Caray, Caray!

Here are a few preliminary images from the Sand Hill Crane Festival at Bosque del Apache, NM. So worth getting up at 4AM in the predawn cold!

Thanks to Lila’s suggestion of “ungrateful skank” that started the gears in my head to whirl and a nod to William Shakespeare for this King Lear line in Act I, Scene 4; but before either of these I read in junior high Mad Magazine’s really fun version: How Sharper Than a Child’s Tooth It Is To Have A Thankless Serpent. So, I was hardwired to be a literature student, no? So, let us begin now that Univision is announcing we are in ultimas semanas.

Warmed over from last week from the wonderful recap by Doc Carlos. Fina gets funds, Roberta gets instructions from mom and Augie, Matilde wlll get a surprise, Priscila wants to celebrate her return to her old beau with a great glass of wine. Alison and Anibal have a great little romantic tour of the valley around the hacienda and flirt while Anibal tells her what a deadbeat dad Augie is and she counsels his right to make demands on him but Anibal wants to stay far away from this cad of a dad.

The velorio continues with sad music and questioning neighbors who can’t believe Zeke’s life which seemed so sweet with wife, hijos and with more reasons than most to greet each day with gratitude instead resulted in his tying his rope into a noose.

Regina tells Roberta that lunch is ready for them as Roberta descends the stairs with her gift package saying she has a gift for Selene who is waiting in the car outside. She‘ll be right back.

Roberta sulkily hands the bow tied money to Mama and Fina says don’t forget that I need you and I love you. Robrata (not a typo) sneers as she jerks her body out of Fina’s clutches. The Psychiatrist astutely observes that Roberta doesn’t seem to like her, but when Fina tells him that she is her true daughter not Renata like everyone thinks and she is the one that will get him his funds, he decides it is better to be allied with than estranged from her.

Regina takes a very strange turn when Panchita spills the Fina sighting. She gets some details about what Panchiata says who even thinks herself that it was a vision that couldn’t be but she saw her in the car then saw Roberta go up to her and hand her the box with a bow. Roberta looks askance, while Regina stops the conversation when Roberta returns and wants to know what they are talking about. Regina pretends it is about lunch and Panclita leaves quickly getting the silence suggestion a whole lot better than Alfonsina or Matilde ever get it. Regina is cool and calculationg at lunch.

Augie Doggie texts Roberta that now is the moment for her to call her sister and tell her damnation to Zeke story. Roberta has her phone on the lunch table and leaves the room to take the message. Her parents don’t seem to tell her how rude this is but I will. Gonzo gets the dissonance but weakly asks if anything is wrong which Regina denies. I so want Gonzo to begin to occupy his body again.

Renata is comforting Alfonsina and gets the call. Roberta calls with her odd claim that this disgraced one is dead when he didn’t answer yet for taking advantage of her saintly virgin self. And forced her to have relations. Renata is so taken aback that she blurts out to a shocked Jero and Alfonsion and a grinning Aug that, Zeke abused YOU! Oops, Augie does still have powers over skank #1 aka evil twin sister, Roberta. I wonder what they will be serving for the post velorio dinner? Bitter breast of crow, poisoned veggies and Arely cured wine? What would Martha Stewart say about this? I’m eating peanut butter cups to fortify my resolve here.

Roberta gives the play by play account all innocent but just a bit tipsy from the fiesta last summer going back to Augie’s Cruz de Desamor. Alfonsina remembers the fiesta too where she saw Zeke leave with the sultry Roberta. She remembers the fact that Zeke didn’t come home until really, really late. She says, I can’t believe he abused Renata’s sister. Roberta on the other end of the phone stops laughing long enough to whine into the phone that she was too embarrassed to tell the truth. She didn’t want to cause more problems with Renata and Augie since he was so kind and helpful to them and she knew Augie had such confidence in his manager Zeke. So that is why at the earliest hour the next morning she left to return to Mexico City. Renata is indignantly doubtful that this could happen while Augie now waits smugly at her side. She tells Roberta, we are going to clarify all of this she can’t believe it. Roberta laughs again getting off and sayng well Renata didn’t believe me but at least I have planted the seeds of doubt in her nitwit sister. Augie says he can’t believe that Zeke disgraced him. Renata says her sister tells so many lies that this may not be true either. Augie suggests maybe his gullt was another reason Zeke wanted to kill himself. They argue about who would know what Zeke intended, perhaps his friends could verify it. Augie says maybe Lazaro would know. Renata insists that she go see what is happenng with Alfonsina right now. She takes off and Augies is right on her back with that ever present smile.

Jero catches up with Alfonsina who is recounting that Zeke didn’t come home with her that night but Jero counsels that Roberta lies a lot and maybe she shouldn’t be believed now. Alfonsina is out skanked and takes off. Augie feigns remorse and responsibility since he made Zeke take Roberta home.

Inside Lazaro is comforting little Panchito, he promises that he isn’t his papa but he will be there to counsel him if he needs someone papa-like and he will look after his baby sister and mama too. Panchito says he knows his papa loved Lazaro. And I loved him, we have been friends since we were boys. When Alfonsino breaks in with the rage of a Furie. This is over, she screams, She wants the ceremony to end and everyone to leave. She screams, he is the worst of men when Ponchito, protests protecting his papa. Once again with the lack of sense and sensitivity of a dull witted woman she denounces Zeke in front of her son and all the neighbors. She calls him disgusting (asco). He was a man who wasn’t worth the trouble. Lazaro wisely covers Panchito’s ears and says don’t listen to her she is really upset and full of pain. She doesn’t know what she is saying. Your father was a good man and a loyal man a brave man. No he wasn’t she screams. She throws flowers around beating at the coffin with exploding blooms while the astounded crowd looks on. She even heaves one of those giant horse wreaths. It must have been powerful fun.

Alfonisna spreads her venom first to her baby daughter talking to Zeke but saying, I hate you, I hate you right over the baby’s crib when Matilde and Karina who can’t imagine why she is having this tantrum enter and stop her from screaming of her hate to the innocent infant. She wants them all to leave even though Matilde wants to stay with her. Karina wisely picks up baby Luz, then Matilde grabs the diaper bag and the two leave a raging Alfonsina alone in her bedroom.

Inez is pleased about the new foundation’s success. When she asks Regina why the long face, Regina starts to tell of the bad scene with Roberta as reported by Panchita saying she saw Fina, how strange.

Fina and Blanca discuss import businesses, Roberta can further screw up the business if she is on the inside. Blanca explains how they need to bring in someone who could pose as a client who would then have problems with some of the imports and demand an investigation.

Inez says being raised by Fina has caused Roberta to be awful. Regina seems mad that Roberta is accused, she is changing, she insists. Inez says change like that doesn’t happen in one day and one night. Regina is thinking and asks if Fina could have escaped and Roberta could be in collusion with her. Inez, says if it was Renata I would say absolutely not but with Roberta, well she is something distinct. They decide a call to the asylum is in order.

In the kitchen of the Center, the Trojan baby mom is further pulling Constanza in with how the baby cried all night and she is so tired. She has no money, Consta thinks she needs a doctor but Trojan Mom refuses to be taken. She pulls on Consta’s heart strings letting Consta coo and fuss over the sweet baby.

Chema shows up in the kitchen to inroduce Julieta to Consta he explains she is Matias girlfriend and Julieta covers by saying oh, yes you know how when Chema and Adriana got involved as novios, I met Matisas. Consta seems to get the game.

Back at Jardin de locas Blanca wants further to nail Daniele who betrayed her. As they woerry if the real daughter stands up and their money schmes is found out when the Dastardly Director of the Demented (see, more than one 3D man here, best put on your 3D glasses for the rest of the episode) approaches that their little escapeades out of the asylum are over. He is worried aobut the complaints of someone who called onbehalf of Regina Soberon de Monterubbio and wanted to assure that the Fina wasn’t escaping the asylum recently. It could blowing his cover. JFina is so disgusted up to here with that horrible Regina Soberon . Her revenge is more certain. He shlud be worried that the Blanca/Fina machine is more than he bargained for.

So Inez confirmed with Dr. DoNoGood that Fina is for sure in the prison asylum so Regina stupidly concludes that Ponchita saw badly. Hmm. This bad turn is interrupted with Julieta and Constanza bringing in a still buff looking Chema and he announces the big moment of his restaurant opening. Regina tells him she can’t come since she and Gonzo have a wedding and honeymoon so will be away. Chema gets a phone message from his doctor’s office who wants to see him the day after next at 10 in the morning. He has to work that in to the busy preparations of his grand opening and other big plans.

Adriana has apparently received the bad news that Chema’s tumor has grown. Matias asks did he take a bad turn? She hugs Matias while they question why do the good die young.

Honorio casually mentions to German that Gonzo is grateful for his taking Roberta under wing to make her feel good. German non-commital, says he was just trying to make her feel better and it doesn‘t mean more than that.

Jero and Renata are talking about Roberta being a liar. Jero details that she lied about the affair she didn’t have with him and with the one she did have with his brother and about the baby. Oh, let me count the ways. Regarding what Zeke did or not do, Jero suddenly remembers Selene who said not only was Roberta lying to Renata about having relations with Jero but she really was having a fling with Augie Doggie when Renata was engaged to him. He tbinks better of telling the true believer Renata that Augie is probably behind her sister’ sudden confessions but says It is probably Zeke but he prefers not to talk about it now. His moment of discretion is rewarded by Renata trusting him further and asking him to talk to Super Laz to confirm if Zeke had told him anything about this supposed violation of her sister. Perhaps Renata is less than convinced too. Jero casually agrees to talk to Laz for her. Silence serves him well here, and he has dodged Renata’s revamped defense of Augie.

Augie drives and talks on his phone that he wants Linares out of his way and something dastardly is planned for him to get all his money back. Who but “Mal Ecio” could he be talking to? Roberta isn’t in charge of kidnapping or executions yet.

Alison and Anibal get stuck in the car on they way home. They determine that the windshield wipers work so it isn’t the battery and giggle at their predicament of being in the middle of nowhere and out of gas.

Jero and Renata back home continue to talk that it is important to her to verify if Roberta is lying like she always has before or if there is dome truth in this claim that she was violated.

Priscila and “mi Charlie” come back in from their little tour. Renata and Jero cordially greet her. Priscila is glad to see the beautiful hacienda which Renata agrees is so pretty. They are trying the good wine and Jero and Renata decide they want some too. When Carlos limps over to retrieve the wine, Jero sarcastically says thank you MY CHARLIE.

Alison flags down a friendly car on the dirt road but Augie pops out and gets begged by an inonocent Aliosn to help them they were touring the fields and ran out of gas. Anibal, what are you dong with this car, asks Augie accusingly. You know this man, Alison is surprised yes this is Augustin Dunan. You mean your father? Where did you get this car? The innocent couple say, from La Bonita, Augie has the ability to make someone totally innocent feel guilty so they mutter, yes Renata knows we have it. We were driving around since everyone else is attending the velorio.

Jero and Renata excuse themselves; she is leaving tomorrow for the wedding of her dad and Regina and he is leaving right after to join her in Mexico City. More teasing ensues about the Charlie name. Priscila acting as though these will be her peers says she is enchanted with such a handsome couple so in love. Just when she is in full flirt, the funereal gang including Manuela , baby Luz carried by Kari, and Laz carrying Ponchito with Matilde still wearing her headband come in explaining they had to leave the Alfonsina storm and bring the children. In the confusion, Carlos introduces all including last his girlfriend, Matilde. Priscila openly gasps, you didn’t tell me you had a girlfriend, mi Charlie! Matilde steps forward to the pretty face and says, not only that I am his fiancé and we are about to marry. In a bedroom, Kari and Laz talk while they tuck in the sleeping children. Kari ways well Mati stepped up and that Priscila is too pretty. Lax doesn’t worry when she asks about his opinion of the Roberta romp and says Zeke did tell him about. You knew, asks a surprised Kari. Laz says yes he did tell him, but he is pretty sure it was not a violation but a mutual seduction.

Augie makes some devil’s bargain. He is sure Renata want her car back, I will take you now and come back with gas tomorrow to get this car back to Linares. He leers at the young ones and licks his jutjawed lips, wonder if he ever cuts his own tongue doing that. He has more evil plans in the air than a circus juggler has tennis balls.

Roberta steps in talk to German about their working relationship which German takes into his own hands and as she presses chest against chest, He says his original intentions have changed. And what has changed, asks Roberta so coyly. I want to be closer to you. He now is enchanted with her and plants a big kiss on her ready lips. .

Next steps: Ha I avoided having to mention Maritatas but look out Elna June, she could be on your radar for Tuesday night. Jero and Renata look too happy and that can’t continue as we know. Trouble rumbles through the valley. I am feeling a bit sorry, but I know as a newbie you can let it roll off your back easier than I can. Good luck with your first CME recap and welcome back to the recapper gang. I know you will do a wonderful job. Just enjoy yourelf and we will all be there to aid and abet and support you in every way.

Labels: Cuando

The show started 12 minutes after the hour, so let’s not waste time and go right to where we left off.

MP has just made an unwelcome return to the homestead, to the surprise of Lucrezia and Carlota. Lucrezia and MP are the only ones happy about it. Carly wants to know why she’s here. Well, she just decided to change her ticket to Europe to a ticket to Mexico on the spur of the moment. Carly’s not keen on her staying in the house (considering she DID kick her out of her house the last time they spoke), but Lucrezia won’t have her favorite daughter stay in a hotel. She’ll stay in Lucia’s room from before. “Before what?” MP wants to know. Lucrezia gives her the 411 on Lucia’s marriage to Camilo. “Does Ivan know?” She’s happy that Ivan’s dreams of marrying Lucia are frustrated.

In her bedroom, Lucia is lying in bed, moping and crying. (What’s new?) Shirtless Camilo enters and looks in on Perla. (Since he’s been such an ass lately, his six pack has the same effect on me as it does Luica…meaning, no effect.) He begs her forgiveness and says he’ll go back to being the Camilo from before. (Uh huh) He begs her to help him, and she turns into his embrace. He tries to kiss away her tears.

In the dining room, Carly wants to know what MP’s plan is—to bother (fastidiar) her sister, or to pursue Ivan? MP denies it and claims she worried about them after hearing about the hurricane. She’s going to stay a while (una temporada) and see her friends. She even offers to help pay the hacienda expenses (with Ivan’s money), but Carly refuses on Camilo’s behalf. Lucrezia takes her demon seed off to gossip, and Carly holds her head from the gigantic MP induced headache that she already feels coming on.

All alone in his mud-colored cave, JJ sips his forbidden tequila and mopes. Judith enters and tries to get him to stop drinking. It’s now her job to care for his health now that her mom is gone. JJ uses this as an opportunity to try to bully Judith into asking her mom to come back. She refuses, so he tells her to butt out. She knows where the door is.

The next morning, Ivan and Tony get ready to head off to visit the other ag associations in the other zones. Alex will hang out with Benito and visit his peeps like Gerry and Carolina. He also wants to visit Lucia again, but Ivan says Lucia is too busy with her husband and baby. Alex is not happy about it. He hugs Ivan and Tony goodbye.

Camilo gets dressed, while Lucia holds adorable Perlita on the bed. She’s going to see her professor to schedule her final exam to get her degree. Camilo slyly slips in that if she intends to leave, to please let him know (me avisas). He’s got ranch biz and insurance biz to take care of.

Camilo runs into MP on the inside patio walkway. He is also unpleasantly surprised to see her. She is wearing a short robe, insists that he hug her, and then pulls him towards her for a very un-sister-in-law-like kiss. (I think we’ve found out what mischief she’s decided to cause.) Camilo is left speechless, and vaguely guilty looking. Outside, he runs into Celia and Carmen, who have just arrived. He begs Celia not to tell Lucia what they spoke about the night before (when he was having one of his “why can’t she love me the way she loves Ivan” tantrums).

Celia greets Perlita and brings her a pink and white sweater she knitted. Celia offers to bathe Perlita, but wonders of wonders, Carmen actually takes her nanny job seriously and says she will do it! She then picks up the baby and gets really affectionate with her after Lucia leaves. (Did we judge Carmen too harshly?)

Hey, it’s an ad for La Que no Podia Amar, and it looks like it will replace Fuerza.

MP is telling Lucrezia that she has a right to visit her son since the judge gave her twice a month visits. She doesn’t care that she won’t be well received in Casa McGuire. She also comments that Camilo is looking mighty fine these days… Lucrezia slaps her hand and tells her not to start! (And if she does, I am sure Lucrezia will do NOTHING about it, as usual.) “I was just saying Mama.” She wheedles the use of the SUV out of Lucrezia. Lucrezia says that Lucia won’t be pleased to see MP in the house. “This is my house too, isn’t it mama?”

Celia and Lucia are sitting outside, enjoying the peaceful (for the moment) view and talking about what Lucia will do once she receives her professional degree (título). Lucia does intend to work, but for the moment only part-time because she doesn’t want to be away from Perlita too much. Celia admits she’s never worked outside of the house. But she did take in ironing after her husband died, even though the boys provided for her. They give each other compliments and Celia says Lucia is neither common nor ordinary (común y corriente). (Remember, Lucia said the same about Celia some episodes back to her mother.) Celia asks about MP being back in town and in the house. This is news to Lucia. Just then, the b!tch herself flits by and into the black SUV to head into town.

Gloria brings Carmen a bottle for the baby. Carmen takes the opportunity to ask about Lucrezia going to the market, being that Monday's coming up and that’s when she usually goes. Since MP’s just come into town, Lucrezia’s schedule has likely changed, thinks Gloria. Carmen asks if the Curiel women go out at other times. Surely, being ladies of society, they must go into town regularly to visit friends. Gloria gossips that they are persona non grata since the family fell into disgrace. No one invites them anywhere. Carmen calls up Saul and relates the non-news. He wants more details.

JJ tells Saul he wants him to get a job (chamba) and doesn’t want to see him being lazy (flojo). Saul begs again for the money for the surgeries. Not happening. JJ tells him to get a job as a busboy/waiter (mozo). Saul stares at his broken image and says he hates JJ.

Ivan, Tony and Carlos meet with the new ranchers in the other zones. Looks like they’ve got good products.

Alex visits with Caro, but his Papa Gerardo is off working. The hurricane has been a boon for him. Alex tells Caro how sad he is that his Papa Ivan can’t now marry Lucia. Caro tells him that things aren’t always how we want them to be. But in any case, Lucia still loves him (Alex). She pulls him into a warm embrace. They say how much they’ve missed each other.

MP’s wearing all black, like the black crow of bad luck that she is. Benito spots her entering Casa Lomeli and wonders, what the heck?! Alex is understandably upset and begs Caro to not let MP take him. He huddles more tightly to Caro and gives MP the stink eye as she tries out a few “mi amors” on him. “Leave me alone.” She says she wants to take him to get a burger. She claims she has a right, since the judge said she can visit him every 15 days. (She neglects to mention that she is required to be in Casa McGuire, and in the company of another adult, during that visit.) She insults Caro and Benito when they refuse to let Alex go with her. It looks like she’s about to get her way, when Antolín enters and tells her he doesn’t give a damn about a judge’s order and to beat it. She does. Anto can’t believe that Benito was going to let her take Alex. She may be Alex’s mother, but she’s a hateful slut. (Tell it Anto!) “She only slept with Ivan because she was horny (por calentura)!” “Antolín!” Caro is horrified that he just spoke so openly in front of Alex. Anto looks horrified at himself too.

That night, as Ivan is tucking him into bed, Alex innocently asks what is “calentura?” Ivan thinks he means it literally so he explains what having a temperature means (also calentura).
Alex: Anto said you slept with my mom “por calentura”. Were you sick?
Ivan: Well, Alex. It’s a way of saying when one person likes/cares about (querer) another person, and feels really attracted to them, even if you don’t love them.
Alex: So you cared about my mom?
Ivan: Yes, I cared for her (la quería), but I didn’t love her (no la amaba). I cared for her because she was really pretty, nice, daring (atrevida), and really attractive. There were a lot of things that I liked about her. But there was one missing ingredient. It’s best that you be in love when you have a relationship with a woman.
Alex: I’m not going to have a girlfriend unless I love her.

Ivan asks why Antolin said this, so Alex reveals the Wicked Witch of Alamos is back and tried to take him out with her that day. Ivan looks as happy with this news as we would expect.

Benito is at that moment updating Tony of the day’s events. He thinks the only way she’ll leave Ivan and Alex alone is if she’s put in the nut house. Ivan joins the conversation. Ivan wants to know WHY she’s here. Tony is sure it was just to cause problems between him and Lucia since he intended to come win her back. Tony is sure she’s happy with the news of Lucia’s marriage. Ivan wants her to just go away already. Will he never be free of that p…(starts with p, ends with erra)?! He catches himself and says, woman.

Mr. and Mrs. Galvan also chat about MP’s arrival. Lucia does not feel comfortable having MP under the same roof. Camilo takes this as an opportunity to suggest they move into their own house, but Lucia points out they don’t have the money for the added expense of rent right now. “We could live with my mom. She’d welcome us with open arms.” Lucia doesn’t think that THEY should be the ones scurrying away like rats. She’s determined NOT to give into MP like she’s done her whole life.

Saul and Gordo discuss their harebrained scheme. Considering that they still don’t know much about Lucrezia’s schedule, and she usually goes to the market with the servant, Gordo is beginning to think they need some more time and planning and more help. Saul wants to keep it simple, and he doesn’t want any killing. “Then, why did we take Anto’s gun?” Saul says they’ll use it to fire at the car and such.

Lucia’s in bed on her phone and seems to wrap up plans to see the person on the other line tomorrow. She ends the call sending kisses. Camilo cautiously asks who she was speaking with. (Asshole! If she was talking to Ivan, she wouldn’t be so open about it when you could enter at any moment.) She explains she and Berenice are meeting their professor tomorrow about setting up their final exam. He offers to go with her and wait for her in the parking lot. (Creepy.) Lucia says it’s not needed, then quickly turns away and turns off the lights before Camilo can get frisky.

The next morning, she’s driving the road from the ranch to Alamos when one of her tires goes flat (se ponchó una llanta). She gets out and flags down an approaching car to help change the tire. Who should appear in his big old SUV, but Ivan. He gets out wearing sunglasses and a blazer and looking every bit in control. Lucia finds it hard to hide her nervousness, but tells him what the problem is. He gets her jack and spare tire out of her trunk. He wants to use the opportunity to talk. She claims she’s got nothing to talk about with him. “Well I do.”

Berenice is waiting at the university and calls Lucia. Lucia won’t make it on time, so Bernie will let the prof know what happened. Ivan finishes up the tire change. Since he heard she missed her appointment, he knows she now has time to chat.

Ivan: Why did you get married so soon Lucia? Why?
Lucia: Because...just because.
I: That’s not an answer Lucia. Let’s go someplace and talk, and we can have someone come for your car and take it back to Socorro.
L: No, no. Camilo will find out.
I: And what? Are you scared of him?
L: No, no. It’s not that. But he’s jealous and I don’t want problems.
I: Is he a jealous husband?
L: Only when it comes to you.
I: Lucia, this isn’t right.

He says her name over and over and hugs her close. They both start to cry. She asks, “Why did you leave me?”
I: I told you that I would come back for you.
L: It’s too late.
I: No. It’s NEVER too late.

He leans in for the kiss and doesn’t eat her face off this time. It’s actually a decent kiss. He calls her his life, his love. Lucia can’t take it anymore. They’ve taken different paths and it’s best that they forget. She thanks him, gets in her car, and leaves sad Ivan by the side of the road.

Lucia’s moped and cried all the way home. She finds Carly in the living room and grabs hold of her. “Abuela, I miss him. I can’t forget him. He was the love of my life and still is.”

Camilo arrives at the ag association to speak to JJ. The secretary lets him pass. JJ tries to bullshit him, but Camilo gets right to business. He wants to see the insurance documents. JJ tries out his new lie, that the error was the cause of the secretary’s mistake. The farmers are covered 90%. His coverage being 100% was the error of the insurance agent and he’s working to fix it right now. He’s going to pay and get the same as everyone else. He shows Camilo the new (backdated) paperwork. The ranchers can come by starting tomorrow to receive their payments. Does Camilo still want to replace him as president? Camilo claims not, but is stony-faced through the whole discussion. He wants JJ to clarify things with everyone during the upcoming meeting. He leaves, and JJ curses him. He’d rather be dead than let Camilo take his job. Actually, it would be better if Camilo were the one who was dead...

MP is telling Lucrezia that she wants to buy herself a new car. In the meantime, she wants to use Lucrezia’s car again. They continue to gossip. This time about Esther leaving JJ. MP thinks it’s the perfect opportunity for Lucrezia to marry JJ. Lu fakes shock and changes the subject when Gerry walks up. Surprisingly, Gerry seems pleased to see her. MP immediately starts spinning some tale about how Ivan hired some guy to falsely testify that he was her lover so that he could get rid of her and keep Alex. Gerry and Lucrezia don’t look like they believe one word of this, and Gerry is telling her exactly that as they enter the house.

Lucia is in the living room bottle feeding Perlita. Perlita looks content and ready for that bottle to be placed back in her mouth, but first she is greeted by grandpa Gerry. MP cuts to the chase and asks how old Perla is. When Lucrezia says she was premature, MP crosses her arms and says the baby looks very healthy and non-premie like to her. She wonders if Lucia was getting it on (comer la torta) with Camilo before they married. Lucia keeps her cool and leaves the room.

Gerry wonders why MP always has to pick on her sister. MP plays innocent, but then wonders out loud if Lucia wasn’t cheating on Ivan with his best friend. Gerry gets pissed. He doesn’t want to hear her say anything like that again! He leaves; then Lucrezia starts laying into her. If she’s going to continue to say these ugly things, then best get herself to a hotel! And no one believes that crap about Ivan hiring someone to lie about being her lover.

In the kitchen, loose lipped Gloria gossips about MP with Carmen and all the trouble she used to cause in the old house. Lucrezia interrupts the gossip session. She wants Gloria to prepare the grocery list, considering the things that MP will also want. The vodka MP wanted will NOT make it to the list. Lucrezia decides she will indeed go to the market on Monday. Carmen then finds out from Gloria the hour Lucrezia usually goes to the market (10-11 am), and then fishes for more gossip about MP’s drinking habits. Gloria doesn’t think MP’s changed at all.

Carmen excuses herself and calls Saul with the update. He’s waiting at the ag association and signs off calling her “mi reina” (my queen), just as Anto walks up. He wants to know who is this “reina.” He doesn’t care who it is, as long as it’s not his sister. He stares a hole through Saul until he’s made it through the other side of his father’s office door. The secretary brings Anto the list of ranchers to call about assembling to discuss the insurance update.

JJ is telling Saul that he’s useless to him in this state, and calls him stupid. Saul’s had enough. “Why do you hate me so much?”
JJ: Because you were my pride (orgullo). My eldest son. An alright guy, bold, clever…you had it all to make it in life. But you preferred to become a drunkard, a womanizer, and who knows what else.
S: And what? You weren’t a womanizer (mujeriego)? You going to say you didn’t like to drink (tomar un trago)?
JJ: Well, yeah. But I knew how to handle my adventures. And I can count the number of times that I’ve gotten drunk and become idiotic like you. And look at how things have turned out. Your brother, who I always thought was a fag, has turned out much better (than you).

He tells Saul that Esther has abandoned them and wants a divorce. He proposes a deal. If Saul gathers his siblings and they convince their mother to come back, then he’ll pay for Saul’s surgeries. Saul agrees.

Gerry shares with Caro what went down with MP at the ranch. He seems to be shocked at what an egotistical witch MP is. (Where’s he been this whole telenovela?) “Where did I go wrong?” Caro thinks she learned well from Lucrezia. Gerry thinks she’s worse. Caro is scared for Lucia and the baby with MP in the same house. Gerry doesn’t think MP would go THAT far. Caro doesn’t trust that demon.

Berenice visits Lucia. The prof is cool with rescheduling their meeting. Lucia tells Bernie that it was Ivan who helped her change the tire. MP is listening at the door. Lucia actually gets up and closes the door and locks it before getting into more detail, but it’s too late. MP already has enough info to do damage. Lucia continues to tell Bernie that she still loves Ivan. Bernie finally has the nerve to ask who is Perla’s real daddy. Not sure why she looks so shocked when Lucia admits it’s Ivan.

Ivan’s looking at beach pics of Lucia in his bedroom. Unfortunately, his t-shirt is on. (I guess he broke up with the wall, because he’s looking at hard copies, and not caressing the slide show on the wall.) Tony comes in and they chat about the ranchers they met with. Ivan tells Tony about the flat tire incident. He saw in her eyes that she still loves him. He’s done the math, and he’s certain she was pregnant when she got married. He sure as hell knows Lucia wasn’t cheating on him; she’s not that kind of person. That baby is HIS! “OK. Supposing she is. And???” Ivan sees this as a continuation of the failure of his mission in returning to Alamos in the first place. Sometimes he feels so unhappy. What would Tony do? Tony says he would steal Lucia away and take her to the ends of the Earth. “If only it were so easy.” “Then why did you ask me?”

Saul and Gordo meet over beers. Saul isn’t so sure he needs to continue with the kidnap Lucrezia plan since his dad may now pay for the surgeries. Gordo is ticked. Saul can’t leave him holding the bag. He’s already contracted the guys. “We are going to continue with this till its ultimate consequences!”

Camilo is enjoying a cool glass of lemonade and trying to unwind after a long day, when in sashays MP ready to spread her poison. She asks why he won’t buy his wife a new car. It’s just some advice, so that if her car breaks down (descompuestar), SOMEONE ELSE doesn't help her.
C: Her car broke down?
MP: Yep. But luckily a gentleman came by and helped her.
C: Why didn’t she call me?
MP: Why? If the person who came to help her was Ivan?

Yes indeed folks, the bitch is back!


Avances: Camilo goes crazy with jealousy and goes to physically confront Ivan. Lucia says she’s had enough. Ivan begs Lucia to tell him the truth. Camilo asks Lucia if she’s leaving him, with tears in his eyes.

Labels: Fuerza

Pancho still denies he's in love with the bombon. Blah, blah, blah - you realize they have to stretch this out over many, many months! That's why Chela and Pancho have to have the same conversation 1,000 times ("you are abandoning the family!" "No, don't worry") and Chela and Candy have to have THEIR conversation 1,000 times ("Irabien is dangerous." "I know what I'm doing.")

Pancho's advisors plan to get revenge for Pancho when Candy visits Vince tonight.

Vince watches through his telescope while Candy dresses langorously for their date. Pina interrupts his ogling; he tells her Freddy broke up with Moni, then leaves. Pina looks through the telescope (fixed on Candy) and says, "oh noes! surely my friend can't be his new love!!"

Candy tells Chela she can't believe Pepe would want that fresa Monica - "he likes the rude, lusty girls of the barrio." Swearing all to secrecy, Candy sneaks out of the house. Chacho follows her taxi!

I'm liking this word bronca they use so often. It means a squabble; armar or montar una bronca = to kick up a fuss, create a ruckus; buscar broncas = to look for trouble. A bronca can be a racket, scolding, telling somebody off. Está con una bronca = he's in a foul mood; me da mucha bronca = it really bugs me; tenerle broncas = to have it in for somebody.

Blah, blah, Nico likes both of the maids and asked the thinner one to the movies. Blah, blah, Tomas says "I love you Lupita, I'll never do it again! I respect you and will wait till we marry!"

Telephone rings at la casa de las Lopez: it's Pina asking for Candela! Chela's flustered inventions rouse Pancho's suspicions: "Your nose is growing, Chela, where is she?" He guesses the truth, that she's out with Iracheta (Vince).

Chacho borrows his taxi-driver's hat to get into the fufufura restaurant where Vince and Candy are nose-to-nose. Vince: "I should have treated you like a princess. I'm demented for you!" She's ambivalent; she likes his wife and doesn't want to betray their friendship, but she wants Vince! She also considers the fact that Vince keeps trying to destroy her brother!

Vince stops her inner monologue with kisses - that Chacho manages to photograph! Vince hears the camera. "The papparazzi are always after me," Candy glows.

Monica has a slow motion romantic dream about Pepe, but then Pepe morphs into Freddy, then Vince and Enzo show up to shoot Pepe! Nightmare! At school at first she doesn't want to talk to Pepe but then admits she broke up with Freddy and accepts his really wonderful kiss, I wish I could get one like that. Then she pushes him away; he says he'll wait till she's ready.

At Vince's house, Adoracion brings in an envelope Chacho slipped under the door - the photos of Vince kissing Candy - with a note made of pasted magazine letters that reads "Leave Pancho in peace or else!" (Chacho gloats: "Just like in the movies.")

Pancho yells at Candy some more - she sort of admits she was with Vince "but it was to help you." Across the grass, Pina doesn't get a look at the photos ("they wouldn't interest you"). Vince rushes out...

... and storms into Pancho's house and yells at him, thinking the blackmail was Pancho's idea. They brag and threaten each other. (Vince: They called me dirty Harry at school, Pancho: they called me Jarrito de ?? missed it) Vince keens: "And you Candy, you deceived me. Encubridora (accessory after the fact)!"

UPDATE:


Leaving, Vince yells: "It's thermonuclear war!" He throws the photos at Pancho, who is muy impactado! Candy: "What's a little kiss?" Pancho: "Those kisses remind me of the snakes that eat rats whole." Candy: "I want him to fall in love with me so I can hit him where it hurts." Pancho: "You'll kill his dog?"

Pina tells her buddy her husband is obsessed: "Vince never stops talking about that illiterate family. But Candy is different, she is so interesting - Candy could never betray me. He must be having an affair with - Chela!"

Rebe calls Pancho to remind him there's a meeting in half an hour. He says he's in a storm at home. Rebe knows the problem must include Vince because he, too, is AWOL from Avon.

Finally: Lupe comes to see Tomas but his sister Elena says he's not home, and then tells Lupe "I've changed my name to Hellen." Hellen/Elena is very nervous; Lupe hears Tomas giggling with - somebody - Hellen covers for him, but it's no use, because bursting out of the back room bounce Tomas and Beatriz, half nude. Beatriz sneers: "We've been doing this for years, I give him what you won't. We are friends with rights." Lupe is in tears again. Wise up!

Labels: familia

¡Feliz día de acción de gracias!

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

Labels: Fuerza

Yikes! Tonight's presentation begins with Augie savoring the events of earlier in the day. Sylvia covered this so well yesterday, and I'm innately lazy so with her permission I'll share with you once more her description of events that tonight's show begins with:

Ez asks Augi to think of his children, his wife. Augi smugly points out Ez should have thought of them. Ez keeps calling Augi desgraciado, as if he is cursing Augi, but Augustin just smiles and says “Adios amigo,” and thankfully the scene ends there. Oh that Augie is a bad bad dog. Next we see a split screen of Ez on the gurney and Aug in his truck, smiling and saying “If you go against me you won’t live to tell the tale.” The bastard drives up to the scene, rushes out and cries a bucket of crocodile tears over the body while Laz cautiously observes. Chema and dad are at the doc’s for a “Check Up” as Ben says in English. Chema wants to make it quick as he is keen to get back to work. Back at the body Augi tearfully demands how could Ez do such a thing? Laz says he knew Ez didn’t want to testify but he never thought this would happen. Augi pretends and exclaims now that Laz mentions it maybe Ez was much more affected than Augi thought. He says Ez had a great fear that the authorities would find out about something in his past, something that might end up putting him in jail. It happened a long time ago, when Ez left the Valle de Guadalupe to look for a better life. But we were kids then, says Laz, it was a very long time ago, 18 years ago at least. Manuela wonders what could he have done that was so bad? Aug says Ez committed robbery while in the U.S. and they put him in jail. When he returned home from serving time he never told them that's what happened to him. The others can’t believe it, more “No puede sers.” (That’s it? That’s the big crime of 18 years ago? Am I missing something?) Augustin is satisfied, believing he has secured his perfidy with a neat little knot of exaggeration. Yet behind him stands Lazaro, giving him a powerful stink eye filled with suspicion.

Thank you Sylvia.

It's a shame that looks can't kill because if they could, Agustín Dunant, clad in a distnctive white windbreaker, puffy collar curiously flipped up, chin jutting defiantly in a hideous rictus, would already be merrily winging his way to Hell where no doubt a corner room with a balcony view of the gaping maw of an eternal infernal canyon of flames awaits him... but pity... not today.

Meintras tanto, back at Zeke and Alfi's casa, as Luz quietly complains in her crib, Kari is gamely trying to comfort a brave little Panchito who realizes that he will never again see the daddy he loved so much. "No, mi amor, and I know that you'll miss him a lot."

He observes that he'll no longer be able to chat with his dad, but she informs him that is not the case and instructs him as she prayerfully clasps her hands and they practice. He follows her lead as he repeats her words

"Say after me, Corazón: Papito... I know you're OK... May you look after my mamita... my sister... and me... "

They make the sign of the cross.
"Every night talk to him." She concludes as she gives him a long loving hug.

Alfonsina has arrived at the murder scene and is understandably distraught. Zeke is resting in a body bag which strangely enough is unzipped, exposing his oddly peaceful face.

She shrieks that she wants to see him but offers only token resistance as Lazaro and Renata gently restrain her. "¿Por Qué?" she pleads, weeping inconsolably. Manuela begins, but Laz interrupts her and explains what they have just learned from Augie. Jerry admits that Zeke told him about it just the day before. Augie confirms it and adds that being the good guy he is, he trusted Zeke enough to hire him and that in return Zeke was always a loyal and trustworthy employ who never robbed him of a single centavo... Gack... Next!

Alison, clearly a budding young lawyer, instead of flirting with Aníbal, suggests that he assert his hijo rights. "In the US, gringos can sue their parents," she explains. He's not so sure, his expression indicates that actually... he'd rather flirt. "Wouldn't hurt to look into it, you might win a lot."

Back at the crime scene, it occurs to Jerry that some of this could have been his fault for mentioning Zeke during his declaration... Gee... you think? Augie is offended that Jerry mentioned him and Renata intervenes, asking the both of them to respect Alfi's feeling. Well, Alfi says don't mind her, it's obvious that Zeke wasn't the saint that she had imagined after all. He didn't even trust her enough to share his secrets. Carlos suggests that perhaps he didn't want to hurt her but her disposition sours even more as she storms off muttering to herself. I'd love to cut her some slack, what with her husband newly dead and all, but I'm having a difficult time warming to Alfi right now. I preferred her much more as Gardenia in MEPS.

Back at Empresa Monterubio, Matías and Honorario are busy defaming the characters of Roberta and Germán because Matt and Adri spotted them together in the restaurant.. They agree to tattle to Gonzo. "Yeah that's what we'll do."

Too late fellows, Germán is way ahead of you making a preemptive confession to Gonzo himself. Might have been misinterpreted by Matt and Adri, them spotting him and Roberta together in the restaurant and all. Gonzo, the designated dopey dad is looking even more befuddled than usual as Germán spins a clever web of deceit which leaves Gonzo agreeing that it'd be good for Germán to take Roberta under his protective wing in her inaugural days in a hostile environment. Kinda like another dad doncha know... after all she's about the same age as his son. Gonzo does know that Matías Honorio and Adri have it in for poor little Robi, doesn't he? Poor Gonzo looks like he's really missing his Etch-A-Sketch right about now.

At the center, Regina and Inés discuss Constanza's foray into maternal madness. Inés asks if Regina has fired her as head of operations. Nopis... Regina is "...certain that she do the correct thing." ... um OK... the phone for Nadie se Rinde rings for he first time... woohoo.

Meanwhile, Coni is doing her own version of the correct thing. She is enmeshing herself deeper and deeper into Corina's web offering both moral and financial support. No need to mention it to Regina...

At the clinic, as Chema undergoes a CT of his head (did this remind anyone else of Frankenstein?), it dawns on him, "Hey we already did this!" He smells a rat. The Dr. admits that he hasn't been completely honest. "Make an appointment and I'll tell you the truth."

Say what? Why not just say, "Hey, sorry but you have a fatal brain tumor, don't start watching any new telenovels or opening any new restaurants." ?... Or something to that effect.

Honorio and Matías arrive in Gonzo's office bearing chismes only to discover that Germán has beaten them to the punch. Gonzo tells them that Germán will be Robi's mentor. They wearily and warily agree to go along with this hare-brained plan... for Gonzalo and Regina.

At La Bonita, Manuela presents Alison to Jerry and Nata, as Aníbal, Mati, and Carlos look on. She apologizes to Renata for not informing her that Alison was coming. Everyone is going to prepare for the velorio, but Carlos remembers that he can't join them... he must pick up Priscila at the airport. Renata looks at Jerry as if to say, "WTF is Priscila?" Nobody seems to tell her anything.

Augie pays Melesio for a job cleanly done. He offers him the job as his capataz which has fortutously just opened up. Of course best wait until Zeke's in the ground... wouldn't want to appear unseemly. They both share a hearty laugh at this.

Hell is waiting for the both of you.

Karina offers to help Alfi prepare for the velorio. If not for the kids, Alfonsina wouldn't bother. She remembers Zeke's words to Luz,

"I wish I could cease being who I am and be the man that everyone imagines. Ay my daughter, if you only knew how much I want to disappear."

Alfi feels betrayed.

Augie makes a call to Robi insisting that she tell Renata about Zeke forcing himself on her... hoy mismo. She doesn't see a good reason to be calling her. He tells her to just call and ask about him. "She'll tell you that she's at the velorio for that infeliz." "¿Qué, Ezequiel is dead?" "Sí, and in a few hours, buried." "Agustín, don't tell me that you..." "Of course not... the important thing is that your sister learn that he took advantage of you."

Roberta is not so sure and doesn't really seem very surprised... or alarmed.

Seems to me that Augie may be over-reaching a bit with this ploy.

Roberta leaves to go home for lunch as Matías and Adri agree that they have done what they can about Robi and Germy, they'll just keep an eye on them from here on.

Surprise, surprise, Fina is waiting for Roberta in the parking garage. Dr. Icky has driven her over. She tells Robi that she won't allow her to stray from the fold (redil, a new word for me).

Aueropuerto Internacional de Tijuana.

Priscila's here! Wow.

"¡Charlie! ¡Charlie!"

Oh yes, Matilde's going to pop her headband.

It's been 5 maybe 6 years.

I think Charlie says it all with, "...from here on, everything will be just like before."
Yes indeed, Matilde will be thrilled.

Robi is impressed by Fina's mobility. Fina reminds her of who calls the shots. Right now, she needs money.

Everyone at the velorio is clad in black. The grieving widow is tastefully dressed in skintight black jeans, high topped black boots with impossibly high heels and a dark sweater that reveals a modest amount of cleavage. Remembering Dr. Nesme's farce of a funeral, she wants a look at the corpse. Laz dutifully pops the lid allowing her full access. She reaches out and discreetly holds a small mirror under Zeke's nostrils (actually I just imagined the mirror). She does feel his cheek and assures herself that he is indeed... muerto.

Antonio arrives as other mourners file in. He has Manuela point out the viuda. He offers a few words of comfort and then moves behind the coffin to intone the Lord's Prayer accompanied by a hunting feminine voice. Jerry and Nata arrives and Alfi repairs to another room. Antonio seems to have that effect on people.

Nata follows her into the bedroom, taking a seat beside her on the bed. She offers her shoulder. Instead of tears, Alfi sheds bitterness and disillusionment. Basically, all men are traitorous scum, and she gives Alvaro and Zeke as prime examples. Nata sees her Alvaro and Zeke and raises with Fina. There are . Then gives her stepdad as an example of a good man. I think this is supposed to be a hang in there pep talk but I find myself yawning so unless there is a request for an exact translation of these platitudes, I'll pass... Next!

Gonzo and Regina are wedding planing. Just family and Izzy and Inés. I presume they're going to forego the vocalist as well. Gonzo wants Germán and Mrs. Germán. Yeah... what could possibly go wrong there?

Roberta briefly joins them. She's home for lunch but first has to get some money for Fina. She neglects to tell them that second part.

Fina waits impatiently outside in the car. She looks on as her clothing is carted out in boxes and dumped unceremoniously into a dolly. Panchita is overheard saying how evil Fina was and what an angel Regina is. Ouch!

Robi stuffs wads of cash in a department store gift box. It's even topped with a bow.

"En el nombre del Padre, del Hijo y del Espiritu Santo." The velorio seems to be winding down... but wait! Heeeeere's Augie!

Wow! Huge garish wreathes straight out of The Godfather.

He approaches the Widow Alfi and inquires, "¿Cómo estás?"

You murdered her husband! How the Hell do you think she is?

He pukes up the following:

"I don't want you to worry about your future, already too much tragedy is happening to you. "
She 's puzzled, "To what are you referring with my future?"

"So you want feel alone, I'm going to help you. I'm going to take care of the education of your two hijos until they finish their studies. Also I want you to know that you will continue receiving Ezequiel's salary as a pensión vitalicia."

"Excuse me what is vitelcia?"

"For life. Every knew that Ezeqiel was my loyal employee and that I loved him. His death affected me profoundly. He was always an irreplaceable person for me."
Jerry takes the opportunity to express doubt.

Renata upbraids him, telling him this is very gracious on Augie's part.

Jerry replys, "If it were gracious, he wouldn't have said it for all the world to hear."

Impervious, Augie continues, "Alfonsina, I can't offer you the position that Ezequiel held because I know that you already hold one at La Bonita, but I want you to know that the doors of my hacienda will always be open for you and your family."
She is grateful as Jerry glowers.

I think I'm gonna be sick.

She rests her head on the coffin as Antonio whispers words of consolation to Panchito.

Robi has the gift box for Fina, telling Regina and Gonzo that it is a gift for Selene she hurries out to deliver it.

What's this? Regina looks suspicious.

Robi delivers the cash to a waiting Fina, but the best part is Panchita sees it and even better... recognizes Fina.

Carlos

Labels: Cuando