Caray, Caray!

Imagine the 10 most eventful minutes of your life.
Now sift together a few other peoples' most eventful ten minutes, plus 20 minutes of your favorite Super Bowl-quality commercials.
I bet that would make for a riveting hour of television.
Alas, this was not that hour.

Just the ladies

The cuartel and Lety are still talking in Lety's office (we don't often get a good look at this part of Presidencia). Lety hints that she has someone in mind for PM's old job and will tell them more later. Sara asks where Alicia will be sitting. Lety looks uncomfortable.

Meanwhile, Marcia gives Alicia the bad news about the new seating arrangements. She'll be sitting next to Martha. Alicia whines and says "you should have let them fire me." Alicia gets hysterical and complains about having to sit among the rabble - bitter Lola, the constipated giraffe, next to Martha's hiding place. She sobs heartily, with dry, invisible tears and blubbers that it's degrading.

Marcia explains that Alicia will be her secretary. This doesn't cheer Alicia up at all. It's like a demotion, going from "secretary of the president" to "secretary of the production executive." Marcia reminds her that she probably wouldn't last very long as Lety's secretary before getting fired anyway. But, she says, if Alicia really finds this so insulting, she can please hand in her resignation. Alicia backpedals a bit and asks if her title could be changed to assistant. She could get a raise and be allowed to boss the rabble. Marcia impatiently nixes this suggestion and tells Alicia she's her secretary, and that's the end of it.

Alicia inquires as to the cuartel's fate. She is outraged that they weren't fired (and in some cases given better jobs). Marcia mentions that they'll be losing a day's pay. Alicia thinks that's the least they deserve. Then Marcia says Alicia's pay is getting docked too. Alicia asks why is Marcia doing this to her, and doesn't Marcia know what this will mean? Marcia says yes, you'll have to catch the early bus so you aren't late again.

Yazmin has been watching all of this in the background while sucking on what looks like a red Blow-Pop or Tootsie-Pop. (When I was a kid, I was told by a friend to check my Tootsie-Pop wrappers for an Indian with a bow and arrow aiming at a star. I was supposed to pierce the star with my lollipop stick and if I could do that without breaking any area outside the star, I'd get a wish. I managed to do this once or twice, but apparently, the love of Shaun Cassidy was too much to wish for.) Yazmin looks like she lost a fight with the clearance rack: orange hot pants and top, with matching handbag; blue denim vest; and cheap-looking gold belt. After Marcia leaves, Yazmin asks Alicia if she can see Lety yet. Alicia slowly turns to Yazmin with a venomous look, perhaps realizing that Yazmin might be the only person she can still safely pick on. Alicia says she doesn't know, and tells Yazmin to go away.

Back in Lety's office, Irma thanks Lety for her fairness and protection. Lety says that's what friends do. They cheer that they're united. Lety asks Lola to stay behind for a talk. The whole cuartel (except Irma) sits down. Irma says no, just Lola. They grumble, but get up to go back to work.

Lola pre-emptively whines. "It never ends. What now?" (Wow, why so negative? She just narrowly avoided getting fired!) Lety says there's a problem with Luigi - a problem Lola knows well. Yazmin! Lola thinks she's worse than a problem - she's a plague, a curse. Lety explains that Luigi is being contrary, like always. He said he'd quit if she didn't hire Yazmin. Lety figures he is just doing this to try her patience and start a fight, but she wanted to talk it over with Lola first. Lola says she understands. Lety says if Lola really can't stand to have Yazmin around, she'll try to find another way to work things out with Luigi, but... Lola interrupts and says it's fine. She can't wait to see the look on that homewrecker's face when Sanchez (Lola's lawyer) wins Lola a big alimony settlement from El Cheque.

Lety says she's glad that Lola feels that way. She'll hire Yazmin, but she assures Lola it won't be exactly what Luigi had in mind. He's going to flip out. Lola and Lety laugh.

Comedy teams of the 20th century

Aldo tells Fern, Omar, and Luigi that his pal Guillermo has lots of contacts in the food business who are interested in advertising their products as part of the gourmet tourism campaign. Fernando is skeptical and pessimistic. Aldo says they're just planting a seed (Fern makes a face), and it'll take time for it to flower. Luigi agrees. Fern ridicules Luigi and says something about watering the seeds and little birds making their nests.

I know we already decided that Fern, Omar, and Tomas are the Three Stooges. However, Fern, Omar, and Luigi can be the Three Stooges too, if Luigi is Shemp. If you add Aldo, that's four people. So then they're the Marx Brothers. And next time we see Omar, Fern, Tomas, Luigi, Aldo, and Lopez all in one place, we'll have Monty Python.)

Guillermo calls. He's met with the restauranteurs, and they've agreed to invest $2 million (that's dollars, not pesos) in the project. Meanwhile, the Three Stooges (Shemp edition) talk. Well, Fern talks. He tells them that this Andreu (Guillermo) guy isn't going to solve anything. What they need for this project is money, and lots of it. Not just lunch money. Omar agrees with Fern. Fern tells them not to be fooled by Aldo's smile. He's just trying to throw them off balance.

Luigi looks like he wants to tell Fern off, but Aldo wraps up the call and the Three Stooges (Shemp edition) move forward to hear the outcome. Aldo reminds them about the seeds. (And the nesting birds, Fern flippantly reminds him.) Aldo says the seeds have flowered sooner than expected. $2 million worth of flowers for this project. Luigi wants to know where the money is coming from. Aldo says it's from the restauranteurs' association, of course!

Fern says he doesn't trust this Andreú ("accent on the U," he asides to Omar). Where is he getting this $2 million?

Aldo asks, do you distrust him because you don't know him? Or because he's my friend?

Fern defensively gives some explanation that I don't totally get (and suspect is nonsense) about how knowing someone is the same as being their friend, or somesuch. Like Omar, for example. Aldo says it's good for each of us to get to know every person we can meet in our lives. Since they're face-to-face, why not do that now? Fern says why bother, it's only temporary. Aldo says that doesn't matter. He thinks they should talk a bit about who they are and share their Deep Thoughts. Fern says he's already said what he thinks. Aldo says (directing this comment at Luigi and Omar, who are listening with interest) that it'd be better if they could speak private.

Fern asks why he wants to do it in private. Aldo says it's so they can speak calmly, get to know each other, and so Aldo can get Fern's support, since he has so very much experience...

Fern smiles, flattered. Luigi and Omar look a little worried by this seemingly successful appeal to Fern's vanity.

"...as an ex," Aldo finishes. The smile quickly disappears from Fern's face. "As ex-president of Conceptos," Aldo adds. (Luigi and Omar exchange puzzled looks.) Fern lets out a sigh of relief and agrees to the chat. He tells Omar and Luigi ("muchachos y muchachas") to leave them alone. Luigi says he can't leave Aldo alone with Fern - he doesn't know what a savage he is. Aldo says that's exactly why he needs to get to know him. Luigi tells him to scream for help if he ever feels that he's in danger. He and Omar leave Fern and Aldo alone in the office. Aldo stares Fern down with a confident smile as Fern fidgets uncomfortably.

Fern tells Aldo his life's story, or at least the part that would appear on a resume, about his schooling in communications, publicity, marketing, and cinematography in Barcelona, after which he came to this company and began his professional life. Aldo flatters him and says it's very impressive, but he isn't satisfied. Those aren't the Deep Thoughts he was looking for. Fern says caray, go ahead and ask him something - whatever he wants. Aldo wants to know why Fern distrusts him and his friend Guillermo. "Do you think we're liars? That we're traitors? That we use people for our personal convenience?" Fern's mouth hangs open, then he glibly denies this. He paces nervously and sits behind Aldo's desk (he's not used to sitting on the other side of a desk yet). He says he just thinks it's suspicious that they were able to come up with $2 million practically overnight. Caray, that's a lot of money!

Aldo says there's a great saying that when people are hungry, they think about bread. In other words, maybe Fern is suspicious because he's thinking about fraud himself. Fern chokes self-consciously and mutters "Carvajal." He says no, but he's not so naive as to be easily fooled or surprised.

Aldo then calmly changes the subject. He asks what is the most important thing to him? "What kind of question is that?," Fern asks. "One that hasn't been answered," Aldo responds. Fern says he has an answer, but wants to hear Aldo's answer first, since there are so many questions on his side. "Love," Aldo replies simply. "For me too," Fern says. "Love is the most important thing." "Really?" Aldo asks. He's still smiling, but he looks skeptical.

"Do you doubt me?" Fern asks. "Yes," Aldo replies. "Well, you're wrong," Fern says sincerely. It wasn't before, but it is now. Love is first, it's the most important thing, but the problem is, his love is not being returned.

Aldo says he believes Fern now and he knows he's in front of a decent human being. "Thanks, but, we still don't know each other so well yet," Fern says. Aldo says it's a great start and suggests they get back to work.

Back in the exec lobby

The cuartel and Yazmin wait for Lety to finish talking with Lola. PM worries that it's taking a long time. Martha says she's lost her appetite, because she's sure that desk next to hers is going to be the airhead's. Sara wonders who will become the new receptionist. Juana hopes it will be someone new.

Lopez comes by and asks about the big boxes on the floor. Martha says they're Omar's things, he wants to have them stored someplace but they can't (for some reason) keep them in the warehouse. Martha asks Lopez where he thinks they should go. He doesn't want to make a decision but tells Martha he doesn't want to see them there any more.

Yazmin greets Lopez. "At your service, baby," he answers. Yazmin asks for Lety. Lopez promises that Lety will see her immediately. Just then, Lola comes out of Lety's office and sends Yazmin in for Lety. Lola gently pushes Lopez aside. Yazmin greets her courteously and Lola tells her that Lety needs to talk to her. Yazmin excuses herself to Lopez and caresses his cheek. (Ew!) After she leaves, Lola laughingly tells the cuartel they don't know what's in store for that homewrecker.

Lopez tells Martha to call Saimon and have him pack up Fern's things, and to call the IT guy and have him move Fern's old computer and set up Lety's new computer. (I guess they have to talk about something.)

Tomas comes in clutching his stomach. He starts to explain himself to Lopez, but Lopez walks away while he's in the middle of a sentence. Tomas tells Lola he's feeling awful. Lola asks if she should call a doctor. He says no, call a restaurant. He needs a transfusion of tacos, quesadillas, etc. and a liter of juice. He tells Lola he's going to need that every day. He staggers back to his office. "It never ends, it never ends," Lola frets. Martha says he eats more than her, and wonders how he can still be so skinny.

In Lety's office, Yazmin congratulates Lety on her new job. Lety tells Yazmin she's hired, and she'll be paid what she's owed. Yazmin says she deserves it, and Luigi needs her. Lety says she won't be working for Luigi - she'll be working in reception. Yazmin is impactada. She blames Lola. Lety says nobody tells her what to do, she's the president and she makes the decisions. She says that just now, she was telling that to Lola. (Actually, what she said to Lola was "if you can't stand to have Yazmin around, I'll try to find another way to work things out with Luigi." Hmmm.)

Yazmin whines that it isn't fair. She's a model and dancer, but instead of helping her reach the stage, they cut her down. Lety says Yazmin doesn't have to take the job - surely there are many others who would want it. Yazmin wipes away the tears, smiles, and says okay, she'll take the job. Lety says she's glad and says "please don't cry at me." She asks if Yazmin is only taking the job to annoy Lola. Yazmin says no, she's never done anything to Lola. Lety warns her not to cause problems. Yazmin claims to be quite the pacifist, and says it's just that Lola won't forgive her because her Flaquito prefers her. Yazmin adds that it's very unfair.

"What's unfair is that you call him 'flaquito' (skinny)," Lety says. Yazmin says that Lety can't imagine all that she's suffered in her life. Lety decides to end this dumb conversation and advises Yazmin to leave Lola alone.

Saimon comes in speaking Greek, or perhaps pseudo-Greek, along with the IT guy. Saimon is glad to see Yazmin. The two of them flirt, and Saimon tells her that he's single. Yazmin says they're going to be seeing more of each other because she'll be working in reception. "Really?" Saimon says in English. Lety yells at Yazmin and glares at her.

Outside, the cuartel are processing the news that Lola has just given them. PM is upset that Yazmin is taking her old job. Yazmin comes out, and PM warns her to stay away from Saimon. Yazmin says Saimon told her he's single.

Now just the boys again

The Marx Brothers reunite. Aldo says they should go to the restauranteurs' association so they can meet Guillermo Andreú. Fern thinks they should meet at Conceptos instead. Omar reminds Fern that this project is Guillermo's idea and he's putting up the money. Fern scolds Omar. Doesn't he understand anything? Of course they'll be meeting with GA at the restauranteurs' association, Fern says.

Lopez interrupts to tell Fern that Lety wants him to get his stuff out of her office. Fern says he already knows that he has to move his stuff out and he's in a meeting. Lopez excuses himself and leaves.

Omar wants them to meet with Guillermo. Aldo says he will arrange it, but there's something else they need to consider. Fern disagrees. Aldo asks what Fern's disagreeing with. Omar tells Fern that Aldo hasn't said anything yet. Fern tells Omar he knows that, and would Omar please not interrupt. Aldo asks what's the point. (Apparently, it's a rhetorical question.) He says their objective is to promote gastronomical tourism for Mexico, so they need to explore the different ways to promote it overseas. Fern suggests going to the bank of international business. (I'm not sure exactly what that is, but I get the impression that it's like if you were talking about getting some footwear and then some genius said "I know - let's go to the shoe store!")

Abbot & Costello (Fern and Omar) talk in the hallway outside Aldo's office. "I don't like him," Fern complains. "As much as I want to like him, I can't. He rubs me the wrong way." Omar asks if that's why Fern was saying such goofy, contrary things in front of Aldo and being naughty. Fern says he was being impressive and eloquent. Omar misunderstands and asks, "who did he tell?" (Elocuente sounds like el lo cuente.)

Omar says it sounded like he was jealous. He wants to know what Fern and Aldo talked about when they were alone. Fern says the project, of course. Fern admits Aldo is smart and says they need to be careful around him. Omar says "so you mean he's a good rival for you." Ha! They leave, and Yazmin appears in the hallway outside Aldo's office, looking for Luigi.

In Lety's office

Lety is looking at a photo of Marcia and drawing a cartoonish picture of a very angry-looking woman. Saimon annoys Lety as he packs Fern's things. The IT guy is disassembling Fern's wicked cool Mac and asking Saimon about the breakup with PM. Saimon very wordily confirms that they've split up and tells the IT guy not to be so sad. Lety gets Saimon's attention and he and the IT guy explain why they are there. "Thanks, you can have it, it's all yours," Lety says.

Lety has added the label "Marcia" over her cartoon. (Great, that's just what we need, more ugliness on paper for people to find and get angry about.) Saimon packs the golden lion award from Cannes into the box. She gives him the photo to pack away as well. He complains about the room seeming too vacant and her walls being too plain. He's distracted and packs her purse (with the diary in it).

The IT guy asks Saimon for more details about the breakup with PM, but Saimon doesn't want to talk about it. He changes the subject and says the movie Titanic made him cry. The IT guy says it was very sad. Lety says she cried too. (She takes her purse back.) Saimon says he felt the same way when he found out that Fern and Marcia had split up. (Lety rolls her eyes slightly.) The IT guy says he was happy when they got back together.

This reminds Lety of something. She gives Saimon the bag of Fern's gifts, etc. She tells Saimon it's pure trash and Fern can do whatever he wants with it. Saimon keeps calling her "Licenciada" and she tells him she's still "Lety." He doesn't want to call her that, he's just a lowly messenger and he's grateful that she's let him keep his job.

Zoological oddities

Luigi and Aldo talk. I finally get a good look at Aldo's shirt - yes, it looks like it's been tie-dyed... poorly. Aldo talks about Fern's character. He seems like a decent guy. He may be treacherous at times, but he has something special. "Something special? Special how? Like me?" Luigi asks. Aldo ignores the question and continues with his Deep Thoughts. Even though Fern's wrong, he repents; he's a noble man, and very likeable. (I'm not sure how much of this I got right.)

Luigi says Aldo is like his grandmother; he sees everyone's good side, even the devil's. Aldo says Fern isn't the devil - he's human, with a bright side and a dark or hidden side. Luigi says whatever, he just hopes Fern leaves them alone to work in peace.

Just then, Yazmin bursts in, like a one-woman Lenny and Squiggy. She apologizes to Aldo, but Luigi yells "knock-knock" at her impatiently and doesn't introduce her. She tells Luigi they wouldn't hire her as his model. Luigi wants to know who "they" is. He guesses it's "the platypus," but is met with a reproachful look from Aldo. "Oh, all right," Luigi says. Outraged, he leaves to yell at Lety. Yazmin wiggles her fingers goodbye at Aldo.

Aldo tells himself it's a zoo. He goes to the lobby to look for Lety. Alicia is morosely packing up her things at her desk. Aldo asks her if she's feeling well. She says she's okay, but Sara explains the situation. Alibubi pretends to be friendly to the cuartel and denies that she's upset.

Abbot and Costello go to their office. Omar says that of everyone they've dealt with today, Lety was the one who impressed him the most. He thinks she's making a strong start.

The two of them are standing in front of the door. Omar looks at the desk and the nice comfy chair behind it. Fern awkwardly repeats what Omar just said, and they both try to hide goofy grins. (My guess: either Omar accidentally said Fern's line, or said it too early, or else they're both laughing in anticipation of what they're about to do.) They both dash toward the desk; Omar runs around it but Fern hurls himself over it! (I'm pretty sure that's not a Miró on the wall after all.) Fern seems to hurt himself, but he wins the big chair. He tells Omar he knows it's his office, but he's pulling rank, ex-rank, and thinks he should get to sit there. "And break your snout too, huh?" Omar says.

Fern says again that Lety is off to a strong start. It's a good idea and he will support it. Omar starts to say something about Marcia, when Marcia pops in and says "Hello." (So now we have TWO one-woman Lenny and Squiggy acts.) Fern and Omar stand up and Fern says they're about to go to the bank of international business. (This is a brilliant strategy on Fern's part. All he has to do is keep making excuses to get away from Marcia, and eventually she'll forget they ever had a relationship, right?) Omar begins to explain that Aldo suggested -

"It was my idea," Fern interrupts. He says it was his suggestion, basically his, to become acquainted with the different ways of promoting tourism to Mexico. (Hmm... doesn't Mexico already have a tourism commission?) Saimon comes in with Fern's stuff. Marcia sees the trash bag and demands to know what that's doing there. Saimon gives a long-winded explanation that boils down to, "Lety told me to move Fern's things and she said he'd know what to do with the bag." Marcia says she knows what's in the bag, but she doesn't know why he's still keeping it like it's a treasure. (A treasure? Do you keep your treasures in a trash bag?) Omar looks uncomfortable. Fern says what treasure? If she is referring to the bag she left in his office, then she's the one who left it there.

Pointing, she complains about his rumpled appearance. I don't see anything, but he brushes something off of his jacket and explains that he was marking his territory - it's a macho thing. He tells Saimon to throw the bag in the trash. Saimon asks for a trashcan. The IT guy, who's been pretty much doing nothing, helpfully finds the very small wastebasket under the desk. Saimon tries to stuff the bag into it and then Fern puts the wastebasket under his desk. He asks if she's satisfied. She says no, she's been thinking about it and she can't accept that Lety is getting to have the last word on this project. Marcia thinks they should all have to agree.

Meanwhile, Luigi and Yazmin complain to Lety. They argue over whether or not Lety kept her word. Lety said she agreed during the meeting that they need Yazmin at the company, and now here she is, at the company. "Are you making fun of me?" Luigi asks. Lety says no, she's kept her word, she's hired Yazmin back to Conceptos. She reminds Yazmin that she sat right there in front of her and said she'd take the job in reception. Yazmin confirms this reluctantly. "Wait - you agreed to come back under those conditions?" Luigi asks her. Yazmin says yes. He scolds her for wasting his valuable time and stomps out. Lety accuses Yazmin of trying to go over her head with Luigi. She says the only thing Yazmin accomplished was to show Lety what a cheat she is. Next time she does something like that, she'll be out of a job. Yazmin promises she'll behave herself, thanks Lety, and leaves. Lety tells herself she doesn't believe it.

The IT guy begins unpacking Fern's computer (actually, he's only opening the box) and listens to Fern and Marcia argue about the project. She thinks it's too ambitious. Fern tells her about the $2 million investment. This impresses the IT guy as well as Marcia. Fern says he thinks the project isn't really what's bothering her. She expresses annoyance that Lety has so many fans. Fern reminds her that they need this opportunity to pay their debts, and they all will have to work at it. Marcia sarcastically asks who is she to question these things.

Fern says they (he and Omar) are going to eat and then they're going to the bank of international business. He asks the IT guy if it's going to take him all morning to set up his computer. He and Omar leave for lunch. Marcia takes another look at the trash bag, slaps her photo at Saimon and leaves in disgust.

The IT guy says "don't tell me they're fighting again." Saimon comforts the IT guy like a little boy.

Fern and Omar see Alicia, Aldo, and Luigi talking in the lobby. Fern complains that Aldo is always, always looking for Lety. He and Omar leave for lunch. Luigi whines about the feas and invites Aldo to lunch. Alicia thinks this is a great idea and invites herself. Aldo begs off and Luigi stomps off in a huff. Alibubi starts flirting with Aldo, touching his shoulder and asking him to console her. The cuartel praises Aldo for his patience. Alicia sweetly thanks them for being such good friends and tells them she's having a conversation with Aldo. He says he's moved by the way Alicia suffers for her work. (She doesn't realize he's making fun of her.) They praise him some more as he goes to see Lety.

Alicia tells the cuartel she could see how much Aldo wanted her. They make fun of her some more and point out that he left her to see Lety. Martha says that he has good taste. (Alicia thinks Martha's referring to her, of course, not Lety.) Alicia says she likes everything about him, and she's sure he likes everything about her too. She also says something about the bus that I don't get.

Lety is glad to see Aldo and says she's working on the project. He asks if that's the only reason she's glad to see him - to talk about work? She says no, but she's nervous about "all of this." He gives her the good news about the $2 million.

---

Next week
Tomas dances, meets Yazmin, and gets slapped by Alicia, in some order.
Also, if I heard correctly, it's going to be a two-hour episode on Monday, starting at the usual time. Check your local listings to be sure. I don't know if this means there won't be a Mundo that night.

Vocabulary words:
chusma = rabble; common folk
semilla = seed
nido=nest

Labels: fea

... I am compiling a list of places our visitors come from. If you don't find YOUR OWN location on this list, would you please comment (look at the bottom of the post and click the "comment" button) and let us know where you live? Time to say hello!

Albania Tirana, Tirane
Andorra Les Escaldes, Escaldes-Engordany
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina Buenos Aires, Distrito Federal
Argentina Olavarra, Buenos Aires
Aruba Oranjestad
Australia Gladesville, New South Wales
Australia Melbourne, Victoria
Australia Mortlake, New South Wales
Australia Mount Gravatt, Queensland
Australia Sydney, New South Wales
Australia Westbrook, Queensland
Australia Davidson, New South Wales
Austria Arnberg, Oberosterreich
Austria Graz, Steiermark
Belgium Brussel, Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest
Belgium La Bruyre, Namur
Belgium Wasseiges, Liege
Belize Belize City
Bosnia and Herzegovina Mostar, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Brazil Brasilia, Distrito Federal
Brazil Canoinhas, Santa Catarina
Brazil Florianpolis, Santa Catarina
Brazil Goinia, Goias
Brazil Itaquera, Sao Paulo
Brazil Pompeu, Minas Gerais
Brazil Recife, Pernambuco
Brazil Rio De Janeiro
Brazil Sao Paulo
Brazil Stio Deus--pai, Rondonia
Brazil Trs Ilhas, Minas Gerais
Bulgaria Kazanluk, Stara Zagora
Bulgaria Stara Zagora
Canada Abbotsford, British Columbia
Canada Bedford, Nova Scotia
Canada Montral, Quebec
Canada Regina, Saskatchewan
Canada Sherwood Park, Alberta
Canada Toronto, Ontario
Canada Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada Weston, Ontario
Cape Verde Praia, Sao Domingos
Chile Concepcin, Bio-Bio
Chile Santiago, Region Metropolitana
Chile Valdivia, Los Lagos
China Beijing
China Henan, Hainan
China Qingdao, Shandong
China Yiwu, Zhejiang
Costa Rica San Jose
Croatia Sesvete, Grad Zagreb
Croatia Split, Splitsko-Dalmatinska
Croatia Zagreb, Grad Zagreb
Cubala Habana, Camaguey
Cyprus Limassol
Cyprus Strovolos, Nicosia
Cyprus Yeri, Nicosia
Czech Republic Kralupy Nad Vltavou, Hlavni Mesto Praha
Denmark Copenhagen, Staden Kobenhavn
Denmark Silkeborg, Arhus
Denmark Tranbjerg, Arhus
Dominican Republic Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional
Egypt
Estonia lhte, Tartumaa
Estonia Tallinn, Harjumaa
Finland Nurmijrvi, Southern Finland
France Anse, Rhone-Alpes
France L'Hay-les-Roses, Ile-de-France
France lancourt, Centre
France Puteaux, Ile-de-France
France Schiltigheim, Alsace
Germany Altenstadt, Hessen
Germany Cologne, Nordrhein-Westfalen
Germany Dengling, Bayern
Germany Dortmund, Nordrhein-Westfalen
Germany Ellen, Bremen
Germany Eschborn, Hessen
Germany Fellbach, Baden-Wurttemberg
Germany Germersheim, Rheinland-Pfalz
Germany Mainz, Rheinland-Pfalz
Germany Marienfelde, Berlin
Germany Ubstadt-Weiher, Baden-Wurttemberg
Germany Wilstorf, Hamburg
Greece Athens, Attiki
Greece Sna, Lakonia
Greece Vron, Attiki
Greece Ptrai, Akhaia
Hong Kong Chiu-lung
Hong Kong Tai Wo Ping
India Bangalore, Karnataka
India Bombay, Maharashtra
India Calcutta, West Bengal
India Chennai, Tamil Nadu
India Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh
India New Delhi, Delhi
India Pune, Maharashtra
India Samalkha, Delhi
Israel Netanya, HaMerkaz
Italy Acquaviva Delle Fonti, Puglia
Italy Rome, Lazio
Japan Kasaoka, Okayama
Japan Osaka
Kenya Nairobi, Nairobi Area
Latvia Riga
Lebanon Beirut, Beyrouth
Lithuania Klaipeda, Klaipedos Apskritis
Lithuania Vilnius, Vilniaus Apskritis
Macedonia Skopje, Karpos
Malaysia Kinarut, Sabah
Malaysia Petaling Jaya, Wilayah Persekutuan
Mexico Ciudad Nezahualcyotl
Mexico Mexico, Distrito Federal
Mexico Monterrey, Nuevo Leon
Mexico Mrida, Yucatan
Mexico Tijuana, Baja California
Mexico Zapopan, Jalisco
Moldova, Republic of Chisinau
Netherlands Antilles
Netherlands Goor, Noord-Brabant
Netherlands Leidschendam, Zuid-Holland
Netherlands Valentijn, Gelderland
Netherlands Veghel, Noord-Brabant
Netherlands Utrecht
New Zealand Auckland
Nigeria Mararaba, Gombe
Norway Syljuset, Hedmark
Oman Muscat, Masqat
Paraguay Encarnacin, Itapua
People's Republic of China
Peru Lima
Philippines Benguet
Philippines Cagayan De Oro City, Cagayan de Oro
Philippines Caloocan, Quezon City
Philippines Cavite, Cavite City
Philippines Guadalupe Viejo, Rizal
Philippines Makati, Rizal
Philippines Mandaluyong, Quezon City
Philippines Mandaue City, Mandaue
Philippines Manila
Philippines Pasig, Rizal
Philippines Philippine, Benguet
Philippines Wack Wack, Rizal
Philippines Davao, Davao City
Philippines Quezon, Nueva Ecija
Poland Antoniw, Radom
Poland Elblag
Poland Katowice, Slaskie
Poland Konin
Poland Krakow, Malopolskie
Poland Kutno, Plock
Poland Mosina, Poznan
Poland Wejherowo, Gdansk
Portugal Amadora, Lisboa
Portugal Linda-a-Pastora, Lisboa
Puerto Rico Caguas
Puerto Rico Guaynabo
Romania Brasov
Romania Bucuresti
Romania Cluj
Romania Curtea De Arges, Valcea
Romania Iasi
Romania Roman, Vaslui
Romania Targoviste, Dambovita
Romania Turnu, Arad
Russian Federation Novosibirsk
Russian Federation Saint Petersburg
San Juan Puerto Rico
Saudi Arabia Riyadh, Ar Riyad
Serbia and Montenegro Beograd
Serbia and Montenegro Jasika
Serbia and Montenegro Nis
Serbia and Montenegro Pozarevac
Singapore Singapore, Dakar
Slovenia Ljubljana, Beltinci
Slovenia Ljubljana, Bohinj
Slovenia Maribor, Brezovica
Spain Barcelona, Cataluna
Spain Elche, Comunidad Valenciana
Spain Guadalajara, Castilla-La Mancha
Spain Jerez De La Frontera, Andalucia
Spain Madrid
Spain Playa Blanca, Canarias
Spain San Andres Del Rabanedo, Castilla y Leon
Spain Barcelona, Cataluna
Spain La Ametlla De Mar, Cataluna
Spain Zaragoza, Aragon
Sweden Frjstaden, Stockholms Lan
Sweden Solna, Kalmar Lan
Sweden Stockholm, Stockholms Lan
Sweden Vllingby, Stockholms Lan
Switzerland Bern
Switzerland Hauterive, Fribourg
Switzerland Pully, Vaud
Switzerland Hnenberg, Zug
Taiwan Hsiaoi, T'ai-wan
Tanzania, United Republic of Dar Es Salaam
Turkey Adana
Turkey Ankara
Turkey Bilgi, Van
Turkey Istanbul
Turkey Trk, Burdur
Turkey Zbeyir, Icel
United Arab Emirates Dubai
United Kingdom Bristol, Bristol, City of
United Kingdom Exeter, Devon
United Kingdom Harlesdon, Newham
United Kingdom Millwall, Newham
United Kingdom Milton Keynes
Uruguay Montevideo

Labels: announcements

Joselyn & Miriam decide that Gabe & MA’s wedding day is never going to arrive.

Dolores is all worried about stupid Tiberio. She wants Nicolas to drop his investigation so that Tiberio doesn’t go down with the big D. Nic says, well if the glove fits I can’t quit--that is to say if baby boy Tiberio is guilty then he should be brought to justice.

Jos is working on her happy mom routine, feeding LG and talking to him in a sickly sweet voice. Frankly, I’m too worried about the kid grabbing her chandelier-sized earring and yanking it out to pay much attention to the scene. As soon as Gabe & LG leave, Jos throws a little fit.

JC is writing another letter to his son. He tells him to be sure to love his mother because a mother’s love is so great, yada yada yada. In walks Paulina and goes from zero to jealous hissy fit in two seconds when she sees him hide the letter. JC continues with his jerk act.

Demian is chastising MA and her attitude. She tells him, I’m not aligned with anyone and your threats don’t scare me. They go back and forth a little.

Paulina has run off to her mother-in-law to cry and complain about JC’s behavior. She feels alone, isolated, etc. Regina has also noticed the change, but she talked to Leo & Lola and they told her they don’t know what’s wrong with him.

Jos & D decide to break MA. Jos says they have to plan carefully so that in one strike, MA will never again be happy.

Gabe visits MA and they’re kissing when Regina walks in. Cat’s out of the bag! They share the happy news about their engagement and Regina says she knew that love would conquer all. She tells Gabe that Paulina & JC are in trouble. Later she also tells Demian that the kids are in trouble and could he please stick his nose into their business as well.

Ingrid is scared to death that Miriam will find out about her and Rogelio. Rogelio tells her not to be scared and that she needs to break free of Miriam and that he’ll help her. Ingrid wants to know why he would help her and he answers (honestly!) that nothing would make him happier than to get some revenge on Miriam.

Gabe goes to talk to JC, who tells him that their marriage is really none of the old fart’s business. Gabe says, yeah, but be careful because life is a game and you only get one chance to win and since he already won Paulina’s love, he should be careful not to throw it away with his attitude. JC’s little thought bubble says, well actually that’s exactly what I want to happen you nosy old fart.

Paulina’s crying in the parking garage, is comforted by Manuel and JC sees it. Paulina tells him what’s up and Manuel invites her for coffee. (Who the heck is Manuel anyway?) At coffee, Paulina keeps whining about how she doesn’t understand JC’s attitude change. JC spies them from afar and decides that Manuel will be her rebound man. When Paulina goes to ‘fix her face’ in the bathroom, JC rushes in and tells Manuel that he’s condemned to death (which is more than he’s told his mom or wife), but can’t tell him anymore because Paulina returns. JC leaves and Paulina says see…see how cold he is? She says he must be seeing someone else, he tries to suggest that it could be something else and then offers to be a shoulder to cry on.

Ingrid delivers a fax to Miriam from an exclusive consortium that will distribute their clothes. Miriam’s psyched because it’ll make Otilia crazy with jealousy. Miriam is also telling Ingrid that she needs to make some more plans to completely destroy Rogelio. Ingrid looks scared.

Otilia gets the same news over at her house of ‘style’. She’s not pleased, but she is confident she can get out of this problem. MA picks up Elsa’s wedding dress.

Jos is going through Gabe’s stuff and sees LD’s birth certificate—with Gabe as the father. Jos goes to Demian and demands that they take care of MA right away. They kiss and who should be lurking by the door…Tiberio…that poor kid is always catching one or another of his parents making out—more therapy! Tiberio goes back and tries to figure out what their intentions are with one another (in the sense of conspiratorial intentions, not birds & the bees intentions).

Gabe suggests that they get married legally right away and they can have the church wedding later (smart guy…he’s seen how quickly she can change her mind!). MA says, let’s just wait.

JC is staring at his screensaver (obviously entered by Paulina—it says I love you) and thinking how much he loves her too when she and Manuel return. In an effort to set his wife up with a new healthy man (if he was really cared about Paulina, he would ask Manuel for a health history and a physical exam—just to make sure he wouldn’t get sick on her at some point) he invites Manuel to dinner. JC walks Manny down to his car to fill him in on the rest of his master plan. Wisely, Manny tells JC to just tell her the truth but JC refuses once again. What a stubborn, stupid ass.

Back in the ‘hood, Elsa (looking more and more wrecked) gets her wedding dress. As always, everyone else is way happier than she is. Down in the courtyard the guys are decorating. Silvestre is saying that he can’t sleep because he’s so excited to get married. Shorty says uh-oh hopefully you won’t fall asleep during the wedding mass…or even worse, your wedding night! Ja ja ja. Back upstairs, Elsa is looking at her dress and thinking she doesn’t want to get married. She pulls out her bottle and takes a swig.

Dolores gives Tiberio a gift (some lotion) and tries to give him a hug, but he gets all formal and weird and leaves.

Gabe, MA and the boys are playing on the bed (because the house is really small, and there’s just no where else for them to go). Jos tells Miriam that she isn’t going to attack them openly anymore, she and D have a secret plan.

At dinner, Paulina continues whining about JC’s attitude…that everything comes before her. She’s convinced that he doesn’t love her. JC gives himself a little pep speech in the bedroom to stay the course and make Paulina leave him for Manny. (This must be very awkward for poor Manny.)

Labels: mundo

Hello all,

I've been resisting the move for weeks because I thought it would inconvenience a lot of people, but finally blogger made me do it. Everybody who writes for Caray Caray! will now need a gmail address - you don't need it for anything else.

It's possible that some of our commenters will have to get gmail addresses too if they want to be un-anonymous.

YOU DO NOT NEED A GMAIL ACCOUNT TO READ THE BLOG OR COMMENT. I think you only need it if you want to keep your NAME attached to your comments.

GMAIL accounts are free and you don't need an "invitation" to get one any more. You can get one here.

Labels: announcements

In the exec lobby, the cuartel flirts with Aldo. Alicia interrupts to send the women back to work. She takes a cup of tea from Irmita’s hand as if she is accustomed to having Irmita bring her tea. She tries to flirt with Aldo and invites him to chat. He asks, what should we talk about, your ascent in this company? She’s not sure how to answer the question but tries to look sexy.

(A word about Alicia’s outfits. Looking back at the earlier episodes (how did we ever manage to get along without YouTube?), she didn’t seem any thinner then, but rather, it looks like the stylists were giving her outfits that were more respective to her size. My theory is that the producers realized that (1) it would be a great running gag to put her in these outfits…each one more inappropriate and torturous than the last, and (2) guys are sure to tune in just to see the eye candy bursting out of its wrapper. I mean, really, they have to know that it doesn't look good, right! I have to say the actress behind Alicia, Pati Navidad, has been a great sport about it.)

In the boardroom, Luigi says he needs tea because the valerian isn’t enough to calm his nerves anymore. He announces that he will not quit; he will do the commercials. As he talks, he walks to the other side of the meeting room and puts his tea down between Tomas and Fern. Tomas -- of the never-satisfied appetite -- takes a cookie from his pocket and dunks it in Luigi’s tea. Lety shakes her head n disbelief but luckily Luigi doesn’t notice. Luigi shares that he thinks the project will fail, after which he will quit. Lety says that remains to be seen. Luigi says he needs Jasmin back. Lety asks if he really needs her of if he really just wants her back to bug the cuartel. He gives a ‘how dare you doubt me’ look. Lety admits that he really needs him onboard so she will get him Jasmin. Luigi advices that since everything is clear now and since there is no authority here… Omar, in a rare gesture of respect, signals toward Lety to indicate to Luigi that there indeed is an authority figure here, but… Luigi ignores him. He gets up to leave, and only says goodbye to Lopez before walking out.

In the lobby, Luigi sees Aldo chatting with the cuartel and tells him get away from them because he may catch their horrible cooties. Alicia strokes her hair in agreement. Aldo says that, on the contrary, maybe their energy and vitality will be contagious. The ladies applaud (yes, they literally applaud, clap, for Aldo). Luigi invites Aldo to go back to his office so they can talk about the project. Aldo says sure but first he needs to talk to Lety. Luigi doesn’t like that. Aldo walks toward Lety’s office. He excuses himself to the ladies and in response they applaud some more( …oh brother). Alicia offers to go with him, but the women tell her no way, he’s going to talk to Lety and doesn’t need her around.

Lety hands out orders: Marcia must supervise Luigi’s project, starting with the design of project concept. Omar will engage the appropriate contacts. Marcia asks what will Fern do. Lety says she needs him (to which Fern smiles broadly) to help her and Tomas (to which Fern frowns) to review the project estimates and other financial stuff. Fern is gung ho and says sure, we’ll take care of that right away. Lopez asks about Tomas’s salary. Tomas signals to Lety what I think is a sign for “higher”. Lety says he should get paid the same as Olarte (the crooked finance guy [I think] who Fern fired for trying to sabotage Fern long ago last year (or in this novela’s timeline, probably just a few weeks ago!). Lopez then says about Lety’s presidential expenses, such as a car, phone, etc. Lety says take care of that with her salary; Conceptos can not afford luxuries like that. Lopez, who is behaving so very professional that I almost forgot he is the human housefly, then moves on to the topic of the late employees. Marcia announces that they will make personnel changes immediately: Sara will report to Fern and Omar, Lola will report Tomas, Marta, Irma , Juana will remain where they are. PM will work for Lety. PM’s receptionist position is open but Lety has a lead for that. Fern asks Marcia who will work for her. Marcia defensively advises that Alicia will go with her. Fern cracks up at this, so much so that Lety breaks into a big smile too. Fern fans himself and says ‘Que caray!’ (We caught that Jaime, hugs and kisses right back at you!). Lopez says “Dios nos hagare confesados” (“May God get us confessed,” which I think is similar to “May God help us!”) . He asks if Lety will adjust her salary to her new position. Lety says she’d love to but it’s against the law to lower her salary. But she will deduct day’s pay for Alicia and the other late employees. She tells everyone to get to work in their respective areas, then will meet again to report on their progress so they decide whether to officially launch this project. Marcia corrects Lety saying they will only launch it if we all agree. Lety corrects Marcia right back, saying she’s wrong, only Lety’s approval is necessary, that’s why she’s the prez! Marcia is left with her mouth open, and Lety looks very satisfied! (Go Lety, go Lety!).

Julieta and PM talk at the reception desk. Julieta talk about how wonderful Aldo is. She hopes he can help her get over all her suffering. PM asks if Julieta is referring to Lety’s problem here at work, or romantic problems. Julieta tells half the truth and says it’s work problems, of course.

Marcia asks Lety if there is anything else, and there is. She asks Omar to look for Aldo to see if he has any update. She has something to take care of, but asks Fern to work with Tomas on the estimate in the meantime. She gets up to leave and Fern stands for her. Marcia and Lopez leave too.

Fern hears Lety in her office exclaiming “Aldo!” which makes his eyes bulge out. Tomas addresses Fern as “compañero Fernando” (this means he’s addressing Fern as a peer). This makes Fern do a fake laugh, which makes Tomas laugh and before you know it he, Fern, and Omar are all snort-laughing. Fern tells Tomas “That’s Don Fernando to you.” Tomas says they need to get to work. Fern tells Tomas to go ahead and get started and sends him to his office. Now alone in the meeting room with Omar, Fern gets up, shushes Omar, and sneaks over to Lety’s door.

Aldo asks Lety what’s wrong. She says it was great, the ideas just popped into her head. He says she’s learning to use what you’ve always had inside. Lety says she has him to thank for it. She remembers the “Deep Thoughts By Aldo” lesson involving the paper cup with sea water. Aldo says that some people never learn to use that inner power. Fern gags himself with his finger. Lety says she’s confident because Aldo is there to support her. She says “I need you” -- Fern doesn’t like that, his eyes bulge again -- Lety continues “I can’t do it without you. Look me in the eyes and promise me you won’t leave me alone here. We can make this successful together” Fern is impactado! Aldo tells Lety that of course he will be here for her.

Fern tells Omar “I knew it! She told him ‘don’t leave me alone.’” Omar clarifies that they were talking about work… he chokes a little, and Fern smacks him on the back (I love their improv). Fern wonders doesn’t Lety understand that’s why he (Fern) is here; to help her? Omar says that Fern will have to suck it up because Aldo has that job now, plus he is now fundamental to Conceptos’s existence.

Marcia and Luigi are talking business in his office when Aldo comes in. He and Luigi go to Aldo’s office and leave Marcia to work from Luigi’s desk. (That’s 45 seconds of my life I’ll never get back.)

Fern offers to go with Omar to see Aldo (remember Lety sent Omar to check on Aldo), so he can investigate why Also is really here and why he is with Lety, so as not to “jumping to conclusions” (he says this is adorably broken English) .

Aldo begins his Deep Thoughts session with Luigi: Food is life. Mexican food is life with more flavor. The flavor of life is Mexican gastronomy. For example, if you take strips of chile poblano… Luigi tells him to stop because he’s making his mouth water. Aldo describes a dish of Poblano pepper strips with onion, cheese, sour cream, etc. He goes on about how every element -- earth, air, water-- gives life to the ingredients of dishes which we labor with love to create. Luigi is captivated. Aldo says that eating is not a means to satisfy an appetite. No, eating is a ritual of love. Luigi, almost in rapture (eeew!), shouts “Ay! OMG! You make something as simple as eating into something so immensely pleasurable.”

Fern and Omar find Aldo’s office and listen at the door. Aldo continues on his lecture, shouting about the power and potency of food. He bangs his door in excitement. Fern and Omar jump back and run back down the hall. They slowly tip-toe back. Fern rubs his leg (I think he must have banged it when they were jumping , though I rewound it and couldn’t see where it happened).

Luigi tells Aldo he can bring anyone to ecstasy with his Deep Thoughts. (again, eeew!).
Aldo says “Yes, especially an enchanting woman.”
Fern whisper-shouts to Aldo “I knew it, that idiot is talking about Lety!” Omar rationalizes that Aldo was talking about and “enchanting” woman, meaning not Lety. He chokes again and Fern smacks him on the back again. I just noticed that Omar’s voice is raspier than normal; he must be getting a sore throat, which explains why he chokes every time he has to speak.
Fern says “ahhh!” the way one would say “duh!” He doesn’t understand Omar’s argument. Of course Aldo’s talking about Lety, who else?

Tomas walks up and hears the guys talk from afar. He thinks they must be planning something against Lety.

Lety goes to see Robopop in his new office/cubbyhole. She calls Lola from his desk and asks her to come to her office along with the rest of the cuartel. Robopop asks if the cuartel will get fired. She says no, although they won’t get off scott-free either. He tells her not be to home late. PM calls to tell them Julieta is here.

In the lobby, the cuartel worry about their fate. Lety walks by on her way to get her mom, and the cuartel beg her for information. She says she’ll be right back, and Irmita says no news is good news (Does anyone remember the kid’s show Great Space Coaster, in which Gary Gnu always gave an inane newscast and then signed off with “No gnews is good gnews”?... No? Okay never mind).

Lety greets her mom and Moty. Julieta says they’re lonely at home because everyone is here at Conceptos. She says she met Lety’s friend Aldo and thinks he is tan lindo (so lovely)! She asks Lety if she’s sure she doesn’t like him? Saimon walks back and forth behind them trying to listen . Lety is uncomfortable but responds that, yes, Aldo sure is a great guy. Julieta remarks how big and florescent his teeth are is…just kidding -- but she does remark about Aldo’s great smile.

Tomas is still in the hallway spying on Omar and Fern, who are still spying on Aldo and Luigi. He wonders what Frick & Frack are up to. Then he turns his attention to Aldo’s door and says he needs to figure out what Domenzain’s intentions with his mamasota (his big momma, Alicia).

Professor Aldo’s never-ending Deep Thoughts About Guacamole continues, and understandably Fern says he can’t listen anymore. Omar agrees and grabs Fern’s arm to leave, but even as Fern says he can’t hear anymore, he moves back to the door to listen some more. Omar drags him away. As they leave, Tomas nears Aldo’s door, but bumps into it. Aldo opens the door to see what the noise was. Tomas hides behind the open door. Also goes back inside but leaves his door open, giving Tomas a better listen. Aldo – “Why can’t we find love in the gorgeous curves of a pear? Why?” Luigi has no idea. Tomas assumes Aldo must be talking about Alicia and gets mad.

Lety walks back into the exec lobby, she runs into Robopop and tells him that mom is waiting for him in the lobby. Alicia wishes him a pleasant evening (that lambe-patas! I love that phrase, I’ve been using it all week!) He gets into the elevator as a sexy woman in a mini skirt walks out. The woman asks Alicia who that guy was. Alicia informs her that it’s President Lety’s dad and the woman seems intrigued. After the woman walks away, Alicia says she is appalled at the woman’s audacity (or maybe her desperation) .

In a meeting room with a big coffee table, the cuartel beg Lety to tell them what will happen to them. Martha asks if she will at least give them a letter of recommendation. Lety says that no one is going to fire them. They are excited. PM says she know Lety wouldn’t let anything happen to them. Lola says she knew they would come out of this unscathed. She pumps fist in the air, which sort of makes me enjoy the next part, where Lety tells them that actually, they will lose a day’s pay. The women are impactadas. They whine about it. Irma says they should be happy they still have their jobs. Juana tells them to stop being ungrateful and hugs Lety in gratitude.

Fern and Omar roam the hallways as Fern decries Aldo’s intentions with Lety. Omar becomes distracted by 2 girls walking by and Fern has to pull him back. Fern is sure that Aldo is trying to conquer Lety. Omar points out that Fern is back with Marcia. Fern doesn’t see the connection. He mimics Aldo’s discourse and calls him a crazy, perverted, sicko. Furthermore, if he finds out that Aldo really is interested in Lety, he’s really gonna let Aldo have it.

Tomas continues to spy on Aldo but Frick & Frack catch him in the act. To deflect attention from himself, Tomas tells them they look like the Men In Black in their dark suits. They bicker back and forth about why they are there instead of working and accidentally bump Aldo’s door again. They run away as Aldo opens his door to see who it is (actually, it’s really because they run with their hands out in front of them like the cartoons). Aldo goes back in his office and Frick & Frack send Tomas back to his office. Fern comments that Tomas’s spying shows very bad manners, and they he immediately goes back to listening at Aldo’s door.

Lety tells the cuartel about their new work assignments. That about sums those 5 minutes up.

Fern and Aldo finally enter Aldo’s office. They introduce themselves and promptly though politely lay down the law about Lety. Fern says there is no need for Aldo to report his progress to Lety, since that’s what Fern is there for here for.

Lety tells the women that Alicia won’t be her secretary, and they think this means Alicia has been fired. They celebrate by singing “goodbye oxijenada!” until Lety clarifies that Alicia will work for Marcia.

Marcia shows Alicia her new desk next to Marcia’s office. Alicia is distraught at having to sit next to the cuartel.

Fern wants Aldo to give him details about the new project. Also says he has contacted a friend who is in the restaurant association. Fern doesn’t think that this plan will work. Aldo says they must be patient, he has planted a seed, and they must give it time to grow and bloom. Fern makes fun of Aldo’s nature metaphor and talks about birds and their nests. Just then Aldo’s friend calls says the restaurant association is interested in Aldo’s project; they are willing to invest 2 million dollars (not pesos-- funny how a Mexican company dealing with a Mexican restaurant association in regards to a project specifically related Mexican food would nonetheless talk in terms of dollars). Anyway, Aldo shares the news but this does not impress Fern, who is skeptical about whether Aldo’s friend is legit.

Labels: fea

Alvaro (aka Don Loco) charged into the church shouting, "Stop this wedding immediately!" The priest tried to argue, and Emilio told Don Loco to shut up or be thrown out.

Alvaro shouted, "You're not going to do anything to me, wretch!" then shot Emilio in the chest before being restrained by some men. Maximo pointed a gun at Don Loco, who continued to shout and struggle as the men dragged him away.

Elsewhere: Angel, lying in bed, told Dr. Vazquez he'd heard a gunshot. The doctor said it sounded far away. Angel agreed, "It's probably my brother's friends."

At the church: Baring her teeth, Thelma marched up to the altar, where Emilio was lying in Alina's arms. The two women cried, "Who are you?" at each other. Thelma said, "You want to know who I am? Nothing less than the official fiancee of Captain Emilio Valtierra!"

Alina sobbed, "That isn't true," and pointed out that she was marrying Emilio. Thelma insisted, "This wedding is a farce!" and ordered Orlando to tell Alina that Emilio was planning to abandon her after the wedding. Orlando said, "Yes, Flor. It's the truth."

Dr. Vazquez ran into the church, looked at Emilio and said, "He's losing a lot of blood." He told some men to move Emilio to his room.

Alina (with blood all over her wedding dress) tried to follow, but Thelma stopped her, saying, "You're not going anywhere! The farce is over! You don't have anything to do here! Get out of here!" then followed Emilio herself.

Orlando told Alina he'd tried to warn her about Emilio's intentions but she hadn't wanted to listen. Alina sobbed, "That isn't true, it can't be!"

Meanwhile: A jaguar chased Gaspar up a tree. Gaspar said, "Vete, gatote" (I'm guessing that means "Go away, you cat"?) and the jaguar obligingly ran away.

Back at La Rinconada, Maximo was alone in what appeared to be a storeroom with Don Loco, who was pacing around while Maximo stood with his back to him. Maximo demanded, "Why did you shoot my nephew?" and Don Loco muttered, "She can't marry anyone."

Maximo yelled, "Are you completely loco? This is going to bring us problems with the authorities." Don Loco said, "The authorities are on my side. They never interfere with what I'm doing." Maximo said sulkily, "My nephew!" and Don Loco replied that he wasn't finished with his revenge against Alina and her mother.

Maximo started to stalk out. Alvaro said, "Maximo! You have to let me out of here." Maximo said, "No no no no, I'm not going to be able to. I'm going to see if my nephew is dead, and if he is, neither God nor the devil can save you from jail!"

(Why does Maximo always take Alvaro's side, I wonder? Even in this situation he seemed to want to help Alvaro if he could.)

Angel told Susi (his nurse) that he wanted to marry Flor but she probably wouldn't be interested in a man like him. Susi said she was sure Flor would.

That evening, Orlando told Coral that Emilio was only wounded, not dying, and Thelma had taken charge of the situation and thrown Flor out. He urged Coral to leave the hacienda, but Coral said, "I'm not afraid of this Thelma," and she wouldn't go until Emilio was out of danger.

Alina, dressed in her denim outfit again, left the house with Luba, crying and saying, "He deceived me. It was all a lie." Luba said she'd known all along that Emilio couldn't be trusted.

Gaspar ran up and asked, "Mama, where is my muñequita, my beautiful fairy?" Annoyed, Luba said, "There's no muñequita, no fairy here, don't be stupid!"

She tried to get Alina to leave with her, but Alina said she wouldn't go until she knew how Emilio was. She said, "I have rights, too. I was also Emilio's fiancee. I'm not leaving here."

Soledad, clearly out of the loop, worried about what Alvaro would do when he learned about the wedding.

(I'm wondering, if Soledad has been a prisoner for two years, who's doing her hair? It's always perfectly colored and cut. If Adela is a professional hairdresser, why is she working for a maniac like Don Loco?)

Father Cristobal visited Angel, who asked worriedly what was going on. Susi reminded Angel to remain calm for sake of his health. Angel said he was nervous, it was strange that Emilio hadn't come to see him, and he'd heard a gunshot. "Is everything OK, Father?"

Cristobal said heartily, "Everything is fine!" then hastily departed. (Shouldn't a priest, of all people, know how to break bad news to someone?)

Cristobal went outside and said to Alina, "You're still here?" (I guess he expected her to go back to her cave.) Alina, crying, said, "I need to know how Emilio is. Is it true that he's not going to die?"

The priest said, "I don't know, daughter. The doctor says the wound is grave, but you must have faith. All will be well. But you know you can't go in there." (Why is the priest automatically taking Thelma's side? Shouldn't he be trying to help Alina, too?)

He said instead she should visit Angel. "He heard the shot and he's very upset. Why don't you go and try to calm him?" Alina agreed.

She arrived just as Susi was about to break the news of the shooting to Angel. He asked Alina what was going on, and Alina said, "Emilio is wounded."

Angel started hyperventilating. Trying to keep him calm, Alina assured him Emilio was OK, claiming Emilio had only been shot in the leg. She didn't tell him about the wedding.

Angel took her hand and said, "I love you. I want to marry you. I don't ask that you love me, only that you let me love you, take care of you, and protect you."

Alina asked how he could marry her when he knows what people say about her. Angel said, "I know you are a good woman. I see it in your eyes. I want to see you happy. Accept my protection. I know that I don't have long to live."

Alina replied, "Don't say that! You are going to live, and all the years you live I'll be profoundly grateful to you, but I can't be your wife." Angel said, "You don't love me," and Alina said, "I can't." As she left the room, he said to himself, "Goodbye, Flor."

Emilio's men told Maximo they wanted Alvaro to face justice for shooting Emilio. Maximo said, "Don't worry. I will take care of the justice."

Meanwhile Alvaro remembered hearing his mother telling his father (also named Alvaro), "Do you want to know why I look for other men? Because you've never been good enough for me. (Nunca me has servido.) You disgust me!"

Alvaro's father rode off on horseback and Alvaro (who looked about 15 in this flashback) followed on his own horse, calling, "Papa, wait for me!" His father dismounted, walked to the edge of a cliff, looked back at Alvaro Jr., then jumped off the cliff to his death.

Remembering this, Alvaro thought, "My poor father. And poor me."

Just then Maximo came in and told Alvaro that Emilio was in bad shape and his friends were asking for justice. "If my nephew doesn't die, I promise to help you, but for now you're not going to be allowed to leave."

The doctor told Father Cristobal that Emilio's life was in danger.

In the city: Marianita told her mother she wanted to meet her Uncle Alvaro. Mariana said, "He lives in an ugly place that you wouldn't like at all -- there are no stores, there's no TV, there's nothing!" She added that Uncle Alvaro was very irritable. The kid started to cry and said her father would never return.

Meanwhile, Jose tried to sneak out of the cabin where he was being held captive, but Felicia came in (with her boobs hanging out of her shirt) and said she'd come to keep him company. Jose said he wanted to be alone. She tried to kiss him and he snapped, "What part don't you understand of 'I want to be alone'?" then stomped away.

Hugo told Alfonsina that Alvaro didn't like romances between his employees. Alfonsina said Don Loco owned the land but he didn't own them. "How wonderful it would be if all this were ours and not the patron's." Hugo said, "I know, Alfonsina. I know."

Don Loco, still locked up at Maximo's house, remembered shooting Emilio and told himself it was all Soledad's fault because she betrayed him etc. etc.

Blanca caught Elias muttering Soledad's name in his sleep. She woke him up and he pretended not to remember what he had been dreaming. Blanca said she'd always been jealous of Soledad but she wasn't angry at Elias, she was just sad.

Elias insisted that he considered Soledad a friend, nothing more. "You are my wife, my life, and we are very happy." They kissed.

Orlando told Thelma that Emilio was dying but he had a plan to help her. Thelma visited the unconscious Emilio and told him, "Don't die. It's your fault this man raped me, but I swear, my child is going to carry your name."

Outside the house, Alina told Luba the shooting was her fault, "I killed Emilio! I shouldn't have accepted him." Orlando came outside and told Alina that Thelma wanted to talk to her alone.

Gaspar told Luba he wanted to talk to Thelma, too. With difficulty Luba stopped him from charging into the house to find Thelma.

Thelma told Alina they were both Emilio's victims, but Alina could help her. Alina asked how, and Thelma said, "I need to marry Emilio before he dies."

Words from this episode:
farsa = farce
hada = fairy
enojón = irritable
zopenco = dummy

And finally, at Sylvia's suggestion, here's a bonus for my fellow Gaspar fans: a webpage about the wrestling career of Rene Goméz (aka Intocable)... or should I say Spice Boy Randy?
El Intocable

Labels: duelo

Larry is still in his pajama bottoms and wife-beater t-shirt. This is a repeat of yesterday's episode when Larry asks Gaby if she’s crying because she loves him. Gaby doesn’t respond; they just exchange "meaningful glances" as eloquently stated by NinaK.

Camila is badgering Emilio to tell her who her rival is. Emilio tells her it's a servant.

NOTE: I am going to refer to Diana's and Gaby's faux grandma as Granny, and Max's grandmother as Grandma DS.

Granny is trying to sell Diana on the idea of going for Diego. He's like the best thing in the 'hood. No one is better. Diana says she can't help it, she just isn't that in to him. ***OK, time out. I'm getting a little tired of everyone trying to cram Diego down Diana's throat. It's creepy that Lala, Granny, and Diego keep saying "you’ll learn to love him." I can only image the guy my mom and grandmother would have picked out for me. ***

Fedora/Gaviota (F/G) is asking Lorenzo about Paco. Lorenzo says Paco went to confront Pancho about being a jerk to Caramel. Paco walks into the bar and tells Lorenzo and F/G that he and Pancho got into a fight. He tells F/G that Pancho is a dirt bag. You think? Paco then asks where Caramel is. She's in Paco's office crying a sea of tears. Paco goes to his office. F/G says something about suffering when your kids suffer. Lorenzo points out F/G is suffering and she doesn't even know where her kids are.

Diana walks over and picks up the phone before it even starts ringing. Must be that "Love Connection." It's Max saying he can't stop thinking about her. She tells him not to call her. They have the usual conversation where they admit they love one another, with Diana adding the relationship is impossible. "You're married (in case you've forgotten) and your wife needs you." Max tells Diana that as soon as his wife is cured, he'll be a free man and "game on."

Paco is trying to comfort Caramel. He tells her that her ex is a louse and she's better off without him. He lets something slip that makes Caramel ask "When did you see him?" Paco back-peddles and says "well, um, um, that's what guys like him do. He's a delinquent with shady dealings. " Paco asks Caramel if Pancho has made her do anything "bad." Caramel swears she's a good girl (with a heckuva right hook). Lorenzo interrupts the counseling session to say Caramel has a visitor. Yup. . .it's Pancho.

There are a bunch of people dancing at a club. Lots of women wearing skimpy outfits and some weird music. There is more hooting and hollering than music. It kind of looked like the "music" was added in the editing room. Rene is wearing dark sunglasses and no shirt in the bar, dancing with Peyote. Andres walks in and Rene excuses himself to go talk to "the brother of his supplier." That must be code for 'time to make a dope deal.' Peyote says she's going with him. Andres and Rene make some sort of deal and Rene scurries off to get money. Peyote starts flirting with Andres, who of course, is totally into it. He asks if Rene is Peyote's boyfriend***not that it would matter if he was. *** Peyote says Rene is just a friend. Peyote introduces herself to Andres. He asks if she's part of the famous Irazabal family. "Gee, what a coincidence. My boss is the doc who cares for Grandma DS." Peyote says something about her sister-in-law being an invalid and wishing her sister-in-law had a nurse as handsome as him. Andres wants to know if Peyote's sister-in-law is as pretty as Peyote.

UH OH!!!!!!! M/D is listening in on Max's and Diana's phone conversation on the extension. I believe Max just told Diana "You complete me." I had to run and take a barf break at this point.

Larry confronts Gaby and asks if she loves him. Gaby gets flustered (although that's not much of a stretch, since that's pretty much the norm when she's not crying). Larry is still in PJ bottoms and his wife-beater t. After an indeterminate amount of time, Gaby finally says "No, I don't love you. No. No. No. No. No... etc." She runs out of the room as the "no's" trail her down the hall. Larry looks confused. Perhaps I can explain it to him.

Bruno goes into Gaby's room looking for her. "Woah, what's that sticking out from under the mattress? Why, it is a photo of Larry!" "Ah, Caramba" says Bruno. She starts rooting around the room and finds all of Gaby's love letters to Larry. "Hmmm" says Bruno. "The servant loves Larry." You can see the hamster running overtime in Bruno's mind.

Pancho tells Paco he's there to ask for Caramel's hand in marriage! Impactada!

More of Max blathering on and on to Diana with M/D listening in. Octavia walks in and Max quickly hangs up the phone. O and Max fight about Max being in love with Diana. Max actually stands up to Mommie Dearest and defends his love for Diana. He accuses mom of trying to manipulate him. Max threatens to move out again. "Let's be honest here, I don't love Marfil."

Rene give Andres the money and all three go to dance. Peyote is the filling of the "manwich." She then takes off Andres' wife-beater t shirt and the "rumpus" begins.

Bruno is burning all of Gaby's letter to Larrywhen Gaby walks in. Gaby is hysterical telling Bruno she has no right! Bruno tells Gaby what on earth were you thinking? ***Probably the same thing that I think about Larry*** "How could Larry possibly be interested in anyone as insignificant as you?" Gaby keeps repeating that Bruno has no right to destroy her letters. Bruno is about to add Larry's photo to the conflagration when Gaby grabs it and saves it. Bruno points out "You're lucky I don't tell Octavia. You'd be SO fired!" Gaby cries. I think she's the designated crier in this show.

Granny walks into Diana's room where Diana is sitting on the bed crying and holding some sort of pink frou-frou thing. Is it a pink elephant? I can't tell. Diana confesses she is an awful person. She can't help it, but she's in love with a married man. Granny tells her she needs to be strong and resist. This conversation continues for awhile with Diana saying "he makes my legs tremble, hands sweat, and my heart race. I want to be Marfil." I'm with you, NinaK. Max is a drip.

Pancho repeats his request to marry Caramel. Needless-to-say Paco is not thrilled and Caramel, who has apparently already forgotten "Peyote-gate" is ecstatic! She buys all his flattery hook, line and sinker. Kind of fitting with the nautical theme of the office. Caramel tells him "YES!" She can now be the devoted wife, ironing his shirts, cooking his meals, and in general, being his servant. I want to hit her with a 2x4. Paco's arguments fall on deaf ears. So what if Pancho is a sleaze; "I know I can change him once we're married." ***Caramel doesn't actually say this, but I can only imagine*** Oh, I forgot to mention Pancho says he's allergic to marriage, but for Caramel, he'll do it. "I love you and please forgive me." Dad tells Caramel what she feels isn't love. It's desperation.

Bruno rats out Gaby to Larry, describing the letters in every sordid detail. "What pretension Gaby has to even think about him." Larry tells Bruno she had no right to burn the letters and reads Bruno the riot act. Bruno apologizes and leaves. Am I mistaken, or did Larry's eyes actually get watery thinking about all of Gaby's letters? Maybe it's just an allergic reaction to Bruno. That's got to be it.

M/D is walking, using a walker, with Diana. Diana is saying how well she's progressing with her rehab. M/D asks "why are you in such a rush for me to get well? For professional prestige or so Max can abandon me?" Peyote walks up and tells them she met this cool guy at the bar "and I told him all about you two." ***I believe Peyote wants to set him up with Diana. Can any of you readers help me out with this? *** "His name is Andres Davila." M/D collapses.

Andres and Doc Evil are discussing Diana. I'm not sure what specifically the conversation was about, but it seems Doc Evil wants Diana to pay for stabbing him (even though it was apparently Camila who did it.)

All are now in the garden of Psycho Mansion. Diana asks M/D why she collapsed when she heard Andres' name. M/D made some excuse about being tired. Peyote asks M/D if she knows Andres - no of course not. Peyote leaves and M/D asks Diana why she suddenly looks so serious. Diana says she knows Andres well and he's a "bad person." He's the chauffeur for a doctor at the hospital where she used to work. Diana starts to say more and stops herself saying it's hot and she's going to get a glass of water. After Diana leaves, M/D is furious that stupid Peyote wants to bring Andres to the house. If Andres comes, he'll tell Max that "I'm not really Marfil, that we (Andres and I) were married, and that we were professional thieves. That will ruin all my plans!"

Diana runs into Camila in the house. ***Now have either I or NinaK pointed out yet that people just seem to walk into this house all the time? I/we probably have.*** Camila is looking for M/D. Diana says "I'll tell her you're here." C-"That's OK, I'll tell her myself." Camila walks into the garden and kisses M/D on the cheek in greeting. M/D calls her a "Judas." They exchange some barbs and M/D threatens to take out Camila's eyes if she goes after Max again. Camila points out that "I'm not the one to worry about. Max loves that nurse. Are you blind?" M/D says no, and makes the comment that Diana has the "face of a dead fly." ***Or does she say she has the face of a "fly killer?" I don't know which it is, but it's comical. *** They ultimately decide to join forces and destroy Diana.

More plotting between Andres and Doc Evil. Dr. Evil wants to see all three women fighting over Max. Andres thought bubbles something about Camila being willing to pay Andres for dirt on Diana. "Hmmmm. I could earn more money!"

Camila is trying to get M/D to work with her in destroying Diana. M/D finally agrees. Max walks up and wants to know what's up. I thought you two hated each other. (Apparently the two of them were rivals for Max in the past.) "Nah, we're best friends now." Max doesn't get it. "You know us women, we're unpredictable!" says M/D.

Andres calls Camila. Camila tells him "I don't want to hear any messages from the dirt bag Doc." Andres-"Oh no, I'm not calling on his behalf. In fact what I have to say will be more interesting to you than me."

Larry is now dressed in a tight blue t-shirt. He comes to Gaby's room and tells her Bruno told him about the letters. Gaby is mortified (I know I'd be if I was Gaby!) "If you want to fire me, I'll leave. All I ask is that you don't tell anyone about the letters. I'm humiliated enough." Larry promises her she's not fired. "Why would I fire someone for loving me? Don't be ashamed. Love is nothing to be ashamed of. Why didn't you tell me you loved me? " G-"Our love is prohibited and besides, why would such a hunky specimen of a man like you have anything to do with someone as insignificant as me." Gaby seriously needs some therapy for her self-esteem issues! Larry replies, "No one-I mean no one- is insignificant!" ***You go, boy!***

Granny is sitting at her sewing machine talking to La Virgin. "What if Diana's and Gaby's birth mother is looking for them? If she finds them will it be good or bad? These girls are like my true granddaughters - it would hurt so much if I lost them."

Back to the good part. Larry is still with Gaby. L-"You said you loved me. I never thought I'd be in this position." He s-l-o-w-l-y takes off Gaby's glasses. L -"Woah...Gaby, you're pretty!" G-"Don't make fun of me. No, I'm not. I'm ugly!" L (incredulously)- "No...you really ARE pretty. I never noticed before, but now that I've been dumped and am vulnerable, I've finally noticed you and I'm feeling something inside...I don't know...different. You're sweet, you take care of me, attend to my needs..." Gaby starts crying at this point and tries to leave, but Larry stops her. L-"Maybe destiny has brought us together. Pilar dumping me, Bruno finding your letters and telling me, and now me seeing how beautiful you truly are!" ***Boy, does this guy have the lines down or what? He sold me, but that wouldn't be hard!***FINALLY he kisses her! Aaaahhhhh!!

Back to reality ***Sigh. Talk about buzz kill***Diana is in the kitchen looking out the window. Lala asks shy she's hanging out and not getting the glass of water. "Because Max is out there with Marfil. He makes me nervous!" Lala-"You have to forget him." D-"It's impossible for me to forget him. I can't get him out of my heart. It's something stronger than me. How can I do it?" L-"Perhaps you should look for qualities in someone else who loves you...marry my son Diego!"

Credits roll. Just in time for me to watch "The First 48." Nothing like true crime to bring you back to reality!

Labels: acorralada

Back to the small house: Andre is talking to Auntie. She mentions that girl in the next room . Why don’t you go in and see if you know her . . . He would be surprised to see the twin of his long-lost wife.

Diana is visiting a neighbor, Lola. Lola asks about her new job—oh, now you can pay to get your mother out of prison. Huh? Diana is impactada.

Battle of the Chicas: On the beach, Caramelo yells at Paola to get her mitts off Pancho. Paola prances off. Pancho shoves Caramelo. Paola says: What a vulgar girl. She’s really classy, of course. Caramelo is shrieking so much she will become hoarse.

She pushes Pancho down in the sand, then rushes into the water and attacks Paola!. Pancho smiles lustfully at the catfight.

Octavia is talking about firing the nurse again. Max says no you can’t. Mom says yes I can—I’m in charge of the help. Max: If you fire her I will move out with my wife and get my own apartment … Oooh.

Diana comes home to fake granny and asks about whether her mother is in prison. Granny is impactada.

Andrea and Auntie continue discussing the mystery woman. Auntie asks if he is still looking for that wife you had that abandoned you. No I haven’t found her. Again, so close and yet so far.

M/D is asking Bruno why Max won’t sleep with her. She is mad at this big diss. She always speaks like a petulant four-year-old.

Diego and Pancho try to stop the cat fight. Caramelo says “suelteme” (Let me go) This is an expression that comes up a lot in this novela (and never in LFMB). She runs away. Pancho says all women are crazy.

Diana tries to get the story from granny. Is she a killer. No, she was an inventor. You should be proud of your mother and father. This makes no sense, I know. I am not really 100 percent sure what granny was saying here.

Max is talking to Larry. Larry is still splayed on bed like a Calvin Klein underwear model. Max is wearing the same sweater, but now it is dry. Larry wants to kill himself. Max reminds him that he has a film contract. He says he got over his love for Marfil in two years, and Larry will too.

O complains to sister about Max and Diana. Sis doesn’t believe it. O doesn’t want Max to move out. If he does, we can’t keep an eye on them. Max wants to divorce his wife and marry the nurse. That would be a blot on our name (kidnapping and murder don’t count? . . . oh, I’m getting ahead of myself.)

Max tells Larry he wants to hug and kiss Diana. What if Mom finds out. Geez, Max looks like he’s 40 years old, why doesn’t he move out? Max tells Larry that Diana rejected him because he’s married. Larry says Max is “acorralado” (trapped)

It’s not fair, says Max, that my wife would return to life. Boy that’s a funny way to put it. Our lives are an inferno.

Paco and Gaviota: I know you are incapable of a misdeed. She tells the whole story. Now we are about to get into a very important FLASHBACK.
Octavia and her husband Hector (or whatever) were her employees at the perfume factory. H was hubby’s right hand and O was the administrator. H had a passion for Fedora. O and H lived in the mansion as a gesture of friendship.
H is trying to rape Fedora. Fedora says stop telling me you love me. My husband is your best friend. You are our employee. You are like a brother.
Ha Ha. You are going down! Sooner or later I will have you! Again, this idea of these attempted rapes is rather disturbing to me, as I have never watched these novelas before. They really are all about power.
No, she says, today you are getting out. No. Suelteme. You will not get away. Husband is looking at the books. “No puede ser.” O and H have stolen all our money and transferred the house to their name. Gee. How did he find those books now, but failed to notice in the past . . .
H comes in. O says kill him: he has found us out. H throws a figurine at him and knockes him out. Fedora comes in—call 911.
O says tell security not to let them leave. O wipes fingerprints from statuette. Fedora goes upstairs and picks up the two little girls.

Cut away from flashback. They took my children, they accused me of murder. After the trial, they celebrated. Yolanda the sister says I abandoned them in Europe (I still don’t understand why Octavia doesn’t know who these girls are – or does she? Can someone clarify. Similarly, doesn’t she know that Fedora got out of prison?
Paco tells her to cry. Let out this hate you have inside.

New flashback. O and H are eating at a Spanish style table that looks like something from a Christopher Lee vampire movie. H toasts her acumen at stealing and killing. Organ music plays. Then he grabs his chest. What’s in this wine. It’s a special poison that produces a heart attack. He drops dead while Octavia calmly takes bite of her food or a sip of her wine. (Where are the kids in all this? Who knows?)

Fake granny is praying to a crucifix that Diana and Gaby don’t find out about their bad mommy.
Diana prays to granny’s sewing machine: Diego loves me but I can’t return his love.

Old man Lorenzo to Caramelo at the bar: You know you’re at the bar, because Caramelo is wearing her serving wench costume, which consists of a giant red sailor hat (oh, yes, she has clothes on too). The hat really clashes with her red hair but fits in with the nautical theme of dad’s bar.
Lorenzo consoles her—you’ll find someone else. Paco comes in and C starts crying and tells dad what Pancho did.

Diana is now visisting with Diego’s and Pancho’s mom. Mom tells Diana that Diego loves her and she should learn to love Diego. You will suffer if you love Max Irazabal.

At the mansion, Mom, Sis, Max and D/M are eating dinner. Mom wants to know why Larry and Paola aren’t there. Paola went to the beach, and Larry is shut up in his room. He just got dumped the day before, but O doesn’t care . . . You know I want everyone here, says control freak.

M: Calm down, Mother, you know Larry is in no condition to come to dinner.

D/M complains that Max won’t sleep with her—there’s appropriate dinner conversation with your mother in law. Mom says: you should dedicate yourself to your wife. Why not go to a trip. First go to Houston and get rehab in one of their fine hospitals. Then go on a second honeymoon. (Folks I’m still not sure if Octavia knows she’s a fake. I think not, but if anyone knows for sure . . . )
D/M claps her hand with glee.

Diego’s mom still trying to talk Diana into loving Diego. Now the two brothers come in. Pancho says “hi future sister in law.” Diego asks her to stay for dinner, but she pulls away. Ding dong. Who’s at the door? Paco, and is he enojado. He punches Paco. Why are you playing with my daughter. Diego pushes him away. Pancho denies everything—what a creep—and says that these women are crazy and making up stuff. (or something like that). Diego says—calm down, we can’t have a scandal in my mother’s house (why he does this even though he knows everything is true is beyond me.)

D/M still trying to get Max to go on a honeymoon. I would love to return to Italy. Uh-oh. Another boo boo: Max is impactado. When did you ever go to Italy. Wild eyed scramble by D/M to come up with a cover story.

Paco: how can you make promises to my daughter. Pancho. They’re imagining things. Etc. Finally Paco leaves: he tells Paco he will kill him if he comes around Caramelo again. Now Mom lays into Pancho and says he is shameful and useless and doesn’t have a job, etc. Why can’t he be like his brother.
Pancho yells at Mom. Diego tells him not to talk to mom that way. Diana tries to leave. Mom: how could you do that to a nice girl like Caramelo. You’re a vividor: A seemingly disparaging word for a person who likes the high life , but also a scrounger or sponger (or a schnorrer, as we would say in Yiddish). Either definition would work here.

Diego tries to convince Diana to marry him. I would respect you you would be the happiest woman in the world. Etc.

Camila is back in her apt. with her brother Emilio. Trying to find out what he knows about Max and Marfil (Emilio is Max’s friend). She wants him to get Max to divorce stupid Marfil and Marry Camila. Emilio says: Marfil is not your rival. He loves someone else. (Maybe Camila can stab someone else now!) Emilio says he wants to stay out of her problems with Max. I guess he doesn’t know his sister stabs people. (Camila is the one who stabbed Dr. Evil, but Dr. Evil thinks Diana did it because he didn’t see, and of course, he hates Diana. He hates Camila too, but for some reason, he doesn’t think of her as a potential assailant.)

Back to the dinner table. D/M comes up with a whopper: I went to Italy many years ago with a girlfriend, before I knew you. Strange you never told me .
Sister Yolanda looks like she suspects something is wrong but says nothing.
O says all this is besides the point. The important thing is to go on a trip. Max: There will be no trip. She can have rehab right here with Diana!

Diego talks to Diana some more.

Cut to Larry on bed: Still in same position and outfit! Gaby comes in to bring him dinner: Young Larry, you must eat. (She calls him Joven or Joven Larry, which seems to be like the Spanish version of Master Lawrence if you were watching Upstairs Downstairs.) You are entering a contest where you can win a prize. What do I care about a prize now. I’ve lost the woman I love. What does Kike have that I don’t have? I want to kill myself. Don’t do that—I would feel bad—I would want to kill myself. Says Gaby. Why, I don’t understand? Do you love me, Gaby? Meaningful glances are exchanged. Credits roll.

Impressions here: That backstory about Octavia and Fedora is really shocking, but I gather par for the course in these shows. Do people usually get away with murder, or will O get caught in the end?

Labels: acorralada

Labels: duelo