez for you and the children; I can stay here in Miami and look after the store.

You would stay here alone in Miami? Latifa asks incredulously. And Mohamed’s eyes bug out so far, they really look like they’re gonna pop.
MTV interlude: Latifa imagines Daddy Mo in shades, rocking it out, surrounded by hot babes…
Latifa is so overwrought, she talks about herself in the third person:
¡No no no no no! Latifa no se mueve de Miami y Mohamed no se queda solo en Miami. No y no y no y no!
Latifa’s not moving from Miami and Mohamed’s not staying alone in Miami!

The Naz joins the party and thinks it’s a swell idea. She’d be glad to take care of the house in Miami. Latifa tells her not to meddle in her marriage and turns to Mohamed to support her. The Naz escalates the insult level as well as the decibel level and also appeals to her brother for support. Their shouts bring Abdul lumbering out of of his cave. He silences the women and sends them to their rooms. [This might be an interesting time for Anita to ask Latifa her thoughts on the role of women in an Islamic society].

It’s Gloria’s birthday and they are having a party at the bar. Amin, Ramón, Hilda and Karla gather ‘round. Hilda asks what the word ‘haram’ means and Amin explains it to her. [Funny how Mohamed uses that word so often in her presence.]

Alejandro is in his apartment. He tells Ramón over the phone that he’s on his way to the party. Just then, Natalia walks in. She has been gone for over 24 hours. But when Alej asks her where she has been, her answer is a careless fabric of lies; and when confronted with them, she turns defiant. She denies any responsibility for the missing DVD player. She just gets mouthier and more aggressive. Finally Alejandro says:
Ay, Natalia, es muy difícil aguantarte.
Oh, Natalia, it’s very hard to put up with you.
And she answers:
Si es tan difícil aguantarme, ¿qué haces conmigo?
If it’s so hard to put up with me, why are you with me?
In frustration, he pounds in fist into the wall. He tells her how much he is contributing to the relationship and how she does nothing for either of them, how he feels unprepared for his fight in Chicago because he wastes all his time worrying about her… and then he realizes he is talking to himself. She has fallen asleep -- or passed out.

So how are Said’s girls getting along these days?
As Rania struggles to get a candle into a candlestick, Jadiya calls her name loudly, startling her into dropping both. We hear the ceramic candlestick shatter.
Jadiya is a kid who knows how to push buttons:
Rania tú sí que no sabes hacer nada, no?. ... Rania, mi mama sabe hacer todo mejor que tú.
Rania, you can’t do anything, can you?...Rania, my mother does everything better than you.
Jadiya stands smugly with arms crossed. Rania tries to fire back. (After all, Jade was the one who got thrown to the wind.) But Jadiya just keeps taunting her: Said says bad things about you behind your back. He says my mom is a better dancer than you… Rania gets physical, grabs Jadiya’s face roughly and says:
No te creo nada, cosa malcriada.
I don’t believe any of it, you spoiled thing!
But they keep at it, with nastier and lower insults and curses. Too bad there’s no grownup in the room to teach these children to manage conflict in a less hurtful way.

Said walks in the front door and discovers them en plena batalla.
He roars: Silencio, silencio! Qué significa esto? (What’s the meaning of this?)
The kids blame each other. Said tells them they have to learn to get along with one another. He expects to come home to peace and harmony. [Hah!]
Suddenly, Rania is taken with one of her convenient spells: Me siento mal! (I don’t feel well). Jadiya watches her carefully and right on cue, puts a hand to her head and says: Yo también, yo me siento mal! (I don’t feel well either.) She begins to swoon and Said supports her with one arm while he says: No no no, the two of you can’t faint at the same time! Rania has arranged herself artfully on the couch. Said calls out for help. The girls each allow themselves a small smirk when they are sure he isn’t looking.

Cristina the Avenger marches into Lucas’s office at Empresas Ferrer. She tells him that Leo is trying to take Dora’s son from her. Lucas assures her that he will do all that he can to prevent that. He agrees to go to Dora’s house with her. He needs to meet his “supposed” brother.

Mama, ¿Tú te enamorías de un clon? (Mama, would you fall in love with a clone?)
Daniel greets Dora with this question when she comes into his room. He continues to study the jade necklace, twisting the chain around his fingers. She refuses to take the question seriously or talk about clones at all. Albieri phones Daniel but he won’t take the call. Daniel tells Dora:
Quiero encontrar la dueña de este collar. Yo sé que ella nunca va a pensar que yo soy un clon; tampoco va a pensar que yo soy un espíritu; ella me va a ver a los ojos y me va a decir ‘Daniel’.
I want to find the owner of this necklace. I know she’ll never think I’m a clone; and she won’t think I’m a spirit either; she’ll look me in the eye and she’ll say ‘Daniel’.

Alí has come to Albieri’s house and announces that he and Jade are returning to Morocco the next day. The doorbell sounds. It’s Daniel.

Dora’s doorbell sounds, too. Estela opens the door. What she sees takes her breath away. As Lucas and Cristina enter the apartment, she gasps, sways, appears on the verge of collapse. She stares uncomprehendingly at Lucas, eyes filled with tears, and says: Son idénticos, son idénticos!

Luisa ushers Daniel into the house. Albieri can’t break through Daniel’s icy demeanor. Then Alí greets Daniel. The memory of Jade’s dance at Alí’s house brings a dreamy smile to Daniel’s face and Ali reflects:
Ala, Jade entró en su corazón. Es la misma historia ocurriendo otra vez.
Allah, Jade entered into his heart. It’s the same story happening again.
Daniel asks him about the woman he saw in Fez:
Era Jade, verdad. ¿Dónde está ella? (It was Jade, wasn’t it? Where is she?)
Alí tells him she is in Morocco and Albieri and Luisa promptly offer to take Daniel there.
It is clear that tonight Daniel is focused on matters of the heart. He asks Albieri:
Si una persona es un clon, una mujer se puede enamorar de el?
If a person is a clone, could a woman fall in love with him?
Of course, answers Albieri. A clone is like everyone else except for the way he was born.
That’s not true, says Daniel:
Porque un clon es una copia ...
Because a clone is a copy...
...And?
Y si una mujer se enamora de mí, es porque soy único. Y si se da cuenta que soy una copia, se va a querer enamorar del original. No?
And if a woman falls in love with me, it’s because I’m unique. And if she realizes that I’m a copy, she’ll want to fall in love with the original, won’t she?
Alí swallows hard.

Zoraida and Jade speculate about the sombra, whether he remembers her, whether he has the same feelings as Lucas. Zoraida tells her not to think about him. But he has her piedra (stone) which carries her suerte (luck, destiny). How can she not think about him?
Alí enters abruptly and announces they are leaving right away. They are flying to New York so he can visit a sheik there; then they’ll catch a flight to Fez.

Dora comes home and finds Cristina and Lucas waiting for her. Estela hasn’t yet recovered from her shock at seeing Lucas. Lucas tells Dora that he’s not going to let Leo take away her parental rights.

Daniel continues his conversation with Luisa. He wants to travel far away because of the way people are treating him. Even Luisa, who used to be so affectionate, now acts like she’s afraid of him.
Albieri, realizing that Daniel is hungry for answers, comes back to the room with huge books about cloning. Unfortunately these tomes are unlikely to hold the answers to Daniel’s most pressing concerns. [I doubt they have chapters like “Clones in Love” or “Fear of Clones” – or even “Lifespan of a Human Clone”]

Latifa and Jade don’t understand why Tío Alí is in such a hurry to leave, why he seems so nervous. When Jade hears that Alí is at Said’s house saying goodbye to Jadiya, she rushes to phone Said and ask his permission to say goodbye too. No, he says gruffly. You go on with your life and we’ll go on with ours.

His decision leaves Jade grieving and Jadiya feeling betrayed.
Alí guesses that Said is treating Jade so cruelly because he still loves her and he wants to force her to pay attention to him and respect him. And Said admits as much. He still has hopes that one day she will love him. When that day comes, (that is to say, when hell freezes over) he will ask her to come back. It’s destiny, he says.
And Alí surprises him when he responds: Don’t talk to me about destiny today. I thought I knew how to interpret it, but I don’t. No one does, Said.

Mohamed and Amin deliver a birthday gift to Gloria (You’ll look more beautiful with a veil, says Mohamed). Karla boasts to Ramón that her baby’s father is part of the Miami Jet Set. Alej shows up with a gift and a birthday kiss for his mother. He fibs that Natalia is on her way.

In the final scene, Nati wakes up to find Andrea sitting in the apartment. Alejandro is at his mother’s birthday party, explains Andrea. Natalia had forgotten about it even though Alejandro had been talking about it all week. Andrea looks at her friend very gravely and says: You’re going to lose Alejandro.

Natalia denies that she and Alejandro have problems. Andrea bravely persists. She tells Natalia that she is out of control. Natalia shouts that it’s not true, she has limits. When challenged to name them in the face of everything she has damaged or destroyed, Nati finally breaks down. She sinks to the floor. Andrea crouches down beside her and puts her arms around her. Natalia admits she is in hell and asks her friend for help.

Credits roll.

Labels: clon

* Guilléns' flat
Fausto learns from Gaby that a stranger was looking for a man called Santiago Guzman. He looks harassed and runs out of the room leaving a very wondering girl behind. In his bedroom he collapses. Quakingly pulls a photo out of his pocket: it's his Marta who looked exactly like Gabriela. Fausto cries heartbreakingly and mutters that he misses her badly.

* prison
Basketball time on the yard. Marcos and Juan José wearing their wife-beater shirts discuss Gregorio. Marcos whines about his aching hand (I can't blame him for that) and wants to take revenge on the old man. JJ says that it was an accident, and anyway, Marcos shouldn't pay attention to Greg since 1. he's insane, 2. he killed two men. Naturally his advice goes in at one ear and out at the other. Marcos swear that he'll cure Gandalf's madness by giving him a huge beating.

* Guilléns' flat
The girl leave for work, Gaby worries about being fired. Daddy isn't at home, he left and acted strangely. He's always strange, says Julieta.

* prison
Gregorio is restless and keeps JJ awake as well. JJ joins him on the lower bed and the jailbirds talk about their future. Greg promises that after his liberation he'll find a lawyer to get Juan José out of the prison. And they'll have a tremendous amount of money! JJ politely smiles. You don't believe a word I say, do you? No, says the big guy. To be honest your story sounds like a movie. Gregorio's eyes kindle: exactly, it was like a movie! We flashback to the early 1900s and the old swashbuckler tells us the adventurous and bloody tale of a shamelessly huge amount of golden bars and the baddies who killed it's owner and later each other.


The killers buried the treasure and the last of them drew a map of the whereabouts of the gold. Later the letter was found in an old book in a church by two historians. JJ asks if they were the guys Greg killed. Gandalf continues the story: the men did a lot of research and discovered the possible location of the gold... Which was at his estate. They visited him and offered to give him a fair share of the treasure if he permited them to poke around his propriety. But when they found the spoils Gregorio coldbloodly shooted the happy boyz. To his misfortune, a servant witnessed the murder and called the police. Suddenly Greg stops being so friendly and threatens JJ: I can help you out of here but I can also kill you if you tell anyone what I said, capisci?


* restaurant
Gaby is nervously converses with Julieta. David (looking angry as usual) finally drops in, and the future lovebirds exchange heated looks. She timidly asks him if he'll fire her. David briefly, strictly says no. He just wants her to that know he didn't take liberties with her in her former workplace therefore the slap she gave him was unfair. It was Roberto, one of the idiots who accompanied him. Gaby is ashamed and still afraid of him. David takes pity on her and asks what her name is. Gabriela Guillén. The boy smiles and becomes all friendly, and orders a glass of vodka. Gaby is relieved and smiles back at him.


The Don and Yolanda arrive. When Yolanda notices Gaby she freezes like in New York in The Day After Tomorrow. Adolfo, did you see that waitress? Doesn't she look like Marta? Adolfo doesn't really care about the girl but notices David and gets angry. In the camera room he call Carlos to account for letting David into restaurant. Carlos objects: for God's sake, he's also an owner, how on Earth could I prohibit him from coming here.


Yolanda calls Gaby and fires tons of questions of her: name, family, mom, dad, their names, sister, when did your mom die, and so on. Although her curiosity is quite rude, Gaby obediently answers her. In the camera room David and Adolfo are play the good old "who's the alpha male game. This is my territory, boy, and I hate your presence here - I hate you, blah, blah, blah. As the argument heats Adolfo pulls a gun out and says him to get out of there or he'll kill him. But - and here comes my favourite part - Gabriel snatches the weapon out of his hand like Adolfo was just a naughty 8-years old boy. Awesome. He says he'd be interested if Adolfo even had permission to carry a gun then he leaves the room. This boy is cool, I like him. Adolfo's facial muscles start twitching and he theatralically tells Carlos that he'll kill David. Maybe next time you should try to glue the gun to your hand.

* Zárate estate
Next day Carlos visits Roberto in their home. Roberto less than thrilled about his presence since he was going to have lunch with Alejandra. Carlos asks him to pay back the money he owes. Oops. Roberto is all "I can't, I can't" but Moustache doesn't care about his bullshit excuses. Well, maybe Alejandra's wealthy uncle will be the solution of this situation. Carlos learns that Ale is David's cousin. The maid announces that a that a young lady called Elsa is looking for her father. Elsa walks in and Carlos, like every other guy in town hurries to introduce himself to the pretty girl.


* elegant designer office
Alejandra and her co-worker/friend (Hermina aka Mina) talk about Roberto. Mina would like to know if Ale wants to stop working after getting married. Of course not, objects the girl intensely. She worked and sacrificed a lot for that office, she even sold her car! Don't you love him, asks Mina warily. Ale sighs, she doesn't know, she was expecting something else and isn't sure about her own feelings. The girls change the topic and begin to talk about business.


* Guilléns'
Fausto arrives home carrying paper boxes and he's very pleased with himself. Gaby and Julieta ask him what he is doing. We'll move out, says cheerfully. Come on, it will be fun, he found a more comfortable flat. The girls are shocked.


* Zárate estate
Salomón smiles at Elsa (that smile makes me want to hit him in the face with a shovel, kudos to the actor) and tells her that he will lend her money. Elsa is grateful and says she will pay the loan back in a year. No, no, no, you've got six months, girl. Ooor... Salomón draws near to her and starts the "if you're good to me, baby" speech. Elsa objects, she asked him for loan because she needed money but if he misunderstands her motions maybe they should forget the transaction. Suddenly Salomón becomes cold and professional and pushes the paper under her nose. Okay, sign it here. Viewerville shouts: don't sign it, stupid kid! But she does. Oh, no.

* Alejandra's office
Ale greets Robertito with an unwilling kiss and bombs her idea: why don't they wait with the wedding for few months? Roberto's smile shatters as he visions the money he wanted so much flying away. You don't love me, do you? I do, I do, but I just started to run this business, I have to finish university, et cetera, et cetera. Rob comes up with an awesomely lame story: his father is sick and wants to have grandkids. If he doesn't get married soon he'll disinherit him. Wow. Ale gets angry. Why don't you look for a girlfriend who's already 8 months pregnant? I think I'm going to like her much, too.

* prison workshop
Juan José and Greg talk about the treasure, que sorpresa. Gregorio's lines (my precious, my precious, my precious gold!), JJ's lines (I like you old murderer and I'm very polite, but sorry, I won't buy your fairytale). Marcos sneaks in and mocks them, he doesn't understand how Juan can stand the crazy geezer. Gandalf grabs the hammer again and threatens him. JJ stops them from killing each other and leads Greg away. Marcos secretly picks up a chisel from the table.

* Genovés’ house
Mario plans to visit Fausto and the doctor. He bumps into David who claims him to break the partnership with the Ávila jerks. I can't do that, son. Mario's lines, David's lines.

* prison
Doña Piedad is sitting in the visitor's room. Juan José surprises her from the back with a kiss. They're cute. She tells him that Elsa helped her so much, sent her to a doctor and bought her medicines and she doesn't accept any money. She's such a good girl, says Piedad. Yes, such a good girl, echoes JJ. Piedad would be happy if they get married one day. JJ blushes, first, he's a jailbird and would never dare to ask her to be his wife, second, his feelings for her are brotherly. Sorry, girl, life sucks. I should've titled this episode as "Everyone except Juan José wants to jump Elsa's bones". Elsa drops in and gleefully tells him that her boss lent him money and she wants to help both JJ and Marcos. JJ politely refuses her offer. Elsa changes the subject: I'd like your Mama to move into my flat. Wow, that's great! JJ is grateful and the ladies are happy.


* Guilléns'
Fausto/Santiago opens the door and meets Asunción. He says he doesn't want to buy books and tries to shut the door, but Asunción is much stronger than him. Mario walks in and calls him Sr. Guzmán. Fausto is frightened. You remember me, don't you. I'm Mario Genovés. Fausto stutters that he doesn't know who his visitor is, he doesn't know any Santiago Guzmán or Marta! Mario calms him down: Stop this nonsense! Look, he doesn't want to cause him any trouble. What Fausto did to Marta should lie on his conscience. Fausto breaks and shakily sits on the coach. Mario tells him that he came to talk about his daughter. What? How dare you? Marta was already pregnant when you left her! I married her and became the father of his child, period. Mario admits regretfully that he didn't know she was carrying a child and only wants his daughter to know the truth. He would support her financially. Fausto explodes, oh no, she doesn't need your money! He begs Mario to leave them alone. And by the way, he didn't kill Marta! Now Mario starts begging: he just wants to reconcile with his child. He gives Fausto his telephone number then leaves. Fausto is agonizing.


* Elsa's pink flat
Doña Piedad moves in, and she loves her new home. Elsa has to do the shopping. Piedad offers her to bring some clothes to a customer of Elsa. In the meantime Alejandra gets into a taxi. The chauffeur drives way too fast.


* hospital
House M.D. tells Mario that he has brain tumor. Mario is appalled. Is it operable? No, it isn't. How much time I have left? Poco, muy poco.

* street
Piedad gets on a bus. The driver of the bus must've bought his license on the black market since he drives like a madmen. The passangers freak out. Alejandra's taxi driver answers his phone and yes, doesn't notice the other vehicle. The bus crashes to a wall. Nooo.



Aribeth


Here is a list of events from episode 3 posted earlier:
---------------
Santiago weeps in private about his dead wife, Márta, and how bitterly he misses her. This man did not kill the woman, for sure.

Juan Jose is having trouble convincing Marcos that Gregorio is a crazy old guy, that the attack was an accident and better leave him alone. There will be more trouble.

Gregorio likes Juan Jose, promises to get him out with a good lawyer and again that he will give him a job and they'll have a good time.

In a fascinating flashback, he describes how the treasure was originally stolen and buried on his property and how he killed the two guys he permitted to dig it up. So Juan Jose knows the treasure is real.

Gabriela is pleasantly surprised to hear from David she won't be fired -- and that it was Roberto who pulled on her corset laces.

Yolanda is astounded to see in Gabriela someone that looks exactly like her old friend, Márta. Yolanda questions her briefly about her personal situation to confirm her suspicions.

Adolfo is so angry to see David in the restaurant, he takes him aside in the office and pulls a gun on him (!) to make his point that he doesn't want him around; but David disarms him pitifully easy. Adolfo swears privately he'll kill him.

Roberto refuses to pay back Carlos some money he apparently owes him, and Carlos is tired of supporting Roberto. He learns that David and Alejandra are cousins. Elsa was told to meet Salomon at home; he isn't there, but Carlos meets Elsa this way.

Alejandra tells Mina she has no idea why she's with Roberto. They are awaiting a crucial contract for their architecture firm.

Santiago comes home with packing boxes and upsets Gabriela trying to move yet again.

Salomon gives Elsa her check while mashing on her; she refuses unless there's no funny business, but she signs when he relents, temporarily, I assume.

For my money, Salomon is the guy who killed both women in the murders. Roberto is following in his footsteps, too.

Roberto presses Alejandra to get married, and she doesn't want to set a date yet; she claims her business needs her, which is true. But clearly she's not that fond of him. He claims his dad will disinherit him without an heir soon, and this really sets Alejandra off. She's fed up with him.

Mario terrifies Santiago by visiting him at home. He doesn't care about the murder; Mario only wants to have a relationship with Gabriela, which enrages Santiago. Mario claims Marta didn't tell him she was pregnant.

Mario hears from the doctor that he has a brain tumor with very little time to live.

For the cliffhanger, Piedad moves in with Elsa and offers to do her a delivery favor. She gets on a microbus with a package of clothes for Elsa's customer, but is headed for a big wreck.

Labels: verdad