Caray, Caray!

I apologize in advance for a less detailed than usual recap, but I procrastinated and now I want to get downstairs and watch the Super Bowl, I’m recording it and it must already be halftime by now.

Jorge tells Marcelino to tell the Dariens that they have lost the rights to the mill and store, he wants to put the family in ruin.

Mario has Vasco tied to some machinery in the mill, he is torturing him to find out more about the ED card and Bernabe, etc. Vasco swears that Bernabe acted on his own. Ric arrives and asks questions, Vasco cries and says he’s sorry. Ric tells him to find Bernabe and say nothing to Camila about the card actually still existing. Ric and Mario leave and Jeremias sets Vasco free.

Mario makes some crack to Ric about him being whipped and Ric yells at him. Mario tells him he has changed and rides ahead. They arrive at a shack and find a servant, who tells them that the boss of the hacienda was killed. They found him in the road dead. He claims to know nothing about any cart. Mario and Ric know that he knows nothing because he has been TOLD to know nothing.

Back at Ric’s house Fran tells Lis that Ric left early, who knows where. Lis wants to invite Camila to the house for dinner. Fran is up in arms with Lis these days.

Some peasants walk down the street with a body to bury, must be the boss that was killed. Ric and crew stop to let them pass. Ric makes the sign of the cross, the other pirates just watch.

Ric and crew arrive at a busy plantation/hacienda or something, the boss knows nothing, nobody is allowed to sell things without his permission and nothing of the sort happened. That’s his story. Ric realizes that nobody is going to say anything. They cross back where the burial is taking place, Ric stops to talk to the widow. She says her husband was delivered to her dead by some servants of Alberto. She doesn’t know how he was killed.

Camila and Jimena leave home to go work at the store. Camila still looks way hotter with her natural hair. We see Fortunata in the square getting some gossip.

Ursula talks to Sofia and tells her she isn’t happy. She opens up and explains how lonely she is, there isn’t anyone around for her to be friends with, her first marriage was awful, she feels so alone and sad. Sofia ends up promising to take a trip with her to the capitol. Fortunata runs in with the news of what happened to Justo and Sofia is muy impactada.

Fran and Lis show up at Camila’s house and find out that Camila is working at her father’s store. The servant tells them that Justo is dying. I guess Cleo wasn’t the only chismosa working there.

Mario says that they need to hold Alberto down, start cutting him up, bit by bit, until he tells where Ric’s money is. Ric says “Cierto.” Mario is VERY pleased with this answer, as opposed to Ric’s usual “well uh let me check with Camila first.”

Fran and Lis have lunch outside, Lis comes up with another fantastical situation that can bring her and Ric together. Something about him getting married with the wrong name, and if she makes friends with Camila Ric will see how nice she is. Something like that. Lis wants to go to Ofelia’s to check up on Justo. Just then Santiago shows up and offers to escort them to Ofelia’s. Fran breaks off a couple of awesome eye roll/sighs here. Santiago offers his arm to Lis and they walk on.

Sofia is at Ofelia’s with Fortunata. Ofelia and GRita give Sofia the lowdown, then Ofelia takes Sofia in to see Justo. GRita offers Fortunata a snack, Fortunata says sure and orders enough food for a meal. GRita looks at her like “damn, how much do you eat for a MEAL?”

Sofia goes in to see Justo, the camera work makes it look like when long lost lovers reunite, and I’m still convinced that this is the case. Justo tries to talk to Sofia but isn’t able to very well, of course. Sofia sits and talks with him and promises to take over the wedding planning. She tells him that he better not leave her all alone. Oh yeah, these two are in looooove. There is some crying, as would be expected. As much as Sofia is crying, Justo is smiling, he is more happy to see Sofia than he was at any of his other visitors.

Out at the table, Fortunata is horking down a tableful of food. Fortunata talks about the upcoming weddings and GRita of course has to make some crack about Camila, which gets a dirt look from Ofelia. THEN – Santiago shows up with Lis on his arm, you can imagine the look on GRita’s face. Sofia comes out and is ready to go, dragging Fortunata away from her food. She tells Santiago “come see me, we need to talk.”

Ric and crew arrive home, Manuela is there looking for Lis. She looks uncomfortable talking to Ric as he pries information from her about Alberto, not getting much more than that he is on a trip. A servant tells them that Lis isn’t home, so Manuela beats a hasty retreat. Ric, for some reason, acts creepy and won’t let her leave for a few seconds, then gets out of her way. I guess he wants any reports back to Alberto to be that he seems dangerous.

Fran and Lis leave, Santiago is very nice to them so of course GRita is grouchy. He offers to walk them home, they decline and GRita STARES at Santiago. Lis asks Santiago to let Camila know that she is invited to Lis’s house for dinner, GRita says “I’ll tell her.” Then they get in the same old fight, this time she’s jealous of Camila AND Lis. Santiago tells her that she is truly, truly crazy.

Lis and Fran run into Manuela on the street, Manuela delivers news that Ric is home and delivers a letter to Lis from Alberto. Lis demands that Fran read her the card right away, yes here in the middle of the street. We see Alberto writing the letter as it is read, rather than Fran’s voice. It is like a teenage love note, “I’m going on a trip, but I wanted to say goodbye to you first, I’ll miss you and hope to see you when I get back.” He laughs as he writes it, I’m not sure if he thinks it is funny or if he’s embarrassed to be writing such sappy crap. He finishes by saying he wants to get to know her better. Lis of course says “no I won’t marry anyone but Ric!” Fran rolls her eyes again and Lis spins some more fantasies about how she and Ric will end up together. Fran tells her to get with Alberto since he is powerful and can help them. Fran calls Lis stupid and they go home.

Ric and Mario try to figure out where La Font might have gone. They figure that Foreman has purchased gold that has been stolen from the caravans. They want to figure out how to see what’s up with the whole thing and prove it to clear Ric’s name. Ric asks Mario if he is with him, Mario says he has to think about it. Then he smiles and says of course, to the death. Lis and Fran see Mario in the hall, he says Ric is in the room. Fran and Lis agree that they hate Mario. Lis talks to Ric, Ric says Camila probably won’t come to dinner with all that happened to Justo. She wants to know where Ric went, Ric finally tells her the truth about his money getting stolen. Does Camila know? Yes. And she doesn’t care? She cares, but it doesn’t change their relationship. Ric turns the tables and asks if Manuela gave Lis the card she had for her, Lis says “what? Oh uh yeah she gave it to me, whatever.” Ric asks if La Font is after her, she says no. Ric knows better.

Ofelia brings Santiago a drink. He glugs it down thirstily. He tells her that the porno twins are out on a job and Ascanio is helping at the store. He confides in her that GRita is driving him nuts. She makes excuses for her but Santiago says no, it’s not her being pregnant or normally jealous, she is off the deep end. She changes the subject and asks if he is going to see Sofia. He says yes, why? She plays innocent and says she’s just worried about him running into Jorge. He says she must just want to talk about the Vasco/Ines wedding. Ofelia says that Ines still wants to marry Vasco even after the ED card fiasco, she loves him.

Jorge enters the store and sees Jimena up on a ladder with a lot of leg exposed. He checks her out (I agree with him here, nice leg) and she finally notices him. He wants to know where Camila is, she’s in the back with Ascanio doing some work. We see her in the back room trying to explain some stuff to Ascanio. Jorge enters and is surprised that Ascanio knows how to read and write, how nice. Jorge wants to talk to Camila, Ascanio leaves and Jorge tells her that she sure has a lot of guys looking out for her! Yes, she looks way better with her regular hair. Now I remember why she was hottie lawyer on Duelo and not ‘bad wig’ lawyer. Much better. Jorge wants to talk to her about Justo.

Outside, Ascanio and Jimena fret about Jorge and Camila being left alone, but there was nothing Ascanio could have done.

Jorge says he has unfinished business with Vasco about Ursula and Justo is old. He also has a lot of doubts about Ricardo and Ric refuses to show him proper deference and respect. Jorge says Ric claims to be a businessman, but he thinks he must be a thief or pirate. Camila angrily denies it but Jorge tells her to shut up. He says that Justo isn’t going to work out for him any more, he’s giving the business to someone else. Camila is upset of course, Jorge says it’s just business. She says it’s because of the earthquake, not poor business. Jorge doesn’t care. But…. He might be convinced differently if he gets the proper attention….

Monday – Santiago must have run into Jorge at the palace after all, the guards arrive at the forge to arrest him. Also, Camila begs Ric not to do anything rash against Jorge, Ric says that the only way to stop some men is to kill them.

Labels: Pasion

Sorry, folks. I can only post part I now. I'll do the rest later--after the Super Bowl. I underestimated how much time this would take, since I had to watch Thursday and do the mini recap in order to understand Friday. In time, I think this will be better--or we will get a Thursday recapper.

We return to where we last left off. Mili had told Granny that Alex kissed her. What did she do? She pushed him away. Granny says this is very good: She is defending her honor and learning to become a lady. Mili is pleased with this praise.

Back at Andrea's place, Alex storms out. Connie says he's glad Alex finally knows. Andrea tells him to get out of her house. "Your" house? Connie reminds her who pays the rent.

Mili is now alone in Regina's room and sneaks a picture of Alex from its frame and stuffs it in her sleeve. Her friend the other maid (whose name I don't know) catches her. She reminds Mili that just a little while ago she was down on Alex--now she's in love.

Over at the office, Alex hands a letter to Andrea.

Mili and her friend discuss having a white wedding at the church. But she says something about not being able to marry Alex because of her promise to the Padre, I think.

Constancio reads the letter from Alex--it's his resignation.
Andrea wants him to tell Alex that he slept in the living room. But what about all the other nights, he reminds her. He holds up the car keys as blackmail (I guess he paid for the car too.)

Mili and Braulio have a comic discussion about getting into Hugo's room. I don't really understand the point. Mili says he's her "cuate," or friend.

Connie tells Regina about the resignation. She says No way, Jose. Connie tells his mother to stop telling the servants about his private life.

There's some comic relief here with Horacio and the other maid. I am fast forwarding through these pointless, boring segments, and I will not be recapping them.

Hugo now shows the painting to Mili--it has the face filled in with her face (in tomboy getup).

Labels: guapos

In this episode, the Padre is trying to separate Mili and Alex without telling the truth about Mili's parentage (guess he doesn't know the truth about Alex's parentage). He hems and haws and finally leaves Mili with the idea that she shouldn't go out with her boss. Padre goes back to the Mother Superior and tells her he's done the job.

Everyone goes back to the Tejano bar, where there's more sparring among the various characters when Alex catches Hugo (in disguise) kissing Mili. Rorgan jumps in to the fight and chokes Alex and then realizes his offense. At one point, Alex calls Mili a "muneca de trapo." (rag doll?) She attacks back.

Luciana comes back from her date and is interrogated by Connie. He wants to know where she was. She replies that it's nothing he hasn't done a thousand times.

Hugo looks at his faceless painting.

Connie storms out and goes to Andrea's, where he tells her that Luciana is cheating on him. He then turns to more torment of our favorite golddigger: When she indicates that she will help him out or whatever, he sneers that she has "returned to the fold." (volver al redil). She says he loves his son. "My" son? ha--the only thing you love is money (putting aside the irony that he's not my son . . .). He says he doesn't want to share her.

He seems to be sleeping on the couch, after all. Then he picks up Andrea's cell phone and calls Alex, who is sure to recognize the caller id. Then he taunts Alex in a fake girl's voice that a man is there in the apartment. He concludes with an evil laugh. I just love this character's creativity!

In the morning, Luciana is studying herself in the mirror, wondering with Valeria if she should have plastic surgery. Valeria is trying to talk to her about some troubles that I must confess I have no idea what the are. Valeria is so far a cipher to me. Does it have to do with that job contract she signed (an episode I didn't see)? Luciana is certainly self-centered.

Mili is worried that she might be fired after what Alex said the night before. She goes to talk to Regina. Regina reassures her that she's in charge. She probes for what happened with Alex. Mili lets slip that he kissed her.

Meanwhile, Andrea is pouring coffee for Connie over at her place. Who should arrive but Alex! Oops--time for Andrea to start shouting "Hi, Alex! How are you, ALEX!" while Connie scurries for a closet.
Nope, too late. Connie strolls out buttoning his shirt while Alex stares. Papa! he stutters. Yes, I am your papa, Connie says with a smirk. Boy, he just loves to torment Goldilocks! The credits roll.

Labels: guapos

We are reminded that Juan is leaving Achichipico, as he gives his farewell pep talk to Juanito, whom he remands to Molondrón's tender care a second time. He boards the bus while Tweedle Dee scrutinizes Juan’s departure protocol.

The Prodigal Mami has come home. She and Yadira admire Nidia Michaela and have a serious mother-daughter facts of life talk. Nidia needs help remembering, so she quizzes Yadi on their financial status right after Papi offed himself. She was surprised when the thugs tried to rob her that she had so much money –at least according to her bank balance -- when she thought they were broke since the funeral.

It must be the day for mother-daughter facts of life discussions, because one on virtually the same topic is happening at Ana’s house. Ana remarks that her attention was brought to the sum of money Nidia had that the thugs got from the ATM. Ana thought Nidia was flat busted. [Ed. Note: Sorry, couldn’t help myself there]. Paula naively thinks it might be that Delirio really earns that much in the catacombs. Ana can’t buy that. She thinks it’s very strange. She goes through the list of stuff Nidia’s done to splash money around the countryside—paying Ana generously for the painting lessons, Yadi’s wedding, the list goes on. Very odd. Paula can’t tell her that’s not a little suspicious. Paula pours too much salt on her food and reluctantly agrees. It’s a puzzlement. [Ed. Note: A nod to “The King and I.”]

Yadi fills more gaps for Nidia….yep, we were broke –because he left every cent to the Dávilas. Of course, we have the house. Nidia is aghast and again wonders about the money until Yadi enlightens her—you and Delirio faked a will that took it all away from them. Vooooiiiicccces echo in Nidia’s stressed out brain.

Pastor tells Anga why he isn’t in the pen because his waiting period in the local jail hadn’t finished. He’s resplendent in a hot pink satin shirt, sea foam green sweater vest, and suit. His toupee is slightly askance. He moans about this place, can his brother imagine him living there? Nope. Unfortunately, the evidence is against him and his own company is accusing him. Pastor begs Anga for love of their dearly departed mother in Heaven to not leave him alone. He weeps convincingly; I’d get him out just to make him quit. Anga puts a hand on Pastor’s shoulder to comfort him.

Yadi continues the sad tale of perfidy as she gives the baby her bottle. Delirio emptied the accounts and faked a will. That’s why Nidia had to marry him, to keep it all quiet and enjoy the money. Nidia is close to hyperventilating.

Tweedle Dumb is doing one of the things he does best—nothing. He plants his okole in a chair as Tweedle Dee lets himself into the unlocked house. What’s up with that? Doesn’t anyone knock in Achichipico? T2 came to give the great news—Juan’s blown the coop again. T1 scoffs—why should he believe that? Casimiro tries to convince Herbierto why he thinks this is important—Juan has blown town so he won’t have to follow through again and marry Herlinda. Herbie breaks his own news—Molondrón's offered for her and Pop’s said you bet, she’s yours for the taking. Casimiro is predictably unhappy and they fuss about it for a few seconds. He wants to know if Herbierto’s going to taking this sitting down, and Herbierto says sure, why not? Juan didn’t have anything to avoid. So, Casimiro takes another tack that’s surefire to rile Herbie---then for sure Juan’s gone after Susana. Sure, he’ll come back happily married. Herbie finally hoists himself up and lets Casimiro know he’s sick and tired of Casimiro’s intrigues. What do you think about that? Apparently, this was not the response Casi expected. He’s frustrated big time.

Yadi bounces her adorable infant. She tells Nidia that this is all logical, while Papi was alive, Nidia and Ana hated each other. What’s more, they would have been left out on the street. Nidia sees it now, she’s really the heroine who saved her family from destitution. She didn’t really commit a barbarous act, it was for love. Punctuated by a hoist. Yadi sets her straight yet again. Nope, not really Ma. Nidia disagrees, because getting married to Delirio makes her eligible for a Nobel Prize. This, Yadi can agree with and so can all of us faithful viewers.

Anga storms into the Farell lobby, replete as always with lobby lizards (where the heck is Julia—either she’s lost 50 pounds and is wearing mini-faldas or she’s gone now to fairer telenovela pastures). Anga greets Ivonne politely but firmly. He wants to see the boss. He’s not here, he’s recovering. Well, then, this Sra. Monica? Yeah, but she’s pretty busy on a call out of the country. Anga, however, doesn’t give a rip if she’s talking to the Pope himself. He storms off toward Moni’s door. Ivonne cuts him off at the pass, making for good lobby entertainment. Anga less politely and more firmly demands her to let him pass because they have some real problems. Ivonne at least wants to announce him. He doesn’t want an intro. Their increasing volume brings Moni shooting out the door to demand qué the heck’s the fuss about. Anga demands to talk with her Right Now. Moni comes within a gnat’s hair of dissing him, and Ivonne slips in that this is Pastor’s bro. Moni does a 180 and invites Anga to chitchat, but he’d best calm down. Ivonne is huffy as they disappear into the office; apparently she needs to go back for a gatekeeper refresher course.

Anga has the best defense—a solid offense. He goes after Farell, because he wonders what kind of company treats an honest, upright and hard-working employee like his baby bro is being treated—sent into the fire? Moni takes issue with the upright part. Anga can’t deny Pastor’s made mistakes. But, he’s given his best years to the business. Moni, being a Very Astute Businesswoman, sees the hook. [Ed. Note: Of course, she and CL discussed the hook while he was laid up, and Anga walked right into it.] Anga continues that his brother shouldn’t be treated like such a criminal. He doesn’t deserve it. Moni agrees that he’s right. They’re contracting an excellent lawyer to get him out. The wind whooshes out of Anga’s sails. [For you, Sylvia.] For real? Moni assures Anga they’re going to do everything humanly possible to get the boy out. She concedes Anga said it all; Pastor’s given the best years of his life to the company. Anga looks bemused and wary. And he darn well should.

Nidia Michaela’s crib is a lovely gilded bronze cage. She’ll really hate that when she’s about 18 months and wants out. But, I digress. Nidia is lamenting the bad thing that’s been done to those poor women, the Dávilas. Nidia’s having an attack of conscience. [Ed. Note: it seems that the bump she took on her head may be good for something after all.] She scolds Yadira de Pilar, who maybe shouldn’t have told her. Yadi tells her to see a shrink and dump the guilt. Nope, Nidia doesn’t want to dig too deep. Imagine if all her dirty laundry began to get aired? Nidia shudders at the thought. Nidia doesn’t think that’s such a terrific idea. Well, Yadi suggests, she could get Ana a little doodad, a luxury gift—sure, why not one of those books about art for her? Nidia tells her not to be so stingy (coda). Yadi suggests giving Ana Nidia’s castoff clothing, but Nidia points out that Ana’s not as chic as she. Well, there’s nothing, then, Yadi says. Nidia thinks a simple apology. Yadi points out the flaw in that logic. You’re going to confess, then, what you’ve done? Nidia panics. Obviously, that won’t do. Nidia moans about how she’s going to sleep with such a load on her conscience. She begs God to open the doors to Heaven as she minces out.

In Eastern Penitentiary, the Odd Couple gets hurled against a wall and a thorough pat down. The bars are opened and the world disappears as the boys are pushed to their new home. They’re measured, weighed, blood pressure tested—in short, the docs leave no part untouched. They get new clothes to fit their new home. Tasteful khakis, understated yet well-pressed, right out of the package—they both got the memo. The boys pose for the cameras in their new duds, at various angles that highlight their best features. Side view, front view, hold the placard with your number on it, boys. They’re ushered down a long green mile. [Ed. Note: Oh, that’s another movie. Sorry.] A few wolf whistles can be heard as they pass by. Fresh meat. The bars close on them in their compact and tidy new quarters.

Outside the local tank, someone is being escorted in and we hear Anga talking before we see him in Pastor’s temporary home away from home. Anga sits on what was Gutis bed until earlier today. He’s describing how Moni gave her word that they’d help resolve Pastor’s problem. Pastor is impactado. She did that? She said she was doing everything possible to destroy me. [Ed. Note: Wake up and smell the coffee, Pastor.] It’s weird. Anga thinks maybe she realized she messed up and is making it right. Pastor figures it was really his beloved CL who fixed it for him. Sure, that’s it. He finally realized all I’ve done for him. Whatever. They’re getting you out of here, bro, Anga points out. They smile at each other, relieved. [Ed. Note: remember what they say about something that looks too good to be true, boys?]

Gutis and Delirio are enjoying their new home with its classic minimalist décor. They gaze around and fix on each other. Gutis announces he’s not going along any more with Delirio’s program that he’s such a bad friend. He’s not going along with that hogwash. Delirio scoffs at him. They begin to fuss in earnest. Delirio yells at Gutis not to talk to him. The boys in the band down the hall egg them on. Gutis gets to his real point—he’s going to spill it to lawyers. Delirio yells at the others down the hall to shut up as their taunting increases.

CL apparently had a lot more operated on than we realized, because Paula has to feed him. Paula tells him that the doc is optimistic about CL’s recovery and he assures her that their sex life is going to be better than ever. She’s glad he’s feeling confident. CL tells Paula they’ll have to make up for all the time they’ve lost. She puts him off, smiling, and reminds him he’s still recuperating. He admits he doesn’t know when, but one of these days….they’ll be in bed through the night and day. Did the doc tell you when? No, but….I told him I want out of here tomorrow. CL is emphatic and Paula smiles like an indulgent parent.

Yadi pulls Nidia up off her bed and exhorts her not to go and get all depressed. This thing where they stole the inheritance from the Dávilas is buried in the past. She reminds Nidia that they have their house and lack for nothing. [Of course not, but Nidia still has all the cash.] Nidia agrees doubtfully. Yadi’s on a roll—Paula’s married a really clever guy (picudazo) and she’s not lacking anything. Nidia mournfully says she’ll have to swallow her guilt. She didn’t learn how to win at life like Anita, but instead she’s paid with the sweat of her body. She asserts that Yadi is following in her steps. [Yadi, abuzado, careful, that might not be a Good Thing.] Nidia urges Yadi to expand her horizons. Yadi gets in the spirit—her horizons go as far as…..the neighbor’s clothesline (tendedero de vecino). Yadi can’t see beyond Nidia Michaela’s diapers. And then, yikes, she’ll begin to “gatear.” No, Nidia says, she’s never going to “gatear” but she’ll have the best of suitors, a good boy. Yadi realizes her mother’s mind has one track—No, Mom. I meant “crawl,” not “prowl around.” On her little knees and hands—Yadi demonstrates with her hands. [Ed. Note: see vocabulary for all the colorful meanings of “gatear.”] And walk everywhere and see the world and put stuff in her mouth – Yadi gets a disgusted look. She doesn’t want to think about that, what a horror! Nidia tells Yadi not to use the baby as an excuse to do nothing more with her life. Go back to school and get that degree. It won’t be easy but she’ll be glad she did.

Juan patters to himself as the bus rolls into the D. F. about coming this time by his own foot (his own decision, not because he had to?) and with his heart fluttering in his chest. He tells himself there’s still that little thing about his fantasy of his Licenciada. If she’s not the woman for him, then there is none. Everyone sleeps on the bus except Juan, whose adrenaline is in overdrive.

Paula’s brain is in overdrive, too. She clings to her Juan-bear and tosses and turns. She cuddles the bear while Juan, with the mists of the inferno swirling behind him, scowls and scolds in an echo chamber that she can’t say she wasn’t warned. She was foolish and has a head of stone. Juan’s adorable face becomes eerily distorted and we find ourselves surprised he doesn’t have horns and a tail. How come you’re still at César Luis Farell’s side, huh? Deep down, you know you deserve all that’s happened and more. Go ahead, defend yourself. Run, before it’s too late!! The voice becomes shrill and the face mocks and fades into evil laughter. Paula wakes up sweating. She strokes the bear and worries.

How the heck does Marely stand craning her neck up in order to kiss Fern? It’s a lovely kiss, though. He misses by a little, but that’s to be expected when he’s a good foot taller. He asks if she liked the movie. She responds with a smile, yes. Apparently the question has come up before—it’s not the first time she’s answered this one. She smiles fondly at his preoccupation. For some strange reason, Nidia is out and about with no coat or anything and charges up behind them scolding Marely, who looks distressed –Mama, you’re back?-- while Fern tries not to make eye contact. Nidia’s not going to allow liberties. Fern wishes her good evening a little shamefacedly. Nidia thinks the evening’s not so good—maybe for him. She calls him young man. Suddenly a light flashes across the screen and Nidia has a vision of herself and this young man in bed considerably underdressed, and she’s doing all the seducing. Marely sees Mami’s deer-in-the-headlights daze and asks what’s wrong. She escorts Marely to the house –they’ll wait to take up the topic in there. Marely protests as Nidia drags her off, and Fern gazes with concern—and possibly a dash of panic-- after them.

Monica meets with Pastor in the jail visitors’ area to explain how she and CL will be helping him get out of jail free, do not pass go, do not collect $200. Pastor is Deeply Appreciative. He will find a way to pay them soon. Moni advises Pastor that he can begin repayment immediately. It’s simple, all he has to do is persuade his big bro to collaborate with them and let them into the business partnership with the Japanese folks. Pastor is vital for this. He’s doubtful. Moni points out it’s the least Pastor can do for them, with all they’re doing for him. Does Pastor want her to tell him how much they’re paying for his pardon (gracia, one definition)? Nope. He gets the picture.

Yadi and Kike are sharing the diaper changing like the good parents they are. Yadi thinks this is a good time to broach the subject-she spent all night thinking [Ed. Note: a dangerous thing] and has made a decision. It’ll change their lives, she hesitantly tells him. He looks up from the baby—¿QUÉ? Wait a sec. He’s gotta sit up and pay attention because with her surprises…..so he sits up, waiting. Okay. She smiles shyly…it’s that she wants to go back to school. For real? She smiles and nods. This means she’s going to need all of Kike’s help, above all with the baby. She pats Nidia Michaela. Well, of COURSE, Kike tells her, not to worry my Queen. With much pleasure! They bill and coo and stroke each other at this welcome news. “¿Te cae?” “Me cae.” “You like it?” “I like it.” She tells him how much time it will mean, she’ll have to study, etc. No big deal, whatever you want, Yadira. They get all kissy-faced. Here’s a refreshing and innovative idea--Yadi being loving with Kike!

Moni works over the po-leeece. She tells him how her business partner, Sr. Farell, explained that it was he and not Gaitán who gave the order to purchase the software. They’ll pay for the licenses, get the real deal, and no charges against Gaitán. How about it? He suggests they talk to the judge ASAP and prevent Pastor going to the pen.

The doc is releasing CL while Paula packs his little suitcase to go. He tells CL that CL’s recovery has been spectacular. [Uh-huh, it might work better when there’s no cancer.] CL apologizes for having doubted the doc, as it wasn’t the doc’s fault. He perseverates a little on those studies, and it’d be nice to follow up to see what happened since they didn’t show cancer…..Paula shushes him. All’s well that ends well. It’s better they were wrong. The doc agrees. CL is cheerier as he realizes it’s time for him to go home now. The doc tells them call if they need anything and they thank him for everything as they leave.

The city market center is abuzz with shoppers hunting down bargains. At Angarita’s, though, there’s more joy than usual—Juan is back! He gets and gives a bear hug from/to Angarita. What’s this miracle? Why didn’t you let us know you were coming? Juan wanted to surprise. [Juan, the man has a Bad Heart. Surprises are not always a Good Thing.] Juan wonders where Kike is, he was always an early riser. Anga explains he’s doing something for Anga. Juan will take advantage of the time to chat with Anga. What’s up? It’s not so good, because Pastor’s in the tank. ¿Qué? Anga explains the pirated sof-where. This time his hands are clean, but he got mixed up in it. Juan laments it, and Anga explains that his boss lady’s working on it. Anga changes the subject to their business, how’s that going? Juan tells him they’ll need another investment, IOW, more cash—to pay the workers. Anga isn’t thrilled; he’s getting tapped out. At this rate Juan’s going to ruin him. Sure, Juan tells him, you say that now but tomorrow there’ll be a spade full---no, a bulldozer, picking up all the profits! Anga chuckles happily at Juan’s charade of scooping up the profits. Remolacho calls Anga to go meet with Don Venancio. Anga tells Juan to stay put, and Juan’s cool with that. He and Remolacho exchange hugs and greetings.

Marely looks good in hot orange. It’s tasteful, too, no deep décolletage nor a single underside (Melinama’s term) showing. She focuses intently on her work; it’s all handwritten since the computers are still MIA. The phone rings and there’s no voice at the other end for a split second. Then Juan starts to announce himself but can’t even get past her name. She shouts into the phone joyfully. Where the heck are you? Um, here and there prowling around. What would it cost to call once in a while, she scolds fondly. You need to see your goddaughter, and don’t you know we miss you, ingrate? Juan takes it seriously—he knows, but….work is pretty heavy. How are my people? How’s Nidia? Well, she’s recovering, although she never changes with her you never have time to get bored. [Ed. Note: there’s the understatement of the century.] She didn’t want to be a nuisance to us so she’s gone to live with Ana Dávila. Juan marvels at the idea—Nidia and her hookups (who she gets together with – juntadas, my best guess). Marely drops her voice to almost a whisper to tell Juan that the real problem is Delirio; he’s in jail. Juan is impactado. BTW, the girls still call the old boy Licenciado Perafán, which is a true indicator of how remote he seems to them as a family member. Just an observation. “What, him, too?” Juan is dismayed that both he and Pastor are in jail. Qué the heck is going on here? Marely sighs, it’s a long story about pirating and I’ll tell you. But it’s looking bad. Juan commiserates and asks about Marely. Marely smiles; she’s fine. Well, is everything all right with….everyone? Marely nails him. You mean Paula, right? Not so well with her. Juan tries to deny he meant Paula but now that she mentions Paula, is there anything? Marely says it’s CL, who had an operation. Juan presses and Marely tells him it was something a little sensitive. Juan is Muy Impactado.

Speaking of the King of Rome, he’s a little sensitive, all right. He gingerly Lowers himself into a seat in the apartment. He couldn’t stand that d*** bed at the hospital. Paula cheerfully helps him settle down. He couldn’t stand those quacks, either (matasanos). Just being home helps him feel better; Paula and a beaming Consuelo stand ready to help with everything here.

Meanwhile, Moni stands at the nurse’s station. The doc just has the bad luck to happen by, informs her CL has been released, and gets a blast over why the hovering ex wife wasn’t informed. So fast? Yes, he’s recovering very well. The doc is pleased and Moni yells. The doc is baffled, as we all are.

Juan orders something big on the phone, no matter how much it costs. He tells himself as he hangs up that it’s a shame—some opportunities never come again and you can’t let them pass by. He just wishes he could be there to see his victims’ faces when they get it.

At CL’s and Paula’s, Consuelo brings a little cuppa something warm and Paula covers CL on the sofa while telling him she’ll buy his newspaper pretty soon. The doorbell rings; they speculate on who it might be as Consuelo rushes off to get it. Could be Moni, Paula muses with no enthusiasm. No, CL tells her, we didn’t even tell her I was leaving the hospital. At the door, Consuelo is lost as she struggles behind a GIANT floral arrangement. Paula tells CL that really, Moni could know since she’s a witch. CL chuckles and Consuelo endeavors to keep a grip on the flowers while getting the door closed. They brought you these flowers! Consuelo is way excited about it; the arrangement is awesome. Paula exclaims on how pretty they are, too. Who sent them? They check the card the boy said came with the flowers. CL says maybe it was the witch. Paula reads: With my best wishes for a speedy recovery. Juan. Juan Dominguez. Chelo looks distressed while Paula is simply impactado and CL is simply annoyed.

Chelo excuses herself while she scuttles off as fast as her little legs can carry her, not wanting to experience the geyser of CL’s fury. Paula is still sitting on the edge of the sofa where CL reclines; she can’t help but gaze at the humongous flower arrangement in front of her. CL can’t believe this pig. “Could he be making fun of me?” Paula hurriedly denies that’s a possibility and points out it’s not a sure thing that he sent them. CL complains, convinced it’s Juan and he’s an imbecile. “What’s he trying to do, spoil my life?” Paula does more damage control. She doesn’t think Juan sent it. CL accuses her of defending him, but she’s just trying to get it into perspective. Probably someone with very bad taste is playing a joke. That’d be someone who knows that Juan’s name is going to infuriate you. CL confronts her; who would do something so wretched. [Well, the witch, for one.] Paula tries to calm him, because that’s just going to please whoever sent it. The important thing is that she and he are together.

Juan and somebody at the market are hand squeezing juice and giving it out to customers in a very unique little squeezing press. He talks across the fresh produce to Anga—is it all in order? Anga is beaming ear to ear. Juan’s done a great job looking after the finances. “Well, I told you to trust in me, that you wouldn’t regret it, or no?” Anga nods and smiles. Yep. Anga thinks this business will bring them lots of cash. So, what’s Juan going to do with the $$? Juan has a lot (chorro, from my Hamel’s Diccionario Bilingue of Mexicanismos) of plans to discuss with Anga. Anga innocently smiles, not knowing how big the plans are, when a joyful scream comes from behind- “Compadre!” Kike and Juan give each other big bear hugs and thumps on the back. “Well, what are you doing here?” “Well, I have new ideas, very innovative (frescas/fresh), but look—now that we’re all here together….” He tells them about the First International beauty pageant in Achichipico to pick the Anthurium Queen. Anga and Kike go blank. Huh? Juan fills in details. A spectacular way to promote the product. It’ll put Achichipico on the map, too. Juan glows and waits expectantly to hear how they like it. The silence is deafening. And from where is the money supposed to come for this thing? Because from what I hear, these things cost a lot of bucks, right? And you know full well we ain’t got none. [Ed. Note: In all fairness to Anga, he DID use the King’s Spanish, perfectly grammatical.] Juan’s balloon shoots out across the room as the air whooshes out.

Herlinda is focused on her work and Molo apparently needs a break, because he comes over from his desk to ask her to read back her work so they can be sure it goes out perfectly correct and no spelling errors (falta de ortografía - spelling mistake)—they have to pay more attention to what she’s writing. She asks what it mistakes, and reads “The Sr. Molondrón receives 5000 pesos …for his work….” Okay, it’s well written, where’s the mistake? He points it out. She has “p” instead of “b” so it reads “5000 pesos” when it should read “5000 besos-kisses.” She laughs at him shyly. There’s a reason he has that name Molondrón (good for nothing). He gazes on her intensely as she smiles shyly back.

Fern is nosing around about how much memory Nidia seems to have recovered. Marely says that the meds have helped, but she has to help her Mami fill some of the gaps and there are just some things she just has buried still. Fern tries to brush it off. Marely sighs.

Speaking of the Queen of Rome, who knew that Queens visit the lock-up? Delirio is pleading his case with her in the visitors’ room. She shouldn’t abandon his sinking ship. He waxes eloquent about constant love until she cuts him off. She didn’t come for all that. She came so he could ‘splain something to her. Nidia informs him that she’s been informed herself of his treachery. What is this thing about this inheritance? “What inheritance are we talking about, my love? Enough already! She spills what Yadi’s told her about them faking a will so they could steal everything from the Dávilas and not leave them a blessed cent, and he emptied the accounts so there’d be a big fat ZERO in them. He tries to get her to see he had to do it because she is the legal wife. He didn’t leave her rights very protected. Nidia attacks—and what about the rights of the Dávilas? Delirio looks at her, impactado—when did she turn so ethical? She retorts that she doesn’t know but it seems to her one of the basest, most cruel things she’s ever heard of. It’s because of folks like him that this country is going to hell in a hand basket (cayendo a pedazos-falling to pieces). Corrupt! Delirio denies it. He’s not going to put up with that. And because she has so recently acquired ethical feelings, it turns out he is getting insulted. Him! The only one who loves her! He leans across to touch her and she slaps him with her purse. She frankly can’t believe she’s ended up married to a horrendous monstrosity like him. ME? A horrendous monstrosity??? Yes! At this very moment, I’m leaving to go to the Dávilas’ house and tell them the whole truth. I’m going to talk to Ana. She gets up to leave and Delirio gets up to beg. The guard eyes him suspiciously as he clasps his hands in supplication that she won’t spill her guts. Think twice, my love! There’s nothing to think about. He begs some more as the guard comes close behind him, looking distinctly annoyed with Delirio. Nidia, don’t be so ditzy (bewildered). We could lose everything! Nidia minces off huffily at that. The Drama King of the D. F. collapses on the table, moaning over his anticipated fate.

Juan is drawing pictures in the air for Kike and Anga about the coronation party. He names off stars; even Shakira could be there! His belt buckle wiggles suggestively up and down and Anga’s eyebrows raise. Even El Payaso Tenebroso (the gloomy clown, Brozo, as opposed to Bozo, the cheerful clown). Kike and Anga are dubious in two-part harmony now. Anga says he can see it and he can’t believe it. He wonders how many anthuriums those folks will buy—he imagines the pageant costs will far outweigh the profits. Juan tries to explain that the profits aren’t all tangible, because the PR will be worth a bunch. Kike thinks maybe Juan could be right, huh, Anga? Anga shakes his head in doubt. Oh, sure, it just seems SO logical, it’s painted very pretty. He reminds Juan they haven’t harvested even the first anthurium and he’s already throwing away the profits. Juan thinks a well-organized pageant isn’t going to leave them broke. Anyway, in the town everyone will cooperate. Anga doesn’t know about that. If they want to organize it, fine, but he’s got to go bail his kid brother out of jail. He warns Juan not to disappear and Juan assures Anga he won’t. He calls after Anga to give Pastor his greetings.

Kike turns back to Juan and asks for the truth; someone hit him hard on the head, right? Juan gives Kike the “qué the heck?” look. Kike is frustrated—don’t tell me you came back here just to organize this pageant. Does this have something to do with the Licenciada? "Why would I tell you it doesn’t?” Juan asks. “I wouldn’t want to tell you lies.” Juan declares he came to fight for his love. Kike can only look at him and Juan has gotten very somber.

Paula reads while CL rests and talks on the phone. He asks Monica, who’s engaged in a game of chess with Cousin Laura, what’s happened in the office? She’s spoken to the judge to drop the charges against Gaitán (waive him from the fault). She’s also talked with Pastor to plant the conditions under which they’re helping him. Good, what did he say? He’s got no choice, really, he helps us or he helps us. Great. What about the computers? The authorities have them still and we’ve come to an agreement. We’ll get the legal programs in them. But, whew, it’s going to cost us dearly (nos va a salir en un ojo de la cara, which I have no idea about other than the context).

Kike whines a little at Juan—he thought Juan had buried this affection for Paula. Apparently not. If it didn’t die, so how could he bury it? It’s more alive than ever and it fills this little chest. She’s nailed into his soul. So, is the pageant deal just make-believe? No, no, no. It’s for real. Juan jumps up to call television companies. If they get people involved, Anga can’t say no. He dials and gives up before it even rings once. No answer.

Monica and Laura aren’t getting much chess playing done. She whines that the little boy decided to get discharged, and that other irresponsible one (the woman) took him home. Laura asks what is bugging Moni more, that he left put his health in danger or that he’s out of her reach? Moni honestly tells her both. Moni complains about Paula whisking him home and he probably is ignoring the risks or doesn’t know them. But Moni was gaining ground and that seems to have gone up in smoke. Poof.

Kike talks Juan into putting some of this off and going home to eat. Juan agrees-how he feels like he needs to see the Cachones! “And my daughter?” “My goddaughter, for sure!” “You brought her a gift, right?” Juan keeps chuckling—he didn’t, so he’ll have to scramble. “Everyone is going to be SO happy to see you, Juan!” And Nidia? Who knows…..They hurry off to Casa Cachón. By my estimate, Kike’s worked about 45 minutes. But what do I know?

CL has moved to his bed, and Paula seems to always gravitate to the edge of whatever he’s resting on. He proposes they should take advantage of his enforced rest and take a trip for a few days. Paula doesn’t think it’s a good idea. He promises to behave himself, and it could be something like a second honeymoon, or something similar….Paula doesn’t think so, not now. Why not? It’s perfect! He has to take some time off, and she’s not working so it’d be a real rest for him. How about it? Well, if the doc approves, it seems fine. But her face and voice don’t agree. “Approved?” “Approved.” He draws her to him by her hand in his, and kisses her hand lovingly.

Herlinda has moved over to Molo’s desk in the cheery office. All the candidates’ applications are ready. All that is left is for them to come and enter the contest. Molo’s going to find a car with a megaphone (carro con alta voz) where he can go through the streets and announce it. They hope all the girls will enter. Will she go with him? Herlinda is falling by the second here. Up there they have very tasty ices (sorbets, nieves, like snow) and you’ll like them. Delfi comes rushing in, dressed to the nines. Children, children, where do I sign up? The Kids are impactados and Molo doesn’t want to offend her, but tries to talk Delfi out of it, since she’s um….of a certain age. Delfi points out that Juan told her there was no limit and Herl encourages her and gives her an application. Molo sighs and sits down. For a guy who’s so loving most of the time, this is way out of character.

At the local jail, Pastor is FREE! He floats around a little and waxes on how one’s freedom is so meaningful if one is locked up even a few days. He feels like the birds that have the whole sky to fly through. Anga wonders if he breathed fumes in there (smoked something). No, locked up, one loses all sense of time. Okay, it was scarcely a few days but for me it was an eternity. Whatever. And we thought Delirio was a Drama King. He reminds Anga that they have to remember that the Farell folks behaved like princes with him. Weren’t they good with Anga, too? He’s not sure. He’s too old to believe in women’s tears and the good intentions of rich folks. Look who’s talking, little bro says. Seems to me you have more money than them. Yeah, but I came up from the bottom. Pastor wheedles Anga to give up the negativity, and the least they can do is make a little gesture. Anga gets suspicious –is Pastor trying to sell him something? And Pastor beats around the bush a little until he gets to the point—how about letting the Farell folks in on the anthurium deal with the Japanese folks? Wouldn’t he like to do some business with Farell? He tells Pastor to not waste his time. He stalks off and Pastor chugs after him.

Nidia arrives at Ana’s to be greeted by her cheery friend welcoming her in. Nidia is clearly anxious as she greets Ana so Ana anxiously asks about her. A little better than usual.... Nidia takes her hand and drags her over to the sofa so they can “sit and talk about something very sensitive.” Ana is downright alarmed. Go ahead….Well…..Nidia can’t get it out. She’s nervous. Why? Well, there are some things that are so complicated to say. “You’re making me nervous now.” Nidia suggests they need a little tequila to break the ice. Ana reminds Nidia “you’re talking to me, Ana Dávila.” They know each other. That’s not it, Nidia assures her anxiously. She just needs the drink for courage and Ana might need it more than her. Ana goes to get it as we hear Delirio’s voice talking about her going to Ana to snitch.

Gutis listens to Delirio as they pace in a circle in the exercise yard of the pen. Gutis wonders how the heck she knows about the fake will if she lost her memory? Yadi told her. Now what? Well, now I don’t think the Dávilas are going to stand around with their arms crossed when they find out what we did to them. Gutis is p. o.’d because they’re going to spend the rest of their days in the clink because of that crazy old lady-his wife! Gutis pushes Delirio to punctuate. If she betrays them, he’s going to lay it all on Delirio. Delirio asks if he doesn’t realize that all they can do here is wait for the worst to come? The Odd Couple keeps pacing and making us dizzy. Delirio wipes at the corner of his eye while Gutis tells him that Gutis plans to claim Delirio blackmailed him, and forced him and took Samuel’s checks and manipulated everything and was the brains behind this dirty plan. Sheesh, there really is no honor among thieves.

Nidia throws the shot of tequila back in one gulp while Ana watches in disbelief. It’s morning, for Pete’s sake! Nidia stammers and stutters and “how do I say this, Anita?” She covers the history in a nutshell, they’ve gone through so much, from being rivals and hating each other, and hating each other, and hating each other…..to this lovely friendship. Nidia looks deeply apologetic. Then she cheers, because the friendship has allowed them to have some real adventures like the one the other night. They both chuckle a little. “To the point, Nidia.” Nidia tries again….”Well, I have to tell you something, yes.” “So you’ve been telling me since you got here.” Nidia begins to cry, which alarms Ana. “Are you crying?” “Yes, because I was very selfish with you. Because I allowed your ruin and….Ana, I need for you to forgive me!” Nidia takes her hands and they look at each other, one in great concern and the other in great sadness and guilt. We are reminded that any similarity to reality is purely coincidental.

Monday: Will Nidia remember Juan? Will it even matter to her? What will happen when Paula sees him? Do we care?


Vocabulary

Coda – stingy, in Mexico
Picudazo – someone who’s clever
Tendedero de vecino – the neighbor’s clothesline

Gatear – multiple meanings, below, from the Collins online dictionary
a vi
1 (=andar a gatas) to crawl
(=trepar) to climb, clamber (por up)
2 (LAm) to be on the prowl
b vt
1 (=arañar) to scratch, claw
2 * (=hurtar) to pinch * , steal
3 (CAm, Méx)
* (=ligar) to try to pick up *
(=seducir) to seduce

Chorro – a lot, from my Hamel’s Diccionario Bilingue of Mexicanismos
Falta de ortografía - spelling mistake
El Payaso Tenebroso- The gloomy clown, Brozo, as opposed to Bozo, the cheerful clown

Jeanne

Labels: Juan

Dear readers, I've noticed that when a recapping team has been together for a time, they (we) begin to think along the same lines, scarily so in fact. I started my recap before I re-read Keel-haulin Lea Dread's final version and...well...any similarity to her recap is purely coincidental!

We left off at last night's hold-up; the fresh meat duo (FMD) led our lovely urban cougars down a dimly-lit primrose path and whipped out their...weapons yes, but not what you think, these pistols are the real thing!

Nidia pooh-poohs the boys, oh they're way too cute, this must be a joke! No? Well she has news of her own. No, they have no credit cards because...she and her friend are strippers! That's right, dedicated to seduction. "We are thieves like you, without a cent to our names," she coos. Frontseat guy likes the idea and tries to pet Ana, backseat guy is dubious. Nidia hefts her bosom, tosses her hair and suggests they separate to throw off the cops. Unfortunately, dubious backseat guy demands the ladies' purses.

Yadi frets to Marely that nobody answers the phone at Ana's house. She has a presentiment that something is wrong.

The hoodlums have taken the ladies to the ATM and used Nidia's card to withdraw a fat wad of cash. Backseat guy tells them they are captive and they might as well relax and enjoy themselves. Nidia winks at Ana and suggests they enjoy themselves by getting some good tequila. The FMD look hopeful and Ana furrows her brow.

Over at the jail Pastor cleans up big time. Not only has he won Delirio's food but he's also won Del's and Gutis's clothing. Beware the strip poker shark. Gutis shivers under his newspaper blanket.

CL thanks Paula for staying with him at the hospital. She's his life, his strength, and he promises things will be different from now on. Yawn.

Juanito tells his Papi he's waiting up for him to say his prayers. Juan has something to tell his son. He has to take a trip to the capital as part of his job. Juan promises something, I'm not sure what, maybe that they'll move there? Whatever, they pray together and it's really cute.

Nidia, Ana and FMD are back in the 'hood drinking fine tequila out of plastic cups. They play drinking games and Nidia asks them what else they do to occupy their lives besides assaulting innocent women. Backseat guy asks about Nidia and she tells him her husband, a mafioso, is in jail.

Cut to the jail where Delirio, clad only in red boxers, shoes and socks, is freezing to death. He tries to crawl under Pastor's blankie but Pastor kicks him out, Delirio's not his type! Delirio battles Pastor for the blanket and manages to rip off a corner for himself.

Over at the 'hood a song comes on the radio. I recognize it but can't place it. Nidia loves the song and it inspires her to make a toast to all the mamacitas. Backseat guy begins to cry for his madre. Nidia consoles him while winking heavily at Ana.

In Achichipico Delfina comes downstairs, sees Juan deep in thought, and comments that they both have insomnia. She misses Angarita, who does Juan miss? He tells her he needs to travel to the capital to organize a beauty contest for their town. Delfi poses with an anthurium for effect, she should be the queen. Where does she sign up? Juan's mouth smiles but his eyes ask Que the hell? (Hey dude, you're the one who said no limit on age, and Delfi would make a great Anthurium queen.)

Nidia presses backseat guy's head to her ample bosom. He says it's for his own dear mama that he's turned to his life of crime and that's why he weeps. She's old, poor thing. Nidia calls them her boys, tells them money isn't everything. Didn't their Mami's work hard so their boys could be good? What would they think of their sons now, in the streets behaving badly? If they knew they would die!! No amount of money can make up for the anguish of a son who takes bad steps and ends up in jail or dead on the corner!

CL watches Paula sleep. Meanwhile Paula dreams of making out with Juan in super slo-mo. She wakes suddenly and CL asks if all is OK. He wants to know what she was dreaming of. She pants and makes some lame excuse.

Backseat guy wails how life is unfair to his Mami who worked hard washing clothes. Nidia says there is no shame in honest labor. They toast to that. She tells the hoodlums they are decent, sweet boys with a nice future. Thunder cracks overhead and Nidia says God agrees with her, time to change their ways. "But how?" they ask. Nidia tells them first they must return the money, which she in turn gives to Ana. She announces she and Ana will drive them home. No wait, their families will be worried so better if the boys take a taxi. Don't worry about the money, Ana will give them a big 200 pesos. (About $20.00 and I wonder how far that will get them?) Nidia hails a taxi, pours the boys into it, and quotes her captors, "The thief who steals from a thief..." She jumps back into Ana's car and finishes her tequila. Salud! Ana is amazed, and frankly so am I.

Nidia and Ana arrive home. Nidia is completely jacked up, what a night! She comments on Ana's silence, what's wrong? Ana breaks into uncontrollable laughter; she says Nidia's too much the way she worked those thieves, giving them advice then sending them home. It was a close call for a couple of old bags. Nidia thinks it was worth it. Should they live their lives surrounded by fear? Ana says she prefers to stay home and party with friends, people she trusts.

And now for the weird scene of the night: Moni manages to find CL in his room when watchdog Paula's not around. She tells him if, in his new condition, his marriage doesn't work out she (Moni) is there for him. He says he's the most miserable man in the world. Au contraire, she asserts, just imagine, two young and intelligent women ready to spend their lives for you! Moni confirms she'll be around if that marriage thing with Paula doesn't make it.

Ana has showered away the filth of their adventure and is resting. Nidia, however, has renewed vigor. "Guess what Aniushka," she exclaims, "we're going to the tropics, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, vamos a la playa!"

Juan tells Delfi that he might eventually settle in the capital and Molondron can take care of things in Achichipico. Delfi looks sad.

CL tells Moni he's certain that the poor idiot Gaitan is not at fault for the pirated software fiasco. They need to save him because Pastor can help them recoup their business with the Japanese.

The three musketeers are in the judge's office awaiting their fates. Based on the evidence he says they will be dispatched to prison. Gaitan freaks and begs Delirio to tell the truth. The judge restrains him and mandates that Gutis and Delirio will be dispatched post haste but Pastor has 48 hours.

CL explains to Moni that Pastor's brother got the Japanese contract. If they save Pastor he will feel a moral obligation to persuade his bro to let Farell participate in the business. CL sums it up: all's fair in love, war and business.

The doctor who looks like he's had WAY too much plastic surgery (reminds me of the Bruce Campbell character in Escape from LA) tells Paula that CL shouldn't have sex for a while but eventually he'll be back to normal.

Ana tries to tell Nidia that she's not entirely on board with Nidia's crazy schemes. She likes peace and order in her house. She likes to stay home, listen to music, paint, etc. Nidia makes a sour face and says she'll do that in her 80s. Ana gives the ultimatum, if Nidia plans to stay there she needs to respect Ana's house rules. Nidia feels like she's being scolded and doesn't like it.

Yadi calls Nidia and wants to know where she was all night. Nidia tells Yadi to change her song, she's boring, something about peanuts, and hangs up on her.

The office gossips watch Fernando and Marely (in low-cut tank top) discuss Nidia and Ana's disappearance. Mari says Ana would never do anything irresponsible, but Nidia's another story. "Don't I know it," smirks Fer. "Que???" asks Marely. "Oops, oh nothing," backpedals Fer. But Mari's no dummy. "Was there anything between you and my Ma?"

Nidia's bags are packed and she's leaving Ana's house of culture and boredom. They make up and hug. Nidia's happy to go and Ana's happy to see her go.

Fer, discomfited and huffy, proclaims he, uh, respects Marely's madre. Mari apologizes and admits she was thinking more of Nidia than Fer. He beats a hasty retreat, Mari makes an 'oopsy' face, and the office gossips (led by Ivonne) comment how Mari's varon has suddenly drooped.

Nidia is back home and, to Yadi's great joy, happily cuddles her granddaughter. Nidia admits she missed them very much and Yadi promises to never leave. (Never say never is my motto.)

Ana tells Paula the story of how Nidia got the thieves drunk and stole back all her money. Paula's impressed but glad that Nidia moved out because she's nuts. Ana asks about CL's sexual diagnosis but Pau says it doesn't matter, she's not thinking of CL. Her mind is on Juan and last night she had a vivid dream about him. Ooh la la!

Cut to Juan who says goodbye to Juanito and Molondron. One of the Tweedles watches ominously.

Nidia asks Yadi about something odd. After Samuel died they had a cash problem, right? Well the weird thing is, when she was being robbed just imagine her surprise to see that she had a lot of money in her account!

Ana tells Paula (who is loudly cracking eggs) there was an odd thing about last night. She thought Nidia was broke but it turns out she has a lot of money. They wonder, could it be Delirio's? Nah, he doesn't make enough at Farell. And what about Yadi's expensive wedding? How did Nidia pay for it and still have a lot of money left over?

Yadi explains to Nidia that when her Papi died he didn't leave them one cent, only the house. "But then how could I have so much wool (dough)?" asks Nidia. "Because you and Perafan stole the Davila's inheritance!" admits Yadi. Nidia is muy, pero muy impactada.

Tomorrow: Moni bitches out the doctor and Paula gets flowers from Juan while CL watches from his sickbed.

Andar malos pasos = to make mistakes (lit. to take bad steps)
Bataclana = Stripper, cabaret artist
Chamba = slang for job
Regaño = a scolding, telling-off

Labels: Juan

Sorry again, for the lateness!

By the way, I discovered that I the TV I record Pasión on doesn’t have cc. Or at least, I’ve been unable to find it on the menu. I suspect that it’s too old. I purposely recorded it on the basement TV because the treadmill is down there and I figured that the treadmill would get a lot more use if I were looking forward to watching Pasion. So far, my theory has worked pretty well. But it sucks that I can’t use caps to speed up the translation or for bits that are hard to understand—see below!
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We start off with Don Jorge bitching out LaFont for having not made sure the evidence of the caravan robbery got disposed of properly. He warns him to get rid of any remaining evidence.
Meanwhile, Santiago has discovered that the wagon is missing from the blacksmith’s shop. Ascanio explains that Ricardo bought it and he paid double. Santiago is instantly angry when Ricardo’s name is mentioned. He wants to know why he wasn’t consulted in the sale. Ascanio tries to explain but Santiago is still upset and not interested in explanations. Ascanio suggests that they take their discussion somewhere else other than in front of the twins and in this public place.

Over at Casa Camila, Justo, Jimena and Camila are waiting for Ricardo to come back from Don Jorge’s, for the permission. Camila says that Ricardo has a very strong personality and she’s afraid of what will happen if Don Jorge insists… Jimena agrees, Justo, who is still wearing his super fancy and formal red jacket says that Ricardo seems to him to be a pretty even tempered guy. All of the sudden, there’s a knock at the door. Camila rushes out and answers it. It’s Ric. She breathlessly asks him how it went. He greets her with a grave and serious look meant to fool her because then he breaks out in a smile and says “Well!” She throws her arms around her and kisses him.

It’s nighttime. Sofia and Fortunata are in the zaguan.

[Note: At least that’s what I think it is. Some people have called it “the garden office” or garden room. From what I know about colonial architecture, nice houses had a kind of atrium or open patio in the center of the house –I think we’ve seen people walking through it with the curved benches in a circle. Between the entryway and the patio there was a room called the zaguan. It was sort of between the indoors and the outdoors and often had a fountain and lots of plants. The grander the house, the bigger the zaguan. This one is almost a sitting room. In smaller houses, the zaguan was more like a nice, wide hallway, that would fit a few chairs. Zaguans were often tiled, with Spanish azulejo (Moorish style) or local tile, which reflected the indoor/outdoor character of the room. It was also probably the coolest room in the house, since you would get some breezes from the entryway and the room was tiled. ]

Fortunata asks about how the wedding permission for Vasco and Ines went and whether Don Jorge…Sofia cuts in and says she prevented it. Fortunata says she’s glad, Ines always seemed to her to be a nice girl. And she was one of the ones who helped the most during the earthquake. Sofia comments that Ursula probably went to her father to get him on her side. Fortunata pretends not to understand. (or maybe she is a dumb bunny) Sofia is exasperated and restates—Ursula probably pre-empted her and told her father that the stories about Vasco were a lie. Fortunata starts to protest that she swears she doesn’t know but Sofia cuts her off, saying either you’re with me, or agin me. Fortunata whines that Ursula is her daughter (and she doesn’t want to choose between them) Sofia argues that it’s BECAUSE Ursula is her daughter that it’s important to her. “Do you think I like it that she’s acting like a whore?” Fortunata starts to whimper that she doesn’t know anything but Sofia cuts her off again and tells her that this is her final warning. She’d better keep her in the loop or she’s out.

Over at Ricardo’s, Mario is making sure that the evidence (the wagon) is safely tucked in the back yard.

Over at the tavern, Ascanio is eating and drinking with the still angry Santiago. (If he explained the part about the wagon being stolen from Ricardo, it must have been before this) Ascanio explains that he bought the wagon from a laborer from LaFont’s hacienda. Santiago suggests that it may not have been LaFont’s doing. It could have been some workers on his hacienda. Ascanio says maybe, but he doubts it. Santiago asks Ascanio what he thinks of Ricardo. Ascanio is non-committal “he’s like anybody else…he’s had set backs, misfortunes, but in the end, he survives.” Santiago complains that Ric seems to have “survived” pretty well. Santiago says, “you’re his buddy, right?” Ascanio says no, he’s nobody’s buddy. He just thinks that Ric’s the best guy for Camila. Santiago gets up abruptly and throws his coin on the table to pay and leaves.

Back at Camila’s, the others have left and we’ve got Ric and Camila rolling around in slo-mo in the sack. I don’t think there’s much doubt that they’ve “given in to each other, body and soul” as the previews at the end of the last episode said. I guess Don Jorge’s verbal permission (extorted from him when Ric threatened him with a duel and implicitly with making trouble for LaFont) was enough.

Over at Santiago’s, Rita and Ofelia are in the kitchen. Rita is putting down a tablecloth and she’s agitated and Ofelia reminds her to have a care for the baby. Rita snaps at her that Ofelia herself told her that the baby is probably OK now (maybe now that she’s far enough along?) She doesn’t want to be left out. Ines tries to be sunny—she’s happy now that Sofia is involved that everything will work out for her wedding. Rita cracks that Ines is being rewarded for her bad behavior. Ines hisses at her and Ofelia looks like she’s getting a migraine but all of the sudden Paco runs up and asks who is behaving badly and everybody rushes to change the subject. Paco’s looking for his Daddy who shows up just then. Rita asks about Santiago. Ofelia doesn’t know where he is and Rita asks if he went to see Camila. Vasco shoots back at her that she’s driving this into the ground—Camila has her own man now. Rita tells Vasco to tell Santiago—because he doesn’t seem to have understood that. Paco asks why everybody is fighting. Justo arrives and announces that he’s seen Ric and that he seems to have arrived at some kind of arrangement with Don Jorge, he doesn’t know what, but nothing’s going to happen to Camila. Justo changes the subject and asks Vasco if he’s been able to find Bernabe. Vasco says no, but he’s going to go over to his house right then. He leaves.

Ofelia sits down and asks Justo what the deal is with Bernabe. Justo fills her in about the letter and the extortion. “Somebody gave me the letter to destroy and I put it in the fire at home. But later somebody sent Camila a letter asking for a lot of money in exchange for the letter. She didn’t know that I had burned the letter. She brought the money for the blackmail and found out it was Bernabe!” The women gasp. Paco, sitting at the table sucking his thumb, looks thoughtful and suddenly he blurts out—“Grandfather! I took the letter. I saw there was a letter burning and I took it out. I gave it to my father.” Justo and Rita exchange horrified, impactado looks. Then Ines and Ofelia. Justo suddenly goes down in a fit or a faint. Fortunately, they are at the curandera’s house and Ofelia goes into action. Paco starts crying, thinking it’s his fault but Ofelia comforts him while she’s shouting order to the others to bring herbs.

At Camila’s, Ric and Camila are après amour, cuddling in bed, with strategically placed sheets covering their naughty bits. There’s an inopportune knock at the door, Camila is nervous, but Ric says he’ll go answer it. They smooch one last time before he gets up. We can see it’s Santiago, waiting in the street and a woman walking by greets him. Ric is dressing as he’s walking out the door—Jimena is there too but Ric tells her that he’ll get it. He opens it and Santiago is impactado. He asks to speak to Camila and Ric tells him “it’s not a good time.” Santiago replies that Camila’s dad has been struck down with a paralysis (stroke?). (Wow, that was quick—he wasn’t even there when it happened and suddenly he’s at Camila’s to bring the news?)

Don Jorge’s henchmen are having a meeting in an alley. They’ve got a man there and they are questioning him. La Font wants to know who was supposed to get rid of the wagon. The man says a laborer on his (La Font’s) hacienda, Don Jose was supposed to do it and he sold it. La Font gives an order and one of the henchmen (I don’t know his name but he’s the guy with the marcel wave) unsheathes his sword and runs the guy being questioned through on the spot. They take off leaving the dead guy in the street.

Santiago (who apparently can fly) is already back at home and he’s raging about what a dog Ric is, how could he sleep with Cami without them being married yet? He’s doing this for the benefit of the least sympathetic audience he could get, namely his wife. She pointedly asks if he’s mad because of what he did, or because he did it with Camila. Santiago says he’s fed up with Rita's stupid jealousy. He can’t take it anymore. He’s about to storm out when the hapless Vasco enters the room. Santiago grabs him by the shoulder, punches him in the face and throws him on the floor. Vasco is like, “whaaat?” Santiago yells at him that his father is on the point of death, thanks to him. Santiago stalks off leaving the tearful Rita to explain to Vasco what’s going on.

Fortunata is with Ursula in her room. She says that she’s between a rock and a hard place. Ursula interrupts to guess that her father wasn’t able to work in the demand for the first night rights with Ines. Fortunata says, “thank goodness” but Ursula will have none of it and tells her to shut up. Fortunata is tearful. She tells Ursula that she’s fond of her and understands her ways, even when she doesn’t approve—but not when she treats her badly. Ursula backs up and apologizes. She says she’s acting this way because lately everything’s been turning out badly. He father doesn’t listen to her and her mother only scolds her. Fortunata points out that she has a daughter. Ursula says she can’t only live for her daughter. “I’m young and I have a right to other things.” Fortunata tells her the only thing she can do is to think more seriously about taking a husband. Ursula says that she doesn’t like any of them. Ursula now becomes tearful and says “Do you know what it’s like to submit to a man who disgusts you, who you find repugnant?” Fortunata tells Ursula to tell her mother but Ursula breaks into tears and says that her mother doesn’t love her. Fortunata disagrees. She says that Sofia is angry with her because of the way that she treats Tita, her daughter. Ursula sobs that the little girl has her nanny, her tutor, her toys…Fortunata says she needs her mother’s attention and love. Fortunata tells Ursula to tell her the truth, what she really wants. She thinks that Sofia is a bit crusty but she’s a good person and she will understand. Ursula rejects the idea but cries some more.

Next we get a scene of Ric, Jimena and Cami rushing to Justo’s house, with Cami worrying that they may be too late.

La Font’s gang arrives back at LaFont’s house and La Font is yelling for Don Jose to come out. The servants all come out with the shouting and asks what he wants. Don Jose apparently is the main man and he tells La Font right away that the cart was in pretty good shape and instead of chopping it for firewood, he sold it for a few coins. One of the henchmen, I forget his name, the twirly mustache guy, whips out a pistol and shoots him on the spot. The servants are in shock.
Don Jorge is pacing around in the Palacio. The houses must be close together because he can hear all the commotion.

La Font warns them all not to talk, he was never there…etc. The mom or new widow of the dead guy wails and the other servants are cowed.

At Ofelia’s, Ofelia is there with Rita and Camila asks if her father will be OK. Ofelia tells her that she’s done all she can. Time will tell etc. Cami cries and Rita starts to blame Cami. Ofelia tells her to shut up. Justo wakes up but one side of his face is paralyzed and he can’t speak. Ofelia tells him to rest.

In the other room, there’s yelling--Santiago has his hands around Vasco’s neck. Ric is there too, and Ines is spying with the door cracked. Vasco says that he didn’t have anything to do with the blackmail. He tore up the letter. He had seen that someone there had already tried to burn it. He says that he told Bernabe about it but he never thought he would do this. Ric says, “Are you sure you and he didn’t plan this together?” Vasco says “of course not.” Santiago starts to beat him up again and Ric tries to get him to lay off. Santiago tells him to buzz off, it’s a family matter and none of his business. Ric says pointedly that as the future husband of Camila, he has more right than he does. Santiago glares at him. Ric asks Vasco about the money. Vasco says that Bernabe hasn’t returned home and hasn’t been seen since. Since Camila can ID him, no doubt he took off. “The day I find him, he’s a dead man!” chokes out Vasco. Ric asks where he could have gone. Vasco says he doesn’t know. His mother is worried because he’s disappeared. He says he’s looked all over the place but can’t find him. The women come in and Ofelia announces that Justo is stable and she gives instructions about his care. Cami tells Ric that she wants to stay. Ric agrees and wants to know if she wants him to stay, she tells him, he doesn’t need too. They do this tenderly with her hands in his and all the while, Santiago is glaring at them furiously. Ric says that he’ll go—if she needs anything—to send for him. He says goodbye and she walks him out. Santiago glares some more.

La Font shows up at the Palacio he rushes in and doesn’t even wait to be announced. LaFont announces that the deed is done. Don Jorge wants to know how and La Font tells him that he got rid of the witnesses and threatened the rest with cutting their throats if they talked. Don Jorge seems pleased with the result. La Font opines that Ric is trouble and they have to find a way to get rid of him too. Don Jorge asks, how, “Kill him?” La Font says “Why not?” Don Jorge tells him to contact Don Gaspar de Valdez first to find out how connected he is. Later, they will decide. Don Jorge asks when he’s going. La Font says he’ll go tomorrow.

Camila is outside on the porch with Ric, saying goodbye. Camila asks “What if it’s a punishment…for what we did?” Ric assures her that it’s not. “What happened between us was an act of love and God doesn’t punish love.” They kiss. Camila says, referring to her father. “He was always such a strong man. It grieves me to see him like this.” She thinks he’s going to die. Ric tries to comfort her and tells her he’s not going to die. Next, Camila turns to the subject of Vasco. Ric says that he says he had nothing to do with the Blackmail. “And the letter.” “he says he destroyed it” says Ric. Camila asks Ric if believes him and Ric says yes. After a pause, Ric says he’ll send for a doctor (I think he said to “bleed” Justo). Camila thanks him. Ric insists that whatever she needs, whatever, send for him. They kiss and leave eachother. Camila goes back into the house.

Ric goes home and fills Mario in. (In this scene it looks like there was water dripping from the ceiling—weird.) Mario asks Ric about Vasco’s statement that he had nothing to do with it. Ric has guessed that Vasco was in on the plot but that he hadn’t agreed with Bernabe to extort the money. Also, he doesn’t think he destroyed the letter. Mario says he will try to find it tomorrow. Mario says that they have the wagon, La Font had it, and that means that LaFont has his money. Ric thinks that by know, Don Jorge has covered up all the evidence. Mario points out that they still have Ascanio and Pablo as witnesses. Ric says that he doesn’t want to go there—if he does, Don Jorge will make a play for Camila. Mario is frustrated that his boss is not trying to get his gold back because of a woman. Ric says not for any woman for HIS woman (wife). Mario, exasperated, claims he no longer recognizes him. Ric tells him he’s not giving up on the money. It’s just that right now, he can’t start an open war with Jorge Mancera. He’s the law in these parts and he’s not going to let him go against his friend. And he’s got that whole fake ID problem. Mario says OK, how about this—“We wear disguises and we grab up LaFont and threaten him with cutting his throat if he doesn’t talk?” Ric says that they’ll be recognized. He has a different plan—rob the robbers. He’s sure that LaFont didn’t act alone, anyway, but with Don Jorge and others. If he could work it so that he could catch these guys with the goods—he’d be able to expose their crimes and bring them to the crown. That would get him pardoned for sure. Gold can be replaced but being able to live again as a normal citizen in peace, without fear of being caught and sent to the gallows…priceless! Mario asks what will happen to him and the boys when Ric gets to live as a “normal citizen”? Ric says he’ll divide his money so that each man can go his own way with a fresh start, as he chooses. “And you, Mario, isn’t there someone you love in your life? Someone you want to see again?” “The mother who bore you? A woman? Children? We’ve never spoken of this.”

[The next thing Mario says for the life of me I can’t get, even when I backed it up a couple of times—you caps people might be able to help me here—I think he says “No, No te lo dije” “No, I have never told you.” But I am not sure. It sounded like there was another syllable in there which made no sense to me.]

Mario coolly removes Ric’s hand from his shoulder and says “Goodnight, Antillano” and abruptly leaves the room. Ric is left there wondering what painful secret he has just stumbled on. Even after Mario leaves, Ric is stunned and plops down in a chair.

Vasco is seeing the doctor out. The doctor tells him that his father is strong and he has hopes that he will recover. He commends him to Ofelia, “Who knows nearly as much as I do.” They see an old peasant sitting by the door and the doctor asks him to accompany him.

Vasco comes in to see Paco who is already asleep, with Ines nearby. She explains that Paco was afraid that his dad would be mad at him. Ines asks him why he did it. Vasco gets mad and says that he can’t believe she thinks he did it too. Ines says no, she’s on his side. Vasco is honest with her. He says that when he found the letter, he was angry with Camila for browbeating him about getting married but later he thought the better of it. The problem was that he had let Bernabe know about it and when he decided not to use the letter, Bernabe went for it. And he regrets it terribly. He tells Ines that if his father dies due to his fault, he’ll never be able to forgive himself. Never. He breaks down and weeps at this. She stands there looking at him and he turns to her and says “I really don’t understand why you want to marry me, Ines. Can’t you see I am a disaster? There has got to be someone better than me.” Ines takes his hand to comfort him.

Camila and the others are in the sickroom with her dad, who, by the way has some kind of bandage on his head. Maybe it’s some kind of herbal poultice that is supposed to be either a sedative or a stimulant. Camila remarks about how the bleeding of her Dad doesn’t seem to have made him better. Ofelia says that bleeding is always the thing to do, even when it weakens the patient. I guess that the bedroom that they’ve parked Justo in is Santiago and Rita’s because Rita’s asleep in a chair and Ofelia suggests that Santiago take Rita to Ofelia’s room. Rita wakes up and asks after her Dad. Ofelia says that he’s sleeping peacefully now and that she too, should get some rest. Rita leaves reluctantly with Santiago. That leaves Camila and Jimena (who has been pretty much invisible since they arrived at the house). Ofelia tells them to go and get some rest too. They leave for the kitchen. The sereno (town crier) goes by at that instant and we see his form vaguely through the window, yelling “12 o’clock and all’s well”—we know differently). Jimena tells Camila that she’s heard that, people who get this type of paralysis don’t usually die, either they get more paralyzed or they get better. Cami who is leaning heavily against a beam, says that she hopes to God he gets better. Jimena raises the question of whether Vasco was involved in the letter business. Camila says that he says no. Jimena says she sure hopes not. Camila says that the only thing she cares about right now is her father. Jimena agrees.

Back in the sickroom, Ofelia is still with Don Justo. She arranges some stuff and looks worriedly at him.

Back in the kitchen, Jimena tries to get some information out of Cami about what happened between her and Ricardo. Cami shies away and Jimena asks her if she already regrets it. “Don’t be stupid,” she says. Cami says no, but she’s upset that “it ended badly.” Jimena asks why and Cami says simply---“because of this.” Jimena hugs her and says that if her father could speak, she can’t believe that he would want her to feel that way. Cami says darkly that something always happens to impede what they’ve already formalized. “It’s like a curse” she says. Jimena says that she’s exaggerating and goes to get the water she’s been boiling for coffee. Jimena asks about Ric’s stolen documents and whether they were part of his spy-work. Camila doesn’t answer. She doesn’t want to break Ric’s confidence. Jimena then suggests that it was booty from his pirate job that was stolen. Camila doesn’t want her to go there but still doesn’t want to say. Jimena gets offended that Camila doesn’t trust her. Camila reassures her that that isn’t it. After Jimena swears an oath to the Most Holy Virgin not to tell anybody and Camila looks around to see if anybody is nearby, she spills the beans. Ricardo lost his money, not documents. Jimena looks shocked and wants to know if Ricardo is now poor. Camila says no, but she’s uncertain. Jimena is impactada and imagines that Ric must be in deep doo doo. Camila goes and and says, that’s not the worst. She pauses and Jimena insists that she tell her everything. Jimena asserts that she may be a busybody (metiche) but when the matter is serious, she keeps secrets. Camila has to agree. Camila says she’s afraid to even talk about it but she does anyway. Camila tells her that they think that the people who robbed the caravan were associates of Don Jorge and LaFont. Jimena is impactada again.

It’s the next morning and we see the sun rise over the town and hear the church bells. Camila is headed for the church. There’s a candle seller out front, selling candles for the faithful who are going in to make their petitions. (Prayer is good if you need something but a lighting a candle in church is when you really want God’s attention, I guess…) Santiago is running after her and asks if she’s going to pray. He asks if he can accompany her. Camila says yes and puts her mantilla (veil ) which she had been wearing as a shawl over her head, as ladies do, for church. We get a nice overhead shot of this. Before she can walk down the aisle, Santiago grabs her arm and holds her back. I think it’s because she passed by the altar boy holding the holy water font, which people are supposed to dip a hand in as they enter. (Nowadays—if churches have them, they are usually affixed to the wall or in some common area where they are self-serve but I guess labor was still plentiful back then, even for the church). They both dip their hands and cross themselves.

At LaFont’s it’s early and Manuela is still in her dressing gown and cap and La Font is packing. Manuela asks and he tells her he’s going to the capital. He gives her a letter for Lis, well, for Fran to read to Lis. He tells her to give it to her after he leaves. She asks when he’ll be back and he says soon. He’s tired of all the traveling. He then asks how things are going with making friends with Camila. Manuela says she thinks they are going OK. La Font tells her to be sure to stop by and congratulate her on her engagement. Manuela is surprised that she’s already engaged. As she helps him on with his jacket, La Font tells her to report back what she says about him and her fiancée. Manuela starts to form another question but LaFont gets impatient, yells at her and pushes her away roughly so that she’s almost thrown across the room. Manuela whimpers that she wants to help him but she doesn’t always understand what he wants. LaFont yells at her some more that she should just do as he asks without question. She assents, tearfully. LaFont says that if a letter arrives from abroad, she should take it directly to Don Jorge. He pushes her out of his way and leaves. Manuela goes to her bedroom and cries. Her Nana (Nanny) is there, changing the linens. She’s a plump elderly woman with a hairdo that looks more like it’s from the 1950s than 1750s. Manuela complains to her that she doesn’t understand her father. Everyday she understands him less and less. He’s always asking her to get information. He’s always asked her about her conversations with Ursula but now he wants her to get information from other people and she doesn’t like it. She doesn’t know how to. Nana asks her what kind of things. Manuela says stuff about Ricardo Lopez de Carvajal, the fiancée of Camila Darien. He wants her to ask her about him. “But how do I do it?” And he asked her to do the same thing with Lis a few days ago. Nana asks if that was also about Ric and Manuela says yes. Nana says “It’ probably some business thing.” She holds up a dress for Manuela and says “Look what I got out for you!” trying to distract her. Manuela doesn’t even look at the dress but acknowledges it. She cries some more.

In the church, a small congregation including Santiago and Camila are attending the daily Mass.
[Note: It is interesting that the men are on one side and the women on the other. I’ve never seen this custom before in a catholic church. Usually people attend in family groups. It looks more like some kind of Jewish or Muslim custom that got transferred over. (Lots of Jewish customs made their way into catholic practices in the New World because many of the people there were conversos—people who converted from Judaism to Catholicism when the Jews were expelled in 1492. They were still treated pretty badly and people were always accusing them to the inquisition of being “secret jews.” Things were less strict in the New World although there were courts of the inquisition there—I think in Mexico City there was one. The Spanish empire needed people for the army and as settlers so they weren’t quite as rigorous there. By the 1700s you were talking about families who had been converted for several generations. But little customs—like turning the pictures around or covering them in a house where people have died, putting little stones on a grave when you visit it—these were Jewish customs that many conversos retained. You still see them in Northern New Mexico and some places in Latin America]

The people file out. (Including the doctor and the peasant from last night.) Camila is still there praying. Santiago comes up to her and asks if they can speak. She says “about what?” He wants to ask her forgiveness. Camila says for what. He wants her forgive him his jealousy. For interfering with her life. He says he knows he has no right to do so. He admits that it’s costing him a lot to stop thinking about her. She answers without looking at him that he has to do it. He says he knows but as time goes by, the worse he feels. [Having a shrew for a wife probably doesn’t help!] And do you know why? Because he knows that the fault was all his. Camila says no, it was just life. Destiny… Santiago says no, it was his lack of faith. He should have looked for her, to the ends of the earth. Camila says that it doesn’t pay to go over what didn’t happen. She tells him to think of his child, of the happiness he or she will give him. Camila tears up. Santiago just wants to know one thing. “You and I loved each other very much, right?” Camila says “yes.” “But you never wanted to sleep with me” (entregarse a mi) he adds. Camila gets up from the pew abruptly, obviously upset by the question. Santiago gets up and blocks her path. “You always said you wanted to wait until we were married” he finishes up. He tells her he saw what happened at her house the other night. He wants to know why she did it with Ric but not with him. [Because you’re a whiney wimp and he’s a hawt pirate!—no she doesn’t say that.] He asks if she loves Ric more than she loved him. Camila says that she loves Ric differently. Her love for Santiago was—young love. Tears roll down her cheeks. She says she’s no longer the young girl who was thrilled when he smiled at her. She’s no longer sure she’s the same person that he loved. She’s a woman, and Ricardo is a man, that she’s sure that at this moment in her life, she needs. Santiago asks if it’s because she thinks that he can protect her from Don Jorge. Cami says no. She needs him because she loves him.

[I couldn’t hear the next bit too well because they turned up the sad romantic music. I think she says that after their “encounter”, he asked for her soul. Now she’s his. Sounds devilish but that’s what I got.]

She smiles and walks away.

Next we see Camila and Santiago walking together from church back to his place where they are met by Ricardo. Camila runs to him, a little nervously. She says she didn’t expect to see him so early. Ric says that he came by to see how her father was. . Cami fills him in about the doctor and how he has seemed better since is visit. Santiago hobbles past and greets him tersely Ricardo gets a jealous look but Cami says that she and Santiago met up in church. Ric tells her he’s jealous. Cami says he has no reason to be. Ric counters that Santiago is always lurking around and is always getting between them. Cami says he won’t be anymore. Santiago has accepted it. Ric says that he didn’t like it that he accompanied her to Mass. Cami says no—they met up there. Ric doesn’t believe it. Cami says, if you don’t believe me, there’s nothing I can say. Ric starts to walk off in a snit. Cami pulls him back. She says “it’s been a difficult night. Now I’m starting the day with a fight with you. “ Now she turns away tearfully. It’s Ric who pulls her back this time. He asks for her forgiveness. He has to leave town. He hopes her father gets better. The Notary will come by for the signatures. He asks if he will find her here or at her house. Camila says that she doesn’t know. He says, no matter, he’ll look for her. She smiles at him and he gets on his horse and leaves.

At the forge, the twins are telling Ascanio that Santiago told him he wouldn’t be working this morning, that they were to wait for him there. They don’t know anything else. Ascanio looks impactado and throws his work gloves down.

In the sick room at Santiago and Ofelia’s Justo is awake and trying to talk. Not able to do it very well. He can only say “no”, “marry” “Vasco” and some other words. They tell him that both marriages are set to go and Rita says not to worry about the family business. Vasco went to the Mill early. He points at his jacket pocket and they find his keys, the keys to the store. He says “open.”

In the next scene they are all (except for Justo) eating breakfast. Santiago asks who is going to take charge of the store. Rita says she doesn’t know but Vasco can’t run both the mill and the store. And she has no confidence in the other store employees. Camila shushes her criticism. Santiago offers to help out but Rita says no, he can’t neglect his own business. “Besides, the store needs someone who can work full time.” Camila offers to do the accounts but Rita brushes her off. They need a man in the store, to be an authority. People won’t listen to a woman.

Camila asks if Ascanio can be spared at the blacksmiths, if they ask him to do it. Santiago says not to worry. The most important thing is for them to get the help they need, until their father recovers. Ines agrees that they will all pitch in and do what they can. Camila thanks them. Even Jimena offers to help. Rita adds that she’d like to help but with the pregnancy. Camila says no…she should take care of herself. Santiago gets up to ask Ascanio. Camila stops him and tells him earnestly “Thank you for everything.” He responds in a businesslike way and Rita looks like she may realize that something between them has changed.

Camila says she’s got to go but first she wants to say goodbye to her father. Paco pipes up that he wants to see him too and so he, Camila and Ines all go. The Indian servant girl (Ramona?) comes in and tells Rita that she’s going to the market because Dona Ofelia asked her to get some stuff to make a broth for Don Justo. Rita gives her permission and actually cracks a smile. Rita asks Jimena who is the only one left if she if she and her sister are BFFs. Jimena says yes. Rita asks her if camila is really in love with Ricardo. Jimena says, Of course. What’s not for a woman to love? Ricardo is nice, attentive, rich and VERY HANDSOME. “If he’s so nice, attentive and rich, why doesn’t she leave my husband alone?” asks Rita. Jimena laughs and says the one who won’t leave the other alone is HIM. And clearly,[couldn’t get it…”se bien?” I know it well?] Rita’s smile vanishes and Jimena says she’ll wait outside for Cami.

Marcelino the notary is walking through the public square when he sees a crowd gathered. He pulls a guy aside and asks what happened. The guy tells him that it seems there was a disturbance last night [actually he says “copetia” and I have never heard the word before and couldn’t find a definition of the word.] Marcelino is impactado, which doesn’t really pack a punch here since it’s his usual state.

At the forge, Santiago has filled the boys in on last night’s events and takes Ascanio aside to ask him to work at the Darien’s store. The twins are left behind but for once they have a bit of dialogue. One asks the other how it will affect their lantern business but the other one says, it doesn’t matter. Don Justo needs their help and He thinks it’s only right for Santiago to help (by supplying Ascanio’s labor).


Don Jorge is now making his way across the public square to his office, on foot for a change. Marcelino is waiting for him. Don Jorge tells him that Don Justo isn’t paying his quota of taxes. Marcelino explains that they’ve had a few setbacks recently, since the earthquake. Don Jorge says that they’ve had the business for a long time. “And the son is a good for nothing.” He thinks it’s time that they take away his concession.


[Note: I know I’ve had far too many footnotes in this episode but I can’t let this one go because Economic History was a subspeciality for me. In the Spanish Colonies, if you wanted to open a business, ANY business, you couldn’t just set up shop. You had to get a concession granted from the crown or from it’s local representatives. It was like licensure except it wasn’t really based on whether you met certain basic expectations like health laws. You basically got a monopoly to be the only store, mill or whatever, in a specific area. It made businesses easier to control and tax. In Colonial Spanish economics, competition was generally seen as a bad thing. People paid huge bribes to get these monopolies and they often passed the costs on to the customer. The crown and their representatives could take this away from you at any time and put you out of business. For example if someone else came along and offered them a better bribe than you were paying, they could just take the concession away from you and give it to someone else. It would be common for newly appointed leaders to take concessions away from everybody who had them and give them out to their friends. This practice actually continued until well into the 19th century in some Latin American countries, with the colonial government/crown being replaced with the newly formed national governments. If you were wondering why Justo was always such a nervous guy—now you know why. ]


Marcelino is shocked and says that the Darien’s have had the business for a long time. Don Jorge thinks it’s time that there were some new people in the business community. Marcelino says that they will be ruined. Don Jorge says that’s what he wants, for them to be ruined.


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Friday’s episode: Lis extends an invitation to Camila through Rita and Santiago. Before Santiago can respond, Rita says SHE’ll take the invitation over to Camila’s (so that Santiago can avoid further temptation). Don Jorge has a chat with Camila. He says he’s not picking a fight with her. He is just laying down the law, as is his right. He told her fiancée that he was exercising his right and he refused to accept it. In fact, has his doubts about the guy. Ric says he’s a businessman but Don Jorge suspects that Ric is really a thief or a pirate. In more flashes forward—news from Ofelia’s reaches Dona Sofia, Lis develops a theory that Ric isn’t really marrying Cami after all—she’s just a mistress since he’s marrying her under a false name. Somebody holds a knife to Vasco’s throat.

Labels: Pasion