Caray, Caray!

Rest of the Title: and SisterUgly Snuggles with Mr. ManOfa1000EvilPlots While We Learn That Reptiles Really Do Cry

Amigos, I am leaving for 9 days in Mexico on Thursday so I need someone to write a guest recap or at least post a discussion place holder next Monday (October 31). Is anyone interested and available? Thanks in advance.

Review: The La Bonita crew gathers hoping for the best for Regina and Gonzolo and feeling awful for Dona Renata. At TOHIMC, Matias cries behind the glass at his motionless Papa reliving the moments of their reunion after too many years apart because of Fina and now maybe they will be separated forever for her evil crimes. You have to fight for your life, Papa. Matias worries about Renata who needs her Papa so, EVEN Roberta is effected says Matias, as surprised as we are. Don’t leave me, Papa. I don’t mind that he cries so long, Gonzolo is worth it.

Fina makes her debut in the prison yard with cat calls from the gang who prepare her initiation.

Antonio talks with his superior at the seminary to confess that he needs to denounce Fina and didn‘t before he joined up for the pastoral life so he has many sins to repent. The Padre gives him permission to leave so he can take care of his guilt.

At the edge of the separated yard, Fina is lured by Blanca through the bars to join her in revenge, they have so much in common, the hatred of the Monterubbios and the vengeance to see them all destroyed. Blanca blames the idiot Daniel for landing her in jail. Fina laughs oh so you’re the one who committed fraud against the Monterubbios. Blanca says, I am in this insane asylum because they say I am crazy but I’ll show them. Fina turns up her nose at this point, it’s a bit like the first day at a new junior high school, if you are trying to fit in and establish your superiority. She doesn’t need anyone’s help.

Good old nunca se rinde, Inez encourages Regina, she will soon be as good as new. But, Regina is having problems carrying on with Gonzolo so sick. She can’t figure out and neither can Inez how this monster Fina tried to kill both Gonzolo and her, and poor Renata, how can she bear being the child of this monster. Regina begs for the truth about Gonzolo’s condition. Inez tells her truthfully that they are hoping for the best but no one knows yet.

Selene brings Chema home. He doesn’t understand what is happening to him. She assures him that the doctor will let him know when the test results are back. She sweetly says they are friends and he can count on her for anything he needs. She seems to have repented her former clingy and witchy ways. Alone when she leaves, Chema continues to not know what is happening to him.

The special handsome agent says that charges are moving along for keeping Fina in jail. Roberta interrupts, what is to happen to Fina? With concern in her voice, but then assures the uneasy family that she only wants her to never get out. They will know more after she is arraigned, but he points out that although Regina seems to be getting better, Fina’s charges could be a lot more serious if Gonzo does not make it. Even Roberta takes this news badly as Matias observed earlier.

Renata and Jero go to sob in front of the window to Gonzolo’s room. Papito, dear Papa, you have to survive, you have to be strong, sobs Renata still lovely in her wedding garb. You promised to be with me forever. I can’t do without you. You protected us and loved us as though we were you real daughters. You have to hold on. She smiles suddenly remembering the first time they met. The young Pepa/Fina introduces the cold as a fish Roberta and then gets a big smile and hug from the vivacious, young Regina, Jr. /Renata. Don’t leave me! You always called me your princess. She again remembers all the time he told her he wants her to feel like a princess, like when she was planning her modest wedding and he wanted her to pull out all the stops and get the most beautiful dress so she could be the most beautiful bride ever. He also says he tried not to prefer anyone over the other but always she was his favorite and his pet or spoiled one (consentido/a). Later, in her tears when her marriage first failed with Jero, he was there saying that with him, she would always be in her home and especially at home in his heart. NO matter what her mother said, he would always be there with love for her. Don’t leave me, she sobs. Jero is so supportive these days.

Not so supportive of anyone, our Dr. Nasty had accosted a young woman on the street, distracted by her cell phone conversation. He grabs her purse, pushes her in the flower planter and takes her wallet, discards her purse and runs off. Gee, he’s hungry!

Lazaro and Kari plan their wedding date again. He is happy if it is tomorrow. Nooooo, she wants to wait for Jero and Renata to get back and Gonzo to improve. He says they shouldn’t wait but go ahead with their plans. He squeels piggy like and sets her on a stool, then he kneels and repeats once again would you like to marry me? He still has the ring and puts it back on her finger, saying he wants her to be Senora Lopez. They seem to be the token happy pair tonight.

Marina again in more modest clothing that she wore the day Jero turned her away enters her office. She is remembering the loving scene with Jero there when she tended to his wounds from the fight with Augie. Saying all men are like little children. She sniffs, here I lived some of the most beautiful moments of my life. Baby you need to know that you are the fruit of my love for him. Of my biggest illusion. I love you father so. She hugs her baby belly and cries .

Dr. 1000Names does a little shopping that looks almost like shoplifting just before the shop closes saying he has money to pay. It’s almost hard to see him so down on is luck-NOT. Isn’t this town supposed to be really small, why doesn’t anyone seem to recognize him?

Jero and Matias discuss the irony that Renata is so destroyed by having to be the daughter of the bad mother and they both are amazed that Roberta is the daughter of the good one. Matias points out that it has only made Renata strong and brave (valiente). Just then Augie slips into the seat in the waiting room and sits close to Renata who looks in no mood to have to deal with him. He was too worried about her and her family to stay away, so HERE’s AUGIE. Only two people are going to be happy about his being here and he is number one.

I thank you Augustin, says Renata. Jero stands up in assertive fashion not saying much but why are you here. Augie says he is here inspite of Jero’s being with Renata now, he is a friend of the Monterrubios. Renata basically tells him thanks but we don’t need more people here in this waiting room. Matias seconds the motion, we are all here just waiting together. Augies seems surprised at he shut out.

Roberta comes in for a moment to look at the sleeping Regina but it is a Roberta moment: she bemoans, why doesn’t anyone love MEMEME (oops, my fingers did that). She hates that she has to share the world with Renata and remembers telling Fina, she is glad that she isn’t her (Renata’s real) mother but she hates sharing any blood with her like having the same father. Roberta goes out feeling more sorry for herself than when she walked in. Besides, with the sleeping Inez and the sleeping Regina, no one notices her sacrifice of coming into the room. Inez and Regina sleep peacefully through the whole tender 40 second sequence. She feels so alone, Boo. Hoo. She runs into Augie in the hall way who is being shunned too so they grin and sneak out together. She is so glad to see him, so he says with his devilish grin, follow me.

Matias and Adriana talk in the cafeteria about Chema’s condition which worries Adriana still just as sister of hit and split (thanks Lila, I owe you for this one). Matias rises to offer her a seat. She notices how cozy Adriana and Matias are but sits anyway.

Inez awakes and so does Regina just as Renata and Jero come in. No one knows where Roberta is. Renata thought she was coming in here. Regina and Inez didn’t see her, so may be not. They all shrug. Renata offers to stay to take care of Regina so Inez can get home to Panchito and she says, maybe I can occupy the place of Roberta for a little bit since she isn’t here. Regina heartily assures her she has her own full place in her heart.

S of H & S sees the bling ring and the couple hand holding and lovey. Adriana with full confidence of her place retires to take care of something and let the friends talk. Sis tells Matias she is sad because she had feelings for him but it is a blessing that he is with the person he loves who loves him. Yes, he agrees what a blessing. AMEN. Now let’s see if she wants to run a foul of Selene for another try at Chema.

Carlos finally sits his stuffy mother down to tell her he doesn’t want any more lessons for Matilde. Matilde is fresh and wonderful and just the woman he fell in love with, so she should quit trying to remake her. Mama insists that Matilde is loving this and learning so quickly, she will be a half decent person in no time with her excellent teaching. But, Basta. Carlos says Matilde is just being polite and humoring her and has no desire to become the society stiff that her mother-in-law to be is. If Momma would just try to see Matilde for the wonderful person she really is she would see why he loves her so. They hug in seeming reconciliation. Maybe Mama is seeing some kind of light, maybe not, we shall see. At least she makes peace with her loving son.

Dr. 1000 drinks about 3 double shots of tequila, the cheap stuff he demands, really quickly in a bar. I don’t like this little line of impending doom one bit but there you have it, our man of a 1000 names is free and heading out to spread the good news.

Maybe the next morning, Renata is folding a blanket, speaking with Regina and suddenly Antonio walks in, (quick flight from Madrid, right, or is he still in Mexico? Oh who cares?) Renata excuses herself to go for coffee so they can talk alone. Regina says, tell me Antonio. You and I have much to talk abouts.

At the prison of the south again, Fina brings her tray of food to a table and the GANG of three show up throwing a banana peel on top of her meal, telling her to move. She says calmly, I was told I cold sit where I like. You don’t seem to understand the rules and codes here. She better do what La Gansa (the goose) says. And who is that? asks the cool as ice Fina. The ringleader says, I am La Gansa. What we say goes and they throw her food to the floor. A sleepy looking guard looks slightly interested, but La Gansa says, we were just greeting the new person.

Back at Regina’s bedside, Antonio says he was so sad and ashamed when he left. Regina says, when Fina told me that you were her ally to betray Gonzolo and me, she couldn’t believe he would do anything. He is still the milktoast we sent off some episodes ago, when he says he and Fina wanted the same thing, to split her up from Gonzolo so he thought it was a good idea to join with the strong Fina.

Jero and Inez and Isidro come back and greet Renata in the waiting room. Jero asks, how is our Papa. Much the same, she sighs. I was just going to see him. Jero rises to go with her. Inez says she will care for Regina and Renata can go see papa and then should go home to rest to keep her strength up.

Antonio says he went along with fiendish Fina but then he found out she was trying to kill Gonzo and Regina the night of the masked ball he got her out of there. Regina realizes this is the second time Fina has tried to kill them both (actually the third for Regina) And then he tells of the scene with Doña Cata seeing them at the foot of the stairs, Fina points the gun at Cata, Antonio struggles with Fina while Cata clutches her heart then rolls down the stairs unconscious. They both leave the lifeless body and flee. He adds, that day, I stopped the death of Gonzolo but not of Doña Cata.

Inez and Isidro talk about the irony that Renata is more willing to care for Regina than the supposed real daughter Roberta . They both agree that Renata seems so much like Regina and Roberta seems so much like the evil Fina. Hmmmm.

Regina cries that her mother died of a heart attack and realizes Antonio did nothing to help her. Antonio with mealy mouth begs for her forgiveness, she cries and thinks it over. He’s lucky it wasn’t me lying there.

Renata is crying in front of the window to Gonzolo’s room with Jero and says she must go see her mother. She needs many explanations. He fears for her going there for the hurt Fina can inflict even with words. But Renata insists that she has to talk to her mother to tell her exactly what she has done here.

Next time: Lots of agony and truth. Fina looks spitefully at the loving Renata, Adriana hears bad news from Chema’s doctor. Life and death decisions are coming we are told and Roberta has popped back into Augie’s bed with plots a plenty to ruin the happiness of her sister and Jero. My sympathies Jules, bring a shovel and plenty of handkerchiefs again.

Labels: Cuando

MP’s lawyer calls her and tells her that if she’s to convince the judge that she actually gives a damn about her son, then she actually has to know something beyond his name. (Does she even know that?) MP stares at the person she most loves in the world, herself in double (in the mirror and at her photo plastered to the mirror), and says she understands.

Shirtless Ivan sighting! And he’s in a towel! Woohoo! He and Lucia chat about the tough day ahead meeting with the judge. Lucia intends to talk to Caro again.

In the fields of Ranch Socorro, the workers are in a panic. The plague/infestation (la plaga) of screw worms (gusano barrenador) has hit their crops. Camilo is ticked because it’s all Lucrezia’s fault for not heeding his warning and buying the organic insecticide. He introduces his mom and sister to his cute right-hand man Ezekiel. He’s obviously smitten with Carmen. Poor sap. Carmen and Celia have come to clean the ranch house in preparation for the Curiels’ arrival in a few weeks.

MP steps into the local jeweler’s to sell the jewels she stole from Carlota. Unfortunately for her, this is a small town. The jeweler recognizes the giant pearl necklace he sold to Teodoro for Carlota many years ago. He’s incredulous that Carlota would want to sell it. MP lies that Carly gave it to her as a wedding present and now that she’s divorced, she wants to sell it. And no, she doesn’t have the bill of sale/ownership (factura). Without it, the value will go down, but MP doesn’t care. She brings out another stunning piece to sell. (I really hope this guy gets on the phone with Carly immediately.)

Lucia returns to Casa Lomeli for round two with the Blind Bomber, Carolina. Alex greets her. He’s eager to go to his swim lessons, but is worried Caro won’t let him. Lucia says she’ll take care of it. She asks Rosa to keep Alex occupied while she talks with Caro.

Camilo calls Carly about the infestation. “Santo Dios!” She tells him to come immediately to get the money to buy the insecticide. Unfortunately, this part of the harvest is lost.

Lucia tells Caro that she’s taking Alex out, whether she likes it or not. Caro tells her this won’t last long, since MP will have custody soon. Lucia can’t believe what Caro is saying; she’s actually favoring MP! Caro stupidly says it’s because MP will come live with them, and they’ll continue to care for Alex. Lucia tries to pop her delusional bubble and tells her she doesn’t know MP and will regret it. Caro continues. Thanks to MP Gerry won’t go to jail. Lucia points out that the price is that Alex will be living in hell. Caro thinks this is exaggeration.

Ivan’s lawyer advises him to keep his cool during the custody hearing. (Fat chance! Ivan can barely keep his cool now.) Seems that no one, except those directly affected (Ivan and MP), will be allowed to testify. (That sounds pretty stupid to me. How about character witnesses? What about Alex himself?!) The lawyer reminds Ivan once again that mothers get priority. Tony thinks that even JJ or David would testify to the kind of person MP is. Nope. Given that MP was married to David, they are not considered impartial witnesses. Ivan feels that his hands are tied (marado). The only out the lawyer sees is if Ivan testifies about the attempt on his life ordered by Lucrezia, which drove him to the States.

MP and Carolina bargain. MP wants Caro to give her the info on Alex in case the judge asks. Caro first wants MP’s promise that she’ll move into the house with them (when she gets custody of Alex). MP rolls her eyes, and then promises. She even fakes a bit of concern when she sees Caro’s bandaged eyes are obviously hurting her. Caro starts feeding MP info about Alex’s personality, friends, school, likes, dislikes, etc.

In Casa Curiel, Carlota and Camilo are talking business as she writes a check. They break the news to Lucrezia that their lands have been hit with the pest/worm that he warned her about and advised her to purchase insecticide to avoid. It’s hit the corn in the north fields. Lucrezia seems to think that just because they’ve been lucky enough to never be infested in the past, that it’s somehow magical protection against any current or future infestations. Camilo leaves to find the organic insecticide that the McGuires require. Ever needing to get the last word in, Lucrezia yells at him to just buy the regular non-organic (and cheaper) stuff if he can’t find the organic kind. Carly tells her to butt out since she has no more say, thanks to her irresponsibility. The only reason she didn’t give Camilo money for the insecticide in the first place was out of pride and arrogance (soberbia y arogante), and because she thinks she knows better than anybody else. Lucrazy really can’t deny it. Once outside the Curiel gates, Camilo calls David to get the word out about the infestation to the rest of the ranchers, starting with JJ.

Esther answers David’s calls. His business is too urgent to chat. JJ reluctantly takes the call, and is mighty concerned when he hears the news. The Curiel north fields are near his land, after all. He calls the idiot Saul, who’s hanging with friends. JJ orders Saul to buy all the insecticide available. David, Ivan and Tony discuss the likely shortage of the organic insecticide in the area if everyone is going to be using it in earnest. They think they should order some online.

Saul runs into Camilo in Don Pancho’s store; Camilo has just asked for 10 gallons of the stuff. Saul tries to trump Camilo’s order, reminding Don Pancho that his daddy is the president of the Ag Association. He calls Camilo a Mr. Nobody (Don Nadie). Camilo doesn’t have the time or desire to argue with Saul about it, so he punches him in the gut instead. Don Pancho fills his order in record time.

Ivan and Lucia catch up on the day’s events regarding the custody case and the crisis at the ranch. Lucia is worried that this will prevent her family from paying the McGuires back on time. Ivan is not worried about it. Once they’re married, her family’s debts become his debts and he’ll take care of it. Lucia is not in agreement with this. IF she marries him, she doesn’t want it to be for gain/ulterior motives (interés). Ivan wants to know why she’s saying “if”, since he thought their getting married was a done deal. Lucia tries to get out of it by brushing it off as just a manner of speaking, but Ivan says they’re getting married, whatever the cost. She agrees with a total lack of enthusiasm.

JJ’s calling Saul an idiot since he wasn’t able to get his hands on the insecticide as instructed. Saul is saved from further verbal abuse when Tony calls JJ to inform him that more insecticide is on the way tomorrow.

Outside the judge’s chambers, Lucia hugs Ivan in support, and MP looks like the cat that ate the canary. The lawyers emerge and Ivan’s lawyer breaks the bad news that the judge won’t let Lucia or Carlota testify on Ivan’s behalf. MP is even more pleased. MP and Ivan are called into the chambers. Lucia looks so worried that Tony tells her it’s not the end of the world. She thinks, for Ivan, perhaps it will be.

Inside the chambers, Ivan’s lawyer makes the case that MP isn’t mother material, based on the kind of life she’s lived. Her lawyer makes the case that she was a free young woman (meaning this was normal), but she is now walking on the straight and narrow. She says she’s willing to move to her father’s house so that the child won’t suffer any trauma.

In Casa Curiel, Lucrezia has ants in her pants and is driving Carly crazy. Lucrazy is of course worried that the truth of her sending men to beat/kill Ivan may still come out. She accuses Carly of wanting to see her go to jail. Carly’s more concerned about what will happen to Alex. Lucrazy doesn’t give a damn about Alex! (Her own grandchild.) She only cares about herself. Carly tells her to sit down and shut up!

Ivan once again explains to the judge his desperate and confused emotional state when he left for the U.S. He does not mention the threat of jail due to his attack, but he does mention MP’s desire for an abortion and refusal to marry him. MP hotly denies it. Ivan asserts it. It’s he said vs. she said. Ivan starts getting agitated in the face of MP’s bold faced lies, and lets slip about being hospitalized when she left town with her family due to a beat-down he got on orders of… He catches himself, but the judge wants to know who ordered a beating on him. He says it was just someone he had a disagreement with. Now the judge is suspicious since this contradicts Ivan’s earlier statement that strangers beat him up to rob him. Ivan tries to explain that he’s just trying not to implicate people who have no involvement in this matter. He also claims to be nervous since the future of his son is at play here. Oh, the judge agrees, and it looks like he thinks that future is not with Ivan. MP gives the slightest of smiles.

Lucia paces outside the chambers and worries about how long it’s taking. David calls Tony to inform him the insecticide has arrived.

Inside the chambers, MP is giving an award worthy performance and Ivan continues to lose it. He points out that if she was so concerned about her son, she would have actually, you know, visited him from time to time. She cries and claims she just didn’t want to give away the fact that she was his mother, as she surely would have, being so emotionally attached to the little guy and all. Ivan calls bullsh!t. If she really cared so much about him, she would know SOMETHING about him. His likes and dislikes. MP is ready for this pop quiz and rattles off the stuff Caro told her. The judge is TOTALLY buying this. Ivan makes himself look worse by the second by going off on her and saying she must have gotten the info from her dad or Caro. He can bring a whole line of witnesses in here that would attest to the kind of lifestyle she was living. MP says that Ivan abused her and claims he seduced her with false promises when he came back. (That revenge scheme is not looking so good now, is it Ivan?) Then he dumped her and took up with her sister because he’s a bad person. (And you know she can get plenty of town gossips to testify to all that.) Ivan stupidly admits that he led her on, but says he didn’t make her any promises of marriage. And he only did to get the truth about his son, since she told him his son was dead a first. She denies it. She claims no one but she and her dad knew Alex’s true identity, and she didn’t tell Ivan in order to protect Alex and her father from being hurt by Ivan’s new found power and wealth. Ivan shouts that this isn’t true, and the judge shouts him down for it. (Can we end this torture now, please, because we know where this is going? Ugh!)

Carlota and Lucrezia talk about the move, which will happen in a month. Lucrezia goes off to the ranch to check on the infestation. Carly calls Gerry’s house and gets Caro. She wants Gerry to work on the renovations of the ranch house.

MP emerges from the judge’s chambers and smiles her creepy satisfied smile at Lucia and Tony. Ivan looks totally defeated. Lucia gives him a tearful hug. The lawyer breaks the news to Tony that the judge ruled in MP’s favor because Ivan couldn’t keep his cool, and wouldn’t rat out Lucrezia. Tony hugs Ivan and tells him he’s sorry. Lucia wants to testify, but as the girlfriend of Ivan, the judge would expect her to speak in his favor. Other family members aren’t looked on as reliable witnesses either. (WTF?! Isn’t this a family court case? Should family members’ opinions be taken into account? What about Alex? He’s not a baby! Why hasn’t the judge asked to speak with him?!) They head to Casa McGuire to get official documentation of Ivan’s financial status so that MP can get her play money (aka, child support). “We lost. We lost.” Ivan says sadly.

At the ranch, Lucrezia tries to put the blame on Ezekiel for not catching the infestation before it spread. (Someone needs to tell the workers that she doesn’t really have any power anymore.) She spots Celia emerging from the ranch house with a bag of garbage and wonders who she is. Instead of greeting the mother of her ranch partner, Lucrezia just demands to know when the cleaning of the house will be done. Celia nicely explains it will take a bit of time since the house was in such bad shape from being abandoned so long, and there’s been some damage due to humidity. Celia introduces Carmen, who politely answers Lucrezia’s rude questions about them being able to work in the house on a regular basis. Celia can’t, since she has her own house to take care of. Carmen’s available, but Lucrezia doesn’t want her to bring Lechita around.

David arrives looking for Camilo, since the insecticide has arrived. Lucrezia questions him rudely too and makes him explain why Camilo has first dibs on the insecticide, while his own father, the president of the Ag Association, has to wait. David explains that the ranchers who actually signed a contract with the McGuires logically get first consideration. She calls him a traitor and a coward, but he walks off leaving her in the middle of her rant. Celia explains that David is just doing his job. Lucrezia tells her to mind her business and that she won’t be needing their services after all. Celia, who was only doing her son a favor anyway, happily leaves Lucrazy with her garbage. Lucrazy remembers that Antolin is a member of the Galvan family and decides to play nice and apologize for her behavior. She asks Celia to stay and then leaves to find Camilo. Carmen thinks Lucrazy is, well, crazy.

Ivan and Lucia look like they’re at a funeral. Carly’s waiting for Tony in his office, so he goes in to see her while Ivan and Lucia hug. Tony tells Carly the news, and they hug too.

Lucrazy for some reason thinks she has a right to scold David and Camilo for not getting insecticide to JJ first, even though he did NOT sign a contract with the McGuires. She insults David again and says that’s why MP divorced him. Camilo sets her straight about the kind of person her daughter is, while actually avoiding directly calling her a whore. But he does point out that his brother Antolin knows plenty of things about her (like a hit and run murder). He gets back to talking about work matters. JJ will have access to the insecticide when the next shipment comes in. Camilo has every right to make this decision as the general manager of Empresas McGuire. (Why are they even wasting their breath arguing with this crazy woman?) And the only reason why the Curiel lands will be spared is thanks to Carly and not Lucrazy. Camilo walks off before he can hear more of Lucrazy’s insults. She threatens to call David’s daddy to tell on him. He tells her to go ahead and do it. He leaves too.

Lucrazy calls JJ and tattles on Camilo and David. (Get a life already woman!) JJ thinks Camilo is putting on airs just because he’s dating his daughter. Lucrazy is once again scandalized by the thought of a society girl dating the son of a servant! JJ doesn’t have time for this right now. He’s ticked that Tony is screwing him (jugando chueco/playing crooked).

Lucia and Carly hug and cry about the custody situation. Carly thinks about speaking to the judge since he was good friends with Teodoro. Lucia encourages her to do it and tries to cheer Ivan on. Ivan looks shell shocked.

JJ calls Tony to whine about not getting first dibs on the insecticide. Tony explains that more is coming tomorrow. JJ thinks it might be too late, and that the most important/largest ranches should have consideration. Tony thinks the little guys need just as much consideration. Tony tells him he’s got important family stuff to attend to, since the judge ruled in MP’s favor. JJ points out that they should have listened to him and paid off the judge. “That’s not our style.”

Ivan’s lawyer is impressed with the money Ivan is pulling in, and the fact that he will inherit all of Tony’s assets and businesses. He thinks they can use money to try to make a deal with MP one last time. Tony’s game.

A while later in a restaurant, Ivan’s lawyer meets with MP and her lawyer. She’s so happy to hear Ivan is rolling in the dough, that she orders another double whiskey. Her lawyer gives her the side eye. She starts to make her demands: big house, servants, pool, Jacuzzi, fine furniture, etc. Ivan’s lawyer doesn’t think that the child will need a Jacuzzi, but MP says SHE will. He lawyer tries to explain that what they’re bargaining for are things for the well-being of the child. She says she also has rights since Ivan ruined her life. Ivan’s lawyer points out that she’s already getting money from her ex-husband. Her lawyer tries to draw her focus back to her child and the things he’ll need like schooling, clothes, and food. MP sucks on her drink and doesn’t seem to be listening. She continues her demands. She wants two chauffeured cars—one for her and one for the kid. Her lawyer tries to rein her in, but Ivan’s lawyer says she can have all she wants, and more, IF she gives up custody of Alex. She says, “NEVER! Ivan knows what I really want.” She wants the judge to keep Ivan away from Alex.

Carly goes to see the judge, who greets her kindly. He thinks she’s coming to thank him for helping MP out. She tells him he made a mistake since MP is the least qualified to take care of Alex. The judge points to Ivan’s bad attitude, but Carly lays it out for him. MP is unfeeling, bad, and a drunk! The judge is open-mouthed impactado.

Ivan’s lawyer reports the failure to negotiate with MP. What she wants is to marry Ivan. The lawyer says she’s totally nuts.

Judge Porfirio thinks Carly is just exaggerating things. She assures him she is not, and wanted to testify during the proceedings. He gives her his lame excuse about not having family members testify in these cases. They are usually on one side or the other. (What’s the problem if one side is just plain old wrong?) He’s had over 30 years of experience, and he has NEVER been mistaken. (Get over yourself judge.) Carly lays into him and calls him arrogant, but she thought he was an honest (recto) man. He emphatically says he is. Carly doesn’t doubt it, but he’s letting his pride and arrogance get in the way of admitting he made a mistake. He’s used to family members coming to him trying to get him to favor one side or the other, he says. What would happen to his reputation if people found out he made a ruling to favor her? “Who the HELL cares about your reputation!” (LOL!) The judge's mouth is so wide open, I think a few flies made a home in it. “The happiness of a child is at stake here.”

Carly wants the judge to be man enough to fix his mistake. And she’s not just being motivated by family ties, but by good judgment. She knows her granddaughter MP. She knows she’s a promiscuous bad seed. Only her other granddaughter Lucia is worthy. All the rest of the Curiels, including her daughter and herself, have skeletons in their closets (cola que nos pise/a tail that follow us). Judge Porfirio thinks that she’s just favoring the granddaughter who’s engaged to Ivan over the other. Carly wonders if he thinks she’s stupid, or what? But he once again points to emotions influencing people’s judgment. As a judge, he’s got to stay completely impartial. “This time you’ve made a mistake Porfirio. You’ve ruined the life of a child and his father. And of Lucia too, since she adores that child.” She brings up honoring Teodoro’s memory and then drops the bomb on the judge. Ivan is Teodoro’s true and only grandchild! He’s really impactado this time.

Avances: Antolin is hopping mad in Casa Mondragon. He tells JJ, in front of Judith, that Saul knocked up his sister and he wants justice! MP rudely interrupts Alex’s swim lesson to assert her parental rights over Ivan. Ivan and Lucia take off with Alex, much to MP’s displeasure.

Labels: Fuerza

• Pancho tries to find out what went on between Veence and Rebeca - he tells Rebe she deserves better than a married man. She doesn't appreciate the advice.
  
• Pina and Veence are utterly hysterical over their "daughter" - their pampered Pomeranian revealed her inner nature, she slipped out to enjoy a dalliance with the naco next door, Temo's mutt.
  
  Pina and Chela insult each other's dogs for being promiscuous. (Popeye says, "That enojon (really mad guy) is my suegro (father-in-law)?" Word of the day, gentuza = "riff-raff." Pancho and Vince declare war!
  
  Vince and Pina tell the vet Popeye raped Abeja, but the vet says, looks to me like it was mutual. They can't tell for a few days if she's pregnant but the vet's guess is "yes." Screams of misery from Vince and Pina - it's a National Tragedy!
  
• Pepe and Tomás drool over Fernanda's cars and are happy they can finally go for a spin in a luxury car without sneaking it out of somebody's garage. Pepe almost hits Monica's car! After Monica calls him naco a few times, Pepe references El Perruris
  

  Nacolandia is where nacos originate. Of course, Nacolandia is not exactly a real place like Disneylandia (Disneyland). Nacolandia is a made up place by famous Mexican comedian Luis de Alba.
  
  De Alba created a character called, El Pirruris, who is supposedly the son of a wealthy and influential Mexican. Pirruris talks and acts like the children of the upper-class of Mexico (Fresas). On his show, El Pirruris shares his expertise in nacologia, the study of nacos. Nacos according to the Wikipedia, are "people with illusions of grandeur, airs of importance, bad taste and colorful slang". (Urban Dictionary

  Despite seeing Monica kissing Freddy (who looks about 35 years old to me), despite her telling him again and again she wouldn't want him if he were the last guy on the planet, Pepe is confident: "This doll will fall." Freddy sees Pepe wheedling Monica. Pepe sees Freddy and Monica smooching in the fancy car. He is still not discouraged!
  
• Pancho yells at Candy as she's leaving late at night (to go to her yoga class she says). He wants to forbid her leaving, but she's a grownup and will do as she pleases.
  
  Chela tells him to let her go and says: don't argue in front of the kids. Later, when Candy shows Chela her nice new leather corset, Chela asks: "What if the kids knew what you do!?" Candy wants Chela to come to Paraiso and see the way Vince drools over her.
  
• Pancho tries hard to josh Chela out of her jealous fit, telling her how much the family needs her and how much he cares about her. Then he cheers her up by asking for a foot massage and then asking her to sing. He thinks she should sing for a living.
  
• Temo has one of those fake stomach-aches, he doesn't want to go to school, all Pancho's kids tell him they get treated like dogs at school, or like extra-terrestrials, or as if they're from "some lower category."
  
• Rebe says Pancho can't wear tennis shoes to work any more. She takes him shopping, it's a flirty "Pretty Women" outing, he gets nice clothes and a haircut. He muses over the number of kids who could be fed with the money that just got spent on his clothes.
  
  For some reason, Rebeca won't let him take the clothes home. She says she will take them to her place and that he must come to her place that evening! He is surprised.

Tomorrow: Vince will show up at Rebeca's apartment and see Pancho standing in his striped boxer shorts in the middle of the living room.

Labels: familia

Rebeca tells Pancho that some of Avon's products are made in China, and they're looking into increasing this. (ALERT! ALERT! PLOT POINT ESTABLISHED!) She explains that they'll conduct this business in English, not Chinese. Pancho demonstrates the English vocabulary he's mastered: "between, between, and drink a sit." I only know what he's saying thanks to the captions, but it's a joke: in Spanish, entre, entre, y tome asiento means "come in, come in, and take a seat," but entre also means "between," tome also means "drink," and asiento also means "sit." (Now do you see why we don't translate all of the jokes? That was exhausting!)

After school, Lupita turns down Alex's offer of a ride home. (Pepe, who is standing next to her, is not invited.) Lupita goes to the Casa Popular. The little kids swarm excitedly around her, leaving their other babysitter, Elena, in the dust. Apparently the plan is for Chela to come over every morning to make them breakfast, and Lupita to come by each day after school. Tomás wants to talk, but she tells him to get lost.

Chacho, Nico, Elena, and Tomas come to the mansion for dinner. Chela gives Tomás the cold shoulder. Nico immediately begins flirting with the younger maid, Gregoria (Goy[it]a). Then the other maid, Jesusa (Chuch[it]a).

Yes, each has three names. In fact, most of these characters have multiple names. Pancho is Francisco, Chela is Graciela, Pepe is José, etc. If you add Pancho's nicknames for everyone, it gets even more complicated. Celeste, the main receptionist at Avon, has accumulated numerous astronomy-themed monikers thanks to Pancho.

In the kitchen, Chucha tells Goya that she really, really likes Nico. I like him too, but maybe that's because he reminds me of a certain fast-food mascot. Must be his hair. Anyway, it looks as though Goya likes him too, but before they can fight about it, Tomás interrupts to introduce himself as Lupita's novio and ask where her room is so he can surprise her. Lupita is thinking about Alex in her room when Tomás walks right in. She is indignant. Then he kisses her, and she slaps him and says she's not one of those girls like Betty that he can use and throw away.

The salad is ready. Nico continues to flirt with the staff. Pancho hollers for the kids to come down for dinner. Chacho asks how it's going with Rebeca. He's a bit crude about it. Chela grumps. Candy shows up to say goodbye; she's supposedly going out with friends. The rest of the family shows up and they eat. Tomás chews moodily at Lupita.

While the greengrocer's family enjoys a wholesome salad, Vince and Enzo consume alcohol and tobacco at Vince's house. Enzo is urging Vince to "practice." Vince doesn't want to do it. He doesn't act and he doesn't like actors. (They are obviously referring to Enzo's not-yet-fully-revealed strategy for Vince to make friends with Pancho.) Enzo mentions how excited Vince was about Catgirl. Vince shushes him. "Are there microphones here too?" Enzo asks (he and Vince think their offices are bugged). "Worse - Pina!"

After dinner, Tomás asks to talk to Lupita in the garden. Ana puts Temo to bed. The rest of them discuss the hazards of Pancho's new neighbors/coworkers. Pancho says Rebeca told him to be careful. (Chela sulks again at R's name.) Pancho isn't used to distrusting people. Chacho advises him to refuse anything Vince offers him: food, coffee, etc. Pancho tells them not to worry so much about him. He doesn't want to live in such a fearful and calculating way. Chacho says he'll have to be defensive.

Tomás tells Lupita he's going crazy, and he's really sorry. He begs on his knees. She tells him to stop being so dramatic. He seems sincere and I even feel sorry for him, until he claims that the thing with Betty was the first and last time. (Liar, we saw him with her at least once before.) She admits that she misses him. He kisses her.

Enzo still wants Vince to "practice." Enzo offers to be Pancho. He does an uncannily accurate impression. "You're disgusting," Vince complains. Fake-Pancho invites Vince over for dinner. Enzo makes Vince repeat his greeting several times and gives him tips on how to make small talk. (All of this advice adds up to exactly the way any civil person might greet and make small talk with any other person.) Next, Enzo says Vince must invite Pancho over for a cookout. Vince is mortified and asks how his wife could possibly eat with that "tribe." (He slams his drink down on the bar so hard that it splashes all the way up to his face. Somehow, the glass doesn't break. Impressive!)

Confusingly, Candy hasn't left yet. Chela begs her not to go back to the massage parlor, Paraíso. Candy says she spoke to her boss, but now that Catgirl is in such great demand, there's even less chance she'll get out of her contract. Chela says she's sick of contracts. And she's afraid. Candy assures her, "Nothing will happen. I'm not the same." "Of course not - that thing that happened was horrible!" Candy says it won't happen to her. Chela also warns that Pancho won't be happy if he finds out. "And if he knew about Irabién..." Candy adds.

Lupita accepts a bracelet from Tomás and forgives him, but says she's going to test him. She'll only let him conquer her one step at a time. No kissing! (How many steps between bracelet and first base?)

Next morning, Chela is already making breakfast and Pancho has already gone to the market when Chucha and Goya get to the kitchen. They say they're supposed to get up before everyone else. They're nervous about Chela's wish to change the curtains, because Fernanda picked them out.

Pancho and Gonzalo return from the market with big sacks of carrots and onions. Gonzo wants to quit because Pancho always drives the truck. (Excuse me, La Burra.) He doesn't think he's needed. Pancho says he still needs Gonzo to take the kids to school. Gonzo un-quits.

Vince is watching CandyTV on the monitor. "Isn't she lovely, Abeja?" Abeja runs away, whining, and doesn't come back when he calls her. Pina does, though, and she's mad. Like he didn't learn his lesson with Rebeca, now he's going around with the greengrocer's sister. Vicente denies that he's fooling around with anyone.

Back in Pancho's kitchen, they comment on the noise from Ana's band, which is playing the Pancho Lopez song over and over and over and over. Chela objects to their playing so loudly at 6 in the morning. Ana asks if they'd like her to do Lady Gaga songs instead.

Chela tells Pancho she wants to read the Avon contract.

Candy screams for Goya. She wishes they had a bell. Chucha explains that they have an intercom in every room so that someone in one room can be heard in any or every room. (PLOT POINT ESTABLISHED!)

Candy wants Gonzo to drive her to a boutique after he takes the kids to school. Temo is upset because he can't find Popeye. Chela promises he'll be fine.

Popeye hasn't gone far. He's doing some tricks to impress Abeja. It's working. Chela finds him. Pina collects her own dog. Chela tries to be friendly with her, but Pina bites her head off, says Abeja is delicate and dainty and pedigreed and mustn't mix with the fleabitten likes of Popeye and his masters! Chela objects, but Pina holds her nose and stalks off. "You don't have fleas!" Chela tells Popeye. "Or do you?"

Pancho is watering the landscaping. Vince puts all of his new skills to use to invite Pancho and his lovely family over for a cookout. Pancho remembers Chacho's advice not to accept anything from Vince and says he'd really like to, but he's having a terrible problem with gas. Vince says okay, then, when you're feeling better.

Pina scolds Adoración for letting the dog loose. Who knows what would have happened if she'd arrived just a moment later. She probably has fleas now, too. Sure she has a right to flirt with someone, but with a dog of her own "level." Pina puts Ado up to gossiping with the neighbors' maids to find out what Pancho's peeps are up to.

In the lunchroom at school, Mónica confesses to Freddy that she had coffee with José to get him to help get her father's job back. She doesn't want Freddy to be angry. On the contrary, he thinks she was heroic. They are rubbing noses. At another table, Ana babbles about her band until she realizes that Pepe is paying no attention. He's looking at Mo. Ana thinks Freddy is guapo.

Alex wants to walk Lupita to class. Tomás calls, waiting for her to come back from school. "I love you mucho too, Tomás," she says. Alex is disappointed. "So what Elena said wasn't just a story, you went back to him." He leaves.

In the Avon lobby, Pancho catches Celeste reading a gossip magazine. Hahahaha! Vince and Rebeca arrive. Vince and Pancho have yet another conversation about Vince's name. I have a briefcase just like Vince's. Pancho asks Rebeca for a stock market report. The market is low and unstable. Pancho and Vince debate which of them should get on the elevator first. They chatter pointlessly on the ride up. Then they debate which of them should get out first.

Gonzo drops Lupita off at the Casa Popular. Chela is tired. It's such a long way, going back and forth between the house and the CP. (It must be sooooo exhausting to ride in a limousine.) Grump, grump. And Lupita liked her old school better. Grump grump. Tomás gives Lupita a giant lollipop, but he doesn't get a kiss. She loves him, but he'll have to earn every kiss now.

Vince gropes Rebeca's face and bids her a dramatic goodbye before going into his office. "He likes you, doesn't he?" Pancho asks. Rebeca says there's nothing between them, but he thinks he's touched a nerve. He says she deserves better than a married man. "Sorry if I offended you," he adds.

Next time:
The pressure rises. Rebeca visits; Chela grumps. Vince declares war on Pancho.

Labels: familia

Labels: Fuerza

Amigos, we're in for tears aplenty tonight as two principal character fight for their lives. Anti-depressants might be necessary.

Renata, Roberta, and Matias lean on each other for strength as Gonzo and Regina are wheeled into the hospital.

Matilde practices walking in heels; she looks lovely in a red suit and no headband!! Carlos's Madre teaches her how to balance a book on her head for posture. Carlos and Lazaro peer around the corner and marvel at Mati's patience.

Constanza and Adriana run into Selena at the hospital. They explain what happened to Gonzo and Regi and Sele tells them about Chema's latest fainting spell.

In a scene straight out of Grey's Anatomy, the doctors are hard at work performing surgery on the newlyweds, who hopefully won't end up newlydeads. (I'm so sorry, I couldn't resist. I have a horribly morbid sense of humor this time of year.)

Chema awakes to find Selene waiting by his bedside. He's dizzy, confused, and agitated. Out in the waiting room, the Monterrubios are all on the edge of a nervous breakdown now that they have someone else to worry about.

Fina the Nun gets dragged, kicking and screaming, into the police station. She swears that she won't be locked up for long.

Carlos's Mama gives Matilde more lessons in having "class", which is an irony that Mama Mierda will never understand. Carlos interrupts the lessons to assure Mati that she was always good enough to be his wife. She doesn't have to change for him. Where can I get a gift-wrapped Carlos of my own, hmm?

The Monterrubios stew over how Fina could have pulled off such a nasty scheme. Nata cries to Jero that her mother is a murderer who hurts everyone she comes across. Jero guarantees Nata that she will be protected from Fina in the future. Matias writhes in anguish and vows to pull an Inigo Montoya if Gonzo dies because of Fina. (My name is Matias Monterrubio, you killed my father, prepare to die!)

The doctors deliver good news about Regina; they removed the bullet and it missed her vital organs. She will recover favorably. All the more proof that Regi has nine lives. Everyone breathes a sigh of relief. However, the news about Gonzo is much more grim. They don't expect Gonzo to pull through and the Monterrubios are told to prepare themselves for a fatal outcome. There's not a dry eye in the house.

Nata gets in the doctor's face and refuses to accept the diagnosis. Jero tells the doctors to spare no expense in doing whatever they can to save Gonzo. The doctors promise to let everyone see Gonzo once it is safe for them to do so. The Monterrubios and friends are left to cry, pray, and hope for the best. Berta silently curses Fina for killing her Papa. A nurse interrupts because Regina is awake and wants to see Berta and Nata.

Chema's doctor pulls Selene aside and she gives him permission to do more tests to find out what's ailing Chema.

Lazaro has tea at Padre's place. He tells Padre that he and Karina are going to have a civil ceremony. Of course, Padre disapproves but Lazaro is not put off. He wishes that Padre would give them his blessing.

Fina seethes in her jail cell. She blames Jero for ruining her plans and vows to kill him just like she killed his brother Rafael. Her lawyer gives her a laundry list of all the charges against her: kidnapping, extortion, attempted murder of Connie, Regi, and Gonzo, and the murder of Rafael. Fina whines about being guilty until proven innocent and creepily stares into the camera.

A bunch of cops and detectives discuss Fina's case. They can't decide if Fina is nuttier than trail mix or a criminal mastermind. The press swarm Fina as she's led out of the station and into a police van.

Regina is glad to see Berta and Nata. She understands how lucky she was to survive but is desperate to know how Gonzo is doing. Nata gently tells Regi that Gonzo is fighting for his life. Regina cries that they might be lying to protect her; he could be dead already. Nata gives Regi her word that Gonzo is still alive and that Fina was detained. Berta strokes Regi's hair and thought-bubbles that she will never let Regi and Nata find out the truth. She refuses to be left alone and have to live with Fina as her mother.

Ines sobs about Regina's horrible luck and she and Isidro hope the courts throw the book at Fina. In the hospital chapel, Matias prays for his padre to be saved, Adri prays for both Gonzo and Chema, and Connie prays that Gonzo's life will be saved just as hers was.

Honorio and Jero try to figure out who could have told Fina the location of the wedding. Hon suspects that Berta gave Fina the information. She was Berta's accomplice her whole life. Jero can't believe that Berta would conspire to murder Regina, her own mother. Honorio hates to have to say such a thing but he has a hunch that it's true.

Gonzo lies in a hospital bed attached to a ventilator. After a flash of blinding white light, we see a sharply dressed Gonzo standing along a dirt road as a woman pulls up in a black car. It's his gorgeous first wife Melisa. She tells him it is time they take on a new path together. She opens the passenger side door for him but Gonzo hesitates. It isn't his time. His mission in life is not over, he still has things to do. He can't leave Matias, Regi, Nata, and the rest of his family. He tells Melisa to leave without him. She insists on taking him with her.

Before Gonzo makes a final decision, we fade back into the real world just as Gonzo's vital stats start dropping. The doctor snaps into action to try to save him.

The group in the chapel continues their prayers and do their best to shatter my heart in little pieces. Matias sobs that he can't lose his Papa like he lost his Madre. She died of a heart attack in his arms and there was nothing he could do and now he feels just as helpless as Gonzo fights for his life. Adriana sympathizes because of her own mother's death. Mat agonizes over Gonzo dying because of Fina.

Honorio gets news from the detective that Fina was moved from the police station to prison. Nata and Berta are unsettled but not surprised by the news. Nata tells Jero she understands the desire for revenge he once had because of Rafa's death. She runs outside for some alone time to process her emotions. Berta does the same in the women's restroom. "That murderer is my mother. I am the one who shares her blood, not you! And I hate her!"

The feds relieve Fina of her nun get-up, take her mugshot, and hose her down before granting her an indefinite stay at the Iron Bar Inn.

Antonio catches a glimpse of Fina on the nightly news and is sick to hear that she was arrested for shooting Regina and Gonzo.

Carlos assures Jero that everything will be taken care of at the hacienda. He gives Matilde and his Madre the bad news about what happened at the wedding.

Augie chugs a bottle of tequila alone in his bedroom. He also hears about Fina on the nightly news and listens with keen interest.

Nata and Berta have returned to the waiting room and they re-commune with Ines. Nata encourages Ines to visit Regi when Berta gets a call from Augie. She answers his questions without giving herself away. Berta thinks her whole family are a bunch of saps for having hope that Gonzo will live. Augie makes a sour face upon hearing that Nata is taking refuge in Jero's arms.

Everyone at the hacienda gathers in the living room and digests the news. Carlos's Madre bitches about why they should care about the Monterrubios and I'm just going to ignore her dialogue for the rest of the episode. I can only take so much dingbat whining in one night. Of course, everyone else wishes the best for the Monterrubios and Manuela suggests they set up a rosary.

Matias is finally allowed to see Gonzo but only through a window. He bursts into tears upon seeing his unconscious father. Mat flashes back their reunion after he returned to Mexico. Mat laments that the two of them were separated for so many years because of Fina. He begs Gonzo to pull through. "The whole family is affected. But me most of all, Papa. I can't live without you. Swear to me that you will fight for your life! I love you." Four stars, Matias. You've got me all choked up.

Fina wanders the jailhouse grounds as the other inmates eye her suspiciously.

Avances: GAAAH NOOO! Fina and Blanca commiserate in the jail yard and plan to destroy the Monterrubio family together. Augie shows up at the hospital where he isn't wanted.

Avances:

sacar la bala - to remove the bullet
desenlace fatal - fatal outcome
mala espina - bad feeling
reclusorio - prison

Labels: Cuando

¡Hola a todos! Bienvenidos á una semana nuevo de discusión de las novelas de Telemundo.

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

Maripaz leaves a shaken Gerry, who angrily smashes his coffee cup on the floor, bringing Alex and Rosa running. Yeah, I'd be pretty upset if she said she wanted to move in at my place. Gerry doesn't tell them what her visit is about, and Rosa starts cleaning the broken coffee cup.

Judith is far too naïve and trusting. She thinks Maripaz has actually come to her senses ("se cayó el veinte"; http://mx.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100722091117AAXPdI6 has a bit of discussion about the significance, boiling down to twenty-cent pieces being used for public telephones and not being able to start your conversation until the coin dropped--"veinte" twenty, "cayó" from "caer" to drop; similar to the phrase "the penny dropped" which is reputed to have the same origin, those pesky, malfunctioning slot machines…and Maripaz does bear a slight resemblance to one, but I digress). She mentions that she does some charity work with her mother, specifically volunteering at an orphanage, taking toys to the kids. Camilo is impressed. Maripaz called her wanting to volunteer as well, and Judith is convinced this is because she has finally had her maternal instincts kick in. Camilo tries to argue that she's just doing it to create a façade that will help her get custody of Alex. Judith thinks she has a right to it. Camilo calls attention to all of Maripaz's bad behavior, culminating in divorcing David shortly after their marriage. Sure, he's got ED, but it's it funny that her wanting a divorce also coincided with Ivan coming back to town? Judith had also considered that Maripaz was just into her brother for the money she thought he had. Camilo fills her in on Maripaz wanting to force Ivan to marry her so that Lucia can't have him. She's shocked. Camilo asks her not to say anything about this conversation to anyone--not even her mom. Judith says he doesn't even have to ask because she really cares for him (te quiero). Camilo says he cares for her as well, and then seems to decide that he's going to try to make that true.

Carolina is home, tired, and Antolin sends her off to bed. Gerry is really grateful for everything Antolin is doing. He goes to get some rest himself, promising to call her later. Gerry walks Caro to her room and tries to weasel out of giving an update. He caves and tells her about Maripaz's deal--she'll come live with them and they'll say that Gerry took the kid on her orders. Carolina thinks that sounds wonderful. What? Has she MET Maripaz? Gerry reminds her that Maripaz isn't exactly "mom" material. Caro doesn't care, she just wants Alex to keep living with them. She argues that Ivan can have other kids. She demands that Gerry accept the deal for Alex's own good. Demands it!

Maripaz calls her lawyer and tells him to go forward, but leave the murder that Ivan DIDN'T commit and the murder that she DID out of it. As for Gerry's potential kidnapping charges, she tells him she's taken care of it. He suggests they file for custody first and that she start cleaning up her image. Maripaz tells him she's already looking for charity work.

Carmen is not happy with the idea of being a "servant," she's never fallen so low, she didn't get fired--she quit, etc. Arcelia is tired of her crap and threatens to tell her brothers that Saul is her baby daddy if she doesn't accept the job. Carmen still won't budge and says she'd be a whore first. Arcelia flips out and flips Carmen's bowl of manicure water over her head. This is a decent family, damnit! Antolín notwithstanding. Arcelia says that both she and Carmen's brothers are going to be keeping an eye on her and they will NOT let her become a "callejera" (streetwalker).

As Gerry is getting ready to leave for work, Alex wakes up. Gerry lets him know Carolina is home, but warns him repeatedly not to wake her up because she was travelling all night. He tells him to get cleaned up and dressed and if Ivan comes to take him to swim lessons before Caro gets up, he can greet her then, but if not, then he can greet her later. The phone rings before he can leave. It's Maripaz wanting to know if he accepts the deal or not. Gerry says he doesn't know, he feels bad…"Well, you're going to feel worse with a 20 or 30 year prison sentence." Ouch! She insists on an immediate answer and bullies him into accepting the deal. She gloats that with Ivan's money, he's going to be able to have the bestest construction company in all of Sonora. Gerry doesn't even respond and hangs up on her. He says to himself that he's a coward. Yeah, we got that memo.

Lucia and Alex check out the awesome pool. She hopes he won't abandon fútbol, but Alex is equal-opportunity when it comes to sports. Lucia says he reminds her of Ivan, who was also really into sports at his age--and he was the best at all of them. Alex would like to be like that. Ivan brings the swim instructor, Eric, over to meet them. Alex will take lessons three times a week. The instructor starts off by asking Alex if he wants to be a champion…"Of course, an Olympian!" I'm sure it's meant well, but I can also see another Bravo show in the making…"Swim Dads" or something.

Carlota and Lucrezia are having a difficult time letting go of the house. They let the real estate guy in to take pictures. Cleto tells Carlota that someone came by to drop off Maripaz's old car. She tells him to give the keys to Maripaz and then lets him know that the family is selling the house and moving to the ranch. Cleto agrees to come with them, saying he'd follow them into heaven or hell.

Lucia and Ivan walk through the parking garage. Ivan talks about how even if he were poor, he'd still take Alex swimming at a public pool, or a river or whatever. Ivan tells Lucia the party is all set and they're going to announce their engagement. Ivan is convinced that all Maripaz wants is money, so she'll cave sooner or later. He asks her if she would mind him having no money after Maripaz cleans her out, and of course she doesn't care. Like the good parents they are, they discuss the logistics of getting Alex to and fro…Lucia doesn't mind bringing Alex to the pool when Ivan isn't available instead of having him send Benito; Ivan asks her to bring Alex to the house when he wants to visit Bruno because Toni misses Bruno too much when he's gone. And then they smooch.

Lucrezia is embarrassed at the mess in Maripaz's room as they take pictures and video. Her lawyer calls to say everything is set and they have an appointment with the judge at 4. She needs to get her dad to come with her and give his statement.

Ivan is worried at Maripaz's silence. He knows how impulsive she is. Toni isn't worried because Saul isn't going to be paying the lawyer anymore, but Ivan and Camilo think that Lucrezia might be.

Lucia takes Alex home. He can't wait to tell his friends he learned the backstroke, and next time he'll learn another stroke. Lucia is impressed that he now knows 2 of the 4 competitive strokes and is halfway to being a badass swimmer. "¡Chócala!" (from "chocar," to crash; high five, slap me some skin, etc.).

Carolina is grumpy about Alex being out of the house without anyone knowing where. Alex and Lucia walk in and Carolina is all smiles. Carolina is all set to convince him that it'll be great to have his crazy mama around. She tells him that he'll get to keep living there and nothing will happen to him, but she stops to ask Alex what he wants. Alex says Ivan wanted him to spend some time with him and he likes hanging out with Bruno. Carolina falters, but reminds him that he's got school starting and what with his new swimming lessons and all…she doesn't finish the though, but I guess it's something like, "You wouldn't see that damn dog much anyway, so come here and give your crazy auntie a hug!"

Cleto gives Maripaz the keys to her old car. She's gracious as ever, flouncing into the driver's seat and saying she hopes David at least put gas in it. Yeah, see, there's a rule that when you divorce your husband to take up with your baby daddy and then guilt him into trading cars and you run over an innocent woman with his car, then insist he take it back, he's under no obligation to return your car with a full tank. And don't even think about asking him to help you move.

Toni asks Carlota if Lucrezia is paying for Maripaz's lawyer, but as far as Carlota knows Lucrezia wants her to back down. Toni is concerned. Someone must be giving her money. Carlota wonders if maybe Saul lied to his dad. Toni says it wouldn't be difficult to check with the bank, just to make sure. Carlota would be pissed if Lucrezia is helping, but she's not going to feel personally responsible. She says there is something she can do.

Gerry meets Maripaz at the judge's office. The lawyer is inside talking to him. This is the judge who was close personal friends with Teodoro, which is why the lawyer thinks he'll help Maripaz. So I wonder what's going to happen when he finds out that it's Ivan, not Maripaz, who is the grandchild of his close personal friend. Maripaz puts the screws to Gerry one last time--either he sticks to the story or he can go to jail for kidnapping. The lawyer comes out of the office and says he's sympathetic, having been such a good friend of her grandfather. Maripaz goes in to talk to the lawyer first, but not before warning Gerry to remember what he can gain and lose by this deal.

Carlota asks Lucrezia if she's paying for Maripaz's lawyer. She's still fighting for custody, therefore she must have lawyer, and since Saul isn't paying for it…. Carlota tells Lucrezia that Saul got ratted out to his daddy, who insisted he stop, and Lucrezia is the only other person who could be paying. Carlota calls her on her shit, but Lucrezia insists that (a) Carlota is nuts and (b) she doesn't know how Maripaz is paying for the lawyer. Carlota threatens to never forgive Lucrezia if she finds out Lucrezia is helping Maripaz.

Maripaz feeds the judge her story, as planned--she changed her mind at the last minute and resorted to her dad for help.

Gerry agonizes in the waiting room, then walks out. Then walks back in.

The judge wonders why, if the baby daddy, a servant's son, abandoned Maripaz in her hour of need, he came back after 10 years. Maripaz says he's rich now and she assumes he'll sue for custody, but she would hate to see her precious son taken away from his grandpa, who he loves like a father, sniff, sniff. The lawyer paints Ivan as showing indifference by leaving while Maripaz was pregnant. And somehow, he got a rich American to adopt him while he was there, so now he's Ivan McGuire. The judge has heard the name. Maripaz whines that just because he has money and power doesn't mean she should lose her maternal rights to a stranger…because that's what he is to her--a stranger! A stranger whose pants she's dying to get into. How's the judge going to like it when he hears about her trying to convince the "stranger" to marry her? He says if he finds out she's telling the truth, he will recommend that she get custody.

Maripaz walks out of the room and tells Gerry it's his turn.

Gerry goes in alone. The lawyer wonders if he'll stick to the story. Maripaz says if he doesn't she'll just tell the judge that she lied to protect her father. The lawyer picks NOW to tell her that lying to a judge carries a penalty. He thinks he can get it down to a fine, though.

Gerry remembers Alex coming home from vacation as the judge is asking him questions. Gerry says this is all very difficult for him. The judge is, like, "Difficult for you? Shit, son…I've got your daughter on the one hand, Miss Alamos High Society 2011. On the other, I've got Ivan, "What's good for me is good for the entire region" McGuire. So just tell the damn truth and let's get on with it! Did she ask you to take the kid or not?" Gerry remembers telling Alex that Ivan would be a good dad and they'll still see each other. Fucking spineless Gerry goes along with the story. Fine, whatever. That doesn't mean she should get custody.

Maripaz stews in the waiting room. The lawyer tells her to chill. She pounces on Gerry when he comes out and he tells her he did what she asked, then leaves.

The judge thinks there was some hesitation on Gerry's part, but he did corroborate Maripaz's story. He needs to interview Ivan now. Dumbass lawyer reminds the judge that the mother always gets priority. "Hi, which one of us is the judge here? Don't be telling me how to do my business!"

The lawyer comes out and gives Maripaz the news. He asks for another advance on his fees and Maripaz gives him a big fake smile like that's going to be no problem.

Antolín and Carolina chat, but Carolina doesn't want to tell him everything over the phone. He'll come over tomorrow. Gerry comes home and Carolina whispers a "yo también" (me too) to Antolín. We are left to imagine just what she was agreeing to. Carolina praises Gerry for going along with the plan, but Gerry says it was the wrong thing and Alicia must hate him. He leaves while Carolina yells at him to get over it, she's dead already.

Lucia doesn't think Lucrezia is paying for the lawyer. Ivan says it's possible that she's using "un abogado de oficio" (a public defender). In any case, Lucrezia and Carlota have joint accounts, so Carlota can investigate where the money has gone. Ivan asks whether they do their banking online or in person. He's been holding off, giving Maripaz time to think, but he's getting worried. Alex is ok with spending a few days with him, but he doesn't think he can ever completely separate him from Gerry because Alex would suffer. Maripaz oozes in and asks if Ivan considered her offer. "You got my answer already." Maripaz says he's being stubborn. "I can be a good wife, a good mother…and an excellent lover." She sucks on her finger and looks like she's going to stick it in his ear. Ivan grabs her wrist and Maripaz swishes off. He tells Lucia he's going to have to go to court. Lucia is worried about all the dirty laundry. If everyone goes to jail what's going to happen with Alex? Ivan gets a call from Toni. The lawyer just called and found out that Maripaz sued for custody and gave a statement in front of the judge. So did Gerry. Ivan is pissed.

Maripaz fills in Lucrezia. Her account is interrupted by Lucia coming in and trying to smack the smirk off her face. Carlota comes in and Lucia tells them what Maripaz did. "Ivan offered you a deal, damnit!" "I don't care about his money. I want him to marry me. Don't you understand?" Lucrezia keeps insisting that she isn't giving Maripaz money for the lawyer. "You promised me you'd give me the money! You have to do it!" Carlota says she'll go to the bank tomorrow and have Lucrezia removed from the accounts. "Then I'll go to the newspaper and tell them that you married Teodoro when you were already pregnant by someone else. And my mom was going to have Ivan killed. And the maid we used to have turned out to be the only legitimate daughter of Teodoro." Lucrezia freaks out and Maripaz says they'd better all just get along. She leaves her room. "What she wants is for Ivan to marry her, but not because she loves him. Because she can't stand the idea that I took him away from her…but I didn't take him away from her!" Lucia cries and Carlota comforts her.

Antolín fills in his mom on Carolina's progress. She's doubtful about the relationship. When Antolín insists she's the sweetest girl ever, Arcelia wants to meet her. Antolín doesn't think he'd make a good husband. Celia tells him to go talk to Camilo and get himself a decent job already. He doesn't want to get a paycheck from his little brother. Arcelia tells him that Carmen is going to be working for the Curiel's at the ranch house. Antolín says they'd better keep an eye on her, cause no one is better for gossip and intrigue than Carmen.

Benito tells Bruno no to worry. Camilo asks him what's going on. Benito was asked to take Bruno outside because this was all too much for his canine ears. Maripaz has already gone to a judge.

Toni, Ivan, and their lawyer strategize. The lawyer wants Ivan to tell the judge the entire truth. Toni is worried about Ivan getting arrested for murder. The lawyer suspects that since charges were never pressed, maybe the worker's death was faked to get Ivan to leave the country. Ivan is going to find out who is still around on El Socorro from those days. Ivan is worried about implicating Lucrezia.

Carlota says if Ivan talks about that murder, she'll say she's the one who sent the workers to kill them. Lucrezia says maybe it's time to just make a clean break. Maripaz is nuts and there's no way to control her. Either Lucia convinces Ivan to marry Maripaz, or they're just all going to have to go to jail together. Carlota tells Lucia not to do it. Lucia is worried about her dad going to jail and keeps whining about things not being fair. "And what's going to happen to Alex?"

As the DVR recording cuts off, no answer is forthcoming for me. I expect tomorrow will be more of the same.

Labels: Fuerza