Caray, Caray!

It's lucky for me this show's plot is crawling along since I'm supposedly recapping three nights a week. Any volunteers?

The real reasons to watch: the people are adorable (even the villains) and the language is loads of fun.

• We start with a brief but delicious rehash of Vince's humiliation during the soiree at which he was NOT named next president of Avon Mexico. After all his swaggering and yelling (and getting his foot peed on by Popeye, good doggie!) he is escorted out by bouncers, Enzo skulking out behind (behind a pot of flowers). He mutters about revenge.
  
• Tomas discovers Monica is Enzo's daughter. Freddy finds out Monica knew from Pepe that his dad would be named president. Pancho finds out Enzo works for Fernanda and that she engineered the embargo. Vince finds out Rebeca knew everything and whines: "You were part of this circus! You did it to spite me!" He grabs her just as Pina enters.
  
• Pancho tells Fer she was diabolical and conniving! Now he sees her whole plot: "I'm poor, not stupid."
  
  She said she deceived him for his own good. "How can you assume you know what's best for us?" Then Fer not only coaxes Pancho to forgive her, she begs! "I need to leave a legacy of goodness, I want to be good to you and your family."
  
  He says he'll forgive her and assume the presidency on one condition - that she promises to get well. He says he'll remain president only so long as she is in Germany for treatment. "I don't believe in contracts, I believe in people. Look me in the eye and promise you'll be cured." As a mom of a son who's survived cancer to this point, I am very uncomfortable with this whole idea. Illness is not under the control of patients, and to make them think so is to increase their woe when things don't go well.
  
• Veence arrives in a lobby full of buxom lasses dressed as nurses, housemaids, elves, schoolgirls, etc., so it must be a whorehouse! No, turns out it's "Club el Paraiso" (Paradise Club), gentlemen's massages, no touching allowed. He tells the madame he needs someone to help him forget his humiliation. She ignores Natasha the elf and offers him - Catwoman (Catreaux)!
  
  Well, guess what, Catreaux is Pancho's sister Candela and after she walks on Vince's back he gets up and starts chasing her around the table. She recognizes him as he's being escorted out by (more) bouncers. Natasha the elf saw all.
  
• Chela feeds a lot of people over the course of the evening. Pancho says money and power won't change him - others disagree. "You'll have loads of women. You'll never know who is really your friend." Candy is quite ready to be a princess! Pancho insists on all their support - especially directing himself to the still-resentful Chela, who reluctantly agrees.
  
• Rebeca asks Fer how long the 'President Pancho' charade will go on. Fer says, "until I'm cured!" "But he can't do it!" "He'll learn." Pina comes in to yell at her mother-in-law (the same stuff) and says "You've made the worst decision of your life. Making that garbage president! You'll lose everything!"
  
• Pina tries to get Vince's attention and complain about the lack of sympathy shown by Fernanda, but Vince is wearing his black silken eye mask and ignores her. He dreams about the adorable kitten-lady in black leather and studs, and also about following behind Pancho carrying Pancho's flotsam while being yelled at.
  
• It's Pancho's first day of school! Uh, work at Avon. He drives up and immediately yells at the parking guy; he says he can leave his delivery truck at the curb if he wants, he can even drive it into the lobby if he wants, because he's president!
  
  He's somewhat deflated, even scared, as he enters the lobby (dressed like a vegetable vendor). Soon he revives and is ready, he tells Rebeca (who is wearing a hideous skirt), to make his first decision as president. He calls Enzo into his office ...
  
  ... and fires him!

Tomorrow: there is DANGER to the casa popular!

Labels: familia

Labels: Fuerza

¡Hola a todos! Hope you’re all enjoying the weekend. We have another glorious, sunny fall day – my favorite time of the year.

La Casa de al lado – viernes

Okay. I admit it. I was faked out by Thursday’s teaser scene of Ignacia waiting in the shadows of her taller for ... Ismael! Well it turns out that he’s stringing her along just as he was doing with Carola. She’s not so much his accomplice as his groupie. Don’t fail me, she begs him. He’s her last hope. Will he help rescue her family from ruin? Will he help save the house?

Rebeca, gagged and bound securely hand and foot, languishes in the sótano of the isolated house. And then with some effort she twists herself around and she sees it ... the body of the too trusting realtor, Ximena, hangs from the rafters! A creaking of a door, footfalls on the stairs ... Gonzaki, killer face in place, dumps the contents of Rebeca’s purse on the floor and removes her gag:
¿Dónde está? ¿Dónde está la maldita foto que encontraste en el banco?
Rebeca doesn’t know – maybe it fell to the floor in the bank vault. And after seeing Ximena’s body, she has lost all hope:
¡Mátame, te ruego Gonzalo, mátame!
And the monster replies:
No te voy a dar ese gusto.
Gonzaki cuts down Ximena’s body and carries it away. He leaves Rebeca to scream all she wants. No one will hear her.

Nibaldo begs Karen to let him spend one more night hiding in the Ruiz house.

Across the way at Casa Conde:
Despite Ignacia’s indifference, Emilio begins to tell her about Carola’s birth mother – she shouldn’t meet her! But before he can go any further, Hilda interrupts the conversation. She has agreed to take care of Diego over the weekend and she wants to say goodbye to Emilio before leaving the house. Emilio asks her to say goodbye to the baby too, but Hilda refuses to do so. She doesn’t say anything to Yolanda either.

Omar is still in the hospital and still in very bad shape but at least he can talk. And he repeats to his friend Sebastián what he told Carola: that he was attacked deliberately. The intended target was Sebastián himself.

The Ruiz family, minus Diego, is having one of their angry family dinners. Andrea gets banished from the table for asking where Diego is. (Is that why she’s such a skinny marink?) Pilar stands her ground. Her son is somewhere safe, she says. Dare to put a finger on Diego, she tells Javier the Jorrible, and I’ll kill you!

Javier heads to Gonzalo’s apartment where he has guessed, correctly, that Diego is hiding. Perhaps Hilda hesitates to open the door. But then she remembers she’s in a telenovela and that’s what she has to do.

So Javier strides right in and spewing soul-killing sarcasm, he heads right for Diego. Diego runs away and locks himself in a bedroom. But now Hilda remembers she’s there to protect Pilar’s boy and that’s what she’s gonna do. She gets right in Javier’s face and tells him to leave or she’ll call the police. (Go Hilda!) And leave he does.

Hilda’s image is further rehabilitated when we overhear a conversation back at the Casa Conde. Carola tells Emilio that the baby is fussy because she senses Hilda’s absence – their daughter needs Hilda and so does Emilio.

Gonzalo is back in the office. Priscilla, the clerk who attended Rebeca in the bank, wants to return something Rebeca dropped on the floor. Gonzalo, Rebeca’s trusted associate, is happy to accept the envelope on her behalf.

Once the bank clerk is gone, Gonzalo opens the envelope and discovers the missing photo inside – the three brothers! Oh man. Did Rebeca’s luck just run out?

Ignacia interrupts Gonzo’s reverie. She wonders if they should look for Adolfo – maybe he could help save the Conde house. (Has Ignacia ever told the truth? To anyone?) Gonzalo explodes at her: He forbids her to look for Adolfo – why he’s at the root of all the Condes’ problems!

Sebastián catches up with Pilar to share his suspicions: Javier was behind the attack meant for him that left his friend fighting for his life in a hospital bed. Pilar is unsurprised (and not all that sympathetic). Besides, she has her own tsuris: her sister Rebeca has disappeared. What? Sebastián just saw her yesterday with Gonzalo in the office:
Rebeca got a phone call; Gonzalo got upset and followed her; and Sebastián heard snatches of Rebeca’s conversation about “una prueba concreta” at precisely 2:30. He’s sure of the time because he was talking to Omar on his own cell at that moment.

Renato meets his fake son, Iñaki, and insists he wants to introduce him to the family. Fake Iñaki can’t lie his way out of this and calls Mabel to tell her things are spinning out of control.

Emilio realizes he left his phone at the home of Carmen, Carola’s birth mother. He calls and arranges to come by and pick it up. Carmen’s not happy about this – she’d much rather get Emilio’s address and deliver the phone in person. But Emilio leaves her no choice. He shows up a while later, claims his phone and leaves. He doesn’t notice that Carmen follows him...

Carola has started thinking again about looking for her birth parents but now she can’t find the information she got from the adoption agency. Ignacia, quite meanly, tells Carola that she should ask Emilio. He’s already located Carola’s mother and talked to her. Says Ignacia oh so innocently: He really didn’t say anything to you?

Pilar gets a call informing her that Rebeca’s car was found in front of the bank. She calls Gonzalo to tell him about it. He, naturally, wants to take charge of things. Against his wishes, Pilar heads to the bank, as does Gonzalo. Once again, he tries to get rid of her, saying he can deflect questions about Rebeca’s criminal activity.

Gonzalo is even unhappier when Sebastián shows up, especially when Sebastián proposes they study the security tapes -- maybe they can see what was actually in the safe deposit box.

Gonzalo gnashes his teeth as everyone peers at the grainy footage. They see Rebeca removing a paper. The time stamp reads 2:45.

Back at Casa Conde:
Yolanda is in the kitchen preparing lunch and catching an episode of “Mi Corazón Insiste” when she has an unexpected visitor: Karen. Karen thinks maybe Yolanda and Nibaldo shouldn’t throw away twenty years of marriage just like that. (I hope Yolanda tells her “no backsies”.)

Carola is furious with Emilio for going to find her birth mother without her permission. But before Emilio has a chance to defend himself, the lady herself shows her face: I’m the woman who brought you into this world, Carmen tells Carola. I’m your mother.

Another Adolfo – Ignacia tryst in the taller. Ignacia repeats the story that master criminal Rebeca has left the country. Adolfo wants Ig to find out exactly what she did before leaving. Ig agrees on one condition: she wants Adolfo to give her a child. (The old-fashioned way? Hard to say with looneytunes Ig).

And back at the bank:
Gonzo runs out and Pilar pursues him. She wants to know two things: Who called Rebeca? And more importantly: why didn’t Gonzo mention the call?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bueno, ¡te toca a ti!

Labels: casa-lado, flor-salvaje, insiste, telemundo

Pancho has signed the contract. Chela thinks it's no coincidence that Rebeca showed up just as they were about to get thrown out. Candy tries (unsuccessfully) to convince Chela that this will be a good thing - they'll never have money problems again.

Chela is also still angry that Rebeca was a busybody and accused her of being in love with Pancho. Candy says Chela's just not willing to admit it because she feels it's sinful and that she's betraying her sister; but Candy doesn't think it's a sin. And Chela's sister has been dead for a long time. So look out, because someone else could come along and then Chela will lose Pancho forever.

Meanwhile, Lupita doesn't want to talk to Tomás, but he insists. He's angry and he's grabbing her roughly. He says since she invited that guy to the party, how dare she get mad at him for kissing Betty? (Never mind that he's been fooling around with Betty for quite some time.) Lupita informs him that she didn't invite Alex - Elena did. Lupita runs away. Tomás curses himself for spilling the tepache (pineapple-based alcoholic drink).

Supposedly, "Regar el tepache" is similar to "spill the beans," i.e. let the cat out of the bag, reveal a secret. Except I'm not sure what secret Tomás would be referring to, because Lupita's already seen him with Betty. I think a better translation in this context would be "open a can of worms," which is literally similar to spilling a drink in that you can't ever get that drink back into the glass, but as a figure of speech refers more to making an unrecoverable mess of things.)

Tomás follows Lupita and blocks her path. She tells him that she thought he could give her honesty, loyalty, and fidelity, but since he can't, they're DONE. Forever.

She joins her family, who are mostly still giddy about not getting evicted (except for sulky Chela). Nobody notices Lupita's tristeza, and Pancho even introduces Tomás to Rebeca as Lupita's novio. Rebeca tells the rest of the family that Pancho is now legally the president of Avon. Fernanda will announce it tonight at the Avon office and she wants the whole family to be there. Pancho makes googly eyes at Rebeca.

Vicente's secrebimbo (bimbretary?) is excited that she'll soon be the president's lover. She wants to celebrate with him after tonight's ceremony. He says he'll be busy and asks if Rebeca has been around.

Arnold is "helping" Pina get ready - actually he's groping her. She tells him not to touch her so much, and he says they're like sisters. Vince comes in and wants to change his outfit. Arnold says he can change anything except his stripy green tie, because the tie is lucky. Vince is already ignoring Arnold and Vince, texting someone. Pina says she could go naked to the ceremony and Vince wouldn't notice.

Evil Rinaldi is in a bad mood. He hates Fernanda and he hates the company and he can't wait till he can finally get out of there. Unfortunately, Fernanda will already be dead by then, so he won't be able to tell her to go to hell. He explains to Mónica that Fernanda screwed up a deal he had with some investors over some neighborhood property, but a princess like her wouldn't know anything about casa populares, and by the way, why'd she get home so late last night?

Mo starts to ask about that neighborhood property, but before she can finish, and instead of asking more questions, Dad tells her to be careful because the city's a dangerous place. He also brings her up to date on Fer's cancer and the fact that Mo's future MIL announced it on the air. (Note to Mo: Be careful what you say around that woman.) The investors got nervous, but the market will calm down when Fer names a successor. (That's what you think, Enzo!) And that new successor will be Mo's FIL. Mo remembers Pepe saying that his own father would be president of Avon. She asks what would happen if Fer named someone else president. Dad scoffs and tells her not to worry about it.

Much rejoicing at Pancho's house. He promises never to change. Chela is skeptical, but they all promise to support him. They all put their hands in for a whatchamacallit - seriously, what do you call it when you all put your hands in the middle? (No, not the hokey-pokey!) Chela hesitates, but Ana grabs her arm and puts it in. Pancho cheers, "Una familia con suerte!" and they all put their hands up in the air.

At the Snack 'n' Chat, Elena tells Lupita she's in luuuuv with Freddy (aka Alex). Lupita warns her that rich people are different. Except, not her father, because he promised not to change.

Before I forget to mention it, one expression you hear frequently on this show, particularly Elena in this scene, is "no te manches." It means "don't soil yourself."

Lupita also mentions the breakup with Tomás, but before Elena can say much about it, Alex arrives. Elena runs away to change her clothes.

Alex tells Lupita he's actually here to see her anyway, and by the way his name is Alex. Elena comes back before he can say more, and Lupita excuses herself and tries to leave. Alex chases her and says she's the one he's interested in. She thinks he's crazy.

Interlude: Temo stows his dog in the truck so he can accompany the family to the ceremony. Popeye is miffed.

Tomás just happens to see Lupita with Alex, and attacks Alex. Pepe pulls him away. Alex leaves at Lupita's request.

T: "What are you doing with that fresa?"
L: "Whatever I want - you've no right to complain to me!"

It looks as though Tomás is going to hit Lupita, but Pepe pushes him away. Lupita tells Pepe she broke up with T because she caught him with Betty. Elena yells at Lupita for making two lifelong friends fight over her. Pepe punches Tomás. Lupita drags her brother away because they still have to go to the thing.

Rebeca tells Fernanda that they almost lost the deal because of the miraculous timing of her arrival with the contract during the seizure. She was able to convince Pancho that it was just a coincidence, but she doesn't like what they've done. She also reports that Pancho's SIL is hopelessly in love with him, but for the moment Fernanda would rather gloat in advance about teaching her nephew Vince a lesson. But it's totally not about revenge, she insists.

The family is getting ready for the big event. Candy tells Ana to wear something more feminine (she's dressed like she's about to clean a barn). And just when I'm thinking that somebody should tell Candy to put on a pair of pants, Pancho comes out and suggests that her skirt is missing some fabric. Ha! For his own part, he's wearing the double-breasted suit, busy tie, and shabby tennis shoes he wore to his wedding.

Candy says Chela is emperifollando (preening) in her room. Actually she's just weeping and griping over Laurita's photo. Pancho interrupts to remind her that she swore on Laurita's grave to always be at his side. She gripes and worries at him. He says she has to come with, because the family would fall apart without her.

Fernanda gloats some more that tonight will be unforgettable. People arrive for the big event. Pina warns Vince not to go near Rebeca. Vince and Enzo "Evil" Rinaldi share an unfriendly, back-slappy hug. "I can't stand these people," Enzo murmurs in Vince's ear.

Meanwhile, La Burra honks and flashes into town. As the rest of the family gets out of the van, Temo puts a collar and necktie on the dog.

Before Pancho even arrives, Fernanda gives a long speech about hard work and deserving and nobility. Vince glows. Finally Fernanda gets to "let's welcome the new president of Avon, el señor..."

Enzo shoves Vince forward, not that Vince needs any encouragement. Everyone is clapping. They all freeze in confusion as Fernanda continues, "Francisco Lopez!"

Fortunately, Pancho just happens to walk through the door at that moment. Not that it wouldn't have been equally delightful if he hadn't. He takes a snack on his way in and waves hello to Rebeca. Enzo slithers away in horror, shame, and/or rage. Still chewing his snack, Pancho asks Fer about the angry-looking man who could shoot him dead if eyes were pistols. Pancho's worried the guy might be having a dizzy spell (vahido) because he's pale as a sheet of paper. Fer introduces him to the angry, dizzy guy - Vicente Irábien, the vice president. Pancho puts his hand out, but Vince refuses to shake it.

And then Popeye gets away from Temo. The little furball finds the ideal place to lift a leg: Vince's fancy shoes! (That's right - he held it the whole time he was in the truck. What a good doggie!)

Back at the Facebook Nook, Alex returns to explain himself to Elena. He's not really Freddy and he likes the real Lupita. Elena tells him that Lupita and Tomás fight like that all the time, and in fact they've already gotten back together.

Pina is checking Vince's blood pressure in Vince's office. It's high. The secrebimbo brings them a glass of water, but says she needs to get back out there because the gossip is really good! Pina is horrified. "A dog! It's a good thing we didn't bring Abejita!" They wonder if it's all just a tasteless joke. Or maybe the cancer has spread to Fernanda's brain and given her Alzheimer's. (I hope Pina doesn't give medical information on her radio show.)

Fernanda asks Pancho to make a speech. Of course, no one has prepared him for this in any way, but Rebeca tells him to just say it's an honor, blah blah blah, whatever occurs to him. He tells her he's worried, blah blah blah! Chela starts muttering to Rebeca about having to eat another chicken (I think it's like eating crow) and what a coincidence it was that she arrived just in time to rescue them from el Tranceti. (I still don't know why they call him that. The cast list refers to him as Enzo Rinaldi.) Rebeca says they can discuss it in her office later.

Tomás wants Elena to help him get back with Lupita. She doesn't seem to have a big problem with him cheating on her, but she does scold him for letting him get caught. She agrees to help him, but he'd better behave himself.

Pancho speechifies awkwardly, taking a long time to explain his own name, then introduces his family. Enzo, who has been hiding behind a plant, seems to react to Chela's introduction, but I can't see enough of his face to identify the reaction. (Pancho says she's a good cook and that she either gives good massages with her feet, or is good at giving foot massages - I'm not sure which.) Also, when introduced, Ana gives the crowd a double-Harvey Smith, which I'm pretty sure she wouldn't be doing if her father were aware of its meaning (and since he introduces her as "a rocker," you'd think she'd be doing the horns instead, but maybe ancient British punk is making a comeback).

After introducing the family, Pancho starts to run out of steam. That's okay, because the main act is ready to take the stage. Vince shoves Pancho aside and demands an explanation from Fernanda. He rants and raves about how dare she not give the presidency to him. "What a bear [fool] my daddy is making of himself," Freddy says to Mónica. She again remembers Pepe's claim... I think she's already figured it out, but how long before she tells anyone who'll be interested?

Fernanda asks Vince several times if he wouldn't rather discuss this in her office, but he insists. "Okay, Vicente - you asked for it!" Rebeca operates a remote control, and Enzo's voice wafts over them like a bad smell.

How are you, Vicente?

(Enzo tries to sneak out of his hiding place, but scurries back to the plant when he hears his own voice.)

Vince: You know, Enzo... same as always. Waiting for that damned old lady to die so I can rise to the throne.

(Enzo looks ready to hang himself.)

V: ...And I think it'll be soon. Imagine if she discovered all I've done, and I haven't told you, I've had meetings with important businessmen, to partner with and double or maybe triple our profits.

E: Are you sure you're going to inherit the seat?

V: Of course, Enzo, I've spent a lifetime sucking up to that old lady, all my life growing that fortune. Without me, she wouldn't have accomplished anything. So much time earning and earning to get the presidency. There's no doubt. The only thing in doubt is the day señora Fernanda Peñaloza flakes off, dies, leaves us. Hopefully it's today. I hope!

Fernanda turns to her stunned nephew. "Does that seem like sufficient reason to you, Vicente?"

Next time:
Teeth are gnashed. Vince plays doormat to a Catwoman.

Labels: familia

*Last part of the title in reference to Augie and Berta. Everyone else was pleasantly well-behaved tonight.

Feliz Viernes, amigos! I had to drop off the radar this week because la vida real kept getting in the way of my Caray time. Just as well, since it's only made me even more pumped for tonight's episode. Vámonos!

Jero crawls out from under the leaden weight of the latest anvil. He can hardly believe that Marina is pregnant but Nata assures him that Maritata confirmed it herself.

Marina scolds Agustin for gossiping about her personal life to Nata. Augie offers to help Mari get back together with Jero but she wants nothing to do with him (Augie). Just outside the office, a fieldworker flags Ezequiel down because Alfonsina just went into labor. Marina accompanies Zeke to help with the birth.

Gonzo talks Regina into moving into Misery Manor. He hopes that Regi's presence will turn the place into Contentment Casa. Gonzo plans to leave the house to Nata instead of Fina and Regi approves. Honorio and Detective Manriquez interrupt to debrief them on Fina. She's eluded them so far but the feds have a hunch that Fina has stayed close to town so she can keep in contact with Berta. Everyone agrees to stay alert for any signs of Fina.

Augie stews in his office. If he had a mustache, he'd be twirling it right now. He thinks Marina is a fool for not using her baby to steal Jero back. Augie decides that if Mari won't pressure Jero, Augie himself will make sure that this baby tears Nata away from Jero. He flashes back to creepily macking on Nata while she was unconscious. Yuck, spare me.

Nata and Jero sit by the fountain and have a surprisingly civil discussion. Jero vows that he will support his child but he does not want it to interfere in his relationship with Nata. He gives Nata his word that he will not abandon his child the way Nata's father abandoned her. They embrace and process their emotions.

Over at the hacienda, Alfonsina is in heavy labor. Karina coaches her through it while Lazaro watches uncomfortably. He is all too glad for the excuse to run off for the doctor.

Jero promises to Nata that they will work through this new phase of their lives together. Nata admits she didn't bring luggage with her because she thought she would be returning to Mexico that night. Jero kisses Nata and convinces her to send for her stuff so she can stay at the hacienda. He agrees to talk to Marina as soon as possible.

Alfi is having a tough time of it and there's still no sign of the doctor. Lazaro is volun-told to help the nurse deliver the baby. After a few more pushes, a miraculously clean baby girl is born. Felicidades!

We cut away to Adriana and Matias riding a four wheeler in the desert and taking breaks to make out amongst the cacti.

Mariana arrives (just in time to be useless) with Ezequiel in tow. He positively melts while holding his new daughter. Alfonsina decides to name the baby Luz María because she is the light of her parents' lives. Karina and Lazaro are both honored to be Baby Luz's godparents. D'aww.

A be-wigged Fina stands in front of a church while accompanied by ominous music. As though we needed more evidence that she's the devil.

Berta has lunch with Regina and Gonzo. They tell her about the plan to give the Monterrubio Manse to Nata. Berta scoffs that Nata is hardly getting left out since Jero is a millionaire. Gonzo wants Nata to have some independence and piece of mind. Plus, Gonzo and Regi are going to move into the Manse after the wedding. Berta is clearly unhappy at the news about their living conditions but is saved by the ringtone. Nata asks Berta to her send a suitcase and wants Berta to pack the emerald necklace that Augie gave her. Nata wants to return it.

Alone in her room, Berta vows Nata's happiness will be short-lived. She calls Augie to call him an idiot for not separating Nata and Jero sooner. Augie gets all jaw-jutty when Berta tells him that Jero and Nata are getting lovey dovey over at La Bonita.

Adriana and Matias take a boat ride, smooch, stand on the deck, smooch some more, go fishing, smooch again. You get the idea.

Jero visits Alfonsina's room and congratulates Zeke and Alfi. He asks for a moment in private with Marina. She knows what he wants to talk about but Mari can't have that conversation yet. She promises to call.

Nata runs into Karina in town and the two catch up. Later, Jero meets up with Nata to tell her about his (lack of) conversation with Marina. Nata is uneasy and can't stand to lose Jero again. Jero will never let that happen. Augie rattles a fence in anger nearby.

Adriana and Matias's day on the beach hits a bump when their boat breaks down. They have to stay in a bungalow overnight until the boat can be fixed. Adri and Mat curl up near the fireplace, exchange sweet nothings, and let the clothes come off.

Lazaro makes Manuela swear not to tell Kari that Reanimated Man is still walking amongst the living. Manuela tells Laz to stop overprotecting Kari; it will only cause more pain. Let Kari decide for herself! Matilde agrees with Manuela and they threaten to tell Kari if he doesn't. Lazaro says that he should be the only one to tell Kari the truth.

Honorio arrives home with Adriana's birth certificate, which now lists him as her father. She is now legally recognized as his daughter. Both he and Constanza are thrilled but decide to wait to tell Adriana in person.

Carlos is happy hear that Jero is back together with Nata. Though the situation with Marina isn't exactly ideal, Jero is excited about becoming a father.

Alfonsina and Baby Luz are resting comfortably in bed and Zeke steps out for a minute to find Ponchito. Alfi questions Marina about her relationship with Jero and Mari bursts into tears. She tells Kari and Alfi about her pregnancy but asks them not to mention it to anyone.

That night, Nata admits to Jero that it was Augie who told her about Marina, who later confirmed it herself. Jero is sure that Augie told her to try to break them up. Nata doesn't want to believe that Augie is a bad person. She and Jero canoodle on the bed. When Jero steps out to take a shower, Nata prays that everything will go well and that she will have the strength to handle the future.

Avances: Fina and Berta talk over the phone and Augie beats on his chest while shouting "Your place is with me!" (if you missed it, this clip is hysterical).

Vocab:

dar a luz - to give birth
estuche - case
arrancar - to tear, to pull (in context, "to start" a boat)
sobreproteger - to overprotect

Labels: Cuando

Lucrezia, once again, is worried about what "people" will think…this time about getting $5M pesos in cash out of the bank to put in a briefcase and give to the blackmailer. She decides that since the person was disguising their voice, it must be someone they know. Then she gets the brilliant idea that she'll take old Teodoro's pistol out of Carlota's bedroom. It's sad when Maripaz is the voice of reason, trying to talk her mother out of messing with the gun. Especially when Lucrezia Borgia doesn't even know how to check and see if it's loaded. Maripaz suggests they get the money tomorrow and call Antolin and have him make the dropoff. High-larious! Lucrezia doesn't really like the idea, but Maripaz talks her into it based on…um, well, just cause she trusts him. Brilliant!

Carolina tells Gerry the good news--she can get sight back in one eye with a cornea transplant and Antolín has already gotten her onto the wait list. She goes to wash her face and hands, leaving the menfolk to talk. Antolín tells Gerry there's no worry…he's got the money, and Gerry shouldn't worry his pretty little head about how. Gerry keeps pushing though. If Antolín's not going to murder someone for the money, is he planning to blackmail or extort? Antolin says anyone would rather pay him off then having to go to jail for killing someone. "Say what?!" Antolín says he won't repeat it. He assures Gerry that he won't rest until Carolina feels like her life has some meaning again. He hopes when she gets her sight back, she can maybe get a job…who knows, maybe even get married…. Gerry asks Antolín if he'd marry her. Antolín says he doesn't want to tie Carolina to him when he doesn't have a future. Death could be waiting for him around any corner…but before he goes, he's going to make sure Carolina can see again.

Ivan and Alex have a swimming lesson.

Carlota assures Lucia that the cops haven't gone after Maripaz, so obviously no one saw what happened. Lucia lets herself be reassured, but she's still worried about the poor dead woman's family.

Alex tells Ivan he wants to either be a fútbol player or an engineer like his dad. Ivan reminds him that he's an engineer too, though in a different specialty. He tells Alex that he knew Gerry from way back and Gerry was always nice to him. Alex equates it to Ivan being nice to him now. He's decided that Ivan is ok and if he really did want to kidnap him, he would have done it already.

Antolín hangs out with his buds at The 9 Ball, giving them a vague account of his recent activities (minus the current blackmailing scheme). He takes a call from Maripaz on his cell phone. She reminds him she's being blackmailed for murder and asks him to make the dropoff of the money. Antolín couldn't be happier. He lets her dangle a bit, but then agrees and says now that's two she owes him. He gets off the phone and buys a round of drinks for everyone in The 9 Ball.

Ivan and Alex ride a four wheeler on the beach, driving it through the shallow water.

Saul visits Maripaz. He notices her, or rather David's car and asks what happened to it. Maripaz claimed she left it parked on the street and has no idea what happened. Well, whatevs, she's going to have a luxury car soon anyway. Maripaz asks for an explanation of Saul's plot. Saul suggests they start by consulting an attorney to find out what's going to happen to her dad. He's pretty sure there's a stiff penalty for kidnapping. Maripaz doesn't really want him to go to jail, so Saul says they've got to come to some sort of amicable agreement. Maripaz also doesn't want everyone to know she had a kid with Ivan, which Saul thinks is guaranteed to happen no matter what. He mocks her for wanting everything her way. He gets a few more details about the birth--that it happened at a hospital in Guaymas and she registered at the hospital under her real name. He says he knows a crooked lawyer who will charge them an arm and a leg, and who has a lot of connections.

Ivan and Alex continue their bonding. Ivan tells Alex he loves him like a son. "You mean, like the one you lost? How did you lose him?" He gripes at Ivan's answer. "Adults are always saying that! 'One day I'll tell you,' 'You wouldn't understand, it's adult stuff,' blah, blah, blah…I'm not stupid!" Ivan agrees and says he will tell him, but, um…right now it's late and they should go back to the house. Alex agrees and is distracted by the prospect of a race back.

JJ comes sniffing around near Camilo's place. Ag talk summary: Camilo found 2 good well locations; he's going to share his water with Lucrezia if necessary; he's constructed a canal; he's planning to do some kind of water storage for the dry times; he's planning to grow "apio" (celery) and fruit trees. That's all they discussed. The foreboding music just follows JJ around for no reason. He could be peeling potatoes and they'd still play that music.

The gossipy principal comes over and gets the 411 on JJ's medical condition from Esther and then throws a wrench in Judith's nearly nonexistent love life by telling Esther that she saw her at dinner with some poor guy. Bitch! That's it, I'm a Jumilo 'shipper…fight for your right to hottie, Judith!

JJ tells Camilo he'd like to have him on the board of the Ag Association. Camilo claims he's too busy. He wants to consult Ivan, so JJ prods him in his delicate spot (that would be his ego) and tells him he's got to get out from under Ivan's skirts sometime. He'd like Camilo to support him in his presidential reelection bid and dangles the possibility of Camilo someday becoming Ag Association President…well, since he's sick and has two worthless sons. Camilo is concerned that will put him at odds with the McGuire's, but JJ smarms that their differences are settled. JJ says he's planning to ask everyone to return to the Association in time for elections. Camilo still isn't sure, so JJ leaves to give him time to think about it.

Carlota and Toni share their plot with Lucia. Gerry will tell Alex that he adopted him from an orphanage and later found out he's Ivan's son. That way, Gerry can avoid jail time for kidnapping. Toni figures Alex can spend part of the year with Gerry and part of the year with Ivan and Lucia. I vote for a multi-family compound on enough acreage to expand. Lucia is doubtful, saying that finding out Gerry is actually his grandpa is going to be traumatic for Alex. She doesn't come up with a better plan, though, just says that she wishes Ivan wasn't so obsessed with Alex.

Arcelia sews and chatters to Camilo, who is busy thinking about JJ's proposal. His cell phone rings and he takes Ivan's call. Ivan talks about how great it was to hang out with his kid all day and how Alex isn't afraid of him anymore. He tells Camilo there's some kind of a problem with the Curiel ladies. Something to do with Maripaz. He was hoping Camilo could ask Antolín to find out what it is. Ivan says they're coming back in a few days. They hang up and Camilo tells his mom about Maripaz having done something that's causing her family trouble. Arcelia is not surprised.

Antolín buys a cell phone. He calls Carolina and she says she's missed him just as much as she misses Alex. Antolín says she won't miss Alex so much when she has her own kids. "Oh, do you really think God would grant me that miracle?" "Well, I could grant you the miracle--you just say when!" That was hilariously sexy. Carolina laughs as she tells him not to be vulgar. Antolín gives her his new cell phone number. He wants her to call him right away if she hears from the transplant organization and sends her a big kiss. "Hey, think about the kid thing…you know I'm up for it!" She laughs him off again.

The next day, Lucrezia Borgia and Maripaz march into the bank accompanied by ominous music.

Judith gets chewed out by her mom for lying about who she was at dinner with the other night. "Who told you?" Girl! In this town…doesn't she know that everyone knows everything? Judith refuses to tell her mother who it is and says she should just content herself with knowing he's a decent hardworking guy, not like all those society "juniors" who are living off of their daddy's money (in other words, Saul?). Esther insists that means he's some good-for-nothing looking to use Judith's position to climb the social ladder. So now she spills that he's Camilo Galvan, Ivan's friend. That's not much of a recommendation to Esther, who says Ivan's just a low-class nobody, raised among servants. She forbids Judith from seeing Camilo again. "I can see whoever I want to!" "Fine, then I'll tell your father!" "Fine, do whatever you want!" Judith stomps off to her room and Esther picks up the phone to call David at the office. She tells him they have a "terrible" problem and asks to see him. "Your sister is getting involved with some Camilo Galvan guy!"

David goes into Camilo's office to ask if he went out with Judith. Camilo is annoyed that the news has gotten to David already and he guesses Judith's mom is upset about it. David, on the other hand, would love to have Camilo for a brother-in-law. Unfortunately, Camilo informs him that he has no chemistry with Judith. He was just going out with her because he's in love with someone who will never return his love and he was trying out that "un clavo saca a otro clavo" thing (one nail gets another nail out; or, more crudely, the best way to get over someone is to get under someone else). He doesn't think it's working though. And even if it did and he did marry Judith, he doesn't think her family will ever accept him.

JJ is home early and having a tequila…just like the doc told him not to. He tells Esther that he deserves it since he was out at the ranch. He fills her in on his brilliant plan to make Camilo a member of the Ag Association board, bring all the stray ranchers back into the fold, and make peace with the McGuire's. He's even happy to hear that Camilo is going out with Judith. He reminds Esther that her dad was also new money and tells her the only thing that matters nowadays is power, not social class.

Antolín (wearing Johnny Cash's jacket) sits in the Curiels' living room listening to Lucrezia babble nervously about the blackmail payoff instructions. He graciously agrees to make the dropoff without charging them a fee *snort* and takes the garbage bags of cash. Lucrezia is sure he's going to steal it, especially because he didn't ask for a fee.

Antolín loads the cash into the Pimpmobile and drives off.

Lucrezia yells at Maripaz for trusting Antolín, but it's too late to do anything about it now. Lucrezia wants Maripaz to call him and see how it's going. *snort*

Antolín hangs out in his lair manually transferring all his cell phone contacts. He gets a call from Maripaz on the old phone and ignores it.

Maripaz and Lucrezia are freaked out. Lucrezia is sure he stole the money and the blackmailer will turn her in to the cops. Maripaz says if the blackmailer wanted to turn her in, he would have done it already, but what he wants is money, so if he has to wait, he'll wait for the house to be sold to get it. Besides, if Antolín did steal the money after all, she'll just ask Toni for money.

There are 0 contacts left in Antolín's old phone, but the picture of Maripaz after the accident is still there. He kisses the phone, calling it a lucky break, and smashes it with the heel of his boot. They show us a cell phone broken in bits, but I think it's a fake--he didn't seem to be getting anywhere with the stomping.

Lucia and Ivan talk about their wedding and where they'll live. Lucia would be happy to live with Ivan and Toni. She asks about her dad. Ivan says he hopes when everything is settled, he hopes Gerry won't come around much. He expects Alex to just start treating Gerry like a grandparent eventually and only visiting him very rarely and for short visits. Ouch. What a bonehead!

Lucrezia tells Carlota that a "friend" dropped off the money for them. She acts like she trusts him, at least to Carlota.

Antolín comes back and tells Maripaz it's all settled.

Lucrezia says her goodbyes to Carlota and says she'll call her tomorrow. Antolín shows her the smashed up phone. Lucrezia has to act like she's grateful and willing to consider Antolín a friend. Once he leaves, Maripaz crushes her in a hug, but Lucrezia is pissed off that they've lost their house because of her drunken ways. In the heat of the moment Maripaz promises she won't go out to clubs and drink anymore and she'll stay home and she'll call David tomorrow and have him take the car. Riiiiiiight. Lucrezia storms off when Maripaz whines that Lucrezia will lend her the car occasionally, right? Right?

JJ tells Judith he knows about her and Camilo. He tells her Camilo seems like a good guy, who might be a nobody, but at least he's got land. Esther still doesn't like it and JJ says "Who asked your opinion?" Saul doesn't like the idea either. Judith now downplays things and says all they did was have coffee--it's not like he asked her to marry him. JJ lays down the law--marriage is an alliance between families. Saul was supposed to marry Lucia to get at the Curiel lands and he failed; David couldn't hold on to Maripaz; but Camilo found 2 wells and that's more than Saul has ever done. So Judith gets sold off to the highest bidder, or the only guy in the room with a paddle who's not even raising it, as the case may be.

Alex and Ivan have a swimming lesson, with Lucia looking on. Lucia joins them in the pool.

Lucrezia tells Carlota everything is settled and Antolín even got the cell phone back. She's still miffed about what it cost them. Carlota says that "los bienes son para remediar los males" ("goods" are for remedying "bads"). Lucrezia says the house isn't worth much, but we don't hear the amount. Carlota says what matters is they got out of their jam. Lucrezia complains that what's leftover will end up going towards fixing up the ranch house. She's also pissed off that now Maripaz is happy and acting like nothing has happened. She begs Carlota to come back because she needs her.

Carlota tells Toni she wants to go back tomorrow. She says she loves being there, but she misses home. She offers to go home alone, but Toni has a strict "no vacationer left behind" policy.

Maripaz whines to be allowed to go out and have a *cough* soft drink *cough* with Saul. Precisely because it's Saul, Lucrezia doesn't think it's a good idea. Maripaz begs, saying she's been locked up for days and it's only dinner. Lucrezia says if Saul doesn't keep an eye on her like he should, she'll rat him out to his dad and if Maripaz comes back smelling like booze then she's grounded again.

The shady lawyer says that Maripaz does indeed have preference when it comes to having custody awarded. They can avoid having Gerry thrown in jail by just having him and Maripaz both say that Maripaz asked him to take the baby so that he wouldn’t get put in an orphanage. Maripaz claims the baby's father "abandoned" her and fled the country to avoid being locked up for murder. She admits he's back now as the adopted son of Anthony McGuire and will probably fight for custody. The lawyer is a little concerned, but says that it will benefit all of them to settle things quietly. He knows a judge who was a close personal friend of Teodoro's, and he assumes the guy will be willing to help them out.

Alex, Ivan, and Lucia hang out by the pool. Alex doesn't want to go home. Ivan offers to enroll Alex in swim lessons back in Alamos. Alex is thrilled with the idea.

Saul figures Gerry will go along with the plot to avoid being put in jail. He reminds Maripaz that this is all about separating Lucia from Ivan and getting her the income of a queen, like she deserves. He tells Maripaz that she's just got to scare Gerry with the idea of jail.

Carolina isn't in the mood for lunch, but Gerry insists she has to eat, especially now when she's waiting for a transplant. She's alarmed to hear Maripaz's voice. Maripaz says she just stopped by for a minute and it will be quick. "I already know you have my son. That kid who lives with you is the one I had with Ivan ten years ago, that someone supposedly kidnapped." Talk about ripping off the BandAid! I think she got a layer of skin too!

Tomorrow: let's get ready to custody rumble :(

Labels: Fuerza

I grew weary of commenting on all the anvils lining up tonight so I decided to put them in the title and leave it at that.


We review last nights hugs and Fina’s evil mug.


Adri and Matias check into their room. She’s trying to work out the sleeping arrangements (me in the bed and you in the chair) and he’s in a sharing mood (why don’t we both sleep in the bed?). She admits she wants to make love with him but not yet; she wants their relationship to mature a bit. He says if his princess wants to wait then they’ll wait. I’m starting to like this guy again. There is another scene of compliments, kisses and Adri even tears up a little with all the “te amos”. Matias goes off to take a shower, a cold one I imagine. On the bed Adri gushes at how perfect it all is.

Isidro tells Inez that although getting the Guadalajara offer was a flattery (halago) he has everything he needs in the DF and if Inez wants to stay there then he will remain with her and Andresito. Whoa, are all the guys getting over their grumpy sickness? Maybe the women are getting over their stupid virus too.

Renata revels in Jero’s spoonage and thought bubbles she doesn’t know what she’s going to do, or he either, but the only thing she does know is she doesn’t want to be separated from him, ever.

Matis sleeps uncomfortably in a couple of wicker chairs while Adri takes up the whole big bed. A fire alarm goes off which frightens her. Matias wakes, pronounces it a false alarm, and suggests he and Adri watch a movie together to calm down. He jumps into bed with her and snuggles down as the program starts. Isn’t he the sneaky one?

We get a beautiful shot of San Felipe Lighthouse in the morning, then cut to Adri and Matias, sound asleep in what appears to be an innocent clinch.

Adri gets her 7:00 wake-up call wishing Señora Monterrubio and her husband a great day. She whispers this tidbit of info in his sleepy ear which makes her giggle and him a little randy.

Over in the DF Adri’s best friend has also enjoyed playing missus, but now Renata says she’s got lots to do and has to leave. Jero wants her to stay, he’ll cook her a yummy breakfast. She insists on leaving but not before laying a huge passionate kiss on him. “Do you love me?” he asks. “With all my heart,” she vows.

Regina admires her wedding dress in the morning light. A shadow falls on her, figuratively, and that shadow is Berta. She throws some cold water on ‘mommy’ by asking if it was the dress she was going to use to marry Antonio? Uh...no. Regina wants Berta to help her look for an apartment; she’s got to sell the house in order to pay back Jero. Natually Berta thinks it’s fine to freeload for a while and postpone payback but Gina wants to pay Jero back ASAP. It sounds like Gonzo is also having money problems while EM gets back on its feet. Regina tells Berta her inheritance is not available until she’s 25 but the money is all hers and she can spend it as she likes, for now all she can give Berta is all her love. Berta makes the eye-rolling ugly face behind Gina’s back. OK Berta, it’s comparison time. Make a list if you have to. Start with - Fina: Wants all the money including mine. Regina: Doesn’t want a cent of what she believes is my money.

Hons and Gonz are also discussing finances. Hons insists Gonzo doesn’t owe Malafina anything at this point. She’s a fugitive from justice (profuga de justicia) for pete’s sake and she deserves NADA! Even though Gonzo keeps his promises he should break this one and not give Fina his house. In a few days his house will be available and he and Gina should move into it and redecorate to get rid of Fina’s bad vibes (mala vibra). Gonzo will suggest it to Regina but when they are able to they will get their own place. Gonzo says that his princess Renata should ultimately get the house. Roberta will get her inheritance so Renata should get hers. (Ooooh Berta and Fina are gonna be so pissed!)

A convention-goer mistakes Adri for Matias’s wife and Matias doesn’t correct him. (The guy also shamelessly checks out Adri’s shapely behind!) She’s a little annoyed that Matias didn’t bother to correct the guy but Mat thinks it’s fun if people think they are married. Adri claims it’s a lie but Matias says it’s an honor for him that anyone thinks she is his wife.

Gina aks her BFFs Coni and Inez to help with her wedding. Inez announces she’s not moving to Guadalajara after all, squealing hugs all around. Regina offers to let Inez use the Regina’s Hope facilities for Inez’s new foundation. It’s love fest time.

Malafina is in a different wig. I liked her last one better. Berta meets her in a cafe and they pretend not to know each other while having a covert confab. Berta needs money. If Fina wants the info she asked for then she’ll have to pay for it. Fina suggests Berta ask her new mama for money. Berta reminds her Gina doesn’t have any money left and Daddy doesn’t either at the moment. Berta adds that Fina told Berta without her (Fina) Berta would have nothing, but she doesn’t have anything now. She threatens that she could scream right now, turn Fina in and she wouldn’t lose a thing because she has nothing to lose. She’s learned from mommy dearest and says the pupil has surpassed the teacher. Fina’s scary evil face says she thinks otherwise.

Jero runs into a smug Augustin at the airport. Jero says ‘his woman’ will be along later. He warns Augi to say away from his woman, his people and his hacienda. There is another scene of chest-thumping and tie-measuring and Jero, confident Renata is on his team forever, confidently stalks off. Augi thought bubbles they will see who laughs last. When Jero finds out he is Marina’s baby-daddy Augi will use it to get Renata to return to him, bwahahahaha!!

Matias gives a boring speech about how EM maintained clients and business during their recent hardship, yawn. His pride is infections, however, and he is well-received by the audience. The lech (Sr. Ibarolla?) from earlier says he’ll look Matias up in the DF which seems to please both Matias and Adri. They go off to enjoy paradise.

Marina arrives at work and she has a visitor. She is impactada when Renata walks through the door and asks, “Is it true you are expecting Jeronimo’s baby?” “How did you find out?” “It’s true then.”

Maritata confirms it and Nata reveals that Augi spilled the beans. Maritata admits she was not planning to say anything to Jero because the baby was not planned. Nata and Marina are amazingly mature. Most telenovela characters would be screaming at and threatening each other. Nata comments that Jero has a right to know, doesn’t he? Mari asks Nata what would she do in her place? Would she want a man to be with her out of a sense of duty and not love? Because that’s what might happen if Jero knows. Marina tells Nata the one that Jero loves is Renata. Mari doesn’t want her baby to grow up with a father who is with them out of obligation only. It would have been easy to blackmail Jero into a relationship but that’s not her style. “Renata, the one Jero wants to spend his life with is you, not me.” Brava Doctora! These two are definitely over the stupid virus...for now.

Now we have an uncomfortable conversation where Lazaro pleads with Kari not to leave town. She sadly tells him he doesn’t love her and gives her ring back. All of a sudden they are interrupted by Alfonsina staggering into the room. She’s scared because the baby’s on the way!

Marina hopes that Nata won’t say anything to Jero either. Nata says her relationship with Jero has had many obstacles. Mari admits that her relationship with Jero was very crowded because Renata was always there between them. Nata apologizes sincerely and Mari insists Jero doesn’t have to know her secret.

Over at La Bonita Manuela, Herminia and Matilde gossip about Jero and Renata, Jero and Marina, Renata and Augi, and Laz and Kari. Manuela pronounces that Jero and Renata are meant for each other, and instead of grumbling (rezongona) Mati should thank God that Cupid is back in the house.

Now we get an unplugged concert in two different keys superimposed on Renata. Wait a minute, the guitarist is actually on the beach behind her. She recalls happy times with Jero and thought bubbles she doesn’t want to tell Jero about Marina and renounce the most marvelous thing in her life. Your recapper gets a break during Renata’s many flashbacks. “Oh my God what should I do?” she weeps. More flashbacks, crack open a beer for myself, cry with Renata.

Jero, oblivious to her torment, happily arrives home and hugs everyone. Carlos wonders where Renata is and Mati asks “Who died?” Nobody, Renata just had stuff to do and will be there later. Mati hopes so because solo arrivals mean bad luck. Jero hugs Mati and tells her no bad luck, his relationship with Renata is a pure blessing.

Super Lazaro carries Alfonsina into the clinic and the nurse sends some kid out to get Marina, pronto!!

Manuela is busy slapping some masa silly when Renata arrives at La Bonita. Manuela is happy to have Renata there and thrilled that her love with Jero overcame all obstacles. Renata neither denies nor confirms.

Back at the beautiful Sea of Cortez Matias and Adri continue to play Mr. and Mrs. He says he doesn’t want anyone or anything to ruin their paradise. The camera pans up into the palm tree. Do anvils grow on palms?

Jero and Carlos visit the vineyard and discuss the future vintage of San Rafael wine. A lovely vision approaches, it’s Renata of the vineyard come to give Jero a kiss and a hug. She admits her outstanding business was with Marina. There is a secret she needs to discuss with him. It’s not about her (Renata) however (sin embargo) it affects her. Jero says now he’s getting worried. Renata doesn’t beat around the bush - “Marina is expecting your child.” And tonight's episode ends with about six different camera views of Jero's cara impactada.


Avances: Berta calls Augi to blab that Renata and Jero are practically on their honeymoon. She vows that this love story will be a short one.

Vocab:
halago = flattery
hay alumnos que superan al maestro = there are pupils that surpass the teacher
mala vibra = bad vibe
profuga de justicia = fugitive from justice
rezongona = grumbling, nagging
sin embargo = however, nevertheless

Labels: Cuando