Caray, Caray!

EPISODE 59: (ETAPA CULMINANTE! anyone have any idea what this means? Univision has now used it two days in a row.)

* Fran tells Fortunata and Sofia what happened between Jimena and Lis; Sofia and Fortunata are shocked. Fran says that she and Lis are thinking about returning to La Mariana, but need to find another place to stay in the meantime; Sofia asks if Rico knows about this; Fran says they want to get the plans in place first before telling him - ask about staying there or maybe at the posada. Sofia says they can stay at the mansion, no problem at all. Lis wonders about Ursula - after the last time they were at the mansion, she doesn't trust her. Sofia will talk with Ursula; Fortunata assures them they are welcome.

* Santo returns to shop and talks with Ascanio.

* Rita sits and fans herself as Ofelia works on the patio. Santo walks passed - Rita and Ofelia follow him to kitchen where Rita and Santo get into a huge blow-up argument over Santo refusing to be recognized at Jorge's son (spoiling Rita's perfect dream Cinderella story for herself and their child). They scream and yell so loud that Ascanio and the twins even hear them in the shop. The argument also includes mentions of Cami; Rita is so tired of Santo always having Cami on his mind - Santo says he turned down the recognition for the sake of his own pride, not because of Cami; Rita doesn't believe him; Ofelia tries to stop the argument; Rita is on a ranting roll and gets so worked up that she has birth pain right there and Ofelia has to go into "midwife mode" very quickly and sends Ascanio for help.

* Alberto and Jorge discuss Santo as his heir. Alberto then reports to Jorge about Rico and Gonzalo's confrontation at the saloon last night and how furious Rico was about Gonzalo's insults and remarks about Cami. They discuss being very cautious around Foreman. Jorge tells Alberto that he will be in charge of his part in the plan with Foreman.

* Mario stands in the doorway - making hand and mouth signs to someone in the street. Uriel walks up to Mario - they discuss how the market business is going; Uriel remarks how he's doing better than Justo; Mario replies about Jorge's opinion. They walk inside the market and Uriel apologizes to Mario for what happened with Gonzalo last night; they continue to discuss this matter outside the other door. Mario mentions "orma de sus zapatos" then looks around and offers to buy drinks.

* At the house, Rico and Justo walk through the yard to the garden area - they talk in private about Gonzalo's gossip about Cami last night at the saloon; also about Rico's secret job as a spy for the Spanish crown in investigating Jorge and Alberto's parts in the caravan assaults. Justo thinks that spy stuff is very dangerous; he then tells Rico information on Jorge's associates and friends.

* In the kitchen, Jimena is eating while Ines and Cami talk and cook. Paco runs in and shows them his picture of a tall ship like Tio Rico's ships. Cami remarks about Paco's haircut - Paco says Ines cut it. Cami tells him to go show the picture to Rico. Paco runs off.

* In the yard, Paco runs up to Tio Rico and shows him the picture, "just like yours, right?" "yes, that is indeed." Paco mentions that soon his dad will let him help work in the mill. Rico says that he will need to be much bigger to work on the ship with him. Paco asks how much bigger. Rico stands and puts his arms up to show Paco. They laugh. Paco leaves. Justo comments about Paco's enchantment with the ships, then his own delight on the new baby in the family.

* On the courtyard patio, Fortunata, Sofia and Ursula have a tea party - Ursula and Sofia discuss Sir John Lancaster - Ursula is very interested in the man; Sofia is skeptical. Jorge enters and walks by - he and Sofia discuss Lis and Fran's request to move to the mansion due to problems with Cami and Jimena; also what happened with Santo. Jorge says the lad is so stubborn and has rejected being recognized as his son. Ursula jumps in and asks, if he doesn't recognize Santo then will he allow her to marry, perhaps, Sir John? She likes him a lot. Jorge says NO! He would rather she end up like Fortunata or maybe he will just send her to the convent forever. Ursula is impactado.

* Cami, Jimena and Rico walk back along the road, discussing what to do about sending Jorge a letter (so he doesn't think last night was a lie). Mario meets up with them and tells them the information he got from Uriel at the market about Jorge and Foreman. Mario thinks they definitely need to convince Ascanio to help them as a spy. Just then Ascanio runs to them and tells them that Rita is giving birth at the house. Cami and Jimena are excited; Cami asks Rico if he will come too; Rico decides that he and Mario will stay there for awhile. Cami and Jimena leave. Rico and Mario walk and talk together.

* Cami finds Santo in the kitchen - she asks him about the birth. Jimena watches from nearby post.

* Jorge and Sofia are in the office discussing their marriage, his father's death; Sofia tries to convince him to talk with Rico and Cami for help in getting Santo to back down from his condition and accept being recognized as Jorge's son. Jorge has his doubts about the idea. Sofia is determined. Guard enters and says Lancaster is there. Guard leaves. Sofia remarks about Ursula's interest in Sir John Lancaster. Jorge knows and won't allow it. Lancaster enters the office; Sofia leaves.

* In the bedroom, with Ines and Ramona holding her hands tightly, Rita struggles to give birth - Ofelia is the midwife and coach. Rita is in pain and can't do it - Ofelia says yes, you can, keep pushing, keep pushing.

* Jorge talks with Foreman in the office; Alberto silently watching and staring. They discuss Foreman's ability to travel to far away places with his ships (especially if their deal turns sour) and he stuck right there on dry ground. Foreman realizes the point and agrees. Jorge then says that Alberto will be his representative on the plan. They continue to discuss Foreman and his business. Jorge asks Foreman if Rico is a pirate? Foreman replies that he doesn't know. Jorge wonders about Rico de Salamanca and Rico Lopez de Carvajal - could they really be two different people, who just happen to have the same godfather in the same town. Foreman says he only has done business with Lopez, never met de Salamanca. The subject changes to discussion of Foreman's ships that are docked in Veracruz; one of the ships mentioned is la Camila.

* As Ofelia's midwife crew continues to work with Rita, Cami knocks at the door. Ofelia reports in that there is a complication with the delivery. Ofelia asks Cami to go bring Justo to the house; Ofelia asks about Santo; Cami tells her how he's doing outside. Ofelia gives her a message for him. Cami leaves.

* Outside, Cami asks Ascanio and Jimena in the kitchen for Santo. They point her towards the shop. Cami finds Santo - he's depressed and guilty for the argument he just had with Rita - they argued first about him refusing to be recognized as Jorge's son, then about Cami and other things. Cami cries and explains how, why she's been trying desperately to stay away from him and Rita - for the sake of their little family. He knows and realizes it. She asks him why he refused Jorge's recognition. He replies his reasons. She gives her advice on the subject and walks away.

* In the front yard at the hacienda, the pirate crew is really bored and playing yard darts to pass the time. They are also arguing about when Antillano will plan another venture on the high seas - they're getting really bored around there. Mario is fed up with the grumbling and tells them they are to respect their captain at all times and walks towards the house. Pablo concurs with Mario 100 percent. Nico and Guerrero argue otherwise. Pablo walks over to the gate, Jorge has arrived and asks to speak with Rico. As they walk into the yard, the crew is still debating. Jorge asks who the men are? Pablo says they are employees of Rico. Pablo escorts Jorge up the stairs.

* In the salon, Rico is studying his maps and charts on the table; Mario is telling him how restless and bored the crew is becoming - they need to have some sort of adventure or at least a 2 to 3 week stay at La Iguana. Rico says he'll think about it. Pablo interrupts and announces Jorge is here - Rico quickly folds up his papers so Jorge can't see them. Mario takes the papers with him as he and Pablo leave. Rico and Jorge talk in private about Rico's business and his ships, also about pirates. Jorge is curious about everyone who enters and lives in his territory. They discuss Jorge being Santo's father, and that he has offered very generously to recognize Santo has his son, and believe it or not, Santo turned him down. Rico is well-aware of the story, Cami told him. Jorge says that Santo's condition to accepting is if Jorge public apologizes and announces that he lied about sleeping with Cami; Rico listens; Jorge says it was Sofia's idea that he come and talk with Rico about this. Rico and Jorge clink glasses.

* Cleo goes to Lis and Fran's bedroom to tell them the latest gossip about Cami and Rico in the house. Cleo leaves. Lis thinks the reason why Rico and Mario returned without Cami and Jimena is because they know he's a pirate. Lis and Fran argue over Lis' fantasy about Rico, as well as Alberto's help with the letter and getting the estate for them, as well as Cami and Rico. Fran cries that she's going crazy in that house and will become an alcoholic if something doesn't change quickly. Lis sits with her and says they can't make Rico mad and they need to keep hoping.

* In the salon, Rico tells Jorge that the person to convince is Cami, and she is the one who will ultimately make the decision. As they walk to the doorway, Rico mentions Jimena to Jorge. Jorge is curious. Rico says that she and Cami had been talking, and that Jimena was confused about the other night, Cami was mortified. Jimena sends her apologizes (I think that's what Rico and Jorge were saying anyway). Jorge then informs Rico about Lis and Fran's request to move back to the mansion or to the posada; Rico is surprised and asks why the request; Jorge says he's not sure, but he thinks it has something to do with Cami. Rico is impactado.

* Ascanio and Cami are stomping along the path to the house - She's really miffed that Ascanio kept Rico's real identity a secret from her - and she thought they were true friends. Ascanio explains his position and apologizes. She explains how much Rico and she want to get married for real, but life seems to get more and more complicated. Vasco comes over and interrupts.

* Rico waits in the salon. Lis enters. He asks her about her and Fran's request to move to the mansion or in town over staying there at the hacienda. He's a little offended that they would prefer living with strangers rather family. Lis calmly explains that it is mostly because of Jimena and her accusations and accosting Lis in the hallway about eavesdropping. Rico grits his teeth and asks her point blank for the truth - if she had anything to do with eavesdropping on him, Cami and Jimena, and then telling Alberto about the letter. Lis tries to use Fran's story about wanting to return to La Mariana. Rico is growing evermore angry with her and informs her how Alberto killed Bernie by slitting his throat and then taking the letter. Lis screams and yells about her own indignation over his marriage with Cami, and how her own father mistreated and deceived her by marrying Cami and letting her steal Lis' rights to the estate. She lets it slip about Alberto having the letter - then she pounds and points her cane and yells about exercising her own rights. Lis leaves. Rico thinks, "Santo Dios! Alberto has the letter!" (OH CRAP!)

* Lis returns to the other room, where Fran is impatiently waiting. Lis tells her she told Rico about Alberto and the letter. Rico walks in and makes a deal with Lis - if Alberto has the letter, and is only lacking turning it over to the authorities, he and Cami will return all the money in the estate to her. Lis tries to ask him how much money that is, but Rico barks, deal or no deal? Lis stands and says, deal. Rico leaves, exacerbated. Fran asks why? Lis stands and grumbles about wanting to see Cami in jail and then as her permanent slave forever.

* Cami and Justo walk and talk on the way to the house - Ascanio and Vasco carrying Paco follow behind. Santo greets them and says the birth is still going on inside. Santo escorts Justo to the kitchen where Jimena greets him. Vasco and Cami sit on the bench outside and talk with Paco about his little cousin. Paco looks up at Santo, standing at the railing above and says how concerned he is for his little cousin. Rico enters the patio. Paco runs over to him. Rico and Cami hug - Rico and Santo are cordial with one another - they all go to sit down around the kitchen table and wait. Justo is happily chattering away about his dreams of his new grandson.

* Alberto, Mateo and Uriel have a meeting in Alberto's office. They discuss Foreman and his pirate associates, their business plans, and how dangerous Gonzalo is becoming - Alberto thinks Gonzalo will need to be eliminated. (dun-dun-dun-dun)

* Rico, Ascanio and Vasco are walking around on the street in front of the house. They are discussing what Rico just found out from Lis about Alberto having the letter; Rico and Vasco argue over Vasco being part of the extortion scheme - Vasco sticks to his claim that Bernie deceived him also. Ascanio breaks the argument up. Rico grumbles about Lis and Fran.

* Mario wanders along the streets in the dark - from the other side of the shop, he spots Ascanio in a thought bubble; Mario leaves.

* Vasco is standing on the patio, Jimena rocks Paco to sleep in the rocking chair, Santo stands on the steps. In the kitchen, Justo asks Rico and Cami when they are going to have the big wedding celebration - Rico and Cami look at each other then Rico replies they will have it next week. Justo smiles. Santo is disgusted and goes inside.

* In the hallway, Santo listens through the keyhole and hears a baby cry from inside.

* He enters; Rita watches as Ofelia hands Santo his new baby daughter to hold. Ines and Ramona help to clean up the bed linens.

Labels: Pasion

I am really vague on the first 15 minutes because I was trying to figure out why my DVR wasn’t recording, bad DVD, those things don’t last very long.

First I have to say, is this not the most dysfunctional family evah? Al is like the shining star, but that is only cause the rest are so one-dimensional. The only difference between this group and a Springer show, is a full set of teeth and we are missing the lesbian cousin/sister/mother that pops in during the last fifteen minutes. I mean come on, the drunk wife, the cousin boinking the other cousin’s girlfriend. The worthless brother-in-law trying to scam Granny with the fake kid. The Amante, either Al’s or Consti’s take your choice she has banged both. And while they don’t say it, Consti confiding in the Padre, cause they are all just good Christians. Alas Fluff, but entertaining fluff I must say and not an episode goes by that doesn’t make me feel so much smarter & better than the rich folks living in the big house. I swear they replay this plot line in Mexico to make the poor folks feel so much better about being poor, but moral than the rich folks who are rich but morally bankrupt.

Anyway I know we had a rehash of Al trying to make nice, while Hugo the sadly insane swooped in like the Zopalote de Amor (Vulture of Love) to watch the relationship die and then feed off the remains. Graphic yes, but I call em as I see em. Hugo tells Al, that he and Mili have been doing the deed. Mili screams at him that it is a lie, but Hugo only laughs and tells Al that he is telling the truth. Al storms off holding back his tears.

Meanwhile I believe there are folks in the bleachers, jeez how great is that? You think you are going to some lame ass kid’s soccer practice and as a bonus freebie you get the dueling rich cousins screaming boink details. I guess if you had a kid with you perhaps you would not be amused, but having none myself I would have been rolling and I would have been equally amused had by nephews been with me in their younger days. Hey I am not their parent.

Anyway enough about me, Mili is totally pissed, which she certainly has a right. Why did Hugo lie like that? “Because I love you”, Hugo answers. “You sick thing,” Mili counters, “that isn’t love, that is sick and twisted.” Hugo only smiles.
Hello, Mili like painting your head on deadgirlfriend’s nude body isn’t, well a bit unusual? Oh Hugo you are so in love, Dude cut off your ear and then we can talk about it.

Andrea and Consti have some kind of plan. Consti is like, well looks like it is over with Al, so now that you are single again, how’s bout we do the nasty? Andrea is like, lest you forget my ex almost father-in-law, you are still married. Andrea says on paper it has to look like Consti & Luci have a good marriage.
Andrea says to use Luci. How? “Make her happy” Andrea answers. “The only thing that makes her happy is a bottle of whiskey in her hand”, Consti answers. Andrea continues with, Luci is a primitive woman, simple, you just have to woo her with romantic gestures.
----What frickin planet are these people living on? He has abused her for like twenty years and this little plot is going to turn everything around? Why would anyone take advice from Andrea?----
During this lesson in love, Consti looks like he is too bored to even try and undress Andrea with his eyes.
Andrea just happy that someone is paying attention drones on. Luci feels like trash. Conti says it is cause she is trash. Jeez, this guy is just such a RatBastard. Well Andrea says, he has to play the game and seduce her.
----Consti perks right up at the thought, being that he is in the political spot light, he has had to give up torturing small animals, and Que the Hell, Luci is the next best thing----
It could be fun and besides it won’t cost him a thing. Andrea is going to put the plan into action by ordering some awesome flowers for Luci the Unloved.

Mili is have a one on one with Jesus, she is talking about Hugo and her ex.
“Mili”
She jumps thinking, Jesus has decided to an answer.
Nope, it is only Padre Manuel, who is worried about her. She beats around the bush with how did things start out so swell with Adam and Eve and end up so awful for women now?

Al has gone to see Granny, it is all over with Mili. His cousin has had his revenge for Carmen. Al leaves. Granny has an ah ha moment and goes over and digs a book out of her draw.

Andrea is ordering flowers to be sent to Luci, they must simply be the most exquisite available.
After the call, the phone rings again as Damien is entering the reception area. The call is for him. Damien tells Andrea to tell whoever, that he is not in. Damien feeling bad about his white lie, leaves. Andrea passes the message on and whomever is calling gets rude with her.

sThe brief details of the Mili/Padre conversation are she is very jaded, her Ma died cause of a man (getting her pregnant and her dying) and Mili is never going to trust anyone. The Padre says she is only 18.
Ah at that age it does seem like your heart will break.

Hugo is in his room, staring at the painting of dead girlfriend with Mili’s head attached. He caresses the face, down to the neck. Then thank all 365 of the calendar saints, a knock at the door. I so didn’t want that scene to continue. Yippeeee it is the voice of reason, Granny. She comes in and sees the painting. Mili?
“Yeah”, he answers. “Are you in love with Mili”, she asks. “Yeah” he answers. Then some talk about Al. Hugo the BSC says, “He betrayed me first with Carmen”. So Granny whips the book out. Hmmm, here is the diary of Carmen. Her family gave it to us after she died. You were too BSC to read it, so I have been holding on to it all these long loco years. She gives him the diary. Hugo sits down and opens the diary.

Val the Vapid and Sergio are in the living room, he is a bit touchy and she is a bit giggly. Luci is watching. Luci comes in and greets them. Gloves comes in carrying a huge ginormus bouquet of roses. Val the Vapid thanks Sergio. Hold on a moment, lil Miss Vapid; the flowers are for Luci. “Oh Ma, from a secret admirer.” Luci the sad lil alcoholic lights up. Maybe they are from her main man, Jack Daniels, thanking her for the many nights they have spent together.
----Sorry I couldn’t resist it was just too easy----
No, they are from Consti. Luci looks like she just swallowed the bile that rose.

Now on to the “Painful Truth”, Hugo reads the diary. We begin with, I am not in love with Hugo, but if Al is interested, well. I’m game, I want to have his kisses, his hugs and other assorted body parts, but they are primos and he is very sensible. So this very night, I am going to seduce Al.
Okay..I may have missed some of this, but basically it was like “I’m gonna bang him harder than a snare drum during a Mardi Gras Parade”.
Hugo throws down the diary, which in the spirit of full disclosure; I must tell you, this was only the first few pages of the diary. Just think if Damien hadn’t killed her, this girl was well on her way to Amante Princess. A promising career squashed in it’s prime.

Hugo, says “How could you do this to me?” I hate you. I believe he is referring to deadgirlfriend, not Al.

Downstairs, Al is throwing down drinks. Val teases him and he takes off. Andrea is there and Sergio the golddigger. Awkward. Sergio has a look like, damn, this whole thing isn’t going to be exactly free. In comes Consti, Val having watched way too many episodes of Beverly Hills 90210, makes a big deal about Pa being home and hanging on Sergio. Luci once again swallows a mouth full of bile and thanks Consti for the flowers. Andrea smirks.

Hugo enters Al’s room. He says he read Carmen’s diary. He says he judged Al wrongly and he realizes Carmen was a skank whore. (Yeah, but, yeah but, yeah but…Al didn’t have to go along with it).
Well seems like both our boys skip over that point, you know men will be men. Anyway, Hugo in the spirit of fair play confesses he lied about Mili, indeed, Hugo never banged that drum.

Now some Naco crap in the kitchen, missing Mili, Karla raving, Morgan talking to Horacio, Horacio recites some poetry to Karla’s Ma and she gives him a big kiss.

Luci and Consti’s bedroom. Luci is sleeping. Consti is thought bubbling how he married an idiot for the money, how Al will end up with the company. Consti wonders what would happen if he said he wasn’t Al’s Pa. Then he kisses Luci’s head and says they will have a model marriage. She sleeps through it all. Jeez I hope she is exhausted from a long night of making love to the man who never betrays her, Jack…Jack Daniels.

Al goes to see Mili at the convent. Oh my Gawd can you believe it, they make up. Al wants to marry her. Do you feel obligated? No, he loves her and he wants to marry her and tell everyone, she wants to wait. Let it be their little secret.
Anvils of doom…fall in a circle around the happy couple.

Hugo feeling all good about himself, goes to tell Andrea that he fessed up to Al. The game is over. Andrea is looking a shade beyond her normal pissed self.

Damien is having breakfast in a hotel? A hawt young chick prances past.

Gloves enters Luci’s room, she has clothes laying out and her lil Walmart suitcase. Gloves is caressing her dress. She says you like it? He says you know me so well.
--It was a Creepy scene—Dude must everyone in this house be so twisted?

Damien sends hawt chick his card with a message, she giggle and tears it up. She leaves, he follows. Much talk in the parking lot. I think he thinks she is a call girl. He gets in her car.

Padre comes to visit Consti, Consti is upset that Mili has returned to the house, it is dangerous cause he things there is something between Mili & Hugo and he says Hugo is BSC.

Mili tells Granny that Al wants to marry her. Granny says it will be tough, but she will help them.

Damien is riding in the car, leaving a trail of DNA on the call girl as he slobbers on her arm and then caresses her leg. Suddenly a guy sits up in the backseat and jerks a wire around Damien’s neck. Outstanding, Damien comes up about 6 inches off the seat.

The End..

Don’t get too excited..Damien is in the previews and it isn’t flashback scene.
Andrea tells Mili, fine you got Al, I guess my baby doesn’t have a father….
Cliché..
Meanwhile..Andrea crawling across Consti in the bedroom, when Luci flips on the lights,
Honey I’m home.
If you can’t wait to see what happens, just tune into the next episode of Springer….same difference.

Labels: guapos

Just for fun a picture taken in an antiques shop in Guanajuato of angels, devils and ex votos (little pictures on tin sheets that celebrate milagros and offer thanks to a saint or divinity) from my trip to Mexico in January. Anyone know the origin of the twin or two-headed angels?

Well, On to Juan's own set of angels and devils:
Repasar: Juan receives the message at the hotel to retrieve the Achi-Lovelies, Yadira and Kike have their umpteenth fight in bed in front of sleeping baby. She barks that he should be married to Juan when he tries to explain what heartbreak Juan is going through. Back at the jail Juan and Juanito scowl as the bedraggled tribe of jailbirds comes forward abashed but not devoid of self-serving excuses. Juan's full blown tantrum cows all but Delfina who knows to ask Juanito what Juan is so upset about besides the Achi-escapade. Son reveals that Popi's meeting went very badly and Delfina retorts that she knew Paula was going to break his heart. That night Juanito worries about Popi's sleeplessness and cheers him with the charming, en-deer-ing story of the little deer (venadito) losing his mother but finding his father. Juan's thought bubble commentary urges himself to power up again (pone las pilas, batteries) as he warmly hugs his darling boy.
Bed scene two is CL awakening to find his bed empty then seek the pouting Paula sulking in another room. She says she can't sleep because of perhaps the pregnancy, her hormones, she is depressed and is worried about how they can be ready for an innocent baby, be good parents, she doesn't think she can be a good mother. Cesar Luis in a rare moment of tenderness assures her that they will absolutely have a happy life for this baby to come into.

Gustavo and Monica are in serious flirt mode at a restaurant. She jokes are you trying to get me drunk and further was it a coincidence (casualidad) that he showed up at Laura's door looking for her? She was busy the other times he has called, did Laura tip him off? Well, he did learn of her divorce and on trips to Mexico as his business grew, and he woke up one day and realized he had everything. Everything but the woman of his life, and that woman is you, Monica...

CL sits in the pale light of their bedroom watching the sleeping Paula while he murmurs in soft stalker-like tones how she has obliged him to follow her every movement from now on.

Back to the romantic table with Gustavo. She questions his sincerity and they discuss her surprise in him turning up again after so much time, the last time she actually saw him was before her marriage to CL with whom she was lost in love and Gustavo was only... and he finishes her sentence, "a friend." You chose (elegiste) him, unfortunately. When he wonders if she is still so in love with CL, she says her feelings died a long time ago. Sure? Completely! Now I am a free woman and she gets her hand romantically kissed by an attentive Gustavo.

Gaytano and Angarita are having their own tete-a-tete and the subject is also CL and his untrustworthy ways. Gaytano thinks he has only a few details of his contract and working scope to work out. Anga the more pragmatic brother says you can kiss that goodbye (vete despidiendo de eso), but Gaytano insists CL is a man of his word. Anga says this guy is a jetstream of slobbering (chorro de babas). Anga also says he will offer this helping hand only once to Gaytano and wonders who will be betrayed later, the friend or the brother...

Next morning, CL instructs Consuelo to be vigilant of Paula's every move and every visitor and conversation. She brightens to the task and tells how Paula questioned her recently about how she had come to be recommended to CL, Consuelo repeats that she felt her honor was attacked and offered to quit. She also tells CL that she told her she had never met Monica. CL looks that CL look. While across town, Laura tries Monica to spill about the romantic encounter. Monica demures but does say Gustavo is the same enchanting man as always. Laura predicts that Monica's future will be him. Monica says with a cute smile that she is not really ready for a relationship with any man, even if he is the blue prince of fairy tale fame.

We return to the Achi-Lovelies receiving another round of bawling out by Juan who reminds them that their behavior will be discovered by the paparazzi will be quick to pick up on their scandalous behavior and then where will the reputation of Achichipico and the fine reputation of the beauty contest be?? He beats back the protestations of particularly the mouthy, leggy Lorena. Juan assures them they will need demanding, serious charm and deportment lessons. Juan and Kike sit to scratch heads over how to find a modeling school they can afford to turn these country ruffians into beauty queen worthy ladies.

CL drags himself across the lizard lounge while the bouncy Monica chirps about the plan she wants to review with him right away. Fernando approaches Marely's desk right after to present a festive looking bag. She sniffs wondering if he is hoping for a pardon. He definitely is doing just that. She takes out a fluffy kitten and finally softens to commute his punishment this time only.

While Juan and Kike continue wondering how to transform their savage contestants, Monica is bubbling through her plans while CL looks asleep or in pain. She finally stops and says he hasn't paid attention for 30 minutes of important information, he confesses it is because of personal problems. She jumps up to leave assuring him she doesn't want details but will be ready to continue when he is ready to work.

Profesora Margo Gomez show up at the gate to the Cachon house greeted by Nidia as Alirio sidles up assuming she is there for him. She assures him she is there to see his Señora not him.
Gaytan sails proudly into CL's den of pessimism wanting to talk about his new duties, new salary and new office. CL growls what has he done to find Juan? He already has hired someone to watch Paula and he will not talk about Gaytan's issues until he sees this dirty (mugroso) Juan.

Nidia and Profa Amarga, or Margo are ensconced in the office as they get down quickly to why this visit. Margo reveals herself as the wife of one of Yadira's professors. Nidia fears something is wrong with Yadi, while Marga begins her condemnation of Yadi's insupportable scandalous attachment to her HUSBAND. After listening at the door a bit, Alirio gets on the phone to Profe HUSBAND to warn him that his wife is there and on the warpath with Nidia about Yadira. Nacho, abruptly hangs up and stomps off and as he does he miraculously runs into Yadira with her baby carriage. He tells Yadi they need to go to her house right away because his wife is there throwing a fit with Nidia. Interspersed scenes, Nidia and Amarga turn up the volume. NIdia makes a good mother hen protecting her chicks and puts down Amarga's condemnation with Yadi's illustrious childhood being educated by nuns, having been married in an apostolic church to a wonderful man who is the admirable father of her grandchild. She maintains that Yadi is incapable of looking at Amarga's husband like this. Amarga shouts that she must poke holes in this vision of paradise that Nidia is painting.

Yadira questions wide-eyed, how could Nacho's wife have known her address? They better get to the house before Amarga ruins her life. Nacho assures her his wife is craftier than you can imagine. Amarga is shrieking that Yadi isn't the mild dove her mother imagines as Nidia orders her out of the house.
Over at Farrell, Gaytan confesses to Marely that CL has betrayed him by withholding the raise, the promotion, the new office until he finds Juan. Marely answers that Juan is not at her house but staying with the Achi-Lovelies at some unknown hotel. Gaytan says he won't betray Juan a second time but Marely needs to tell no one but get word to Juan that CL is on the warpath with jealousy and is capable of anything. Marely can find him through Kike to warn him. Does he know about the baby? Is he devastated? Marely assures him that Juan will overcome this with the help of his son. Gaytan makes another plea that this stay between them.

Kike and the Juans approach a big door with a big for rent sign on the building. Unsuspecting as usual, they knock and are received by Madame Pomposo, still not reading the signs, they present their plight. She at first assumes that these rough gents are the ones looking for culture classes but they laugh through their ballet bows and go in to discuss the diamonds in the rough that they need to bring to her fabulous program.

Gaytan next complains to Ivonne that CL is making him look for Juan and he has the same job, salary and office until he finds him. If not he will end up working in Archives. (We all know how much that helped Alirio). He has sent warnings to Juan through Marely. Ivonne is less than impressed even though he confesses that he burned his bridges with Anga and can never return but he now realizes that anyone near Farrell is going to be wrecked.

Oh did I mention that Paula is still crying while dressed in her loveliest aqua sob suit.

Juan and Kiki and Juanito continue being intimidated by Madame Pomposo as she shames them for using less than lovely terms to describe any woman/lady. Juan tactfully changes diamonds in the rough to his forrest lovelies. That's a little better. She continues to correct them at every turn, make them sit formally drinking tea until they are all 3 squirming. They get onto the classes which Madam explains needs to take 3 weeks of beauty queen training in glamor, etiquette and physical expression as she sweeps and swoops up the stairs to illustrate how graceful they will be. For 20% more she can squeeze this into a one week, 8 hour per day wonder class.

Somewhere in here Nacho and Yadira arrive at the house but Nidia comes down to talk to Nacho alone in the office. While there she gets from him that there has been nothing between him and her daughter. His wife exagerates and explodes easily. Nidia assures him that Amarga came with her sword unsheathed. She also gets kind of turned on while she assures him that if he were her chumi-chumi she would feel the same as wifey. He is ordered to keep hands off Yadira.

Ivonne tries to intrigue Monica with the office gossip about CL and Juan but Monica already knows and finds the three so boring and predictable.

Finally Lorenzo Pomposo shows up and quickly catches on to being the professor of the intensive course of urbanity training and will wait eagerly for the chicas to show up tomorrow with a check.

A bored looking Monica answers her phone and coos at Gustavo suggesting that he come pick her up for their date at the office. Besos for the benefit of the amazed Ivonne who is then told she can get back to work now.

Yadira asks Alirio what happened but he pretends not to know. Nidia emerges with Nacho who leaves and she takes Yadira up to tell her about it in private. Upstairs, she reads her the riot act for messing around with a married man.

And did I mention that Paula is still crying? This time with her Mom as she sobs that she has now lost Juan forever! FIN!!

Labels: Juan

Leftovers from Friday---Al’s following the family tradition and drowning his sorrows. Mili wants to talk to him, but he insults her—calls her a liar and reminds her of how he treated her so nicely all the while she’s messing around with his cousin. She tells him to stop because he’s saying things she won’t be able to forgive. Al laughs at that, she forgive him? He calls her crazy and she says it is him who’s crazy and she runs off. Hugo fills Andrea in on what happened with Mili and how Al, of course, thought the worst of the situation. The two evil powers agree to continue combining their efforts to wreak havoc on our protagonists.

Mili’s in the dorm, crying over Al. Lina walks in and asks her friend what’s wrong. Mili starts to spill out the whole story. Lina doesn’t see why Al would be upset if she and Hugo were talking. Mili lets her know that she was in a bathrobe, with lingerie on underneath, and on Hugo’s bed. Lina wants to know if Mili slept with Hugo and Mili is affronted. No, she insists, we weren’t doing anything. I was just posing for Hugo---he’s a painter. Lina says you really can’t blame Al for jumping to the wrong conclusion, she’s having a hard time herself wrapping her mind around the idea that Mili was almost nude and in Hugo’s bed—and nothing happened. Mili says that Al should have trusted her.

Al meets Bobby in a restaurant. He’s still drinking and Bobby’s concerned that Al’s started so early (because it is only a problem if you start drinking before noon?). Al tells his friend that he discovered Mili in Hugo’s room this morning. Bobby says well they’re friends. Al tells him that Mili was in Hugo’s bed, wearing only a bathrobe.

Braulio searches through Regina’s things to find out where her mysterious outing is taking place. He has no luck. When Regina returns home he questions her whereabouts. Regina is amused and wants to know what Brau is digging at. He asks if she’s found his sister and keeping it from him. Regina says that if she were to have found Rosario, of course she’d tell Brau.

Val and Sergio are snuggling and are caught by Constancio, who’s none too happy. Val tells her dad that she and Sergio are novios. She leaves the men alone to talk. She goes to talk to her mother about Connie’s reaction and Luci tells her that it is natural for Connie to be suspicious of a man involved with his daughter. Meanwhile, back downstairs, Connie wants to know why Sergio was messing with his secretary and now is messing with his daughter. Sergio sets Connie straight---he thought Val was his secretary. She went along with the pretense because she wanted to find out if Sergio was interested in her or her family’s money. Sergio assures Connie that he’s got serious intentions toward Val, but they will not interfere with his working on Connie’s political campaign.

After the commercial break, Perlata has now joined Sergio and Connie. The men talk their political mumbo jumbo. Damien interrupts and Connie leaves to talk to him. Perlata and Sergio plot some. Sergio tells Perlata that he wants to marry Val----with the kind of money that the Belmonte’s have, he’s going to be set for life. Perlata asks how Sergio can marry Val if he’s already married. Sergio answers, well he’s married "for now". This makes me laugh!!! What a good way for the writers to mess with Snotty Spice!!!

Drunken Al finds Mili in the kitchen and offers her money (mil pesos) to sleep with him. Mili doesn’t understand what he’s asking and that he’s insulting her big time. Al takes her confusion as her means of asking for more, he ups it to dos mil pesos. Mili’s still confused. Al demands to know how much Hugo had to pay for the pleasure of sleeping with her. Mili starts to cry---tears of rage and pain---as she realizes what Al’s insinuating. She throws a glass on the ground and stomps out of the room (at this point I wonder what the Belmonte budget must be for replacing dishes, breaking them seems to be a popular release of anger). Al tosses the money to the ground after she leaves (will Karla find it? I hope not).

Sergio leaves and Connie pumps Perlata from some info on the lawyer. He tells Connie that he need not worry, Val is in good hands. Sergio’s got a good future. When Perlata leaves, he runs into Damien and invites him to come play some poker. Damien jumps at the chance to throw away even more money that isn’t his.

Mili serves Regina dinner and they discuss how Claudio was a fraud and Damien’s involvment in the whole scheme. They talk about Regina’s anguish over not finding her grandchild. Mili tells Regina that Claudio’s appearance must be a sign from God that Regina is close to finding the child. Mili urges her to keep looking, God won’t allow her to keep suffering.

Al, in his room, looks at the necklace he’d given to Mili (you know the bling bling “M”) and then snatched from her neck. Andrea walks in the room. Al scolds her for not knocking and she says if she were to have knocked he wouldn’t have let her in. She makes a move on the grieving Al, telling him that the servant isn’t worth it. Al rejects her and tells her that he’s not interested. She storms out and swears to the audience that she’ll get him back.

Mili goes to Luci and asks for her help with Al. Luci tells her that she’s gotten what she wanted, Al and Andrea to break up. Mili had thought that Luci was on her side, but Luci tells her that she’s an alcoholic, but not an idiot. Things between Al and Mili would have never worked. She advises Mili to find someone new---she’s young and can find someone of her own class to make a future. After Mili leaves, Luci comments about how quickly Mili and Al’s relationship ended.

Mili runs to Regina and begs to be sent back to the Convent. Regina figures out that Mili and Al are having problems. Mili begs for a few days away from the mansion. We next see Mili with Gloria in her old room at the Convent. Mili confides in her friend that she’s hurting and never wants to go back to the mansion.

Perlata loses at poker and Damien seems to have some luck with the cards. I suspect that it is some sort of set up, because Damien strikes me as an easy target and let’s face it, he’s a loser in all sense of the word. The two mean leave the gaming room, and Damien is invited back by the proprietor, perhaps even tomorrow. Damien asks—half jokingly—what time they open in the morning.

At breakfast the next day, Andrea fills the family in on the ‘developments’ between Mili and Hugo. Al loses his appetite and decides to give a little payback to Andrea. He announces to the family that he and Andrea are done—there will be no wedding. Val arrives with Sergio and presents him to her family. Luci tells Val to be careful, a true gentleman is really almost an extinct species. Regina joins the family and tells them that Claudio was a fraud, perpetuated by Damien. Damien tells the family that he was only trying to help Regina and eliminate some of her grief over her missing grandchild. Snotty Spice is just so happy that the naco isn’t related to them, but of course she new that someone so gauche could not share the same DNA with her family. Oh how I wish that Claudio could have stuck around a while longer if only to cause problems for Snotty.

Lina fills Hugo in on Mili’s leaving.

Regina pulls Al aside to talk about Mili. She tells him that she’s gone back to the Convent and that she suspects it has something to do with him. He tells his abuela that he caught Mili in Hugo’s room in nothing but a bathrobe. Regina tells him that she’s sure he assumed the worst. Al defends his position and Regina tries to reason with him. She tells him that Hugo’s wanted to paint Mili and that Regina, herself, told Mili about many nude paintings that are great works of art. Perhaps Al judged the situation too quickly. She urges him to speak with Mili.

Back at the Convent, Mili is asked by Padre Manuel to join in a soccer game. Mili claims she’s tired and PM suspects that something must be going on if Mili refuses to join in a game. Connie shows up at the Convent and Mili’s takes off with Gloria. Connie tells PM that Mili should remain there and not return to the mansion. Connie tells PM that Claudio was a fraud and PM says that he knew. Padre Manuel wants Connie to tell Mili the truth. Mili comes back at this point and tells PM that she’s decided to play. PM tells Mili that Connie has something to tell her and he leaves them alone. Connie asks Mili if she wants to meet her father. Mili says yes, so she can spit in his face. He’s the man who destroyed her mother and her life. Obviously, Connie doesn’t tell her that he’s her father. He listens as Mili says actually she’s not sure if she wants to meet him, she’d rather he be dead because if she were to meet him, she’d want to kill him. As Mili’s talking, she’s getting upset and Connie gives her a hug. You can tell he’s struggling to hide his own pain over the direction of this conversation.

By the pool, Morcky has a fantasy about Val. Really, all I can say is that he could do so much better than Snotty Spice and that’s all the space I’m going to devote to this scene.

Damien is back in the gaming parlor. He loses and gets hooked up with a line of credit. The proprietor insists that Damien sign for the “advance”.

Connie comes back home and has a conversation with Regina about how she’s spending her money. She tells her son that she doesn’t ask how he spends his, so it is none of his business what she does with hers. After Connie leaves, Regina gets on the phone with a doctor and has some cryptic conversation. Did anyone get the meaning of this, or can we assume that it is some sort of plot development that has yet to be fully revealed?

During the soccer game, Mili is distracted and misses a play. PM tells her that it is obvious that she’s got something on her mind. He offers to be an ear for her to talk to, but she says she just needs some time alone to think.

Alone on the cancha, Mili has a flashback to happier times with Al. When her flashback is over, in true novela fashion, Al is there in the flesh. Mili demands to know what he’s doing there and he says that’s quite a greeting. So Mili sarcastically asks how he is and how the family is doing. Al tells her that they need to talk and she tells him that perhaps if he’d have bitten his tongue earlier then she’d have been able to explain things. Al says they still need to clear things up and then Hugo arrives. Al tries to tell his cousin to scram. Mili lets Hugo know that she’s still ticked off at him, however she decides that Hugo can help clear up Al’s confusion. She asks Hugo to tell Al what really was going on in his room the previous day. Hugo tells his cousin that he and Mili were making love. Shocked expressions from both Al and Mili end the episode.

Labels: guapos

Me again, filling in for Jardinera.

Foreman is explaining his new, improved scheme to Jorge, suggesting that the Dandy Highwaymen leave the loot someplace where the Salvatierra Gang will pick it up. This seems okay with Jorge as long as it's not within his borders! Foreman assures them that, although this gang had been messing with their heists before, it's because they didn't have enough to do; they'll behave now that they have an assignment. Jorge says that doesn't seem right; they had a deal. "I agree, It won't happen," Foreman says, and I'm not sure if he means the Salvatierra gang won't interfere with them again, or if it means that whole deal is off!

It's dark when Santi (the Good) gets home. Ofelia tries to get him to eat something, but he's still sulking. He tells her he'll go talk to Jorge (the Bad) tomorrow and see how he feels. They talk about Rita (the Grita) and how she seems to be possessed lately. Santi tries to blame himself, because he's been a lousy husband ever since Camila came back. Ofelia says it's everyone's fault for encouraging him to marry her instead of waiting. Santi blames Jorge, too.

Ofelia asks about his visit with Camila. He says she's fine, but he can't stand Ric. He senses that Ric's hiding something. Ofelia disagrees and reminds him that Ric's good with Vasco and Paco, and bought the mill concession. Santi says no, that was Camila's money - Ric has nothing! He's just a swashbuckler. (He asks Ofelia not to tell anyone else, for Camila's sake.) Ofelia asks if he's still in love with Camila. He admits he's never stopped.

Back at the palacio, Foreman is proposing what appears to be a new deal to Jorge: fixing paperwork for contraband. Y'see, back in those days (as Gaspar explained to Ric a few months ago), Spain was demanding that the people of New Spain import certain products (I don't know which ones) from Spain instead of getting them cheaper from someplace else, or making them locally. Obviously, this was not a very popular policy in New Spain, but I do remember Ric and Mario noticing a lot of contraband at Juancho's camp; apparently the caravan assaults were just a supplemental hobby.

So the idea is that Jorge will fake some documents claiming that certain shipments were properly exported from Spain. He balks at the risk, but Foreman says that right now, people are paying more attention to the stealing, while black market trade is being taken for granted and is very profitable. Lafont suggests that instead of doing isolated jobs here and there, they spread out into other municipalities (i.e. outside Jorge's domain). Jorge says he needs to think about it.

Sofia comes in to announce dinner. Jorge introduces Foreman. She greets him politely, but she gives him a hard look that suggests that she knows he wasn't on his way to church.

Ric and Mario have gone to Chili's for dinner. Ric notes that Gonzo, Mateo, and Uriel are sitting nearby, and Gonzo is drunk as usual. Mario mischievously suggests sending a bottle to their table. Ric orders them some good rum in hopes of getting to join them at their table and hearing Gonzo babble all kinds of secrets. It works. The grateful men welcome them happily.

After dinner, which we don't see, Foreman and Lafont go somewhere else (maybe it's just the inn where Foreman's staying) for a drink. Foreman notes that Ricardo seems nervous about the deal. Lafont says that Jorge has to protect his reputation, but he'll agree to it. Lafont hems and haws a bit and timidly (or mock-timidly) asks if Ricardo is a pirate. Foreman chuckles demurely and says "I know him as a businessman, but there's not much difference between a businessman and a pirate." Lafont pretends to be amused by the non-answer. "And what if he were?" Foreman asks. Lafont hints that Ric might be messing in their affairs.

He confides that the last time they did a caravan assault, they had no idea what was in those trunks, but one was filled with jewels fit for a king, and the other was filled with gold coins. Then Ric started looking for his money, someone broke into Lafont's house but didn't steal anything of value - clearly they were looking for something, because they broke in twice. (Foreman must be really unimpressed with Lafont's security team; geese would have done a better job.) He thinks it was Ricardo.

Foreman seems grimly amused by this tale - it was daring of them to steal from Ric, he says, and based on the rest of the story, Ric probably knows about the caravan assaults. "I think so," Lafont says. "I DON'T LIKE THAT," Foreman says. "No, me neither," Lafont adds hurriedly. But if Foreman can confirm that Ric's a pirate, then they'll have something they can barter with Ric.

Foreman doesn't think Ric cares what Lafont and his men do. Lafont explains that Ric has a letter of recommendation from Don Gaspar de Valdes.

Back to Chili's. Mateo are talking about the new girls at the whorehouse - two are very pretty and another one is supposedly a virgin, but they're going to auction her off. Gonzo slurs, "I want her for myself. Thanks." (Don't forget, ladies - he's siiiiiiiiin-gle!) Uriel asks Ric if he isn't interested. Mario explains that Ric's been married only a short time.

Ric asks if Jorge is coming. Uriel says some foreigner came by today, and he's probably with him. Ric says he met the English guy a few years ago, in Cartegena, the guy was studying the natural sciences. "Are you sure of that?" tactful Uriel asks. "Are you sure he's not a pirate?" Mario pretends to be amused and baffled by the question.

"Right here, the only pirate is YOU," Gonzo says. Ric plays dumb. Mateo tries to write it off as Gonzalo's drunkenness, but Gonzo is spilling the cats. He is letting the beans out of the bag, big time. He tells them how he went to La Mariana and they told him that he's really Ricardo de Salamanca, aka El Antillano. His friends try to hush him, but he's like a freshman at a frat party. He says Foreman must be a pirate too, and...

He wants to say more, but his friends distract him and he decides to talk about something else... Jorge! He says Jorge is dishonest, he's a cheat and a crummy friend, and Ric took away the woman that was meant for him, y'know, the miller's daughter, who became a rich widow.

Ric interrupts to defend his wife's honor. Gonzo says she's a slut - first she slept with the blacksmith, then with -

But Ric has knocked him to the floor and pulled a knife on him. One more word and it will be his last. His friends tell Ric the guy's been drinking nonstop for days. Ric doesn't care. If Gonzo mentions Camila's name again, he dies. "Okay, sorry" Gonzalo mutters. "And if he doesn't kill you, I will," Mario adds, resting his foot on Gonzo's chest. "Just 'cuz you strike me as a real fathead."

"You're a fathead too," Gonzo answers, and blows an all-too-rare telenovela raspberry at Mario, who follows Ric out.

An employee is trying to disperse the curious crowd, which includes Marcelino and I think the judge. Uriel and Mateo try to get Gonzo to leave. He's still yelling about Ric being a pirate.

Mario and Ric arrive home, talking about the confrontation and wondering if Gonzo would have said that if he was sober. Mario notes that the man seemed resentful towards Jorge. He wonders, if Ascanio can't help them, maybe Santi would? If Jorge recognizes him and he goes to live at the palace, he could "find out" some things. Ric doesn't want to ask any favors of him - Santi hates him because of Camila. If their places were reversed, he'd feel the same way.

Mario again tries to get Ric to pack up the plantation and go, where the women will be safe and they'll have a chance to think of what to do. Ric pauses as if to answer (or to listen to the background music). Then he turns and goes into the house without saying anything.

He updates Cami on the new developments: everyone seems pretty sure he's a pirate, but they don't have proof. He doesn't think they found out from Foreman. On the other hand, Ric knows that they've been robbing the caravans and selling the swag to Foreman, but he can't prove that either.

AND there's still that letter. She thinks it's nowhere. He thinks they have it, but are waiting until Foreman leaves. It appears, Ric says, that having Foreman around is cramping their style. He's unpredictable - he could be your best friend or a deadly enemy. He's like a scorpion who must be treated with care.

He reminds her again of the letter and the doom that will befall them if it comes up: the judge rules in favor of Lis, and the only way out of it for Camila is money that they don't have. There are two ways to get around it. First, he can sell one of his boats and his mother's house, buy some merchandise, and go up the coast, maybe as far north as New York if necessary, selling it off.

The other way out is to take to the sea with his peeps and go to the "country house." (I assume he means La Iguana?) She doesn't like this, but the legal way will take a long time, because it takes months just to break even. She says she can wait. He can't, though, because they'll put her in debtors' prison, where she could be bought by anyone, and he couldn't take it. She says she could, though! Ric thinks she'll end up at the hands of Jorge. She STILL doesn't care. Maybe it's her destiny. "It's not mine!" he answers. He's not going to let his wife sleep in some other man's bed while he tries to straighten out his life.

She says she just doesn't want him to die! He says he'd prefer it. They can't sit around and wait. Yet again she suggests that Bernabe, having always been such a sweet boy when they were kids, destroyed the ED letter. Ric is amazed that she can still have so much faith in others, but the world doesn't work that way. They can't afford to wait for the anvil to fall. They need to find a solution.

She's upset that he can't retire as planned. He swears that he wants to, but he didn't say it would be easy. It's not her fault. He tells her never to doubt his love for her, he loves her more than his life. Whatever he ends up doing, it will be with her in mind.

She says she's afraid. He says there's always fear, and it must be defeated. She sits on his lap. He asks her to believe in him. He swears on the blood of Christ that he will always put her ahead of his own desires and safety. Kisses. He begs her to set aside her "scruples" and their agreement not to go to bed before they can be properly legally remarried, because they need it. She agrees. There's some serious kissing. Now she's on top, and... aw, commercial, dammit!

Next day, the twins are unhappy with Ascanio for not keeping them informed. Ascanio says Santi didn't say it was okay to tell them what's going on. Crispin (or Pancho) angrily says Santi's more their friend than his. Fortunately, Santi shows up and asks what's going on. Ascanio explains that they've been asking about him. Santi apologizes and says he didn't feel like talking to anyone before. He says nothing's going to change - the forge belongs to his family (the one that raised him). The twins are relieved.

He asks Ascanio about the search for a new wagon; Ascanio says he's found one, but it's not cheap. They go to look at it.

Someone (the judge?) meets with Marcelino. They discuss what happened last night at Chili's; the judge (if that is the judge) says he's still impactado over what he heard last night. Marcelino tries to brush it off as drunken ravings, but the judge (if) says drunks and children always tell the truth. Marcelino insists that Ricardo is a gentleman. The judge (I guess he is the judge) says he's got something that proves Ric isn't such a gentleman as Marcelino thinks. Marce is tantalized, but the judge isn't sure he can tell him. He wants to make sure that Jorge is informed.

The two then squabble at the entrance of the building, each wanting the other to go first. Finally they try to get through the door at the same time.

Vasco goes to Ofelia's looking for... well, first he asks for Santi, then he asks for Ofelia, I half-expect him to inquire about the pigs next. He ends up visiting Rita, who is in bed, feeling lousy due to all of her recent disappointments - her MIL is giving her a hard time, and Santi even told Rita not to meddle when he was talking to his mother.

Vasco pulls up a chair to listen (he is turning into quite the saint!!). She dramatically says that she doesn't get why they're making such a drama out of this great blessing. It's so dumb of Santi, in Rita's opinion, to reject Jorge. She's not sure if Santi's really going to reject him or not, since he was only willing to discuss it with his mother. (As if Rita's opinion is such a secret.) He doesn't take her opinion into account. He has to think of his child. His mother thinks she's just being greedy, but they don't have to go on being poor.

Vasco he says he can understand it - Jorge abused both Santi's mother and Camila.

The mention of Camila's name causes Rita's eyes to roll back. When they roll forward again, Grita takes over. She says she could understand being upset about what happened to Ofelia, but she insists that Camila deserved to be raped by Jorge because she was always such a flirt. She was asking for it. To prove her point, Grita offers the fact that Jorge never attempted to "exercise his right" with her. (Rather than offer an alternative explanation as to why Jorge wouldn't come near her, Vasco tactfully concedes the point.) She talks about how she'd love for her baby to be born at the palace. "That'd be nice," Vasco says vaguely as she stares happily into space.

Mario is telling Ric that Gonzo, the drunk, has a grudge against Ric, but the other two (Mateo and Uriel) seem friendly. Ric says that if Jorge and Lafont take Foreman up on his offer concerning the contraband, they'll have Uriel sell the stuff at his store. Mario thinks the stuff will probably be supplied by El Chino - he's their buddy. Ric points out that this is business. He is frustrated that those guys could have gotten mixed up with French or Dutch pirates or whatever, and that would have been fine, but no, now Ric may have to betray his own people, and he can't do that. Mario says that if Foreman were in their shoes, he wouldn't think twice about it. He'd send Ric to the gallows with his hand on the rope.

Cami and Jimena show up just in time to barely miss this last morbid comment. They prepare to go out for breakfast. Mario says he needs to go talk to Uriel at the store. Jimena is curious, but Mario flirts with her and says she doesn't need to know. Pablo rushes in and breathlessly tells them that "the guy who was here yesterday" (I think he's being vague for the ladies' benefit) is here again.

Evidently, Foreman tells Ric about the conversation he had with Jorge and Lafont last night, but claims that he would NEVER betray a colleague; what about Ric? Ric says he doesn't need to - he's sure they (Jorge and Lafont) know he's John Foreman, since they rob the king's caravans and logically would have to sell the stuff to an English pirate. And here he is. Foreman then voices his own suspicion: what's Ric doing way out here?

Pablo, Mario, and the gateman watch from a discreet distance. Pablo (who seems to be slightly out of the loop) thinks Foreman is up to something. Mario just says "we'll see."

Uriel is telling Lafont all about the incident last night at Chili's: Gonzo said that he was told that Ric is Salamanca, el Antillano, and the Englishman's a pirate and mercenary too. Uriel and Mateo were able to shut him up before he had a chance to blab about the stolen loot. Lafont is horrified by Gonzo's stupidity. Uriel also mentions the remarks Gonzo made about Jorge being a cheat, then said Camila was a slut, at which point Ric had had enough, and it was a miracle he didn't kill him. Lafont says it's too bad he didn't. Uriel says Gonzo's been drunk for days, and it's difficult to control him. Lafont says he'll take care of it.

Uriel asks again about marrying Manuela. Lafont says he hasn't decided yet. Uriel says maybe Lafont doesn't think he's a decent guy, but that's not fair - they're friends. Lafont says how would you like it if he had a daughter of his own and one of his fellow evildoers wanted to marry her. Uriel says something like it's not as good to have met someone as it is to know them. Ugh, well, however this idiomatic expression translates, it's probably icky. It disgusts Lafont, in any case.

Foreman says, since he and Ric are speaking frankly, Lafont told him that someone broke in twice without stealing anything, and thinks it was Ric. Maybe looking for some sign of the money they stole? Ric says that those guys may have stolen it, but if so it's vanished. Why waste energy looking for it?

Next, Foreman observes, Ric's got a well-connected godfather. Ric's looking to retire and be pardoned; perhaps he's here on some mission for Gaspar? Ric says he hasn't seen Gaspar in ages.

Ric tells Foreman he's got no beef with him, and thanks him for giving him the chance to make his money back. He says something about being initiated with a whip and not complaining (Foreman replies that all the new pirates get whipped). Ric says he needs to find his own life. Foreman worries that Ric will find that life by turning them in. Ric emphasizes that he would never turn in a colleague. Foreman asks again if Ric is doing an errand for his godfather. Ric flatly says no.

Jimena is calling Camila a hypocrite because she went to bed with Ric and then slept in a different room. Camila said she didn't mean to do it. She didn't want to. (Jimena worries that he forced her.) Camila clarifies; she didn't want to because it's not right. Jimena scolds her for being so stubborn and complicating her life. Cami says she's not complicating it - it's already complicated.

Clotilde is telling Fran and Lis that Foreman just left, as did Ric, Mario, Camila, and Jimena. Also, Ric and Camila are no longer sleeping in the same room, ever since she came back. Fran thanks Clotilde (what, no tip?) and sends her out. Fran grabs her parasol and says it's time to see Sofia. As for those two sleeping in separate rooms, Fran's sure that won't last very long. Lis says maybe he'll get tired of her! Fran scoffs.

Ric, Mario, and their dates go out for breakfast (or lunch - hard to tell, the captions always cover the food). Ric apprises them of his talk with Foreman - his suspicions about Ric being on a mission for Gaspar. He denied it, but Foreman won't just take his word for it. Mario doesn't think there's any way he can find out. Ric says they need to carry out their plan. Mario says it's too dangerous, and again pitches his own idea that they go away for a while, then come back with money. Ric nixes this. They split up for their errands and agree to meet later.

Santi and Ascanio are talking about buying an old wagon and fixing it up, and getting a sturdier horse, when Santi glimpses the happy foursome and gets distracted. Ascanio makes a slightly disapproving face as Santi hobbles away grumpily.

Mario goes to the store and asks for Uriel. The clerk tells him that Uriel went to see Lafont. Mario says he'll come back.

Santi gets to Jorge's just as Marcelino is leaving. Marcelino promises to have some documents (which may or may not be interesting to us) ready tomorrow. On seeing Santiago, he stares in awe and bows deeply and profusely. Jorge starts telling Santi that being señor is hard work. Settling disputes about cows wandering off their pastures, and such. Everybody thinks it must be the good life, good food and drink, having fun, but don't you believe it, there's more trouble than pleasure. (I just realized, he's appealing to Santi's sense of unfun!)

He needs someone who can help him, and who better than his son? He reaches for a hug and Santi steps back and reminds him of that time when Jorge crippled him for trying to defend Cami. He says likewise, Jorge can't be happy with the particular son that God gave him. Jorge says they can come to an understanding. He tries to shame Santi with religious talk of forgiveness. It doesn't work.

Fran and Liz are hanging around outside the palace; Lis is worried that they haven't seen Lafont. Fran says the message he sent was perfectly clear; it (the processing of the ED letter as evidence) is in the works. Soon she'll have her inheritance.

They run into Fortunata and Sofia. Fran says they were just on their way to visit, because something awful has happened.

Santi is sitting now and listening to Jorge. Jorge is explaining why Ursula isn't a viable heir, even if she produces a son of her own; he'll have a different name and live somewhere else. Santi thinks there could be another son, but Jorge says no, just this one who's grown up just right. He writes off his abuse of Ofelia as a "youthful indiscretion." Santi tells him not to blame it on youthful indiscretions, because he hasn't outgrown them. Jorge says "we are who we are." Santiago says okay, but we also have to make things right.

He is specifically referring to Jorge's non-rape of Camila. Jorge is upset that Santi knows about this, and claims that at least he's got one less whimsical act on his conscience. He asks if Santi doesn't feel a little better about it. Santi says it's a relief, but he wants Jorge to go public with it! Jorge feels that it's all water under the bridge now; justice doesn't exist in this world, and he doesn't want to make a total ass of himself in front of the whole world; instead, he's trying to make it up by recognizing Santi. Santi says he'd rather he made it up by clearing Camila's name.

Jorge tries to get Santi to see that it's more important to have all of Jorge's power and stuff. Santi says he doesn't care for such things, and people already respect him, and he already has a very respectable name. "So why did you come here?" Jorge asks. He urges Santi to forget about Camila - she belongs to someone else now. Santi says that's Jorge's fault - if he hadn't messed with Camila, she'd be Santi's wife now. (Huh? Who's to say Juancho wouldn't have stolen her anyway?) Jorge claims it wasn't even his idea - his friends made him do it! He went to her in the bedroom, but didn't do anything.

Santi insists that Jorge must announce it publicly so that everyone knows that he didn't violate his ex-future wife. Jorge gets impatient and says Santi can't demand anything from him; Jorge is already doing him a big favor, giving him the means to go from lowly blacksmith to highfalutin' señor. Santi says it's no honor to be the son of a man that everyone thinks raped the woman who was to be his wife. He storms out. Jorge notes with amusement that Santiago lacks the breeding to ever give him a proper goodbye.

During the commercial break, Fran tells her side of the story to Sofia and Fortunata. Fortunata is amazed that Ric would put up with this behavior from Camila. Fran says it's because he's in love with her. Sofia says she's never seen Camila be rude to anyone, but Fran says people change. Anyone, the real problem is Jimena, but Camila always protects her. Fran says that just yesterday, Jimena tried to attack Lisabeta. (Fortunata makes a comical exclamation about "harrassing a blind girl".) Sofia doesn't seem convinced, but agrees to put them up for a while. They're thinking of going back to La Mariana eventually.

Lis expresses concern that Ursula and Jorge might not like having them around. She got the impression that Ursula didn't like them. Sofia waves this off as fancy, but says she'll speak to Ursula. Lis sheds some crocodile tears, saying her life has been so difficult since the death of her father. Sofia's expression is neutral, if not aloof. Fortunata makes sympathetic noises; Fran thanks them and thanks God. Sofia conceals 97% of her disgust, but there's impatience in her face as she turns slightly away. Lis cocks her head, as if trying to interpret the rustle of Sofia's curls.

Santi hits the forge on the way home and tells Ascanio they're going to test-drive something tomorrow. Then he gets home, where Rita fans herself and complains of the heat and fatigue as her mother works with some herbs. She asks Santi how it went. He breezes past her to get a drink.

A moment ago, Rita said she was too tired to get up and walk around; now she scrambles to follow him in hopes of hearing good news. He says no, Jorge's not going to recognize him, because Santi told him what he thought. "So, you offended him!" she answers. Ofelia tells her that Santi has the right to decide. "Sure, to decide for your family, your child, to give him a better life!" He says his child will have a good life, and dignity goes before money. She asks what's so undignified about being accepted by one's own father.

"Have you forgotten the whole story, my love? That man raped my mother. I don't want him for a father! I don't want to call 'father' a man as selfish and prideful as he! You know what he did? He never raped Camila, and all this time he said that he did." (Ascanio and the twins are watching from a distance, concerned.)

Once again, the mention of Camila turns Rita (who is bad enough already) into Grita. "I can't believe it. It wasn't your mother that mattered - only Camila!" Santi says he cares about both of them, and he asked him to deny the rape publicly, and he refused. She shouts at him for thinking that a señor would say something so ridiculous in front of the whole town (thanks to Grita, they all know now anyway). He asks if she would prefer that he look like a coward, just for the money.

"All this is for Camila. I'm sick of you not being able to get her out of your head!" she screams. He claims that it's not for Camila, it's for his own dignity. (I still think this is an extremely convoluted attitude to take towards the NON-rape of his sweetie!)

Ofelia yells "Enough! For God's sake, enough!!" Grita says it is indeed enough, she's sick of being marginalized, her husband and her MIL prefer that - that SLUT! Santi tries to tell her that her sister isn't a slut, but after insisting that certainly Camila's a slut, Grita doubles over with pain. Ofelia tells her to breathe deeply, and tells Santi to put her to bed.

The baby's not even born yet, and it's already trying to run away!

---

Lunes
Playing the ED card?

Labels: Pasion

A lot happened on tonight's episode.

I guess Los Burques had to dig up the rotting corpse of Miguel and dress it in Hugo's clothes - not a fun job but they are used to dealing with corpses. That grave has been dug up so many times it must be pretty easy to move the dirt. In confessing to Eloisa, Hugo says that the corpse was face down in the in the coffin so that is why Alcides didn't see that it was Miguel.

Why did Alcides confess to Eloisa the really horrible crime of letting Hugo be buried alive while concealing the fact that he and Arturo set up the carriage accident?

It was not clear to me why Soledad and Enrico had to run from his lair except to have her fall off a cliff. It didn't appear that Hugo actually had found the place. Hugo got the psychic message that Soledad was close by while Soledad, who said previously that she could always tell Hugo from Alcides, decides that it is Alcides approaching because of his clothes.

Anyway, for those who are interested in my trip, it was a tour run by Wings, a birdwatching tour company. A description of where we went is on their website: http://wingsbirds.com/tours/view/33 . When I put my photos (scenery - I take video of birds) on Flickr, I'll post the URL. This was my first time in South America - I've been to Central America and Mexico birdwatching many times. I really liked Ecuador and I got to see an Andean Condor, which was really neat - plus about 250 other bird species!

Labels: la traicion

Hi Everybody - I'm back from from Ecuador. I had a great time, saw a lot of birds and made all my plane connections in spite of a winter storm here in New Jersey the day that I left. 

Labels: la traicion

I’m sorry for the delay, I had forgotten how long it took to recap, and overestimated my abilities ;) I’m substituting for Jeanne. Enjoy.

We begin with the end of Thursday’s show
(I took the liberty of copying the end of Sylvia’s recap)

Our poor disconsolate Juan lumbers down the street. Uh oh, who should drive up but the Obni Cabbie. "Hola little friend," he yells, honking and taunting. The fool even has a fare in the cab! He stops and asks Juan if he wants to go to the beauty salon to have his lion's mane styled, or maybe to buy some roses? That's all Juan, in his funk, needs to hear. He tries to pull the cabbie from the vehicle but the cabbie drives off, leaving Juan to kick the departing cab in frustration. Juan curses the idiot taxista and thought bubbles that he doesn't want to drown in anger or he might end up writing his sad memoirs from a jail cell. He tells his white dove to sing, God knows how much he loves her. "Sing, dove, sing, while my soul cries."His Palomita cries on Mari's shoulder. Boo hoo, she's stuck with CL and she wants to be with Juan. She feels like she's the worst woman in the world. (You are, you are!!) Mari sweetly consoles her saying nobody thinks that." (But we do, we do!!) Pau insists she is the worst, not only did she kill her own dream but she killed Juan's too. She'll be miserable to CL and to her own child, the most innocent of all. She is a Complete Failure as a woman. Mari tries to comfort her, the picture looks bleak but it will look better, Pau's not a failure, blah blah say the right thing and pat the hand.Juan is awash in a wave of memories...the first time he saw Pau, some happy times, making love times, her marriage to CL, and his own fantasies. He finds himself in a church where he does his funny curtsy. He asks if God is laughing at him. Maybe things are happening for the benefit of all, but there is one poor man, a fool and a blockhead, who cannot see as far as God. He asks God to show him a ray of light, or even lend a hand to help support the pain that is eating away his soul. Juan prays that he feels very alone and he asks God one last thing, please don't let go of his hand

__________________________


At the Cachon residence Alirio yells at Nidia that he is well aware that he’ll never have her love, however he’ll never desist. He might be a crazy jealous old man, but he’ll never add to the number of divorcees. He “jamas!” never will divorce her. Nidia then calmy states that this means war, and if he wants war, war is what he shall get.

Juan arrives to Anga’s warehouse and asks remolacha for Kike and Juanito. He tells him that they went to the amusement park. In the mean time Kike is prepping Juanito. He is telling him that he has to be strong for his father. Juan arrives thinking about his Palomita and how this was the same place he brought her for a date. Juanito sees his dad and yells “Papa”. They hug

At Xochimilco the Achi Lovelies (thank you Silvya for coming out with a name so appropriate for them) are enjoying themselves, in particular the evil Lorena. She distracts a guy and makes him fall in the water. She laughs the others scold her and call her “pérfida” (I love this word is up there with energumeno) it means callous, wicked, malicious, etc. She just laughs. A trajinera with a couple of guys approaches. Lorena starts flirting and dares them to fight for her; she’ll go out with the best one.

Paula drives Marely to the office. Marely is worried for Paula, she doesn’t want her to drive by herself, but Paula tells her she is feeling better and that she can’t cry for Juan forever. Marely is glad that Paula is in a better mood, and tells her that for now on she needs to take care of herself and be very careful because CL “no tiene ni un pelito de tonto” Cl is not stupid (Lit. not even one of his little hairs is stupid or dumb) Paula can’t believe he doesn’t trust her. Marely points out that he is right, she (Paula) had a meeting with another man (touché!) We are treated to a little bit of Paula’s convoluted logic. She says that since CL didn’t know that she had a date with her ex, he shouldn’t distrust her, furthermore she is expecting his child and she gave him her word, so there! Let me see if I understood. Let’s say that there was a tray of cookies and I told you I was not going to eat the cookies and when you left I ate one and when you came back and you asked me about the missing cookie I have the right to be offended because you shouldn’t distrust me because you don’t know for a FACT that I had eaten the cookie, even though, I HAD eaten the cookie… yeah it all makes sense to me now. Marely says that Paula should forget about the things that CL does wrong and concentrate on making her marriage work for the sake of her child. Paula says she’ll try.

Pastor is at Farrell. He tells CL that he’s willing to come back to Farrell as the new Vice-president with the corresponding salary increase. CL tells him not to worry about that, he’ll get everything that was offered to him and more. Pastor is very happy and wants to know when he can start. CL says as soon as possible because he(CL) needs him(Pastor) to make the “snakes” (the other employees) produce something more than poison. He finishes his little speech with a big hug and a “welcome back to Farrell”

Juan is at an amusement park talking to Kike, somehow Kike let’s out that he knew about the pregnancy before Juan. Juan blows a gasket, he starts yelling at poor kike he calls him a treacherous demon, a Judas; while he is still yelling insults at Kike we hear Juan thought bubbling that he was very unfair to poor Kike, and the only good thing he got when he lost the love of his life is that he found out who his real friends where.

Paula arrives to her house. Consuelo tells her that she looks awful, does she want a chicken soup? It would make her feel better since she looks so worn-out. Paula says that she is not hungry and the tiredness she feels is not of the body but of the soul, and there is nothing to be done about that. She runs to her room hugs her teddy bear and cries her heart out, while having a flash back of the happy times she spent with Juan.

At Farrell CL is telling Pastor the big mistake he made when he believed Yvonne. He shouldn’t have distrusted Paula, especially now that she is expecting his child. He wants to put things right with Paula. Pastor is touched. –So you have decided to fight for your marriage with the woman you love? CL tells Pastor not to be ridiculous. Paula has hurt him very deeply. She lied to him; she left him to go looking for “el mugroso” (lit. scruffy looking person). No he is not doing this for love, he is doing it for pride; nobody is going to steal his woman. Pastor adds that nobody should steal his child either. CL says that the child came at the right time “como anillo al dedo” (lit. like ring to the finger). He confesses to Pastor that he is just acting like a concerned father because he wants to stop her for running after Juan, especially now that he is in Mexico. Pastor feigns surprise; he says he didn’t know that Juan was back. CL wants to know where his enemy is and finish him. CL looks a Pastor and tells him that his first mission is to find Juan. Impactado face from Pastor.

At Xochimilco the Achi Lovelies are having a hard time. The guys are trying to pull Lorena to their trajinera, and the girls are trying to keep her on theirs, with so much pushing and shoving everybody falls to the water.

At Farrell, CL is telling Pastor that he wants to separate Juan from his wife in a more permanent way. Pastor asks if he means to kill Juan. CL tells Pastor not to be stupid, he wouldn’t dirty his hands for that “mugroso”, and he can always find somebody else to scare Juan. Pastor says that he thinks that now that Juan knows that Paula is pregnant, he’ll forget about her. CL doesn’t care he wants to know where is Juan and also wants to hire somebody to follow Paula, because he is afraid Paula will try to get rid of the baby. Pastor doesn’t believe this and tries to explain to CL about the maternal instinct, but CL doesn’t want to hear about it. Pastor says he will find somebody to follow Paula.

Juan and Juanito are still at the Amusement Park. Juanito is doing everything in his power to brighten up Juan’s mood. He offers him cotton candy, and tries to make him laugh, but he realizes his father won’t be able to enjoy himself so he asks to go back home. Juan wants his son to have a good time, so feigns happiness, but Juanito sees right through him. He tells him he is tired and just wants to go home. Juan agrees, but before he needs to go apologize to Kike, can Juanito come with him? Juanito just tells his father that he is a disaster.
Nacho (Yadira’s teacher) and his wife are at their house arguing. The wife accuses him of flirting with Yadira and all the young beautiful students. He accuses her of putting him down all the time. She says that that’s not true, while calling him demeaning names. Nacho just can’t stand her anymore he asks for a divorce. Impactada face from wife.

Yadira is telling Marely all about the fight, and how Maestro Topete defended her from his wife. Yadira doesn’t want to go back to the University; Marely tells her that she shouldn’t stop her studies just because of a jealous wife, however she should be very careful and not to flirt with Maestro Topete, other wise she’ll have a very dangerous enemy at school.

The Achi Lovelies ended up in jail. They are fighting among themselves and don’t know what Juan will do when he finds out.

Juan and Juanito arrive to the Cachon residence. It is dinner time and they are invited to stay.

At Alga’s house, Alga is telling Pastor all about Nidia, Delfina and his little chat with Delirio. Alga says that the ball is now in Nidia’s court. He will wait and see if she is ready to give up the money for him. Pastor says that Nidia could lose more than just the money. Alga says that he knows, and that’s precisely why he’ll know that Nidia really loves him.

After dinner, Juan tells Kike that he wants to talk to him. Delirio offers his professional services. Juan says that they are not going to talk about business, their talk is personal.

At CL’s and Paula’s house, CL is trying to make Paula eat. He apologizes profusely about his distrust. Paula says that right know she can’t forgive him, she wants to be let alone and time will help them heal their marriage. CL says fine, but eat something, do it for the child. She takes a little tiny bite, CL smiles.

Juan and Kike are talking; Juan asks for forgiveness, Kike plays hard to get for a little. Finally he forgives him; Juan swears he won’t do it again. Kike being Kike tells him that he was in part responsible because he should have told him about Paula pregnancy. Juan says non-sense, Kike was right; Paula was the one that was supposed to tell him. Juan changes the conversation and asks Kike if he found the glamour teacher for his little wild flowers, Kike says he forgot. Juan says they need to find somebody to help them transform his girls.

At Laura’s house, Laura and Monica are talking about Pastor. Laura wants to know if they are talking about the same Pastor that they fired because he was stealing from the company. Monica says that in effect he is the same Pastor, and they had to re-hire him because he was stealing their clients, and also because he is CL counselor. Laura hints that maybe Pastor is more than CL’s counselor. Monica just laughs and tells her that CL is a womanizer and will die a womanizer. The bell rings. Monica wonders who is knocking at the door. Laura mockingly tells her that is her destiny ringing the bell. Monica laughs and opens the door. It is Gustavo Rivas (I think it is Monica’s old boyfriend) Impactada face from Monica.

Delirio and Nidia are arguing. Nidia is tired of having to hear Delirio, so she decides to go to sleep some where else. Delirio keeps on bothering her he tells her that wherever she goes her conscience goes with her because changing husbands is not like changing underwear. Nidia just leaves him talking to himself. She goes to Marely’s room and asks if she can stay there. She explains that she can’t stand him anymore. Marely understands and let her stay, but she wonders if maybe the main reason that Nidia is still married to Delirio is because there is a dark secret and he is black mailing her. Nidia says that she is imagining things and just to turn on the TV

At jail Delfina is trying to find Juan. She calls the hotel and he is not there. She makes another call this time to Nidia’s house. Delirio answers and very rudely informs her that Juan is not there. The guard doesn’t want to let her make another call. Delfina calls him colonel and begs for a last chance. The guard lets her call the hotel. She leaves a message for Juan.

Juan and Juanito arrive to the hotel to find the bad news that the girls are at jail.

Kike is trying to convince Yadira to forgive him for going out with Juan and the girls. Yadira doesn’t want to forgive him. He starts telling him about Juan and his problems and how Juan is trying to find the good side of things. Yadira says that maybe kike should have married Juan.

Speaking of Juan, he is at jail bailing out the Achi Lovelies. They try to apologize, but Juan won’t hear about it he lets them have it. Delfina asks Juanito why is Juan so mad. Juanito tells her about Paula. Delfina says that she new that Paula was going to break Juan’s heart.

Juan is trying to make Juanito go to sleep. Juanito says he won’t sleep until he sleeps. Juanito then suggests that he’ll tell him a story to help him sleep. Juan agrees and Juanito starts telling a story about a little deer that had lost his father. Juan thought bubbles that this is the reason why he should fight and obtain success. The only way he could make his son happy was through his example. He needed to show his son how to be happy.
The end

Labels: Juan

While Mili and Al are out at the restaurant, Hugo is plotting in his lair: he vows that Alex will get it, and he won't know where the blow came from. He'll pay the way Hugo has paid.

Alex and Mili continue their romantic dinner. Mili eats three portions of chocolate mousse. She looks like she's having one of those elegant dessert tasting presentations with three little bowls of mousse. Alex proposes and gives her a tacky, blingy necklace with the letter M encrusted in pave diamonds. She swoons. He kisses her, showing his ponytail at a nice angle.

Rorgan and Horacio talk about the missing daughter. Seems like Rorgan is going to practice psychology on Horacio again. Poor Horacio--he is muy amargo: bitter.

Over at his lair, Braulio has donned a
hairnet. He must be the spawn of Pee Wee Herman and Ruth Buzzi of Laugh-In. (Okay, that dates me a lot.) He talks to his puppet and looks at photos of his sister. He vows to get back what belongs to him from the imposter.

Alex and Mili come home from dinner and have a cute good night kiss. He calls her "mi Carlitos."
Hugo hovers, of course.
Mili now chats with Hugo in the kitchen. Duh. She tells him she went out with her friend Gloria to a film, but she can't think of the name. Hugo then yells at her that she is lying, and breaks glass.

Next morning, Braulio tells Regina that he must tell her something grave.

Roxana shows up for breakfast with Luciana. Damien is surprised to see her. So is Karla. She tells him that his sister invited her. She tells Damien that she sees he still likes the servants.
Under her breath, she says that he won't fool around with her daughter !

Socorro is cleaning up the broken glass in the kitchen. Karla and Horacio talk about how it's bad luck. Horacio learns that Roxana is there and he runs out to confront her in a dark hallway while a gigantic nude marble statue looks on. She tells him that he has no daughter. She cheated on him with some guy Rogelio. He is shocked. She tells him that he showed something to his woman "de recadera" (can't find translation) and he lacked pants. I suppose she is telling him that he was never man enough for her, or something.

Luciana walks in, and she covers by thanking Horacio for the gardening advice--she's grateful because there are many embusteros (cheaters) out there. . .

Rorgan, Braulio and Regina get in the limo and follow Carlos in a cab. Rorgan is happy that he got to do something like in the movies.

Horacio tells Socorro that he was mistaken about his daughter. Must have been wishful thinking. Don't give up so easily!

Roxana takes Lina aside and warns her about bad men. Don't worry, says Lina--she's not giving anything up without the little piece of paper. Roxana tells her that the checkbook is even more important. Then they discuss Horacio. Lina says he's wonderful and loves her like a daughter.
Roxana then asks her about her mother. Lina gets an angry look and says she has no mother. Her mother was a jealous animal and left.

Over at Casa Carlos, he is unmasked when his real mother opens the door for Regina and company.

Now Mili, the idiot, goes into Hugo's room. Why oh why? There is simply no explanation for this, as she supposedly knows by now that he is no good. Hugo tells Mili that he needs her to pose again for that blasted painting. She should take it and put his head through it. That I'd like to see. But no.
He tells her that if he finishes it, he can get over Carmen. She doesn't have to pose nude--she can wear a robe. Well, the dummy agrees to this! She goes in the other room to change. Hugo smirks.

Luciana is now telling Alex that she's glad he's through with that golddigger Andrea, but she says Mili is really no better. All those servants are not to be trusted--she knows from experience. This is setting us up nicely for the next few scenes, of course.

Karla comes in while Mili is changing, and she is dispatched.

Mili comes out in the robe and is very nervous. Hugo poses her in a contorted way.

Sergio comes upon Val in her bikini by the pool. She reveals that she's really Connie's daughter. She had lied to test him. She was afraid he might be like all the others, wanting her for her money (well, it can't be for her sparkling wit).
He kisses her and tells her that she's all that matters.

Showcase showdown! Regina has assembled the relevant parties to unmask Carlos, and even better, that beast Damien.

Meanwhile, Alex enters the art studio without knocking. Mili asks him if he needs something, and he says no--he has eyes!

Regina is demanding a change in the business operations. She really chews out Damien: how could you play with my feelings, all I hold sacred, when you knew how much I wanted this. You are the worst human being ever. (I don't know--I wouldn't have called him a human being.)

Luciana tells Carlos to get out before she calls the police (oh, yeah, way to close the barn door after the horse has gone).

Regina demands that Connie throw Damien out. Regina thinks Luciana was involved too, but Damien insists she was not.

Regina now is left alone with Connie. She is so upset--she will not see her grandchild before she dies. Connie promises to help. Braulio looks on with tears in his eyes. Connie then says to himself: Mom, if you only knew about Mili . . . but I can't tell you the truth.

Alex has fled to his room where he says his mother was right. Mili tries to talk to him, but he's having none of it. He asks if she thinks he is stupid. No, she said but sordo--deaf. He yanks off her necklace and says she doesn't deserve it.

Mili, the twit, is in tears talking to . . . you guessed it, Hugo!! He now takes advantage of her state and says, Don't forget that I love you. Fortunately, she's having none of that.

Luciana has her brother alone and chews him out for what he did. He says no one understands him. He is a lost soul. He's always been the bad one while she was the good one, is the apparent gist. He did what he did because he was desperate, but believe him, he never meant to hurt his gravy train, er, sister. Proving that blood is thicker than water (but not as thick as her head, Luciana quickly decides to indulge her perfidious sibling: How much money do you need? she asks. Damien smirks. The vast array of human foibles are certainly on display in this show. (But I have to ask, if the money came from Luciana's and Damien's father, why doesn't Damien have more money? He must have gambled away his share.)

Alex is now following Mom's example and drowning his sorrows in some Jacqueca. He calls Mili a maldita farsante (or a damned charlatan).

Over at the office, Luciana, Braulio and Regina are waiting in the lobby. It appears that Regina doesn't want to ride in the same car with her daughter-in-law, so she says she will take a taxi alone. Luciana expresses concern about about her aged mother-in-law, but Braulio says that Regina gives the orders, and he follows.

Now Mili comes in on Alex's drunken revel. He calls her the queen of lies. I was a gentleman and took you to the restaurant for a classy evening, but you are just doing it with my cousin. She says he is saying things that she can never forgive. You forgive me? he says, are you crazy? No, she says, the crazy one is you.

Next chapter: Braulio is searching for something in his room.
Hugo and Andrea plot. They will now be able to keep Alex and Mili apart forever.

Alex and Mili argue some more. He holds up money. He asks how much she wants, and how much she gave his cousin!

Labels: guapos

This week and next I'm subbing for Chris. Unfortunately, I've been fastforwarding through vast swaths of Pasión lately so if this is a bit weak, I know you'll fill in for me...

Manuela is still sniffling, I would sniffle too contemplating marriage to a guy who uses a whole can of moustache wax every week. And if my dad had a dead animal's tail hanging down between his eyebrows. And he slams her around, too.

Liz, goaded by Auntie, is agonizing over the difficulty of betraying Ric without getting him mad. Auntie sez give up your pitiful unrequited love - if Ric dumps Camila he'll take another woman, and another, but he'll never take you. Cry and then start looking out for your own interests.

Ric and Mario discuss Foreman's visit. Is he really proposing to let them join Jorge and Alberto's Contraband Band? Mario thinks Jorge will now realize Ric is a pirate and will nail him after Foreman leaves; he begs Ric to skedaddle, they should go back to sea and earn the money Camila now owes because she bought the mill, but Ric won't go - he wants to reveal the Contraband Band, and also has to deal with the ED card of which I am very, very tired...

GRita really wants Saintly to ascend in the socio-economic realm and relocate them both to the palace. He's disgusted. She says, "What, you want your son to grow up to be a snot-nosed blacksmith?" Nice comment to make to a blacksmith. He leaves and Ofelia tells GRita she is an impudent, ambitious egotist. Heh.

Ursula sashays down the street with Fortunata, delighted to be sprung from House Arrest, and spots Foreman in the cafe. She goes over to say hi, though it's not proper. He says "I'd buy you a drink, but it wouldn't be proper." Bouffy (Alberto, of the animal tail forelock) asks Foreman about his dinner at Ric's and reminds him he's expected at Casa Jorge that very night. Then Ursula and Fortunata, hanging on his arms, tell him all the local gossip we already know. They stop for a drink - sherry, chocolate, and champagne. Eew.

Bouffy tells Jorge he's changed his mind and now recommends recognizing Saintly as heir. It would secure the lucrative position - one can't be sure Ursula will bear a son - and the lowly people will like having Saintly, one of their own, elevated. It might be good to get Saintly out of town for a while, though, while the Contraband Band is still doing so well - maybe he can be sent to finishing school in the big city, or be set to doing good works to keep him out of their hairdos.

Saintly shows up at the castle while Bouffy is in conference so he talks with Doña Sofia. She explains how she figured out that Saintly was of her husband's seed and says she wants him to accept the inheritance mainly because he'd be a good governor. "I appreciate your interest, but your husband raped my mother and my fiancee." "Your mother, yes, but Camila, no."

Saintly, so impactado. "Well, why did Camila say he did, then?" "No idea."

Ric tells Mario they have to check out some more of Jorge's henchmen in the continuing push to crack the Contraband Band. Gonzalo and Mateo, for instance. "We need to infiltrate, but they won't accept our guys." "How about Ascanio?" "He says he won't help because you haven't told Camila your true name." "Well, I have now, she was upset but she understands."

They see Saintly at the door, he's come to talk with Camila, "You can be present" he tells Ric. Mario isn't invited, though.

They go in. Saintly isn't too happy about Ric's presence but Ric won't leave -- until Saintly gets all emotional about hating his dad. "I hate him, but hating isn't Christian, I must pardon him," and cries etc. so bleghy to guys, so Ric slips out and paces in another room, wondering what's going on, which is: "Did my father rape you?"

Camila's "no" gets Saintly all happy and crying on her shoulder. "But why didn't you tell me?" "He threatened my dad, and by the time I got back you were married to MY SISTER and what was the point of bringing up old stuff?"

Meanwhile, upstairs, Liz tried to get Clotilde (why does she always have her hand up in the air like those ladies on the commercials shilling for laundry detergent?) to spy on this super secret conversation; Clotilde demurred, afraid of getting fired, so Liz went herself. She is stooping at the door, hearing everything ...

... but then Jimena comes along and catches her eavesdropping and shouts, "This is how you found out about the Ed card!!!" and there's a little tussle, Jimena knocks Liz over and calls her a witch...

... Ric comes along, and Jimena rats Liz out, and then Saintly comes out and wants to know what all the fuss is but Ric, frostily, refuses to share the gossip...

Things calm down. Ric asks Camila what the super-secret conversation was about. She tells him. He asks if Saintly will now accept the inheritance. "I dunno -- oh, don't make that sulky face, my dear!" They make up ...

...while Liz, and her dolly and Auntie, back in their bedroom, are sure they'll get thrown out now! Auntie suggests they go live at Jorge's house. "Oh Auntie, I don't want Ric to think I betrayed him." "He betrayed you first..."

Camila and Ric walk and wonder if it's true that Liz spilled the ED card story to Bouffy. "If the card had not been destroyed, then why hasn't it surfaced yet?"

The conversation moves on to Foreman. Camila hopes Ric won't accept Foreman's proposal that he join the Contraband Band.

"But how am I going to make money?" [I LOVED this conversation. --Ed.] "I don't know, dear, but not by robbing, not by contrabanding, and not by piracy." "You don't understand me." "Yes, I do - all you know how to do is murder and steal."

! ! ! ! ! !

He's indignant. "Well, I don't do it for fun, it's just my job. Yes, we're delinquents and assassins, but we are only following orders..."

! ! ! ! ! !

"... as soldiers do. They may be considered heroes while we're villains, but the job is the same."

Now on to Ofelia and Justo, she's saying yet again that she doesn't want Saintly to accept the inheritance because money corrupts and what if he turns out like his father?

Saintly enters and wants to know: "Why did you never tell me that Jorge did not rape Camila?" Justo: "Because I was a coward and Jorge threatened us." "You should have told me! I would have sought her throughout the world." "God willed it this way." Saintly is not at all appeased by this and briefly disses God. Ofelia tells him not to lose his faith.

It's time for dinner at the Big House. Jorge compliments Foreman: "I didn't think a guy with your ... interests ... could be a gentleman." "In our profession, you find all kinds." "Are you affiliated with the English Armada?" "We consider ourselves to be an inferior branch, we have our own ships but we don't get paid, so we have to seek our own compensation."

The reason Alberto wrote to Foreman and invited him now comes out: "The place we have to take the cargo is too far away and therefore too dangerous. We'd prefer that the merchandise be collected closer." "OK, I know a place half a day's journey from here, you can leave the booty and I'll have some guys pick it up." Jorge is surprised that there is a suitable spot so close: "In my lands?" "No, in the adjoining realm, Salvatierra." "Who would pick up the booty?" "People I trust." "Filibusters?" "Yes." "The ones that interfered with our operations?" "'fraid so - they were bored and nervous and needed something to do, it won't happen again."

Back to Ofelia and Saintly, who says he'll go see Jorge tomorrow. Ma is worried about Rita: "Sometimes I think there's a demon in her body." "No, ma, it's my fault, I haven't been a good husband since Camila returned." "We're all at fault - we should have counseled you to wait."

Saintly says he hates Ricardo, there is something hidden inside him. "But look how good he is, he paid for the mill..." "No, he didn't, it was Camila's money, he's an adventurer." "Do you still want Camila?" "I will never stop wanting her."

STRAW POLL: How many of you think Ric will die and Saintly will get Camila? How many of you think, instead, that Saintly will die? Both? Neither?

Foreman says there is a plague of contraband in New Spain. He suggests that Jorge is well-situated to fix all necessary documents. "It's risky." "Not as risky as stealing the stuff." They want to rob while the robbing's good, they sense the golden age of thievery is coming to an end. [Never --Ed.]

After leaving, Foreman tells Bouffy that he finds Jorge fearful. "No, he's cautious - he has to think of his prestige, but he'll go with your plan in the end." Big ending: "Tell me, is Ricardo a pirate?" The curtain falls.

Labels: Pasion