Caray, Caray!

Oh boy, there are so many anvils falling, pie carts arriving, storm clouds brewing, ill winds blowing and s**t hitting the fan..... I hardly know where to start. Let's just trudge through from the beginning.

Patricio arrives late to the meeting of potential film investors ( who are already looking cranky and impatient) with baby in tow, à la Mr. Mom. All goes well for about a nanosecond, and then the baby starts to wail, darned near drowning out Patricio's frantic presentation.

We're biologically programmed to be VERY DISTURBED by a baby's cry so that we'll desperately try all kinds of things (eventually the right one) to meet the little Majesty's needs. However, the programming isn't working for the investors. They're impactados but not in a good way. And no one tries to help.

Patricio finally hands Patito off to a horrified macho type near him, sticks a baby bottle in his hand and tells him to feed the little mite. Meeting the needs of hungry children is important, he adds. As well as making this wonderful film he has in mind with a superhero and also a villain (Nemesis). It's a great project, you won't regret investing in it, Patricio adds hopefully. The potential investors look less than convinced. But at least the baby has stopped crying.

And of course, a baby segué...Santiago is on the phone with that sketchy Ambrosini who's asking for additional money and sounding more like a con artist every minute. Santiago's money is tied up in investments (even if he wanted to throw good money after bad...and that's what this looks like) so he needs time...to sell property or whatever to finance the deal. Ambrosini keeps insisting he needs the money now. Very suspicious.

Alright then...on to our AIDS theme. Charlie's about to give his presentation (which Candy, in her current stress situation has forgotten). He wonders if she's going to wish him luck. She replies that when work is done with "amor y fuerzo" (love and strength) no luck is needed. Big smiles all 'round. Lucia arrives and she and Charlie agree that they won't fight every time they meet and Charlie promises not to let Fede push his buttons. That promise is about to be put to a very big test.

Next is what the French call "un dialogue de sourds" (literally a dialogue of the deaf...but refers to two people talking and neither one actually listening to the other) Lalo's lamenting his marital situation and Santiago's trying to figure out how he's going to pay for more detecting. They're both talking but not hearing each other. Sound familiar? The upshot though is Santiago is considering selling part of the clinic.

Back at the office, Candy is phoning the Institute's lawyer, this time for herself....she wants help getting back custody of Chava. Out in the main room, Charlie's video presentation is going well. A couple of young men are "sharing their hope and experience" and stressing that if you value yourself, you'll take care of yourself. Prevent AIDS by using condoms, or live with AIDS by taking medication, living a healthy lifestyle, and going after your goals. You can LIVE with AIDS, but it's better to live without it...so use those condoms! is the ultimate message. And people with AIDS have a right to health care and respect from others....also part of the message.

Now back to our Mr. Mom. The deflated organizer is telling Patricio he must have "nervios de acero" (nerves of steel) but clearly the message did not go over with the cranky audience. Patricio is undeterred. Who needs these hypocrites?...I'm looking for people who really like kids to invest in this project. Gotta say, our boy is pretty unflappable.

Charlie's presentation went over much better than Patricio's but then our snake-in-the-grass Fede jumps to his feet shouting "It's all lies. He found people in the street and paid them to make those videos!" At this pseudo dramatic moment, we break for an ad and those annoying bee-beeps signalling "ultimos capitulos" starts blasting. Ugh. Getting on my last nerve.

When we come back Lucia is reaming out Fede. (at last!) Telling him "no es manera" (that's no way to act) but the little vermin nevertheless persuades her to come out to eat with him and gives Charlie a snotty victory sign to indicate he's winning the skirt war. Ugh and double ugh.

Santiago has popped down from his clinic to talk with Candy about his financial dilemma. As usual, she doesn't really listen to him but wants to talk about HER problem...getting Chava back. She's leading up to giving him the news that she's decided to help Patricio out by going to the house and taking care of Patito, Chava and Beto. She actually brings up the idea of a nanny and dismisses it, saying no nanny can match the care of a mother. (Just an aside, one of my daughter's acquaintances in Charlotte, a stay-at-home mom has THREE nannies, one for each of her children. Good God!) Anyway, Miss Candy wants none of that. She tells Santiago her plan and then makes a big" whoops-I Love Lucy" face. (Have you noticed she does have a wide mouth like Lucille Ball? Just sayin')

Santiago is horrified by the idea. Naturally. She ripostes by saying, We're only been engaged a short time and you're already telling me what I can and cannot do!? Uh no...uh yes! he stammers. Poor guy. Wish he'd just ditch her and find someone else. But their discussion continues. He's worried, yes, he admits to being a little macho and possessive. Sure. Plus "donde hubo fuego cenizas quedan" and he's worried she'll get involved again. No way! "No lo quiero ver ni en pintura" (I can't stand him!) but I do want to be there for Chava and yada yada yada. He proposes a little Red Riding Hood visit with baskets of food and then vamoose but of course our sweet Candy has something more sustained in mind.

More annoying beeping and flashing lights for ultimos días.

Time for a little Lalo-Chayo action. He comes looking for her at the Institute and Lulu brushes him off. So he nuzzles her ear and whispers his request and bingo, she tells him where Chayo is. But to no avail. Chayo wants a divorce "y punto". He won't give her one "y punto". And that's it for our lovebirds.

Icky stuff going on meanwhile at the restaurant. Fede and his degenerate groups of friends are slugging down tequilas and he literally pours one down Lucia's throat. Scary music throbs in the background and all I could think of was date-rape drugs. Although tequila on an empty stomach is probably the equivalent. Let's just compress these scenes...Lucia keeps trying to phone home but Fede keeps the phone away from her. Granny and Santiago are fretting because she hasn't shown up for dinner and hasn't phoned. Santiago finally phones Charlie and asks him to go look for Lucia and tell her to come home. . Charlie does. Fede punches him out. Blood is shed. Fede's friends are worried he's contracted AIDS by getting Charlie's blood on him. The punks continue to insult Charlie in the bathroom, where they're all trying to clean up, calling him a "mariquita" (fairy..as in "gay") Lucia tries to help him but he doesn't want her to touch his blood. Finally they get home, Granny and Lucia both put latex gloves on and tenderly clean him up, while castigating Fede as a "salvaje" (savage). Indeed. Okay, thank God that's over.

Back to our other simmering dramas. Gogo is asking Candy why she's going over to help Patricio.... Is she still hesitating between her two suitors? No way, Candy replies. She's definitely in love with Santiago and feels nothing for Patricio...but she MUST be with her son.

Meanwhile, a smirking Arturo (Think he might be related to Fede? They're both repulsive.) is greeting Beto and Chava and asking for a hug. Demanding a hug rather... that's more his style. When he crows over the custody decision, the dime drops for Patricio and he realizes his dad was behind the fateful court decision. Dad thinks it's great and it will bring Candy back. Patricio thinks it stinks and now Candy hates him big-time. They start to get into a battle royale but first Pato sends the boys off to change out of their school uniforms.

Father and son are still disputing whether having custody of Chava will bring Candy back when....voilà, our heroine appears. She looks at them both like they're roadkill and flounces off to be with the children.

Chava and Beto are in their bedrooms having a mini heart-to-heart. Chava misses his mom because she makes yummy breakfasts and sings him little songs to go to sleep. Beto decides he misses his mom too....even though life with Patricio is super-fun.

Candy is still acting like the Snow Queen. Refusing to sit down with Patricio and the boys for lunch, claiming she's already eaten. (Which we KNOW isn't true. Not with that figure). And then more flouncing as she leaves the room with Patito. (Man, I'd put in a call to a nanny agency right then and there!)

Now our favorite father figure, Arturo, has brought his charm to the restaurant, looking for Gregoria. Meño's not having any. Gregoria's working. No one to take over for her. She'll get off when she's finished. Not saying when that is. And who is Arturo to order him around!? This is HIS restaurant. We don't like dictators in Mexico. Goodbye! Arturo backs down a little (not much) and asks him to tell Gogo he'd like to see her.)

Back to the boys. They're slurping down ice cream parfaits. (Did they have an actual lunch or is this it?) Anyway, Candy flounces IN this time, tells them to park the parfaits in the fridge 'cause it's time to study for their geography test. They can eat the ice cream later. (Wow. It's great to have mom here.)

The study session is rather cute. The baby looks fascinated. The boys less so, but they more or less answer all the questions. (We have a twin scene with Rocio going over her geography with Paulina and our little senorita knows ALL the answers without any prodding. Definitely a better student than our little rascals.) But Chava has a question for his mom. Is she going to keep on treating Dad so badly? Candy hems and haws and says she's angry but.....Anyway, the fellas persuade her to stay and tell them bedtime stories. And HERE COMES THE ANVIL. Get ready folks.

Santiago, having completed his afternoon surgery, calls to invite Candy to dinner. Can't go. Has to wait for Patricio to get home. He's at work. Santiago goes into a little riff about how they're like husband and wife and just what is going on.....Excuse me? asks Candy. Er, no, the lines just got crossed, Santiago stammers. But you see where this is going don't you? His fiancée is too busy bailing our her former husband to have dinner with her current novio. Not good. Not good at all. Ill winds blowing for sure.

Meanwhile, Patricio is at the office wheeling and dealing and taking a break to glance at Candy's picture and sigh that "even angry, she looks beautiful". Meddling Arturo arrives at this moment (What a shame he's retired. Now he's free to be a full-time "metiche".) Patricio keeps trying to explain that Candy won't believe he didn't betray her and ask for custody. Arturo wants to tell her himself but Patricio tells him to stay out of it. We'll work it out, he adds. (Now that's Patricio to a "t". He really is quite an optimist and incredibly persistent. These can be good qualities or crazy-making ones. Just depends.)

Our final scene was downright delicious. I love it when Isabella confronts Paulina and this scene definitely seemed to go Chabelli's way. You'll soon be able to stop pretending to be a "good mother" she sneers, after Paulina's little geography study session with Rocio. And why? Because Santiago is going to have to sell this house and all his properties in order to finance the search for his baby son. He'll no doubt be left without a penny. Still interested in getting him back?

Impactado look from Paulina. And that's it for tonight folks. The one thing I like about ultimos capitulos is that there are no previews. You get what you get. No teasers. But look what we got!...one yucky scene after another. And more to come, no doubt. Still the end is in sight. Hang on for those few minutes of happy ending we all are awaiting.

Vocabulary:

y punto = and that's it
cruzar palabras = (lit. to cross words. but meaning to talk, to chat...what Lalo wanted to do with Chayo...but it degenerated into a slanging match)
no es manera = that's no way to go about it
donde hubo fuego, cenizas quedan = where there was fire (passion) ashes remain. "where there's smoke, there's fire" is a similar, though not exactly equivalent saying in English.
no lo quiero ver ni en pintura = I want nothing to do with him, I can't stand him
nervios de acero = nerves of steel
estan bien atendidas? Is everything alright? Are you being well taken care of? Meño asking some of his diners at a table
tocar una regañiza a alguien = ream somebody out, give somebody a good scolding. (What Rocio was afraid Lucia would get from Santiago)
se va a armar = there's going to be a fight (what Isabella predicted would happen if Santiago sent Charlie to check on Lucia and Fede)
la jalas de los pelos = drag her out by her hair (what Santiago wanted Charlie to do if necessary)
mariquita = derogatory word for a gay man

Dicho of the Day

Con dinero baila el perro. (lit. with money you can even make a dog dance) Money makes the world go round.

Well, it worked for Arturo. He bribed the judge. And it was motivating Paulina to try and get Santiago back. We shall see.

Labels: Tontas

Where do we stand? The wedding is postponed and everything has been thrown into chaos because the bribed judge is forcing Pat to take custody. As Hombre de Misterio observed Friday, the premise is ludicrous. “A hearing the same day? Ignoring the wishes of both parents? Threatening to put the father in jail and the kid in an institution? Give me a break!”

Well, my mama always taught me, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” So here is my recap.
Alicia leaves with Mario.
Chayo leaves Ed.
Chava leaves to move in with Pat. Candy cries a lot. No one believes Pat when he says he dropped the case.
Margarita leaves.
Pat is left alone caring for his three sons.
Santiago imagines how he should be spending his wedding night.
Roll credits.

What? You want more detail than that? Okay, you twisted my arm.

Pat shows Ali’s note to Margarita. Marg can’t believe Ali would just leave like that and abandon her baby. Pat is fed up with the way she did it, but he’s glad she’s gone and that she left Patito with him. He says, “I’d die if I didn’t have Patito.” Dangerous words in a telenovela.

Meanwhile at the airport, Ali tells Mario that Pat is probably glad that she’s gone. Mario says that if Pat never loved her, it’s good that she left him. Ali says she can’t stand babies, and that’s just fine with Mario because he doesn’t want to share her attention. They agree they are tal para cual - made for each other, or two of a kind.

Pau arrives home and is delighted that Mario left. She reads his note. “I’m going back to New York but not alone. I’m taking a delightful woman who is much more attractive, intelligent, and sensual than you. I wish you luck with Chanti but I don’t think you’ll have any luck there. With the small love I have left for you, Mario.”

At their apartment, Chayo is dividing their belongings into His and Hers while Ed tries to convince her that they are a pair and belong together. He asks, “Don’t you feel bad at all, just leaving me like this?” She answers, “Well, didn’t you feel bad at all, cheating on me with every woman who crossed your path for years and years?”

Meño and Gregoria say tearful goodbyes to Chava. Candy tells Chava how much she will miss him. More tears. The doorbell rings. Santiago tells her that Pat has arrived with the court official. She begs Santi to do something. He tells her it’s the law, but he will work to get Chava back. I have to wonder how Candy got that turtleneck over that hairstyle. Maybe she had a beanie to protect it. They go downstairs. More tears. The official warns, if Chava doesn’t go to live with Pat, she is instructed to take him to an orphanage. Would you permit me one little rant? They pour on the tears so we’ll feel the pain of the situation. All I feel is that the whole contrived situation is preposterous. Done! I rant quickly.

Ed and Chayo fight over the fry pan. Did you see that, Emilia? I’m sure you could give her some suggestions.
Chayo: You don’t need this. You can’t boil water.
Ed: No, but I can learn. I can find recipes on the internet.
Chayo: You don’t know how to use the internet either.
Chayo watches the last chair go onto the moving truck. Ed secretly watches too, and he follows as they drive away.

Paulina shows up at the big house. Vultures don’t wait long, do they? Roc tells her she’s sad because Pat took Chava. She wants Chava to live with them.

Santi implores Pat, “Don’t do this. Don’t you see the harm you’re causing?” Pat says he didn’t do it. He halted the custody action. No one believes him, and Santi is disgusted that he doesn’t even have the calzones to own up to what he did. Pat promises he will fight this. Candy says, “I don’t believe you. I can’t trust you.” More goodbyes, more tears. In her room, Meño consoles Candy. More tears. Candy takes a call from Alicia. She has moved to New York with her new boyfriend.

At Pat’s house, Beto tries to cheer up Chava. Didn’t he want to live with his dad? No, not when he saw his mom crying. Pat spills his frustration to Margarita. He doesn’t want to do this to Candy. But if he doesn’t take Chava, the court will take him. He’s sure someone else interfered, but who? Margarita gets a call, her sister is dying. More tears. She needs to go be with her. It strikes Pat that he’ll be left alone with his three sons. Gee, too bad that in a place like Mexico, a man with a Ferrari can’t afford to hire a cook, housekeeper, nanny, etc. In fact Marg suggests that but Pat refuses. Do we see a contrived situation on the horizon?

Art the weasel is having dinner with Gregoria. He minimizes Candy’s problem. He’s sure Pat will do something to make Candy happy.

Paulina the weasel is at Santi’s house when he gets home. She tries to sound compassionate. Roc is worried for Chava, and Pau says that of course children are only happy when their parents are together. Santi politely boots her sorry butt out of the house.

Candy is amazed that Ali could just leave like that with someone she just met. Meño’s dicho: Genio y figura hasta la sepultura (a strong personality until the grave, or a leopard never changes his spots). He says she’s always been frivolous and casco ligero (flighty or fickle, literally thin of hull or helmet). He says people don’t change their nature. She wonders how she’ll survive without Chava. More tears. All I can think is, at a time like this, shouldn’t she be leaning on her near-husband? He tried to stick around to support her and she said she wanted to be alone. Now she’s “alone” crying on Meño’s shoulder. Women, if you had a life crisis days before your wedding, who would you talk to?

Pat says goodbye to his mother. He turns around, tells the boys it’s pizza for supper, they yell their approval, and the baby wakes up crying. Pat struggles to get him back to sleep.

Ed spies while Chayo moves in to her new apartment, and he sees Osvaldo making some moves too. Osvaldo helps her unpack, and sitting beside her, he asks what her plans are. Just then Ed shows up at the door. She slams it in his face.

Santi lies in bed, unable to sleep, thinking of how he should be spending the night making love to his bride.

Candy calls Pat to say goodnight to Chava, but he’s already asleep. More tears. Max calls Pat to remind him about the important meeting tomorrow morning. They need to present the movie project to the investors, and this meeting is critical to the success of the project.

Candy meets Pat when he drops the boys at school, and she discovers that he is caring for the three boys alone. Ever helpful, she says she’ll take Chava and then he’ll only have Patito and Beto. (Wouldn’t it be more “helpful” to take Beto and the baby, instead of the only one who is court-ordered to stay with Pat? Or maybe to stop being such an amargada with him?)

This little scene was fun, and we could all use a fun scene in this cap, no? Hortensia tells Santi that she filled his schedule today so he wouldn’t have time to be sad. He thanks her, “You’re the only woman who understands me.” She says he has consultations all morning. Then he takes her out for lunch. Two surgeries. He takes her out for a stroll in the park. Two more surgeries. He takes her out for ice cream or coffee. He breaks in with an ad lib – gaznate (a filled pastry)! Horti doesn’t miss a beat, but Camil falls into his own trap and has trouble stifling his giggles.

First he wants to call Detective Ambrosini, but before he can find the number in his agenda, Horti has already dialed it from memory. Santi warns her that she has the attitude of a serial killer. Hortensia tells him he’d better be careful then, and she makes Norman Bates style mechanical hacking/slashing gestures.

Ambro says it’s not easy to find someone who has fled the country. Santi understands, but considering how much money he’s paid, he should be seeing some results. Ambro has some bad news. Santi needs to make another payment of the same amount into the account. Santi says, “Wait a minute!” He has already paid a huge sum, and nobody has accomplished anything. Ambro says there are a lot of expenses. Can Santi make the payment or not? (Does anyone else smell a rat?) Santi says he doesn’t have that much in liquid assets, so he’ll have to figure something out.

At the office, Candy discovers that today is Charly’s AIDS presentation, and the front room is filled with teenagers.

At the investors’ meeting, Max is apologizing for Pat who hasn’t shown up yet. The investors are all looking impatient and frustrated. Just then Pat enters, briefcase and diaper bag on one arm, and baby carrier and toys in the other. Everyone turns and stares at him.

Phrases
tal para cual - made for each other, or two of a kind
Genio y figura hasta la sepultura - a strong personality until the grave, or a leopard never changes his spots.
casco ligero - flighty or fickle, literally thin of hull or helmet.

Labels: Tontas

This episode was, happily, light on dialogue because Fr/Ed spent so much time gritting his teeth and the rabble spent so much time waving their torches.

Redux: Fer doesn't call Fr/Ed though she yearns to. "He's my best friend's sweetie!" Meanwhile Erika wheedles for the name of the woman who's broken Fr/Ed's heart, but in vain.

• The padre's own personal rabble (he calls them "the faithful") wave torches. He sends Gardenia to call them off, but instead they torpidly trudge forward into the house.
  
  The hooligans, terrified of the aimless mass/es, reveal Artemio's name, and also his address.
  
  Father Bosco lets them out the back way so they won't get lynched, and says: "Tell Artemio I'll be there at noon tomorrow to ask why he's trying to kill me." After the goons leave he tells the sky: "At last you and I, Bravo, will be face to face!"
  
  Then he goes down to calm his faithful, telling them he dialed the red telephone by accident. "Stand down, everybody."
  
  They make kissy faces and signs of the cross and leave. "How the village loves you!" explains Gardenia. She says these were the same goons that locked her in the truck with the snake. Bosco says they won't be back. [See trapdoor, below. --Ed.]
  
  
• After Fr/Ed has finished repeating to Erika that he loves another, she says she'll support him as promised, pretending to be his fiancee at the big party, but after that she doesn't want to see him any more, it makes her too sad because she's in love with him. She makes a few last feeble tries to touch him but he's impervious.
  
  And, frankly, boring. This is the worst Colunga role ever.
  
  "I'm the worst possible candidate, in fact I'm worse even than Camilo," he explains. [How I would hate to be listening to this if I were her! -- Ed.] "I have things I must resolve, I have no confidence and trust nobody, not even myself."
  
  
• Fer and Prisila have sleepover pillow talk. Pris says she hasn't ever seen Anibal so happy as he's been since the ten mil got deposited in the company account - "he's practically bouncing on the bed like a kid." Fer: "It's the first time ever both he and Camilo agreed with me!"
  
  Fer: "I suspect Barbara's dislike of Franco is a front."
  
  Pris points out: Franco is sexy and Barbara has surely noticed. Fer indignantly points out Barb is married to daddy. Pris sez that doesn't keep a woman from noticing a goodlooking guy - "But I'm not surprised, Fer, if after your experience with Damian you might distrust sexy men."
  
  "I think maybe Damian didn't do it." "If he didn't, who then? Well, don't worry, the truth will out."
  
  
• Meanwhile Damian crows to his sidekick Vlad: "Fer still loves me, she believes in my innocence and will help clear my name with her family, and then we'll live together. Also, I unmasked that villanous Barbara, she's garbage!"
  
  Later, Vlad pulls out partial notes from one of the board meetings. He's pretty uncomfortable as a spy, and worries about having framed the receptionist.
  
  Damian tells him to pull himself together and be a rat, I mean, a man; their whole plan will be ruined otherwise.
  
  Vlad frets: "Prisila has been so laconic on the phone." "La-what?" asks Damian. "Brief! Cold! I've lost her!" "Be patient and you'll have her eating out of your hand!"
  
  Vlad is clinging to a dream of Prisila divorcing Anibal and then marrying him, Vlad, and the two of them will live with Baby and tweety birds will fly around the cottage door.
  
  
• Barbara glowers into her mirror. Daddy Elizalde comes to comfort her. She tells him she's worried about Fer, such an odd girl ever since Damian disappeared. "I suspect she voted, not FOR Franco Santoro, but AGAINST me! I know she's the apple of your eye..."
  
  "Yes, she is, but you're my wife!" Clueless old geezer embraces viper. What a uxorious ditz he is. (I was gonna say p-s-y-whipped but figured I'd get in trouble with our beloved readers.)
  
  
• In another room, Fer wonders whether Barbara is, in fact, lethal, and whether she does, in fact, hold the entire Elizalde family in mortal danger. And lastly, to the sky: "You confuse me, Damian - when you said you loved me, why did I feel you were lying?"
  
  
• In yet another room, Fr/Ed sulks remembering Damian and Fer standing so close together in the parking lot. He makes the muscles in his jaw pooch out. [Fine acting for you! --Ed.]
  
  
• Our village idiot, Aurora, is in Dominga's house (with very fake brick walls). The phone is ringing and ringing, she isn't answering (it's Artemio Bravo calling). Then Santiago drives up and starts banging on the door. Does she let him in? She does not. she sits on the floor hiding and crying. The phone ringing and door banging continue.
  
  A neighbor comes up and says Dominga is away, and so is Aurora, and they'd fought so Aurora probably is never coming back. Santiago leaves a woeful message for her and drives away. Aurora comes out of the house and calls after him. Too late!
  
  No it isn't! He comes back, jumps out of the jeep, they have a tearful reunion, she confesses: the whole thing about another boyfriend was a lie. They kiss and make up, he tries to answer the phone but she won't let him.
  
  
• Well we still don't see Cigarman's face, but I'm sure it won't live up to this buildup unless he is a Cyclops. The two goons come in - in suits! - and confess they did not off the padre owing to his fearsome Torch Squad. "You're fired!"
  
  More goons in suits come in - Bravo tells them to take Frick and Frack away - is there a special trap door somewhere nearby?
  
  
• Grupo Lactos is having a meeting, and here's Fr/Ed for his first appearance.
  
  He tells them to up the price paid to small milk providers. In the last ten years 75% of the little guys have been driven out of business. "Soon you won't have anything but that crappy POWDERED MILK to sell your customers."
  
  Daddy is of course on board with this and vows to correct the situation immediately. He points out that powdered milk would annoy the customers. Uh.
  
  Fer agrees too. She slips Franco a note: "I need to talk with you urgently."
  
  Fr/Ed says he has business elsewhere and leaves. Barb: "Thus begins a new epoch" and leaves. Daddy: "Fr/Ed has shown us our errors. I thought I'd passed my fine values onto my sons but I see I was wrong." He leaves.
  
  
• Fr/Ed is in the underground Lactos garage, and there are menacing bongo drums so I thought there would be trouble, but nothing happened.
  
  He goes home and tells all to Esteve, including: "And SHE gave me a note! she has to see me urgently!" "She has to see you, so see her." "No, I don't wanna." "You moron, she is your only ally and you're going to let her down?"
  
  "She isn't playing fair. I saw her with Damian." "You nitwit, you're letting the lovelorn Edwardo dominate and it's a mistake. Remember, they're MARRIED! What, you think she should be turning him in?
  
  "Be less Eduardo and more Franco. Franco has a business relationship with Fer.
  
  "It's risky what you're doing - remember, Lili's life depends on you! Artemio Bravo and Barbara are behind all the evil doings - and only Franco can save the day. If your love distracts you, any further victims will be your fault."

Labels: manana

First the video rewind: In the dark of night Fernanda has secretly gone to meet Damian at the old warehouse where he tries to persuade her to help him prove his innocence. He's ready with answers for any question she throws at him. As Viewerville cues the imaginary violins, he wimpers pathetically, weaving his tale of woe with just enough of the truth mixed in to make himself appear the totally naive and innocent victim of her devious stepmother's intrigues.

Damn explains that he couldn't tell Fer anything because just before they were about to leave on their honeymoon Babs called to tell him that the Elizaldes had gone to the authorities and accused him of fraud and theft. He had to leave the country immediately because the police were about to catch him. No, he couldn't call because all the phones were being tapped. Babs, he is certain, took all the money and deposited it in a personal account somewhere outside the country. Fer asks why Barbara would be so interested in helping Damn escape. Damn replies it was because Babs figured that if he was captured he'd tell the police everything he knew and that would be a leeetle bit inconvenient for her.

Fer wants proof of what Damian has told her. “I haven’t got any. Would I be here begging for small change to eat if I had $3 million in cash?” (Gotta admit here that, given Damian’s particularly sleazy version of events, Fernanda seems close to suffering a Sophia-ism.) Fer still finds it hard to believe what he’s just unloaded on her concerning her family, because as she says, it’s so dire that it’s enough to destroy it completely. Damn says he doesn't blame her; that he'd feel the same way in her place. The worst of it for him is that he doesn't have any way to prove anything. He tells her he’s desperate for a hug (skin crawl alert!) and then he moves towards her, kissing her hand, hugging and nuzzling her neck.

Eduardo, the little green-eyed monster having gotten the better of him, has followed Fer there and is hidden behind her car watching from a distance and assuming the worst: that Nanda is two-timing him with her husband. Obviously, the irony of it all is totally lost on poor, miserable, jealous Eddie (who Viewerville strains to remember looks like a grown man but still thinks like a high school freshman) and he is seething with anger. (Note: the pacing and staring and repeated shaking of his head while clenching his teeth and his fist. I vote to fire the director who green-lighted that take.) Of course, Fer acts like a cold fish towards Dam but it's not obvious from Eddie's hiding place. Ed thinks the worst. (So, just what was he basing the best on?)
===============================

Estev and Gardenia are at the rectory explaining to Padre Bosco why it's important she stays there overnight. Dewey tells Padre Bosco that Franco and he think Denia's life is in danger at Las Animas. The two guys who kidnapped Denia are trying to off the witnesses to Rene Manzanares' murder. First there was Jairo Rocha and now it’s Denia. Denia tells Padre Bosco how she was kidnapped and put into a truck with a huge rattle snake to make her tell them what Manzanares found while snooping around in Franco Santoro's house. While Denia remembers how frightened she was all she can think of is seeing its ugly tongue shooting out menacingly at her. (I think I'll put a photo of it on the fridge. It does wonders as a natural appetite suppressant. That sandwich I started is headed for the garbage disposal.) Bosco asks just what it was that the man found. They tell the priest that he found out Franco Santoro's name wasn't his real name and that Denia told them his name was really Jesus Lopez Lopez.

Denia goes out to make tea. Bosco says it's dangerous if somebody's trying to find out Franco Santoro's real name. He asks Estev who they're talking about if Franco Santoro isn’t his real name. Estev laughs and says could be they're talking about Eduardo Juarez. Bosco returns the laugh signaling they’re both on the same sheet of music regarding Fr/Eduardo’s true identity.

Eddie's still spying on Nanda and Damn. (So when is it stalking and when is it just plain curiosity?) Seeing her with Damn's arms around her waist is too much for him to take. (Well, I can't say the Edster wasn't warned. There are just some things in life you don't need or want to know about.) Fer, to her credit, isn't exactly smothering Damian with mad, passionate kisses or dragging him down for a roll in the hay bales, but steam is starting to pour out of Ed's ears anyway.

Meanwhile, back at the hacienda, the Dairy Queen, Bitch-Barbie, complains to Gonzo at dinner about Franco Santoro's audacity in demanding to sit on the board and give orders to the rest of them. For once Any Balls says something smart. "So did you think that after giving us $10 million bucks all he would ask in return would be a few applause?" B-B makes her case. "--Profits are all we have to give them! Or did you think perhaps that that sum gives them the right to come here to decide what to do with our company also?" Camilo snickers that if the $10 million came out of his pocket he would have to say yes. (I would too. I guess Cad isn't totally ignorant; just his table manners are.) Gonzo, who really should have just stuck to milking his cows, tells Cad to stop with the stupid jokes. (What's so funny? Gonzo's lucky Fr/Ed hasn't asked for 3 or 4 seats on the board with the cash he's invested with them. It should be pro-forma. How much could he get for a bankrupt dairy with multi-million dollar lawsuits as far as the eye can see if he had had to sell it?) B-B lies and says the problem is the guy didn't tell her this before they closed the deal, and he was obligated to do so.

AB pipes up that she was the one who closed the deal with Santoro, not them. Besides that, if they refuse his request and give back Santoro’s investment they'll be stuck with the penalties that would result from it. (Goes without saying that is exactly what B-B wants.) Gonzo's up in arms now that this wasn't included in the contract. AB is on a roll and continues. "So, what do we do about it? Scream at him over it? Who's going to do that, you, Barbara?" B-B looks him dead in the eye and says earnestly that she wouldn't have a single problem confronting that outrageous son of a six-gun.

Back at the old warehouse, Damian continues to lay it on thick for Fernanda. He tells her she is the only one who has a chance of finding the proof of his innocence. However, to do so, she will have to find Barbara's secret account first. It would be difficult, but she's his only hope. "Besides, you still are the love of my life." (Nice touch, Damn.) He pulls her in close for emphasis. "I love you. You don't know how much." Finally Ed's had enough of masochistic voyeurism and he heads back to his car. Unfortunately for Ed, though, he leaves before he sees Fernanda push away and reject this last attempt by Damian. Damian asks Fer if she still doesn't believe him. Fer says she needs time to think. All of a sudden it occurs to her to ask him where he's been living all this time. "Say wha--?" Dam panics.

Meanwhile, the discussion continues at the Elizalde dinner table. (Didn’t anybody go to business school from that family? Or did they think that owning a business is somehow akin to the divine right of kings?) Any Balls tells Gonzo as an FYI that he ran into the VP of Powhere Meelk, Estev Norton, over at Las Animas and Norton told them how Franco Santoro had fought tooth and nail [luchar a brazo partido] to get his company to agree to the deal. It would seem just a bit petty to tell Santoro now that he couldn't be a member of the Board of Directors. Prissy adds that new blood in the company wouldn't be a bad idea. Babs says they've done fine making decisions without any input from strangers. Cad snickers that perhaps that's why they're bankrupt now. (Hubby is quick to note from his spot on the couch that even a broken clock is right twice a day.) Pris asks for Gonzo's opinion. Gonzo says he agrees with Babs. (Ok. Did we expect otherwise?)

Gonzo suggests that they submit it to a vote, only Fernanda is missing. AB wonders where she's been and B-B, looking like a cat with its ears pinned back, bitchily thinks to herself that she's probably off having a gay old time with her new little friend, Franco. She turns to Gonzo and says that she has no idea where Nanda is because ever since Damian left her she hasn't been around the house much or at the business either. AB tells everyone that she gets a double vote, one for herself and one for Santiago.

Once again at the old warehouse, Damn tells another whopper: that he's been living on the streets with drug addicts, crazies and drunks. "It's been ugly out there, Peque." (Gag me.) Just then she gets a call on her cell from Gonzo. Damn panics and begs her not to give him away. She decides after what seems to be an eternity not to answer it. Next question: she wants to know how she's going to keep in touch with him if he keeps his cell turned off. Damn says he'll call her every day and then warns her that Babs is Eeeevil incarnate. He says that he knows that everything was part of a plan that she conceived many years ago. "She's lethal and as long as she is close to the family and has Gonzolo's trust, your entire family is in mortal danger!" Nanda is knocked-back-on-her-heels impactada.

Ed makes it back to his car and speeds off.

Damn tells Fernanda that she must not trust Barbara. He emphasizes he's telling her all of this because he loves her and has been dreaming of the time he can prove his innocence and return to her. (Can it, dude. I’ve heard just about all I can stand.) Fernanda suddenly asks if he's talked with his mother. “The last time I saw her, the woman was totally distraught.” Damn lies again and says he went to the house but didn't tell her anything because he didn't want her to worry. (Uh, like she didn't watch t.v. and so she missed all those news broadcasts? I hope Fernanda’s taking mental notes cuz his story is so full of holes a Swiss cheese would be envious.) She says it's time for her to go and offers to give him a lift somewhere. He “selflessly” tells her he'll take public transportation because he doesn't want her to risk it. (I believe his public transportation, Vlad The Had, is still burning gas off-road nearby to keep warm and taking forty winks while he waits for Damian to finish.) Before she walks away he classily (not) bums a few pesos off her for bus fare.

Once again at the rectory Bosco tells Estev that now that he thinks about it Ed wasn't so foolish after all when he came up with that lie about his death. Carpio and Nestor watch Estev leave and then make their move. Killing the padre is still the plan, says Carpio. They don't have a choice.

Meanwhile, Dolly and Errika are thinking of what to name the baby. Augustin comes in and tells Dolly she needs to see the doctor to confirm the pregnancy and yadda yadda. Dolly doesn't think she needs to because "a woman always knows the signs." (Public Service Announcement #1687.) Then there's a discussion about her not exactly being a spring chicken any longer. FF>>

When Nanda arrives home, Tomasa races into the hall to tell her the whole family is waiting for her, including SRA. BARBARA. (Music ala Alfred Hitchcock Presents plays menacingly in the background.) It's something urgent, but Tomasa doesn't know what. Fer hurries into the dining room to the others.

The lovelorn Eddie, meanwhile, returns home full of self-recriminations. Eddie thinks he's a dope who's been duped. (Well, he's half right.) He was an idiot, he tells himself. "An idiot! That's what I was! --No! Eduardo Juarez was, but Franco Santoro is not! Franco Santoro, no!" He decides he is going to do something about it. (¡Ay! Immature men, no matter how good-looking they are, make my head hurt.)

Fer tells the family that she trusts Santoro. Bitch-Barbie tells her it seems strange that a man she scarcely knows should inspire such trust. "It seems you know more about Santoro than the rest of us do, or am I wrong?" (Are those claws peeking out of those paws?) Fernanda stares at Babs but says nothing. AB pipes up to say that Franco is a man that oozes confidence. "Papa, you've always said honorable people smell....well, ...honorable." Cad breaks in then with another snicker about that smell definitely not being the one they smell at the market. Fer frowns at Cad. (I’m sure she can't believe he and she actually share the same genes. Who knows? Monserrat might have been steppin' out on Gonzo somewhere in between AB and Liliana after all.)

Nanda asks if they're meeting to discuss Franco's trustworthiness. Gonzo explains Franco's request for a vote and voice in the Board of Directors as part of the agreement and says they were waiting on her to start the vote. The company's future depends on their decision. The voting begins as Bitchy Babs and Nanda share a confrontational stare.

At Las Animas, Fr/Ed calls up Err and invites her to dinner. Augustin and Dolly are excited to meet Err’s new BF but Err says maybe next time. The two supposed in-laws-to-be share a parental giggle at their little girl’s going ga-ga over her gallant. FF>>

B-B votes against Santoro. Cad and AB vote in favor. Err calls up Nanda in the middle of the voting to tell her about her big dinner date with Fr/Ed. Gonzo now votes against him. It's finally all up to Fernanda. The tension builds as Viewerville waits to see if Fer decides that Fr/Ed is a two-timing louse and thus not really trustworthy at all; or if she’ll vote in favor of him because of what she’s learned about her stepmother and so no longer trusts her.

Back at the rectory, Carpio and Nestor break into Bosco's bedroom. The noise wakes Denia in the guest room across the hall. The two would-be hitmen stand there but don’t shoot. Nestor begs Carpio to simply shoot the priest in the leg and lie about it then tells Bosco that if he would just cooperate they would wound him and only say they’d killed him. Carpio tells Nestor to shut his big mouth. Padre Bosco is like, "Let me get this straight. You were ordered to kill me?" Carpio says it’s not time for a chat. Bosco begins to pray as Carpio tells him his time has come.

In the dining room at the Elizaldes once more, Fer votes in favor of Fr/Ed becoming a member of the Board of Directors. She smiles sweetly over at Babs and is intent on getting her reaction. B-B is definitely bummed but switches facial expressions quickly to a serene smile before looking over at Fer.

Fr/Ed picks up Err from her house and admits to her that it’s really a business dinner. He apologizes for the deception and gives her a chance to refuse his invitation. No way Errorika is going to miss an opportunity like this to be with him and tells him as much. After a reminder to buckle up for safety (Public Service Announcement #1688) they drive off to the restaurant.

Back at the parish in Bosco’s bedroom: the priest tries to talk the men into letting him go. Carpio is screwing up his courage, trying to pull the trigger. Nestor suggests to Carpio that they could call him an ambulance and once the priest gets better, he could leave town so nobody would know he’s still alive. Carpio says it wouldn’t work because if their boss found out he was still alive he’d just send another less merciful pair to do the deed. Bosco asks them who their boss is. Carpio tells him not to ask difficult questions and he starts to aim and pull. Nestor puts his hand on Carpio’s arm and begs him to aim at the priest’s legs. Denia runs in just then and is impactada to see it’s the self-same kidnappers there holding a gun on the padre. She runs out and both bad guys start after her.

Things are going downhill fast for these two baddies. Bosco goes for the switch to the campana bells as Carpio turns away to look down the hallway for a possible shot at Denia. Outside, the whole parish barrio hears the alarm and starts for the church with their machetes and pitchforks in one hand and torches in the other. Nestor grabs Denia and brings her back inside the room. Carpio orders Bosco to turn the bells off but Bosco explains that that would be useless. The parishioners have heard their agreed upon signal and know he’s in trouble. The whole town, he says, will be there in a couple of minutes to find out what’s happened to him. “If I don’t open the door for them they will break it down. So are you really still thinking of shooting me?” The priest suddenly orders them to let Denia go. He tells her not to open the door unless she hears them shoot or he gives the word. Denia backs out and down the hall.

Our two killers, Carpio and Nestor, having now turned into a couple of Keystone clowns, take turns looking out the window and sizing up the mob gathering down in the churchyard. Bosco tells them they’re in deep do-do but that they’re in luck because he’s willing to do a little negotiating. Carpio is all ears. “What do you want to negotiate, Padre?” “--Well, even if I do turn the campanas off you two won’t be able to leave here unless I give the word.” “--What’s the deal, Padre?” “--A name.” “—A name?” “Yes. Your freedom in exchange for the name of the man who hired you to kill me.”

At the eatery in Villa Madero: Err laughs nervously and tells Fr/Ed that he’s asking her the same favor that she asked him when Cad Elizalde beat her up at Fernanda’s wedding. Yes, he says, that’s why he has come to her to ask it, because he is now the one needing to restore his dignity. “Does that mean you’re in love with someone else? It doesn’t give our relationship any future.” Fr/Ed awkwardly adjusts his collar. “I don’t know what to term it, but I do need your help.” “—So am I supposed to use the same story for you with her, that we’re dating?” “—Not exactly. I want you to let me announce at the party that we are engaged.” (And now it’s Viewerville's turn to be impactado.) Errika’s eyes open wide and she smiles. (The girl’s gotta be wondering where all this will lead. I wonder if she’s ever seen Destilando Amor. Danger! Danger, Will Robinson!)

Everyone is still seated around the Elizalde’s dinnertable and AB tells his kid sis that he’s grateful that she voted in favor of Franco because, like it or not, it is best for the business. Babs' is undeniably all bent out of shape and lets the rest of them know it in no uncertain terms. She gets up to leave. Cad jumps up and actually apologizes to her explaining that she has got to assume that the least their new business partner will expect is to be a member of the Board. (Okay! So what sage businessman’s ghost has suddenly taken possession of Cadmilo Elizalde’s body?) Babs throws a shriveling look at Gonzo before storming out.

Nanda takes the opportunity to ask her daddy if he voted with Babs against Franco out of conviction or just to please her. “Out of solidarity with my wife." Gonzo now bares his soul and admits his greatest fear and his greatest weakness. “At this point in my life I needed to take advantage of the situation to tighten the tie for personal reasons that none of you could begin to imagine. For me Barbara means something that cannot be understood by anyone else but me. I didn’t vote against Franco or in favor of Barbara. I voted in favor of myself, because I would be able to withstand the loss of the company, but I could never stand to lose my wife.” (Said another way, if the trophy wife decides to take a powder she takes his gonads and the lockbox she’s kept them in along with her.) Any Balls, who thinks he still has his set, makes a silent toast to the gutless, late-life crisis of his daddy's that he always suspected; Cad rolls his eyes at his papi’s ever admitting his manhood was in a vise; and Fer reconsiders the true hold Babs has on her father.

Babs runs up to her room to call Artemio Bravo and tell him that Gonzo was the only one of the family to oppose Santoro’s entrance into the company’s Board of Directors. Artemio concludes that the man is very astute in his business strategies. Barbara says, effectively yes, because as she has discovered, he’s been manipulating Fernanda. “Franco and she have been secretly seeing each other without the family’s knowledge.” Art wonders if it could be romantic in nature. Barbara says could be, even though he is supposedly dating Errika Astorga, Fernanda’s BFF. Bravo mulls it over. “That proves he has the power of persuasion. Don’t let him out of your sight!”

At the restaurant Err tells Fr/Ed she can’t deny him the favor since he did the same for her, but it’s one thing to go around telling people your dating and quite another to tell them you’re engaged. People expect there to be a wedding and well they aren’t going to marry. He says true, so the plan is for her to break off the engagement a bit later on and that way she can save face. Err has to ask why he’s doing this. Fr/Eddie tells her it’s because the woman is breaking his heart. She asks him who has got him eating his heart out like this? “Do I know her?” He looks at her, unable to answer.

Speaking of the lucky lady who holds the heart of the hunkiest hombre in all of Latin America in her hands, she has just returned to her bedroom and enviously remembers the phone conversation she had a while earlier with Errika telling her that Franco and she were going to dinner together. For an instant Nanda gives sway to the little green-eyed monster within as well and begins to dial Franco’s cell. A second later she realizes what she’s doing and hangs up. “No! I’m not going to call him! Franco is my best friend’s boyfriend. ¡Ayyyyy!”

Back at the restaurant Err says fine, that Fr/Ed doesn’t have to tell her the woman’s name. “Just answer me this. Will she be at the party?” “—Yes!” “—Fine, then you can count on me.” “—Thanks, Errika. You are incredible!”

Carpio see no way out of the jam and tells Padre Bosco that by giving him the name of their boss they’re committing suicide. “Might as well be putting the name on our tombstones.” [una lapida en el pescuezo] Bosco says he only needs the name to protect himself, not to provoke the man. He promises that if they tell him he will immediately forget who told him. Carpio still doesn’t ‘fess up so Bosco calls down to Denia. Carpio and Nestor panic and offer to do what he’s asked. Padre then tells Denia to tell the parishioners that he is fine and he’ll come out in a bit and speak to them. Bosco turns back to the two men in his room. “Okay, boys. Who is he?” Carpio tells him that the man who ordered them to kill him was Artemio Bravo. Bosco is so impactado that he might just die from the shock anyway.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Narrator: “For a long time you’ve seen him only in the shadows. Get ready to see The Face of Evil!”

[Gloria has graciously agreed to sub for me the next three Fridays while I travel to the land of the Midnight Sun to marry off my son on Midsummer’s Night Eve and to pay homage in the mead halls of Heorat to hubby’s Geat ancestry. –ed.]

Labels: manana

Permalink posted by Jardinera654 @ 3:56 PM 92 comments

When there are two weeks left in a novela, but everything seems to be resolved, it’s time to go crazy! In this episode we have the highest highs, and the lowest lows. We also have a complete disregard for anything approaching justice. It’s beanie time! Let’s get this party started.

We begin with a recap of last night’s classic novela coincidence, in which Santi (with Rocío) has stopped by Paulina’s house (she said she didn’t feel well). Of course, Candy’s right behind in a taxi. Of course, Pau needs “comfort” from Santi, and Candy thinks it’s a hug. And what’s more, two seconds later, Candy sees two shadows upstairs kissing. It’s Santi and Paulina. Santi’s a traitor!

Turns out, it was Mario and Paulina, as many of us guessed. After a few more kisses, Pau hears the taxi leave, and abruptly pulls away from Mario. Downstairs, Santi and Rocío are playing a clapping game. Pau leaves a frustrated Mario, and comes downstairs to Santi’s question of what’s going on. She says she was dizzy, maybe had tachycardia. Santi isn’t buying this, and sends Roc into the kitchen to get a glass of water. He tells Pau to quit with the pretexts, and she doesn’t push it (because she’s already accomplished her goal). Santi and Roc leave, and Paulina congratulates herself on her little plan.

Candy, however, is distraught, and has come to Santi’s house to confront him. She tells Donato she’ll wait in the study.

Cut to Eduardo, who after being unable to shake his jealous suspicions about Chayo, has stupidly gone to a bar, and stupidly gone to (I think a hotel room) with a hottie in a sparkly purple tube top and pink silk hotpants. She basically attacks him, throwing him onto the bed. Ed is surprised that he’s not turned on.

Mario tells Paulina he doesn’t like being used. He’s found someone who’s way sexier than she is. She tells him to go for it. As he leaves she tells herself, OF COURSE I’m using you.

Santi arrives at Candy’s house, but she’s not there, so he calls her cell. Meño and Gregoria observe with baited breath, but there’s no answer. Meño half jokingly remarks that Candy could have been kidnapped, but it IS strange that she didn’t answer, so HE calls, and Candy answers. No, she doesn’t want to talk to Santi, he’s to come meet her at his house immediately.

In the bed of sin, Ed had “performance problems”, and wants another chance, but the hottie’s had it, and leaves to find someone else to ring her bell. Ed has an epiphany – he must love Chayo so much that he doesn’t even desire an amante. Hooray!

Pat and Beto have just finished watching an action movie in the theater, and Pat’s giving Beto a piggyback ride. Beto notices that Pat still has popcorn in his hair. Beto thinks Pat should make a movie. Pat says it’s really hard to make movies, when (what a coincidence) who should run into them but Pat’s old friend Maximiliano, who’s a FILMMAKER. Hmmmm. Pat introduces Beto as his guarura (bodyguard – I finally have my captions back, people!), and jokes that he has 3 guaruras now. Beto’s excited that now they can make a movie. They go to the coffee shop to talk about it.

Santi arrives home, sends his cute little lemon Rocío upstairs (she’s wearing a yellow coat), and enters the study to find out what Candy wanted. She gives him a chilly look.

In the coffee shop, Pat explains that he likes his artisan import business, but he’s looking for a more creative outlet. Well, what is he interested in? He likes kids (Beto adds that Pat IS a kid!). Maximiliano is working on a movie, and needs financing. Beto wants it to be a children’s movie. Max isn’t so sure, but Pat and Beto are persistent, and Max finally agrees (he says me rindo, or I give up). It can be a kids’ movie. Pat and Beto tell him about Beto’s idea of a superhero, who can fly, who has big wings like an angel, and you can’t lie to him, or his eyes light up. He has a blue suit, and silver armor, and what’s his weapon? A sword! shout Max and Beto in unison.

It’s time for Candy and Santi to clear the air. Candy relates how she took a taxi to Santi’s house to tell him the kids accepted the marriage, but when he left in his car, she followed him. Santi sees where this is going. He went to Paulina’s house, so Candy must be jealous again. But why? He was only there a few minutes. Yes, but long enough to kiss Paulina. I saw you!

Ed arrives home, and Chayo is sitting on her bed doing her psych homework. She’s upset that he’s late, and that he was spying on her earlier in the day, but he continues with his blind jealousy, accusing her again of two-timing him with Osvaldo. Unfortunately for him, Chayo sees red (lipstick on his collar, that is). She’s mad as hell, not gonna take it anymore, and tells him the marriage is OVER.

Candy’s on her way out, but Santi isn’t giving up. He relates how Pau made up the tachycardia stuff, and tricked him into going to her house. So what, says Candy, you were in her house, and she was kissing someone. Santi says he was in the living room with his daughter the whole time, the only explanation could be that Paulina was kissing some other man in her bedroom. Candy doesn’t bite. Another man? Sure, right. Santi the wise reminds her that Pau has an ex-novio named Mario, who’s his same height, hello! Candy sees he may be right, nervously bites her nails, turns away from him, taps her feet, starts thinking. Santi asks why is she tapping her feet (zapateando)? This isn’t flamenco. Candy mulls it over, and agrees to believe him. They kiss, and as we go to commercial, “últimos días” (final days) flashes on the screen.

After the commercial, it’s time for some total joy. Sin límites! To the tune of the theme song, we have a super montage. First, the kids have to study for exams. Rocío gets an A, and a hug from Santi, Chava and Candy get all the answers, and Pat helps Beto do his test on a table painted like a soccer ball. Then, in the judge’s office, the divorce papers are signed. Back at Santi’s, Candy shows off the invitations to the boda, to everyone’s delight. Next, Candy, Gregoria and Meño pick out the wedding dress, followed by Candy, Santi and the 3 kids picking out the wedding cake. No words are needed to show how everyone feels.

In the restaurant, Zamora and Toño are delivering flowered centerpieces bigger than they are. Toño’s crying, though. Zamora thinks he’s crying because now that Candy’s getting married, Toño has lost his chance for her. But he counsels Toño that in pining for Candy, maybe he’s shooting too high. Not so much, counters, Toño, she’s only about 40 centimeters taller than I. Our two clowns continue to set up the decorations.

At Candy’s, Chayo is putting the finishing touches on Candy’s makeup. It’s the day of the wedding! Lucía is wearing a white strapless dress with a pink sash and colorful stars, Gregoria looks very fine in a red satin jacket over a pink blouse, a three strand pearl necklace, and her hair up. The girls debate the makeup, some saying Candy needs chapas, which means red cheeks.

Over at Santi’s the guys are getting ready, too. Santi is wearing his typical white shirt with cufflinks and a blue tie to go with his light tan suit. Ed starts raining on Santi’s parade, warning of the perils of marriage, but Santi reminds him it’s the happiest day of his life, and they hug.

A beautiful jeweled pin has been fastened to Candy’s hair, pulled back in a simple but elegant bun, and Meño is overcome with emotion. He tells her how stunning she looks. And he’s right, she looks absolutely regal in her own strapless gown, which shows off her amazingly slim waist. She flashes a radiant smile. Meño comes downstairs to tell the girls Candy is ready, and they rush upstairs to gush over her. Everything is perfecto, right?

Wrong. The doorbell rings, Meño answers, and it’s a court officer! He gives Meño a summons for Candy. Apparently our judge was, in fact, paid off. (I think JeffMN called it correctly). Although they got divorced, it seems the custody thing was never completely terminated, and the officer says the judge has ruled in favor of Patricio! Also, Candy must appear IN TWO HOURS for the judge to deliver his “sentence”! Meño pleads, can't they wait, she is going to get married in two hours. Sorry, says the officer, if Candy doesn’t appear, there will be strong sanctions. Meño takes the summons and walks slowly back into the living room, completely deflated.

Upstairs, the ladies (and the two kids, Chava and Rocío, also looking cute in their dress-up clothes) are admiring Candy, unaware of the gathering storm. Chayo thinks Santi will faint when he sees her. Candy tells them to stop complimenting her (chulear) so much, but when Chava says she’s the prettiest bride in the world, she bends down, almost crying with joy, to give him a kiss (Chayo stops her – the makeup!). Also, don’t cry. She says after today, she’ll never cry again, and they’ll be happy para siempre (where have I heard that before?). The whole crowd bustles downstairs. But why is Meño so glum? He gives Candy the envelope. It’s a summons (citatorio) from the family law judge.

Over at Santiago’s, we have another group of well-dressed wedding guests. I’m especially impressed with Tina’s green and white dress and chic hairstyle, and with Isabel’s black dress with long white sleeves, a white choker with a single black opal and matching earrings. Wow! They, Jaime, Donato and Zamora await at the bottom of the grand staircase for Santi’s triumphant entrance. However, he saunters in BEHIND them, wondering what they’re all looking at. They’re startled, and he laughingly tells them the last time someone came down the staircase, it was Marissa, and that was a disaster, so they’ve changed strategy. Santi finally calls Jaime “Dad” and he calls Zamora “brother”, to the delight of all.

Candy doesn’t understand why there’s a summons. Meño gives her the sad news, that the judge gave custody to Pat. She can’t believe it, Pat dropped his demand, so there must be a mistake. Meño gives her the envelope, and there’s no mistake. What’s more, she has to appear at noon at the judge’s office. As she starts crying (and saying no puede ser), Chava hugs her, not understanding what’s wrong with his Mommy.

After the commercial, we’re back at Paulina’s house (pretty nice house, I might add – sure is convenient to be that rich), Mario doesn’t understand why Pau looks depressed, until he realizes she’s lost her battle for Santi, he’s really getting married, and there’s nothing she can do to stop it. Pau tells him she has accepted it, and let's go back to New York! Mario leans in for the kiss, but Pau says she just meant they’d travel together, she’d sooner die than reconcile with him. He doesn’t care, he’s got big plans (with Alicia).

Candy has gone upstairs to cry, and the little ones ask Lucía what’s going on. She just tells them everything will be okay. Meño asks her to call Santiago.

We then switch to two happy villains, Arturo and the judge, slapping each other on the back. Art’s only regret is ruining Santi’s wedding, since Santi was very helpful to him, but family comes first, and now Pat will have a chance to get Candy back (as if!) The judge adds that they had to stop the wedding, because if Candy were married, his custody order wouldn’t have worked. He tells Art that Candy will have to turn over Chava to Pat today.

Speaking of Pat, he’s playing video games with Beto, and the two boys are in boy heaven, as Beto wins again (it’s a racing car game). Beto wonders why they’re not at the wedding, though. Pat can’t really answer, says it’s not sexy for the ex-husband to go, but Beto doesn’t understand. The doorbell rings, and of course the court officer is delivering Pat’s matching summons. The man tells Pat the judge has awarded custody of Chava to Pat, and he, too, says there has to be some mistake. The officer says to tell it to the judge, and Pat signs for the paper, Margarita right behind him with a concerned look. Pat reads the summons, and realizes this ruins Candy’s wedding. He’s not happy at all.

Gregoria and Chayo are trying to cheer up Candy, who has changed out of her dress, telling her everything will be cleared up at the judge’s office. Candy’s not so sure, Pat has betrayed her before, he could do it again. Meño tells her Santi is here. Downstairs, Santi asks Lucía, Chava and Rocío what’s going on. The little ones tell him that Candy is crying but they don’t know why. Lucía says she knows, but he should go upstairs and Candy will tell him. Meño, Greg and Chayo come down, and Santi goes up to see what’s wrong. In her room, Candy is crying, her finger lightly tracing Chava’s photo. Santi enters, Candy tells him it’s Patricio, he’s taken Chava, and they have to cancel the wedding. Santi hugs her in support.

Back at Santi’s, Isabel hangs up after receiving the news from Santi, and sadly tells the others that there isn’t going to be a wedding today.

At least someone’s happy, though, as we see Alicia and Mario in post-coital bliss. Mario says Ali has changed his life. The last few days, he’s been completely obsessed with Paulina, but now he feels nothing for her. Same here, exclaims Ali. I was obsessed with Patricio for years. But today, I haven’t even thought of him. They both agree, it’s destiny.

At Chayo’s and Ed’s house, she’s packing. Ed comes in, what’s up, he thought they were fixing up their marriage. She responds that a week ago, she told him they were “separated”, and since he’s not leaving the apartment, she is. He doesn’t want her to make such a quick decision, but she’s been thinking about this for a long time. Well, says Ed, if it’s because of the other day, with that woman, he didn’t even make love to her! This doesn’t impress Chayo one bit, and when Ed thinks it’s a pretext for her to go to HER boyfriend, she tells him to think whatever you want, I’m out of here, and she leaves, slamming the door.

The judge tells Pat, no, there’s no error, the verdict is final, as of today Pat has custody. Pat can’t believe it. Candy yells at him that he promised to drop his demand, SLAPS him, and heads for the door. The judge stops her, deliver your son today, or else he’ll use public force. She walks out.

Over at the restaurant, Paulina looks at the decorations when a waiter tells her the wedding is cancelled. Well THAT brings a smile to her face!

Pat is furious with the judge, Pat had told him to cancel the custody procedure, explain, please! The judge says “I’m not authorized to answer that question”. When Pat asks who is, the judge says if Pat doesn’t take custody of Chava today, he’ll go to jail! Fine, put me in jail. No, that’s not all, adds our mean judge. Chava would be sent off to an Institution! (Okay, this whole thing is so ridiculous. A hearing the same day? Ignoring the wishes of both parents? Threatening to put the father in jail and the kid in an institution? Give me a break! Okay, Hombre, just relax, think about those peach halves, floating gently, gently…..Okay, I’ve adjusted my beanie, I’ll be fine).

Back home, Candy tells Chava he has to live with his Daddy. What a change in Chava, because now he’s sad about this, wants Candy to stop crying. He promises to live with Pat for just a few days, and then come back to his Mom. He swears it.

Santi is ranting to his Mom about how disgraceful Pat is. Isabel implores him to calm down. Santi adds that if Santi and Candy get married, it’ll be easier to fight for custody, because they’ll present a stable home, lots of financial support (this is why the judge told Arturo earlier he had to make his ruling before the wedding). Isa agrees.

Pat is alone in his big house, head in hands, can’t understand what happened, when he hears the baby cry. He calls for Alicia, but there’s no answer. He calls for Margarita, still no answer. Finding no one, he picks up Patito from his cradle, only to notice a note! Here’s what it says. “Patricio, I’m tired of your scorn. I’ve found a person who values me, and loves me, and for that reason, I’ve decided to leave and abandon you. I’m leaving your life forever. You can have Patito.” (this is really what it said, I don’t make up these telenovela goodbye notes). Pat looks as if he’s been through the wringer. I think I feel that way, too. What a day!

Vocabulario:

Guarura – a bodyguard, Pat used it to refer to his sons
Me rindo – I give up
Zapatear – to tap your feet, or stamp your feet
Chapas – red cheeks, I guess like rouge
Chulear – to compliment
Citatorio – a summons

Labels: Tontas

Good morning, world. Someone please post this for me. I was a little under the weather last night and made my best effort under the circumstances. Please enjoy and comment.

Martina repeats that she is delighted to see Venus, but she wants to know about Columba and Ysenia. Venus tells her about the three unidentified bodies. Silvestre enters singing a song, and Martina wants to know why he left the hospital. Venus tells Martina that damned Jairo just about to killed Silvestre.

Jacinto and Marg discuss the pitfalls of arguing with the Elizaldes. Jacinto has had it up to here, and Marg realizes that Jacinto is a strong and good man. There is a knock at the door and it is none other than dear Camilo. Camilo invites Jacinto outside, but Jacinto holds his ground. Camilo enters and Jacinto wants to know what’s up. Marg goes outside and prays for God to protect Jacinto. Camilo wants to know how much money Jacinto wants for the papers he found in Gonzo’s car. Camilo tries to backhand Jacinto, but Jacinto blocks it and gives Camilo a piece of his mind and tells Camilo to get lost. Camilo can’t believe Jacinto is in his face and giving him orders.

Marg comes back inside and finds Jacinto in an agitated state. He says he’s the same person he’s always been, but he’s sick of Camilo beating up on him.

Silvestre, Martina and Venus have a lovely family moment. Martina gives Silvestre money that she has earned as Lili’s caregiver. Martina asks Venus what she’ll do now that the cantina is gone. Venus says she’ll look for work and a place to stay. They offer her their house. Silvestre tells her that life is now offering her another opportunity because she’s a decent girl.

Aurora is saying the Rosary at Dominga’s. Fortunately for us, this is all we have to her from her today. At the same time, Barb is pondering the last words she heard from Artemio Bravo about Aurora. She cuts her initials out of the handkerchief, and she remembers that Artemio Bravo told her that Aurora means nothing to her. But Barb still wants to know Aurora’s connection to Artemio Bravo. She thought bubbles that if Aurora crosses her path again, she’ll be met by the Devil just to get back at Artemio Bravo.

Vlad tells Anibal that they have to talk. Vlad says that he succeeded in avoiding a disaster. He wants Ani to explain some minutes of the Board of Directors meeting to him. Vlad, the rat, tells Any that someone in the organization is passing info to the Alvear family, their competitor.

Fer calls FrEd. She has found out something, and he asks her if it’s about Power Milk’s deposit. She wants to meet with him, like at 7:00 p.m at his house.

Damian finds out that Vlad is now in his old office. Vlad tells Damian that Fer wants to talk to him. Poor woman, says Vlad. He reminds Damian that he can trust him. Vlad says that Fer will pay to see him and that she’s inclined to help him.

Fer and FrEd meet. She doesn’t understand why he’d give $10 million to a company associated with Camilo. Ed doesn’t want to stir up trouble in the family. He also wants Barbara to be happy because she’s the only one who opposed the partnership. Fer thinks FrEd is playing with them. He says all business is a game of strategy, but that she is not part of the strategy. He asks her to confide in him.

Vlad wants to know what Dam will do. Dam will please his wife.

Fer tells FrEd that she believes that she’s shown him on various occasions that she trusts him. Her cell rings and she asks FrEd for privacy. Steve is waiting in the living room, and tells FrEd that it is dangerous for Gardenia to stay at Las Animas. They are going to find a place for her where no one can find her.

Fer and Damian talk. She wants to know why he hasn’t tried to contact her. He goes into his “mi peque” act and tries to get her sympathy. She’s not buying it. He tells her that he’s not with her because Barbara would like to see him dead.

Barb asks Tomasa if Santiago has returned. Tomasa tells her no because Aurora hasn’t returned either.

Damian continues playing Fer. He needs to see her real soon because Barb turned him in to the police and put a price on his head. At this point they discuss where they can meet and he comes up with la Troje Vieja, the Community Center (?) and begs her not to tell anyone and that they will meet at soon as possible.

FrEd tells Steve that the problems with Gardenia are related to Manzanares, Camilo, Artemio Bravo and the bombing of the cantina. Fer walks into the living room and tells FrEd that she has to leave because she has a meeting she forgot about. Once again she tells him he doesn’t have to escort her to the car.

Steve enters and FrEd says he’s wants to follow her and find out who she is meeting. It is now dark and Vlad is driving Damian to the meeting place.

Steve says what are you talking about. FrEd say he has to find out what’s going on.

Damian chose this dark lonely place to meet with Fer so that there would not be any witnesses. Dam gets out of the car and tells Vlad to go on. Fer drives with FrEd following behind her.

At Pueblo San Rafael Father Bosco bids goodnight to an employee. He locks up the building and the woman leaves through the walled garden and shuts the gate. Carpio and friend discuss Padre Bosco and that they can’t fail Artemio no matter how you look at it. Carpio is dangerous, but after reminding all of us that he looks like the son from Sanford and son, I think only of Frick and Frack when he appears on screen.

Ed realizes that Fer is going to “la Troje Vieja.”

Padre Bosco is saying his evening prayers when Carpio says it’s time to go. His sidekick doesn’t want to be part of this, but Carpio reminds him about Artemio’s orders. They carry long ropes and climbing gear out of the car.

Fer arrives at La Troje Vieja and looks around. She leaves the headlights on and calls out Damian’s name. He comes out of the shadows and all lovey dovey says, “yes, it’s me,” and you are a dream. FrEd is shocked to see them embrace. Dam tries to work his magic on Fer, but it does not appear that she’s going for it. Dam says when he explains, she’ll understand. So get on with it she says. He tells her that Barbara Greco is to blame for everything.

Frick and Frack have climbed the wall and rapel down into a patio and then the courtyard. The good padre has turned in for the night – when bad weather interrupts my satellite transmission.

Back again, Padre Bosco heads for the bed and leaves a candle burning, but he reaches up and shuts off the electric light. The two intruders head for his room and put silencers on their pistols. Carpio kicks at a door and Bosco gets up to see what’s happening. He looks out the window and calls out. Bosco then opens the door to his room. Commercial break.

Bosco walks down the hall while Frick and Frack are walking around in circles. There is a knock at the door by none other than Gardenia and Steve. Bosco knows them and invites them to sit down. Steve tells Bosco that he has brought Gardenia to Bosco’s church for safekeeping because she is in great danger. Looks like she’s jumping from the frying pan into the fire.

Frick and Frack realize that this is not their night and give up and leave.

Damian tells Fer that Barb told him that Gonzo had given the order to transfer the money. She wants to know why she didn’t tell her. He says Barb double crossed him and accused him of fraud and turned him in to the police. He was afraid to contact her because he thought it might be a trap. The money, he says, probably went into one of Barbar’s foreign accounts. Fer wants proof. He tells her that she has his word and if he had $3 million he wouldn’t be here. She doubts that she’s the only person he can trust and wants to know what he wants. She’s having a hard time understanding his tale. He understands and wants to know how he can prove his innocence. He needs her and embraces her. FrEd shakes his head in disbelief as he hides in the shadows.

Avances: FrEd can’t believe he’s so stupid.

Labels: manana

Redux: Ali calls Mario to discuss their destiny but he's busy lounging half-clad in Pau's bed. Candy and Santi have dinner Chez Santi to tell the family they are getting married. Lu loves it and the little ones loathe it. Rocio breaks out in her convenient rash. Santi insists they will all be happy. Rocio scratches her reply.

Mario, now with a t-shirt but still fetching, compliments Pau. He's amorous and she's tired. She rudely pushes him away and he threatens to leave. "Whatever you want," she mutters. After he leaves she happily calls Ali, their plan worked and Mario should be calling soon.

Lu tries to calm Rashio, I mean Rocio. Santi gives her her pill and makes her smile by telling her that of course Chava will live with them and Papi needs her help decorating Chava's new room. Papi scores a goal.

Meanwhile, in the colorful house Candy tells Chava she and Santi are making the best decision. He's worried she'll stop loving him. He says this twice. Candy tries to reassure him but after she leaves he tells Merengue "you love me, but my mama no."

Pato plays with Patito and is interrupted by the phone. It's Candy to ask a favor. She wants him to take Chava to school. Pato can tell she's crying. It's that Chava is mad at her because she and Santi set their wedding date instead of succumbing to the little tyrants (my words not hers). "Sigh...it's so hard to be a mother and a woman," (like she's the only one). Pat says he will try to talk to Chava then he rubs his face and moons for Candy.

Mario meets Ali for drinks. They flirt shamelessly and he strokes her arm. He can't believe she lives with a man who won't give her the time of day. He comments she's good enough to eat from head to toe (tu estas como para comerte de pies a cabeza) and if she gives him they chance he'd love to demonstrate...they kiss.

Santi tosses and turns in bed. He dreams that Interpol brings his son to him but it turns out to be Patito. "What kind of sick joke is this?" Suddenly Pat comes to claim his son and takes him away while Santi yells for clarification. He awakens from his strange nightmare in a cold sweat.

Next a.m. at Candy's house of miracles Candy complains to Babs that Chava is sad living with her. Barb cheers her up, "the kids will come around, a happy house makes kids happy."

Santi is at office seeing some poor kid that broke his nose playing soccer. Santi tries to cheer the kid up by saying he can operate right away and give him the nose of Sebastian Rulli or Tom Cruise. The kid looks like he wants to cry. I don't know why this scene was included.

The three children talk at school. Beto is tired because Patito cried all night. Chava is sad because his mama doesn't love him. Rocio says she knows something that will cheer him up, however Chava is determined to be sad.

Santi tells Lalo about his weird nightmare. Lalo asks could Patito be Santi's son and Patricio stole him? Santi acts like he's coughing up a hairball then he mocks Lalo, what a crazy idea! He has a plan, he'll steal the kid because he'll be a lot happier with Santi than with Pat, ha ha...ha? Lalo coughs up his own hairball and tells Santi not to obsess about Patito. They both start to sing the theme song from Fuego en la Sangre, "Vale mas..."

Santi can't stand it so he pays a visit to Pat. He, uh, happened to pass by and thought he'd say Hi to his godson (ahijado). Passing by from the other side of town? Pato knows Santi's full of it.

Santi's dying to hold Patito and Pat complies. Santi never looks happier than when he's holding and bonding with Patito. Santi asks Pato's advice on how to decorate Chava's new room. Pato advises Santi that Chava loves animals. He likes Giraffes in particular.

Looks like Art and the judge are in bed together figuratively speaking. "I'm at your service," says the smarmy judge as he and Art shake hands.

Over at Santi's he, Don and Roc are getting Chava's new room ready for him. Rocio wields a mean paint roller. Many split scenes with Santi painting the walls a solid color and Roc painting pictures, then they are all painting and rolling over each others' graffiti. They lie on the floor and admire their work. The final verdict...it's a complete mess and Roc pronounces it perfect. Suddenly she says "segunda mano?" and they jump up to start painting again. (This confused me because I thought segunda mano meant "second hand" so I'm not sure what the context is here.)

Pat drives his two older sons home from school. Beto misses his mom and Chava is slightly crabby. Pat asks Chava why the long face? Chava thinks Candy will marry and abandon him like Sole did to Beto. Pat gives him a pep talk and sets him straight, Santi is not a mala onda and he'll prove it. Pat cheers them up by driving like a crazy man. Not very safe but my grandpa used to do that with my sis and me and we absolutely loved it.

Santi and Roc are exhausted and resting on Chava's new bed; Donato brings Chava up with his eyes covered. Rocio is excited for him to see his room. Uno, dos, tres..."It's incredible!" Chava pronounces. OMG Santi kept saying Clopp-err and he means The Clapper. The lights turn off and on with clapping, he's got lava lamps too! Cool! Chava is as impressed as I am. Donato is pretty excited too and Santi keeps calling him Niño Donato. Funny.

It's an intergalactic super electra-especial room with a big screen behind the bed. Chava tells Roc a secret, "but we don't want them to get married." Rocio asks her papa to help. Santi explains to Chava that he doesn't want to replace Chava's family, he wants them to have a family in addition to his other one, it will be a family full of unconditional love and understanding. Will Chava be cool with that? Chava tells her another secret. "Chava says yes!" shrieks Rocio.

Now it's Beto's turn; he asks Pat why the long face? Pat kind of explains about Candy and Beto says "don't be sad I love you a lot." They agree to cheer each other up whever one of them gets sad. Pat hits the gas again.

Over at the instituto Chayo and Candy are talking. They are interrupted by cacaphony in the halls. Candy can't believe her ears, Santi and Chava together? Santi, Luc, Roc and Chava want to tell her something. They've decided they are cool with the marriage. Chava says Santi can be his friend and his papa won't be mad. Santi does the happy dance. The guys buddy punch and all is OK because Chava wants to live in his new room.

Lalo intercepts Chayo on her way out. He wants to be with her but she has to go to class. He'll go with her! She tells him not to say stupidities, he's just jealous, outta the way, bye.

More noise in the halls and it seems all the ladies are wearing red outfits today. Meño is thrilled at the news, lots of fast talking and fun. Santi kisses Candy and makes the kids giggle.

Chayo walks with Osvaldo complaining about her husband while Lalo obviously stalks them. Chayo sees him right away. They duck behind a stairwell until Lalo scurries by.

Santi and Candy take Chava over to Pat's house. Chava explains to Pat that he wants his mama to be happy, isn't that what Pat wants too, verdad papa? "Uh...I think if you're happy I'm happy" hedges pat. Santi wants to visit his godson, Pat says he's sleeping, Santi tries to insist and Candy pulls him away, "you really like that kid don't you?"

At the restaurant Meño tells Sven and Ole that he has news that's finger licking good, he yells for Greg. Great news, Chava and Rocio are behind the wedding!!

Beto draws a super hero for his dad. His superhero has wings and people cannot tell lies in front of him. He and Pat design the superhero costume.

Lalo looks for Chayo and he tries to solicit the help of some students. They guys tell Lalo she's probably with the teacher, they always hang out together. Doh!!!

Chayo and Prof go to the library and catch Lalo peeping at them through the window. Chayo wants to confront him but the prof tells "Chayito" not to act like the hysteria they are studying, she should just calm down and try to forget about their peeping pal (cuate).

Santi and Candy are still making out. Oh, they're kissing goodbye. She asks if he's going straight home and he laughs, "No I'm going to a strip bar first ha ha ha." Candy forces a laugh and I'm wondering will she end up catching him with a stripper or something? This episode has been way too happy so we know the anvil of anger and misunderstanding is about to drop.

She calls her mom to say she wants to invite Santi to eat so they can celebrate. She puts a pic of her and Santi on the desk so it's official...official that the anvil will drop that is.

Santi advises Rocio that although he doesn't support mediocrity it's not the end of the world if she gets an 8 or 9 from time to time. She wants straights 10s. Santi comments sometimes she's a sangroncita, meaning she's a little full of herself, uptight, stuck up. The phone rings and of course it's mami dearest. ("Hola mami" Santi mocks behind her back. He's funny!) Rocio says her mami isn't feeling well and wants to see her. Papi says no, Rocio scratches while smiling impishly, Santi tells her to quit faking her rash, Papi knows he's being played but agrees anyway.

Candy, all dressed up and ready to surprise Santi, arrives at his place by taxi just as he leaves. She laughingly follows his car. This will end badly.

Meanwhile Lalo goes to a bar to drink and complain about his wife. He tries to call Chayo, cries into the phone, and vows he won't let his woman treat him like that. He straightens his tie, spies a hottie and starts to wink at her.

Pau pretends to be sick so Santi will touch her tender head. Of course Candy arrives just then and instead of jumping out of the taxi, jumps to conclusions. Why is Santi fondling his ex-wife? When Candy finally gets out of the taxi it's too late, they have already gone inside and Candy sees their silhouette. She thinks she sees Santi and Pau kissing. Kerplunk! The anvil has fallen.

Labels: Tontas

Revisiting Mañanaville: Where the devil did you get this (papers) says Camilho when he finally sees that Jacinto is holding insurance papers from his Papi's car. In a rare moment of emotion,hugging his father in front of the smirky Barbinator, in fact the only glee we have ever seen from Anibal about the $10 million, we are saved PaPa!! We see Gardenia's lovely neck wrung again but only hard enough for her to spill her secrets per the Boys in Black at Artemio's request.

Tonight, we relive the Jacinto -vs- Camilho standoff, just then Anibal shows up to tell little brother of the appearance of $10 million, we owe our lives to this man, claims Anibal to the ever smirking Cami, and now let's go see our new best friend, Franco Santoro. Jacinto has a moment of private triumph, still amazed at how much his life has changed lately while the elated Elizaldes drive away.

Gardenia gets the snake in a sack threat again, but gee we don't even get to see the snake tonight, shucks [Ed note: I must confess to being one of those weirdos who always like the herpetology building at the zoo.] She decides to tell them what Manzanares learned in Franco's house. What he learned squeaks out the breathless Gardenia, is that Don Santorito isn't named that. Manzanares found a passport with another name. Well what is his true (verdadero) name? demands Carpio.

Santiago wisely asks Fernanda not to tell anyone what he is is packing to go off to do and what has happened. Not even our sainted Papi?, chides Fernanda. And where do you think you will find Aurora? If she is alive, there is still hope, says Santi. She hugs him ands says don't stop fighting for love.

The snake is about to come out again. Before she spills the beans Gardenia wants to know they are good Christians and are not going to do her any harm. Gardenia talks fast, you have to think of my poor children (criaturas). My children will be orphans (quedar huerfanos). The father of my children abandoned me. The tongue is loosened by the continued strangling, She appeals to their mercy in the name of their children and sainted mothers. Carpio is screaming in exasperation. She gets closer and closer... Je Je Jésus López López.... [whew. Gardenia redeems herself and I don't have to hate her forever.]

The knocking on the door brings Esteve, calling for Gardenia. Where can she be she has been a long time at the market. He opens to a man with a clipboard says he has the rental car. He only needs a credit card and ID. They go to look, This is pretty, It's precious says the agent. He shows him the power steering (dirección hidráulica) and other features. you have to sign here.

Eduardo shows up at the asylum and greets Martina. She says they have missed him, Liliana is doing well. (Barely above coma level but it's all relative, no). He has serious news for her, but calms her fears that it isn't her father who is safe and sound in the little clinic. He continues, Jairo Roca's club was burned out last night in with the place full (en plen actividad) .

The boys in black decide to call Artemio, not knowing what to do next. We are in the car with Gardenia hearing the conversation, Artemio, it's Carpio, yes Gardenia talked, do you want to hear what she told us?
***

Martina is visibly upset, do you know who died? Eduardo has to tell her, 15 people including Jairo. Tearfully she asks, And Venus? Do you know what happened to her? The very Venus is in modest yellow scarf and twinkly blue eye shadow offering up flowers to thank the Virgincita for sparing her. Martina names other co-workers who may have perished, friends Colomba, Yesenia and especially Venus. Eduardo assures her she will be able to help her friends. Lili calls for Martina.

Gardenia is the one who needs the help. She is dragged from the car and Carpio says they will let her go cutting the duct tape from her wrists, but if she talks and they will hear about it and she will pay the consequences and he makes her say the real name of her patron again. She carefully says Jésus López López. She thanks God and says for her beloved Eduardo she is capable of anything.

Eduardo says he won't rest until he can see Lili out of here and completely healthy (sano). Do you remember who Artemio Bravo is? A lot depends on this including your liberty, he asks. She knits and sways saying, you are sad. No, I am fine, says Ed. Lili adds, But there is someone who knows who he is, someone who knows everything. Ask your Mama. She hands him the tiny coffer. Ask my Nana Soledad, she knows everything.

Fernanda determines that her Papi doesn't know everything. He swears that Barb had the car on the street. He tells her not to worry because she is going to be very busy. Why, because Power Milk has deposited all that money . IN place of $3m they have given us $10m. And you are saying that Mr. Santoro

Where is Santi: Silently she adds the epithet, second rate painter (pintor de pacotilla). El pintor is dreaming of meetings with Aurora and looking sad and remembering when she said a few good things . He goes back to the toll booth like we wanted him too but he is looking sad and remembering first scenes, better scenes then finally her being in love with another man speech. Santi tears.

Meanwhile sad sack Abora arrives back at the house of Dominga. It looks so much cleaner and cheerier than when we last saw it, but with sentimental music she fondly strokes the grimy sheets. of the grimy torturer letting us know she can still grab tragedy out of the mouth of salvation. Abora tears.

Babara is pressing and pressing where is Santi when is he coming back. Even though he takes no notice of the company, this news impacts him. And where is Auroral . Fernanda worms out and Barba thinks, Santi and Aurora are together now.

Esteve is singing to his new rental car, you are my little coochy face while he fusses with it [If this is a product placement, I can't figure out what kind of car it is or even which rental company, did anyone notice?]. when Gardenia comes up in the back of a farmer's hay wagon, not exactly with her hayride face on. She thanks the farmer and greets Esteve who says, What happened you had me worried. She begins to gasp for breath so she can tell him, me caer de santon?
***
Eduardo steps into the nurse office and she takes him to see the Dr. wackkyo He is taking a sleeping cure. She can't maintain this lie and hide his absence from staff and patients and families much longer. Eduardo tells nurse she should say he is on vacation . He asks if Martina can go see her

The B in B are telling Artemio of the passport and the name of Lopez but the picture of Santoro When he demands to see the effects they recovered from Manzanares, they sheepishly admit they have destroyed the body of Manzanares so they cannot recover anything. Jésus López López. hmmm.

Gardenia repeats the name for Esteve. That was the first name that occurred to me. Because they are many people with this name. Esteve points out that she has meddled (hurgando) with the name of Franco Santoro because now they will know that this isn't his real name.

Martina shows up to ask for Papa at the clinic. The nurse says he isn't here but ask Dr. Rey (aka Dr. Cuteguy). what happened to my Pa. You have nothing to worry about, your father got a lot healthier and wanted to go home.
He wants to go with her to find her Papi, she doesn't want to bother him, more likely doesn't want to take hin to her poor house but he has already seen it. Dr. Rey sighs in her wake, Martina is a woman full of mysteries, that is what disturbs me so about her.

Gardenia is telling Ed what she did was desperate but Ed says it was really ingenious. Esteve says Gardenia is in grave danger. Gardenia remembers that this guy or fool (fulano) is named Artemio Bravo.

The business (transfer) with Power Milk is confirmed. Didn't you have sufficient capability to kill it? She tells Artemio that PM gave more than triple the money so she thought it wasn't necessary to lose that much money. He must have thought it was an inversion (investment). Artemio tells Barbara that a old saying in business is if you can't beat the competition, buy them. He thinks that Power Milk that will come in take over, absorb and thus destroy Lactos. Barbara inquires about what Artemio has found out about Franco Santoro, he tells her the name that was found, but doesn't take her into his confidence of who and how. Again he repeats the name, Jésus López López, She looks serious but not like she knows the name, she just looks soundly one-upped.

While Esteve, Eduardo and Gardenia plan how to keep Gardenia safe, they notice, the Elizalde boys are coming up the driveway, Gardenia has had enough of them and walks out to hide. Eduardo slips out the back door and Steve says okay I will answer the door. He says meekly in sweat shirt , what can I do to help, Sorry Franco Santoro isn't here, who are you, Anibal is still animated and smiling, Oh yes I am Steve Norton Of Power Milk oh yes, Power Milk. Oh great please come in you guys.

Barbara is asking stupid questions, must be slipping a bit. Why does this man want a double identity. You should know that is this to hide the other identity . Santoro is collaborating for our cause. If this guy is hiding something he wants to do business with Lactos losing. He must want to end up with the Elizalde business. And we are going to help him do it. Do you understand? She says yes, perfectly.

One more thing, Aurora is the girlfriend of Santiago Elizalde, Barbara says. Artemio barely moves, Barbi wants to know how she got the handkerchief with her initials. The handkerchief has no significance, Artemio supposes she came by it from one of the servants who bought it or stole it, She asks further, Then where is Aurora? I need to know.
***
This young one is a complete stranger for you and she will remain that. Who is Aurora. where does she come from. This is none of your business. Hasta pronto, Rebeca. and Artemio leaves the room.

The drinks and toasting proceed. Now we are partners (socios) . The consolidation of this deal was entirely due to Franco, He has perfect confidence in you, says Esteve while CamilHo sneaks unsubtle looks out the window. Now your company can to keep its promises and pay its debts. Esteve looks forward to seeing the talent and vision of Franco Santoro on the new Board of Directors (Junta Directiva). Anibal double swallows his drink, What? Well that was the main condition that our President insisted on, says Esteve. Even Camil seems surprised, He is asking for a place in the Board? Yes or we would dissolve the agreement and take back the money, Esteve assures them. In unison, they all slug down more whiskey fast.

Venus is crying about her fears for her fallen comrades as a happier than ever Silvestre pats her lovely silky arm. Martina comes in and the girls hug. Papa says better she wasn't still there working at the cantina or my Martina would be flying now.

Esteve says, your majesty prepare to sit on your Elizalde throne. They are hugely pleased with the dropped jaws of the Elizalde brothers and realizing the seat on the board was same demand exactly that Eduardo said to Barbara was an absolute condition.
****

Camilo make Anibal stop the car. Who's is going to scream (grito) to the heavens, Barbara?. Camilo jumps out saying, I see a blacksmith (herrero) that just changed the horseshoes (herraduras). By this he figures out that Jacinto had a hand in the disappearance of Papa's car and he thinks he can do something threatening.


Venus worries about the 3 unidentified bodies . Silvestre says they are safe at least. Venus tells them that Jairo was on the point of pimping out the country girl (campesina), Aurora.

Jacinto is arguing about the risk he has taken with Margarita, who finally says she has faith in him. He says am I playing along with the Gringo. Suddenly, It is Camilo Elizalde at the door with his famous smirk, but Jacinto has a few aces up his sleeve too. [Ed note, did Esteve make Jacinto take Gonzo's car or just to make him stand up to Camilho who will have to admit to himself that people know he broke into Franco's and is now at risk of having burgled the house of his chief benefactor who is the savior of his family??]

Next: Fernando hears from Damian while in Eduardo's office and rushes out. Eduardo suspects who it is and decides to follow Fernanda, where he sees the clandestine meeting in the dark in what looks like the dryice forest left over from FELS.

Labels: manana