Caray, Caray!

Hello everyone - good to be back after missing the last part of Pasion, I'm still crazy busy but I'm going to try recapping again anyway. Maybe I can keep myself from going on and on and taking forever to write (don't hold your breath I seem compelled to go on and on). I lost my Friday slot since I bailed out for a while, maybe doing something midweek will make me hurry up more.

First of all I missed the beginning of the show, my DVR didn't record the episode. Somehow the guide changed the title of the show to 'To Be Announced' so my series recording didn't pick it up. This has happened more than once. Come on Comcast, make it work! Here's where I came in -

Bernardo is leaving the house, Gabriela says he isn't free to leave, he would have to die first. Wow did anyone miss the sledgehammer foreshadowing there?

The brothers are all dressed nice and Libia shows up, they ask her about Bernardo. They don't like that he is old, and they want to know if he's married. They want to go talk to him but she says he's on the way over. She tells them she's pregnant. After their tirades yesterday, they should have torn down the entire city in rage over this, but now today they are all nice about it. Whatever. I think they are all bi-polar. Well maybe not Franco since he only has one expression, maybe he has been lobotomized. Before accepting her pregnancy Juan cries like a baby himself and wants to know how he failed her. Maybe he didn't explain the birds and the bees, that would have been failing her very specifically to this situation. Bernardo shows up, Libia tells him she's pregnant, he's happy. The brothers ask when they'll get married, Bern says he'll make sure Libia is happy. Notice he didn't say anything about marrying her. The brothers are all too dense to pick up on this.

Gabriela and the sisters are milling around outside their house worrying about where Bernardo is, like he's some mental patient who wandered out of the yard. I'm sure a 60 year old father of three can handle himself out of the house for a couple hours. Jeez. We see him riding his horse, happy as a clam. FeoNando (awesome nickname that I am totally stealing from yesterday's comment thread) drives his SUV across Bernardo's path. They argue, FeoNando says he knows Bern was with his lover.

Eva, back in the house, makes love to Bernardo's coat before finding a picture of Libia with a love note written on the back. She cries about it.

FeoNando and Bernardo argue, Feo says he won't tell on Bernardo, insinuating he can be bought. Bern says, basically, 'screw you' and punches him.

In town (I guess) three drunk guys are hanging around their truck with the radio cranking some stereotypically Mexican music, a lady comes out and calls them drunk (just so we know I guess, thanks for cluing us in) and tells them to get lost. They argue that the street belongs to everyone but then get ready to leave anyway.

Bernardo tells FeoNando that he'll pay him nothing! (Judge Smails - You'll get nothing! And LIKE IT!) Now FeoNando threatens to tell everything, Bernardo gets on his horse to ride away. Feo says you aren't going anywhere and holds the horse's reins. In the scuffle, Bernardo falls off the horse and cracks his head on the only rock for 100 feet in any direction, killing him instantly. Since this is novelaland, Libia drops her glass of water at that moment, feeling 'something' - maybe a great disturbance in the Force? FeoNando and the horse then stare at each other, Feo willing the horse to keep it's mouth shut, the horse giving Feo the stink eye.

Gabriela and the sisters worry some more. The girls want to go look, Gabriela says no. Sofia and Gabriela argue about who has the worse marriage and Sofia throws the rape in her face again and cries some more. Ok they don't get along, we get it. I have to say that Gabriela is Bertha from Heridas all over again, like exactly the same. "poor me I gave everything to you girls" Even three girls, it's the same character! "when I'm gone you'll be sorry!" Um no I don't think so.

Grandpa Augustin is dressed up like Napoleon, looking out an upstairs window, he keeps writing notes in a book. I guess he's crazy.

Libia waits at the waterfall/pool where she made gross love with the old dude before. I think I see Alejandro and Miranda frolicking behind her, this looks like the pool/waterfall where they got freaky back in Heridas. Maybe it's like that one rock formation from an old Star Trek episode that has shown up in like 15 other shows over the years. Yes I'm a huge nerd.

FeoNando puts Bernardo on the horse, then walks the horse. He hears the loud truck with the naco music cranking and the drunks yelling coming up the street, he pushes the horse in front of it. Right before the truck hits it we see what appears to be a completely alive Bernardo (bad stunt work here, you can totally tell the person on the horse is alive in that split second) and then the truck hits the horse. Feo wanders out from behind a bush and blames them for killing Bernardo. How convenient.

FeoNando brings Bernardo's body back to the hacienda, they all have a good cry. Upstairs, crazy grandpa sees it and tells Eva that Bernardo is dead. Eva faints.

Juan, who apparently can only bake topless, works hard. The other two are apparently useless, Juan does all the work. Libia is leaving to go look for Bernardo. Juan wants info on him, phone number, address, Libia doesn't know any of it. Juan gets all macho about it and Libia says fine, if Bernardo ditches me, I'll leave town to spare you the scandal. Juan gets softie, totally against what we've seen of his character so far, and says no he'll always take care of her and the baby.

Bernardo's wake is going on at the Hacienda, lots of black clothes and crying.

Libia sees Hortensia (the lady who ran off the drunks) on the street, just then she sees a newspaper saying in huge 'Kennedy Shot/Pearl Harbor Bombed' 50 point headline saying that Bernardo is dead. She faints.

More crying at the wake, Gabriela is stone-faced.

Libia cries that she wants to see Bernardo, some random guy says he'll take her.

Rosario (ok now this is what has been missing from the shows I've been watching. I prefer a classier version of Jessica Rabbit bodied hot chick, but this is a step up anyway) is in her dressing room practicing her dance moves. Thank you Rosario, please don't stop on my account. Anyway that clown Franco just walks in and kisses her. She gets mad and says he just desires her, doesn't love her, then kicks him out. Then she talks to herself about how she loves him but can't be with him. I guess she kicked him out as a front to get rid of him since FeoNando has some mysterious hold on her. I suppose we'll find out later what that is. As long as it doesn't involve her putting on more clothes, whatever.

Libia shows up at the wake. Big dramatic scene. Everyone wonders who the hell she is, she isn't even wearing black. We also see that Bernardo has a huge-ass bling picture of the Virgin on his casket. She predictably throws herself on the casket, just like a ghetto mother in a gangsta movie, and cries very loudly. Luckily she is very cute and not an ugly crier or the amount of crying she does this episode would be excruciating rather than just annoying. We've all had horrible days, but after a while you just can't keep up the wailing. No matter how bad the day has been, who died, whatever. At some point you just give out and can't keep up the screaming. Anyway Gabriela confronts her, Libia says she was Bernardo's fiancee and is having his baby, Gabriela says she is his real wife and tries to throw Libia out. In the lobby Gabriela slaps Libia while FeoNando just stands there and watches. Then FeoNando throws her out, with crazy grandpa saying "wait I want to talk to you!" Outside Eva catches up with Libia and says she believes that she was with Bernardo and is pregnant, but Libia doesn't want to hear it since Eva didn't help her inside. She continues crying and leaves.

The brothers stand around and worry about where Libia is off to. Man everyone has to report to everyone else on this show about where they are at all times.

Libia finds Hortensia again and cries some more, then accuses Hortensia of not telling her the truth about Bernardo. I guess Hortensia knew they were together?

The brothers put on their huge sombreros and ride around looking for Libia. It starts raining.

FeoNando and Gabriela discuss Libia. Gabriela is only concerned about scandal and says this bastard baby will get half of the family fortune. FeoNando immediately says no way and quickly leaves the room. Gee I wonder where he is off to. Gabriela looks at a picture of Bernardo and curses him and throws her wine glass at the picture.

The brothers have managed to find rain ponchos but not their sister.

Libia is at the waterfall/pool again and sitll loudly wailing. Now she is mad at Bernardo and is yelling at him. Some guy suddenly grabs her, we see soon enough that it's FeoNando (big surprise), he grabs the necklace off of her. They struggle in the water, then he conks her on the head with a comically big stick and then drowns her. Again, since we are in novelaland, Juan has what feels like a heart attack at that moment. Uh Oh. I need to find a recording of Alec Guiness saying he feels 'a great disturbance in the Force' for every time this happens.

Tomorrow - no idea, since the entire teaser just recapped what already happened today. All I know is that it will involve brothers with poor anger management skills wearing sombreros and riding horses. I'm sure there will also be yelling and crying.

Labels: Fuego

Otra vez, they break up…but hey what about that make up?
Oh Al, who knew you could replace your evil father in name only father on my list of Rat Bastards?
Oh Al, I feel I must critique your sad little shallow personality, for while other evil doers (did I say evil doers?, feel free to say it out loud in your best George W. voice); know they are doing evil, ie. Uncle Damien, Andrea, Consti. You are blinded by your incredible boyish grin and flowing golden locks.

Al is planning a hook-up with Flor & her sister, no not a threesome…yet
He has included Bobby alias, Al as we are involved in a whole lame ass script of useless subtext. Anyhow, to make a long story short and a bit less bearable, Al posed as the MajorDomo, the other night when Flor and parents came to the Belemonte Anniversary Party. Al had met Flor earlier, by an pond. Yeah, I know, they both lamented broken hearts. Now I know this is hard to believe, but in the world of Mexico City, which defies all natural rules of physics; you are guaranteed to meet any random person and to run into to them 24 hours later in totally different coordinates in Mexico City. What can this be? Ah I believe it is the natural influx of Aztec spiritness combined with the pulsating power of the Basilica. This must be true or how could it happen over and over and over.
Anyway he was posing as the Majordomo and Flor thought he was a servant, so then Al has Bobby pose as Al.

Mili is in the kitchen talking to her posse. She is telling them how thrilled Big Al is going to be once he finds out she is going back to school. She runs off to tell him.
Meanwhile, Bobby gate-mouth, is telling Val how, he and Al have dinner with the sisters. Al is enamoured with the new girl. Mili overhears and clutches her hand to her mouth.

Mili goes to the kitchen and rants somemore about what a RatBastard Al is.

Al is upstairs doing what Al does best, grinning in front of the mirror. Mili knocks at the door and Al is very short with her. She asks where he is going and of course he lies. He says that he and Bobby are off to an evening of sports, like a sports bar. Bobby comes in and Al tries to get him to cover, but Bobby is clueless and the boys skip out, well not skip but kind of a stilted Nazi march. Mili is left to cry and stare at the picture, Al has on his desk. I bet you thought it was a picture of Mili, yeah I fell for it too. No it is a big ol 5x7 of whom else? Al of course. Now you knew that AssHat would have a big ole picture of himself on his desk.

So Al and Bobby arrive at the home of the “Fresh Meat” sisters, oh please snowballs have more chance in hell than Bobby does of scoring.

Flor calls her Dad to come and have dinner with them. Al is like, OH NO. Did I forget to mention, that Pa knows Al is Al cause he meet him over at the Empresa of No Business. Anyway, Bobby cooks up this story that he being the big business guy has three more meetings. Bobby takes off, but Flor won’t let Al leave. So Al goes to the bano. I’m thinking maybe he is going to climb out the window or something. Pa arrives and after a really awkward long time, Pa starts saying maybe Al died in the bathroom.
Please Pa, you’ve only been involved in this a couple of episodes, why should you be so lucky. Finally Al comes out of the bathroom and Flor introduces Agripto (I’m not sure if that name is exactly right), but close. Agripto is the fake name Al has been using. The father raises an eyebrow, but doesn’t drop the dime on Al. No doubt, another person struck by the boyish smile and golden locks. Finally the sister takes off and Flor leaves the room.

Pa and Al chat. Al tells yet another lie, but looking all boyish and batting his eyelashes, Al is rich and he wanted to make sure Flor, adored him for his attributes and not his money. Pa says he understands, but if Al screws with Flor, there will be no mercy. He pulls out an enormous gun to get the point across.

Meanwhile, Val is at the Rodeo, where she has agreed to help out Rocky, due to the fact that he bought her an expensive necklace to prove his undying love and she threw it out the car window. So she is turning up her nose working at Taco Naco. Her two buddies come in and she hides. Rocky leaves to dance with them. Val is jealous and goes to see what is going on. Val pulls both girls off Rocky and when everyone says she is jealous, she runs off. (Really these two are my new crush, they are so refreshing after Mili & Al, and Mili & Hugo, and Al & Andrea, Al & Pilar, Al & Flor and last but not least Al & Al.

At some point Luci was having drinks with Damian & he told her he really isn’t sick, So good times to put the screws to Consti.

Now a commercial and come back in the room and Al is leaving Flor’s but she is wearing a nightgown. I am having a total Que the Hell, moment. She is all kissing and groping Al. Does this mean they did the deed? I am so not sure.

Next thing we see Andrea & Consti at the office. So I am even more confused, did Al spend the night?

Consti tells Andrea that Damian is dying. Andrea is skeptical, but Consti says he talked to the doctor and yes indeed, Damian is a mere toe tag away from the big marble slab.
Andrea is concerned is it contagious? Damien comes in and is coughing all over each and every surface in the office. Andrea leaves. Damien continues to hack and cough. He needs some money and Consti is only too happy to give it to him. Damien keeps making all these jokes, and Consti is tearing up, cause well Damien has no idea he is not long for this world. BWWWAAAAHAAAA, Consti, fooled again.

Rocky brings Val a lemonade out to the pool, she won’t let him get within two meters of her. When he walks away, she lusts after him.

Mili goes in to talk to Al, who is now in his bedroom and still wearing the same clothes I think. She tells him she is going to school, and Al just blows her off. He said they had many more problems than that and they are no longer a couple. Mili, tries to make nice, but Al won’t play. Mili says well they can be friends. Al says okay let’s kiss on it. Al grabs her and gives her the famous Al, tongue hockey probe. Mili softens and says, is that how you kiss your friends. Yeah just friends and he walks out on her.

Now Flor arrives at the door, asking for the MajorDomo, Gloves keeps saying he is the MajorDomo and has been for twenty years. Val wanders in and Luci is there. Another knock at the door and it is Bobby, who has to confess he is not Al.

Finally, Al comes down the steps and Flor makes a huge show of forgiving him for his little joke. Al is just such an Ass. They announce they are girlfriend and boyfriend. Does this guy never just date? He is constantly getting set-up to get married. Really now don’t you think Pilar had a bit of a right to be pissed? Al, know we know he is going to break lil Flor’s heart, Geez it is always about him.

Mili is standing on the steps, for once she is very quiet. Luci sees her and questions what she doing? Mili just mutters. Flor says who is that. Al loudly says, “Carlitos, un Amigo”. At this point, Al you broke my heart.

That was totally the moment Al jumped to the head of the RatBastard list for me. Always the gentleman.

Mili goes to kitchen and tells, her posse what happened, she is off for the comfort of St. Deceptions.

Al comes in looking for her asks where she is. Gloria yells at him and he leaves.

Mili is all depressed at the church and the good Padre tries to cheer her up with some futbol, but alas futbol won’t cure a broken heart.

Flor and AssHat Al, flutter through the garden, where she forgives him for his lies. Of course she forgave him. They are now an item. Flor tries the be gentle with my heart. Al is like of course. She asks him if she is the only woman in his life and he uses his super joven powers to say yes. Flor is a goner.

Luci is all excited and tells Consti that Al may marry Flor. Consti says, crap, have you ever watched the Sopranos? Cause Flor’s Pa is Tony Soprano with a bigger gun.

Consti later actually warns Al, which surprised me as I’d of given him my blessing and bought Flor’s Pa a big ol box of Hollow Points.

On the upside, Val comes out and Rocky is washing the car, shirtless, she tells him to put his shirt on, but Rocky says it is too hot. Val starts toweling him off. That was the one redeeming scene, except for Damien hacking fake disease all over Consti.

Oh I forgot with the little voice of Andrea in his ear and seeing Luci gleefully cutting flowers, Consti is now rethinking Damien’s deathwatch.

This episode made me hate myself, I actually felt a rightous pang of man-hate when Al did his Carlitos quip. So at this point Al is dead to me, I will not fall victim to his boyish charm or golden locks. Al feels perfectly justified in his actions, well really Mili is better off, they had one thing in common, her virginity…him wanting it and her holding out. My favorite suggestion for Miss Garcia’s eight grade class…is someone slipping Al some serious ecstasy in a drink and he is discovered two hours later, nude staring at himself in a mirror.

Labels: guapos

I half-watched this, but had a lot of difficulty following it, especially since I was supposed to be doing the Fuego recap at the same time. Here's what I was able to catch - hopefully you guys can fill in the rest:

• I couldn't help noticing that Fernando Colunga smiles a lot more in real life, and a lot more broadly, than Ricardo ever did!
  
  
• There was a segment about what a great kisser Colunga is, and a brief montage of him kissing previous costars and them endorsing his kissing skills.
  
  
• Colunga likes extreme sports.
  
  
• Susanna Gonzales (Camila) had to wear a flesh-colored bodysuit for the love scenes... and with each love scene being more revealing than the one before it, they had to cut away more and more of the suit, until finally it was practically falling apart.
  
  
• Daniela Castro (Liz), who sang on the Cristina show maybe ten years ago, did a lot of talking... she strikes me as extremely chatty, but likable. Gonzales said that Castro doesn't have a mean bone in her body.
  
  
• Castro talked about - among many other things - how great motherhood is. She also revealed that Colunga has a thing for cucumbers. He eats a lot of them and is constantly trying to foist them off on his costars.
  
  
• Castro talked about the rape scene with Lafont. I'm sorry to say that as much as I wanted to understand this, I could not follow it. I don't think she talked about the scene in the carriage or her crawling through the desert.
  
  
• I thought she said something about putting her hand on someone's "miembro," and there was a lot of laughter - apparently she didn't mean it the way it sounded. I don't know what she did mean, though. Sorry.
  
  
• Sadly, Sebastian Rulli (Santi) barely said a thing, and I didn't catch what little he did say. I was out of the room for a while, which was probably whatever time was devoted to him.
  
  
• There was some discussion of how the episodes don't get censored in Mexico, but do get censored in the US. I didn't catch most of what they said about this, unfortunately, but the general tone was that the things you see on TV are tame compared to what happens in real life. (It seems to me that we weren't spared any of the violence, just some of the sex.)

Labels: Pasion

Damien gets the oncologist to agree to give him records of a dying patient in exchange for releasing him from the gambling debts the doctor owes from Damien’s illegal casino. Damien gets Karla in on his plan and he starts to cough in front of the family, telling them he hasn’t felt well in awhile. Karla brings the “delivered” x-rays to Damien. This causes concern from Luci, who insists he call a doctor. Good old Doctor Ruben is summoned and Damien has the doc take a look at the x-rays. The doctor, breaking all HIPPA regulations, fills the family in on Damien’s grave condition, but apparently hasn’t told the patient that he’s dying. The family decides to keep it mum from him. Constancio, at first, wasn’t falling for Damien’s “poor sick little me” routine, but after the doctor’s visit he seems convinced. Connie ends up offering Damien his position back at the company. Karla asks Damien how he’s going to keep up with the ruse. Damien says he’ll recover, but if he needs to have a relapse at some point, he’ll make it happen. Karla wonders what Damien is going to do if someone catches on to his little game. Damien tells her he’ll cross that bridge when he comes to it.

Hugo leaves with Pilar for Barcelona, but before he goes he gives Mili the painting of her and he has a tender good-bye with his father (after finding out Damien is “sick”, Val suggests they get Hugo to come back to town).

Bobby dines with Florencia and Marisela. He’s pretending to be Alejandro. He spends the meal extolling the virtues of his majordomo, Agapito. When he gets Mari alone, he pumps her for info on how Flo feels about Al/Agapito. Mari is very willing to spill the beans and Bobby takes this info back to Al. He tells Al to go visit Flo and make a move. Al is hesitant because he still has strong feelings for Mili. Bobby essentially tells him he’ll never know if his feelings for Flo are stronger unless he finds out. Al listens and visits Flo, planting a kiss on her when she opens the door. This angers her, and she tells him to go---assuming that all he wants is a romp in the hay. Al tries to explain, but Flo isn’t listening. Late Mari confesses to her sister that she told Bobby/Al that Flo was interested in Al/Agapito---so that would explain why he came a-kissin. Mari asks if Flo liked the kiss and she hems and haws, Mari assumes she liked it. Flo gives Al/Agapito a call and he visits again. Flo gives him another chance, but wants him to go to dinner that night with her, her sister, and his boss. Al agrees. Later Flo invites her father to join them.

Horacio tells Val that the gift from Rocky she tossed was a very expensive necklace. She feels terrible and offers to pay Rocky back for it. He’s insulted that she would offer to repay for a gift, but ends up suggesting she could work the gift off by helping him at Taco Naco. She’s aghast at first, but doesn’t say not on your life.

Mili seeks advice from Socorrito. Soco tells her to accept Connie’s offer to fund her education. Mili says she’s afraid that she’s going to lose Al. Soco assures her that Al adores her. Mili says all she wants is for him to be proud of her. Mili goes to tell Regina she’s going to take Connie up on his offer. Regina is happy. Mili learns from Braulio that Al is out of the house.

Al meets with his papa and tells him that he’s got a lot of things to sort out. Connie agrees to help him, but suggesting they share the job of president. Al says he’s learned a lot from Connie. Connie says he’s noticed Al is maturing and that he’s proud of him. Al gets teary-eyed and the men hug. Connie has his “I’m up to something” look.

Connie tells Regina about Damien’s “illness”. She feels some pity, but can’t help remembering his attack on Mili and how he set up the whole fake grandson thing. Regina has Mili tell Connie that she’s going to accept his help with school. Mili explains why she was hesitant at first—afraid that she’d make him ashamed. He says that no one will ever be ashamed of you, he says he’s full of pride for her. She hugs him and Luci sees this. Later she tries to tell Connie she’s not happy with the whole helping Mili business. Connie tells her he’s going to protect Mili. Luci threatens to reveal Connie’s illegal deeds. He tells her she’d be ratting out on her “dying” brother----oh, Luci didn’t think of that one.

Al convinces Bobby to dine with him and the ladies that evening. Later Bobby is telling Val about the dinner and Mili overhears.

Al goes to the office and ends up getting introduced to Flo’s dad. Damien is there and he makes a ton of inappropriate comments, which make Al seem like a complete womanizer.

Labels: guapos

(I hope they haven't wrecked my favorite novela ever. I hate Michelle. I don't want any other adult to have catalepsy. I hope I'm wrong but I'm not optimistic.)

After Beatriz stabs Alcides, he falls over and she assumes that he’s dead. She turns her back on him and says that she told him to behave and he didn’t so she had to kill him and now he’s going to hell. She plans to bury Alcides, clean herself up and go look for Hugo. He must be concerned about her. Behind her, Alcides manages to pull the knife out of his chest, get on his feet without Beatriz being aware of it. He comes up behind her, grabs her by the hair and says that he has got his memory back. He has realized that his mission in this world is to get Soledad back. She is the love of his life, not her. She’s just in the way. He drags the knife across her throat. She falls. (So what happened when Hugo felt Alcides get stabbed? Did he just think he had heartburn?)

Soledad comes into her room and Ursula tells her that Alcides has sent her some roses. She recalls his accusations of the night before and throws the roses on the floor. She says that Alcides won’t play with her. She won’t let him.

Alcides staggers out of the LNoP, knocking the lamp on the floor as he leaves and setting the place on fire with Beatriz inside. Alcides manages to get on a horse and rides away.

Repeat of the fencing scene from yesterday’s episode. The woman is Michelle and the guy is Andres, her butler. He shows her a newspaper article that says that the daughter of Alcides de Medina has catalepsy. Michelle has the same disease.

Hugo tells Boris that Soledad and her baby are alone and he can’t abandon them. When he looks into Soledad’s eyes he has an immense desire to tell her that he is Hugo, love her and finally live a normal life but that is impossible. He couldn’t live with her full of jealousy and pain over her betrayal.

Michelle has decided to go to San Marino and Andres doesn’t think it is a good idea. She asks him to come with her to help the little girl. Andres says that Michelle's desire to live is so apparent. He will prepare everything. They can leave tomorrow. Michelle asks Andres to go to the telegraph office and see if there is any new of old Dr. Chirac. When he is gone, she looks at the photo of Hugo/Alcides in the paper and says that he is very handsome.

As he crosses the river, Alcides passes out and falls from the horse. A man who has been fishing finds him. The guy decides that he is dead. As the man is walking away, Alcides starts to cough up blood. The man cauterizes Alcides’ wound with gunpowder. He takes Alcides to his cave. (Alcides is back where he started, in a cave). He is delirious and keeps muttering that he has to go to San Marino. The guy says that it is perfect that Alcides is from San Marino. If he saves his life, he can help him with his plans.

Dr. Ortiz tells Ester and Lucas that Antonia’s condition is probably the result of a trauma she suffered in her past. They have no idea. She always lived alone in a cabin and had a very quiet life. Antonia has a traumatic memory of being raped by a fat guy. (First we’ve heard of this, of course. She stopped talking because Ester wouldn’t listen to her accusations against Rebeca.) Sobbing, she curses those who ruined her life and leaves the house.

Andres reports to Michelle that Dr. Chirac was murdered in San Marino, the same place that she wants to go. “Poor, Dr. Chirac,” says Michelle. “he saved my life.” Andres found this out because the much-looked-for young Dr. Chirac is coming to see Michelle this very afternoon. Young Dr. Chirac arrives. Michelle says that she just heard about his father’s death. She has been trying to reach him for months to tell him some important news. Thanks to his father, she has been cured of her catalepsy. Dr. Chirac is impactado.

“You’re saying that he finally found the cure?” he says. “Yes,” she says, “thanks to him, I no longer suffer catalepsy attacks.” Dr. Chirac asks Michelle if she is sure that his father found the cure. Did he tell her that? She says that she was his patient for many years. Old Dr. Chirac did many tests on her. Young Dr. Chirac says that he knows that but his dad never mentioned that he had found the cure. Michelle says that she thinks it has something to do with the blue orchid. “Yes,” says Dr. Chirac, "the Orchid Vivantis. My father was sure that plant held the cure but he hadn’t found the right compound from it that was 100 percent effective before he died."

Alcides wakes up and asks where he is and who the guy is. The guy says that he used to live in San Marino. He fought in the war and then returned there. He is an architect. Some men hired him to build a house. The house was a special project and he didn’t realize this until the end. The house holds a great secret that only he and the men who built it know. There is a wanted poster on the wall of the cave. Alcides says that he is a lawyer and he remembers perfectly that the guy is a fugitive and there is a price on his head. He is the famous murderer, Vladimir Cuencas.

Lucas tells Ester than Antonia has left. We see Antonia waving down a wagon in the forest. Bad choice of a ride. The guys in the wagon try and attack her. She escapes and ends up at Dr. Max’s house. He takes her in but she won’t let him touch her. Dr. Max reminds her that they were partners in the plan to kidnap the baby. She knows him. He leaves her alone.

Michelle tells young Dr. Chirac what happened to her. She had a bad attack of catalepsy. Her butler wasn’t around. She got buried alive. Old Dr. Chirac rescued her and gave her an injection of something. She ran off into the woods where she was almost raped by two guys (there seems to be a lot of that going on here). Her butler rescues her. At the end of this story, young Dr. Chirac says that he is sorry but he isn’t sure that she is cured. Michelle says that she hasn’t had another attack. She is sure that she is cured. Dr. Chirac says that’s great but he has to find his father’s notes and find out what injection he gave her. The notes must be somewhere in San Marino. Michelle urges Dr. Chirac to go to San Marino with them. She shows him the picture of the Hugo/Alcides and the article about the baby with catalepsy. Dr. Chirac recalls that one of his father’s patients was a Hugo de Medina.

Omar, the bar owner, tells Guillermo and Elena that Margot has been acting strangely and saying that she saw a dead woman floating in water in a cabinet. She can’t sleep because of her experience. Moreover, continues Omar, Margot says that the cabinet belonged to Dr. Max. The diminutive duo kidnap Margot to prevent Dr. Max from killing her but she escapes.

Vladimir tells Hugo that he didn’t kill anyone. His enemies made false accusations against him. He says that he was a war hero. He saved his comrades. His enemies wanted to kill him after he built the house. Alcides says that he has to leave but he’s too weak. He tells Vlad that he wants to see his wife, Soledad de Obragon.

Soledad comes to see Dr. Max. He said he hasn’t had time to visit her daughter but he’s been researching catalepsy. Dr. Max tells Soledad that he is glad she showed up because her aunt just turned up in a bad state. Antonia tells Soledad that she won’t go back to her parents’ house or the convent she was going to before. She will stay with Dr. Max.

Eloisa is combing her hair (she looks so much better without her hair pulled back, which makes her look like a lizard) when Arturo comes in. He’s come to see her because she hasn’t come to see him. She claims that she has been depressed because he wedding was canceled. Arturo has exciting news. He’s brought a notary. They can be married right now.

Soledad goes to see Hugo. He asks if she got the flowers he sent her. “The ones I threw out?” she says. “Yes, I got them.” Hugo asks why. Soledad tells him not to be a hypocrite. “What are you talking about?” asks Hugo. Soledad walks out of the room.

Alcides says that he hasn’t seen his wife in a long time and now that’s the only thing he wants. Vlad says that destiny has brought Alcides to him. He will make Alcides his apprentice and teach him martial arts so that no one can defeat him and then he can go to San Marino on a mission for Vlad. “Do I have to kills someone?” asks Alcides. Vlad says that he hopes not. Alcides has to find he secret of the house he built so many years ago. (Vlad doesn’t look old enough to have built a house before or around the time Soledad was born 18 years ago. Ester said that she told Jeremias that he was the father of be baby and he built them the house.) Vlad tells Alcides that the owners of the house he built have the same name as his wife – de Obragon.

Vlad asks Alcides to be his ally because he can’t return to San Marino. He has tried 3 times and was almost killed by his enemies who want to know the secret. Alcides says that he won’t do anything to harm his wife or her family. Vlad says it has nothing to do with them. They don’t know about the secret. “What secret?" asks Alcides.

Eloisa tells Arturo that she has changed her mind about marrying him. He reacts in character and hits and kicks her. First Rebeca and then Paquito come to try and stop him but Raul, Arturo’s chief henchman comes in with a gun. Arturo says that it’s senseless to fight over this tramp. He tells Eloisa that she has made a big mistake in fooling him. He isn’t finished with her. Arturo leaves.

Paquito rushes to help Eloisa. Rebeca is not sympathetic. She says that she warned Eloisa not to play around with Arturo. Paquito says that at least Arturo knows she is not alone. He knows how to get back at Arturo. Rebeca angrily says that he will do no such thing. This is all Eloisa’s fault because she wanted Alcides. Rebeca slaps Paquito and leaves in a huff. Eloisa is a little puzzled at Rebeca’s reaction. It seemed like jealousy. Is there something she doesn’t know? Paquito changes the subject. He is glad she didn’t marry Arturo. He would have beat her up all the time.

Soledad comes back into Hugo’s room in time to see him throw his glass against the wall. She asks why he reacted like that. Angrily, Hugo asks why she came back. Once again, Hugo tells Soledad how much Hugo loved her and she used him, etc. etc. “No more,” says, “Soledad, I won’t let you say one more word. This is the last time that I will let you use Hugo’s memory to disrespect me.” She says that we won’t permit it and stalks out. (We can hope it is the last time because we sure aren’t making any progress here.)

Dr. Chirac tells Michelle that the Medina family has paid for the investigation of the cure for catalepsy. Michelle asks if he has heard from them. He says that they have asked him to continue the investigation. That is why he will go to San Marino with her. He says he has to find his father’s patient, Hugo de Medina.

Ursula says that if living with Alcides is so difficult, they should leave the Hacienda. They can go back to her parents’ house. Soledad says that she would love to but Alcides is the only person who has the means to help find a cure for her daughter. They have to stay for Aurora’s sake.

Vlad tells Alcides that when he built the Obragon house, he had to create a special place where a immense treasure is hidden that could make them both millionaires. The credits roll.

Tomorrow- Alicides gets martial arts training and returns to San Marino.

Labels: la traicion

Alternate Title: The Tiburon Who Was Given Back By the Tiburones.

Angarita comes up to Yadira at the shop. He is so pleased with her bookkeeping ability with proud Kike looking on. Yadira is grateful for the job. Angarita tells her to knock off for the day and get an early start tomorrow morning like always.

Juan reminds Paula that she has a right to all her dead husbands belongings and she should fight for recovery of everything. She repeats tha she has so much guilt over Cesar Luis' death. As they discuss her guilt or lack of it. the clever Cachibombo song signals Juan's cell phone with Laura on the other end wondering if he is coming over tonight. Paula can tell it is a woman, in fact we can hear her voice too. Paula struts off and pretends when Juan catches up with her that its' okay they are just business partners, she feigns disinterest in his private life in one sentence then immediately continues to question him trying to find out who this is. She enters the elevator and turns to snidely tell his back, have fun with you amigaaaa.

How did things go at the gallery says Paula as she enters Ana's house. Ana has been distracted all day because of all the things that are going on. Paula sits down with a sigh, she has more news that will leave Ana cold... Sandro Arenas appeared! So quickly? Who is he? The twin brother of Cesar Luis.

Juan comes into Dona Pepita who is also worried but about Lorenzo. He won't eat, he's going to die, going to die.

Paula says his appearance made her faint Ana is on to CL, Are you sure it isn't CL in a disguise personality. Given that it is Cesar Luis, we have a caged cat here (something suspicious) she also advise Paula to remember who not so long ago CL was sweet talking both you and Monica (repartiendo mieles). Paula said at first she thought so too but before the notary will hand out the inheritance all Sandro's documentation must be proven. There is something so essentially different between Sandro and Cesar Luis. What a shock says Ana. What did Juan think? He was as shocked as I was. Changing the subject, Ana advises Paula to take this as an opportunity to start a new life. Paula isn't so sure and reports that besides, Juan has another woman.

Juan tries to enter Lorenzo's study to talk him out of his profound funk. Lorenzo doesn't want to recover, nor see or talk to anyone. Juan persists with his cheery insistence

Paula has many things to resolve at Farell and Ana thinks there are many things to resolve in her life. She urges Paula to fight for Juan since she loves him before it is to late, like tomorrow.

Juan comes home to greet Juanito who is busy with his homework. Juan thinks how this love for his son makes all the problems of the day fade in comparison. He proudly tells Papa that he was almost expelled and is being made an example and has had to write until his hands hurt. And, that's not the worst thing Papa, tomorrow if Flor doesn't come to school in her uniform she will be expelled. Juan gives his famous chinches expletives and says we'll fix that straight away tomorrow. Juanito hugs and thanks him with love.

Over at Nacho's he is making a nervous call to Angarita's store. He is told by Remolacho that Yadira and everyone left quite a while ago. Nacho expresses concern for Yadi since she hasn't arrived home yet. He is told not to worry, she is in good hands, she's with HER HUSBAND. Nacho let's out a gasp. We break.

Now Nacho is calling Nidia, She tells her Yadi isn't there. He asks if perchance Enrique is there. No, he's not either. She, not too kindly reminds him that she is married to Enrique and he tries to bluster that Yadira is HIS woman. He's insulted, she suggest he not call in that case. Further she adds that a woman in love doesn't have to be chased after. She hangs up telling him, until never, señor! Nacho slams the phone alone in his apartment. Nidia is now not alone as a giddy Yadira and Enrique come in. Nidia tells her that Topete called all conceited like a Roman Emperor and she had to hang up on him. Yadira calls Nacho and expresses, well attitude. He screams where have you been. She tells him to turn down the volume first, she will make an appearance when it very well suits her. Kike is grinning in the background for not being the brunt of this treatment. Nacho threatens, if she persists with this plan... she hangs up on him. He calls back in great agitation to a busy signal.

Gaytan is cheering the bedridden Yvonne with visions of the chaos erupting at Farell with all the clients and suppliers calling hysterically over the news of Cesar Luis. Yvonne calmly accepts whatever he says. It will have to be fixed. Gaytan says our ex-boss,Cesar Luis, had a Pandora's box which was opened today. All his money and his apartment was left to his brother. Not only does he have one, they are twins. Sandro Arenas, Gaytan goes on is an exact copy of Cesar Luis (copia calca - both words mean copy)

The happy Cachon household is at the big dinning table having a festive meal Nidia proposes that they go out to party to celebrate that they don't have to lose the house. Everyone has excuses. Marely has to work early, Juan has to help a friend who has problems, Yadira has nothing to wear and doesn't want more trouble with Señor Topete, Enrique wants to take care of his baby daughter and who is going to watch Juanito. Nidia wants to go out on the town and dance/ shake those sandals (sacudir el huarache). Nidia's great solution is that Marely can go without sleep and party until it is time to go to work. For Juan she suggest bringing the troubled friend along since dancing will fix all problems. Yadira can wear something of her sister's and tell Topete to go say Mass. Just as Alirio walks in and joins the table. Nidia greets him really too sweetly and says all our problems are solved.

Yvonne tells Gaytan that this story sounds like a telenovela. He agrees that reality surpasses fiction. Gaytan has to go off to have dinner with his brother. Yvonne is so glad Gaitan has his company again. He kisses her forehead and leaves just as Fernando comes in to greet Ivonne.

Monica is finally talking with Paula after waiting all day for her call. It can't be true that CL is dead. Paula recounts how it was her fault that CL went away very depressed. Monica cries that she only sold her shares to Juan to teach CL a lesson, it must be her fault.

Juan and Juanito do a little dance to demonstrate how Juan is going to cheer up Professor Lorenzo.

Yadira is ripping through Marely's wardrobe tossing everything aside. Marely lectures her that Enrique is still so in love with her. Yadira says oh yeah, the men are lining up to be with me. Things are very clear between her and Enrique. Kike lives to be with her, Marely warns don't make illusions if all that will be left afterward is smoke. A break.

Juan explains to Doña Pepita how his Cachibombo lessons will be like a doctor's treatment to break the professor's depression. Cachi what?? It's a happiness (alegria) , a hulabaloo (algarabia, remind me to tell you how cool the magazine Algarabia is, a little of everything).

Alirio is complaining that he is always being treated like a second class citizen, always set aside from family things. Nidia defends herself, tonight she is going to correct this isolation and he is going to be right back in the center near the baby and spending time Juanitio. How? In the role of grandfather. Alirio starts to back pedal but Nidia can pedal much faster. She accuses him of being afraid of the children.

Juan is twisting Lorenzo's arm to get him out on the town and out of his doldrums.

Angarita and Gaytan try to talk about Anga's fear, no terror of Gaytan's ways. Gaytan thinks they will becomes fossils if they don't change.

Lorenzo is dressing while Josefina fusses about his medicine, the dangers of drinking, the dangers of women that will lead him astray, she really does nag him to death. It's a sorry sight for both of them.

New scene, the gang walks into a mirror ball haven with disco music, lights, happy party people. Enrique is telling Yadira he doesn't know this place, it was recommended by Remolache just as a waiter greets him like a close friend and asks if he wants his usual table. Everyone is excited except Marely is worried her mother will drink and orders them both diet soda, Juan orders a bottle of tequila and Lorenzo orders an eggnog (Rompope, ever had one Maricruz?) Juan gets everyone up to dance.

Sandro is pacing in front of the Suites Sevilla. He twitches and tics his way into one of the suites to meet, HELLO Cesar Luis, who is swirling ice cubes in a whiskey glass just emptied beside an almost burnt cigarette. He greet a nervous Sandro. We break then come back to CL berating Sandro for waiting so long to come back. He presses for details of how Sandro was received. Sandro assures him that everyone thinks he has ended up in the belly of a shark. Details!! How did they react, were they suspicious, doubting? Well, Juan was, he looked and looked but Sandro produced all his ID documents then.. And Paula how did she react? She fainted. Wicked giggle, giggle. Sandro wants to know if Cesar Luis isn't worried that he will just collect his inheritance and take off? Cesar Luis says no, there are two reasons my dear Sandro. First you are trustworthy, aren't capable of doing that. And second?? Sandro turns down the offered cigarette. You are actually an ambitious person who want much more than this inheritance, much more. You are not going to betray me. Sandro admits that CL knows him well. So then you also know that I have also resented you so much. You never were with me, never helped me, never let me in your social group or your life. You never shared your financial successes. CL counters with do you want me to cry, get on my knees. No I'm not into drama. You will be rich by tomorrow, you'll have a new house. You accepted the deal. I am offering you much more than the money. You can make a new start, have a new future. Why do you want to destroy those two? Me destroy them? It is they who destroyed me. The only thing I am seeking is justice to recuperate what I lost. What is that, the love, the company? No, my dignity, my dignity.

Juan and Kike try to talk in the noisy disco about love and women. Kike says women change and turn you into a slave, a tin robot (robot hojolato) Juan notices things are warming between Kike and Yadira again. Kike says it depends on what happens tonight if a new direction will be taken in their romance. They begin to observe Nidia and professor Lorenzo. Kike worries that Nidia will get wild near the alcohol.

Sandro and Cesar Luis with tension and absolutely no brotherly love showing plan out Sandro's emotional assault to conquer Farell and all the doubters. He is so shy that he spent as much time alone as he could. CL is not satisfied. Tomorrow Sandro goes to the notary to secure the money and house. You must convince them. Sandro doesn't think it will be too hard.

Alirio rocks a screaming baby while Juanito watches amused. He tries crying, the baby only cries harder. She likes Alirio about as much as she liked Nacho.

Back to CL berating Sandro. He wants to get out of this hotel and into the apartment. Sandro will have to follow his directions exactly. He has signed a deal with the devil, can he do it? His real task is to make Paula fall in love with him. That is the vengeance that CL really wants, for Paula to feel the same pain that he did.

Ana tucks Paula in giving her a pep talk about her future happiness. They discuss that Paula has talked to the lawyer and cancelled the divorce proceedings. Ana further encourages her to talk to Juan and tell him of her feelings.

Back at the disco. Juan and Nidia are holding up the spirit. Marely can barely hold up her eyelids. Lorenzo starts to get in party mood and be charmed by the outrageios Nidia.

Nacho calls Alirio who lies that Yadira left the house to head for home over two hours ago. He suggest perhaps he wants to call the authorities if he is worried.

Disco time, Enrique and Yadira talk about what fun they had when courting. but Enrique points out that the good times actually ended before the wedding. He tells her he loves her still, but she says she doesn't but then grabs his face and charms him like her mother is charming Lorenzo. Marely chides her Mamita for flirting so outrageously with Lorenzo. Nidia chides Marely for not having the nerve to be more forward with Juan. Nidia can't resist an intellectual man. She just can't help herself. She is weak with no willpower....

Our parting shot of Cesar Luis on the carpet with his drink and cigarette as he plots his revenge. He can't wait to see her face when she has to pay the bill (factura).

Next: Yadira and Nidia pressure Marely to show Juan she cares.

Labels: Juan

Before the opening credits is a lengthy preview of the series. It's already summarized here.

We're someplace with breathtaking waterfalls and foliage. A very young woman (LIBIA) frolics in the water with a much older man (BERNARDO), while a pair of cockatiels (Statler and Waldorf) and another tropical bird try not to look. The couple in the water seem to have been together for a while. They snuggle and declare their love to one another.

Meanwhile, at the REYES BROTHERS BAKERY, a big man (JUAN) is kneading some dough. When he's finished, he wipes his sweaty face with the back of his hand. In what looks like a different room (I hope so, for sanitation reasons), he washes his 'do-rag in a bucket, splashes water all over himself, and shakes himself off like a dog, with sweaty water flying everywhere. Then, smiling, he pours the whole bucket over his face.

Juan's brother FRANCO is trying to read a book when OSCAR (easy to remember - he's the grouchy brother) is trying to say something about their sister Libia. Oscar impatiently grabs Franco by the ankles and drags him off the bed to get him to pay attention. Franco scoffs and thinks Oscar is full of baloney as usual, but Oscar insists that their sister is seeing someone and he's afraid she'll do something foolish - if she hasn't already.

Now Libia and Bernardo are naked in a haystack someplace. From the contented looks on their faces, it appears that they found the needle they were looking for.

Juan is taking some yummy-looking buns out of the oven. No pun intended. Even though they're apparently too hot to hold, he takes a cautious bite. "¡Delicioso!", he exclaims approvingly.

At the ELIZONDO HACIENDA, SOFÍA is eating one of the very same buns and enjoying it as much as Juan. "¡Delicioso!", she exclaims approvingly as she sits at the table with her sisters, JIMENA and SARITA, and her grandfather, AGUSTÍN. Grandfather takes the basket of goodies and jokingly scolds that no one will want a bunch of fat shut-ins (?).

Sofía's husband FERNANDO comes in and says that even though his wife is fat (this is Adela Noriega, just in case anyone's curious as to what this dirtbag considers fat), he still loves her just as much as ever. An uncomfortable silence falls over the group as he crouches on the floor next to her chair and pulls her hand to his mouth to take a bite out of the bun. EVA, the housekeeper, frowns. Sofi looks nauseous as he lets go of her hand.

Here is a character in desperate need of a nickname, because I think it will pain all of us to refer to this man as "Fernando."

Juan is kneading like crazy again, grunting and grimacing like a man possessed as he works his next project. There's a photo of a three-tier cake with pink and white frosting on the table. He tells his brothers, who have just entered the room, that he's going to prepare a giant cake for their sister's birthday. He looks up and notices his brothers' grim faces. Franco starts to say something about Libia, but chickens out and makes Oscar do it. "You should know that Libia has a lover!" Oscar declares. Juan is deeply offended that Oscar would say such a thing about their innocent sister. Franco steps in and tells Juan to listen. Juan says he'll forgive Oscar for saying that, but just this once.

Still in the haystack, Libia tells Bernardo she doesn't want to deceive her brothers. He tells her not to be afraid or have doubts. Whatever happens, she must never distrust him.

On the hacienda lawn, servants are setting up for a big party. Inside the house, Jimena is complaining to her sisters, grandfather and Eva that she's not a homebody - at least not on purpose! It's just that their mother keeps them locked up in that place and there's a shortage of men! (She spins her grandfather around and around in his wheelchair, until he complains that he's dizzy.) Sarita defends their mother, saying she's just trying to protect them. Jimena says they can't even stick their noses out into the street. "Nor anything else!" Grampa adds, laughing. Sofi starts to say something in Jimena's defense, but Grampa tells them not to be silly - there's a big party tonight, and they should get ready. He starts teasing them that they should sneak out in disguises, or something - it doesn't matter, because their mother, GABRIELA, appears at the top of the stairs. Grampa warns them to hush. Another uncomfortable silence settles over the group like a black rubber sheet as Gabriela scowls at them.

Juan puts another batch of yummybuns in the oven. Oscar tries again to tell Juan about their sister; Juan desperately does not want to hear it. Oscar says she'd been hiding something, and today it became clear. Franco asks Oscar if he's sure - talk is cheap. Oscar grabs Franco by the face and they look as if they're about to share a hot angry hate kiss. Oscar asks if Franco thinks he's capable of making up such things about his own sister. He says they can't see what's going on under their own noses, with Juan holed up in the bakery all day and Franco loafing at the cantina.

Juan is kneading again and seems to be ignoring them. Franco warns Oscar to be careful about these shameful things he's saying. Oscar insists that Juan speak to their sister (or complains that he hasn't yet?). Juan furiously knocks the heavy kneading table over and hollers at him to shut up. "I warned you!" He shoves both of his brothers. Soon, the three of them are arguing loudly and brawling. Oscar says he has proof. (Note to Oscar: next time, mention the proof earlier in the conversation.)

Just then, Libia comes bounding in, all happy and innocent-looking in a sweet pink dress. Juan says she's just in time to clear up some wild accusations. Oscar says there have been rumors about her all over town. Juan is shocked when she begins to cry instead of denying it. He asks if she doesn't love and trust them. She takes Franco's and Oscar's hands and says says they've been everything to her ever since their parents died. Of course she loves them... "but with him it's different." She loves him with all her heart! With her soul! She begs Juan not to do anything, to promise on their parents' name.

"Our parents?" Juan growls, clenching his fist and gritting his teeth, but he agrees. She says it's true, she's been seeing a man, and he loves her - he's sworn it a hundred times, and she believes him.

Now at the bottom of the long, miscarriage-inducing flight of stairs, Gabriela asks her father if he has no decency. He tells her that what he lacks is her bitterness, and he rolls away. Gabriela asks Eva how she can allow him to speak that way in front of her daughters. "You know how he is," Eva replies. Gabriela says he's a crazy old man who's no longer right in the head. (Grampa smirks near the elevator.) She should send him to an asylum so they can live in peace, she says.

Everyone else stands around awkwardly. Finally Gabriela tells Eva, "well, go on, I don't need you." Eva leaves, and Sofi tells Gabriela she's too rough on Eva, who only lives to serve her. Sofi also starts to say something about her grandfather, but Gabi cuts her off and tells her to shut up, never forget that they are the daughters of Gabriela Elizondo, an irreproachable woman, thank God, and not some cheap loser.

Jimena tells her mother that they're locked up there like prisoners. They're young, and they want to have fun - what's wrong with that? "You were young once, you had fun, you met my father!" Gabriela replies with a slap. "Don't compare yourself with me." Sofi is horrified. Undeterred, Jime asks why she treats her own daughters that way. "Precisely because you are my daughters. It's my responsibility to care for you." It's a heavy task, she says.

"Well if it's so heavy, then don't care for us!" Jime replies. Gabriela lifts her hand to strike again, but Sofi pulls Jime away. "Please, Mother!" Gabi says Sofi should be the last one to say anything. "If your sisters are locked up here, it's because of what happened to you." Sofi says that wasn't her fault - she was raped! Can't Gabi imagine the shame, rage, and helplessness she felt? How she was trembling all over when she was brought back to the house? Gabi wasn't there for her - wasn't the mother she needed so badly. Was she too embarrassed to be the mother of a woman who was raped? Is that why?

Sarita and Jimena hold their sister, while Gabi stands there like the special and irreproachable woman she thinks she is. Then she pushes Sarita out of the way and hugs her sobbing daughter.

Speaking of sobbing, Libia is still crying and swearing that her boyfriend is a wonderful man. Juan wants to know his name. He reaches for her to grab and shake - Franco and Oscar pull them apart. Libia is afraid that if she gives the man's name, Juan will kill him just for loving her. She runs off to her room. Juan knocks some more stuff over, ranting and raving that they have to find out who he is. He's probably some oaf who's just toying with her - Juan will kill him.

If the guy who plays Franco were a better actor, he'd give Oscar an "I told you so" look instead of that blank face. Oscar replies to this non-look with a "yeah, you did tell me so, I'm such an idiot" face.

The Elizondo sisters are talking in a bedroom. Jimena says it was painful to hear Sofi speak of "what happened" to her. "That I was raped," Sofi says matter-of-factly. She says she had to say something, because the silence was killing her. Silence is like death. Sarita, who is apparently their mother's advocate, says it's lucky their mother supported Fernando in his efforts to win her heart. "Mother forced him on me," Sofi explains. Gabi was afraid everyone would find out what happened, and no one would want to marry her. (Jime and Sarita gape in surprise.) Fernando knew about it when he married her. He was the one who found her after she was attacked, and brought her home. Sarita says this explains why their mother likes Fernando so much - he's a great man!

In a nightclub dressing room, a pretty woman (ROSARIO) sits in front of a lighted vanity and weeps at a photo we don't get to see. She hides it in a drawer when Fernando bursts in, yelling at her for having locked the door. She says she doesn't love him, and please leave her alone. He grabs her by the hair and says he'll leave her alone when he gets tired of her. Meanwhile, she must do everything he asks, because she's his property and he can do whatever he wants. He pulls off her robe, shoves her into a chair, and starts to undress.

Hmm. I wonder if Sofía ever saw her rapist's face? Sometimes the simplest explanation really is the best...

Sofi says sure, lots of people think Fernando is a great guy, but he's practically a stranger to her. She's never loved him, and they've never had relations. Because of what happened, she can't stand for a man to touch her, or even be near her. Jimena doesn't understand why she doesn't divorce Fernando. Sofi says he won't agree to it, and he says she'll eventually grow to love him. Sofi's not optimistic about that, and thinks she's destined to live without love.

Juan alternately begs and screams for his sister to come out of her room so they can talk. Oscar tells him she needs their support - or else what, is he going to hit her? Juan says they have to talk. Oscar says okay, but calmly! Franco suggests that Juan do some work instead. (How about you do some work, Franco - I heard you were lazy.) Juan says not until they talk.

Evening falls. He is still kicking at the door as Libia sobs in her darkened room. Oscar and Juan wonder if she wouldn't rather speak to Franco, but he's at the cantina... where Rosario is the headlining act. Now scantily clad, she does a song-and dance number about a man who's a yummy chewy insatiable married bonbon. She throws a wink at Franco, who is drooling happily at the sight of her. (Actually he's only smirking slightly, but half an hour into this show I can already see that we're going to need our imaginations to fill in some of the blanks with this guy.) She accepts a rose from him and thought-bubbles that he's been coming here to see her ever since she started singing there... the way he looks at her... like a tender young boy who hasn't known love. (He continues to smirk, but let's pretend it's a shy smile.)

Ah! She's not thought-bubbling, she's talking to an assistant in her dressing room. She says it's obvious that he likes her, "but you know my story," she tells the assistant. She takes out the white-framed photo again and says she'd give anything for him (or it?), but no, she can't take the risk.

There's a party at the hacienda with a band, ice sculptures, and a chocolate fountain. People are asking Gabriela where her husband is - she says he couldn't come. She privately complains to a priest that her husband is late for his own anniversary party. Then Fernando shows up with Sofi. He gets on his knees and kisses the priest's ring (I'm pretty sure he's only a priest - Gabi called him "padre"?). He pours on the charm, saying he's married to a woman as beautiful as Gabriela.

Sofi looks ready to barf, but recovers when she sees her father - Bernardo, the haystack-inspector. Gabriela announces her husband to the crowd, and they all stand and applaud. She glares into his eyes as she gives him a dry, barely-puckered kiss. She takes him aside and chides him for his lateness. She tells him to put on a smile so the whole world doesn't think he was forced to come to the party. Fernando comes up behind them and congratulates Bernardo for having "such a wife" as Gabriela. (Wow, this guy just never quits, does he?) Fernando, the suegra-lover, says there's no better woman. None!

It's getting late. Juan is finally sitting down. He's still yelling, but his shouts have taken on a wheedling tone and he doesn't sound as scary as he did before. Finally Libi lets him in. He remarks on how pretty she's become and says she's grown to become quite the woman - it's happened so fast. She was so small when their parents died. He was afraid to take care of her because he was so big and klutzy, and she was so fragile. He was afraid he'd break her. He'd comb her hair and put it into ponytails. They're both crying. He used to carry her to bed and sing her to sleep (the Gaviota song, perhaps?) and say her prayers and stay with her when she was scared at night.

She remembers all of it. That's why she's so ashamed and couldn't tell him. He wants to know why she didn't tell him she was in love. She says her brothers and Bernardo are all she has in the world. She feels content and safe when she's with him, but then she got scared that they wouldn't like it.

She tries to kneel at his feet and he angrily tells her not to - she's his little sister, she can't kneel at him!

At the party, the sisters are all hugging their daddy. He tells them they're the best part of the party, the joy of the house, the joy of his life. Gabi drags him away, saying he has to go with her to greet their other guests. He says that if he can't spend time with his girls at the house, then he doesn't want to see anyone else! And he stomps away.

Juan gives Libi their mother's necklace. It's the only thing she had to leave them. He's been waiting for the right moment to give it to her, and he thinks that moment has arrived. She says he's the best brother in the world, and she thanks Virgencita every day because he's her mother and father and friend too. She begs forgiveness for letting him down. He says he wants her to be happy, but the man who loves her must deserve her. He wants to meet him before anything else happens.

Bernardo looks at a photo of Libi hidden in a book. He strokes her hair in the photo and murmurs lovingly. (There's an inscription on the back which will surely raise all kinds of hell when Gabi finds it!) Meanwhile, back home, Libi is combing her hair and looks down at the pregnancy test perched on the edge of the sink. She's pregnant! She dreads telling her brothers, and prays to Virgencita and her mother for help, but is delighted to be carrying Bernardo's child.

Eva comes up the Staircase of Future Hopefully Not Dashed Hopes to tell Bernardo that she was worried and wanted to know if he needed anything. He's dressed up to leave and says no thanks, but if Gabi asks, to say she didn't see him. She enthusiastically agrees and is excessively thrilled to receive a kiss on the cheek. (Peeping out of his room, Grampa sees this and shakes his head in exasperation.)

At the party, Sofi tells her mother that maybe her father's not feeling well, and she eagerly volunteers to go check on him. Fernando wants her to stay with him instead, and Gabi agrees with him - she should be with her husband. Fernando says Gabi runs the house. Gabi beams.

(I'd really like to nickname this guy Eddie Haskell, because the only time he's polite is in front of Gabi's mother. Unfortunately, I think it's too confusing to give a character a nickname that sounds like a real name. How about Slimy? Or is that too straightforward?)

So, where is Bernardo going on the night of his anniversary party? Why, he's gone to see his young girlfriend! She nervously introduces him to her brothers, who are bien impactados. Oscar says this fool is old enough to be her father, if not her grandfather. Bernardo says he may be an older man, but he's not an old fool. He tells Lib he's not afraid of them or anyone. He says he really wants to get to know them, even if the circumstances aren't the best. Franco accuses him of seducing young girls. Oscar says he made her sneak around, but if he were a decent man, he would have respected her. Bernardo says he wants to make everything right and share his life with her - not out of obligation or fear, but because it's what he wants most in the world; she is his future, his life. If he's done something wrong, he'll right it.

Oscar wants to beat him up. Juan says no no, we promised our sister; but he doesn't approve either. None of them do. Bernardo and Libi are mushy as anything, saying it was love at first sight. She says she didn't mean to deceive them. Bern says that was his fault. Franco protests against the relationship. Bern insists that it's not impossible for two people like them to be in love. She's the loveliest girl he's ever met, and he'll do anything for her. All they need is her brothers' agreement to be happy, but he'll let them have the last word.

At the party, Gab is angry to see Eva pushing Grampa around in his wheelchair and scolds her for letting him out of the house. He replies that he doesn't like the way she tries to keep him away from people. She tells him to shut up! He asks if she's embarrassed by her old invalid of a dad in a wheelchair. He tells her to that she can't hide an old guy like him away. Gabi is mortified.

Later, in the bedroom, Slimy begs Sofía to come to bed with him. He says she has to love him, and she will. He grabs her and says she'll love him in the end, no matter what! She begs him not to start that again - they made a deal that she would only marry him if he didn't touch her. He asks how much longer he has to wait - they haven't had one moment of intimacy since they got married. He asks if she still hasn't forgotten what happened? (Duh? That, plus isn't that the night they met, plus his attitude is not contributing to the healing process!) She says she can't forget it, especially with him reminding her at every moment!

The Reyes Bros. step outside the bakery to confer about Libi and Bernardo. Oscar thinks they should let them marry, since he's classy and probably has money. Franco disagrees with Oscar's attitude. Oscar mocks him and says maybe he'd like Bern to be more like himself - a lazy dreamer.

They can't believe this old man will be their BIL. On the other hand, Franco asks, how can they hit a guy who could almost be their father. Juan doesn't care about his age, but he's worried that he's not right for their sister. Oscar says sure he is, if he has money. He reminds his shocked brothers that if Libi keeps getting sick, she'll die if they can't afford the damn medicine! So if it's not for the money, it's for her welfare. The old man can give her what they can't. (I'm not 100% sure I got this part right - help!)

Juan is still worried. All they know about that man is his name. For all they know, he could be quite married, and simply be making a fool of their sister.

---

Martes
When the Reyes Bros. find out about their sister's little blessing, Juan looks ready to send her to a safehouse in Garbancillo.

Labels: Fuego

Aloha, compadres y comadres, let me thank Maricruz very publicly for her above and beyond the call of duty substituting. She is a marvel and I adore her recaps! She’ll be there for me a few more times before it’s all said and done, and I want everyone to know how deeply I appreciate it. And now to our feature presentation, with our usual prior night review:

Juan has returned from Canada to find mayhem at Farell, and has gotten Fern and Pastor into his office for explanations. The boys fall all over themselves to tell him about the cataclysm that has begun with the report of CL’s untimely demise. Pastor explains the disaster, and Juan will solve it with a bank loan, of course. The phone rings and Laura reams Juan better than any schoolmarm ever could. Juan tries to smooth it all over and Laura tells him to get lost forever/forget her. The boys jump to action after Juan agrees that he’ll talk to the suppliers (proveedores, though the captions spell it wrong). Oops, not so fast boys, Juan has to run a little errand. Qué the heck? No worries, Juan will be back soon.

The attorney reads CL’s last will and testament to Paula and Ana. We hear CL spell it out, leaving Paula all his Farell shares (which we now know are going down the tube fast without him there), right up to leaving all his other worldly belongings to …. Sandro Arenas???? QUÉ the heck?????? Or mejor dicho (better said), QUIEN the heck????? [Ed. Note: Do we hear the sweet strains of “Déjà vu?’ Different names, but same theme.] Oh, yeah, one more little detail—CL says you have to go find this guy, Paula, to hand over your home, money, and stuff like that. [Ed. Note: if this Sandro is a real hunk, Juan better begin to check out Marely again.]

Juanito passionately explains to the school Director that even if he expels the three of them (Flor, and the former head bully), the kidlets will keep complaining until they’ve outed Topete. [Ed. Note: ;-) Shame on me, couldn’t help myself there.] They want Lorenzo. The school Director sighs and says sure, but there has to be an example (teach a lesson) made so this mocking (relajito, one definition) will stop. Topete, behind the three miscreants we love to see making a fool of him, tells the Director it has to be done ASAP. The Director thinks it needs to be a lesson that they won’t forget soon and Topete wants to give the punishment. [Ed. Note: not in MY school, you wouldn’t.] They turn to Topete who tells them in a voice that’s about 25 decibels [my favorite schoolmarm-means-business voice, especially with blind kids who really listen hard at that volume], that they’ll have a test every day for two weeks, 50 pages of worksheets (hojas), and Flor can’t come tomorrow if she doesn’t have a uniform. Juanito is incensed at her being singled out.

The attorney tells Paula they tried to find this Sandro tipo and they couldn’t, so he didn’t show for the reading. Paula tries to get info about Sandro. The attorney tells her she just better find him. Paula says if Sandro is a relative, CL never said a word. In fact, he never mentioned any family [Ed. Note: I always wondered about that from time to time.] Ana thinks surely there must have been someone. The attorney wants to know if she has any objections to this clause, but she doesn’t, and only wants to know what’s up. [QUÉ?? The woman who is incensed that she was disinherited by Nidia doesn’t have any objections?] The attorney gives her the information on a card and tells her that CL assured him that he had a huge debt he owed this guy. Paula and Ana look at the card, impactadas.

Juan, what’s wrong with you, boy? You were off the hook with Laura and now you’re putty in her hands, drying her tears?? Why not leave well enough alone after she told you to forget her? Apparently, Juan’s errand was to go to Laura’s and clean up after she trashed her apartment and reamed him out. Well, she’s so impactada by CL’s death that Juan explains he had to go and verify, and she can’t believe it, that she’ll forgive Juan with a pretty smile. How foolish she was! He’s so lovely! Hug. Ugh.

As Paula and Ana leave the notary’s office, her phone rings. It’s Pastor with a naval analogy for Sylvia—the boat’s sinking fast and the captains have—er, captain has abandoned it. In addition, Pastor as #2 on board, is about to have a nervous breakdown. Paula wants an explanation. Well, while all our suppliers are jumping ship right and left, Sr. Dominguez has bailed to resolve personal-kine (índole personal – personal kind or nature, and excuse me, couldn’t resist using Hawaii pidgin) problems. She tells him to do all he can until she gets there. Pastor, shaking with anxiety, wonders how long THAT will take. She’s got to drop her Mami off and she’ll be there. Sheesh. Everything’s an opera for this Sr.

Nidia is quizzing Juan about CL—is all that true, what we heard on the tele? Yep. CL must have been a snack (botana – snack, appetizer) for the sharks (tiburones). Nidia laments the loss and Juan explains that Paula’s pretty freaked out. Delirio joins them and the story gets confirmed again. Delirio worries that with all this, Juan couldn’t bring their case before Paula? Wrong, I suggested a plan she couldn’t refuse. They can stay in the house. Nidia hugs him and is jubilant—there’s a but, however. Y’all have to pay her a monthly mortgage. Juan pointedly tells Delirio this means that He. Has. To. Work. Nidia wails. Delirio weasels. How’s he going to find work? Juan tells him the tried and true method: beat the streets. Delirio is insulted; he’s always been a worker, with personal efforts. Nidia looks doubtful as Juan puts it hard to Delirio about working—for REAL.
Kike explains to Yadi that he feels super unlucky (regacho), and this guy could have said lots of things, but he’s given Kike a hand just when Kike needed it. Anga studies his papers while he witnesses this family discussion. Suddenly there seems to be a shift in the conversation—are they talking obliquely about CL’s passing? Yadi’s feeling pretty ugly about it. Anga chimes in that it’s a shame, when a guy has everything going for him and suddenly has it all fall by the wayside (eche todo por la borda). In the end, he chose his destiny. Kike mentions that with CL’s death, things might be cleared up for Juan without the shadow of CL. [Was that just me not following, or was that bad editing?] Anga doesn’t think so; he thinks the Farell situation won’t be easy. He’s glad he didn’t get mixed up in the business. Yadi can’t understand why he thinks such a big, powerful company will have problems. Anga wisely tells her that little businesses have little problems and big businesses have big problems. Yadi and Kike exchange looks. He’s seen the biggest and most powerful sink in just a matter of months. He seriously doesn’t think Juan can do it. Nor can he stay with such a tough job (semejante paquetote, Mex. paquete – tough job, my best guess).

Paula has Marely, Pastor and Fern in her office. She wants an official communication prepared confirming CL’s death, and circulated in the office, to the press, clients, suppliers, whatever. Pastor has stuff to do for Juan, but Fern says he’ll do the first draft and let Marely do the rest. She agrees. Paula continues that it should say he left all his shares to her, and that the company will continue, delivering punctually, and be strong. Pastor agrees it has to be something very reassuring. Farell will continue to meet its obligations as it always has done. Marely tells Paula that Monica has called and wanted to know what had happened; she wanted Paula to call when Paula returned. Paula will do that. As they leave to get busy on tasks, Paula calls Pastor back. She needs a favor—whatever she needs, he assures her. It has to do with the last will and testament of César Luis Farell. Pastor is impactado.

Nidia listens to Delirio as he asks what she thinks about this: Perafán, Frasier, and Tyson, International Management. [Ed. Note: Huh? Almost no accent in that English, except for the British accent he affects, which is charming??] Offices in NY, London, Hong Kong, and Mexico City. What a lilt that has to it, she chuckles (rimbombante – pompous, showy, resounding). Nidia tries to repeat the names—who are Fraaaaasier and Traaaaayson? Fake names! With such names, he can generate lots of new clientele. Nidia jumps up, incensed. He’s a failure as a lawyer. Delirio is insulted for about the dozenth time this week. He’s asking for more respect and consideration. She tells him he needs to look for a steady (fijo) job. If he doesn’t ante up his part of the mortgage every month, she’ll sideline him. That produces an impactado look from the so-called man of the house.

Pastor asks Paula “Sandro Arenas, just that, nothing more?” Yep. And he didn’t mention anything like his relationship to the deceased (Occiso)? Nope. Well, yes, he did mention that CL felt a huge debt to the guy. Well, Pastor never heard him mention this guy. Paula points out that no one seems to know who he is, where he’s from, what he wants. She gives Pastor the card to go find the guy. Pastor excuses himself to do the investigation for the mystery man.

Marely finishes up a phone call with Mami while Juan strides off the elevator. He breezes by Julia and Marely races after him, calling. She goes into the office with him to tell him thanks for interceding with Paula so they wouldn’t get left in the street. He did it with pleasure so there’s nothing to thank him for. Her Mami and Delirio will have to stiffen their spines (sobarse el lomo, my best guess) because….Marely interrupts, yeah, it was explained to her. They seem ready to work, to comply. Now, back to work stuff, here’s the communication we’re going to disseminate, to keep everyone calm. She shows him the memo about CL’s death. Pastor has spoken to several suppliers, but he can’t talk to them all, and some want to cancel their business with Farell. She tries to plead with Juan to get with the program and help out here, and he assures her he’ll take care of business. Can she offer him anything more? Yep. He gets a serious look and tells her to quit getting prettier, because where will it end? And the office folks notice and they can’t work. So, stop it already, Marilecita. She rolls her eyes, Juan, you always with your jokes. She leaves, smiling shyly and thanking him. He watches. And WATCHES. Her retreating derrière.

Okay, it’s True Confessions time. I took a hiatus and watched the Gran Final of Pasión. I cried, I yelled, I laughed a little. Hubby thought I was cracking up when he heard me down the hall. He accused me of carrying on something awful. Now, back to recapping Juan. We can only hope that the Gran Final is as good as Carla made the Pasión Gran Final.

Yadi talks to her Mami about this thing of Paula taking away the house—or not. Paula has done her a complete favor. Kike and Remo look on with concern in the market storefront. Yadi congratulates Nidia on the good fortune of not getting thrown out and hangs up. She grins at Kike as she tells him they have a home and claps. Kike picks her up off her feet, celebrating with Yadira. He collects himself and asks her pardon. My. That’s awkward. No problem, Yadi tells him. Kike wants to know how it ended up. Well, who knows what arguments Juan posed to her, but he did it. It worked. How exciting! Yadi shyly tells him if he’s so excited, well, he could hug her. They hug shyly. Remo drags the needle over the record by noticing and cheering them on. They move apart, sighing. Kike quietly throttles Remolacho, calling him a slobbering busybody. He’s off to work! He looks back, though, smirking a little and Yadi looks up, then back down—smiling to herself.

Pastor is on it. He’s calling and gets Sandro at the first try. “Hello, I want to talk to Sr. Sandro Arenas. It’s you?”

In another place, we hear oriental music and see hands massaging a naked male leg, so we assume he’s getting a lomi lomi massage or something else oriental or Hawaiian. We assume it’s a he, too, though who knows after La Fea Más Bella? Yes, a voice replies. Pastor introduces himself and explains his purpose. He’s calling on behalf of Paula Dávila, the widow of CL Farell. The voice, which sounds suspiciously like CL’s muffled voice, murmurs that the guy finally died. [Ed. Note: I could be wrong here, folks, but whoever had the twin/brother theory is spot on, and this is why we have several more excruciating months to go. Sorry, Juan. The train left again.] Pastor explains that Paula is very interested in meeting Sandro. Sandro is NOT interested, goodbye. We see the hands go up the back, massaging thoroughly, and some dark hair up by the voice. Pastor begs him not to hang up. It’s very important since this guy is named in the last will and testament of CL. It looks like CL was VERY generous. Sandro will think about it. He hangs up. Pastor fusses at the phone. What a ruuuuude guy. And so maaaanly (varonil – manly). [Ed. Note: and exactly HOW do you know that? Just the voice?] Pastor sighs and overheats while he smiles to himself.

Juan’s voice on the phone in his office tells someone no (obviously not Laura) as Paula bursts into his office. He’s schmoozing a supplier and assuring them that Farell won’t fail them. What a sweet talker! One more, one more of them he’s dealt with (bites the dust)! Juan is jubilant as he hangs up and Paula sits down. She remarks on his progress with clients and he tells her they’re not all buying, but…he notices her upset expression and goes around the desk to comfort her. Don’t cry! It’s all too much for me, she responds. He hugs her and murmurs comforting words. Juan thought bubbles how she is destroyed and feeling guilty over CL’s death. He has mixed emotions himself. She felt cold when the notary told her CL had left his shares to her. Juan murmurs how this is enough, right? Paula is mournful and bewildered and cannot understand why CL the rest to this Sandro Arenas. [A bit like how Nidia couldn’t understand why her husband and father of two her two daughters left it to Paula?]

Delirio tries to find work , making every attempt to call in markers from old buddies. Corcuera is the first he greets warmly and petitions for work. We hear Delirio’s half of the conversation. He acknowledges yeah, he’s the “Mollete Perafán” – his nickname, which Maricruz confirmed means "a bolillo with beans (at least in Mexico)." Maricruz also says it must have been his nickname because he was a bit pudgy when he was younger. Delirio assures the guy he’s not wasting his time. Delirio continues that he’s changing offices [well, there’s a quaint, Delirio-style way of saying out of work and scrambling]. He wants to drop off a copy of his résumé at the guy’s office. He assures the guy he’s still an attorney, as successful as ever. He listens, his scowl increasing. “Bad reputation? Me?...But….Piracy? Where did you get such a…..Compromising?....Me?....What slander, Corcuera!” Delirio wants to explain. Apparently Corcuera doesn’t want explanations and Delirio gets a hang-up. He slams the phone down in frustration.

Pastor reports what he’s found – Sandro has him itching with curiosity [more than Paula and Juan will ever guess]. They only need a few doves to make it a thriller movie. The man barely opened his mouth. When he did, it was a voice that was profound and very manly—Pastor’s eyes glaze over in the telling. Paula wonders if he told Pastor what his relationship was with CL. Nope. He hung up before they could get to it. Well, did Pastor lay it out for him? Yeah, and when Pastor told him that CL had died, the guy responded, finally the man died. Pastor took it to mean that the guy doesn’t care. How rude! Paula thinks it’s strange. She thought they might be old friends, so why would he be like that? Pastor told him he should come by and see them, and he said he wasn’t interested. But, then Pastor told Sandro CL had left so much to him and Sandro said he would just think about it—then he hung up. Pastor doesn’t know what Juan and Paula think, but he feels it’s better not to push it, at least not now. Pastor has to go continue fighting the bad-tempered (bravos) clients. He struggles to get the door open and Juan prompts him, it opens in. Pastor looks back sheepishly. [Where is his head? With that voice? Could Sandro be an actual love interest for him, or for Paula, or for someone here?]

Juan and Paula wonder where they stand now, and as they move forward with discussion, Heriberto, resplendent in bright orange with a blue shirt and orange/red tie, approaches. He hears Paula say they need a new administrative VP. Heri grins, shrugs his suit jacket as he straightens up and listens as she talks about a man with experience. [Ed. Note: Heri, she meant someone with BUSINESS experience.]

Heriberto jubilantly tells Pastor that in other words, they need a guy like Heriberto Chávez. He tells Pastor that the right guy’s in front of him. [Ed. Note: Pastor agrees that you’re the right man, Heri, but not for the VP position.] Pastor disagrees with him, and Heri argues all his great qualities for the post. They argue back and forth about it for a little while, and Pastor tells Heri that on the contrary, Heri, the right guy’s in front of YOU. Heri has to think about that.

Paula and Juan talk about the VP search. Marely’s in charge of gathering the candidate information. He’ll flip a coin – and proceeds to do it. Paula protests that they have to take a close look and evaluate the candidates on merit. He reluctantly agrees. Juan gets up and goes to her, suggesting she go home to rest. Paula’s tired, he’s tired, but she wants to drop by and see Ivonne—otherwise, she’s not good for much else. The partners kiss a little. [Nice way of doing business, if you ask me—I wouldn’t know, though]. He assures her she’s always good (useful). She doesn’t know how to do it without him—he’s her help, comfort. They lean in for a real kiss as Palomita music plays. Except….Fern breaks up the party. What, did I come at a bad moment? Nope, no problem. Right. He gives Juan a “sorry” shrug and Juan gives him a “chinches bravas” look and jumps down Fern’s throat with both botitas. Then he calms down long enough to talk to Fern about the VP position and how they need to fill it fast. [And my contention is that he’s right in front of YOU, Juan.] Apparently Juan agrees with me, and asks if he’s still into the idea. You bet! Okay, there’ll be an interview and the Lic Paula has to be in agreement—you’ll be evaluated along with all the other candidates.

Marely checks in with Paula, who’s closing it down for the day. She’ll go with Paula and has to get her purse.

Business as not-so-usual continues at Farell in the lobby. Juan and Fern stand in the lobby discussing business as someone strides meaningfully off the elevator and all eyes are riveted on the figure of a determined man. Dear heaven, they are all seeing a ghost. Will it be enough to startle the lobby lizards into their actual work sites? NO, in fact, they may never work again due to shock. Business as usual, then. Pastor, Juan, Fern, Marely and all the rest are muy, pero muy impactados.

Paula comes out of her office to give Marely a last directive and sees Marely’s frozen face, while we see the back of the dark-headed man, and Paula quickly rivets to see the rest of her staff also frozen in time and space. ¿QUÉ? She sees the guy, who is a not-very-dead ringer for César Luis Farell, other than the glasses, dark hair, and not so arrogant demeanor. Paula faints dead away [no pun intended, but take it as you will, gentle readers] on the floor while Marely calls out to her half-sister and the stranger looks what? Resigned? Not nearly as surprised as we expect him to be? He may be registering that CL never told anyone of his existence. Juan jumps into action and grabs Paula to raise her up. Pastor gets excited as the stranger moves forward. Pastor call out—“The Dead Guy! The Dead Guy” and promptly follows Paula’s lead. Fern jumps to help him off the floor. Paula looks up at the guy and asks—“Cesar Luis? Cesar Luis? Are you alive?”

In a stunning leap of incongruence on the part of our writers, we find Delirio still looking for work. He outlines to his soul-buddy Leonardo what he would like to be doing, some directorial position or other that would be at his level--and they ask him how about the messenger boy position. What, are they KIDDING??—He won’t forgive that joke! Nidia peeks in. “Perfect!” He fakes the rest of the call. Tomorrow he’ll drop by and they’ll talk calmly. He thanks the guy. She asks if he’s found work and he assures her there is no doubt after talking to a couple of friends. He’s got some appointments for the morrow, one with them. Now it’s Nidia’s turn to use the phone to look for work. She eases him out of the office. Until that last shove.

The newcomer pushes at his glasses a la Clark Kent, and remarks that he understands he has a strong resemblance to CL. Juan negates that—in fact, the stranger is actually CL’s living image! Juan wants to know if he isn’t really CL and isn’t he messing with them (cabuleando – scheming)? Paula sits and contemplates what she’s seeing. The Very Sincere Replica of CL says no way. His name is Sandro Arenas and he is the twin (gemelo) brother of César Luis. Paula holds her head in her hand. She retorts that CL never said a word about family, that he had any family, nothing! She accuses him of being CL, and tells him to quit joking. Both Juan and Paula go after him, but Sandro says he doesn’t know what they’re talking about. He says that by her reaction, he has to suppose she’s his brother’s wife? Yep. He keeps pushing his glasses. Enough with the Clark Kent impression already. She points out that CL was an orphan. Yep, they both were, but they were adopted by different parents. He can prove it. Juan says that only happens on TV. [Ed. Note: Yikes. Does this happen often in Telenovela themes? Other than the triplets Lucero played, that is.] Juan expresses his irritation and doubt. Sandro begs them to hear him out. Paula tells him fine, suppose it’s all true, but CL never spoke of you to me. Sandro tells them how he discovered that he had a twin, went looking for him, found he had this company and a lovely fiancée (blonde, don’t remember her name). Juan helpfully supplies “Monica.” Yes, Sandro thinks that is right. CL had the good fortune to be adopted by rich folk. Not Sandro, though. When he presented himself in front of CL seeking help and work, he was rejected by CL, accused of being a parasite and opportunistic to take advantage of CL’s situation. Juan points out to Paula they can’t deny that would be CL’s style. Paula nods in disgusted agreement. That was the only time they talked, Sandro continues, because he didn’t feel like ever seeing CL again. Now he finds he’s in the will. [Sandro touches his eyeglasses WAY more often than Clark Kent ever did]. Paula doesn’t know what to think. Sandro presents his documents. He’s got his passport, his voter’s registration, and his license. Check ‘em out. Paula looks at him with guarded suspicion.

Meanwhile, outside, Pastor is being revived. He was scared to death. Julia points out that guy is exactly the same as the boss. Marely says CL is dead and Paula has his death certificate. Pastor wonders what about him surviving the fall from the boat (naufragio - shipwreck). Marely says no way, that many kilometers per hour in the Pacific Ocean. Pastor speculates—what if he’s CL’s twin? It’s like a telenovela he saw once. Fern wonders how many years he was CL’s chauffeur? The man NEVER spoke of family. Isn’t this some kind of theatrical? Marely says he looks way different than CL. One of the lobby lizards asks what Pastor thinks, since he likely knew CL better than anyone. Pastor votes for the identical twin brother theory, hopes he’s single and for Pastor. He clutches his hands in prayer. Looks of disbelief around the crowd. Pastor gets a grip and looks alarmed at his outburst.

Sandro tells Paula and Juan he has several ways to prove his identity, including that his adoptive parents registered his name with theirs and he studied to be a teacher. Lots of folks know him. He studied for a career in education. Many folks know him, too. Paula says there’s no need, and pardon her attitude. But this resemblance is huge. She sits in Juan’s desk across from Sandro and Juan stands behind her, possibly still skeptical. Juan says that even if CL was nasty with him (gacho), he must have felt sorry about it because at the end he left the apartment and money to Sandro. Paula says it’s simply such a big surprise. Sandro, bemused, remarks that given the treatment CL gave him, he’s surprised that CL would have done something like this. Juan tells him to be thankful. The three calmly discuss why they asked Sandro to come and he tells them he appreciates it, calling her Sra. and she asks him to call her Paula, please. Juan thought bubbles; he doesn’t like this new familiarity and confidence in Sandro she’s showing. Sandro tells Paula he doesn’t want anything, doesn’t need it. For all that he came to ask for help from his brother, he’s not at the threshold of starvation (no muerte de hambre). He thinks that as CL’s wife, she should have it all. Juan is VERY skeptical as he thought bubbles about what the guy’s up to, but he’s softening, the guy is hitting him okay. Sandro asks what she would like him to do. Juan thought bubbles as he strokes his Very Short Tie that Sandro and CL are equals on the outside but very different on the inside. Paula tells Sandro how much she appreciates it, but this IS the final wish of CL. She tells him she’d like him to go with her the next day to the notary so they can finalize what he will have that belongs to him. Sandro tries to assure her, but she interrupts. They will respect the decision of CL; that’s the only way she’ll feel calm. [Ah, I can feel Samuel’s eyes beating down on Paula’s head.] Juan thought bubbles, protesting to Paula that this guy doesn’t WANT anything! Sandro rises, thanks her, and tells her it’s a pleasure to meet her although he wishes it were not in these circumstances. He shakes her hand and Juan also reaches to shake Sandro’s hand. The walk him out. We see a transition clip of Sandro Arenas smiling in a way that César Luis Farell never could have and we wonder how Alexis Ayala could be such a great actor that we even hated to see him on transition clips while Sandro Arenas is so appealing.

As we return from our break, CL’s crafty look meets us eye to eye. Shiver. The lobby lizards are assembled to stare at the three leaving Juan’s office. Sandro pushes his glasses up. Juan calls them nosy-parkers (mironcitos) and tells them to get back to work. Paula stops Juan, saying that everyone in the office deserves an explanation. Juan thought bubbles about his Palomita, so considerate with this pack of snakes. [For the record, I never knew that snakes came in packs.] Juan agrees out loud and directs their attention to the gentleman here at his side, who looks so much like CL. It is Sr. Sandro Arenas, his twin brother. He makes a gesture to show two hands side by side, palms down. Could be the Mexican sign for “same,” as it has similarity to the ASL sign. He urges Sandro to say a few words to “his” people (Juan’s). Sandro gets nervous and says he has nothing to say, really, and is in a hurry. Pushing his glasses again (he really does need silicone nose pads so he won’t have to do that. I got some this week and they make a world of difference), he shakes Paula’s and Juan’s hands again, exchanges a goodbye and beats a path to the elevator.

Pastor sighs and says this guy leaves him feeling like San Pascual. [Maricruz, help! This is a dicho, right?] Pastor can’t tell which is which. He’s really the twin? They’re like two drops of water! Marely exclaims it’s as if CL has been reincarnated. Paula agrees, but points out with another manner entirely and attitude. Juan says he’s more affable, nice, sociable. Paula agrees. [What happened to the old Latin dicho, De mortuis nihil nisi bonum? Speak nothing but good of the dead.]

Nidia tries to convince some prospective employer she’s 30-ish, maybe a little more. But people tell her she looks more like 25. Oh, would that be a problem? [Gee, is that still legal in Mexico? Or is it just legal in telenovelas?] No, it’s fine. She makes the appointment for the next day. [Boy, are THEY going to be surprised.]

At the gallery, things are looking good and they have shoppers. Willy gets Ana’s attention, and she has to excuse herself. What did he say? He wants to know what’s wrong—she’s been so quiet and distracted. There are three days until the exhibit is completed and there’s lots to do. He folds his arms, looking gently firm with her. Ana’s not sure she can get it all together (lograrlo, achieve, obtain). She sits down wearily. He sits to give her support, encouraging her to let go of her worries, try to paint a bit. She’ll try. Willy wonders if it’s about Nidia. No, it’s about Paula—she’s worked it out with Nidia, but her husband died. Willy is impactado—he’s sorry to hear it. Was it an accident? It’s not certain, but he fell into the ocean. Paula feels so bad, so guilty. Willy takes Ana’s hand and tells her Paula is not to blame; Ana says she’s been saying that to Paula all along. Willy continues that Paula’s now free to get her life back together, find love. Ana sighs—her daughter has suffered so much [Ed. Note: Paula and Ana really don’t understand what true suffering is, I think. But that’s just me.]. Paula doesn’t know where to begin. Willy looks at her fondly a minute and takes Ana’s chin in his hand. “It’s not just her, Ana. You, too, deserve another opportunity.” He smiles gently and his lovely dimple is SOOOO appealing. Ana smiles back a little. She shyly touches his hand and withdraws emotionally a bit, trying to speak but unable. A hand appears on the door frame of the gallery behind them—it’s a prospective buyer seeking help.

Paula has returned to her office and is making calls, a lovely bouquet of anthuriums behind her. She tells Ivonne to excuse her for not coming by the hospital, but they’ve had one heck of a day. Ivonne thought she was still on the trip, anyway. No, they returned. But, let’s not talk about me [this is a nice trend, if it continues!], how have you been? Ivonne responds that she’s a bit better, thanks for worrying about me. Ivonne smiles as she says that. And your spirits? That’s what has died. Paula encourages her, promising she is going to come out of this fine. Ivonne promises to try. She hesitantly asks Paula about the news she heard about CL’s death. Does Paula know anything? Paula hesitates and Ivonne asks again. Yes, Paula tells her, it is true, unfortunately, he died. Ivonne quiets, sad at the news.

Angarita strides into the market area. Yadi cheerfully hands him all the lists and papers she’s worked on, documenting all the deliveries received this morning. Remo and Kike look on from behind her as Anga looks the stack over. Very good, Yadira! I congratulate you! She thanks Angarita shyly. Who’d have said she’d be so good at the math? She’s super good. (She says this like it surprised the heck out of her, not arrogantly). Anga agrees she’s good, in the case of money, she’s much cleverer than he is. She’s enjoying the work, she tells him as she bounces in her seat. Anga suggests they quit for the day and begin very early the next day, as always. Kike chimes in that he could give he a ride and they could eat together, if she likes. Yadi thinks that’s a good idea. Remo’s taking notes and Anga’s also listening in. ;-)

Juan has found his way to Paula’s office. He’s finding it a bit odd that this guy Sandro wants Paula to have the entire inheritance from her deceased husband. Juan’s been thinking about it, she has the right. Paula doesn’t want to discuss it. Juan thinks it’s not fair this guy comes out of the blue and ends up with the apartment and everything, and she gets stuck with the Farell shares and a world of trouble. He thinks she should fight. Paula responds that she feels plenty guilty over his death and wants to comply with his last wish. Juan goes around the desk and turns her to him, telling her not to think that. CL created his destiny. In the end, if he didn’t have the courage to pull himself up, it’s not anybody’s fault. Paula is NOT responsible for his death. He starts to hug her and the Cachicachi bombo music on his phone plays. Juan excuses himself to answer. Of course, it’s Laura, glad that she’s FINALLY found him. Could he call her right back, he’s kind of busy. Laura just wants to know if they’ll see each other in the evening or not. Tonight??? If that’s not convenient, tomorrow. Paula looks disgusted and starts to leave her office. Juan looks desperate, but tells Laura that’s perfect. But this time, she’s not forgiving him for standing her up with the table all set. Juan rushes out after Paula while assuring Laura he’ll see her tomorrow, goodbye! Marely and lobby lizards note his pursuit with curiosity. He calls her and tries to get her not to go as Paula approaches the elevator. She accuses him of getting another call where he was talking in code. He protests weakly that he was talking normally. She refutes his claim, and we see the harpy on jet fuel coming back. She’s nailed him and Juan thought bubbles that here he thought he was the master of dissimulation and she’s poured water on that theory—and him with no life preserver. Paula lectures him and tells him that if he wants to talk to a woman, so be it, there’s nothing between Juan and herself. Juan thought bubbles again that this was like a mule kick, but he prefers to hide the pain and not let her note it. He tells her that he’s well aware that there is nothing between them, etc. She says they are business associates, and as such, she shouldn’t object if they call him. The jealous smirk on her face tells us otherwise. Juan, smiling, tells her she’s right and each one should be able to do what they feel like. Paula gives him her false smile that reeks jealous, and says “exactly.” And by the way, if you’re dating someone, could one know who it is? He thought bubbles nope, and answers “with a very dear friend” which takes ALL the wind out of Paula’s sails.

And of course, any similarity to reality is pure coincidence.

Monday: Is Paula jealous? Does a bear sleep in the woods? Is CL still ALIVE AND does he have an identical twin? Are we ready for two of them? Will Paula find out about CL’s scheme?

Vocabulary

Proveedores, though the captions spell it wrong – suppliers
Relajito – mocking, one definition
Hojas – worksheets
Índole – kind, nature, sort
Botana – snack
Tiburones – sharks
Eche todo por la borda – have it all fall by the wayside
Fijo - steady
Paquetote – tough job (Mex. paquete – tough job)
Rimbombante – pompous/bombastic, showy/flashy, resounding/echoing
Occiso – deceased
Cabuleando – scheming, messing with them
Gemelo – twin
Bravo – bad-tempered
Naufragio - shipwreck

Labels: Juan