Caray, Caray!

Jeez...for a while there I was afraid my screen would melt. Things were getting mighty hot between Mauricio and Monita. If any of the female viewers have caveman fantasies, Mauricio really came through for 'em tonight. Verrry interesting.

Alright. Down to business. Here's what happened. Forget yesterday. The new stuff continues with Beto confronting Mauricio in the parking garage. When we start, Beto has the baseball bat and wants to know just what's going on with Mau and Monita. Our little pugilist intervenes, Mau gets the bat (garrote) and starts laying down the law to them both. You'll be on time, do all that I ask, no time off, and if you fail in any way, you're fired! Punto. Mmmm...I know we're supposed to hate it when a guy goes all macho and imperialistic, but I found it rather sexy. I mean, usually Mau is such a mushy little wimp. I liked seeing a little testosterone flare there.

It carries over to his conversation with Constanza. He wants to know if she told Monita they were getting married. She whines around. How many times have I asked you to marry me? he snarls. Well, never...not once, Connie concedes. So you solve your problems and let me solve mine, he continues. Now, are you ready to go to this event this afternoon? Connie pleads off, citing "female problems" (a phrase that guarentees no further questions will be asked!) but of course we know she's planning to waylay Lefort to try and get the incriminating tapes.

Back at the office, Beto is fuming about his "ex-hermano" being such a tyrant. Monita is planning her own revenge ,plus exhorting Paula to spread the word that she's NOT pregnant. Beto is elected messenger boy and fumes some more about having to ride the "pesero" (bus) to deliver it....and evidently it was a rough ride because the envelope, by the time he arrives at Mauricio's house, is ripped, dirty, mangled and who knows what else.?Teresa is horrified...yet somehow charmed when Beto calls her "abuelita" and actually offers him a "taquito", after he washes his hands of course. Good luck with that.

Beto heads off in search of a bathroom and Constanza.

Okay. First smoulder session with Mau and Monita. He demands a cappuchino. She brings it. It's cold. Well, she doesn't have eight hands, and furthermore she's not his slave. So fire me. So quit. Fire me. Quit. Córreme. Renuncia. They keep inching closer and closer while all this is going on. I observe dispassionately that Mau has very kissable lips. You guys are probably noticing the same for Monita. Tension is rippling through the room. It's even spreading through MY family room. Watch out! More to come.

By contrast, the usually hot session between Beto and Constanza seem tame in comparison. Sure, he bends her back over a car or two, does his usual tongue slobbering while she writhes a bit in response, but it doesn't quite match the restrained rumble between our two protagonistas. Beto, of course, is highly upset to think that Connie might marry Mau, so he agrees to go along with her plan to waylay Lefort and get the tapes back.

But look, he reasons, I'm a brute, yes, but not a hired killer. But he slept with your mom! Connie whines. Yeah, but even so. We get that Beto is willing to try and steal the tapes but not actually do Lefort in. Clearly he's not as low-down as Jeronimo and Oscar.

Meanwhile, King Mau has ordered Monita to accompany him to an art auction. But she can't sit with him. She's to wait outside in the lobby. That lasts about one minute and our little monkey hops in, sits behind him, makes ribald remarks about the art being offered for sale, and once she understands the bids are all for a good cause, keeps bidding up in Mauricio's name until he's purchased a dopey looking dog picture for "cien mil". Hope it's pesos and not dollars.

Beto is having a lot more trouble keeping Connie happy. He struggles to scale the wall outside Lefort's house (I'm Fantasma Vengador not Spiderman!) ,suggesting that since Con is more aerobically fit, she should try it. No deal. If he helped her over, he'd see her undies (chones). Well, if she took off her undies, he wouldn't see 'em. Still no deal. So over he goes, and guess what. The four rottweilers who were supposed to be tied up are running loose and ready to take some nips out of our hapless Beto.

And hapless is Mauricio's state as well. His sexy battle with Monita continues with her about to win another round. Happy? he asks, after he hands over the money for the painting. She reminds him that the sum he paid is just a drop in the bucket for him. Are you defying me? Are you threatening me? You can quit. You can fire me. How about if I step on your foot with my heel, she adds. It won't hurt (we see him grimacing) and after Moni flounces off, we see him limping.

Could it get worse? It does. How about if I "embarro este pastelito en la cara?" she asks. Oh no. She does. He staggers over to the table and grabs two cakes himself. She parries the first one and he gets her with the second. Whew! There was just something very hot about that! He licks some off her ear. She shivers. They both laugh. The bystanders are laughing too. I am so ready for dessert!

Things are nearly as much fun outside Lefort's house. Connie tells a battered and dazed Beto not to whine. They gotta get those tapes! "Me pones cachonda" (you turn me on) Beto replies and does his trademark slurp slurp and then pounces on the emerging Lefort. Our brainbender slugs him with his briefcase. Beto screams for the police. (He's really not good at this) and Lefort finally asks "My dear aborigene...why did you attack? Ahh....Connie put you up to it.

Heck, enough of that. Let's get back to Mau and Moni. Now he's saying she has to come back to the house with him while he showers off the cake. And lather you up as well I suppose! Good idea. (This is bringing back some good memories) Oh my.

Lefort has a pretty low opinion of our Connie. "Traidora bipolar psicodiferente "he calls her (Hey, translate that any way you want) and Beto is lamenting his various aches and pains. Lefort vows he'll go to Mauricio's and spill the frijoles.

Ay yi yi. Mau's had his shower and out he comes in just a towel. Truly amazing torso. How does one develop a chest like that? I'd really like to know. And here comes Monita, also in a towel. They stop. They gaze at each other. She tells him to leave the room so she can change. He refuses. It's his room. They're face to face. We both know you're dying to kiss me, she breathes. YOU'RE dying to kiss me, he counters. So........they do. Mmmmmm......dang! Teresa comes in. She's so sorry. So are we. There's a señor (Lefort) waiting for you in the salon. Let 'im wait! sez I. But nobody's listening to me.

But goodness, sexual tension is bubbling away even back at the office. First between Salvador and Gabriela. He's wondering what happened to her interest? Well, she thought he was getting divorced. Now that he's decided to stay married to his psychopathic wife, Gabi's done. And she can't wait forever. After all, he's almost TWICE her age (low blow Gabi) and she doesn't want to take her honeymoon in a geriatric hospital (even lower blow!).

Nope, she's not putting her life on hold for Sal. What she'd like is a bronzed, muscular man with honey-colored eyes and maybe a little goatee for interest and...No way! miracles don't exist, laughs Salvador.

But oh my...yes, they do. In walks Sergio Mayer (he's Fernando de la Rosa in this one) and he fills the bill and then some. He has a project to propose and naturally Salvador turns it down flat. Doesn't let him get a word out. Then peers jealously through the venetian blinds as Fernando bids Gabriela good-bye. But it's a long good-bye. Laced with some scrumptious flirtation. He admits it's a"trillado" (hackneyed, trite) thing to say....but he feels as if he knows Gabi already. And she's the best thing that's happened to him today. A bright light in the darkness of his project rejection. How about dinner? She's hems and haws and finally says "no'....but when he gently bids her "adios" she changes her mind. Yesssss! Meet you at eight. No problem. He kisses her on the cheek, walks slowly to the elevator and sends her an absolutely ravishing smile...yowsa...as the doors close. Well, he's a step up from Oscar....a big step...but I'm still rooting for Salvador. Us old folks gotta stick together.

While Mauricio and Monita are frantically pulling on their clothes (isn't that a picture?) Beto and Connie are out in the salon trying to negotiate with Lefort. She'll pay double, triple! but gimmee the tapes. And Beto's ready to kill him when the psych cavalierly dismisses his tumble with Nieves as "just passing the time". Swine! Mauricio arrives and asks Lefort what he was going to tell him. "Bueno...." mumbles our puerco psych and boom...we have an ad.

When we come back, Connie is trying to explain why she's with Beto (and Monita and Mau are trying to explain why they're obviously just out of the shower) and it's all very confused so Lefort asks to speak to Mauricio in private. Moni jumps Coni when our high hat makes a snide remark about working in the jacuzzi and Beto frantically separates them, yelping that's no way for ladies to act.

So the episode ends with lots of questions. Will Mauricio find out about Connie and Beto? Will Gabi and Sal ever get together? If not, will we see lots more of Fernando? And will Mau and Moni kiss again? (I'm betting on that one). But the previews include a really nasty kiss. Ugh. A setup for poor Luisa.

Previews:
In an earlier scene, we saw icky blonde girl setting Luisa up for humiliation with one of the guys at school. They carry this out by persuading her to close her eyes, expecting a kiss from her young prince, and instead getting smacked on the lips by an enormous toad.

Monita to the rescue, arrives at school and threatens the blonde brat. Connie rats her out to Mauricio and he decides Moni should be fired.

Beto, in a pensive moment, shows us that he's not ready to let Monita go.

Vocabulary:
desubicado = confused, clueless (Teresa telling Beto that's what he is...)
el pelo de muñeca vieja = lit. the hair of an old doll. Beto's characterization of Mauricio when he hears that Connie's going to marry him. Doesn't sound good.
¡chis! = Jeez! Beto getting attacked by the rottweilers.
venido en balde = came in vain, came for nothing. Salvador pretending to commiserate with Fernando.
trillado = hackneyed, trite
percance = mishap, minor accident. Connie and Beto trying to explain his tattered appearance. sapo prieto = affectionate? Lefort term for Beto. (dark toad, black frog?...your guess is as good as mine)
me pones cachonda = you're making me hot
garrote = stick, bat
pesero = bus
embarro este pastelito en la cara = smear this cake in your face
chones = undies, panties
Dicho of the Day

Quien pega primero, pega dos veces. = He who strikes first strikes twice. Which explains why Monita got the best of Mauricio in this go-round.

Labels: gancho

A little walk down memory lane: Romina sees Emiliano outside Paloma’s talking to her and she quick dials up Aaron. Skunky Dario seems to be waiting in a restaurant, maybe for Angelica who doesn’t show. He e-mails her that he wants to see her before she leaves town and gives the name of his hotel. Better store this last plot point in long-term memory because nothing happens with this thread tonight.

And on to the new: Emiliano, looking even more moony than usual, tells Paloma since they’re friends, there are lots of things they can do together. Recently Paloma told him she didn’t want to see him, but for some reason she now says okay and lets him in. Across the street, Romina’s jaw drops. She phones Aaron again and says now they’ve gone inside, can you believe it? Aaron is hotfooting it over. Romina says if you want to hang out with that loser Paloma, help yourself, but Emiliano’s all mine.

Aaron needs a pretext to go see Paloma, and he tells Romina to quick buy a bouquet of roses. She protests that she doesn’t want to be the one buying flowers for Paloma, but Aaron says get me some red ones and white ones.

Inez is all weepy and Chris says you can tell me all about it, hija. She looks old enough to be his mother, but I guess hija is what priests have to say to the female members of their flocks. Inez says when she was in her early 20s, she loved to sing and hoped to succeed at it, maybe even be on TV and wear beautiful gowns and have her hair done up all gorgeous. She had a lovely voice, she says. The padre says that’s a blessing. Inez said you’d think so, but my mother didn’t want me pursuing it as a profession. I got a job singing – just singing - in a cabaret. I loved the applause. But even though I used a stage name, my mother found out and was furious and said I was sinning big time. Sob.

Chris said that’s no sin. Inez says my mother took sick from shame. Chris says that’s not right. She was using any means to get you to stop. You can’t feel guilty about that, though you shouldn’t have done it secretly. Besides, those were the old days, and your mother has already wafted up to heaven, so forget all that and decide for yourself what you want to do with the rest of your life.

Paloma is so reserved with Emiliano her eyes are downcast and she’s practically melting into the couch. In fact, she hugs a big couch pillow protectively on her lap. It should be noted that she’s wearing a shapeless short dress that looks appropriate for a little girl, with layers of ruffles. Emiliano chit chats and then comes to the point. He and Padre JuanChris need somebody to figure out some activities for the girls at the church, like he’s doing with the boys. The point is to keep an eye out for alcohol or drug abuse. Emiliano says do you want to do it together? Paloma smiles a small smile.

Romina has the flowers and is standing around on the curb. She calls Aaron and says hurry up. Real del Monte must be bigger than it looks.

Emiliano says you could give art classes. Paloma says how did you know I paint? Emiliano says I know everything about you. Maybe he should know she’s had like maybe four lessons. Because he’s Our Hero, he doesn’t come across stalkerish. The doorbell rings and it’s Aaron with a bouquet in each hand. He comes in and gloats in Emiliano’s direction.

Inez says it’s God’s will that I’m all alone. Chris says don’t blame Him - your mother is long gone, but yet you stay at home. Inez says it’s all I know. Chris says change is hard, but you have to do it. Inez, putting on her hideous glasses, says there are some things I don’t want to change. (Oh change those, Inez! Do it! Start from there!) Chris tells her to look at all she has – friends who love her, her community, the nephew that she’s been like a mother to. Inez hugs him gratefully.

Carlota dials up Mac, who is in bed listening to her bones decalcifying from lack of exercise. Carlota says I hear you were in the hospital. Too bad you’re such a weakling. Mac says things are going to change, and weaklings can be very surprising. Har, says Carlota. What could you do to surprise me? Die? They have to run some more tests, so I’m going to be back in 4-5 days. Mac is bummed it’s so long. (Why?)

Chris is talking to Rufi and wants to know when he can see Mac. Rufi says she’d like to see you now, but the doctor says she can’t have any stress for 2-3 days. Chris says it’s stressful for me too, so I understand. Why did Carlota want to separate us? What did we do that was wrong?

Rufi says Carlota was in love with you and she couldn’t stand for her sister to have you. Chris is taken aback. He casts his eyes heavenward. Rufi says jealousy made her crazy. She’d rather see you two dead than together. Chris says but I never led her on or gave her any indication that I was interested in her. Rufi says maybe in her imagination you did. And she ended up destroying Mac’s life, yours and her own. Chris casts his eyes heavenward yet again. If he keeps doing that, they’re going to get stuck that way.

Aaron explains the white flowers are for Mac and the red ones for her, Paloma. He tells Emiliano that he never expected to see him there. Emiliano says it’s work related, for the kids at the church. Aaron says I’ll help! Anything to do good and to be with my novia at the same time.

Romina is hanging out on the sidewalk, watching Paloma’s house and Camila walks up and says ¿Qué haces aquí? Romina says Nuthin. Camila asks why she didn’t tell her that Angie had been let go. Romina says she forgot. Camila says I was talking to her about starting therapy with her and she told me. She’s going to recommend someone for you too.

Romina follows her mother to Paloma’s house. Camila wants to see Mac. Romina fakes surprise that Paloma has company. She gives Emiliano a peck and sits on the couch by him. Aaron says he’s visiting his novia. Romina says wow, you guys are novios?

At his office, Alonso’s secretary is being seductive and he caves. He calls Natalia and tells her he has to run to Monterrey overnight for a business meeting. She hangs up and looks skeptical. Alonso and the secretary start right in necking.

Chris is in church and it looks like he’s praying, but he’s actually thoughtbubbling that he should have gone to Mac’s father instead of trying to run away with her. What a price they both have paid for that mistake!

Camila comes up to see Mac, who is tearful. Camila says I have news, but you tell yours first. Mac says she found the love of her life, Chris! Camila says and I made love with Orlando!

Romina and Paloma are talking alone in another room. Romina says woo-hoo, why didn’t you tell me that you and Aaron are novios? Paloma says because we aren’t, really. Romina says he’s hot for you, I can tell! Boy, was I surprised to see Emiliano here – what’s up with that? Paloma explains about the work for the church girls. Romina says he could have just called, or had the padre talk to you. It really bugs me – you promised not to see him. And if Aaron thinks Emiliano likes you, he’s going to be mad. Paloma says Aaron doesn’t have any sayso about who I have for friends, and besides, I’ve been friends with Emiliano since Inaki. Romina says I know. But if you and Inaki had done it, he (Emiliano? Aaron?) wouldn’t be interested in you. But I trust you completely. Which is what hurts, she adds.

In the living room, Emiliano and Aaron are getting into it. Aaron tells him not to see Paloma, but Em says he was friends with her before she met Aaron. Aaron says that whole church thing is just a pretext. Emiliano says it’s none of your business if Paloma likes me. Aaron says forget it, she’d never be interested in someone who’s slept with her best friend. Touché! Emiliano doesn’t have a comeback.

Camila says to Mac it’s amazing how our lives can change so suddenly. Mac says but at least you can live your love. Camila says she doesn’t know – she’s confundida. She’s drawn to two men. Rafa and she have so much in common and he brings out her love of life and her creativity. Orlando is romantic and fun and can make her forget all her problems for a while.

Camila says the problem is that Rafa is just going through his divorce and isn’t free yet. Mac says have you thought about what Diana would say, what Real del Monte would say? Camila says if he’s the man I’ve been waiting for I don’t give a rat’s patoot what other people think. Mac says in that case, lucha! Don’t let anybody keep you from what your heart tells you.

And you? says Camila. What are you going to do?

Mac says Chris is a priest now. And I still feel just the same as I did all those years ago. Camila says then marry Rodolfo and get free and live a new life. Lucha por ser feliz!

Now Romina and Paloma are back in the living room with the guys. Romina thinks she’d like to help out with the kids. Em says but they’re kids like Chava and I remember you didn’t like being around him. Romina says but I’ve changed since I tried to commit suicide. I’ve discovered a mission in life.

Uncomfortable, Paloma goes to the kitchen and Aron follows. Romina pats the couch and tells Em to sit with her a minute. She says I found my father! She gets a little tearful. She says I can’t tell you about it now because my mother might come down. She throws her arms around Emiliano.

Paloma asks Aaron why he said they were novios. He said we agreed on that! Paloma says only for Emiliano, not in front of Romina. Aaron says Em wants your help at church just to get next to you.

Em announces he’s going now and that they can work it out with Padre Chris. Paloma says she’ll talk to the padre at the church. Paloma walks Em out and Aaron gives Romina a conspiratorial wink.

Rufi comes home just then and Aaron makes a huge point of effusively greeting her.

Camila is leaving Mac and says Romina is downstairs with Paloma, Aaron and Emiliano. Mac is surprised Em is there. Camila asks if there’s anything between Paloma and Emiliano. She wants to know just to be prepared, even though Romina seems to have realized there’s no chance with him. Mac says there’s nothing and Paloma would never betray a friend like that.

A business friend, Roberto, is visiting Alonso at his office and asks him why he’s messing around with his secretary who we find out is named Amalia. Alonso says he loves Natalia, but he needs some times in which he doesn’t think of Inaki. The friend says that sounds like an excuse. Alonso says I just can’t do it with Natalia – all the pain comes back. The friend says you’re blaming her for supporting Inaki. It was his choice, you know. C’mon, be fair to your wife.

Alonso says it’s not just that. I don’t think his death was from natural causes. I’m going to get revenge. Por Dios, says Roberto, exasperated. Forget that stuff and get back to life and to Natalia and forget Amalia.

The office door opens and Amalia struts in. She goes to Alonso and hangs on his neck.

Back at Paloma’s Romina and Camila leave. Outside Romina says see? Did you see Emiliano and Paloma’s faces when we walked in? There’s something going on with them. Camila says Paloma would never do anything to hurt you. Romina says that’s what she says, but a bunch of big fat arrows are pointing the opposite way.

Inside, Aaron advises Paloma not to trust Romina. She’s crazy about Emiliano and won’t stop at anything. He says why don’t we quit pretending and really be novios? Paloma sputters. Aaron says I know you’re not in love with me, but you won’t be sorry. He leans in to kiss her.

Inez is staking out Plata de Calidad and sure enough here comes Orlando. She hides behind a bush. We know this is a produccion de calidad because the bush is large enough to actually conceal her. In fact, it might even be a pillar with some vine on it. She sees Rafa come up and greet Orlando and go in with him. She dials Diana and gives her a breathless report. Diana is horrified.

Orlando and Rafa are having coffee in his office and Rafa thanks him for all he’s done for Emiliano. Orlando says Em’s been a huge help. He says in the past he’s been such workaholic, but that’s about to change. He’ll have more time to spend with Camila. To his credit, Rafa doesn’t do a spit take. He steadily asks if things are developing with Camila and Orlando says seems like.

Paloma turns away from the kiss and wipes her mouth like Yuck! She tells Aaron there’s no way she wants them to be novios. It was just to throw Em off the scent. Aaron says it’s not working. If we’re novios for real, it’ll be more convincing. Paloma apologizes for her idea and says forget it.

Diana has a nail-biting fit in her house. What to do?

Romina calls Emiliano and begs him to take her out for coffee in the evening. She has something she has to tell him and she needs his advice. He says okay.

Aaron is home and is telling Angelica that it’s not working out. He was just trying to help Paloma out and the next thing he knew, he’d fallen in love with her. And he started to hope she’d fall in love with him. Angelica says you’ve created a fantasy, and it’s best you don’t see her because you could easily develop an obsession.

Carlota goes to a fine restaurant and as she’s shown to the table, she spots Alonso acting all lovey dovey with his secretary at another table. She exclaims Isn’t that Inaki’s father with somebody who isn’t his wife? The hostess says Pardon? Carlota says oops, sorry, I was thinking out loud. After that, she sticks with thoughtbubbling and remembers how dismissive he was with her and look at him now! Good thing Paloma didn’t get mixed up with such an immoral family. She sniffs haughtily. Maybe everyone else in this show is suffering, but by golly, it’s fun to be Carlota.

When Alonso stands up to leave for his lovenest, he thinks he spots Carlota reading a menu. She quick hides behind it. He wants to go check, but his secretary drags him away.

Inez is over at Diana’s and Diana is bouncing off the walls, she’s so upset about Emiliano working for Orlando. She has to do something to estrange them! Inez says do you think he’ll find out that he’s Orlando’s… Diana cuts her off. Shhhh. You never know who’s listening. Now, there’s a telenovela veteran.

Diana wails that Em thinks Orlando is a god. Why do these things happen to meeeee? Inez says everything happens for a reason. Diana says don’t play pure with me. I know your secrets. Inez says okay, don’t get mad. Diana says I have to do something! Something! She grabs Inez by the shoulders and shakes her.

After the ad, Diana still hasn’t come up with a plan and she’s annoyed with Inez that she doesn’t have any good ideas either. Diana says I know! I’ll do what I did 25 years ago. Inez says you mean fall in love with Orlando again? No! says Diana. I’m going to ruin him! I’d do anything for my son. He’s the one blessing in my life. Inez says at least you haven’t changed over the years.

Inez says I’m sure he doesn’t keep his money in a box at the office. Diana says Em has the keys. I’ll get into his bank books. Inez says it’s a bad idea. Diana says I’ll open an account in the name of Ignacio, funnel the money into there. And when he discovers it, he’ll think it’s the same person who robbed him years ago. Isn’t that a great idea?

Carlota and her lawyer are talking to another guy who probably is another lawyer. The guy says it’s expensive to change a will. Carlota says I know, but it’s for a noble purpose. The guy says there’s nothing noble about changing the wishes of the dear departed. It’s really more for you than for your niece. Carlota’s lawyer says we need to know if it’s doable. The guy says doable, yes, legal, no.

Carlota says okay, we’ll pay, but your price is very high. The guy says it’ll take a few months, but don’t worry. When your niece turns 18, it’ll be in the works and can’t be acted on. Carlota smiles.

Avances: Emiliano is stoked that he can work alongside Paloma. Alonso hunts down Carlota in her hotel room and accuses her of killing Inaki.

Labels: amor

Hi,

Argh, I've lost the email, but Jody pointed out that Mañana... is ending soon and she thinks there may be a 3-1/2 hour finale. Do I have that right? Which Monday is it? Anyway, do you MEPS recappers want to do a tag-team final night?

Also, please check in with me and let me know if you are continuing on into the next show. Is it Sortilegio?

Labels: manana

Tonight, much pointless rehashing. Read this summary twice if you crave redundancy.

Previouslys: Errika lives up to her name by perversely vowing to herself to continue on the wrong path and make Fr/Ed marry her "if it's the last thing I do." Yes, you'll have a happy life that way, you nutball. Also, we get to re-enjoy Fer's showdown with her sleaze brother Cam - if he doesn't get the hell out of Dodge, forever, she's going to tell everyone he raped Aurora.

Cam: "I did Santi a favor!" Fer: "You drugged her!" Cam: "You can't prove that!"

That useless waste of floorspace, Daffy, is crying in his bedroom. The phone rings, Barb sees it's Fr/Ed. "My dear, I will get you some of your special brew, uh, milk and honey," she says as she leaves the room. [Maybe that stuff she's been giving him for a quarter century eroded his IQ.]

Fr/Ed tells Barb he kept Cam from branding Loafly and that after what's happened, he and Esteve and all of Power Milk will eschew the Elizaldes unless they throw Cam out on his ass. Barb sez fine. Fr/Ed passes the phone to Cam who commences whining but Barb orders him to do as he was told and disappear. He throws the phone. Golllll! We love phone-wreckers.

Cam insults his sister, calling her Fr/Ed's rag doll. Fr/Ed goes after him, bloodies his lip, and shouts "Get out of here you garbage you!" Cam staggers out into the dark and I was hoping for a crocodile to come out of the night and eat him, but instead Cam just steals Fer's jeep and goes crawling to Barb. And threatens her: "Keep Fer from blowing the whistle on me, or I'm going to squeal on you." Barb tells him Daffy is just about to write Cam out of the will entirely, she'll try to smooth things over if Cam obeys her completely...

Gardenia gets the bed and Flor sleeps on the floor. Gardenia nags her, why hasn't she told about being zarandeada (shaken, knocked around) by Cam? Flor says he'll get what's coming to him. Jacinto and Margarita enjoy the story of the night's circus.

Artemio realizes his mother's diary is gone.

Just when you think Daffy can't get any more useless and pathetic, he does. He weeps as he transfers his considerable worldly goods to his saintly wife.

Fer comes in. Daffy delivers a honking big lecture: "The birth of each of you made me proud. What happened last night, it was a mortal blow to my fatherhood! As an only child, I wanted a big family full of love, solidarity, security, decency, honesty. When did my dream get lost? I didn't notice! Here I am with all my stuff - why aren't we happy, we're as miserable as indigents, nothing can repair our suffering. I worked for the future, so did my father and grandfather, and now the future is here, and look at it! I should have spent less time making money and more time working on your spiritual development."

Fer says she'll try to get Lili back, Daffy says it's what HE should have done. Blah, blah. As Fer's coming down the stairs (nobody's fallen down this staircase yet, no puede ser!!!), Barb crosses from stage right. Fer: "He's writing over all his stuff to you at this very moment."

Barb breaks into a sunny smile and murmurs blandishments to Fer, who ignores them and says: "Just promise you'll leave as soon as you get the dough." Barb says she will, no worries. Rrrring! It's Artemio, he demands her presence. She says she can't right now, she'll come later, and hangs up on him.

Artemio yells at Lili about giving the diary to Franco.

Anibal shows up at Damian's, dumps the hit money, and leaves saying (I love this phrase) "Hasta nunca." (It means, until never!) Damian mutters to himself, "I'll be deciding about that."

At Silvestre's place, Martina and Loafly aka Venus are gabbing a mile a minute when there's a loud knock on the door. They think it's Cam come back to finish the job, as he'd promised. Silvester and the girls pick up weapons and then throw the door open, it's Esteve! quite surprised by this hostile reception.

Martina drags her dad out the door to go shopping so Esteve can give Venus the big bunch of red roses he's brought and, with not too much hemming and hawing, he tells her he's in love with her. She has a hissy fit, imagining that he's making fun of her, but he tells her to look him in the eye. "I love you, I don't care about your past. Marry me." After he goes through it a few more times there is kissing and she accepts. And Martina and her Dad come back and all rejoice.

Esteve asks if she minds leaving to go live in the U.S., she says she doesn't know a bit of English, he says he'll teach her, she asks, are you going to desert Fr/Ed? He says, no Fr/Ed will return to the U.S. as soon as he's done here.

"But what about everybody thinking you're my uncle?" "Yes, that's a problem, we'll just have to keep being relatives for the Elizaldes..."

Fer and Fr/Ed have a poorly written, boring rehash. She presses him to tell her much more about what's going on, he refuses. She just has to keep trusting him. They agree they must find out what's up with Barb and Aurora. They hatch a plan to pit Damian and Barb against each other, divide and conquer. Fer calls Aurora to tell her about it.

Damian visits Aurora again, asks what gives with Barb? "I still don't know - but she's coming to see me again tomorrow." "Then I'll come afterwards and you can tell me what she says."

Barb tries to reassure Artemio that all is square with Fr/Ed but Artemio doesn't trust him any more and decides to investigate on his own.

When Barb shows up at the convent with chocolates, Aurora deploys the divide and conquer plan; she says, "There's something I haven't been telling you. Damian threatened me, he said he'd bring me back here only if I promised not to leave without his permission." Barb is impactada. "When you see him, Aurora, tell him I'm coming back tomorrow but just to say goodbye." [Remember, the plan is for her to high-tail it now that she'll have all the dough.] "That way, he'll leave you alone."

Aurora presses hard, asking why Barb is treating her so nicely. "I'm dying to tell you, but I can't until we leave together." Aurora says she won't leave with Barb unless Barb tells her! Barb promises to tell her everything when she comes tomorrow morning.

Artemio visits Father Bosco and threatens him again. "I don't believe Eduardo Juarez is dead. I study my enemies carefully, as does any man who has nothing BUT enemies. Eduardo would have been too tough after his rotten childhood to commit suicide, and besides, he was well taught by you yourself that suicide is a sin."

Bosco feebly sticks to his story. Artemio: "If this is a lie I'll kill all the Elizaldes, it will be on your head."

Labels: manana

Labels: gancho

Rodolfo proposes and Macarena tells him that marriage should be for love, and she doesn’t love him (ouch!). She does tell him that he is appreciated. Rodolfo doesn’t seem put off by these words, he’s rather intent on pleading his case. He tells Mac that at their age the concept of marriage is different from when they were younger. At this stage, it is about finding someone to share life with…someone you can talk to, someone who will be able to share your secrets. Mac acknowledges that he’s privee to one of her deepest secrets. Rod again adds that they can move to the DF and take Paloma along with them. Mac tells him she’s got things she needs to fix from her past. Rod asks her how much time she’ll need. She tells him that she’s not sure. He’s not giving up, he slips the ring onto her finger and asks her to think about it. He reminds her that she’s not alone, he’ll always be there to help her….with Carlota, with Paloma.

Ines and Hilda are at the church and they gossip about Mac and Rod. They are sure they’ll marry.

Rafael visits Camila. He asks about Joel’s visit earlier in the day. Cami tells Rafa that Joel stopped in to purchase some things, nothing more than that. Rafa presses to find out the nature of their relationship. Cami tells him that she’s got a friendship with Joel, just like she has one with Rafa. Rafa takes offense, the two don’t compare. He brings up their kiss and how it meant a lot to him---it has given new meaning to his life. Must have been some kiss.

Cruelota is still out of town. She’s showing a ring to a jeweler, who admires its craftsmanship. Cruelie wants a copy made. Jeweler guy says he can do it, but it will take at least 4-5 days. Cruelie doesn’t like that timetable and pushes for something shorter. Jeweler says he’ll compromise, 3 days.

Cristobal/Padre Juan walks into the conversation between Hilda and Ines. They tell him that they are giddy with the news of Mac and the doctor’s upcoming nuptials. Cris is visible taken aback. The women question if he thinks it is a poor match. Cris says that Mac is a lovely woman, deserving of happiness and he’s happy for her.

Paloma goes in to check on Mac. She notices the flowers and the ring. She’s happy her tia is engaged. Mac lets her know that she didn’t exactly accept and she doesn’t believe she will. Pal tells her that she likes Rod and that she hopes her aunt will give the idea a chance. Pal leaves and Mac gets weepy thinking of Cris and how he’s Padre Juan now.

Ines runs into Rod out on the street. She flirts with him and it has horrible results. She’s clueless at the art of flirting.

Eric asks Lili if they can be novios. She accepts and they kiss. That is all we see of them in this episode.

Ines has a conversation with Angelica. She’s not feeling sexy, and after that poor attempt at flirting, I can understand why. Angie tells her friend that she thinks she’s a beautiful woman, inside and out. Ines complains that she’s so out of practice (at least she realizes her short comings). Angie tells her that it is like riding a bike, you are wobbly at first, but then things smooth out….and once you learn, you never forget.

Mac cries on Rufi’s shoulder about Cris being a priest now. What cruel tricks destiny plays on people’s lives.

Cami asks Romina if she’d like to help in the gallery. Romi doesn’t want to work, so the answer would be “no”. Romi gets a call from the private investigator she’s hired. He’s got an address and phone number for her father.

Angie and Aron discuss her getting her resume sent out through town.

Rufi walks with Pal and they discuss her artwork. Rufi casually mentions that Pal’s mother was a painter. Pal never knew this. Rufi realizes that she’s slipped and tries to back pedal a bit.

Cami and Monica discuss Mac and Pal—what good people they are. Cami’s worried about Mac’s health and doesn’t want to lose her good friend. She’s a rare find. They turn the discussion to Cruelie how they don’t really care for her. Monica says that life is short and you should enjoy it, Cruelie doesn’t seem to enjoy it all that much.

Dario remembers the encounter he had with Angie after she found out he was two-timing her with Georgina. Angie was willing to believe him if he said nothing was going on, but Dario couldn’t lie to her and he admitted it.

Angie reads some reviews about Dario on-line. She realizes that he’s gotten some criticism for his recent work. I was a little confused her, but I think the gist of this scene was that she believes he’s only been seeking her out to get help with his books. She feels like the fool for thinking that there was more to it.

Padre Juan Cris blesses Lando’s new business. Cris gets into a conversation with Emiliano. E starts to fill him in on what’s been going on with Mac, Cruelie, and Pal.

Lando’s secretary (Vero?) has learned she’s pregnant. It is a high risk pregnancy, so she’s going to need to be off work and be on bed rest. Lando tells her not to worry, the most important thing is the safety of her unborn child. Me thinks that the vacancy created by her leave might make some good temporary work for Paloma and also put her into closer contact with E.

Cris offers up some advice to E, but tells him the doesn’t want him to think he’s meddling. He spouts on some stuff about love…how it is blind and how under its bloom we only see nothing but the good in the other person, and that’s okay. Cris says that love should be fought for, no matter what obstacle is in the way. E takes his word to heart and says that for him, it is important to be near Paloma, whether it is as a friend or as a boyfriend.

Mac makes plans to see Padre Juan Cris. Rufi thinks she shouldn’t do it, especially since she’s just gotten out of the hospital and needs her rest. Mac tells her that she needs answers to so many questions.

Samuel (Romina’s pops) is apparently a lazy bum who is sponging off a friend and bilking some money off of some poor unfortunate woman. What a prize. Romi calls the number she was given, but quickly hangs up when Sam answers the phone. She wonders why he hasn’t come looking for her if he’s been so close all along.

Padre Juan Cris sees Ines crying and asks her what is wrong. Ines is feeling lonely and wonders if it is a punishment from God. Cris tells her that God doesn’t punish us, he loves us and wants us to find happiness. He offers up some sound advice, that before we seek love from others, we need to find it within ourselves. Ines isn’t buying this “new age” speak as she’s pretty convinced she’s being punished. PJC pushes this point and asks her what is it that happened to make her feel as if she should be punished.

Cami asks Angie what happened at the school, why’d she lose her job. Cami comments that it is odd that Romi mentioned nothing about Angie leaving. Angie wisely keeps mum and tells Cami she prefers not to talk about it. Cami offers Ang a place to hang her shingle. Ang says that Ines has given her a small office in her house and from there Angie will conduct her therapy sessions. Lando shows up and Cami introduces him to Angie. Ang seems a little over interested in Lando.
Rafa asks Joel where he went that morning. Joel says he was at the factory. Rafa pushes for more info, just the factory. Joel says “yep, just the factory.” Rafa wonders why Joel didn’t mention going to see Cami, surely this means something’s up.

Cami tells Lando that she doesn’t want to rush their relationship. She tells him that he’s the first man she’s dated since her divorce, 8 years ago, so this is all brand new to her. Lando questions if there is someone else. Cami gets a look on her face. It quickly passes and she assures Lando that she just wants to take time to make the best choice possible…hinting that he’s the best choice. Lando agrees to give her the time she needs, because he knows that they’ll end up together.

Emiliano goes to see Paloma. He asks about Mac. Pal tells E it is probably best if they don’t see each other. E says that he’s got a proposition for Pal.

Romi spots Pal and E talking outside Paloma’s house. Romi dials up Aron to tell him. Aron’s upset that Romi’s called him, but she tells him it is urgent because E is outside that stupid Paloma’s house. Aron doesn’t like Romi dissing Pal. Romi’s frustrated with Aron and tells him they need to act, now.

Dario sends Angie a text message…he’s in Real del Monte and needs to see her before he leaves.

Emiliano tells Paloma that they need to be able to see each other and he’s willing to have it be on whatever terms Paloma wants. END OF EPISODE

Labels: amor

Capítulo #148 (but after tonight who’s counting?)

As Viewerville buckles in for the ride tonight: in one part of the city, Tío ‘Temio has crept into Lili’s room to watch her sleep and considers the tie that binds the two of them together; in another, Vlad begins his date with Destiny and gets into the cab whose driver is actually the hit-man who’s been hired to kill him. At the club, the party’s started, the liquor is flowing, the music’s playing, and the guests are getting’ down. The M.C. asks the conjugal couple to come up to the dais and profess to all (who are forced to listen) why they’ve chosen to spend the rest of their lives with each other. (Viewerville holds its breath in anticipation of the fireworks display. It’s gonna be grand.)

Tomasa and Gardenia talk Flor into stopping for two minutes to listen to the big spiel from the bride and groom to be and to catch the consequent gossip. Natasha sits stone-faced and pouts. (I can’t figure this broad out. Personally, I’d have left already and gone home to scrawl Camilo’s name in black marker on my pillow case and used the pillow for a punching bag.) Priscila, Martina, Estev, Fernanda, and Fr/Eduardo all wait on pins and needles for the inevitable, but for very different reasons.

Vlad wistfully takes out his cell in the cab and begins to dial.

Cadmilo begins by saying that around there they say “that for every turkey [guajalote= fool, turkey] comes his Christmas Eve.” (I cannot resist a “well done, my foul fowl, well done!”) Pris’s cell rings but the other turkey in the Elizalde flock of gobblers, spineless Anyballs, refuses to let her answer. “Don’t answer that! We don’t know what might be happening.” (Three guesses, you jerk.) Vlad can only leave a message on Pris’s voice mail. He tells her he is on his way to meet with Damian and Jacobo to draw up the papers for his paternity suit. “I don’t know why at this moment I feel the need to hear your voice, but, well, anyway, I know you’re busy. You know what? Each time the day gets closer that I can shout from the rooftops what I feel for you and for my child…” He sends her a kiss and all his love then hangs up.

Cad the Clod continues. “Well, surprise, surprise! I’m getting married! --Loafly, je je, I imagine everybody envies you. Je, je. Seriously, I’ll tell you the reason why I’m marrying Loafly.” He whirls her around to show her off. “It’s obvious!” The crowd smiles and chuckles. However, as we all know, charming Cad doesn’t know enough to stop while he’s ahead; he makes a totally obscene comment that Loafly not only has a lovely face but can cook too, so he says, he’s planning on putting a kitchen next to the bedroom so they won’t have to walk far. Bada-boom. A few polite chuckles emanate from the dumbstruck crowd while Gonzo and the gang at the head table hang their heads and start checking for hangnails. Cad, our mental midget of honor, searches his pea-brain and says he is marrying her because… he “adores” her. (Yeah, that’s a good $2 word. It’ll do.) Guffaws and applause are roundly given by all, including Tomasa, who Denia immediately chides for daring to clap for “that woman-beating lazybones.”

Pris slyly sneaks her cell into her purse and plays the pregnant-and-gotta-pee card. She heads off towards the ladies’ room to check her messages. After listening to Vlad’s voice-mail she decides to throw caution to the wind and returns his call. (Viewerville is relieved –you should pardon the pun. Yippee!!!) Vlad asks his “cabby” about a detour (I think) and this gives him a chance to take Pris’ phone call. Pris, tells him to listen and not ask questions and to pass the phone to the cabdriver. “How did you know I was in a cab?” “--Pass the phone to the driver, now!” The driver takes the phone and listens to what she has to say.

Back at the engagement party, Cad gives the mike over to Venus. She smiles to the crowd and quips, “There’s nothing more tedious than a man who’s a bore.” (What happened to Ms. Sweetness and Light all of a sudden? Two atta-girls and a thumbs-up! This is gonna be great!) More polite titters from the crowd. She thanks the guests for coming and says it’s important they be there to witness what takes place this evening. She introduces her “Uncle Estev” and tells the crowd that he knows nothing about what she’s going to tell them tonight. Pris returns to the table at this point and plays the other pregnant card she’s kept hidden: the I-feel-like-puking-and-I’m-leaving one. (Guess that cleavage was good for something after all.) She begs off for the night saying she’s feeling sick, gets the keys for Anyball’s car and leaves the ballroom.

Venus tells the crowd that Cad is a very amusing guy. He loves to play annoying jokes, especially on women and poor people, those who work for him. Say what? Cad shoots her a dirty look. “Camilo thinks he’s very genial and amusing. He’s the first to enjoy his own jokes, though you don’t even understand any of them.” The crowd laughs. Venus continues. “Like when as a child he whipped open Jacinto’s back with a riding crop –an employee of the hacienda who still keeps the scars as a memory!!” Fer and Fr/Ed and the rest of the crowd start sitting at attention. “Jacinto Cordero told me this and he still doesn’t understand it because according to you (she turns to Cad) he’s a stupid Indian!” Fr/Ed looks guardedly over at Estev who smiles back like, “Don’t worry. This is great stuff!” Denia tells Flor she’s decided this hooker isn’t such a bad babe after all, considering.

Venus doesn’t stop there. Cad’s obviously pissed but too startled to do much more than listen with the rest of the crowd. “Camilo is a real man’s man and don’t you doubt it; but not for the obvious reasons, not for the reasons you think. No, a few days ago I was able to prove just what kind of little man Camilo really is, but I want to be clear that it wasn’t with me.” Natasha’s all ears now. “No, you don’t know this Camiiiii, but I got out of the house one night because I wanted to surprise you. But, as the saying goes, the surprise was on me. It was just the reverse.” [Salir el tiro por la culata] She turns back to the guests. “When I entered the bedroom I discovered my fiancé in the jacuzzi making love. Do you know who Camilo was with?” She gets ready to lower the boom as Natasha braces for the humiliation of the century. Cad races over to tell Loafly she’s gone too far, but Venus keeps right on truckin’. “I confess it was the greatest surprise of my life.” Cad tries unsuccessfully to grab the mike from her. “But Cami, we can’t leave the guests in doubt about who you were smooching with in the Jacuzzi….” Gonzo wakes up from his senile stupor. “No, you can’t guess. You could never guess. Camilo Elizalde, the most manly playboy in the region was with…was with another man!!” (Viewerville jumps, cackles, guffaws and yes, cheers, at the --dare I say-- cold-cocking Hubby says Venus has just landed him with.) The guests who were politely boozin’ and snoozin’ through this part of the bore-fest are suddenly stopped-in-mid-yawn impactados. Cad has just been branded with the scarlet “H”.

Confused chatter fills the room. Cad looks around in horror. Anibal looks over at Estev wondering what he must think of this family. Estev just shrugs back like “Don’t look at me. What do I know?” then secretly smiles to himself. Eduardo fights the urge to smile it seems while looking on admiringly at Venus. Err enjoys a secret giggle. Martina has a huge grin on her face. Fer looks on and has to remember to breathe. Gonzo cringes and hides his eyes. Barbie drinks in the whole delicious scene.

Meanwhile, the “cabby” pulls in at the airport. Vlad is surprised to see Pris drive up next to them. She orders him to get into the car and then goes over to the driver. She hands the man a bag of jewelry and tells him it’s just like she told him on the phone: she’ll give him double what they would have paid him to kill Vlad. He takes the jewels, bites them to test them (Classy!) and only then agrees to make Dam and Jacobo believe that he did the deed and killed Vlad. The cab drives off. Pris gets back into her car and explains to Vlad what just happened. “They were going to kill you! Anibal hired Damian to bump you off [liquidar]. You have to get far away from here. If you love your child like you say, go to Monterray or wherever, the farther away the better!” Vlad says he refuses to either leave her alone or to run away like some coward. Pris seems to soften. “If you only knew the Hell I was going through the past few hours worrying that they were going to kill you! I don’t want that to happen. I don’t want to have to tell my child once he’s born that his father is dead. I want him with you, Vladimir.” Vlad can’t believe what he’s hearing. “Are you serious?” She says she is.

Pris puts her hand on Vlad’s cheek. “I understood finally that my child couldn’t have a better father than you and because of that we’re going to have to make a few sacrifices, ok?” He smiles and nods. She tells him they’ll have to wait a few months. “You are not to make a single phone call, understand?” He nods again. “As soon as the baby is born I swear I’ll call you and then—only then—will we be able to plan our future together.” She cries tears of relief. He cries tears of happiness. (Viewerville shares a collective “Aw-w-w.”)

Back at the party, Venus races outside and is ready to leave for good. Estev chases after her. She tells him he can calm down because she’s not going to do anything more. He asks her where she intends to go and asks her to wait. He wants her to stay, he says. Venus is in no mood to listen, though.

Inside the circus continues. Cad is screaming desperately at the awestruck guests that it’s all a lie. They know him better than that, he tells them. Natasha gets up to leave but thinks better of it and goes over to him. She tells him never to come looking for her again. He tells everyone that she’s just another sore, pissed off female and not to pay attention to her. He rushes over to Errika and tells them all she’s his ex-girlfriend and she’ll vouch for him. Errika takes the mike and says, well if you’re talking about Jacinto’s scars, yes, I’ve seen them. “If you’re referring, though, to your sexual preferences, I always had my doubts about you, Camilo!” He cringes. She giggles silently. His buddies yell back that there’s no way out of this one. Cad tries to tell his father it isn’t so, but Gonzo only yells back that he’s an embarrassment and he is totally ashamed of him. Barbie thinks to herself that this isn’t anything compared to what’s waiting for you, Camilo. Across the room Flor, Tomasa and Denia can’t stop laughing at the way he got burned and at how much he actually deserved it. [ganarse a pulso]

Outside, Venus explains to Estev that she actually lied about Cad. “I did find him with somebody in the Jacuzzi, but it was a woman. That woman, Natasha. If I’d have told the truth his buddies would have just laughed at him and I’d have been no more than the fuming fiancée!” Estev can’t help laughing. She wants to know what’s so funny. He tries to explain that it’s because he’d spent days and days trying to think of an elaborate plan to teach the guy a lesson and in the end it was Venus who managed to do it. Though, he admits, he has to confess that he was afraid he’d failed somehow because she seemed determined to actually marry Camilo. She doesn’t understand the irony and takes offense. “Oh, so you always thought that being a whore I wasn’t going to lose the chance to bag [pescarse de] that worthless Camilo and his millions?” Estev tells her that it never entered his mind but before he can explain any further, Martina comes running out yelling for the two of them to go back inside. Cad has started kicking up a major ruckus [trifulca].

Back inside the ballroom, Cad’s buddies have to hold him back from jumping Fr/Ed. Cad’s screaming for Loafly and Estev. “If it’s like that then where are your business partner and his lying niece?” Fr/Ed says he doesn’t know. “--I told you already that I haven’t got the slightest idea! I don’t know where they went and I don’t know why Loafly behaved that way. You ought to know!” Cad has to be held back again. “—Are you trying to put one over on me??!!” [verle la cara= make a fool of] Fer jumps in -making a play on the word “cara” --and slaps him royally. “And I’m going to tell you what shameless nerve you have!” [tenir cara = to be shameless]. Thwack!! His friends stop him from slapping her back. “What Loafly said about you being gay is going to seem like praise compared to what I have to say about you, Camilo!!” Cad breaks loose from his friends and motions to Fr/Ed and Estev that it ain’t over till it’s over and walks away.

Gonzo acts like it’s just another night in Dodge City and asks Babs where Pris and AB went cuz it’s time to leave. She tells him Pris went home sick and AB went for their car. Gonzo says well, at least Pris was saved this shamefully embarrassing scene. Babs commiserates and says well, you can assume that as of tonight Loafly has canceled the engagement. (Do ya think?) Gonzo shakes his head. “How embarrassing.” (For him or for her, Gonz?) The first thing he worries about is that it might have wrecked their partnership with Powhere Meelk. Babs says not to take it so hard, that it could just be an act of jealousy on Loafly’s part. Gonzo, though, is worried that their good name is now in question and his fatherly pride has hit rock-bottom. (Translation: they’re now the laughing stock of the county and he’s forever to be seen for the piss-poor papa he really is.)

The hit-man is back at Vlad’s now and Jacobo is eager to hear the details. Dam says he doesn’t want to hear about it; then suddenly, in a sick fit of laughter he says, “The point is that now Good Friend Vladimir has little wings and is playing his harp in heaven.” The two slobs nearly choke on their spit they are laughing so hard. The hit-man thinks soberly to himself, “If they only knew. If they only knew that his fairy godmother managed to save him.” He gets up straight-faced and says he’s tired and he’s going home if it’s all right by them. They say fine and Jacobo gives him his blood-money. Dam tells him to lay low for a while. (Hubby says it’s some racket this guy’s got! He gets paid triple for doing absolutely nothing!) The hit-man, totally disgusted with the scene, leaves. Dam and Jacobo toast each other. Jacobo asks what comes next. Dam thinks a bit and says something like what does he think about skinning La Hiena?

In the meantime, Errika gives Fer a lift home. Fer says she hopes Err doesn’t mind if she doesn’t invite her in but it’s been one of the longest nights in her life and she’s beat. Err says no problem, but before Fer gets out of the car Err asks why Fer changed her mind about coming to the party. Fer tells her that Franco called and asked her to come because he suspected something bad was going to happen and thought she should be there. Err tells Fernanda that Franco is the best thing that happened to her and she wants to thank her since they met at Fer’s wedding. So, she says, she wants to do something really special for Fer. Errika invites her over to supper with her and Franco the next night and won’t accept no for an answer. Fer says fine, obviously figuring that’s going to be the second longest night of her life. Err, though, apparently has something else in mind and licks her lips in anticipation as Fer goes inside for the night.

Over at Las Animas, Estev is upset because Venus is nowhere to be found. He starts to explain to Eddie how he was congratulating Venus on her flawless strategy when Martina showed up. Suddenly Ed says that’s it! Martina! They are both sure to be at Silvestre’s place. Estev tells Ed that he wants to say good-bye to Venus before he leaves. Ed asks him if he plans on leaving without telling her how much he loves her. Estev doesn’t answer.

At Silvestre’s place, Venus is telling him and Martina that she’s got an aunt and uncle in Zacatecas and figures she’ll be able to get a job there. Silvestre says considering what she pulled tonight on the Elizalde’s the further away she gets the better. Martina thinks Venus needs to stick around to let the gringuito make his play for her, but Venus says he’s no different from all the other rich fat cats. Silvestre says that if he’s Santoro’s friend he has got to be a good guy. Venus disagrees. “He’s taking his things and heading for The States [gringolandia] tomorrow since now he’s gotten his revenge. That was all he wanted and so now he’s going to rub my face in it. He doesn’t need me now. I’ve got to take care of myself and after what I did, once they find out I’m not Loafly Norton, if I stick around they’ll lynch me.” Suddenly there’s a knock at the door. Martina thinks it’s got to be Estev coming for Venus. They giggle. Silvestre figures it couldn’t be anybody else. Venus primps and then goes to answer the door. Ruh-Roh! It’s not Mr. Estev. It’s Cad and he’s got smoke coming out of every orifice. He grabs her and drags her outside by the hair. “Come here, you!”

Over at Jacinto’s, meanwhile, Denia tells Marge and ‘Cinto about the party. Flor and she are laughing at the way Cadmilo was fuming and then finally left with his tail between his legs. “There was nothing worse than what La Venenosa (her pet name for Venus) yelled in his face!” Jacinto says, well then she lured Camilo there with the wedding. Denia puts all the pieces together and says it has to be that the gringuito must have been behind it all. “He hired La Venenosa to hook cocky Camilo Elizalde, all just to shred the guy’s male pride to bits!” Jacinto is now grinning from ear to ear. The only thing better for him would have been to be there in person.

Back at Silvestre’s Cad screams at Venus that she thought she could escape, but he saw her get into the taxi and followed her there. He throws her against the wall but she gets in a good kick to the groin and races back inside. She tries to shut the door. Cad pushes his way back in and grabs her again. He shoves Silvestre against the wall and knocks him out. Martina comes at him with a chair, but he grabs it out of her hand and hits her across the head and knocks her down onto the floor. He grabs Venus by the hair, drags her outside again and punches her twice in the stomach. She can’t breathe. “You whore! I’m going to brand your face so every time you look in the mirror you’ll really remember the last man in your life you met. You’re going to feel shame, whore!” He pulls up a red hot branding iron and gets ready to shove it in her face. Just then, like Mighty Mouse to save the day ♪♪... Fr/Ed and Estev arrive in the nick of time. (What? No cape?) Fr/Ed grabs Cad’s arm and in famous telenovela last words screams at him, “Don’t you dare!”

Fr/Ed forces the iron into a (very conveniently placed) bucket of water and throws Cad onto the ground. Cad gets up to balance himself against the wall and growls. “This is going to cost you dearly, Santoro!” Fr/Ed shakes his finger at him and warns him off. “I only need one more reason, only one, to unload all the rage and contempt I feel for you, Camilo!” “—And who in the Hell do you think you are to threaten me??” Eddie remembers back to the time he was brushing his pet horse, Amanecer, when the smart-assed, teen-aged Camillo rode by and taunted him, saying it didn’t matter how much he brushed the horse, it’d still be mangy. “—Good question, Camilo Elizalde. Good question!” Before Ed can answer, though, Martina runs out to tell them her father is unconscious and she thinks he’s dead. Ed turns to go in and help. Cad gets up, rushes him from the back, and gives him a kick to the kidney. Venus somehow manages to keep Estev from joining in. (Estev screams a good game, though.) Ed turns around, grabs Cad and manages to knee the s.o.b. a good one in the nuts (Hubby lets out a groan) and drops him to the ground. Cad is finally out cold.

Eddie and Martina manage to bring Silvestre to. Eddie tells her to take him to Dr. Carlos for a good look-see. He goes back outside and asks Estev to help him with “the trash”. Estev takes Venus back inside and checks on everyone. He asks Martina to make sure that Venus doesn’t leave before he gets a chance to talk to her. Venus breaks away from him and says nastily that she’s old enough to take care of herself, thank you very much. Estev loses patience and yells at her. “Venus! I just want to make sure you don’t leave until you and I have a chance to talk. OKAY????” (Maybe in the meantime he can stop by Rosie the Bruja’s for a little Love Potion #9. This guy is about as romantic as rhubarb.) Martina says she’ll make sure she doesn’t go anywhere. He tells them not to go out and not to open the door for anybody. He goes to meet Ed at the car.

At Jacinto’s, Denia is still scheming. “The only thing left is to ruin it between Eduardo and Errika. Then, everyone’s happy.” Margie wonders why she’s got to bring that up again. “Well, after everything that happened tonight, just about anything is possible.” Jacinto warns her not to stick her nose in where it isn’t wanted. She tells him that with the ruckus Venus caused this evening, she pretty much had opened the way for others. Flor wonders what she’s got planned but Denia won’t say because she knows they’re all on Eduardo’s side in this. Margie asks if she’s still set her sights on Eduardo. Denia says she sure has. So, now she’s going to prove to him she’s no dummy and get herself educated and a career. (Yeah, I hear there’s a chef school in the D.F. that used to have one hunk of an instructor there…..) Flor does an eye roll and stares at the wall.

Fr/Ed and Estev drive back to Las Animas with Cad plopped like a bag of manure in the back seat. Fr/Ed’s got Fer on his cell and tells her he needs her to meet them back at Las Animas. It’s urgent. They’ve got her brother with them. She asks him what he’s done now. He tells her they managed to get there in time to stop him from disfiguring Loafly’s face. (I guess she realizes the longest night of her life is gonna seem like a year before it’s over.)

At the hospital Martina gushes at Venus over the way Carlos took such good care of her pa’ and says she’s brimming over with love for the guy. Venus wonders if Martina is really going to keep her from leaving. Martina tells her even if she has to cement all the doors and windows shut and tie her to the chair to keep her from disappearing from the gringuito. Venus asks her since when did she turn out to be such a friend of his? Martina says she’s her friend not his, and wonders if she hasn’t realized yet that if he wants to talk to her so badly that it has to be something really important.

Fer arrives at Las Animas and tells Fr/Ed that this whole thing with Camilo seems like such a nightmare. Fr/Ed says he’s sorry to have to involve her. She asks what happened and he explains how her brother saw Loafly get into a taxi and follow her to Martina’s father’s blacksmith shop. He explains that Martina, Lili’s nurse, is actually Silvestre, the blacksmith’s, daughter. He tells her he has Cad locked in the study because right now he’s still out of control. Fer tells him Cad’s impulsive fits have their limits and she knows what she’s talking about. “Let me speak with him.” He blocks her way and says he’s afraid Cad could hurt her. She tells Fr/Ed that after tonight they aren’t going to have to worry themselves about him any for the rest of their lives. “You’ll see.”

Cad is pacing around the study, growling and grunting, and kicking the furniture. Fr/Ed unlocks the door and he and Fer walk in. Cad sneers. “So! Are Batman and Batgirl going to flip a coin to see which one of you two is going to execute me?” Fer tells Fr/Ed she wants to speak to her brother alone. He says fine, he’ll wait for her outside the door.

Fr/Ed’s cell rings. Errika’s timing is impeccable. He tells her things got complicated this evening and he forgot to call her. She lends a sympathetic ear and leads him on. “Yeah, I guess things got really upsetting with all that happened at the party tonight, huh? So tell me. How are Loafly and Estev?” He says fine, but lies that he’s in the middle of taking a call from him and will talk to her later. She says she can imagine the number of things in his head right now and figures it’s going to be difficult to get to sleep tonight. Fr/Ed says, well actually, it will. She says she thought she’d come over and spend some time with him. He says not to. She wonders if he doesn’t want to see her or what? He fibs and says it’s nothing like that; he just doesn’t want her driving at this time of night. She giggles and says that’s no problem. She’ll just spend the night with him. He says no, that he doesn’t want her to risk coming out this late. She giggles again and says “Don’t tell me everyone’s already gone to bed?” He asks her how about they talk in the morning. She finally gives in and says ok, then. “Sleep tight.” Click.

Errika gets out of her car and walks into the lighted driveway. It happens to be Fr/Ed’s driveway, though. She looks over at the other vehicle parked in his drive. “You are a wicked, two-timing female, Fernanda!” It’s Fer’s yellow FJ. Err fights back her tears and tells herself, “If it’s the last thing I do in my life, Franco Santoro is going to marry me!”

Inside Fr/Ed’s study Cad continues screaming at his sister. “Then what? Are you going to kill me or what?? You finally agreed with that killer, Santoro, right??!! He brought me here by force! He would have beaten me up!” “—And you would have deserved it. Think! You would have disfigured Loafly!! Don’t you realize??” “--And that’s how I’m going to leave her if I ever meet up with her again!!” “—Yes. You are capable of any despicable thing, but from here on out I’m going to make sure that you never harm anybody again, Camilo. Nobody!” Cad yells back, really? Just what are you thinking of doing, huh? Fer gets frightened and yells for Franco. “Oh, so without your bodyguard you can’t move even a finger, can you?” Fer turns to Fr/Ed and says she’s sorry to have to say this in front of him but she has to, okay? She turns back around to Camilo.

Fer gives her brother an ultimatum. “Camilo, you have twenty-four hours to leave the hacienda without saying a word to anybody—absolutely no one, understood?” He sneers at her. “--You don’t say!” Fer stands her ground. “—Somewhere nobody will ever hear from you again. If you don’t, I’m going to bring charges against you for having raped Aurora!” Cad at last is scared to death. Pity-party in 10 minutes…..

Labels: manana

Permalink posted by Jardinera654 @ 5:38 PM 110 comments

In classical music’s sonata form, a symphony begins with the exposition. All the themes are introduced, along with their variations. In Gancho, we’ve completed this process. We know the characters, their motivations, who’s good and bad, who’s annoying or endearing, and who has her own special category (Earth to Ximena – are you listening?) The second part of a symphonic movement is called the development. In this section, the themes are twisted and exposed, new and strange material is introduced, and the composer can take the listener on a voyage to parts hitherto unknown. This is often the place for a musical “storm”. Now that all the secrets are out, I’m beginning to wonder if our happy little novela, where problems seemed to be resolved daily, has entered its development phase, with problems that aren’t resolved quite as easily as before.

El Beto has just received a hook to the heart (Un Gancho Al Corazon) from his beloved Monita, and wants to end it all. The only one who can save him is the esteemed Dr. Lefort, whom Nieves goes to call, but not before locking horns with Estrella, who rightly points out that Beto has only himself to blame.

Connie enters the office sporting some decent cleavage, a delicate bird shaped charm on a thin gold necklace, and a daggers in her eyes. She taps Moni on the shoulder, then slaps her. Twice.

Meanwhile Mauricio, one of the few characters on the show we haven’t seen drunk, is putting that record to rest quite nicely, downing shot after shot of tequila, sitting with Tano as a sounding board, but telling him nada. Tano gives up, gets Mau’s car keys for safety, and leaves.

Moni wants to show Connie who’s boss, but Gabi restrains her, saying it’s not worth going to jail. Gabi warns Connie that Moni’s a professional boxer, and Connie says more like a professional whore. SHE’s going to train as a boxer, and one day defeat Moni in the ring. Now THAT I’d like to see! Connie swears Moni will NEVER marry Mauricio, and marches off. This prompts Gabi to turn to Moni, asking “You’re getting married to Mauricio?”

Estrella arrives at the office to tell Moni that Beto’s not doing so well, Nieves had to call a doctor. Moni feels bad for Beto, and goes to help, Estrella at her side.

Back at Beto’s he’s crying so much his Mom thinks he’ll get dehydrated. The wise Doctor Lefort has arrived to work on Beto’s case (and also to work on Nieves’ ass, as he slips in a few sneaky feels). When Lefort calls Nieves Señora Bella, our Snowy melts, fixes her hair a bit, and leaves the Doc to work his magic on her boy. He proceeds to tell Beto they’ll investigate the deepest part of Beto’s unconscious, the depths of the well, understand? Well, no, Beto hasn’t a clue.

Speaking of not having a clue, Ximena has just been told that Connie hit Moni, and is intrigued. Connie says that Moni can’t rob her novio, but Ximena says you’re robbing HER novio. Connie doesn’t get it, so Ximmy lets it slip that Beto and Moni aren’t siblings, they’re novios. Ooooops, she didn’t mean to say that, but oh well! Connie is muy impactada.

Moni and Estrella breathlessly ask Nieves, how is Beto? Handsome, refined, elegant……No, interrupts Moni, I’m talking about Beto! Apparently he’s cured, as he saunters up, wearing a tee shirt reading Simple but Charismatic, proclaiming he now knows that Moni means NOTHING to him. He’s off, leaving Moni a bit deflated, and not picking up on Estrella’s pep talk that this should lift a weight from her shoulders. Nieves warns Moni that when Mau finds out that Beto’s not her brother, she’s going to lose Mau, and would be left like El Perro de Las Dos Tortas.

Nieves bumps into Dr. Lefort, who says there was no charge for curing Beto, but to complete his treatment, he, as a thorough doctor would like to talk to HER now. About what? Oh, about your son, about life, about you, about me (meanwhile, his eyes are meandering a bit lower than they should), about a “psychophysico-mental relation that can transcend and arise between us, you understand, right?” She doesn’t, but invites him into her place.

Estrella convinces Moni to call Mauricio. She should tell him Beto isn’t her brother before he finds out himself (if only). She calls Mau, who answers in the bar, and agrees to talk to her at the office, but is very short with her, which she notices. What’s going on? Estrella doesn’t think there’s anything to worry about, and will help Moni look pretty for her meeting with Mau, when she can tell him the whole truth.

Oscar’s drinking wine in a bar when Jerry shows up. Oscar initially wants nothing to do with the traitor, but eventually agrees to give Jerry one more chance. However, if Jerry betrays Oscar again, Oscar will KILL him. They shake on it – deal.

Beto shows up at Connie’s. He wants revenge! So does she. They’re both mad at La Monita. Let’s stir things up (nos revolcamos – but this also means a roll in the hay). Are you ready, he asks? Ready, she answers. He counts one, two, three, and they start kissing madly, hands all over each other, nothing’s going to stop them this time!

Mauricio arrives at the office drunk, greets Gabi and Sal, goes into his office to await Moni. Ding, elevator door opens, and she walks out, looking ravishing in an off the shoulder scarlet or mauve short dress, hair pulled back like a Spanish flamenco dancer, luxurious earrings with three golden hearts on each side. Gabi thinks she’s finally following her advice as to how to dress for the office. Moni enters Mau’s office full of excitement, sits on his desk, shows a little shoulder…..and is repelled by the pungent smell of alcohol.

Mauricio doesn’t really give Moni the chance to say anything. He tells her he knows she and Beto are novios, and you know why? Because he saw them kissing. Moni’s not feeling so happy anymore.

Neither is Beto. Apparently, his little soldier failed to show up for battle. He’s trudging around in tee shirt, boxers and shoes, swearing to Connie this has never happened before. Everything was going fine, when he started thinking about La Monita. Well, this pisses off Connie royally, and she slaps him, calling him a dummy (tarado) and an imbecile. He wants to try again, but she tells him to try without her, and call her if anything comes up. After she leaves, he looks wistfully at his little soldier, lamenting that even HE’s stabbing him in the back, like all the others.

Meanwhile, Mauricio is on a rant, not giving Moni a chance to talk, he can’t believe she would lie to him when he had such feelings for her. She’s destroyed him, and although she says she was going to tell him the truth, he doesn’t believe her anymore. Before she can get another word in, he walks out and slams the door of his office in her face, leaving her in tears.

Beto’s back home now, sees a big mound of covers on his Mommy’s bed, rips off the blankets, only to find Nieves and Dr. Lefort doing the nasty! Not really, they’re fully clothed, but she was lying on top of him. Nieves insists it was “therapy”, but Beto can’t believe that the two women in his life, Moni and now his Jefa, are both puttin’ the horns on him! He’s gonna kill the doctor. He grabs something off his Mom’s night table (like a comb, or a curling iron), and goes on the attack. Fortunately the doc talks him down, telling him to imagine he’s in a forest, there are little birds, just relax, he was just “exchanging emotions” with Beto’s mother. This backfires, as Beto goes berserk again. Thinking fast, Nieves grabs the ol’ fryin’ pan, and conks Beto from behind. He slumps out on the sofa, giving our two swinging seniors time for some more “therapy”. They both agree it’s their duty to complete the session. Lefort says this time, he’ll be on top.

Our three little women (Estre, Paula and Moni) are sitting on the bed, trying to figure out what to do. Moni feels terrible that she lied to Mauricio, and understands why he was so hurt she hadn’t told him herself that she and Beto were novios. She hates herself. Estre says not to beat herself up about it (no te flageles), you’re a boxer, you have to pick yourself up and fight back. Call her now. Paula agrees. Moni takes the phone, doesn’t know what to say. The truth, says Estrella. He’ll understand. There’s no answer on the cell, so she calls the house. Guess who answers? Connie, sitting in Mau’s bedroom while he’s taking a shower, having barged in without Mau’s knowledge. Moni quickly hangs up, THAT didn’t work.

Mau comes out, what’s Connie doing here, and did he just hear the phone? Well, Connie wanted to see him, and the phone was a wrong number. As Mauricio walks around in just a towel, showing the ladies of the audience his amazing upper body, Connie continues that she knows about Moni’s lie too, having found out from Ximena. She feels Mau is doing the right thing having nothing further to do with Moni, just imagine what it would have been to end up with a pathological liar (una mitómana). She adds a few fake tears, says she’s always there for Mau or his kids, and makes a theatrical exit.

Estrella is still trying to encourage Moni, who’s about ready to throw in the towel. Moni thinks Nieves was right, she was flying too high, and now she’s crashing. She’s lost him forever. Estrella starts again with all the boxing analogies. Don’t let your guard down, it’s the last round, you gotta keep fighting, etc. She wants Moni to go to Mau’s house now.

We see Mauricio suffering, pretty much hitting his head against the wall, but flashing back to the shock of Moni and Beto kissing. Outside the house, although it’s the middle of the night, Moni has taken Estre’s advice, and the two of them pause in front of the doorbell (actually a keypad). Moni chickens out, so Estre presses the button. Mau comes downstairs in a black robe over white pajamas, looking lionlike, but with a stern expression. Moni tells him she’s tired of lying. How nice, answers Mau, because with each lie, you tore my heart to pieces. Why did you do it, for fun, to amuse your amigas? No, of course not, says Moni, shocked. Then why, for my money? Maybe Constanza was right. This is just too much, and Moni slaps Mauricio, adding if he thinks that, he doesn’t know her at all. He agrees, he doesn’t know her. He then lays down the “new rules”. If she quits, he’ll immediately fire Beto and Paula, too. If she stays, she has to be a perfect employee. If she arrives 5 minutes late, or disobeys a single order, they’re all fired. There will be zero tolerance! He turns and walks angrily back inside.

Mau’s back in the kitchen drinking some water, when Aldo comes in to see what’s wrong. He gently touches Mau’s shoulder in sympathy, but Mau pulls away, refuses to explain anything to Aldo, but warns Aldo never to mention Moni’s name again, not to go to the vecindad, and not to have anything to do with anyone connected with Moni. Aldo thinks Mauricio is upset, but Mau says he knows exactly what he’s doing, and this time, Aldo will OBEY.

It’s morning, and Beto’s head hurts, but he doesn’t know why. Conveniently not telling him, Nieves has made him his favorite breakfast, chicharrones in green sauce, soup, milk, he’s enjoying it until he remembers – he caught Mom red-handed (con las manos en la masa – hands in the dough) with the doctor. He calls her a pig! She reminds him to respect his mother, and explains that he’s projecting. Huh? Well, he’s mad at Moni, so he’s taking it out on his mother. Where’d you get that idea, Ma, from that shrink? Well, just from thinking about it, and maybe a little from talking to him, and…..here, have some more breakfast! This works, and Nieves assures Beto that he’ll get Moni back. She has a plan.

Ivan and Aldo are eating breakfast, stumped as to what’s going on with Mauricio. Connie enters, scolds Aldo for not being in school, and helps herself to some orange juice. Aldo grabs the pitcher, telling Connie that if Mauricio isn’t here (he isn’t), she has no right to be in the house, period.

Gabi arrives at the office, and is surprised that Moni’s already there, and is bringing her coffee. Gabi senses something is wrong, notices that Moni looks pale, her forehead is warm, what’s wrong? Moni just says she didn’t sleep well. Gabi guesses Mau and Moni fought, wants to help. Moni asks if there’s any envelope she can deliver, she really can’t bear to be in the office, she’s afraid of what’ll happen when Mauricio arrives. She’s crying, and Gabi gives her a motherly hug. Gabi then lights up, she’s just remembered, she has to pay her credit card bill. She gives the envelope to Moni, adding that she’ll think of other deliveries, forget about making coffee, she’ll help Moni get through this.

Maybe not. The elevator opens, and Mau and Salvador are right there. Mau asks what “Valentina” is doing, and Gabi says she’s delivering an urgent envelope. No way, responds Mau, from now on, we’re using messenger services. He turns to Moni. “You, bring me a cappuccino right now, that’s what I pay you for, don’t delay, please.” (Ooooh, he’s cold). She trudges off in silence. Mau then informs Gabi of the new office rules. No more concessions, no more gossip, no more complaints, only efficiency, discipline, understood? And whoever doesn’t do his work, fire them, Salvador. He stalks away. Gabi tells Sal she can’t understand why Mau would stress efficiency to her, she’s the epitome of efficiency. Sal tells her the way Mau is suffering now, it’s only going to get worse.

Back in Mau’s place, Connie hasn’t backed down from Aldo’s challenge one bit. She calls him a stupid runt (esquincle majadero), and says he has no say over whether she’s in this house or not. Are you threatening me, asks Aldo? Just advising, she retorts, adding that he should look around at all these nice things, because if he and the kids take Moni’s side, it’ll be the last time they see them, and that IS a threat.

She then calls Mauricio, complaining that Aldo tried to make her leave the house since they’re no longer novios. Mau says he’ll take care of it. Connie says Aldo treats her badly, and Mau says not to worry, he now knows who is who. They’ll talk later. Just then, Moni delivers Mau’s coffee, and he tells her, she can leave now. But she refuses to leave until he listens to her. Fine, talk.

In the outer office, Nieves enters, looking a little like a fish out of water, wearing her usual colorful clothes, having added a lime green furry pocketbook which looks almost like a poodle. She demands to talk to Mauricio Sermeño.

Moni tells Mau that she lied, she lied about Beto and many other things. One lie led to another. But there are some things she never lied about – such as when she told him he had changed her life, when she told him she fell in love with him the minute they met, and everytime they kissed. Those were not lies. And she’s not lying now in telling him that she loves him with all her soul. That beso with Beto was a farewell kiss.

Mauricio is moved. He stands up, walks over to Monita, takes her head in his strong hands, leans down, and kisses her, full of passion. She looks up at him, eyes full of hope, what was that? MY farewell kiss, he answers solemnly, it’s over. What we had is over for ever.

Yes, we’ve entered the development section of our little masterpiece, and we may have stormy seas ahead. But the previews show Moni fainting. If Moni is suffering, can Mauricio continue to deny his true feelings?

Vocabulario:

Revolcarse – to roll around, to stir things up, also can mean a roll around in the hay, if you know what I mean
Tarado – a moron, or a dummy
Flagelarse – to whip oneself, or flagellate oneself. We would say to beat oneself up
Una Mitómano(a) – pathological liar. Mito means myth, or lie, and there’s also a word mitomanía, which may actually come close to what Moni was doing
Majadero – another word for stupid, can also mean whiny

Labels: gancho