Caray, Caray!

Hugo and Boris are in the study. Boris tells Hugo not to believe everything that Marina says. Hugo says, “We both know that she is partly right. I can’t believe everything that Soledad says or appears to be.” Boris asks if he should stop looking for a place for the hospital. Hugo says that project is still on. Boris says that he has found an old house. It has running water and is in a good area. It’s owned by Gladis, Arturo’s mother. He tried negotiating for it but Hugo can imagine the answer he got. Hugo says that he will take care of it personally.

Soledad and Ursula are at Hugo grave in the cemetery. Soledad speaks to Hugo and says that she came to ask his forgiveness. She has betrayed him. She wants him to know that she has never stopped loving him and what happened with Alcides was just an illusion. For a moment, she thought that he was with her… She got carried away. He has always been in her heart and she swears that that hasn’t and never will change.
Meanwhile, Ursula has been making faces behind Soledad’s back.
Soledad continues speaking to Hugo and says that their daughter is the proof of their love and that no matter what Alcides does or tries to change, her heart will always belong to him.

Only one day’s rest from Los Burques. The diminutive duo are in their rooms. Someone knocks. Elena thinks it is the landlady but it’s Dr. Max. He says that he won’t forget what they did. He is happy that he going to be able to study Soledad’s daughter. Elena is shocked. She says that she knows his plans for the baby. Dr. Max says that he needs an assistant and since Elena has experience, he wants to hire her. Guillermo is afraid that Dr. Max will hypnotize Elena again.

Hercu-less demands money from Eloisa for setting up Arturo’s accident. Eloisa says that she is good for it but doesn’t have any cash right now. Hercu-less doesn't trust her and wants the money right now. He is threatening Eloisa when Hugo comes upon them. He asks what is going on and Eloisa says that Hercu-less is trying to collect some money that she owes him. Hugo asks Eloisa to leave him alone with Hercu-less. He will take care of the matter. Hugo tells Hercu-less that he knows that he has a huge debt with Manrique, the money lender. Hugo will pay the debt if Hercu-less uses his influence with his employer, Gladis, to let Hugo buy a house he is interested in.

Eloisa runs into Soledad and Ursula. Soledad is surprised. She thought that Eloisa’s wedding was today. Eloisa explains that the wedding had to be postponed because Arturo had an accident. Eloisa says that she doesn’t know if Soledad was mad at her for what happened with Alcides. Soledad says of course not, why should she be? Soledad explains that they are shopping for Boris and Marina’s wedding. Eloisa offers to help but Soledad says she doesn’t need any help and will see her tomorrow at the wedding.

Boris and Marina are in bed together, presumably in Boris’ room. Boris says that she didn’t have to be so harsh in referring to Soledad in front of Hugo. Marina asks why he defends her. Boris replies that he doesn’t think Soledad is such a bad person. She is even organizing their wedding. Marina asks if he has forgotten what she did to Hugo. She reels off the list of bad things Soledad supposed did and says that Soledad is just pretending to be kind and giving in front of Hugo but it isn’t true. She is a cold-blooded woman.

Soledad and Ursula are decorating the house for the wedding. Ursula grumbles that Boris and Marina should be helping them instead of resting comfortably in bed. Soledad, who is carrying an enormous vase of flowers down the stairs, says to leave them alone. This is supposed to be a surprise for them. Hugo comes in with a box of crystal that he just bought. He wants Soledad, the wedding planner, to check them out. Soledad agrees but she trips on the stairs. The flowers go flying. Hugo drops the crystal and it smashes and he leaps and in a move worthy of Bruce Lee, catches Soledad as she falls down the stairs. Hugo asks if Soledad is ok and she sees that he has cut his fingers on the broken crystal and wants to help him. (This echoes the scene in the first episode where Hugo saved Soledad from the runaway carriage and he had a bullet graze on his hand.) She even produces the same scar-preventing ointment. Hugo has a flashback to that scene but the memory is not a happy one. He asks Soledad to leave him alone. She says that she was only trying to help him. When she is gone, he says that it is same story all over again and he can’t fall for it again.

In tears, Soledad says to Ursula that she doesn’t know what to do. Every day Alcides reminds her more and more of his brother in what he does and what happens. With everything that happens, she can’t stop thinking about Hugo. She can’t help it. Her life with Alcides is becoming a terrible torture.

For his part, Hugo is saying that Soledad can’t deceive him with her tenderness. He will make her fall in love with him and then he will abandon her the way she abandoned him. (Good plan, Hugo except how are you going to prevent yourself from falling in love with her?)

In the Love Nest of Perversion, Alcides aims the gun at Beatriz. Kill me, she says. Your wish is my command, responds Alcides. He cocks and fires the gun but the chamber is empty. Beatriz laughs. “What’s the matter,” she says, “run out of bullets?”

The wedding and the reception are festive. Nobody gets poisoned; the Mysterious Lady does not perform. Guillermo calls for dancing and Hugo and Soledad dance together. Eloisa asks Paquito if he has ever been at such a boring party. Paquito agrees but wants to know what a Society lady like Eloisa is doing here. She says that she wants to be near Alcides, of course.

Rebeca brings Hugo some money from investors who want to remain anonymous. Hugo says that to be his partners, he has to know their names. Rebeca flashes back to her promise to Lucas to pretend that the money is hers. She tells Hugo that the money is really hers. Hugo asks why she didn’t say that at the beginning and she replies that some men don’t like to have women as business partners. Of course, Hugo isn’t one of those men. He says that women have the same rights as men. He accepts Rebeca as his partner with a handshake. (Really, of course, he accepts her as a target of his Plan of Vengeance.)

Dr. Max is in the basement at the Hacienda admiring how well made the thermal urn is. Boris surprises him and says that he is not allowed there and hustles him out.

A group photo of the wedding celebrants is taken.

Paquito has a book on catalepsy. He tells Eloisa that the book says that someone having a catalepsy attack can live up to three days underground. Eloisa claims that this is impossible but Paquito says that according to the book, the respiration and heartbeat of the catalepsy sufferer are reduced to the minimum. If Hugo was saved, they wonder who would have wanted to dig up Hugo’s grave.

Hugo and Boris go to see Dr. Max. Hugo is angry that Dr. Max went into the basement and looked at the chamber without his permission. He tells Dr. Max that their agreement is over. He cannot treat his daughter. Dr. Max is angry. He says that Hugo should let him treat the baby for his wife. She is hoping that he will find a cure for catalepsy. Hugo says that there is no cure for catalepsy. But in the meantime, his men are looking for Dr. Chirac Jr. He will treat Hugo’s daughter. Fine, says Dr. Max. If you don’t want me to examine your daughter, that’s ok. Let me examine you then. Hugo says that he doesn’t have anything to do with the disease. Dr. Max says that he knows he is Hugo, not Alcides. Hugo asks Dr. Max what is his obsession with knowing whether he is Hugo or not. Dr. Max says that he is interested in science. Hugo asks him how he can be so sure that he will find a cure for catalepsy. Dr. Max says that he will bet his life on it. Hugo knows that already. Hugo tells Dr. Max that he is Hugo de Medina. Dr. Max is exultant. He says that Hugo’s secret is safe with him. Hugo says that he will be Dr. Max’s patient but he must leave Aurora alone. Dr. Max agrees.

Soledad is in the garden at the Obragon house accompanied by the silent Antonia. The orchid has proliferated. Soledad tells Antonia that all this came from one plant that Enrico gave her. He told her to cultivate it and one day it would save someone’s life. She doesn’t know that meant but she did as he said.

Hugo and Boris return to the Hacienda. Hugo says that Dr. Max is a smart man. He doesn’t care about Hugo’s secret. The only thing that he cares about are his experiments. Hugo is sure that he won’t say anything. Boris advises Hugo to reveal his identity. He is taking a big risk that it will be discovered that he is Hugo, not Alcides. (Boris at least looks around to see that no one is listening.) Hugo says that no way is going to do that. He needs to get even with Soledad and those who harmed him. He will carry out his PoV until the end, no matter what.

At the mine, Arturo (I thought he was supposed to be in bed for two weeks? If he can go to the mine, why can’t he get married?) is very annoyed at the slow progress of work on the mine. The engineer says that they have to work carefully. The roof of the mine is unstable. Arturo says that he isn’t making suggestions, he’s giving an order. He has invested a lot of money in this mine and that makes him the boss. Boris arrives and asks what’s going on. Arturo says that Boris had better learn to keep his distance from him and two of his henchmen punch Boris a couple of times. Arturo says that he hopes that Señor Monsalve understands that he owns this mine, too. Arturo threatens the engineer as well saying that he had better make faster progress to the vein of gold.

Soledad comes to see Hugo. She has bought some gifts for children at the hospital and wants to deliver them. Hugo thinks that is a nice idea. He will go with her. He tells her that they can also see a house he is trying to buy. Eloisa slithers in and listens to their conversation. “You want to buy a house?” says Soledad, “are you moving?” Hugo explains that he is buying the house so that it can be turned into a hospital where the poor people in the town can get decent care. Soledad is ecstatic. She wants to see the house. In pops Eloisa (Nobody seems surprised. Does she have her own key? With all of his enemies, can anyone just march into Hugo’s house?). She apologizes for eavesdropping but she thinks the hospital is a great idea. She’d like to come along.

We have a scene of Hugo, Soledad & Ursula giving food to children while Eloisa stands around bored. At the future hospital site (it has a great garden), Hugo says that the house belongs to Gladis. She won’t sell it but she has rented it to him. Soledad says that house just needs some paint and it will be perfect. Hugo says that they will celebrate tonight. He asks her to look especially beautiful, more beautiful than ever. Soledad is intrigued. Ursula breaks the mood by asking if they can go inside the house.

Soledad and Ursula go inside while Hugo and Eloisa remain outside. Eloisa wastes no time in saying to Hugo that Soledad is putting on a good show of seeming to care about poor people but doesn’t seem very sincere. Hugo says that Eloisa is supposed to be her best friend. Eloisa says that she respects Soledad but she knows how she is. She advises him to be careful. If he gives her his heart, she can do a lot of harm. She fooled Hugo. She could do the same to you.

Marina asks Boris what happened to him. He says that he went to the mine and had an encounter with some of Arturo’s men. How strange, says Marina sarcastically, that all the trouble you have comes from the enemies of Hugo de Medina. Boris asks her not to start that again. Marina asks how the search for someone else to be Hugo’s minder is going. Boris says that he isn’t going to do that. He won’t find anyone else to take care of Hugo because he will never abandon him. Boris says that he knows she is upset because of her concern for the baby but he promises, he swears, that nothing bad will ever happen to her or the baby even if he must give up his own life. “You promise?” says Marina. Boris kisses her.

Hugo is lighting the candles for his romantic dinner with Soledad. He says that maybe Soledad isn’t who she appears to be. Tonight, he says to himself, “I’ll no longer be in doubt. I’ll find out what is really in her heart.” There’s a knock at the door and in comes Soledad in the red dress that she wore on the night of her birthday party and night of passion.
S: Where’s the party?
Hugo gestures to the table that has been set.
S: You haven’t told me the purpose of this evening.
H: Purpose? I don’t need a purpose to have a romantic dinner with my wife.
S: We have discussed this and there can’t be anything between us.
H: Don’t spoil the moment. I made this dinner especially for you.
S: You cooked? I didn’t know that you could cook. You have the same talent as your brother, Hugo.
H: There are a lot of things you don’t know about me.
Soledad thinks that every day Alcides seems more like Hugo. If I didn’t know he was dead, I would swear it was Hugo. They toast.

Ester and Lucas tell silent Antonia that they have forgiven each other. They are going to rebuild their marriage and have a happy life and Lucas is going to try and do something about his alcoholism (the first of your seven steps, Lucas, would be to stop going to see Rebeca). Lucas says that it isn’t necessary that Antonia stick around. His problems with Ester are over. (Is he asking her to leave the house? She doesn’t have anywhere else to go.) Antonia gives them the evil stone face. Lucas tries to get Antonia to give up the silence act but she just pulls away from him. Lucas tells Ester that he will call Dr. Ortiz in the morning. He is a specialist in these cases. (He’s an exorcist?)

Soledad is tipsy from the wine. Hugo is probing her weakened defenses. He says that if he can buy the house, it will be hers and she can turn it into a hospital. No, says Soledad, this isn’t about us. Hugo says that he thought she wanted people to think highly of her. This is a great opportunity. It would benefit you. No, says Soledad, all I want is a place where poor people can go when they get sick. She says that she is getting a little dizzy and should go back to her room. She isn’t used to drinking. She gets up, trips and Hugo catches her.

He puts her back on her feet and says, “Soledad, don’t leave. Stay with me tonight. Sleep by my side. This is my deepest wish.” (Mine too. I had been recapping as the show went along but at this point, I had to stop typing and just watch. Wow. The desire and the tension were so great.)
H: Don’t be afraid. I know what I feel for you. Let’s give it a try.
S: You have to understand this. We can’t get involved.
H: I’ve demonstrated that I have changed, changed a lot. Don’t you feel anything for me?
S: Gratitude. You’ve been good to me and my daughter. You’ve even been caring. I never would have imagined that.
H: It’s obvious. Why don’t you have feelings for me? We have a daughter together, Soledad, a daughter. The most precious gift a woman can give a man. We can rekindle the passion that helped us conceive her. (Once he starts to go down this road, he is going to lose her.)
S: No, I already told you. No.
H: I understand. Then when we were together, you were only after my money.
S: (rolling her eyes) I’d better go.
H: (blocking the door) You can’t leave until you give an answer. I want the truth, the truth Soledad. Nothing will change between us but please just tell me the truth. Tell me that you were just after my money.
S: If you think I’m with you because of your money, suit yourself because I won’t give you any explanations.
H: We had an arrangement to keep Hugo’s money. I helped you save your parents’ house. I thought that you loved me a little bit.
S: Why do you insist on bringing up the past, Alcides? You know how it hurts me.
H: If it hurts, it’s your conscience tormenting you. Because you feel guilty for what you did to Hugo. Yes, that’s it. It’s remorse for having betrayed him.
S: Don’t you dare mention his name. I won’t permit it.
H: You know that my poor brother died a horrible death. While he was hoping that you would go and save him and you, you were negotiating your future with me.
S: What is it you want? You invite me here, try to seduce me with a dinner and then you hurt me with your cruel words. Why? Answer me, Alcides! What do you want? Or are you seeking vengeance against me? I asked you a question, Alcides. Answer me. What makes you torture me like this? Are you taking revenge on me? Answer.
H: Why? Why would I want to get revenge on you? Why?
S: I don’t know. That’s why I’m asking. Whenever you mention Hugo, you seem to be hurt by what happened to him. I don’t understand. You hated Hugo.
H: But he was still my brother.
S: Maybe you feel more guilt than I do. That’s why you torture me. Why? Why try to rob me of the little peace I have left?
H: Because… (tell her!!) You are right. Forgive me. I went too far.
S: You still haven’t answered my question. Why do you hate me, Alcides? You haven’t forgiven me for trying to leave you? What is it?
H: God help me. Let’s calm down. It would be better if we calmed down.
S: No, I won’t calm down. You started it. You know, if you wanted to torture me, my daughter’s illness is a real ordeal for me. I guess that really makes you happy.
She stalks out. (I hope you feel like a real jerk, Hugo because that’s what you are.)

Soledad goes into her bedroom. Ursula comes in (was the baby left alone or is she with Ursula?) and asks why she is here. Wasn’t she going to a party? It wasn’t a party, says Soledad. It was dinner in Alcides’ room. He tried to get fresh with me.
Did he hurt you? asks Ursula.
No, I don’t understand, Ursula, When he’s caring and noble, he reminds me of Hugo but sometimes he acts as if he were my worst enemy and I don’t know why.
Sometimes, I don’t think we shouldn’t have moved into this house, says Ursula.
I don’t know what to do, says Soledad. I’ll go crazy being next to Alcides. Ursula urges her to cry to cleanse the soul.

Hugo is sitting, looking pensive when Boris knocks and comes in. “Where were you?” asks Hugo. “Filing some documents,” answers Boris, “did something happen?” Hugo asks him to sit down.
H: I prepared a special dinner for Soledad and me after a beautiful day that we spent together.
B: Jose said that you went to the house you want to buy to turn into a hospital, right?
H: She was happy. When we went to the house, she had all these plans. How could such a woman who does some many good things for others be so cold-blooded when it comes to money?
B: I guess that’s why you invited her to dinner, then?
H: I wanted to know he true intentions.
B: Soledad stuck to her guns, right?
H: She didn’t let me seduce her. I came so close, so close to telling her that I am Hugo, not Alcides. You don’t know much I wanted to tell her but I didn’t. I couldn’t .
B: You didn’t tell her because you still love her.


Hugo is in bed. He dreams of being with Soledad at their dinner.
H: I love your smile. I love the way you treat people. I love the way you look at me.
S: Me too. Your kindness to my baby and me fills me with joy. I really see you with different eyes.
They get up from the table, Hugo takes her hand.
H: I wish I could control my feelings for you but it’s stronger than I am. I want you to know the truth. I’m not Alcides, I’m Hugo. I’m not dead. I’m Hugo, my love (amor mio). They embrace.

Soledad is dreaming too. She and Hugo are sitting together.
H: At this moment there is only you and I, you and I, my love (mi amor). I want to love you. I want to make you mine, only mine.
S: Hugo, my love. You don’t know how long I’ve been waiting for this moment.
H: I’m not Hugo. I’m Alcides.
Soledad wakes up. “That’s not possible,” she says. She goes out of her room and Hugo is sitting in the hall (with his hair done as Hugo). Soledad says that she is going to get a glass of water. She says, “I told you not to do your hair that way. That’s the way Hugo did his hair.” Hugo is drinking. “Couldn’t you sleep?” he says. “No,” she says “It’s difficult to fall asleep after the argument we had, don’t you think?” Hugo says, “I couldn’t sleep, either. I think I said some things I shouldn’t have.” “Don’t worry,” says Soledad, “I also said some thing I shouldn’t have. Get some rest. Good night.” She leaves.

Next morning. Eloisa is at the Hacienda (again). Hugo, while eating grapes, tells her that he has thought about what she told him yesterday about Soledad. Did you reach a conclusion? asks Eloisa. Hugo replies that Soledad may have been a cold and calculating woman in the past but now he believes she is different. She wants to change. She is showing signs that she wants to change. (Why are you asking her this, Hugo? You know she hates Soledad. Why give her an opportunity to spout more venom?). Eloisa says that Soledad is her friend (hah) but she doesn’t want to Hugo to get hurt again. A woman who is deceitful once might do it again.
You think so? says Hugo. “I’m convinced of it, responds Eloisa (as they feed each other grapes). “ Soledad is a puzzling woman. You won’t find another like her in the world.”
Cut to two people fencing. When they stop, the victor is revealed to be a woman.

In the Love Nest of Perversion, Beatriz takes a knife out of a bag. Alcides is crying in frustration at not having been able to kill her. “What bad luck, my love,” she says hiding the knife behind her back. “You don’t know how sorry I am. And now what else will you come up with, Hugo? Are you Hugo or Alcides?” She kisses him and says, “You’re Alcides.” She kisses him again and buries the knife in his chest. Alcides gasps in pain and surprise. Hugo gasps and grabs his chest. “My brother!” he says. (I hope Eloisa wasn’t still there.) The credits roll.

Tomorrow: Say goodbye to the Love Nest of Perversion and Beatriz?

Labels: la traicion

I'm sorry I couldn't get this done earlier--I started yesterday, and it was taking me forever! i wish I could do these faster. Sometimes they are easier.
Anyway, we're back to another action-packed episode, folks, with some good emotional content. But I don't know what we're going to do with our boy Al . . . Moreover, we are about to dive in to an extended mistaken-identity arc, and I hate mistaken-identity plots! Oh, well.

Quick recap of the overlap scenes: Hugo is telling Luci of his plans to go abroad to paint; Alex sweeps in in his butler costume to do the white-glove test with Lina. She is sent to get the plumero, or feather duster. Alex's swaying/gliding movements remind me of the Rosie, the robo-maid on wheels, from the Jetsons. Otherwise, he's doing enough bowing and scraping to get a job as a greeter in a Tokyo department store.

Luci wants Alex to finish this payasada, or joke. She won't let him do it on the night of the big party. The big man Domingo Echavarria is coming, along with his daughter. They could unite the two fortunes . . . Well, we know how well that went with the previous generation.

Gloria is kissing with Chamuco in the kitchen. Horacio catches them and chases out Chamuco. Gloria is upset because she thinks she won't have a boyfriend now. Horacio tells Chamuco that Gloria is a good girl from the convent and he can't take advantage of her. Rocky comes over, and Horacio tells him that he's telling Chamuco things that will make him into the worst boyfriend ever. His plans never fail. Rocky says "if you think so."

Anyway, Horacio goes back to his training: he asks Chamuco what's in his head. Chamuco says hair. NO, you have a brain. What's in a woman's head? Chamuco says a brain. NO, she only has hair. Finally, he tells him that woman's place is in the kitchen. Of course, Soco overhears. Horacio tries to explain, but she's having none of it. She tells Horacio to stay out of her kitchen!

In the staff dining room, Alex is trying to get out of tonight's party. He begs Braulio, who is now dressed as Gilligan and swigging beer, to bail him out. Mili steps in and says no--Alex must keep his promise. She tells Braulio that he's going to the movies tonight. Braulio says no--he's going to the thea-tah! He begins prancing around the room and emoting to the ceiling. Alex begs Soco for help: She says, next time don't make promises you can't keep.

Mili fills Granny in on the hijinks. She wants her to come down and see. Granny says she will come downstairs.

Back in the staff dining room, Horacio tries to come in. Soco sends him packing with a piece of bread and some milk. He wants a taco with basil (albahaca). No, says Soco--no more macho pigs. Karla cheers her mother on.

Damien compliments Luci and Val on their dresses for the evening. It looks like everyone is going to stop fighting for the sake of the anniversary party. Granny comes down.
The bell rings, and Connie asks where's Braulio to open the door. He's not here, says Mili. She shouts like a fishwife for Agapito. Are you deaf (sordo) or what?
Said Aggie opens the door on Bruma. Tu????

Meanwhile, Val says she's not going to say the butler is her brother and ruin the evening. Regina says it's better to just keep quiet for now.

Now we begin the odious mistaken-identity plot: Bruma asks Alex why he didn't tell her he was a butler. Er, er . . .

Mili introduces Connie to Agapito. Alex says he'll explain later. Mili backslaps the guest like a stevedore. We just hired him, she says.

Bruma says, Oh, so that's your name--Agapito.

Luci talks to Echavarria about Val's almost marriage. He is surprised at how well she looks . . . unlike his recently divorced daughter, who is still suffering. Luci wants to introduce her son--you can see the cash register running behind her eyes. Where is the little devil. Luci sends Mili to find Alex, but he's gone off to speak privately with Bruma. Mili leaves Luci holding the food tray--hah!

Luci threatens Damien--if he gets in Alex's way, there'll be hell to pay.
Connie wants to know what's up.

Alex is now flirting with Bruma in the garden. He wants to clear things up . . . of course, she interrupts, thinking he means to clear up why he didn't tell her he was a butler. Groan. No, it's great, she says. So it doesn't matter that he's not a millionaire? No, she's glad he's a simple guy. She's glad he's a butler. He asks what she would think of him if he were a man of business with a lot of pressure and had to fire people. Oh, then you would remind me of my father, she says. I respect him a lot. It's hard to do what he does. But where does this question come from, she wonders. Oh, just curiosity, he says. Well, anyway, she says, I've already told you I love that you're a butler. You've discovered my secret, he says.

Back to Connie, Luci and Damien. L and D are going to join forces to help Alex. Connie asks Damien, Whose side are you on, imbecil? Connie wants Damien to help him get rid of Alex and is using the casino fiasco as leverage.
Karla gives Damien a drink and he downs it in one gulp.

Soco is preparing a meal. Horacio comes in and is tossed out again.

Alex is back to flirting with Bruma. We learn her real name is Florencia. He tells her that she looks much happier today--yesterday she looked so sad. Yes, she got married too young, and her husband cheated on her with a friend. Bobby comes over looking for Alex. Alex signals not to reveal his true identity. Florencia asks if he was trying to impress her by making her believe he was a millionaire--ha ha--you took your boss's name . . .

Mili is looking for Alex upstairs. She opens a door, presumably to Alex's room, and finds Hugo and Pilar in bed. She says she doesn't care who he's with. He comes out and tries to tell her that Pilar means nothing to him.

Bobby is talking to Val while Morgan watches in the background. Seeing Morgan, Val kisses Bobby. Mili asks where Agapito is. Bobby tells her he's in the garden. Florencia goes back to the house, telling Agapito that her father will be looking for her. Enter Mili. Alex is all lovey dovey. I guess he forgot that he was just flirting with that other girl. Mili now gives Agapito the rest of the night off so his mom can show him off. No, he says, a promise is a promise. He will stick with Agapito for the night. He gives her a little kiss.

Cut to morning! Huh? The girls are rehashing. They review how funny Agapito looked when he was presented to his mother and when he lighted a match and burned himself. That's nothing--the next time the friends come, they will give Aga-whistle a big tip.
The girls tell Mili not to laugh, that Alex actually did well. She says that yes, she loves him so, and she's going over to the office to see him.

Over at the office, Connie has called a meeting to discuss the disposal of Damien. He reveals the casino plot to all. Damien tries to deny it--saying it was all Peralta's fault. Everyone votes Damien out of the company (Alex, Luciana and Granny). Regina says to Luci that nothing her brother does surprises her anymore. Connie throws Damien out and says that he is forbidden to even show his nose there.

Now for the title scene: Morgan comes in to the kitchen brandishing a giant horseradish (rabano) as a present for Socorro. This a proof of Horacio's, er, love. But weirder still is the fact that Horacio is hiding under the table looking up Socorro's skirt. Huh? Socorro rejects the offering and beats Horacio away with an equally phallic rolling pin. For additional hilarity, Morgan is left holding the radish and pondering just what he could do with it . . .

Regina is reviewing the Damien situation with Alex. She says he's a little chip, so that must be why he likes gambling so much . . . He's looking for people to step on him--there's already a line waiting. Alex wonders why his dad is so cruel. Regina says that he's not as bad as he thinks--you know what? He offered to pay for Mili to go to school, and Mili turned him down. Alex is impactado. Granny thinks it's a good idea for Alex to convince Mili to go to school. (I hope Mili goes away to school, becomes a licenciada, meets an accountant, comes back and creates a fake company and embargoes Belmonte Industries . . . oh, that was another show. Anyway, it would be nice if Mili did go to school.)

Morgan and Horacio go to a jewelry store. Morgan buys a necklace for Val. Today a necklace, tomorrow a house, a cruise to Acapulco, and so on. Horacio suggests branching out with the taco chain. Morgan suggests that Horacio buy a necklace for Socorro, but Horacio doesn't have enough money. He wants Morgan to think it over (maybe Morgan will eventually build a large chain of taco stands and become rich, thereby being "good enough" for Val--but not before she also learns her lesson and says she doesn't care).

Damien is wandering the street. He sees a bedraggled beggar and envisions himself in the role. The shot of Damien with the dirty long hair and beard was pretty funny.

Cut to a new set--it's someone's fancy house and Florencia is talking to a blond girl: Look, it's Ceci from Amar, typecast as everyone's favorite girl roommate! Look's like she's Florencia's sister Marisela. Marisela wants her sister to come out of mourning--after all, she's not a widow. Marisela confesses she met someone she liked last night. She says she's not sure she "likes likes" him, but he's a good guy. What's more, last night for the first time since her divorce, she was able to sleep calmly.

Miligol is over at Al's office kissing him. Aw. Don't worry, this won't last long. She asks when the fired workers are coming back. He says they aren't. Quoting Florencia quoting her father--sometimes when you're the boss you have to make tough decisions. (It seems to me that he is just taking advantage of that fortuitous conversation.) Mili shouts that he learned nothing from his stint as a butler. Demonstrating that he can be just as mature, Alex shouts that he's had it up to here with her telling him about the poor people. The truth is that he was born with a gold spoon, but he had a terrible life. He never lacked food or blankets, but neither did you in the convent. Mili says he shouldn't compare himself with her--he had a mother to take care of him when he was sick and kiss him goodnight. He says she had the same thing at the convent with PM and Sister Cachete. And she had football too! (Yes, he said that.) Would she prefer to have an alcoholic mother and a father who hates her? He also suffered, and all he had was Granny, and most of the time, she was shut in her room. Do you think it's easy being born into a wealthy (adinerado--moneyed) family? You're wrong!

Morgan is driving Val to a photo shoot. He hands her the necklace, and she says she can't accept gifts and throws it out the window without even opening it. Oh, come on!

Back to Mili and Al: He says he accepts her as she is--servant and all. He loved her and she can't accept him as he is. What do you plan for the future? Stope being a girl and grow up. My dad offered to send you to school, and you turned it down. It doesn't bother me that you're a servant, but you should want to grow. You say I need to change, but what about you? You can grow at my side or without me.

Mili says, if you don't like me as I am . . . he cuts her off. I've had it, Mili. Now it's me who feels deceived by you. Our engagement is a mistake, and a marriage would be worse! Now it's me who isn't interested in a life with someone like you. Wow, way to go from zero to ninety, Al.
Mili is a combination of impactada and very sad.

Now for the money scene: Mili is sitting in the big chair in Granny's room looking like a little girl. Mili tells Regina that Alex said she was just a girl and deceived him because she wouldn't take advantage of Connie's offer. She should study and grow. Granny says that in a way Alex is right--he has a career and he wants you to progress. Mili says--you too--you don't like me the way I am? Granny asks what's wrong with studying? Why didn't you take Connie's offer? Because I'm afraid, says Mili, finally revealing the truth behind her bravado. I don't want to deceive anyone. It's because I'm so bruta (coarse, gross, unrefined). They'll throw me out in five minutes. You want to teach me to speak well and not to hit everyone, but I'm a burra (stupid).

Rocky and Val are fruitlessly looking for the package on the street. She says they should just leave it, as she doesn't want to be late for her photo session. He says that even if he could take it back he'd rather she have it and know that it was in her closet. She says forget it. Stop buying her gifts. Forget about her. If you don't see why, I'll hire a new chauffeur. They drive away, but Morgan is still glancing back to see if he can find the package.

Alex is rehashing with Bobby at the office. So you showed Mili the eraser (goma)? Bobby asks. (Interesting idiom for breaking up.) Alex says yes, he's starting over. (How convenient that he has a new gal waiting in the wings.) Alex said she asked me one more time about those workers . . . and I couldn't take it. Bang, Alice--you're going to the moon. Bobby says--you haven't stopped loving her, right? Before Alex can answer, Andrea interrupts saying that Florencia is looking for him. Quickly, Alex enlists Bobby to play him and he hides. The two sisters come in, and Florencia says she wants to find out how to get in touch with Agapito, but in the meantime they will all go out for a bite to eat. Bobby and Ceci look a little lovestruck. I predict they will get together. Bobby exits with another one of those crotch-covering gestures. Those girls were cute, but isn't this a bit exaggerated?

Damien is desperate now. He goes to see a doctor who owes him a large gambling debt. He has a way for the doctor to pay him back. This doctor works at a prison, right? And he's an oncologist, right? He gets the sleazy doc to bring him some X-rays of a terminal cancer patient so he can pass them off as his own. In the avances, it looks like everyone is being told that poor Damien is dying. It also looks like Alex kisses Florencia. Woo-hoo.

Labels: guapos

Hi all,

Just checked our Sitemeter (the little tiny green box at the bottom of the sidebar). We have had (as of just now) 305,931 visitors, with a current average of 888 visits per day.

In the last couple hours people have visited us from (for instance): Indonesia, Egypt, Israel, Slovakia, Romania, Russia, Lithuania, Albania, the Czech Republic, Germany, and England.

Long live the telenovelas!

Labels: announcements

I am already into Pasión withdrawals and Fernando withdrawals but on with the finale -

As I watched the introduction one last time I appreciated the intriguing combination of present, past, future, and fantasy then they added a big dollop of TEASE for us to puzzle over every night throughout the telenovela's run. The Estrada crew must have had so much fun putting this together.

The replay scenes: The archbishop, Gaspar is arguing with Col. Jose Maria that the loss of one more working man in this cellar inside a cave (SanFer is certainly the pits) is injust. JM sticks to the LAW is very clear, but Gaspar chides him to think that the laws are made by men to suit men, what of the higher law which includes piety and compassion. He finds Sebastian a good man and how should they give credence to the vengeful act of LaFont to condemn him. Why should an innocent, perhaps weak, man suffer for the rest of his life. JM resists letting an additional man go free. Gaspar advises him that the wise learn to correct themselves and he leaves.

Once more we see the executioner arrive and swing his axe like a champion batter loosening up at the world series. The unrepentant LaFont curses his daughter and her progeny for seven generations, Ascanio and Nanny comfort her but the great battle axe comes down on the grossest villain known to telenovela land. Great filming with desperate music to accompany the only undeserved lament coming from Manuela. Gruesome but a satisfying finish for this reprobate who did so much damage right up to the end of his days with a head still attached.

Ursula worries that they have lost everything. Sofia corrects that to they have only the dowry she came into the marriage with. She adds that when the new lord of San Fernando arrives they will have to leave the palace. Ever cheerful, Fortunata adds that they will be cozier in a smaller house. Ursula gives her a withering look but Sofia just looks sad. Knocking, the majordomo informs Sofia that Santiago has escaped the prison, he simply disappeared.

One probable causer, make that Ricardo, is bidding the archbishop goodbye in his carriage. Gaspar tells him to behave himself and to get married like God commands. He asks to be advised in time so he can celebrate the betrothal mass. They chuckle good naturedly, Ricardo assures him this will come to pass, while Mario says his goodbyes and thanks his brother telling him that without him this outcome would not have been possible. Jose Maria grins that this is the first time he has organized the escape of an accused man. But who can resist the arguments of the monsenior. He tells Mario to get his life straightened out too. JM mounts his horse, leaves his Criollo Captain in charge at SanFer and off they go. The eager faced Captain asks Ric and Mario if they think Lady Ursula would welcome a visit??? The boys giggle good naturedly, for sure.

Ines is delivering the message that Ofelia has left town early that morning to follow Santiago and she has left the baby Ana Maria in Camila's care since that was Rita's deathbed wish and Santiago's too. She asked you to raise her. Camila is glad to agree with all her love. The Jemena, Ines and Camila all laugh and hug. What happened with Santiago? Was he released, did he escape?? We don't know for sure but it was with a lot of help from Ricardo. Oh Ricardo, of course adds Camila with joy and tears. Ines says, I'll go get Ana Maria.

Camila bursts into Ricardo's room to thank him for what he did for Santiago. Ric demurs that it was justice done. He and Santiago may have fought and struggled for what they wanted but he never bore him resentment. Expressing their mutual love, there is very sweet kissing. You have a new daughter. Who? Ana Maria! How wonderful, welcome to her.

Jimena prepares her bed later that night, she responds to the knock on the door to find an agitated Mario on the other side of it. Is something going on? Well, not anyone else, but yes with me.... She cocks her head knowingly, now you have repented? No, so many people here we haven't had time to talk but if it's too late, I will go. (not so fast buddy) She invites him in, puts on her robe to assume a bit more modesty and he stammers out his love words, he loves her manner of being, her character, her... and he's not poor they can buy lands, start business... his stammering is so endearing. She jumps to guess that, But you're married? No, he steps forward, I was married to a woman who I loved greatly but she deceived me, and I killed them both. For this I had to escape and I joined with pirates. I was very young, Jimena, I couldn't control myself and I couldn't stand it. I resolved never to commit my self seriously to another woman, but you Jimena... She hesitates then tells him he doesn't know what her life has been like. But, I know you are a woman that is valiant, honest and loyal. And you?, she returns, as they sit on the edge of the bed. Will you be valiant, honest and loyal with me?? I swear to you, my love, I swear to you. And we are going to marry?, she presses on. He answers fervently, in front of God, in front of the whole world. And you're never going to abandon me? No never, never, never. I swear it. They start to rip off clothes as we are the lucky voyeurs to the hottest, most joyous love scene. Alas too short....(Our viewing time, that is.)

Sofia is entering the eBasement with the majordomo. They open a door, she tells him to open the large trunk. A treasure, Doña Sofia! But it isn't ours. Bring it up to my husband's office and later go to look for Ricardo.

A now constantly smiling Ricardo, sitting in the outdoor cafe is asking Josie-Jay if he is returning to Japan now? And you are not staying for my wedding? Unfortunately, no, I have a boat to catch but I wish you both the best and I am happy you have recovered your son. Just then Sofia's majordomo advances to announce that Sofia wants to see him. He stands and gives that great pirate farewell, arms crossing to opposite shoulders. They wish each other luck and good fortune. See you soon.

Next we find Ricardo viewing the big trunk full of jewels in Jorge's office Sofia says I suppose this is yours? He fingers a truly large green gem and admits it is. He figures that her husband and LaFont divided up the treasure because he saw Lisabeta with the necklace that he recognized. Sofia generously says, carry it away. He says it is better if he leaves it for her to divide among her poor. She says, but it belongs to you. Not any more he avers. I want to give it to you for your sorrow of losing your husband. She graciously says thanks. He tells her she is a great woman, noble and generous and it would be an honor for him if she would attend his wedding to Camila. With great pleasure, when will it be? Within one month. He kisses her hand gallantly.

And what grand finale can avoid a grand wedding? Certainly not this one. The next scene a month later shows Camila descending from a flower laden open carriage in a honey and crimson gown so beautifully complementing her hair. She walks the short distance to Ricardo with triumphant and joyful waves to the adoring crowd. She joins Ricardo in front of the church. The archbishop conducts the ceremony. The smiles and the radiant bride and groom and the grinning children, friends and family are touching. They conclude by going into the church for a mass.

Ahhhh, the wedding boudoir dripping with white flowers and candles. He is the happiest man in the world. She tells him she never expected from that day when she arrived captive on La Mariana and the first time she saw him and the pirate that looked at her with so much persistence would become the love of her life. He agrees that he maybe he didn't think it would happen but she moved many things in him and now they are to be together for life, for destiny and for God. You are my wife and I love you, I love you. Unfolds the hottest most passionate love scene between these beautiful people. What sweet dreams they created for all...
************

Ursula is draping herself in the doorway when the majordomo tells her she has visitor. She says sulkily, if it's Captain Enrique, tell him I'm not here. No, it is someone else who came to call on your father, he calls himself John Foreman. Ursula nearly knocks over this gentle giant of a servant in her rush to primp and spray herself with enticing scents. Love the way she dotted each breast. She stops the run down the stairs in time to see John smiling up at her. She tells him if he came to see her father, he died months ago. John responds with condolences, but adds that he came to search for her. For me she says coyly, why? Didn't you tell me that you would love to travel see other lands and live adventures with me? There is a momentary blur of blondness melting together but we shift to Sofia's hands taking the fateful birthday necklace from the birthday jewelry box then see her sad fond smile. Ursula bursts in with teenage exuberance, John Foreman has come for ME!! Mother, I think he is the man of my life. Don't oppose it. Remember that Father gave me the liberty to choose my own husband. Sofia hears Jorge's voice saying those exact words. Yes, Sofia agrees. And Tita?, asks Fortunata. Ursula cries, she has never been a good mother, you know that better than I, Mother. Tita would be better off staying with you two. I am going to ask her if she wants to come with me but if she prefers to stay with you, could she? Sofia, cries, yes, it would give them something to live for. Thus the third great love scene of the night progresses as mother and daughter hug in tears and Fortunata looks lovingly on nearby.

Downstairs John waits. The three ladies come down. Sofia starts right off, so you want to carry my daughter away. John tells Sofia that he knows she doesn't have a very good opinion of him but now he has retired from the life that he had. Pragmatic as always, Sofia says let's sit and discuss this. You are not a very recommendable son-in-law, she challenges. Yes, but I have money, I own my ships and a rich sugar plantation. Ursula is the only woman I know that will never bore me. Sofia advises, Ursula is not an easy woman. He takes hold of Ursula's hand and says he has always liked challenges and that is precisely what has always attracted him to her. Impatiently, Ursula, please Mother, what am I going to do here in this village? Let me go to live my life. It's what I want. Are you sure? Yes, I am sure. Fortunata is still beaming smiles, a loving aura floods the room.

Babies and nannies are strewn about the lawn in a happy array of gentle chaos as Camila and Jimena chat and eat fruit in the sunshine. Jimena asks, does Conchita still think she is Pedro's mother? No. She loves him so much but she loves the others too. And does your husband know what has become of his cousin and auntie? NO and I don't think he wants to. It was their fault that we almost lost our son. Jimena says if it had been up to her, they would have been cast into jail. Camila laughs and says God will judge them.

The next scene only shares the bright sunshine. The doll in tatters is pulled by a string by the disheveled Fran with a broken umbrella, streaming filthy hair with no trace of the prim roll we have come to expect. She looks like she just stepped out of a Fellini movie. Madness flares from her red eyes, her parched lips repeat a forlorn Lisabeta, Lisabeta. She approaches a small family of country folk with a burro and wagon. She asks them if they haven't seen her niece, a woman very pretty, she is blind. Have you seen her. No Lady, the woman says. The man repeats we are sorry but we haven't seen her. The woman kindly offers her a taco from their little cooking area in the dust. Fran can just muster a look of absolute disdain but she grabs the taco and turns so they cannot see her cram it ravenously into her mouth. She trails off stumbling and still calling Lisabeta, Lisabeta.
******************
Tita runs into the room ahead of Ursula followed by Sofia and Fortunata. Ursula gets on her knees to ask if she saw the gentleman that came to see her. Tita says, yes she saw him pacing on the patio. Ursula pushes on, I am going with him very far from San Fernando because I believe he is the person that can make me truly happy. That is to say, I don't want to influence what you say but I want you to do what you feel. Do you prefer to come away with me or do you prefer to stay here with your grandmother and your aunt Fortunata? The wise little child says, I want to stay here. Ursula grasps Tita in a hug and says, it's fine, it's fine. So it will be. This is a world that is very unjust to women. Even though men can live in whatever way pleases them, women must fulfill the man's desires and serve them. But I want you to know, it is important that you always fight for what you want. My love, I know that now you don't understand what I am saying to you but one day I know you will. I am going to write you long letters and speak to you of many things. When you want to come to me, the doors of my house will always be open to you. I will understand you, and support you. They cry and Sofia comes forward to add that all that all these words apply to her and Ursula too. They all cry and hug.

Now the misfortune and hand of destiny that should have tasted so sweet is snatched from us as the tragic figure of Lisabeta crawls barefoot, still in her fancy light green grown now grimy, dried blood streaked across her face crawls in blind helplessness in the desert. She calls out pathetically over and over for Tia, Tia...

Camila is packing the babies' clothes as Ines comes into the bedroom carrying a letter from her mother Ofelia. She asks Camila to read it calmly. Ines quickly leaves. Camila unwraps the letter which contains the green scarf all clean and neatly folded. The letter read to us in Ofelia's voice says Dear Camila, I know this letter won't be a surprise to you because Ines will have brought it to you. Santiago has left the penal colony in San Benito largely thanks to Ricardo's efforts and by the kindness of Gaspar. Santiago is in a congregation near Santiago de Compostela. I live in a village very near but I can visit him every day. We see Santiago in monks' habit in a beautiful monastic setting in the Gallician countryside. He has devoted himself to the care of the vegetable garden. He likes it a lot. I pray and believe that truly it has always been his desire and his destiny to serve God. He loves to attend to the people, talk with them and teach the word of God. Now he is a novice but in a little time he will be consecrated. I feel that he is happy. Back to Camila and the letter in hand she takes up the scarf and wistfully remembers the innocent love she felt as she put that green scarf around Santiago's neck so very long ago. She folds the scarf with care as if to gently but forever put away that chapter of her life.

Camila is sleeping beauty as Ricardo comes in and takes off his sword and coat, washes in the basin while she wakes up to greet him with laughter and kisses. You have returned. Guess what? I have bought us a plantation with a beautiful house for you and for our children, like we have dreamed of. Do you regret leaving your town and your family. NO. She giggles then tells him she is pregnant. He is happy as he says well, we augment the family. They tumble happily into another love scene.

The impressive looking carriage arrives with a splendid retinue lead by standard bearers. Ohhh, could it be? Who is this solemn young man sitting in the carriage leaning forward with uneasy anticipation? Quick switch to our favorite majordomo bringing in the news that the new Lord of San Fernando has arrived. The ladies come nervously down the stairs. Sofia observes that he is just a boy as Fortunata says he is the young man who killed Don Alvaro Fernandez de la Cueva. Just then they are addressed by our favorite young galan who gallantly introduces himself as Claudio Fernadez de la Cueva. Once more majordomo approaches to announce that Ascanio Gonzales has come from the administrative palace to see her urgently. Sofia says to explain to him that I can't receive him at this moment. Claudio speaks up and says please tell him he can come in. Ascanio comes in and rushes to embrace Claudio. Claudio explains that he was jailed for his crime but he appealed to the king and was not only freed but given a position of honor and the dominion of Salvatierra was returned to him as well as adding San Fernando. The ever gracious Sofia takes the staff of San Fernando and says we knew a new Lord would be coming. It makes me happy that at least you are someone who knows this village and its people. She hands him the staff. She adds and don't worry about us. I have another property and we can move there today and leave you the palace. No, I am not throwing you out. On the contrary what will I do with this huge palace all alone? Fortunata, asks, do you want us to stay? Well, I have no one. I have lost my mother and brother there is no other family. And I don't know how to recieve people, here, they know you, respect you and love you.
Sofia responds there is only me, my neice and my ten year old granddaughter. My daughter has gone away with her fiance. But if you want... Yes, yes.... they hug and Sofia says it will be as you wish. Ascanio and Fortunata look on beaming smiles. Fortunata adds the warm words, we are going to be like a family again.
**************
The celebration party for the new Lord. The palace gardens are full of people we have never seen before until Fortunata questions Manuela and Ascanio about their wedding. Manuela says it will be in six months when the mourning period ends. Ascanio confirms that it will be hard work for him to wait that long. Justo comes down the stairs with Sofia as they discuss how very young Claudio is, too young to live alone and Sofia says they are happy to have him in the house. Fortunata starts to ask if Justo has news from Ofelia and Santiago... but we pan instead to Ines and Vasco who are bombarded by Pacho and other children. Ines laughs at the mischievous children, she and Vasco grin and hug and Ines, says I have a surprise for you. Huh?? She whispers into his ear, he reacts with joy, Are you pregnant? Oh woman, my woman! He whirls her around.

Pancho tells La Paisana that he knows she has wanted to retire. She asks if he has forgiven her yet. He hugs her, telling her that there is nothing to forgive. The three Salamanca babies are paraded through the party and Ricardo beams when Claudio makes comment about his numerous family. Ricardo counters with telling Claudio he salutes him for his decision to take in Sofia and he assures Claudio that she is a kindly woman who will help him greatly grow into his position.

Mario and Jimena stand as if alone like lovers in the moonlight hardly able to wait to escape from the obligations of this big party.

Ricardo stands with Justo and Claudio and Camila telling that he and Camila will leave very soon for the plantation in New Orleans. Justo says it pains him that they are going so far away. Ricardo doesn't look pained but graciously says they will come to see him and certainly he is welcome to visit them. Claudio wishes they could all stay in San Fernando too. Such is life says Ricardo, each person has to continue his own family. Paco runs up to break up a stiff scene and flings himself against Ricardo reminding him of that ride on the ship he has been waiting for. Ricardo picks up his nephew and tosses him up in the air telling him now he is going to complete his promise and magically he comes back down to Ricardo's arms and they are transported to the ship sailing toward New Orleans (gee I hope they told Paco's parents they were kidnapping him). On the beautiful ship, on the beautiful sea, Ricardo lets Paco steer while he walks along kissing and hugging his children. Camila holds little Pedro and remarks that now she sees why Ricardo loves the sea so much. He waxes philosophic that all life comes from the sea and they have to love it and respect it. And when their son is old enough he will tell him that it is really love that moves the universe, for sure. The nannies bring little Manuel and Ana Maria for Ricardo to hold. The five of them sparkle in the setting sun as we fade with the Pasión ballad to - FIN -


BUT WAIT, There is more: Below are the final comments from some of your intrepid Pasión recappers:

1.) From Jardinera -
What a wonderful excursion into Fantasyland! Disney has nothin' on Carla and Company this time around. I've not read the original in Spanish, but this Maria Zarattini yarn might be considered right in league with good ol' James Fenimore Cooper's for my money; and neither dreary Daniel Day-Lewis nor the likes of Johnny The Drip Depp can/could ever compare to Fernando Colunga's on-screen and larger-than-life heroic personage of Ricardo de Salamanca –even if they could speak Spanish! Jollywood execs, call your office. We have a blockbuster of a story here if you could only get your worthless, proverbial act together.
--Thanks, the Jardinera!


2.) From Capitana J.R. -
* With most soaps and novelas I've watched, they go
with the rule of "miss a week, don't miss much." With
Pasion, it was totally reversed "miss a day, miss a
lot, miss a week and I'm totally lost."

* Wondering why we were tortured for so long with
Rita and her complaining before she died and then, in
the end, our main villian men Jorge and Alberto are
arrested and killed off in the same episode?

* Watching "Pasion" has been one amazing, wild
adventure, one that won't be forgotten for a long
time.
Jody "J.R./Capitana J.R." :)


3.) From Margaret -
I looked back at some of the old posts and discovered that we have been waiting for this novela for A YEAR! And I think for the majority of us, it didn’t disappoint. The acting was not uniformly strong but there were enough excellent actors in a variety of roles and the production values were so much better (on location shooting!) that it just rises way above the quality of most of the telenovela productions I’ve seen.

Another of the marvelous things about this show was how much detail went into it. Every outdoor scene is teeming with life—tons of extras who aren’t just standing around--they are doing something. Although there were some anachronisms, there weren’t too many. Lots of research seemed to have gone into this and it will be fun to watch it again sometime just to notice all the little details. I loved how all of these ex-pirates ended up plantation owners in New Orleans. That’s pretty historically accurate too.

The last episode was a solid effort at tying off the loose ends. So many times, they ruin these endings with last minute fake drama. Nice touch to have Claudio back as the lord of SF. (I would guess he hooks up with Tita in 7 or 8 years. Say he’s 18 and she’s 10. That was no problem back then.) Ursula’s fiery feminist speech was a good antidote for all the abuse of women on this show. Somehow, though, I think Tita is going to be less wild than her Mom. She clearly loves her mom but if at 10 she already knew she’d be happier with grandma and auntie, she’s one wise child. Lis and Fran still alive but crazy and penniless? I wonder if they will ever run into each other. Santiago is one good looking monk and seems happy, finally too. They said he was in Santiago de Compostela. I would guess they mean the original one, in Spain. That’s a long way away! And the scarf even makes a final appearance! When Camila unwraps it--that was a tear jerk moment.

So, from pirates to babies! That was so sweet! It really seems like the fulfillment of a lifelong dream for a lonely guy who had no real family (and a dysfunctional extended one at that) to having a houseful of kids. It would be funny if they did Pasión: the next generation. We could see what became of LaFont’s curse.


4.) From Julie -
I feel like I just stepped off of a roller coaster -
overwhelmed and disoriented, but wishing I could get
back on and ride it again right away instead of
having to wait for the next great telenovela roller
coaster to come around.

I have plenty more to say about the last episode, but
I suspect we'll discuss that in the comments; what
I'm nearly speechless about is what a pleasure it has
been to recap this show. It was often a challenge,
but it was worth it! And it was just as much fun
reading the other recaps and all the comments.
Nothing in the story ever happened the way I expected
it to, and our conversations brought so much more to
the experience than I could have hoped.

And as rewarding as this experience has been, it has
also been intense. These 20 weeks of Pasion have had
more action than all the other telenovelas I've
watched put together, including the 50 or so weeks of
La Fea that I saw (and the first ten weeks I missed).


But with fun comes exhaustion. I am pooped! I don't
know how or if Fuego will measure up to Pasión, but
if it's lighter and fluffier, I won't mind at all.

I know some of our readers will wander away in
despondent Riclessness, or they'll be off enjoying
summer plans, or watching something else on
Telemundo, or rewatching Pasion on DVD. I can't say I
blame you, but I'm going to miss you. I've
appreciated all the wonderful, thoughtful, and
supportive comments, and I thank you for reading my
recaps that always seemed to grow longer the more I
tried to keep them short.

I'll also miss the recappers who are going on break.
It has been a great pleasure being on your team, and
I hope you will join us again soon!

And to Carla Estrada, wherever you are: Thank you for
a spectacular masterpiece of telenovela art!


AND From CherylNewMex -
See you all around the Blog. This has been a wonderful story
Actually, I have decided to let Willa have the last 1000 words:

Labels: Pasion

(this was an episode without Los Burque!)

We start with Soledad entering the room where Hugo is holding Eloisa.
- Excuse me for interrupting, says Soledad. Eloisa guiltily lets go of Hugo and says,
- Soledad, it’s not what you think.
- You don’t have to give me an explanation, says Soledad awkwardly.
- I was simply thanking your husband for being concerned about me. He doesn’t want me to marry Arturo because he is a very violent man, says Eloisa .
Soledad says that she agrees with that advice. Hugo asks her what she wants and she says that she just came to thank him for letting Dr. Max treat Aurora. She leaves. Eloisa says,
- Soledad is angry with me. I will talk to her. Hugo replies,
- No, that’s not a good idea. In addition, you should stay away from Soledad from now on. Eloisa protests that Soledad is her only friend. Hugo replies that her friendship is not sincere and since she’s already done a lot of damage, Hugo suggests that she leave. She leaves.

Soledad returns to her room and slams the door. Ursula asks her what is wrong. First she says nothing is wrong and then she tells Ursula that she saw Hugo embracing Eloisa. She claims that she doesn’t care but Ursula says that her attitude indicates that it does bother her. Soledad reluctantly admits that she doesn’t understand why what Alcides does or doesn’t do affects her. She admits that is seemed very strange that Alcides would be so affectionate with Eloisa. Ursula is amused.

Hugo refuses to let Lucas invest in the mine and he won’t give him an explanation. Lucas concludes it is because Alcides doesn’t like him.

At the Obregon house, Antonia is on her way out with a suitcase. Ester asks to forgive her for what she said. Antonia responds that if Ester it is best for her brother, she will leave the house. Ester doesn’t reply. Antonia says that if Ester doesn’t want to hear the truth from my mouth, you will have to suffer the consequences. Ester asks what she is talking about.
- Time will show that I am right. And when you realize that you were wrong, it wll be too late, says Antonia cryptically. Ester says that Antonia is frightening her. Antonia goes on to say that she will stay at the house but she taking a vow of silence. From now on not a single word will come from her mouth. (Great, now that she has useful information, Antonia is going to give everyone the silent treatment like a 6-year old. It will be nice not to hear her talking about sin all the time though.)

Marina asks Dr. Max if he is sure that she is pregnant. He describes her symptoms and the fact that she has missed her period – what else could it be? (We didn’t need a doctor to tell us that!) Marina remembers her night of passion with Boris when Fabio attacked and nearly killed Hugo. (That’s not when she got pregnant though or she’d be 6 months gone.)Marina asks Dr. Max not to tell Boris. She wants to pick the right time.

Boris tells Hugo that he can’t understand why he wouldn’t let Lucas invest in the mine,
- If your intention is to take vengeance on the Obragons, this is the moment to leave them without a cent.
Hugo remembers overhearing Ester and Manrique at the velorio again. He says,
-Because Lucas wasn’t that involved. Besides when Lucas spoke to me, I felt that he loved his daughter very much.
- I guess you don’t feel the same way about Ester, responds Boris.
- Ester is a cold and calculating woman – says Hugo – It was probably she and Soledad who had the idea to deceive and use me.
- I wouldn’t want to be in your shoes – says Boris – On the one hand, you want vengeance and on the other you want to help Soledad.
Hugo replies – I still can’t understand how a person with such a generous heart could be so calculating and deceiving.

In the Love Nest of Perversion, Beatriz tells Alcides that she told him to be quiet. Dr. Pablo says to Alcides that he must have survived the explosion in the mine. Alcides responds that he did survive the explosion but he lost his memory and was wandering around without knowing who he was or where he belonged. Beatriz says that destiny put Alcides in her hands to pay for all the damage that he has done to her. Dr. Pablo tells her that it is humiliating to keep Alcides chained to the bed like this. Alcides points to the keys of the shackles and asks Dr. Pablo to release him but Beatriz points the gun at him and tells him not to move. Unwisely, Dr. Pablo tells Beatriz to calm down and that she isn’t a murderer. She says that was before and things have changed. She shoots and kills Dr. Pablo.

Jose, father of little Aurora, thanks Hugo and Soledad for helping his family. They are better. He asks Hugo to forgive him for stirring up trouble at the mine. He will get the workers to come back. Hugo thanks him and invites him to get some food from his kitchen.

When they are alone, Hugo tells Soledad that he wants to talk about what she saw in his room between Eloisa and him. Soledad claims that there is nothing to explain. He can do what he likes in his life. Hugo says that he thought she was jealous.
- Jealous? Me? – laughs Soledad – Alcides, don’t you remember we have an agreement? The only reason I am here is to protect my daughter from your enemies. – She moves to leave.
- Who are you fooling? – asks Hugo – Of course it affected you to see me with Eloisa because you are not indifferent to me. Why don’t you let your heart speak? Why don’t you tell me what you feel?
- How vain you are, Alcides – she says – I’m not going to answer your question because it doesn’t deserve an answer. You can do what you want , think what you want, it really doesn’t matter to me.
Hugo says that he detects aggression in her words and doesn’t understand. He has treated her with respect. She apologizes and says,
- I know that you have really changed and that lately you have been very involved with me and my child. But I don’t want you think that I could ever have anything with you because that could never happen.
- Not for you but for me, yes – says Hugo.
- What are you saying? – asks Soledad.
- At first I was interested in you only as a trophy that I could take from my brother but now my heart is telling me something different. It is telling me that I love you.
- You can’t be in love with me! – says Soledad.
- Can we forget the past for a moment? – asks Hugo – We have been given an opportunity to form a family. I’m sure that with a little luck (con tiempo y el ganchito – this is what Alcides has always said about getting Soledad to love him. Did Hugo say it on purpose?) you can come to love me as much as I love you.
- My only family is my daughter – responds Soledad – and my only interest is finding a cure for her disease. Then Soledad tells Hugo that she wants to raise money to build a hospital in San Marino. He thinks that is a great idea and promises to help her.

Eloisa tells Paquito about how Alcides behaved in the clinic and with Soledad. Paquito says that Alcides was acting like Hugo. Maybe this man who is passing for Alcides is really Hugo de Medina? Eloisa asks whose corpse is in Hugo’s grave then? Paquito says getting a corpse isn’t a problem. Eloisa can’t understand why Hugo would want to pass as Alcides with all his enemies and problems. Paquito says that he doesn’t know but they have to confront him. Eloisa says that she already did that. She kissed Alcides and the kiss wasn’t the same. It was cold and distant. Paquito doesn’t want all the details.

The next morning in his study (they managed to have a night without a crisis!)Boris asks Hugo what he should do with all the money they collected. Hugo says that they will use it create a hospital and Boris should look for a suitable site. It will be a good way to help Soledad in her charitable work. Marina knocks and comes in to say that Arturo is downstairs and wants to speak to Alcides. Hugo leaves and then Boris follows leaving Marina alone with the money. She picks up the bundles of cash and fondles them. Boris comes back in and he is very disappointed in her behavior. He accuses her of thinking of robbing Hugo. How could she do that when Hugo considers them part of his family. Why is she so ungrateful? Marina says,
- I have a good reason. I’m pregnant!- Boris is impactado. He asks why she didn’t tell him before. Marina says that he is only interested in Hugo. Boris says that isn’t so and she is important to him too and much more now. He says that he won’t say anything to Hugo about the money. They should get married. Marina asks if that means they can leave here. Boris says that first he would have to find someone to take care of Hugo.

Arturo is concerned about his investment. He doesn’t think the project should be left in the hands of ignorant peasants. He suggests that they hire people from nearby towns. Fine, says Hugo, but it will at your expense. That doesn’t go over well with Arturo. He says that Alcides will have to respond if there are more problems. He isn’t losing another penny.

Lucas tells Rebeca that Alcides wouldn’t let him invest in the mine and wouldn’t give him a reason. Rebeca has a brilliant idea. Lucas can give his money to her and she will invest it on his behalf. Alcides will accept an investment from her. Lucas thinks that is a great idea. (So now Rebeca will either steal Lucas’ money or invest it in a scam. Either way it’s lost.)

Eloisa wants to postpone the wedding (for the following day) once again. Her excuse is that she really, really wants Soledad to be her matron of honor and Soledad says that she can’t do it with all that is going on. Arturo is says just get someone else. Eloisa pushes but Arturo is adamant. Eloisa goes to Plan B. She pays Hercu-less to arrange an accident for Arturo before the wedding.

Soledad and Hugo are celebrating Boris and Marina’s announcement of Marina’s pregnancy. Boris says that they want to formalize their relationship by getting married. Soledad is happy and offers them their house for the reception. Boris says that isn’t necessary but Marina leaps in to accept. Soledad and Marina can arrange the whole thing.

At the jolly Obregon dinner table, Ester asks Lucas about his plan to invest in the mine. Lucas hesitates but then says that it is a done deal. He is a partner. Ester says that she hopes he hasn’t done something crazy (futile hope, Ester). Apparently anxious for more scolding, Lucas ask Antonia what she thinks about it. She doesn’t respond and Ester says that she does not want to speak. (If looks could speak, though…)

Hercu-less puts a rattlesnake on the road in front of Arturo’s horse. The horse shies and throws Arturo. He kills the snake but has chest pains and passes out.

Ursula tells Marina that she is a viper spreading venom everywhere even while Soledad plans her wedding. She doesn't deserve it. Soledad comes in on this discussion. She wants to go shopping for the wedding with Ursula and Marina can watch the baby. Ursula doesn't want to go but Soledad insists. Ursula gives Marina dagger looks. After they leave, Marina says that Soledad is such a fake.

Eloisa and Gladis are in Arturo’s bedroom. Eloisa fakes sympathy that this happened on her wedding day. She asks for money to pay the caterers, etc. Arturo refuses saying that if they haven't done anything, they shouldn't get paid. They can come to him for payment. A grumpy Arturo wants to be alone but Gladis wants to discuss something first. She has found out that Arturo has fired the detectives who were looking for Beatriz. Gladis believes that Arturo just didn’t want to pay for the detectives any more. Arturo agrees that this was so. He suggests that Gladis should just forget about Beatriz. Gladis says that she will never forget her daughter. Arturo says that the fact that she ran off with Fabio makes him doubt that Hugo actually raped her. Gladis slaps him. Gladis says that when Beatriz comes home, she should get her share of the family inheritance and she, Gladis, will make sure that happens. Arturo suggest that Beatriz is really crazy but Gladis doesn’t believe it.

Beatriz comes in from burying Dr. Pablo.
-It was your fault that I had to kill him- she says. -Pablo was a good man and a good doctor. Poor guy.
Alcides says, -Why are you blaming me? I didn't ask you to kill him.
-You've only brought disgrace and death to my life – she says and gets her gun and points it at Alicides.
Alcides says, -Beatriz please don't shoot, don't shoot. I turned into the man you wanted. Look at me. I'm Hugo. I turned into Hugo for you. – We can see Beatriz's loca brain struggling to compute.

Hacienda-
Soledad is very happy with the stuff that she and Ursula bought for the wedding. She says that Boris and Marina will be very surprised. Ursula is sullen.
Soledad says, -What is the matter? You like events like this and you're not happy.
-I'm happy for Boris but Marina doesn't deserve it.- In comes Marina - What are you doing here?- says Ursula. -You're supposed to be watching Aurora.
- Aurora fell asleep. I came to get a bite to eat.-
Soledad goes to check on the baby.
Ursula says, -I told you stay with the baby at times.-
- Such a fuss for a little baby- says Marina. -Let's see what you bought.-


Soledad comes into baby's room and she isn't there. She panics. Hugo has the baby in his room. He is playing with the baby and talking to her (so cute)
-Who is the prettiest baby in the city? Who is it? It's you.- He kisses the baby and she grabs his hair. -Ouch, let go, let go. Do you want to leave me bald?- He ties up his hair like Hugo (ah, this is how it happens) - You and I are going to be great friends. What a beautiful smile you have! - Soledad comes in - God was inspired when he made you two.
Hugo says, -I didn't know you were here. – She has a flashback to happier days when she and Hugo were watching children in a park. She says,
-Can you imagine it? Our house filled with little kids, happy like we were when we were kids.
Hugo responded, -That would be nice but I don't want our children to have my childhood.
-Why do you say that? asked Soledad. -You grew up in a family that loved you a lot, your house, your family, you had everything.
-Things weren't that simple- Hugo said. -I experienced a very painful event when I was a child and it didn't let me be happy.
Soledad comes back to the present and thinks, It can't be. It's Hugo, my love. They embrace, kiss.
- This shouldn't have happened- says Soledad. -Forgive me. It was a mistake.
Hugo responds, -It was nice. You see we can start over again.
-No, It was simply an impulse. I don't know how it happened. Forgive me.

-You and I know that wasn't true. You were trembling in my arms. You wanted this moment as much as I did. Why are you denying your true feelings? Why?

Hugo says, - I have never spent so much time with our daughter.
- That was what affected me- says Soledad. –Why is your hair like that? That’s how Hugo did his hair.
-Do I remind you of Hugo?- asks Hugo.
-Are you going to continue to torture me? – says Soledad –with all your scolding.
-It was just a simple question.- says Hugo feigning innocence. –What does it matter how I do my hair?
-Yes- says Soledad. – it bothers me. I can’t avoid it.
Hugo can’t resist saying, - Your conscience won’t leave you in peace, then?
Soledad goes off on him. She says that he can think whatever he wants – that she was responsible for what happened to Hugo that his ghost is persecuting her, whatever. Just leave her in peace. Hugo says that she should calm down.
Soledad says that she can’t calm down. What does he want? For them to be husband and wife? When all he does is scold her all the time.
Hugo says that she is right and asks her forgiveness.
Soledad responds that he always says the same things and he always ends up making her feel bad. She takes the baby and leaves.

In the Love Nest of Perversion, Alcides begs Beatriz, - Don't kill me. I did everything you wanted me to.
Beatriz says, -Promise me you won't do anything crazy.
-Of course, I promise.
- Promise that you'll stay here with me.
-I promise. I'll stay with you as long as you want.
- I'll fix up this place and make it our home.
-I promise. Please release me. Let me prove to you that I'm a good man. I'm Hugo, your Hugo. I’m the one who loves you.
Beatriz unchains him. –Kiss me, - says Alcides. She does and he hits her and takes the gun saying, - Your time has come, you crazy devil.

Hugo, Boris and Soledad are in Hugo’s study. Boris says that Hugo seem very thoughtful. He asks if something happened. Hugo says that he kissed Soledad. Boris congratulates him on the success of his plan to make Soledad fall in love with him. Hugo says he wishes it were a year ago when he thought he had found happiness. When he thought his life was going to be different and love was going to save him from death. – This vengeance is only bringing bitterness- says Boris. Hugo says that sometimes when he sees how fragile Soledad is, he wonders if he is doing the right thing. Now Marina has to put her 2 cents in. She says that Soledad is cunning and ambitious and is always three steps ahead of men.

Ursula is excited that Soledad kissed Alcides/Hugo but Soledad sees it as betraying Hugo’s memory. Ursula says that the situation was very confusing. Anyone who saw Alcides with his hair pulled back would think it was Hugo.
Soledad says that when she saw Alcides being so sweet with the baby, it was like she was looking at Hugo and that reminded her of what she had lost when he died. Ursula suggests that if Alcides is acting like Hugo, then Soledad should pretend he is Hugo and get some happiness in her life.

Labels: la traicion

Alex and the brunette have thrown pebbles into the Pool of Bottomless Sorrow. They tell each other how sad they are. Alex introduces himself, but the brunette doesn’t want to give her name. She walks off.

Dios mio! - Braulio has found Mili passed out on the chair in the foyer. He smells alcohol on her, wakes her up and wants to get her out before anyone sees. Too late – Luci is on the stairway and tells him not to touch her. Connie is coming down the stairs – Luci tells him look at that – she’s blotto, you’ve got to fire her because that’s one thing I can’t tolerate in my house. I guess only one lush per household is some kind of city code. Connie says he’ll take appropriate measures.

Alex joins the brunette at her new spot by the little pool. Oddly, she is wearing a turtleneck on a sunny day. He says he is worried because she looks really upset. You have no idea, she says, and walks off again.

Braulio is giving Mili some hot coffee to work off her drunk. Her little cap is still not pinned down straight. Mili protests that she didn’t drink, but Braulio says appearances sure indicated the contrary – a bottle, the smell, etc. Mili says it was probably a trick of Luci’s. Braulio says maybe.

Alex is just getting into his giant black car and the brunette approaches him and apologizes – she thought he was a fast guy. He invites her for coffee – she is hesitant. He says he’s going to a café nearby so she knows where he’ll be if she wants to join him.

The servants are lined up in the foyer – Mili’s cap is still not pinned down. Connie with Luci at his side is telling the servants that there have been a lot of problems with them lately and what he’s going to do is dock their pay for each infraction in the future. Luci butts in and says that what caused this was one of them getting drunk last night and sleeping in the foyer. Mili speaks up – I wasn’t drunk! You can’t produce even one witness who saw me drinking. Karla speaks up – I did!

Mili lunges at her - I’ll kill you! Connie orders her to the study immediately. Karla smirks. In his study, Mili says to him do I look like a drunk to you? He sees her cap unpinned and her hair a mess and he shrugs. She said it must’ve been your wife and then Karla. He tells her look, don’t challenge Luci’s authority in front of the other servants. I think he tells her that it was Luci who wanted her disciplined.

Luci in her room is talking to Karla, asking her to help get rid of Mili. Karla is all for it. Mili has been summoned apparently. (She still hasn’t pinned her cap down – isn’t there a mirror in the bathroom?) Luci tells Mili she’s getting docked 50%. Mili locks the door from inside and turns on the two – you’re a couple of cockroaches she says. You tricked me because you want to drive me out – well, I’m not going! Karla grabs her arms from behind and holds her – hit her, she tells Luci. Lucy strokes Mili’s face and then omygawd! she actually does slug her. You’ll pay for this says Mili and she runs out the now miraculously unlocked door. Karla smiles big at Luci.

Alex is having his coffee in a rustic coffee house – there’s a deer head on the wall. The brunette comes up to him. He smiles.

In the dorm, Mili is telling Lina and Gloria what happened with Luci and Karla. They offer to help her, but she says leave it to her – amazingly, she seems in good spirits. Karla comes in – apparently she hadn’t considered what would happen to her in the dorm after what she did. Mili, Lina and Gloria descend on her; she backs up to the wall. Mili tells the other two to go on out, she’ll take care of Karla. Karla plasters herself to the bedstead, looking scared and Milli tells her off and then grabs her hair and beats her up. Lina and Gloria listen outside the door to the thuds and shrieks.

Vale is walking on the lawn with her girlfriend Barbara who is advising her that she can have a fling with her chauffer, but love – no way. It’s probably just a sexual attraction, she counsels, so just have a one-night stand and dump him the next day. No, says Vale, I feel….things. My parents would catch heart attacks if they knew. I have to be strong – but oh, what kisses! Those lips! I have to distance myself from him – but how?

Just then Bobby pulls up. Vale goes over to him and says I need to talk to you and she makes eyes at him. He looks eager to oblige.

Lina and Gloria outside the door of the girls’ dorm notice that it’s getting quiet in there and they decide to go in. They find Mili, who now looks like a madwoman with her hair a mess, cutting up one of Karla’s favorite dresses. Karla, also tousled, is on her bed begging no no not that one! The girls laugh, Karla wails.

Outside Morgan is washing the car and Vale vamps by. He opens the car door for her, but she says she doesn’t need him – she’s going for dinner and movie. Here comes Bobby looking triumphant and Vale gets in his car, giving Morgan a look.

Back at the coffee house, Alex is again asking the brunette’s name and she says Bruma. He’s never heard that name before and she says actually that’s the name of her little dog who died a little bit ago – it’s been a bad year. She and Alex are smiling, which is pretty amazing considering they’re both supposed to be in deep dolor. She says it’s been a year since she separated, but her divorce became final yesterday.

Morgan is in the kitchen going nuts and Horacio is trying to calm him down. Vale will be mine Morgan swears, showing an impressive set of teeth.

Connie comes into Damien’s office and asks where Alex is – Damien says maybe Andrea knows. Connie helps himself to a drink and offers one to Damien who accepts, saying I thought you were still mad at me. Mad? laughs Connie evilly. I’m furious, but I’ll pardon you if you help me out. I know you voted for Alex because Luci put pressure on you – I’m not going to ask what pressure. Now I want you to put pressure on Alex to resign – interested? I’ll make it worth your while – wait’ll you see the check you’ll get. They toast.

Mili is talking to Regina in her room. Regina is urging Mili to take Connie up on his offer to pay her studies. Mili says she doesn’t want to take his money and Regina says then she’ll pay. Mili says no – she doesn’t want to be beholden to anyone. Regina says she’s stubborn, but says the studies aren’t super expensive and Mili could pay out of her wages. Mili says ha – Luci has cut them in half due to my “drunken” episode. Que? says Regina.

Over at the Rodeo, a guy I think is the owner is congratulating Morgan on all the money he is making – Taco Naco was a great idea. Don’t forget about me, says Horacio who is helping to count the money. But it was Morgan’s idea, the guy says, he has a head for business – put your money in the bank and over time it’ll grow. We can buy houses says Horacio – I’ll get one for Socorro and me and you can get one for you and Vale. Morgan considers this happily.

Vale and Bobby are at dinner – he is talking happily, but she is in dreamland, thinking back on good times with Morgan – the dance lessons, the time he pretended the car was broken down out in the fields, the kisses. She remembers telling him that he is the craziest guy she has ever known. She repeats this out loud and Bobby says Que?

Pilar and Hugo are in bed in the dark, cuddling. She asks him if he still has feelings for Mili and he says he feels something. She says she’s scared he’ll go back to being obsessed about Mili, but he says don’t worry, my mind is a blank when it comes to the past. Pilar says it would be best to get out of the house where Mili is, and away from the father that Hugo hates. I hate him? he says, surprised. Let’s go to Europe, says Pilar. That’s a good idea, he says – start a new life, have new adventures, make new memories – with you. They start to kiss and they go into soft focus.

Regina and Mili are in Luci’s room and Regina is telling Luci off. It seems Regina’s hair gets bigger every time we see her. She says she has Mili’s back. Luci says I don’t know why you support her, she so uneducated, so gauche, and now she got caught drunk. Regina fires back: The only drunk in this house is you! You drink on the sly and haven’t overcome it despite all the help and support you’ve received.

Connie comes in – what’s happening here? Luci says your mother has come in here just to insult me – ask her to leave. Regina says I’m glad you’ve come, a great injustice has been committed against Mili – your wife set her up to appear drunk. Mili says, she put something in my tea. Luci says liar and leaves. Regina tells Connie that if he doesn’t get Luci under control, she (Regina) is going to insist that she leave the house. I’ll take care of her, says Connie, but you have to take care of Alex. Already he’s wrecking the company – some of the workers are bringing a suit. I know, says Regina, he fired them but then he reinstated them. Mili interjects: But he fired them again and they’re out on the street - your grandson has changed!

Mili’s right says Connie. He’s turned into a despot – you should drop by the office and see how he treats his subordinates. I can’t believe it says Regina. You should see how he treats everyone – me included, Connie tells her. You know why he let those people go? Because they wouldn’t respect his new authority and instead of getting a dialog going, he fired them. He just wants his ego massaged – he’s really changed, thanks to you.

He of the reportedly needy ego has arrived in his room – he flops on the bed and flashes back to his conversation with the brunette – he looks dreamy. Oh, Alex..no! Regina comes in, looking stern and says she wants to talk to him. She tells him he’s lost his soul – what he did to those workers is so bad, it doesn’t even have a name. But…he says. She says I’m very worried about you, I’m afraid to lose you. Alex says I’m under pressure, but Regina says if you keep this up, I’m going to insist that you resign.

I don’t want you to turn out like your father, Regina goes on. He became infatuated with power and he was lost forever. I’m not like that, says Alex. You are about to lose Mili – don’t you care? Regina asks. She fell in love with a different Alex. And she’s right – you seem to think you’re king of the world. Regina leaves. Alex looks tearful.

Regina meets Connie in the hall – did you hear, she said? Yes, says Connie, you should have asked him to resign right now. Regina says that every person deserves a second chance. Connie is exasperated.

Alex goes out into the hall and sees Mili on her way to tell Regina good night. She is very formal with him. He asks if she will come into his room so they can talk but she says ha! So he suggests the garden – she reluctantly agrees. He offers his arm, but she shoves him off and starts off alone.

Morgan is pacing inside the front door and Socorro asks where Horacio is – Morgan says he’s still at Taco Naco, and that he (Morgan) wanted to run home to see Vale when she comes back from her evening with Bobby. Well, it might be quite late says Socorro– you intend to spend the whole night here? She goes off and Morgan paces some more. Headlights! He tries to peer through the obscured glass. He stands inside the door, arms crossed, tapping his foot like an angry father. Vale comes in and he demands to know what she’s doing out so late. She reproaches him for speaking to her that way. I’m tired she says. Morgan demands to know how it went. Oh, it was the best date of my life, she says – Bobby is sooo romantic!

Out on the steps of the fountain, Alex is holding Mili’s hand and asking her not to treat him that way, to please understand that his back is to the wall. She keeps her head turned up and away, trying to look blasé. Alex says I want to be president of the company and to marry you – don’t ask me to choose between the two, because I can’t. I never asked you to give up your work says Mili.

I have to make tough decisions says Alex. Inhuman ones, corrects Mili. It’s not easy says Alex. I need your support to carry on, don’t abandon me. What does it take for you to forgive me? I know, says Mili, saucily. Live one day like me, or like the workers you let go. Think you can make it one day? Sure, says Alex. Okay, says Mili, I want you to be butler for one day, uniform and all, then I’ll see if I’ll forgive you or not. (There are positions a lot more humble than that – what an odd choice. Maybe it’s just to set up some future hijinks for our viewing pleasure.) Alex smiles and wags his head indulgently.

Connie is sitting on the side of the bed getting undressed and Luci is upbraiding him. He says I told you I’d keep Mili away from you and I will – don’t keep messing in with her. I’m sick of these discussions. Luci pleads tomorrow is our anniversary dinner – I’d like to have that one day in peace. She lists the friends she has invited – he is surprised about one couple. He’s in construction like you, she says. Well, says Connie, I hope you can get through the evening without getting drunk and putting on scenes. I hope you behave well with Alex, Luci says.

Morgan is at the kitchen table, flanked by Gloria and Lina. He is rabid – he is just sure that Bobby spent the whole time kissing Vale. Mili drags Alex in and says I present to you the new butler. They all try to think up a good butler name for him, one that’s plenty ridiculous. They come up with Agapito, said with a whistle. Alex doesn’t look happy about it.

The real butler comes in. Mili informs him that he has tomorrow off. Braulio says that he hasn’t had a day off in 20 years. Mili tells him about Agapito and explains you gotta whistle when you say it. There is only one butler, says Braulio, plus tomorrow is the big dinner. Everyone cracks up except Alex and Mili says it’s going to be a great job for Alex. Doop-dee-doop cartoon music plays.

It’s still dark and Mili goes into Alex’s room and throws a uniform on the bed – get up! He wants to know what time it is and she says 5:30. He says he never goes to the office until 10:00 (unlikely hours for a guy in the construction biz). She tells him it’s time to get to work. Mili keeps pulling his covers off and tossing pieces of uniform at him.

We can see in the kitchen window – the girls are dismantling Braulio uniform piece by uniform piece while he protests and Socorro enjoys the scene. Braulio says they lack respect. They button up a nice casual shirt on him. What does a person do with a day off, Braulio asks. We’ll show you, they say. They give him hip bumps and he even bumps back a little.

Luci is coming down the stairs, Karla in tow. She calls Braulio, but Mili tells her she has the name wrong. Mili calls him – Alex hustles in, and says you rang? Luci’s mouth drops open. Tubas happily fart in the background.

Outside, Gloria and Lina are trying to get the very stiff Braulio to recline in a lounger. Braulio has a cloth hat on to complete the outfit. He says in all the years he’s been there, he’s never used the loungers – the girls shove him down and he jerks and flails like he’s getting electroshock.

Alex explains to his mother that it’s an important experience for him – he needs to see what it’s like to take orders. Karla whispers to Luci that it must’ve been Mili’s idea.

Luci takes a fit – she says he’ll lose authority with the servants. Okay, says Alex, shall I serve coffee at the office, or go work at construction? Mili is very cheeky throughout and I’d be tempted to fire her myself, frankly.

The girls have put some sunglasses on Braulio and he’s struggling less. In fact, he says it’s kinda nice. They bring him a can of soda and at first he refuses, but then he opens it. They offer him magazines and he is starting to get into his day off. Maybe I’d like a telenovela with a happy ending he says.

Hugo is telling Vale that he won’t make the dinner. She remarks that they don’t see much of him and he says it’ll be even less since he’s going to Europe which he figures should help his art. Luci says no fun to go alone and he says ah, I’m not going alone. Luci seems happy for him.

Alex is doing his butler bit – complete with one eyebrow up. He holds his hands in front of him like praying (does Braulio do that?) Luci says you can’t be a butler in front of everyone tonight so knock it off. Apparently she has invited someone rich with an available daughter. Just think, she says, how wonderful if you could marry her – the joining of two giant fortunes. Alex does a slow blink and… freeze frame.

Avances: Uh oh – the available daughter is the brunette he met earlier. Tu? she says.

Labels: guapos