Caray, Caray!

That title is from a rather cynical French saying. Although, mind you, I'm not complaining when it comes to Gancho. I love the endless rounds of comical crises, fast resolutions and hysterically funny bits by these comedic actors. We did have something decidedly new tonight. Someone actually got killed.... and oily Oscar was injured (not badly enough, alas) but still....it didn't seem quite real. The comic book character of this telenovela manages to gloss over some pretty horrendous stuff. So with no further ado, let's get down to tonight's carnage.

Of course an alternate title could have been: HELL HATH NO FURY LIKE A WOMAN SCORNED...AND WE'VE GOT AT LEAST A COUPLE OF 'EM HERE TONIGHT

Our rehash was the painful public humiliation of Gaby as she forces a reluctant Sal to tell her all the dirt on Fernando in front of the whole office. Connie fakes compassion and even excuses herself to "go home" because she's so undone by Gaby's pain. If she's upset by anything, it's actually Beto's clueless announcement that he and Monita are now engaged. On her way out, she manages to whack him in the shoulder. The only genuine emotion we've ever seen her express is in her reactions to Beto. Clearly they are meant for each other.

But are we wrong about Fernando at least? He's calling Gaby. It's all a mistake!.... Nope. Just as Sal predicted. Start the party without him. He's heading for the border. Sal found out about him and he's scramming. With the money, natch. But he'll "send it back". Love ya'. Kiss, kiss.
Riiiiiight.

Well, Mauricio's out some money too and he assures Gaby he'll pursue Fernando till the ends of the earth. This brings on a deluge of kisses which startles Mau, worries Sal and Gaby...heck, there's pleasure to be found even in the worst of times, no? I like the way this gal operates. Ximena, oblivious to social signals, is filming all this, claiming Gaby can watch it later to lift her spirits. Gaby doesn't need a film, she needs a weapon, and finds one in Mau's letter opener which she stabs fiercely into the desk a number of times. Woman Scorned no. 1. Armed and Dangerous.

Woman Scorned no. 2 is our feisty little Monita. Mau has the gall to sneer at her engagement, saying that she made an "eleccion a tu altura" (that makes me so mad I'm not even going to translate it! grrrrrr) She fends off Beto, tries to hide in the coffee room but her two gal pals Estrella and Paula barge in and basically ask WTF?

Okay, Woman Scorned No. 3. Constanza is getting it from both sides. The memory of her forced coupling with Jerry and some dissing from Ximena, as in....Oooh did you see Mau's face when Beto announced his engagement!? And YOUR face, Connie. You were just turning" verde de coraje" (lit. green with rage...we'd say purple with rage, I suppose). Our anti-heroine vows that the "maldita gorilla" (Moni) won't end up with either Mau or Beto.

Back at the office, Gaby is trying to make life miserable for the staff. Sal tries to intervene with some tila tea but she's having none of it. Triple vodka maybe. But not ALL men are bad, he whimpers. No, only 80 per cent are scoundrels, she concedes. The rest are swindlers, lechers, wife-beaters, bums....well, you get the picture. Gaby's a little down on menfolk right now.

And speaking of....now really! I didn't see this coming. Fernando is smooching his cash when there's a knock at the door of his hotel room. The police? Nope. It's oily Oscar, his cohort, come to collect his share of the booty. Suave gentleman that he is, though, he suggests they have a drink first. And while they do, they chuckle over the low I.Q's of Jeronimo and Ximena, and the easy pickins' that Gaby turned out to be. Swine swine swine!!!

Now we're back in the coffee room. Mau has cornered Monita asking the very reasonable question: Why do we hurt each other when we both know we can't live without each other!? The lovers' quarrel continues right where they left off before. I'm gonna come to your wedding and watch you marry the mummy while still wanting me. And I'll be in the front row at yours, watching you marry Beto while still in love with ME! So there!

And then our sexy macho boss grabs her and plants some cruel, possessive, lip-grinding kisses on her before stomping out. I've had a few kisses like that and they feel awful on the receiving end. Maybe for guys they really work. Dunno. Time for a study group?

Now here's a subject worthy of study. Constanzia's revenge on Jerry. He's all confident, sliding his hand up to her knee, her thigh and she's pretending to love it. Let's put on the tape, she purrs, and relive the fabulous moment. Do it, do it! She even throws in a couple of low growls. Gotta say, the actress played this scene to perfection. They're all snuggled up, gazing into the camera and aha! Jerry finally realizes that all his blackmail material has been erased by Gaby's unfortunate going-away party footage. Connie wastes no time, letting him know that both he and Oscar make her sick and neither of them will ever get another cent from Mau or any more nookie from her. We know it won't last but it's a great moment. Never thought I'd be cheering Connie on.

Jerry wastes no time getting starting on a little ponytail abuse of Ximena, vowing to shake her eyes out and lamenting the fact that their parents didn't give her away to the circus or donate her body to science. What a great family. Ximena manages to stop the mayhem by coming up with a plan to expose Connie for the harpy she is. But Xime will be the brains of course. Our choice exactly.

Meanwhile, Gaby has organized the barrio gals to wreak vengeance on Fernando. He's been located at the hotel, room no. 343 and she wants no men involved. This is "una cosa de mujeres". The gals are on board, although Paula has a little hissy fit when Moni chooses Estrella to scout out the spa, while Paula is left to check the bar and Gaby , presumably, the rooms. I mean, Paula has the cop boyfriend has she not!? Why is she always chopped liver?

The film editors dilute the tension of the Fernando chase with a little side trip to Mau's house. He's cuddling Dani and the kids are still trying to talk him out of marrying Constanza. But no matter what, they love him and he's the best dad in the world. Awwww.....now let's get back to the fun stuff.

Oscar appears in the hotel lobby and Gaby wants to know what he's doing there. "¿Qué haces aqui?" Mientras tanto, Moni and Estrella are heading into the spa. Estrella is momentarily distracted by a guy wrapped in a robe but Moni keeps her on task. They investigate the sauna. Fernando appears, bars the door shut, turns the temperature up to killer levels and leaves. (And to think I once found him attractive!) The ads come on. Are we waiting with bated breath? Nah, we know the girls will get out of it, but I am wondering what slick lie Oscar will spout.

Well, he's a slick one. He pretends he learned of Fernando's whereabouts and came to pounce on the scoundrel. Gaby's all aglow, thinking how Oscar tried to warn her of Fernando's dubious credentials and now he's here to rescue her honor and her money. Oh Gaby...still clueless, but so endearing.

Back at the sauna (how often do you get to say that?) Monita and Estrella are succumbing to heat prostration. Moni still has enough energy to call for help though. And in the barrio, mother hen Nieves is confronting Connie, aka Michaela, who's come to scout out Beto. Nieves is doing her best to run her off but Beto appears and has other ideas. In fact he has a little mouse in his pocket he wants to show her and he and Con rush off to Moni's room (again!? qué grosera!) to explore this further.

Drama coming up. Mau rescues Moni and a policeman drags out Estrella. Tender cupping of Moni's chin as Mau-Mau tries to revive her. Down in the lobby, Paula spots Fernando. Oscar, taking on the role of hero, punches Fer. But suddenly, Fernando pulls out a gun, a big one! and shoots Oscar in the shoulder (lower, lower damnit!). The police pump several bullets right into Fernando's chest and he falls to the ground. The scene ends with a dramatic overhead shot of his body sprawled on the hotel lobby floor. Rest in peace Retrete Pullido.

Lest we become too dismayed by this turn of events, we immediately return to the Connie/Beto lecherous tussle. In between heaves and gropes, they're each complaining about the others' wedding plans. Finally Beto says, do you want to just remain with this desire or get down to it. Remain with the desire, snaps Connie. And leave me with this pain!? Okaaaaaay, let's get down to it!

And they do.

But will it be coitus interruptus? Because Monita, Mau , Estrella and Paula are now right outside. Estrella's telling Mau for the 81st time what a prince he is to have rescued them. Moni's getting cranky. Estrella wisely vanishes. And Paula, noting Mau's goofy lovelorn look, discreetly fades away as well. Mau wants to talk. Moni wants to fight. She flounces off. He follows, wailing Monita! Our hot to trot couple hears him and hops off the bed. What now? Of course we break for ads.

When we come back, there's more shilly-shallying outside the door. Maul wants to have a heart to heart in Moni's room. No way. His only place is in church...with his mummy fiancée. He argues that everytime he sees Monita, something happens in his body and he can't help it. (Not the most romantic statement, in my opinion, but honest...that's for sure) Nieves shows up and throws a damper on things, plus scares the bejesus out of Beto who's more afraid of being found out by his mom than he is of Mauricio or Monita. Interesting. The best part of this scene was Connie getting irritated with him and Beto responding by saying.... You need to treat me with tenderness, "me dañas, me dañas!" (I love these comic refrains).

Nieves shoos Mauricio away, drags Moni off to her house (Mom knows darned well her criatura is up to no good in Moni's room) and Beto lauds his mother by telling Connie her "suegra" is a genius....but while they only have a couple of minutes, they can pull off a "rapidin" or a qweekie.... and Connie seems to agree.

Nieves meanwhile is giving Moni the third-degree. What are you two doing with each other? Don't give me that guff about saunas and rescues (no me chupo el dedo). I see the way you look at each other and eat each other up with your eyes. Tough if you don't believe me, Monita retorts and does another flounce. This time they meet up with Beto, belt unhooked and fly open. (Connie and he have already tenderly kissed good-bye, her head covered in a towel for anonymity.)

Monita wants to check out Beto's nether regions for signs of betrayal, particularly since he reeks of expensive perfume! Fortunately, at this point the scene shifts. We're at the hospital, with Gaby tenderly hovering over Oscar and proclaiming that no one has ever "given his life for her before". In passing, she also acknowledges that Sal has been very protective of her. Was the money recovered? Well, only half. Clearly he had an accomplice. But who? At this pivotal moment, Jerry enters and throws himself on the stricken Oscar (not stricken enuff, sez I), shakes him and slaps him and wails "don't die!". That Jerry....always knows the right thing to do.

More ads and then we come back to a next morning- decidedly glum Mau, stirring his coffee and trying to explain to Teresa why he's marrying the mummy. Because I know her (not true) and she doesn't lie (also not true). Well, you know ME, ventures Teresa, and I don't lie...but you're not marrying me! Why not Moni? Because she's marrying the Fantasma Vengador. They love each other deeply, sighs Mauricio, and I just want to die, he adds. Oh my. If he weren't so D.U.M.B. I might feel bad for him right now.

And later, at the office, Gaby wants to send Monita (who's tardy for work again) to the car show with some kind of document for Mau. At first she refuses. Beto's the messenger. Send him. Sal doesn't trust Beto. Okay, she'll do it. She's looking fetching in some little green shrug shoulder sweater and Mau's looking fetching as well. Heck, even Rolu and Connie look good. And the cars....wow. Okay, everybody's lovely but Rolu's already drunk and ready to hit on Monita. He presses a drink on her. She turns and accidentally hurls it at Connie. Con's enraged and throws a glass of red wine (stains! stains!) back at Monita. They're on each other like feral cats, shrieking, pulling hair, strangling each other and poor Mau's risking his life trying to separate them. And that's where we end for the evening.

Previews:
Mau's at the hospital to visit Oscar and overhears Jerry gloating about his sex romp with Connie.
Beto and Estrella are holding a newspaper that says Moni's mother is back and looking for her.
Mau also seems to learn about Connie and Beto's hookup.
And Connie comes to Nieves for help.
Goodness....I can hardly wait for tomorrow night, can you!?

Vocabulary:

picones = little jabs of jealousy
pelos de muñeca = Beto's nickname for Mau. lit. doll's hair
trancar la puerta = bar the door (what Fernando did to Estrella and Monita in the sauna)
apañarlo =fix him up, rig him up. but in tonight's episode Monita said it and it seemed to me "nab him"
hecho una eleccion a tu altura = made a choice appropriate to your (social) level. Mauricio, sneering at Monita about her engagement to Beto.
lacayo =lackey Jerry, fantasizing about his hookup with princess Constanzia
sentir de la patada = feeling rotten , Ximena crowing about Connie's reaction to Mau's horror at Monita's engagement.
verde de coraje= green with rage, red or purple with anger in our lingo

Dicho of the Day:

Del dicho al hecho hay mucho trecho. It's a long way from the word to the deed. (And it's going to be a long way before Mauricio and Monita actually marry...but we know they will...don't we?)

Labels: gancho

Orlando is at the dipsensario, where Padre Chris is finding something to do. He laments to Orlando that his duties have been cut, which means his mind strays unerringly to Macarena. Orlando says it’s a good time to feel around inside of himself and see if he can locate what he really wants. Chris says he feels divided, guilty, relieved Mac is alive, still in love with her, you name it. And then there’s his calling, which saved him.

Orlando says maybe he should give up the cloth. Chris says he was supposed to resist all temptations. He feels like just running away like he did before.

Camila is at Mac’s. Mac is ironing and Camila is telling her about Romina being so mad at her about not telling her that her father had sent some letters. Mac understands, and Camila says she does too, but she doesn’t trust Samuel as he’s likely to just appear and then evaporate again. Mac counsels her to discuss these worries with Romina.

Camila feels she’s messed up with Romina and now with Orlando and Rafa too. Mac is all ears.

Rufi is talking to the canaries and pigeons in their cages about Edmundo offering marriage after 50 years of her not having seen him. He wants her to go to U.S. and she doesn’t know any English words other than “yes.” His kids might resent her, plus she can’t leave Mac and Paloma at this pivotal moment. She appeals to God to tell her what to do, but He’s not talking through the pigeons today apparently. At least they don’t poop on her idea, which may be a sign in itself. She decides to ask Edmundo for more time to think.

The guy Samuel is mooching off of has had enough. He wants to know where his rent money is, plus the money he loaned Samuel, and why the heck Samuel doesn’t have a job. Samuel fumbles an excuse and the guy says cut the lies. You have 10 minutes to pack and get out.

Camila can’t pick between Rafa and Orlando. They’re both terrific guys and hard workers. She’s confundida. Mac says you’re only allowed one guy. Camila says I’ve been alone so long and now that I’m trying to make a new life, I don’t want to mess up. Mac suggests going out with both just as friends and then decide. Camila protests that Rafa isn’t divorced. Mac says wait then, and let your heart decide.

Padre Chris is heading out, but Padre Mateo stops him and wants to know where he’s going. Chris says to check on the soccer team guys. Padre M says that’s a great program, but right now you need to be focusing on other things. Chris says I need some distraction from thinking all the time. Padre M says I know you spent time with Paloma today.

Chris says she’s setting up an art activity for girls. He tries to leave, but Padre M blocks his way again. Padre M tells him that he needs to avoid all contact with Mac’s family, including Paloma.

Another block by Padre M (he should play soccer). He tells Chris that he has to suspend all his priestly activities, including working with the youth. Wow, looks like he’s under church arrest. Padre M tells him needs to observe silence and be penitent. Chris says I can’t – there are too many things that need doing. Padre M says I’ll take care of them, and you’ll go into seclusion until your mind is enlightened.

Carlota is picking up the paste ring. She thinks it’s great and the thanks the jeweler for getting in done ahead of time. She can’t tell it from the real one.

Paloma has gone to Liliana’s home but the maid tells her Lili’s out. Paloma is agitated and leaves her phone number for Lili to call.

Romina and Em are at that pretty patio café. Romina explains that she was all upset about that thing with her father when she was so snotty at Em’s office. Em understands, but says it was no excuse to be abusive with Vero and Angelica. She makes a cute pouty face and begs for forgiveness.

Romina says if my mother lied about those letters, what other lies has she told me about my father? Em says don’t get carried away, talk to her, ask her about it. Romina says she doesn’t trust her any more. Em says don’t be so hard on her. Romina rubs his hand and says she’ll talk to Camila just because he wants her to.

Em’s cell rings. It’s Angelica and he smiles and says he’ll be right there. Un beso. Romina is taken aback and says what’s with you and her? Are you seeing one another? Em just rolls his eyes and asks for the check. He says he has to get back.

She says You care what happens to me, don’t you? He gets her drift and says There are things that just didn’t work in our relationship. Romina says but they could work! Em says no. You’re a wonderful girl and you know I wish you every happiness. He pays and leaves. Romina has struck out.

Paloma goes by Inez’s to find Angelica, but finds Aaron instead. He tells her that Angelica works at the Plateria now and he’s surprised Paloma didn’t know. Paloma seems a little shaken that nobody told her, and he says you know she and Em seem to have formed a grand friendship.

He asks what’s up and Paloma starts to say she wanted to ask about a girlfriend who… but she decides not to tell him. It’s girl stuff, she says.

Inez comes in and greets her enthusiastically. She offers Paloma a coffee, and Paloma demurs, but Inez prattles on – how is Mac? She was in the hospital, wasn’t she? Paloma is stuck, looks like.

Angelica’s ex-guy Dario takes her by surprise in the street. ¿Qué haces aquí? I have to work! Dario says he offered her work. Oh, thanks, she says, in the office of your brother-in-law. He says I admit you were a great help, but the book was just a pretext. What I miss are you kisses. He takes her face and kisses her, but she fights and slaps him. She says don’t you go kissing me – I’ve forgotten you. No you haven’t he says. You could have a brilliant future with me.

Liliana’s maid gives her Paloma’s phone number. Weird, thinks Lili, dialing. Paloma’s not home and Lili leaves a message with whoever answered. She thoughtbubbles that maybe Paloma figured out that Romina had something going with German. She hopes Paloma will see through Romina.

It seems like it’s evening, or maybe it’s just that Rafa and Joel are in a dark restaurant, having drinks. Rafa says to Joel that he seems very distracted lately. Is it love? Joel says find me a girl and I’ll give it a try. Rafa says did you ever get over Sofia? Joel says I don’t want to talk about her. Okay, says the always-accommodating Rafa. They clink glasses.

Joel says have another drink. Rafa says he has to go, he’ll see him tomorrow. He takes off and Joel stares disconsolately into his glass. A gorgeous blonde with cascading hair approaches his table and says Buy me a drink? It’s Sofia.

It’s nighttime and Carlota comes home. Rufi is surprised to see her earlier than they expected. How were the tests? Rufi asks. Tests? says Carlota. Oh those! Fine. Where is Mac? She heads off to see her.

Good old Rufi hollers up the stairs Macarena, la Senorita Carlota is eager to talk to you. Carlota says what are you yelling about? Upstairs Mac, warned, looks like a combination of gulp and drat.

Carlota comes primly smiling into Mac’s room and says Macarena! Any news? Plenty, says Mac and she gives her a good hearty slap across the chops. Bofetada, say the captions. It’s over, says Mac. Those of us with tiny withered hearts (and I count myself among that number) exalt, even though yes, it is a human being getting hit. That was great. Perdoname.

Carlota says have you lost your mind? Get a grip! Mac says I found out about all your lies. Chris is alive and has come to Real del Monte and now I know that he never abandoned me, he never died like you said and that you told him that I’d killed myself over him. Lies! All these years!

It’s Carlota’s turn to look like gulp.

We cut back to the darkened restaurant where the conversation is much quieter, but just as charged. Joel tells Sofia that it’s been a long time. She hurt him terribly by leaving him and marrying another. Things like that can’t be healed so easily. They can be if you try, she says. Joel wants to know why she didn’t fight for their love. Her marriage must have taken place a number of months ago now, he calculates.

Sofia says I had to take the time to think. Joel says I never could have given you the sort of life you were accustomed to. She says maybe not right now, but I know you’ll succeed in the future and then we can have that life. She gives him a kiss, but he doesn’t seem into it.

Over coffee, Padre M is trying to talk Chris into this seclusion idea. Chris says I already did a time in seclusion when I was becoming a priest. Padre M says but now you have a temptation to deal with. Chris says there must be a reason God sent me to Real del Monte. Padre M says maybe it was to clear up the Carlota problem, but I get the feeling from you that it’s the man inside of you who needs answers.

Of course! says Chris. I can’t separate the man from the priest. He leans on a chair and looks tragic. Padre M takes him kindly by the shoulders and says time and distance, that’s what you need.

Mac is still telling Carlota off. You tried to separate us forever! But God wanted us together. I didn’t do anything to separate you, says Carlota in a stunning defense that leaves jaws dropping in viewerdom across the continent, but not Mac’s, thank goodness. God brought us together, says Mac. How dare you tell me that he’d died! How dare you tell him that I’d committed suicide? You’re a monster!

I’m not a monster, spits back Carlota. I did it for your own good. He was such a loser. He just wanted you for your position and class. He never loved you.

He’s not full of venom like you, says Mac. He loved me just as much as I love him. He even tried to remake his life, and to remarry, but he couldn’t because he still loved me.

All lies, says Carlota, don’t be such a sucker. No, says Mac, you’re the liar. He was going to get married to Natalia. Carlota is surprised. Small world, huh? says Mac. That was the wedding Sagrario and Javier were to attend when they were killed. Chris never stopped loving me, even when he thought I was dead!

Carlota grabs Mac by the arms and says why after all these years? What did you do to make him come back? Mac says I didn’t do anything. It was God.

Oh, so God sent Chris back to you so you could be his lover? Don’t make the same mistake you did last time. Mac says our love was never a mistake and God put us together. And there’s not a damned thing you can do about it.

Rufi has a big candle in her hands and she’s praying fervently to the Virgin, begging her to not let anything bad happen in the house and to give Mac strength to face up to her sister. Protect her! She holds up the candle in supplication.

Carlota says God knows that what I did was in the name of love (En Nombre del Amor, in case you missed being clobbered over the head by that) that I have for all of you. Mac says all that that so-called love caused was pain and suffering.

Carlota says I did it to keep the family together. What would you and Paloma have done without me? Mac says probably we would have been happy. Your self-centeredness, your egotism, your arrogance were overpowering. You weren’t happy and you wouldn’t let anybody else be.

Carlota says I have to talk to him. He’ll have to say all that to my face if he dares. Mac says oh, he’ll dare all right, but I’m not going to tell you where he is. If you had the power to kill him, you’ll have to have the power to find him and bring him back to life. And believe me, you’re in for a big surprise when you see him.

Carlota stomps off. Only now does Mac break down and cry.

Chris is praying and Padre M stands in the background and silently prays Enlighten him, Lord. By which I think he means Enlighten him to make the decision I want him to make.

Carlota slams into her room and violently throws her purse in a corner. I think she says why did he love her and not me? I have to talk to him. She grabs the phone and jabs at the buttons. A tape comes on saying I’m out right now. She throws the phone, then leans into the bed and clutches at the bedspread. Where are you Cristobal? Why did you come back for her and not for me? Why not for me? she sobs. Sollozo, say the captions even though the hard of hearing can see she’s completely unhinged and bawling.

Camila is at home thinking hard. Rafa is in his apartment, pacing and thinking. Orlando is having a swig and thinking. For a bit we see the two men in split screen, the way they are appearing in Camila’s mind.

Rufi has brought Mac a cup of tea and hopes she’s okay since she’s a bit frail. Mac says I’m stronger than you think, and you wouldn’t believe how good it felt to say all those things to Carlota’s face. Rufi says I never thought I’d see this moment.

Mac wonders where Paloma is and Rufi explains about her being over at Inez’s, looking for Angelica. Mac is glad she didn’t come during her fight with Carlota, she wouldn’t know how to explain it. Rufi is tearful with relief and says the Lord was watching over us.

Mac says it isn’t over. It’s like knitting – you pull out the first thread, and then everything unravels. Rufi says God is living here with us to protect us.

Rafa has the divorce papers in hand and is at his old house talking to Diana. He says it’s too late for them. Maybe not, she says hopefully. We could move to Monterrey and Em’s padrino would give you a job. Rafa says my factory is here; my son is here. We didn’t want to do that when Emiliano was in school, so why would we now?

Diana says I couldn’t move away from you and Emiliano. Rafa says I’m sorry, but there’s nothing I can do. Let’s finish this up and each of us get on with our lives. He hands her a pen. She flips through the pages, trying not to cry. She throws him a reproachful look, sighs, and starts to sign. Suddenly she stands up, and rips up the papers. There will be no divorce! You can do with your life whatever you want, but I will always be the wife of Rafael Saenz! Always!

Angelica has finished up some paperwork with Orlando and goes to leave his office, and he looks after her, while we hear a little soft piano music. She notices his look and says Is there anything else? Orlando says I was just wondering what a woman like you is doing in Real del Monte. Angie says A woman like me? Orlando says beautiful, attractive, intelligent. A psychologist and a writer. You must have left some broken hearts in the DF. Angie says I might say the same about you.

I’m not a writer, says he. Not yet, says she. Oh, the banter!

Inez invites Paloma for dinner. Even though Paloma doesn’t look real willing, Inez hands her the phone to call to get permission. Paloma sighs a tiny sigh and dials.

Mac picks up. She reports that Romina and Liliana have both called. Excited, Paloma says did she leave her number? Nope. Paloma has a flashback of Romina kissing German in front of her house. She hangs up. Inez fusses with dinner, and Aaron asks Paloma if she’s okay – she looks like she got a shock. I’m fine, she lies.

Carlota paces furiously in her darkened room. Control freak that she is, she seems to have smoothed the bedspread back in place. She slams out of the room and heads down to the kitchen where she gives Rufi a fright by yelling You must know! Where is he?

Rufi says I can’t tell you, that’s for Mac to say. Carlota says How dare you? You are a servant in this house and you take orders. Either tell me or get out right now. Fine, says Rufi, I’m outta here, and I’m not going to tell you anything. Carlota says pack your things and get out. Mac comes in and says What’s going on?

Em has called German to ask him to go out for a drink. German fudges that it’s been a long day and he’s just that pooped. He sniffs some brightly-colored underlovely that Romina has left behind. He asks Em how he is. Em says fine. But how can I say fine – you know how it is when someone absorbs all your thoughts? German looks sad and has another sniff.

Just as Paloma is helping to set the table, Aaron gets a call on his cell. It’s Romina demanding that he meet her in the park. He says he can’t, Paloma’s there. She says Paloma is always getting in her way. She wants to know if he’s found out if there’s anything going on between Angelica and Emiliano. He doesn’t know yet, and she says well, find out!

Inez and Paloma are at the table, and Inez says they were waiting for Angelica, but she’s not come home.

Mac tells Rufi she’ll do something. Rufi says don’t get in a fight for me. Maybe the timing with Edmundo was a sign. I talked to him today and he doesn’t just want to get married, he wants to take me to the U.S. I wanted to think about it, but maybe I should go with him if I don’t have work here, whether I really want to or not. Mac says no, don’t do that.

Mac says if you want to go with him, you should. But you shouldn’t do it just because you have nowhere else to go. Rufi says don’t have a blowup over me. Mac says blowups happen no matter what. I’m going to sort this out. She heads off to confront Carlota.

Carlota is doing some frenetic praying in her room, nervously drumming her fingers. Mac storms in and says Rufi’s not leaving. Carlota says she refused to follows orders. Mac says you just can’t stand that you didn’t get what you wanted. I’m boss here just as much as you and she stays. We have a lot to talk about.

Carlota says well talk now! Mac says no, we’ll talk when I feel like it. There’s a lot that needs saying. Right now I don’t want to risk my health or my heart.

Rufi and Mac embrace in the hall. Rufi says thank you. Mac says thank you for all you’ve done for me and my daughter.

Angelica arrives home and Paloma rushes to greet her but uh oh, she spots Em right behind her. Aaron says well well, Angelica, we didn’t expect you to be so well-accompanied. I know what great friends you are. Angelica looks uncomfortable, and so does Paloma, who is crushed. Em says he was just on his way to have a drink with German. Inez gushes over what a fine fellow German is, so handsome! Does he have a girlfriend?

Em leaves. Now that the mood is totally squashed, they all sit down to tamales.

Romina comes home and Camila says I’ve been calling your cell all evening. Romina says I didn’t want to talk to you. Camila says we have to talk, but Romina says I don’t want to and flounces up the stairs.

Paloma finally escapes Inez’s house. She tells Angelica she’d like to talk to her tomorrow.

Camila is talking to Orlando. He says why didn’t you tell me? She says I didn’t want to bother you. He says you are my priority – I’m always looking forward to when I can see you, hear your voice. Please think of me as someone you can turn to.

Paloma comes home to find Mac and Rufi looking gloomy in the living room. They tell her that Carlota is home, and Paloma says, oh that’s why I feel tension in the house. I’ll go say hello to her. Mac says she’s in a bad mood, maybe from the trip. She’s probably gone to bed. Paloma says too bad the relaxed times are over.

Carlota is looking at the paper with Chris’s information and says the church? Why a church?

Avances: Carlota goes to the church and sees Chris in his priest’s outfit from a distance. She is impactada.

Labels: amor

Santiago has a hard time processing the fact that he’s going to be a father.

Padre Bosco tells Fr/Ed that Artemio Bravo came to see him and that he promised to produce Eduardo’s dead body Monday night.

Barbara tells Gonzalo that Aurora’s baby is Camilo’s. She convinces Gonzalo that they have to leave Camilo in jail or he’ll try and hurt Aurora, or try to make her abort the baby.

Camilo suffers in jail. Good.

Fr/Ed hurries Padre Bosco into a cab before Fernanda comes out and finds him there. He gives the Padre a manly one-armed hug, complete with hearty pats on the back.

Santiago wants to know who the other man is that Aurora was with – Fernanda tells him it was Camilo. Predictably and understandably, Santiago freaks out.

Erika argues with her parents about moving the wedding date. I thought her mom was on board, but I guess since her dad came home they are all fighting about it again. He doesn’t understand what the hurry is, is she pregnant? She says no! She is just desperate to get married immediately or she’s afraid she won’t get to marry Franco at all. Her dad says she’s acting like a spoiled brat teenager. He’s right. He says fine, if she moves the date, he won’t go. What does she say about that? She tells him that’s too bad for him, she’s getting married on Saturday anyway.

Santiago says he will kill Camilo. Fer says chill, he’s already in jail. Santiago says why? WHY? I couldn’t figure out if he was asking why is Camilo in jail? I guess he means why does Camilo always do this to him.

Fr/Ed plans his assault on Artemio Bravo’s house. Martina arrives, Silvestre’s eye surgery was a great success. Fr/Ed tells her what happened to Esteve.

Santiago wails about Camilo’s history of screwing him over constantly. Fernanda says there is one thing he can’t take away, Santiago’s baby! Uh oh, bad foreshadowing here.

Camilo tells Barbara to get him out of jail or he’ll tell his father everything about her. She says no he won’t, or she’ll get him cut out of his inheritance, what little of it there is left. She says he must follow her orders. She told Gonzalo that the baby is Camilo’s to protect him. If Gonzalo thought the baby was Santiago’s, Camilo wouldn’t have any support from him.

Fernanda and Santiago agree that Santiago will pretend to go back to Florence, but they’ll meet up later at a hotel where he’ll be hiding out. She and Franco are trying to take down La Hiena, they will continue working on it with Santiago’s help.

The mailman brings some mail to the Lactos front desk, where Gardenia is holding down the fort. Metiche Gardenia flips through the envelopes and finds a big card for Fernanda conveniently unsealed, she reads the note from Erika that the wedding has been moved up to this Saturday.

Fr/Ed tells Esteve, now in a wheelchair and looking like (pardon my French) complete shit, that the wedding has been moved up to THIS Saturday. Esteve does the “jeez wtf” sigh/eye roll thing.

Gardenia, now in boobie enhancing regular clothes, sneaks out of the office.

Esteve can’t make Fr/Ed see reason. Fr/Ed says he’ll do the only thing left to save Lily, show the real Eduardo Juarez to Artemio Bravo.

Fernanda and Santiago put on a very badly acted farewell performance, Santiago leaves to get in a cab. Barb sees this happen and is beyond happy that Franco Santoro is such a wonderful ally, getting her orders done so quickly.

Esteve says ok then what happens when Barbara learns the truth about his identity? And Fernanda? Fr/Ed says he’ll do what he promised, save Liliana. Esteve says then what, Fernanda will be so impressed she’ll forgive you? Fr/Ed says no, that will never happen. There isn’t any hope for him and Fernanda.

Flor looks for Gardenia, can’t find her anywhere.

Gardenia is at Erika’s house, Erika greets her while on the phone, going over extremely mundane and boring (to me) details of flowers with the florist.

Barbara visits Aurora. She says she is going to tell the whole truth now, but first, does Aurora have any relatives? No. Barb says she doesn’t either, that she knows of. She tells about her abusive parents, one night when she was only 11 she ran away from home and that same night the house burned down with her parents sleeping in it. Wow what a coincidence. She has a flashback of herself being treated roughly by her father, a greasy looking guy, while her mother is passed out drunk. She manages to knock him over and he hits his head. She douses the place in gasoline and sends it up in flames. Back in the present she tells Aurora that someone then came into her life and took care of her and gave her her new identity of Barbara Greco, his name was Artemio Bravo. Even though she was only 11, he made her his woman and everything was fine until she was pregnant. Bravo had other plans, so when the baby was born he told her it was a boy and that the baby died at birth. She never saw the baby at all. Now she discovered the truth – it wasn’t a boy, it was a beautiful girl, it was YOU Aurora. You are my daughter! They cry.

Santiago takes a cab to a hotel, already in high spirits somehow, even right after hearing about how Camilo screwed his girlfriend. He arrives at what is apparently the only hotel in all of Mexico City, the same Suites where Rico Suave stayed when hoping to woo Fernanda. He tells Fernanda he’s there (by cell phone) and she says she’s on her way. They hang up and Fer sees the card on her desk about the wedding, she thinks “so it’s a done deal.”

Gardenia tells Erika that Franco and Fernanda have something going on between them.

Barbara tells Aurora that she had a feeling about her the first day, when Santiago brought her to the house. She is telling her the whole truth now to try and make up for all the mean things she did and said to her (this doesn’t make any sense, but whatever). Aurora says “where is my father?” Barbara says she already said, he disappeared when Aurora was born. Aurora says WHERE? Do you know where?

Bravo yells at Liliana, he wants her to tell him the truth about Franco, etc. He threatens her and says she really is an Elizalde, she is just as bad as the rest of them.

Barbara says why do you want to know, he’s a horrible person, forget about him. Aurora asks if he looks like Gonzalo, Barb says yes. Aurora says WHY does he look just like Don Gonzalo?

Gardenia goes on about Franco and Fernanda. Erika says she already knew. Gardenia says she wanted to warn her so she could call off the wedding in time. Erika says no, she will marry Franco if it is the last thing she does.

At the hotel, Fernanda gives the diary to Santiago for him to read. She tells him who Artemio Bravo is and how he is related to them. Santiago says he must see Aurora right away.

Aurora says she saw Bravo at the house back in the pueblo but Santiago was the only one who talked to him. She asks Barbara if he knows that she found her after all this time, Barbara says no and he can’t find out. Forget about him. Let’s leave, we can go anywhere, I have lots of money. Aurora says no, she won’t go anywhere until she meets and talks to her father.

Dum dum DUMMMM

The date for the Gran Final has been announced – Monday October 5. That just so happens to be my turn to write again. However, especially if it is longer than a one hour show, we can take parts and make it a joint effort, whatever you other recappers want to do. Just two more weeks for all to be revealed and resolved!

Labels: manana

Labels: gancho

Hello-- Took my Mom to see my Grandma and now stuck in Iowa later than expected. Using my uncle's dial-up connection. I don't think I'll be back tonight to get a timely recap done. Could someone please hit the highlights in the comments. Sorry and thanks.

Labels: amor

Capítulo 153?

First the video rewind: In her office at the den of dairy duds affectionately known to us as Grupo Lactos, Barb tells Fr/Eduardo that there is only one person that Artemio Bravo fears in this world and his name is Eduardo Juarez. If Fr/Ed can find him then he will hold absolute power over Bravo. Across the hall, Anibal races into his daddy’s office to tell him the police have Camilo in custody and the person who pressed charges was none other than dear little sissy, Fernanda.

Venus/Loafly and Fer return to the hospital. Errika tells them that, happy-happy joy-joy, Estev has come out of his coma. Venus races off to see him. Err tells Fer that Estev is on the way to a full recovery. She adds that now that Estev’s out of danger, she’s moved her wedding date up to the coming Saturday and says she hopes Fer will keep the date free as she is still her matron of honor. Fernanda, inwardly cringing with the rest of us, graciously agrees to but wonders what about the guests? Err says she’s decided to have just a small, intimate ceremony instead.

Fer gets an angry call just then from Gonzo about her putting Cad in jail and he tells her to high-tail it back to Lactos ASAP for an explanation. On her way out of the hospital she runs into Fr/Ed and tells him her daddy is none too happy with her because of Cad. Fr/Ed tells her he could have signed the complaint instead of her but she says she was duty-bound to do it. She changes the subject to even less pleasant things like Barbara, and wonders what she wanted with him. He tells her the only thing she needs to know is that he thinks he now has a way to rescue Lili. Fer says they’ll have to discuss it later, but with Cad in jail the only consolation is that they might be able to rescue Lili. He takes her hand in his and promises he’ll come through for her. They share a meaningful embrace. (yawn)

Venus is now in talking to Estev. He tells Venus that what kept him alive was thinking he couldn’t die now that he’d finally won her heart. He asks her if anybody has found out the truth about them yet, but she says no. (Dunno if what she told Cad counts. My guess is you betcha!) He says nobody can know the truth until the situation stabilizes around there and they are back home in New York. Venus wonders if he knows who beat him up. He says it was Cad and his troublemaking posse of pissants. She tells him Cad is now in jail paying for what he did to him.

Viewerville now gets a glimpse of our pugilistic pissant in chief being escorted to his new 8’x 8’ guest quarters. Apparently the guards don’t give a rat’s patooty that he is Camilo Elizalde and neither does the stinking, snoring drunk on the floor who they’ve given him as a roommate. (Definitely a Kodak moment.)

Desperate to get Fernanda off the available competition list, Err doesn’t waste a minute getting back on the phone with “Migui.” (Talk about your cringe-worthy nicknames. Sounds like a tiny disgusting little insect. Yech!) She tells him about the change in her wedding plans and that it means no trip to the finca. She adds that Fernanda was supposedly beside herself with joy when he showed up for dinner. “Seriously, she told you that?” “--Yes. And, listen, let me give you a little friendly advice: go after her. You let her get away once, so you must not lose the opportunity life’s given you again.” Miguel, the only truly sane one in the curdled crew of this dairy dinghy, says he came back with that intent but he doesn’t like the idea of pressuring Fer so soon after a failed marriage. Err says that Fer was never in love [with Damian] and is extremely disappointed. Fr/Ed returns and she quickly hangs up.

Err says she thought he was going to pick up Loafly but Fer brought her back instead. He says he had business at Lactos to take care of. She tells him Estev is out of his coma. He races off to go see his friend. She giggles with glee (I swear that laugh of hers sound more and more like nails on a blackboard). It seems her plans are going without a hitch.

Meanwhile, Padre Bosco has returned to his church and is praying. He worries that the situation has gotten out of hand; many innocents are at the mercy of a confused man whose heart has been hardened [endurecido] by hate and the thirst for vengeance. The housekeeper brings him a letter from the Bishop which tells him that as the paperwork is all in order, he gives his permission for the marriage between Errika and Franco Santoro and asks him to officiate.

Fr/Ed goes into see Estev. He promises Venus and Estev that while they’re staying with him nothing like that will ever happen again. Estev tells Ed not to apologize or to blame himself because he was the one who was so anxious to teach Cad a lesson. Venus says no, she is the one to blame because she put the lecherous worm’s [gusano lujurioso] manhood into question. In the end, she says, he received a lesson made to order [a su medida = custom fit/ personalized].

On the phone, Dolly tells Err that she’s canceled everything, but worries that Augie is going to explode when he finds out the small fortune he’s lost on all the deposits. Err says no biggie since he had planned to spend much more. (Good thing Eddie’s got some deep pockets.) Dolly says she still plans on having the reception and that’s that. Err says she’s only interested in getting married, so Dolly can do what she wants about the rest of it.

Fr/Ed comes back from seeing Estev and Err tells him that he was a great friend and that she’s proud of him. He doesn’t understand why. She says not just anybody would have done what he did for him. Estev will probably be leaving soon now, she says, so she moved the date up to the coming Saturday for the wedding so that he could still be the best man. (On crutches or in a wheelchair? Those wedding photos are gonna be something else with that face of his.) Fr/Ed is a bit surprised, but goes along with it. He gets a bit nervous though when she says Padre Bosco will be the one marrying them.

Bosco is distressed [a mi pesar = to my regret] about having to marry Eduardo, but he feels he has to since the Bishop has asked him to perform the marriage. Before he can think about it further, though, Artemio Bravo pays him a surprise visit.

Back at Lactos, Fer, Anyballs and Barbie are in the office with Gonzo while he goes off on Fer for turning in her brother to the authorities. “Never did I think instead of children I was raising a pack of wolves!” He says he knew they always fought at the table, and were not exactly the most affectionate of siblings, but how shameful to see his daughter turn her brother into the police! He demands that Fernanda tell him what Cad did for her to expose the whole family to this pain and embarrassment by cold-bloodedly reporting him to the police. “Your son attacked Estev Norton and now he is in the hospital!”

Gonzo is blind-sided impactado and yells at Anyballs for not telling him. Squirmy, wormy AB says he’s only hearing about it now himself! Trying to earn points with his papi, Anyballs rushes over to Fer then, turns her swivel chair around to face him and yells at her for not being capable of doing it for her husband but somehow certainly seeming able to with her own brother. Fer gets up and sneers at AB. She could have expected as much from them, she says. It turns out that she’s going to be the Judas of the family, but she’s not having any of it.

She admits she did it to stop being complicit with Camilo. Gonzo, always mentally a day late and a dollar short, asks what she’s referring to. (Viewerville sits at attention and crosses all fingers and toes in hopes that this time the self-absorbed old steer gets it in spades.) “Since childhood I’ve seen how Camilo, backed up by the fact of being an Elizalde, has mistreated everything and everyone he could. He used to torture animals and what did you and Mother do about it? Absolutely nothing! You never said a single word to him about it.

“He would take pains to make Santiago’s life miserable. Whatever Santi used to care about, well then Camilo would snatch it away from him. What did you and Mother say? How bright! How intelligent Camilo is! You used to go around lauding his pranks, didn’t you? Do you remember when he became Errika’s boyfriend. Why? Because Santiago loved her. Cad would never have fallen in love with her, ever! And, of course, when he discovered my friend was hopelessly in love with him, what did he do? He ridiculed her feelings and entertained himself by beating her on my wedding day, didn’t he? You remember, right? But you didn’t consider it that important. Well, what happened? --And regarding that business with Jacinto, yes he whipped him and it is true! It’s true! So far, Camilo prides himself telling how he beat him, about how he left him with those scars that can never be gotten rid of! Any half of those acts our workers would now be in jail for, am I right or am I wrong? --But of course, as it’s praise-worthy Camilo, well he continues the abuse.”

Fer turns around and suddenly faces Babs. She frowns at Babs but she’s on a roll and just keeps on truckin’. (Don’t stop now! Let it all hang out!) “So, now Estev Norton is in the hospital, near death and in a coma, and only because it occurred to your son to show what a real man he was. Are you aware of this or not!!?? –If it were one of our employees what would have happened? Nothing! Absolutely nothing! Ah, but since it’s a millionaire who’s dying and a business partner, well then we have to be worried, now don’t we? I cannot handle being an accomplice to your lukewarm attitude with your children! Not anymore!” (Viewerville is on its feet cheering.) She turns back toward Barbara again. “—And you!!” She stops herself, looks over at her father then shakes her head and slams the door behind her. Bull-headed Gonzo is left to chew his cud and self-consternate.

Back at Padre Bosco’s parish church, Bravo has come to arrange for a time and date to have his forensic specialist inspect Eduardo Juarez’s remains. Only then will he return Lili to the family. (Talk about your double whammies.) Bosco stares speechlessly at Bravo, realizing that if anybody ever needed a miracle now, it’s him.

Meanwhile, Errika and Fr/Ed go into the hospital cafeteria for a bite of breakfast. Fr/Eddie wants to shake loose from her and suggests Err should probably go see her parents who’ve just gotten back from their trip. Errika (totally overdoing this boda thing) says no, they’ll just have to get used to the fact that their daughter’s first priority is her husband. “By the way, I spoke to Miguiiii and told him we’ll have to postpone our trip to my aunt and uncle’s finca. (Eddie’s really torn up over that one.) You know what? He’s going to be Fer’s escort at the wedding. And do you believe it? He told me he’s really in love with Fernanda!” Fr/Eddie chokes and then forces a smile when she adds that she thinks Miguel is going to propose to Fer that evening.

Fr/Eddie’s saved by a phone call from Fernanda asking if he knows what the new plan for rescuing Lili will be. In his best business voice he says he still hasn’t worked out all the details. “How about we agree to meet tomorrow morning at Las Animas?” “—Uh, are you with Errika?” “—Uh, yes. Exactly.” Fer says fine, see ya, and hangs up. Errika asks if that was a business call and he lies that it was. She tells him once they’re on their honeymoon (what a no-hitter that’ll be) he’ll have to leave the business--along with that cell phone-- behind. “I want you all to myself then.”

Back in her office at Lactos, Fernanda gripes at herself for calling Franco. “Now Errika will think I’m after him. Well, he’s her fiancé, --but he says he loves me. Of course, they’re going to get married”. She’s having a hard time accepting it and yells at herself that she’d better already, even though it hurts like hell and she’s dying of jealousy.

Out at Reception, meanwhile, Flor is floored by the sudden appearance of our smiling, Spanish Adonis, Miguel, virility oozing out from every pore and holding a giant bouquet of flowers. He asks to see Fernanda. Before Flor can dial he touches her hand and asks for a favor. (No way this guy’s still a virgin, saving himself for some pre-pubescent puppy-love. He knows too many of the right moves. Yowza! Eddie-Boy could take a few lessons.) Flor has to remember to breathe.

In Fernanda’s office there’s a knock at the door. She doesn’t look up, thinking it’s Flor, and asks a question. He walks to the desk and replies he doesn’t know, (but who’s listening anyway?) She looks up into his eyes and smiles. He smiles back. (Now all of female Viewerville has to remember to breathe.)

We are rudely shunted to the county jail where Gonzo is now griping at Camilo. “Never did I ever dream of having to come to the police station to see a child of mine!!” Cad whines that he’s glad his daddy finally came. In between sniffles he whines to the lawyer that he’s got to get him out of that garbage dump [muladar] right away. Gonzo wants to know if he ordered Estev Norton’s beating and Cad lies that of course he didn’t. “My sister’s brainwashed and so she reported me to the police!” “—So why would she do a thing like this?” “—Because she’d rather believe the lies of that bogus niece of his!” Gonzo needs an explanation and Cad obliges. He tells him that her name isn’t Loafly; it’s Venus and she’s a prostitute. When Gonzo refuses to believe him he says she told him herself. “--Did you know that this morning she came to my apartment and tried to murder me? If you don’t believe it just look at me!” He shows him the stitches under his chin. Gonzo, as always, needs time to process.

Back in Fer’s office, Miguel drinks in Fer’s perfume as she arranges the flowers and tells him she’s surprised because she thought she was going to see him that evening. He says he came precisely because he couldn’t see her for dinner. There was a cash-flow problem with his Ethiopian project and he’s got to take care of it. His flight leaves in three hours. (Bummer! I could look at this guy till the cows come home.) Fer says she understands and the job comes first. He says he’ll be gone two or three weeks. She says then he’ll miss Err’s wedding. He nods and says he doesn’t know whether it’s just his imagination, but Fer doesn’t seem too sure about this wedding of Err’s. “It may be I’m mistaken, but well, tell me: don’t you get along with this Franco Santoro?” She says of course she does. He’s a great guy and any woman would be happy marrying a man like him. “—Including you?”

Fer laughs nervously and explains it was just a manner of speaking. “What’s the matter with you, Miguel! Don’t be silly!” She reminds him of his flight and says she doesn’t want him to miss it on her account. (Excuse me. It’s three hours off and it’s not like he’s got more than a couple of undies and a shirt to pack, you know?) “I do appreciate your coming to say good-bye, though.” He stares into her eyes, turning up the charm a notch, and says no way he’d leave without seeing her first. She hesitates and puts up the barrier. She says well, she hopes he can resolve the problems at work. He nods and turns away, giving a small eye-roll. He gets up and wonders if he shouldn’t give it the old college try once more. “Fer, take care of yourself, will you?” He stares at her intently. He moves in for The Kiss. She avoids it and pecks him on the cheek, then gives him a sisterly hug. (Re-jected!) The heartache of realization crosses his face. “—I’ll call you when I get back.” (Something tells me “Miguiiiii” won’t be coming back.) He walks out the door, shouldering his heartbreak like a man…..

That night up in their bedroom, Gonzo tells La Barbie that Camilo swore that Loafly Norton told him she wasn’t who she said she was. Sure, he says, it could be something Cad just made up, but all the same…. Babs says if Fernanda signed the complaint there had to be a reason. He is certain that Fernanda’s charges are baseless because she wasn’t there. Babs asks him what he’s going to do about it. He says he hopes she’ll withdraw the charges because he can’t believe she’d actually present herself in court to air their dirty laundry. [carear= go public] Babs says she sympathizes, but she thinks it’s best if Camilo stays in jail. Gonzo is enraged. (Hubby and I take bets over whether Gonzo will survive through the end of this novela.)

Across the hall in his bedroom, Anyballs is on the phone brown-nosing Fr/Ed over Estev’s recuperation, saying that he appreciates the seriousness of the situation and hopes this incident hasn’t affected their working relationship. He hangs up with a smile on his face and says at least he can sleep soundly tonight. Pris is totally disgusted with him and his attitude. “It doesn’t bother you in the least that your brother, innocent or not, is going to spend a wretched night in a jail cell; or that your sister had a horrible argument with your father, that Lili hasn’t turned up, or even that Estev Norton might have died, does it? The only thing that matters to you is that nothing affects your business deals?” AB turns to go into the bathroom. “—And what’s so bad about that?” (Hubby says he’s got a point considering that’s what pays for all those jewels and servants.) She tells herself and the baby that this is not the kind of father she wants for him.

Back to Gonzo and Babs: “So my son should just rot in jail? No! That suggestion is totally unacceptable, Barbara!” She tries to explain. “You don’t understand—“ but he’s lost it. “—Of course I understand! Whatever the case, my children are my children! I’ve lost my daughter with no possibility of ever seeing her again. Now you expect me to simply abandon my son in jail for a crime he didn’t commit?” She tells him he’s right and apologizes for not being clearer. She sits him down and starts massaging his back. In that aggravatingly honeyed voice of hers she sweetly tells him she understands how painful the day has been for him and that the last thing she wants is to upset him with anything. She smiles evilly, secretly elated by all of it.

The next morning Fernanda calls Aurora to apologize for not coming by the day before. Rory tells her that La Sra. is coming by to see her today and once she tells her why she’s so interested in her she’ll force her to leave with her. Fer gets her to promise she won’t go.

Our little lamb, Santiago, shows up unannounced with a spring shear a couple minutes later in Reception at Lactos. Fer is all squeels of joy. Barbara walks in on them and throws cold water on the scene. She tells Santi she didn’t know he was coming back. Fer says she asked him to. La Barbie is not a happy camper because this is most definitely going to put a wrench in her plans with Aurora.

At the hospital the doctor tells Fr/Ed, Err, Loafly and Estev that he is doing so well he can go home the next day. Fr/Ed’s cell rings. Err grabs the phone asking who it is. “Barbara Greco.” Fr/Ed takes it out in the hall. Barbara tells him that Santiago just returned home and orders Fr/Ed to make sure Santiago turns right around and leaves the country immediately. “Are you listening to me, Franco? IMMEDIATELY!!” (Shades of old times with Damian.)

Santi goes into Gonzo’s office to greet him and AnyBalls, the embodiment of brotherly love and affection--not.

Fr/Eduardo needs an explanation. Barbara tells him it’s the favor she’s due for helping him with Bosco the other day. That’s not good enough. She tells him if he doesn’t solve this somehow and get him out of the country right away then they’ll both have very serious problems. “If you don’t obey my orders there will be no possibility of seeing Liliana Elizalde alive again!”

Back in Gonzo’s office, AB asks Santi how long he plans on staying. He explains that with Cad in jail they’ll need him to help there at Lactos. (What is he talking about? Cad never steps foot in that place unless he’s got a personal problem to get taken care of, or there’s a Board meeting.) Santi asks Gonzo why Cad’s in jail. AB tells him to ask Fer since she was the one who put him there.

Fer, meanwhile, is now on the phone with Fr/Ed who called to tell her about his phone call from Barbara. “It was a warning. She called to tell me that Lili’s life depends on Santi’s leaving the country immediately.” She wonders why and what he plans to do. He says he doesn’t have a solid answer for her and she agrees to meet him over at Las Animas ASAP to discuss it. Santi comes in right after she hangs up. She admits she pressed charges against Camilo. He wants to know why. She tells him that she asked him to come back home because several things have happened and in some way or other they have to do with him. She tells him once he finds out everything his life is going to change for sure.

As we come back from the break we are entertained with Damian taking mug shots. (Say “Cheese” for the camera, Dam.)

Barb comes out of her office looking for Santiago. Flor tells her he and Fer left together a little while ago. Gonzo comes out looking for Babs to ask her to come with him to the jail to see Cad. She says fine but first she wants to speak with him.

Fer and Santi arrive at Las Animas together. Santi tells Fr/Ed that all things considered [dentro de lo que cabe], Fer having told him on the way what happened, he’s very sorry about Estev. Fr/Ed tells them he’s doing fine and that he’s being discharged [dar de alta] the next day, and that Loafly is taking care of him there now. He explains that they’re all alone in the house because Margarita is home with Jacinto because he is recovering from his accident, too.

Back at Lactos, Babs tells Gonzo that sooner or later this was going to happen to Camilo. “I’ve had to hide the things he’s done from you to avoid the pain you always feel.” “—By gawd, tell me already!” “The business with your car was only the beginning.“ “—What are you saying???” “--The things he’s done are worse even than what they’re holding him for at the police station.” She pauses to take a well-timed, quavering breath. “I don’t know if I should tell you.” “—How could you not tell me, Barbara? What are you covering up about my son?” She feigns a pained expression and says that it’s not easy telling him this, but Aurora, Santiago’s fiancée, didn’t leave the house for the reasons he thinks. No, she didn’t leave there because Cad drugged her, no. “I found him when he was…raping her!” Gonzo is in shock. (Hubby just doubled his bet.)

Back at Las Animas in the study, Fer tells Fr/Ed that he can talk freely in front of Santi and that Santi also knows that Barbara had something to do with Lili’s disappearance. Fr/Ed asks if this could be the reason that Barbara is so eager to have Santi leave the country. Fer says she hasn’t the slightest idea. Santi says he can’t imagine why he’s become such a nuisance for her. Fr/Ed says well, it has to be something major because she blackmailed him saying that they’d never see Lili alive again if he didn’t convince Santi to leave. Fer asks to speak to Santi alone for a minute and Fr/Ed says fine. Just then the doorbell rings and he goes out to see who it is. Fer reminds Santi that she told him what’s going on has to do with Aurora. She has news from her for him. Santi waits to hear what she has to tell him.

Back at Lactos, Babs fakes near tears and says she tried to convince Aurora not to cause a scandal. Gonzo says, well then, you know where she is? Babs lies and says she doesn’t, that the girl has been calling her and meeting with her in various places. So he asks if what she wants is money. Babs says she doesn’t think so. He says well, what else could it be? “-- Aurora is expecting a child.”

Back at Las Animas, Fer finally tells Santi that Rory is expecting. Santi says nothing, but it looks like he’s got to be asking himself, “Whose?”

Labels: manana

Permalink posted by Jardinera654 @ 5:05 PM 64 comments

After yesterday’s “serious” episode, it’s time to rally the troops. Let’s bring in reinforcements. Let’s turn the tide. Let’s show ‘em what you got. Show ‘em who’s boss. The mummy’s a dummy and the monkey is spunky, so let’s open up our bag of tricks and let ‘em have it with both barrels!

Oh, sorry, got a little carried away with my pep talk. Fortunately, there was a lot of fighting back today with our good characters. Let’s review.

We see Mau and Constanza discussing the school situation. Connie says if they’re getting married, he should take her opinion into account. You’re getting married? asks Aldo, who just happened to overhear.

In another part of town, Moni is finally coming clean with Beto. Remember when they broke up, and Moni said there was another man? She admits she fell in love with Mauricio. Beto is stunned, then sad, then angry. He can’t believe it after all they’ve been though. He wants to kill Mau. At first, Moni blocks the door, fists cocked to prevent Beto from doing damage. She tells Beto that nothing really happened between her and Mau, but that doesn’t stem Beto’s rage. However, when Moni blames herself for being a fool, and falling for an impossible dream, Beto softens. Moni starts to cry, and Beto comforts her. Moni bemoans that through her foolishness, she lost her job, she lost Beto and she lost herself. Nah, says Beto, you just had an attack of acute “Sermeñosis”. But now you’re cured, right? Moni says she is.

Beto wonders if he still has a chance, but remembers Moni said she loved him like a brother. He muses that he’s not tall like Mau, doesn’t have that shampoo commercial hair, those big muscles, a smile that kills, green eyes, that hard butt…..Wait, Beto, you dig Mauricio?! Well, Sermeñosis is contagious, he says with a smile. He’s no prince, more like a frog, but if Moni would give him a chance, he’d give her lots of kisses, and mucho, mucho amor. Maybe one day, he could become a prince, or a king, her king.

Connie deigns to explain to Aldo that when people go out for 3 years, they get married. So just deal with it. But Mauricio doesn’t love you. He loves La Monita. Don’t you realize? Connie and Mauricio can’t dispel the truth of the words emanating from Aldo’s mouth. Mauricio drags him away for a talk, as Connie kicks the furniture in frustration.

Moni makes Beto promise he won’t go beat up Mauricio, and although it’s quite a struggle for Beto, he agrees. He won’t betray Moni’s confidence in him, and won’t bother Mauricio. Moni wants no more secrets between them. Now that she’s told all hers, does he have any? Is there possibly another woman who may have floated his boat? (mueve el tapete, literally moved his rug). She’ll forgive him, of course. Well……nope. No one. But we haven’t done “you know what” in months, she adds. Nope, you’re my one and only, assures Beto. Now let’s get some food! Hmmmm.

Mauricio explains that Aldo and the kids will just have to accept reality, and also, they should treat Connie with respect. Aldo’s not giving an inch. What happened to the Mauricio he was proud to have as a father? Why ruin your life, just to adopt us? You love Moni and she loves you. Mauricio is firm, Aldo will just have to realize that he’s doing what’s best for them. And by the way, don’t tell your sisters yet, I’ll break it to them.

Gabi’s date with Fernando has been a success, and he gives her a quick, gentle goodnight kiss, with the promise of more to come. She’s beaming, floating, turning slowly, only to find Salvador, standing right there, telling her this wasn’t an “appropriate hour” for her to be dropped off at home. Oh really, who are you, my mother, my father, my GRANDfather? She realizes he’s teaming up with Oscar now, and can’t believe how far he’s fallen.

Nieves has prepared a family meal for Moni and Beto. But Moni has to go to bed early, she has boxing training early tomorrow. After she leaves, Beto spills the beans that Moni was in love with Mauricio. Nieves doesn’t tell Beto she knew this, but is shocked that Beto isn’t going hog wild this time. He says he wanted to, but he promised Moni he wouldn’t. However, he does have a plan to get Moni back.

Speaking of plans, our episode really starts to get rolling now, with Plan No. 1. It’s the next day. The kids have a plan. Ivan dashes in to meet Luisa in the schoolyard. He’s brought a camera. Luisa says Mauricio is going to have to know the truth. She sneakily turns her head. See that güerita oxidenida (bleached blonde) over there? That’s Maira. Ivan thinks she’s cute, but Luisa quickly stops that sentiment, telling him to shut up.

In Jerry’s office, Connie spins in her chair, gleefully recounting to Jerry and Oscar how very soon, she’ll be Mrs. Sermeño. She adds that for now, she has to pretend to like the kids, but later, they’ll be gone.

Maira has to go to the little girls’ room, and Luisa and Ivan see their chance. Luisa takes the camera, casually enters the bathroom. A few seconds later, we hear Maira frantically screaming, what are you doing, I’m making pipi! Luisa rushes out, and she and Ivan check out the digital pictures on the camera. Ah, sweet revenge. Maira runs out yelling, give me that camera, but Ivan has it, and Luisa says if you don’t tell my Dad the truth, tomorrow I’ll show these pictures to the whole school!

Meanwhile, Ximena (looking very nice in a white flowing top over tight black pants with a beautiful necklace of large concentric gold circles, little silver boots and a huge gold handbag), informs Estrella that she wants to be an extra on TV. Her secretarial career was a bust, so she figured she’d get some career tips from Estre. Just then Aldo rushes in, having ditched school, He breathlessly tells them the dire news – Mau’s getting married to Connie. Don’t worry, says Ximmy, I know just what to do. They send Aldo back to school. Ximmy tells Estre that Mau should know that Connie’s no saint (santa paloma, or holy dove). She has a three step plan (our Plan No. 2) that can’t fail. Estrella remarks that Ximmy’s a real sneak or troublemaker (fregada), and Ximmy thinks THAT can be her new profession.

At the office, Gabi gives Beto a cell phone, to be used only for work. Beto’s grateful, immediately calls Costeño, probably to lay a bet on something. In walks Ximmy with a little shopping bag, informs Gabi this has to be delivered to Constanza inmediatamente. Beto’s ears perk up, he’ll do it. Ximena walks a few steps away, calls Estrella with the news “Phase One, Complete.” She goes off to Jerry’s office. Gabi and Paula gossip a little, Gabi letting Pau in on Fernando’s secret – his last name is “Retrete” (bathroom). Pau thinks she’d change her name, too.

Ximena tells Jerry she came to see him because he likes to do damage to people. Ah, you know me so well, confirms Jerry to his sister. Ximmy lets it drop – Connie has a lover! And by the way, they’re meeting at a hotel at four this afternoon, Room 209. Here’s the room key, she adds, waving a keycard in the air. Jerry’s nose perks up, he grabs the key, taking the bait. Ximmy exits the office, dials Estre, “Phase Two, Complete.”

Enter Fernando, tells Gabi he showed the plans to Mau, and Mau said they were terrific! Gabi’s ecstatic, and they kiss. Fer says it’s all due to Gabi, and she’s so happy, she’s almost crying. Fer’s not done. He takes a deep breath, tells Gabi he knows this is moving quickly, but would she like to go with him to Wisconsin? She smiles from ear to ear, puts her hands to her mouth in happy surprise, and I think we know the answer.

Beto’s caught up to Connie at the boutique. He pretends to eat some of the lingerie, jumps up to give Connie the little shopping bag. He also tells her he found out about Mau and Moni, but that’s over. Connie grabs Beto’s shirt, pulls him toward her, says of course it’s over, and very soon, I’m gonna be Mrs. Sermeño. Beto moves even closer, you can’t marry him, starts stroking her, kissing her neck. As they lock lips, Ximena casually walks over to them, am I interrupting anything? Connie says it’s not what you think, and Ximmy agrees, I really barely think, but guess what? She got a room in a 5 star hotel for an afternoon with Rolu, but he rejected her, and now what can she do with this key? Beto looks at Connie. Connie looks at Beto. Ximmy sees this, waves the key in the air invitingly, you guys want this? Our two hot to trotties pretend for a few seconds they don’t, then grab it, and they’re off, leaving Ximmy holding her nose from Beto’s fragrance. Cell phone comes out of bag, call to Estrella “Phase Three Complete!”

Room 209. Jerry gets there first, enters, checks out the king-sized bed, hides in the closet, camcorder ready to go.

Back in Mauricio’s office, it’s time to finish up Plan No. 1. Mau is sitting, Luisa, Ivan and Maira are standing. Maira reluctantly tells Mau that the day she came to visit with her mother, her mother told her to lie. Still acting like the spoiled brat she is, she manages to get out that La Monita never hit her, just told her not to bother Luisa, that’s all. Luisa tells Mau he never believes in her, Maira adds, it was all just a silly thing to bother Luisa, and gives a half-hearted “Sorry”, followed by a “are you happy now?” to Luisa, and she splits. Luisa turns to the shocked Mauricio, saying, ever since she was little, she was hoping to have someone to look out for her, to protect her. That day when Monita came to protect her, she felt as if Moni were her Mom, and she finally felt loved. Mauricio, now contrite, apologizes for not believing Luisa. Luisa feels he should really apologize to Monita, since his firing of her was unfair. He knows it’s true.

And now it’s time for Rocky, DF version! Moni’s in the city, running up and down steps in her sweats, air punching in front of the Museo National de Arte, jogging through the main square (Zócalo), giving us a travelogue with the winged victory statute (El Ángel de la Independencia) in the background, getting in shape, raising her arms in triumph. She’s ready!

Cut to some manicured fingers gently pulling petals from a daisy. I’m going, I’m staying, I’m going! (me voy, me quedo, me voy). Gabi’s ecstatic, she’s going with Fer to Wisconsin. In walks sadsack Sal, along with his pal Oscar the Grouch, to rain on her parade. They’ve got their arms around each other, compadres now, but she knocks ‘em for a loop with her announcement of the trip with Fernando. “Qué??!!” is the unison response.

Back to Room 209. Beto and Connie barely get the door shut, they’re groping each other, knocking things over, she calls out Roberto, he picks her up facing her, she wraps her legs around him, he carries her over to the bed, they fall onto it, and it’s all being captured by Jerónimo on tape! Beto loves being called Roberto, she loves being called Constancia, do what you will with me, she purrs seductively, kicking off her shoes, lying back on the bed, putting her feet on his chest, asking if he’s sure he can perform this time. He’s sure, he’s ready, he fondles her calves, spreads her legs, dives down on top of her, smothering her with kisses. Bite me (muérdame), she begs, and we see Jerry is so entranced, he’s momentarily forgotten to record, but he recovers, and focuses in again. Now she says hit me (pégame), and Beto turns her over, gives her a little spank. Now he’s on the bottom, hit me too, they’re both saying te amo, saying yes, yes, yes!

Moni’s workout is complete, she’s home, stretches, opens the fridge, gets out some orange juice, pours a cup, starts to drink, turns around, and spills it all over herself. Mauricio was sitting there! He stands up, the music starts, and he says I was stupid, please forgive me. He says he committed the worst atrocity of his life. Then go to church for forgiveness, leave me out of it, she shoots back. He’s not leaving until she listens to him. Oh, so I have to listen to you, but did you listen to me? (Good point. Mauricio always seems to give Connie all the time she wants to convince him of whatever excuse she has for her behavior, but rarely lets Moni get a word in). Mau doesn’t back down though, says she has every right to be furious, and he deserves it, in fact, he should have been grateful when she defended Luisa – it was as if Moni were a mother to Luisa. Mau relates how he now knows Moni didn’t hit Maira. Moni is upset that Mau will never trust her. But Mau says they’ve both made mistakes, couldn’t they start over? The tender music continues. Mau wants her to come back to work as his personal assistant. But Moni’s commited to the boxing now. And she could never keep to Mau’s strict work schedule, she has to train. Meanwhile, Nieves is outside the door listening. Mau offers Moni “flex time”. She could make her own hours. Ooooh, Moni likes this, turning away for a second, secretly smiling. I don’t know, Mauricio, I don’t know. Mau knows how to convince her, and they seal it with a kiss, Nieves secretly observing.

Costeño and Cristian walk into the vecindad, Cris is carrying a package that apparently contains pajamas for Paula’s Dad, Cris will deliver it to improve his standing with Pau. Nieves is getting woozy from what she’s just seen. She staggers toward the two guys, and faints in Costeño’s arms. Immediately a crowd gathers to help, Cris barks instructions, move aside (oríllense, related to orilla, which is the bank or shore of a river, orillar is also the verb to pull over, as with cops and cars), call an ambulance, call the paramedics, Mau and Moni come out, Moni goes for a doctor, Mau tries to help.

In Room 209, they’re under the covers now, down to underwear, as Connie says “don’t stop, don’t stop!” She’s never been this turned on (prendido). Beto’s new cell rings, though, and Consteño tells him his Mom fainted. He grabs his clothes and skeedaddles out, leaving her frustrated. This is, of course, Jerry’s cue. To Connie’s horror, he comes out of the closet, and offers to finish what someone else started. He forcefully removes his jacket, calls her Constancia!

Estrella and Ximena are in the boutique, checking out thongs, Estre’s entranced, she loves them, you don’t see these in the tianguis on Thursdays. What are tianguis, asks Ximmy (Here’s the answer.) She says Estre can have them, since Connie’s not here. Ximena thinks Connie’s getting caught right about now, but she won’t tell Estre who the guy is. She calls Mau to see if Jerry’s told him, thinking Mau will be be furious, and will surely cancel the wedding. She asks Mau if he knows where Connie is, and has Jerry called him, but both answers are no, and Mau tells her Beto’s Mom fainted. Ximmy tells Estre, who rushes off to help, grabbing the thongs on the way out, as Ximmy wonders why Jerry hasn’t called Mau.

Yeah, I wonder why. Jerry’s just about drooling at the thought of Connie’s favors. You pig! yells Connie. Fine, insult me, he answers. He shows her the camcorder. She grabs for it, to no avail. The doorbell rings, and Jerry gives the recorder to a hotel employee, who knows what to do with it. Connie’s face falls. What do you want? she gasps. Don’t you realize? he responds, removing his tie, unbuttoning his shirt, moving in for the kill as she pulls the covers up to her chin, knees to her chest, she realizes, all right. He calls her Constancia, wants her to spank him, too, starts kissing her as she recoils. He remarks that he’s surprised she likes strong odors, too, adds that she’s in his hands now, Connie whimpers, there’s not much she can do.

Aldo gets the good news that Plan No. 1 worked, Mauricio apologized to Luisa, and has gone to apologize to La Monita, too. That’s good, observes Aldo, now he won’t marry Constanza. Dani, Luisa and Ivan are impactados. Aldo realizes he wasn’t supposed to tell, but it’s too late now. He tells the other kids that Mauricio proposed marriage to Constanza.

Nieves is resting on her bed, Mauricio is sitting in a chair keeping her company. She opens her eyes and is surprised to see him, tells him her pressure goes up and down. He says Moni went for a doctor. Nieves observes that Mau and Monita are getting along pretty well. She then looks him in the eye, you’re good people, I don’t want you to suffer. Pardon? I’m going to tell you something for your own good, she continues. Monita will never leave Beto, they were made for each other. But I thought they broke up, he counters. Is that what she told you? She lied. Those two never stopped being novios! (Bad Nieves, can’t you let one of our episodes end happy? Guess not.)

And great previews again. The kids leave home, Fernando needs $50,000.00, and Salvador tells Mauricio, don’t lock the door on love, because the key doesn’t work twice. Wise words.

Vocabulario was embedded.

Labels: gancho