Caray, Caray!

Labels: Fuerza

Our Blue Flower must take the night off so you guys are stuck with grumpy old Dr. Carlos to guide you through tonight's festivities. Not to worry though, because tonight I'm joined by lovely bottle of Monte Alban Mezal, aromatic slices of a small lemon, and a tiny dish of black volcanic salt. The little worm, so far unmolested, is crouching nervously on the glass floor trying to make himself invisible... I'll get to you later little fellow.

Before I begin, allow me to welcome Mary, our latest study group member who admits to the occasional impure thought involving Juan Soler (Jerónimo Linares)... really? Juan Soler? Ummmm... OK... let's see what kind of sandwich you have there...

Renata, who was rummaging through the box of Fina's odds and ends that Regina turned over to her, is joined in Jerry's office by Manuela. Nata announces that she has a date with a newly religious reptile involving fingerprints as soon as she tidies up. Manuela, recognizing an opportunity to pry a bit, offers to take care of replacing the stuff into the box. Nata scurries off as Manuela inspects a document, "Acta de naciemiento de la niña Roberta Gamba Álvarez..." She recognizes that as Renata's sister's name. Heck, she's putting the lid on the box. Too bad it wasn't Matilde that offered to help.

Meanwhile, in his cell, Jerry is doing a little math to pass the time. He comes to the brilliant conclusion that Roberta has usurped Renata's position as Regina's daughter in order to inherit the trust fund left by Roberto for the infant Regina. Good job. But the poor guy admits that it's driving him nuts trying to figure out how Roberta was able to accomplish such a nimble feat, "Roberta, you're just not that smart."

Too bad they don't serve Honeynut Cheerios for breakfast here or he might have even thought about Fina having a role in all this.

Pris is a lady with a plan. She adds a toxic supplement to Carlos' Thermos. "Ay, mi Charlie, Sorry, but it's for your own good... and mine."

Roberta is up early depositing that check, meant for the empresa but made out in her name, into her own account. She marvels at how easy it was. Well yeah, you're doing business with idiots.

The La Bonita bunch are enjoying a moment. A smiling Alfonsina holding a disinterested Luz, has joined Manuela, Alison, Matilde, Kari , and Laz as they discuss the sudden marriage. Alison thinks there should be a honeymoon, but it all happened so fast there is no time. It's back to work. Alfonsina is going to see Augie about his promise to continue Zeke's salary. Alison offers to go along for the chance to see Aníbal.

Augie has decided to give his son some fencing lessons. Aníbal gets to wear a mask. Apparently Augie doesn't need one. The lesson doesn't last long. Augie shows him how to hold the épée, they face off, then Augie all but carves a Z on Aníbal's belly. Next!

Saúl has come by the parsonage to pick up Marina for her Dr.'s appointment. padre S must not have been advised. He offers a less than warm reception. Marina, is wearing boots that have perilously high spikey heels for a pregnant lady trying to take it easy... but they look warm. They don't need the nurse to come along. By the way, the clinic is next to the jail. Convenient.

Outside, Renata, munching a taco, meets up with Tony. They spot Marina and Saúl. Renata's curious about Saúl. Tony tells her that it's an old novio there to win Dr. Tatalicious back. Renata smiles and approves. Her cell phone rings... "Oops! Gotta go! Later!"

In Taxco Guerrero the spiffy-looking honeymooning couple, Regina and Gonzo, stroll in a lovely alleyway. They chat. He wants to take a year off and travel... maybe even take the kids. They kiss. Cute... and borrrring... next!

Ben, Julieta, and Adri are at Chema's restaurant. Ben thinks they should keep Chema's dream alive. Looks like Julieta will run the place. She'll think about it.

Say what you will about Germán, this guy doesn't waste time. He presents Roberta with keys to an apartment he's rented for her... er... uh... them. She'd rather own it. All in good time my dear.

Isidro and Inés fret about Coni and the baby. Inés is sure that Coni has been lying and has a plan to expose her. Yawn.

Carlos and Pris are playing with the grape juice chemistry set. Mati arrives with coffee. Pris, respecting their privacy, leaves, "Adíos, Mati." Mati mocks her. Watch out for that coffee, mi Charlie.

Alfonsina expresses appreciation for Laz' and Kari's support as they accompany her, Alison and the baby Luz to the car that Laz has loaned her to use to pay a visit to Agustín.

Killing time until her poison takes effect, Pris asks Manuela for a glass of water. Never mind, here's Mati sounding the alarm. "Carlos is choking!" She gave him a coffee and suddenly he couldn't breathe. Not to worry, Pris runs off and hurries back with a pill.

No wonder Renata was in such a hurry... Jerry's been sprung! She rushes up the municipal building's steps and gives him a super Renata-style greeting and there to witness this joyous reunion is she of the bountiful bouncy bubis in the company of Shady Saúl.

After commercials, Marina identifies the happy couple for Saúl. Jerry tells Renata that it was her intervention with Alvaro that tipped the scales. She then tips him over and begins to ravish him right there in front of God and... well... Marina.
Saúl is very perceptive, "But he looks very much in love with her." Sadly, Marina already knows. He's disgusted with the cad, Jerry, but tells him that Jerry never lied to her. "Then why did you go out with him?" I told you that he's very perceptive. "Let's go," Marina pleads.

Finally, Renata and Jerry get into the SUV, but they look like they might have to pull off to the side of the road on the way home.

Good news travels fast, but Augie doesn't seem to be rejoicing.

Drat! Not exactly the most propitious moment for Alfi to arrive asking for money, but she goes on in carrying Luz with her leaving Alison free to mingle with Aníbal who is practicing with his sword. which he drops when he glimpses Alison. They chat amiably about her work as Luz' babysitter. He didn't think that granny wanted her seeing him but she assures him that it's OK since coming with Alfi and the baby is part of her job. He hopes that Alfonsina has to come often. So does she. They kiss.

As we noted, Augie is grumpy. Alfonsina knocks.

"May I?"

"What are you doing in my office?"

"Perdón, don Agustín, I was told that you were here, that I could come in to look for you."

"I don't like interruptions and much less by people who don't work for me."

"No, no, no, I didn't want to bother you. I came because you told me I could come by on payday for Ezekiel's salary."

"I can't believe it. Your husband just died and you only think of money."

"But you said.."

"Come back another day. Don't just reach out your hand for money."

"I repeat, that if I'm here, it's because you suggested it."

"Well, now I suggest that you come back another day and that you wait outside until I decide to receive you."

"Don't worry, that won't be necessary, I won't return and trouble you."

Jerk!

He then says, "Turns out that the idiot has pride."

He looks out the window and sees the kids kissing and goes ballistic. He looks as though he could devour a live puppy.

The girls and baby leave as Augie shouts for Aníbal.

Alfonsina is devastated. Alison notices that she is crying, but as Alfi agonizes and lashes out at poor dead Zeke, Alison retreats into a prettier world of remembered boy smells and tasty kisses.

Augie viciously scolds Aníbal for the crime of giving his heart to a servant girl. Aníbal boldly holds his ground saying that he has no doubt that Augie is his dad but he will not be manipulated like a puppet. He's going to gather his stuff and leave.

As we break for commercial I picture Augie skewered on one of those pointy sticks:

"Gee officer, it all happened so fast. One minute he was showing me how to fence and the next... well look for yourself..."

Well thank goodness, Carlos is all better. He gave us all quite a scare. Pris says it must have been the coffee. Good thing that Pris knew to give him that pill. "Saaay..." Carlos is thinking the same thing we are, "Priscila, how did you know what to give me?"

She's good... while they were dancing the flamenco in Seville, ("Remember?" "How could I forget?") he had a similar thing happen and she had to give him an antihistamine. "I remembered that you are allergic to some things." He remembers too, "walnuts, cinnamon, sulfa." "And saffron," she adds. Prissy looks accusingly at Mati, "You didn't know?"

I get a little break to sip some mezcal as the well-dressed newlyweds tour the beautiful city of Taxco to the strains of Cuando Me Enamoro.

Back in DF Adri confronts Coni about the baby. Coni responds by inquiring about Benjamín. Well played, Coni. They commiserate about Chema, Adri tells her about the plans to go ahead with the restaurant but when she pauses for a reply, she sees that Coni is lost in a tiny maternal world inhabited by only her and little Amparo.

Renata and Jerry have arrived home and seem to be looking for a soft spot to consummate their reunion when Lazaro spots them. He drags them inside and gathers the crew. Sorry, Renata and Jerry... maybe later. Oh well, gratification delayed is gratification enhanced. Everyone is happy. Jerry congratulates the newlyweds then offers to send them to DF for their luna de miel. RIGHT NOW. OK that's two down. Mati happily tackles Jerry. Renata is collateral damage, being knocked to the sofa. Carlos floats in riding his antihistamine followed by Prissy. "An allergic reaction," they explain. The Curse of Matilde!

At the OB clinic, there's good and bad news. The abruption has healed. Marina can walk again (but I'm guessing... not in those boots.) Unfortunately her blood pressure is up. Preeclampsia? Perhaps just all the stress. The Dr. doesn't seem too worried. She needs to relax and he'll write a prescription. She assures him that she is taking her folic acid.

Saúl senses an opening. She needs to get away from here... either with him... or not... but she needs to get away from this place and guy who makes her so sad.

In the La Bonita kitchen, Kari and Laz are excited about taking their first plane ride. Manuela gives them a special blessing as Mati looks on. They all kid around a bit. Laz and Kari leave. Manuela takes the opportunity to advise Mati, "Stay close to Carlos and keep an eye on Priscila." They both trust Carlos, but neither trusts Pris. Herminia interrupts. Papers have arrived that must be signed for.

Well thank goodness. Jerry has bathed with his own soap and shampooed with his own shampoo. Renata is relieved. The documents are delivered and signed for. They're from the Tribunal Eclesiástico. News of the annulment! Worried looks and speculation. Meintras tanto, Matilde strategically inserts herself between Pris and Charlie. Everyone looks to Jerry who is reading with a worried look as Renata asks pointedly, "Jerónimo, are we still married within the Church... or not?"

Marina arrives home and tells her uncle that the babies are fine, the bleeding danger is past, and as he grouses about Saúl, she wheels into her room to weep and whine as I try to rescue that little worm from the bottom of this bottle.

Cheryl... next!

Carlos

Labels: Cuando

*The Kingston Trio (anyone remember them?)


As always, if I missed something important or got a scene or detail wrong, please weigh in. Thank you. The finance stuff having to do with Roberta is still rather unclear to me.



Sadly, Chema died last night, and tonight the grieving Hons/Cons family arrives home and are surprised by the mewling of an infant. Hons is predictably irked and gets on Con’s case. Again. But wait, there is a note! Honorio angrily reads: “Please excuse me for imposing on you!! Please don’t be mad but I had an emergency!! I’ll be back in a few days!! I couldn’t think of anyone better than you to take care of Amaparito!! Thank you!!! Corinna!!!!” Hons pitches a fit and hurls the note down. Cons tells him to chill but he asks what was that woman thinking, leaving the baby there not knowing when they would return home? (Dude’s got a point.)  Cons tries to justify but Hons stands firm. How irresponsible!! Cons, firmly in denial, coos at the baby girl.

Berta is doing a laptop background search on Germy and wife. She reads that Gema is “one of the few women entrepreneurs and millionaires in the country. Heiress of a great empire, she married Germy despite his being 10 years her junior, turning both into hugely successful entrepreneurs.” Her face when she reads Germy is younger than Gema is priceless. She smirks and says she knew there was something fishy (un gato encerrado) going on with old Germy and he didn’t marry Gema for her pretty face. She bets he has no intention of divorcing...at least that’s what Germy thinks, bwahahahaha!

Over at La Bonita Lazaro and Kari are getting married by Padre Severino. I love how these two refuse to wait for anyone and anything. Our favorite romantic song plays in the background, everyone is all smiles, and Laz lets out a huge sigh of relief and of course his signature victory whoop of joy when Padre is done. Nata toasts to them, a beautiful example of perseverance, PATIENCE, and love. Nata grabs a bouquet of flowers out of a vase so Kari can toss it. Mati tells her cuñada, “Here I am!!” and ruh roh...Prissbutt catches the bouquet! A collective “drat” escapes the crowd but Nata, the perfect hostess, applauds the catch. Pay no attention to Pris, the crowd demands a beso and Kari and Laz comply with gusto. I’ll bet the temperature in the Valle de Guadalupe goes up a few degrees tonight, woohoo!! I’m getting warm just thinking about it.

Meanwhile Jero, white teeth gleaming in the dark, tries to keep warm by snuggling under his blankie and thinking of Renata.

Cut to another lonely soul alone with her thoughts. It’s Maritata of course, whining about the love she feels for Jero, so strong, so great. She thought Saul was the most important love of her life but compared to Jero it’s so tiny (meaning the love she feels, ahem). Oh why couldn’t she have met Jero earlier in her life, before Jero met HER, RENATA? Gah! Give it a rest girlie.

Let’s leave Doctora Dreary and get back to the party. Anibal and Alison flirt and talk about whom Ali might someday marry. Prince Charming (El Principe Azul) only exists in fairy tales so Ali just wants someone who will make her happy and make her laugh. They conclude by smearing each others' faces with cake; they almost forget they are not alone. Cute.

Laz and Kari thank Nata from the bottom of their hearts. Nata gets a bit over-excited and supposes they can’t wait to consummate the marriage, heh heh, then backpedals as Padre S feigns shock. Kari cracks up at Nata’s lusty glee and Laz says what Nata means to say is that they can’t wait to spend the rest of their lives together. He quickly excuses them from the conversation so they can sneak off to...spend the rest of their lives together of course.

Padre sees the two young folk and Renata explains they are Manuela’s nieta and Augie’s kid, this latter piece of data shocks PS.

Antonio approaches and comments on the bitterness that must have led up to such a happy ending for Laz and Kari. PS says at least Alvaro is safely in jail and can no longer harm anyone else. Renata stuffs her face with cookies and rolls her eyes at such an anvil-laden comment. Dang, those must be some yummy props because she can’t seem to get enough. I wonder what they are?

Nata tells Tony that tomorrow she’s going to Tijuana to visit NastyN to give him money to tell the truth and get Jero out of jail. She asks Tony will he accompany her?  She asks him to keep it confidential. Only she, Jero, Carlos and now he know. He tells her Regina instructed him to keep an eye out for her and Nata basks in this, saying she can understand Gonzo and Jero caring for her, but Regina...well her love and care is more than she got from her real mother.

Anibal bids adieu to Manuela and wants to take Ali aside for a private goodbye. “Don’t leave the room”, Manuela sternly admonishes. He takes Ali’s hand, tells her she’s very pretty and gives her a pink rose. They plan to meet up tomorrow. Ani reveals to Ali that he doesn’t feel comfortable with Augustin, especially with the way he acts toward Renata. Augie is the one who told her Jero is in jail and he knew perfectly well Jero didn’t want her to know. Ani’s mother warned him about Augie and Ani doesn’t know if he can trust him. Alison doesn’t really seem to care much about Anibal’s problems, she just wants him to stick around so she doesn’t get bored. (I paraphrased a bit at the end.)

Wedding night at last!! Laz carries Kari over the threshold to their love nest filled with flowers and candles. He huskily whispers that he thinks this will be an unforgettable night.  He kisses her forehead, her nose, her lips, calls her his wife, and starts to undress her. Kari can’t wipe the teary smile off her face and frankly, neither can I. “Te amo,” she silently mouths to him. Let’s give these two the privacy for which they have waited a lifetime. Sigh. Rewind.

Tony tells Nata he would do anything for her. She says the same thing and actually he has a favor to ask her. He has this idea to fingerprint all the kids in the parish in case they get lost or stolen. Nata thinks it’s a great, great idea and can identify completely. She agrees to let herself get fingerprinted as an example to the children. Who knew Antonio could be so clever? Frankly I’m astounded.

Anibal is back at Cruz sin Amor and goes into Augi’s office. Daddy Dearest asks the kid did no one ever teach him to knock? (What a rude jerk.) Ani says not much to report from the party, Laz and Kari got married and Renata threw a dinner party, she’s very generous and the workers like her a lot. Augi doesn’t get why Nata would do this for workers. After Ani leaves Augustin juts his jaw and asks “Renata how is it possible you prefer to be with these people rather than with me?” Maybe because you are a snobby, controlling, devious wet blanket? Oh, and a sadistic murderer too. Oh, and that windbreaker.

Next day Nata and Tony are at the Tijuana jail. Dr. DreadfulShouldBeDeadful drools on the money that Nata passes to him and says he’s not turning back (echarse atrás) now. Nata tells him he’d better not or she’ll take the money back. “Are you threatening me?” he asks. Nope, not a threat just a warning she says. Tony councils NastyN that this is a good opportunity for him to help his fellow man (projimo) by just telling the truth. Nasty doesn't quite compute this and asks about Karina. Nata tells him the truth, Laz and Kari got married last night and Padre S gave them his blessing. No puede ser!! Yes puede ser, says Nata, Kari deserves happiness. Tony tells NastyN to learn from his own experience. He did bad things and hurt a woman he loved, but he has now found peace in the Lord’s service. Maybe Nesme could do the same. Good luck with than one Tony.

Carlos visits Jero to cheer him up with the Laz/Kari wedding and party chisme. They discuss that Nata and Tony are at that moment working on Nesme to get him to tell the truth and declare Jero innocent.

Prissbutt is at the pharmacy buying something special, saying with it they’ll see if Mati’s curse is really over. She’ll get Mati out of the way and Prissbutt will end up marrying her Charlie.

Saul arrives with gifts for the babies, cute little clothes. Mari whimpers it’s the first gifts her babies have gotten. He asks if she’s thought about his proposal and she says it’s still all so sudden (tan repentino). He explains it’s part of his rehab, to ask forgiveness of those he’s hurt. Maritata says “Dude, it’s your process, not mine.” Good answer! Are there still brains in there? He says true, but now his dream is for them to rebuild what they had together. Tata’s not looking quite on board with this plan.

Gonzo, still on his honeymoon, gets a call from Matias. Gonzo sadly relates to his bride that Chema passed away practically right at the opening of his restaurant. Lots of tears and crying about dying too young. I’m trying to feel bad but honestly, the view is fabulous and I can’t take my eyes off the vista. Good choice in honeymoon locations.

Oh dear, I spoke to soon, because now my view is of Chema’s memorial. They are all wearing white, nice touch. Papa Ben scatters his son’s ashes around their special tree, the sad song plays, and Adri, Matias and Julieta cry and reminisce. I guess Hons and Cons are stuck taking care of the baby.

Dr. StillWearingTheBadToupee gives his statement. He says he tried to operate on Rafael but he’d lost a lot of blood. Augustin Dunant told him to dispense with the autopsy to avoid having to deal with problems. He admits having drunk with Augustin earlier in the night. Then he admits to stealing the vine cutting and he explains why. Time passes. The Comandante is calm but his sergeant is having conniptions in the background. I think NastyN says only he and Dunant stole the cutting, Ezequiel had nothing to do with it. NastyN goes on to say Augustin put a hit out on him. The Comandante asks a bunch of questions about NastyN pretending to be dead. What was the prison director’s relationship, how much did they pay him, why did he do it? We don’t hear the answers.

Augustin is on the phone playing with his balls. The crystal ones on his desk that is. He yells at some guy at the jail that he’d better complicate matters so Jero doesn’t get out of there any time soon. The jail lackey says the only way is for some doctor (the prison doc?) not to change his statement but he thinks it’s too late. Augie hisses he’d better figure out a way because in addition to the charges they’ll accuse him of falsifying a statement which is a federal crime. He hisses that he doesn’t care who he has to bribe or how far he has to go, Jero is not getting out of jail!

Nata prays to the Virgencita that Jero gets out of jail soon. Take that Augustin.

Augi molests his Renacer En Ti poster and gleefully tells Jero he’s not going to win this time. He’ll leave no stone unturned and most assuredly this story is going to end with Renata and Augustin together. Too bad Jero won’t be around to see it.

Coni calls Ines at the center to say she’s not feeling well and can’t come to work. Liar. Ines whines she needs help what with Regina gone and all. Amparito cries and blows Coni's cover. Coni says it’s the TV but Ines doesn’t believe her for a minute.

Over at Empresas Monterubbio Hons is whinging to Matias about his little house guest. Worst of all, nobody at the center knows about Coni’s dealings with Corina and the baby. Because of her personal involvement she’s breaking the rules of the Regina Center. Oh man, that wall behind Matias is making me dizzy. Matias says he sure hopes this woman comes home and takes her baby before Gonza and Regina get back.

The three crazy people in white (yes I do think the doc is crazier than BSCBlanca and Malafina) pay Corina for a job well done. She assures them Coni loves the baby like her own and cranky old Hons doesn’t like sharing his wife. Corina, somehow managing to speak through the huge wad of gum in her mouth, promises to disguise herself, cut her hair the way she wants to, and go far away. Blanca and Fina cackle that there’s nothing better than vengeance. It’s marvelous, no? Yo witches, I'm thinking that the sizzling hot amor between Laz and Kari might be better than vengeance. Those cookies at the party?  Probably better than vengeance. A bottle of La Bonita wine? Yep, better than vengeance. But I digress.

Roberta calls the bank I guess, tells them she is Gonzo’s daughter working at EM, and her daddy who is on his honeymoon has requested she call and have her signature registered so she can be a proxy for him. I think that’s what she said, all this finance stuff confuses me. 

At LaB Nata is inexplicably going through some photos in Jero’s office. I think they have to do with Regina. How odd, she finds a birth certificate but before she opens it Manuela enters to tell her the truck is ready. Manuela says she’ll straighten up so Renata can run off and help Antonio. Manuela reads the certificate, it is for Roberta Gamba Alvarez.

Jero’s still behind bars and now he’s driving himself crazy asking an invisible Roberta how she could supplant Renata with with proof of DNA? He should have known what she was capable of after accusing Renata of being with Rafael. He doesn’t think Roberta is intelligent enough to pull off a complex DNA switcheroo.

Back at LaB the Prissbutt doctors Mi Charlie’s thermos with her Love Potion Numero Nueve, smirking that it’s for his own good and hers too.

Roberta is somewhere, the bank maybe? And I’m still not sure exactly what’s going on, but Berta hands the nice girl a check and assures her it’s the same bank (as EM?). Nice girl says no problem then, the deposit remains firm and Roberta can have her money whenever she wants it. I’m kind of getting the idea that somehow the company will cover any checks she needs to write from the account. Anyway, Roberta grins and thought bubbles that was easier than she thought.

Avances: Marina gushes that Jero is free! Then she gets to see him run to Renata, hahaha!! Saul is all goggle-eyed when our lusty heroine Nata dips Jero and lays a big one on him. Augustin’s not happy.


echarse atrás = to back out, to turn back
El Principe Azul = Prince Charming (Lit. the blue prince)
Hay un gato encerrado - there is something fishy (lit. there is a locked-up cat)
no es una amenaza, es una advertencia
projimo = fellow man, neighbor
ramo = bouquet
repentino = sudden

Labels: Cuando

Carolina comes to visit Antolín in jail. She happily announces to him that there's no pain and she did see some fuzzy shapes, so in a few weeks when she gets the bandages off, she'll be able to see. She wants to see him out of jail and free.

The annoying lawyer who can't possibly need those glasses to see since he spends all his time cleaning them, makes sure Saul and Carmen know what they're going to tell the judge.

Antolín is upset about Carmen going to the lawyers. Ivan talks him down and says it will all be ok, he just needs to say that Toni offered to pay for Carolina's surgery and that they talked about it three weeks ago.

Carmen tells the judge that Saul's story to her was that he suspected his dad of carrying on with Lucrezia and he wanted to catch them. When the judge asks her about running into Saul and Gordo out on the road the week before, she says Saul was coming to pick her up. She explains that they went out years ago and have a kid together, so Saul's been trying to patch things up with her. She says on the day the gave her a ride home, they talked about the kid, about Lucrezia's movements. "And did they know your brother had a gun?" Carmen tells him the three of them were friends, especially Gordo.

David comes to see JJ. He seems pissed that JJ is at home. JJ tells David he's the one who should be feeling bad after the stupidity Saul's been engaged in. He says that Saul is up to his neck in Gerry's death.

The judge now interviews Saul, who is distracted by the court reporter transcribing everything he says. Saul claims that his dad made him get back together with Carmen because he found out about the kid. Since his dad took the car away after his accident, he had to get a ride from Gordo, and he figures that's where Gordo got the idea. The judge asks if they weren't both friends with Antolín. Saul claims he and Antolín were acquaintances, but Gordo was a really good friend, until the day Antolín gave him a good beating. "Gordo said he wanted to get even." Saul claims not to know the reason for Antolín and Gordo's falling out. "Did you know Antolín had a gun?" Saul says he didn't. He knows what neighborhood Antolín lives in, but he's never been in his house. He has been in Gordo's house a few times, to have some beers and stuff. He wasn't with Gordo on that day, though, and he's got witnesses. "And if you knew that on Mondays, Mrs. Curiel went out to run errands, why didn't you follow her on that Monday to find out if she was seeing your father?" Saul says he was going to, but when he asked Gordo to take him, Gordo said he had something else to do. Saul says he tried calling him after that day, but Gordo never answered the phone. The lawyer fills in that the cops are already looking for Gordo and for the vehicles involved in the attempted kidnapping, but so far they haven't found either.

JJ is upset that David is there to get his mother's money back. As far as he's concerned, Esther should consider herself lucky that he's going to let her have half of the ranch. David informs him that Esther is entitled to half of everything that JJ earned during their marriage. JJ says no way! He's the one who wheeled and dealed to "earn" that money, not Esther who was puttering around the house, doing her charity work. JJ refuses to negotiate and says with the rent from her half of the ranch, she should be able to live "like a queen" and he's not going to give her a penny more than that. David says he's going to fight for what's due to his mother and he hopes that things with Saul turn out ok. He starts to leave, but JJ has to get his final digs in. "Oh, I know what you're after! You want to end up with your mother's part of the property! Over my dead body! Don't you leave me talking to myself, you ***, come back here!" Since they muted him out, I'm not sure what he said…two syllables, looked like "puto" maybe, which would be a male prostitute, which doesn't quite make sense, so anyone else's guess is as good as mine. Damnit, don't they realize we're trying to get an education here? JJ starts feeling sick from all the drinking and the screaming.

The lawyer comes out of the judge's office and tells Ivan and Carolina that Carmen and Saul gave their testimony, but that doesn't mean Antolin is getting out just yet. It depends on the judge's "analysis". Probably he'll make his decision tomorrow, because that's the end of the time limit that the lawyer requested to gather additional evidence. The lawyer reminds him that the matter of the gun still isn't resolved. The judge isn't inclined to look kindly on Antolín for having possession of a firearm without the proper permit. Camilo asks how things look for Carmen and the lawyer says "good" in his usual "OMG you people bore the hell out of me" tone.

JJ's maid comes home from the market and nearly trips over him in the dining room.

Mr. 5ft and I very uncharitably advise the maid not to call just yet. I mean, after all, JJ will be very upset if he wakes up in the hospital and he didn't really need to be there. Best take a moment to be absolutely sure he's not ok.

The maid calls David, in tears, telling him she didn't know if he was dead or passed out, and all she could think to do was call the doctor whose number was written in his address book, but while the doctor was checking him out, the ambulance got there and they took him to the hospital. "Which hospital?" David screams at her…wait, is there more than one in Alamos? In any case, the maid doesn't know.

Lucrezia is calling JJ, but he's not answering his cell. Carlota jokes that Lucrezia is calling to take him up on his marriage proposal. Lucrezia Borgia MeanDragon has a nice ring to it. They're going to need a moat and a dungeon. Lucrezia scoffs at her mother and says she has to maintain good relations with JJ and she needs to ask his opinion on a certain matter. She ends up talking to the maid, who tells her that her prospective suitor is in the hospital.

David collects Judith and tells the secretary to let Toni know.

The secretary lets Toni know and he asks which hospital.

The Mondragon kids are all at the hospital. Saul brushes off JJ's insulin shock and subsequent coma. Saul gripes that if he doesn't die, he'll be a burden. He uses the word "bulto" package, baggage. David tells him lots of people get out of comas and get better. "It looks like you're enjoying this." Saul says if he dies, they'll have money and he'll be able to get his operation, so, duh, of course he's happy. Toni comes in and asks how JJ is. Saul tells him he's in a coma.

Ivan calls Lucia, who's playing with the baby and talking to Carlota. Ivan says he feels sorry for JJ, but he's like to see her. He suggests she come over and says Carolina needs her. Lucia doesn't want to leave Perlita alone, but Ivan would like to see her too. He offers to pick them up and drop them off. Lucia fills Carlota in and Carlota tells her to go. And if she wants to "tapar el ojo al macho" (cover the macho's eye; do it on the sly; make the situation look innocent) Carlota will go with them and spend some time with Toni. Lucia agrees to come over. She hangs up the phone and jokes with Perlita that they're going to see her daddy…but after she changes her super-stinky diaper.

The doctor comes out and tells the Mondragon kids and Toni that it's too soon to give a prognosis. Right now, he's in Intensive Care. He had a severe drop of glucose, probably from getting upset. "This is one of the risks of his illness." The doctor says that since he got medical treatment in time, he probably avoided any brain damage. He hopes JJ will come out of the coma in good shape. Saul asks if there's any risk of JJ dying. The doctor admits there's always a risk, but they can't get ahead of themselves.

Carlota tells Cleto to tell Lucrezia they've just gone out for a bit. Maripaz drives up just then, upsetting Carlota. She tries to suck up to Lucia, saying the baby looks cute, "She takes after me!" to which Carlota replies "brincos dieras!" (you'd jump at the chance; you wish!). Maripaz heard that JJ is in the hospital in a coma, so she came to tell Lucrezia. "And where are you two going?" They say they're going wherever the heck they want. Maripaz wants to wait for her mom. "I'll stay in the car if you don't want me to go in the house." Carlota tells her she can go in the house, but if she steals anything, this time Carlota will turn her in to the cops.

Lucrezia is upset that the doctor won't give a prognosis. David feels guilty about their argument. Saul says JJ fights all the time. David tells them they were fighting about the division of assets and Saul jokes that JJ must have set his eye on someone else, to agree to a divorce. Lucrezia jumps in and says now is not the time to be talking about that. She asks if Esther knows. Saul says she won't come, and it's better for Esther if she dies. When Lucrezia tells them not to fight because their father is on the verge of death, Saul crosses his fingers behind his back. Ah, but he does take after his daddy.

Ivan and Alex are happy to see Carlota and Lucia and Perlita. They all go to show the baby to Carolina.

Maripaz goes into Lucia's room and rubs the bottom of her shoe on the comforter. She opens her laptop and finds Lucia's presentation and deletes it, happily chirping "oops!" She hopes Lucia flunks her exam and everything goes wrong for her.

Ivan and Lucia ditch the kids to talk about "them." Ivan will wait as long as it takes. Or so he says, but now he's being as jealous a dick as Camilo was…"He came over to see Perlita, or to see you? Doesn't he understand you don't want him anymore?" Lucia is worried about Camilo accusing her of infidelity and taking Perlita away.

Camilo goes over to El Socorro and notices Maripaz's car. He goes into the house anyway. Dipshit. He runs into Maripaz, who informs him that everyone is out of the house. He starts to leave, but she stops him, saying they're alone. She wants to "talk" but Camilo tries to refuse. She proposes they become lovers. "No one has to know. It'll be our secret." Maripaz, haven't you seen this show? There are no secrets. "Come on, we both need it! What's wrong with finding consolation in each other's arms?" Predictably, he gives in.

Antolín is getting transferred to prison.

The ladies come home. Cleto tells Lucia he doesn't know when Maripaz left. She asks him to send Gloria upstairs to help her with Perlita.

Toni lets Ivan know that JJ is still in a coma and Antolín has been transferred to prison. They agree not to tell Carolina until the bandages are off.

Lucrezia fills Carlota in on the goings-on at the hospital. She mocks Esther for being upset when she arrived…"they're about to get divorced!" She says if JJ doesn't get better, she's sure as heck not going to saddle herself with him!

Maripaz and Camilo are in bed somewhere and he's ignoring Ivan's calls.

Toni counsels patience and consulting the lawyers. Apparently, being transferred to prison still doesn't mean that Antolín is guilty, so there's a chance for more evidence to clear him.

Antolín arrives at prison and meets his cellmates. Predictable hazing ensues. He tries to play nice, but ends up kicking the other guy's asses and warning them not to mess with him.

Maripaz wants to see Camilo again, but he knows if anyone finds out about them, it will make the divorce easier on Lucia. "I'll call you" he says and Maripaz smarms that he'll be back.

Lucia finds her files missing.

Camilo goes home just long enough to hear from Arcelia that Ivan's been trying to reach him to give him news about Antolín. He runs right back out the door.

Antolín sleeps while the guy in the cell across the hall watches his cellmates attempt to assault him again. And fail miserably, again.

Lucia tells her mom and grandma that Maripaz erased her files. And, ok, perfectly justified for her to be upset, but seriously, she's a grown woman. She should understand by now that going crying to Mommy and Grammy isn't going to fix anything. Password protection, frequent backups, changing her address and never letting Maripaz know where she lives…all of those things would have helped, but it's too late for any of that. Lucrezia asks why she's accusing Maripaz. Are you frickin kidding me?! That's about what Carlota says, only she's more polite than I am. Lucrezia doesn't think Maripaz would go so far. She accuses Lucia and Carlota of constantly demonizing her. Carlota says she sure as hell IS a demon, and tomorrow she's getting taken out of Carlota's will. And Lucia doesn't feel sorry for her about it, either.

Lucrezia calls Maripaz, who tries to pretend she's not drunk. Maripaz plays dumb about Lucia's file. "What would I have to gain from that?" Lucrezia tells her she's about to get disinherited. Maripaz says she doesn't care, cause she's just found a guy with the best bod…and he gives it to her the way she likes it "sexo rudo" (rough sex). Maripaz hangs up. Duuuuuude! You do not say shit like that to your mom! What the hell is wrong with you?! Lucrezia is shocked to be hung up on and repeats "sexo rudo" like she doesn't comprehend either word, much less what the two of them could have to do with each other.

Toni, Ivan, and Camilo meet in Toni's office. They fill him in and Camilo blames them. Camilo questions Ivan's "affection" for Antolín and tells him there's something he needs to know. "He's the one who knifed the guy that beat you up. When he saw he wasn't going to be able to pin it on you, he told you I had done it, knowing you'd do anything for me. Even leave for the US without protest. He didn't even care what was going to happen to you over there. He just wanted to save his own hide. And you were so naïve you believed the whole thing." Toni just bites his lips and shakes his head. Ivan tells Camilo that either way, Antolín saved his life. "You explain it to him, dad." Ivan leaves and Toni says that they really need to talk about his brother. Camilo agrees.

Ivan calls Lucia and she tells him that Maripaz erased her entire thesis. "Because she hates me!" Ivan tells her to retrieve the files from her hard disk. He learned a few things about computers and he offers to come over and help her. I'm going to laugh so hard if all he does is show her where the recycle bin is located.

Camilo now gets to yell at Toni about Antolín being in prison. He asks what the hell other proof are they going to be able to gather. Toni reminds him that if they can find that mechanic to corroborate Judith's testimony, it will help strengthen their case. Well, excuse me, but if they've already decided that even though he wasn’t there, he planned the whole thing, that's not going to make a bit of difference! Toni is going to pay a bunch of guys to cruise that stretch of highway until they find the mechanic who helped Antolín. Camilo accuses him of fixing everything with money. "What's wrong with using money to do some good? What do you have against us?" Camilo admits he's grateful, but everything Ivan does makes him look even better in Lucia's eyes, and Ivan is taking away the woman Camilo loves. Toni reminds Camilo that Ivan and Lucia were in love and engaged before that whole mess with Maripaz happened. Camilo is hurt that Lucia accepted him when he offered, but now that Ivan is back she wants to get rid of him. Toni asks him if he'd rather have a woman who's with him by force or one who is honest with him. One who doesn't love him, or one who's in love with him? "Where's your self-worth? You're a good guy, successful. You can find another woman." Camilo says Ivan can find another one. "Ivan already found a woman who loves him. Her name is Lucia. You can't take a person's love away. Don't be stupid. You can fight against anything…except love." Camilo accuses Lucia of being dazzled by Ivan's money and status. "Is that really what you believe? Then that means you don't know her."

Esther cries over JJ. She loves him, she just couldn't live with him. Judith says they've got to stay optimistic. "And what if he doesn't wake up?" She wants them to be prepared. Judith recommends shutting off the machines, but Esther won't hear of it. OK, first of all, "coma" is not the same as "hooked up to life support" and second…if it comes down to a vote, Saul's going to back her up on that!

Toni fills Ivan in on the conversation with Camilo, including the part where Camilo thinks Ivan is just trying to look like a hero in front of Lucia. Ivan can't believe it. "So what, then?" Toni says they keep going, for Arcelia's sake and for Carolina's sake, and as for the rest, they'll have to work that out. Or rather, Lucia will have to work it out, because Camilo won't quit being jealous. Ivan calls Lucia, who's still fussing over her laptop. "Nothing. Still sitting here trying to get my file back." Ivan tells her to calm down, he'll come over and look at it tomorrow, and if he can't figure it out, they'll call a tech. Do they have Geek Squad in Mexico? Equipo de Obsesos de Informática? Lucia is steamed that she's sure Maripaz did it and on top of that, she heard that Camilo's truck was there around the same time…but she's sure it was Maripaz and not Camilo.

Arcelia is up late, drinking some "té de tila" (lime blossom tea). She offers some to Camilo, but he'd rather stay grumpy. Carmen comes in and Camilo has to tell them that Antolín has been taken to prison. Carmen wants to turn herself in. She can't live knowing that her brother is locked up and it's her fault. Camilo reminds her she's not responsible for what Saul and Gordo did, and turning herself in won't solve anything. What if they accuse her of being Antolín's accomplice? They'll both end up in prison. Carmen insists she'll turn herself in and Camilo tells her she'll do what he says. Arcelia tearfully tells her to obey her brother and not complicate things further.

JJ is out of the coma and on his way to a regular room. There were some complications, though. He might have some physical limitations, temporarily, and he might need help moving around and feeding himself. He also might have trouble talking. Oh, great, that's going to make him even more pleasant than usual. The doctor takes Esther to see him just as Berenice and Enginiero Hottie (I'll remember his name eventually) come in to see David and Judith, respectively.

JJ is sedated and Esther wonders if he'll remember who she is. The doctor and nurse leave them alone together and the doctor tells her to keep him from getting upset. Because that worked so well the last eighty times. Esther tells JJ she knows the last few days haven't been easy for him, but nothing is more important to his health. She tells him she's ready to forget everything and stay with him. She says she loves him and gives him a kiss on the forehead, saying she'll always love him and she won't leave him unless he asks. But for now, she'll be there for whatever he needs.

Out on the highway, Camilo approaches a mechanic and asks him if he helped out with a classic convertible on Monday, but this isn't the guy.

The guy across the hall from Antolín's cell is apparently the "boss." He comes in to introduce himself as "El Mas Fregón" (The Big Bad, or thereabouts), but Antolín can call him "Jefe" (boss). Antolín insists on calling him "amigo" (friend) and says the only "jefe" he had is dead and buried ("jefe/a" is also used for parents) and he doesn't allow anyone to walk all over him. A guy tells "Jefe" to be careful with "Mister Antolín." Antolín says he doesn't want any trouble. "You can keep being El Jefe. All I want is to be left alone." Antolín walks out of the cell and the guy who warned Jefe comes in and tells him to be careful, that Antolín is like a rattlesnake, and attacks without warning. Jefe doesn't appreciate the warning.

Camilo approaches another mechanic, who also doesn't remember helping Antolín.

The guy who knows Antolín chats with him. He's only been in for a week, and Antolín asks about Gordo. Well, Gordo, being the brain trust he is, had told this guy that his next job was going to be a kidnapping. "Who was he going to kidnap?" Gordo didn't say, but he did tell the guy that he was going to make sure that Antolín got busted for it.

Camilo is pulled over at the side of the road and waits for another mechanic to stop. Finally, he finds the right guy.

Tomorrow: We're in ultimos capitulos…Camilo is still trying to get Lucia back; Antolín isn't making friends in prison; Lucrezia gets an eyeful of Camilo in a bath towel in Maripaz's hotel room; and Camilo still thinks he can fight Ivan for Lucia. Le sigh.

Labels: Fuerza