Caray, Caray!

Juan is astounded that Santa Regina would have such admiration for Maria del Rosario…his mother…as we are reminded…daily.

At the port, Griselda, aka Tarot Tia, is trying to rustle up some customers. She offers to do it free for a woman pushing a baby carriage and walking with a little girl. As Grizzy does some divination, Servando lures the little girl away from her nanny. Stranger danger! You'd think the dude would look way too scary for that kid to just walk off with him.

Noel visits the good Doctor. He reports lots of the peasants are getting better, and thanks to Reggie, that angel. Yeah, Noel's totally on Team Reggie.

Regina is glad to run into Remigio in the hallway of the mausoleum. She's glad to hear the sick peasants are feeling better. She leaves. Juan and Remigio greet each other in the hallway. Remi is really glad to see him, but wonders if he's still got Aimee on the brain. Juan reminds him that Aimee is now married to Renato.

The happy couple prance about. A maid brings Ren a message. Fully and Eloisa have sent a dinner invitation. Aimee is thrilled, since she can wear one of her pretty new dresses and make Eloisa jealous. Brat. Renato picks her up and spins her around. He loves her snottiness and finds it charming, unfortunately. One day he'll catch on. Call me, Renato, I'm here for you baby!

Remigio comments to Juan that those two twins are quite different. Remi tells Juan about the sick peasants and Reggie coming to help. He calls her a great woman. Juan crinkles his eyes in admiration. Hey, that's a new one, right? He's done nose and forehead before, but this time he added eyes!

Griselda ends the tarot reading and says she's lost her mojo. Maybe they can try again later. She leaves just a touch too quickly and the nanny notices that Lavinia, the blonde girl, isn't around. She wigs.

Servando and Grizelda meet in a alley with curtains. He didn't realize it would be so easy. Now they need to knock her out and then they can take her to another town and sell her. They leave the hapless Lavina tied up in her burlap sack.

Gabe is still pining for Estrella. Jimena tells him to chill. Tomorrow he might hear from her. Gabe says she's the bestest friend ever. And she's pretty too. Gabe = stupid.

Night falls. Aimee and Eloisa giggle over the great dinner. Fully and Renato start to talk about Juan, setting Aimee to choking on her sherry. Fully is very interested to hear that Renato has already met Juan. Renato and Aimee tease Eloisa and Fully with maybe, sorta, possibly knowing what lady Juan was looking for at their wedding, but they won't tell. Fully really digs Juan. He'd hire him if he could. Eloisa thinks that's crazy talk. Fully and Renato agree that Juan is the kind of guy you'd rather have on your side than acting against you. The ladies change the topic to Eloisa's birthday party. Fully reminds her there's a recession on, so cool it with the expenses. Eloisa reminds him he wanted a high-priced whore for a wife, so he'd better pay up. Fully caves. The ladies go upstairs to giggle over Eloisa's party dress. Fully and Renato toast to women.

Eloisa really wanted to get Aimee alone to ask her how the sex is. Aimee pretends she's too good a girl to talk about that. Eloisa reminds her she ran out on her own engagement party, and she's sure it was to meet a guy, so she'd better quit playing coy. Aimee blows her off and tells her to show off her dress, already.

Tonight's show at the Casino Madame Marlene consists of stripping, Riverdancing, geisha. Please, people, is nothing sacred? The gentlemen are appreciative of the show, probably because it consists of chicks stripping down to their underwear--cultural authenticity be damned. Frenchie notices that Raul seems a little down, but Raul doesn't want to talk about it. Raul is thought bubbling that since Juan hasn't gone away, it means he's going to keep getting blackmailed to keep tabs on Rodrigo. Fifi flirts with Federico and he gives her a coin to keep his lucky streak at the table going. Juan walks in and Madame Marlene goes to greet him, saying she heard all about the recent scandal. She even heard about the botched murder attempt at the prison. Juan asks for a favor--a private place to meet with Raul. Juan goes to wait while Madame fetches Raul. When she whispers in his ear, his eyes get big.

Rodrigo is wondering if MdR's ghost is roaming the halls of the house. Rosenda's boobs come to bring Rod some sherry. He thanks her and gets an eyeful. She lets her hand linger when she hands him the glass. Rod tells her she's very attractive. Rosenda's glad to hear that he thinks so. He digs her soft skin and her expressive eyes. Hot Rod moves in for the kill. Or, rather, Leo will be moving in for the kill when she finds out that Rosenda's had intimate knowledge of Rod's rod. Awww, she interrupts the moment before it gets past a kiss. She's somewhat surprised that Rosenda is in the room. Rod covers by saying he asked for a glass of sherry, and then dismisses Rosenda. Rod lets Leo know he's not planning to go to the casino or anywhere else tonight. Leo says she's going to have a Mass said for the repose of MdR's soul…and a cleansing for the house…and even the finca! Rod says he doesn't believe in any of that stuff, but thanks. Leo leaves to let him rest. He holds her hand a little to long, while telling her she's exceptional and he doesn't know what he'd do without her. Leo gives him a half-and-half mouth/cheek kiss before leaving. Out in the hallway, she has a heart attack from her brazenness. She's hopeful that Grizelda will be able to help her gain sole ownership of Rod's hot rod.

Grizzy has given the kid something to keep her drugged until tomorrow. She and Servando plan to go sell her off tomorrow.

Jimena frets over needing a letter to give to Gabe tomorrow. She decides the casino gals can help. Grisenda runs into her as she goes to leave and Jime says she's on her way to find Gabe. Grizzy reminds her they need some extra cash. If Leo doesn't come looking for her soon, she'll go looking for Leo.

Leo is in bed having a really naughty dream about Rod finally coming to his senses and realizing he loves her and he's been an idiot not to realize it before. "I never should have been in love with Maria del Rosario or married Constanza!" He wants them to be happy together forever. Leo is shocked out of her fantasy right before Dream Rod kisses her. She's sure the dream was a premonition. She moans Rodrigo's name a couple of times.

Juan makes further demands on Raul. Raul is insisting it's impossible, he can't betray a friend. Juan calls BS on him calling Rod a friend. Juan threatens him some more. Jail, scandal, the wrath of Juan Aldama de la Cruz, etc.

The whole port is up in arms over the kidnapping of the kid. Jimena comes walking through and overhears a couple of townspeople saying it was probably Gypsies…everybody knows those people steal kids and sell them! Jimena is determined to make sure Grizelda and Servando didn't have anything to do with it.

Raul wishes he were dealing with a gentleman, but Juan reminds him that the accounting is proof of what "gentlemen" like him do. Raul agrees to do what Juan wants. Juan reminds him that Rodrigo can't know about this meeting, but he needs a full report on what Rod is up to. Raul whines about it some more. Juan threatens him with jail again and then sends him back out to the casino. "Oh, and if you have any shares in wood, sell them!"

Jimena sneaks into Grizelda's tent and looks under her bed for the girl. Then she sneaks into Servando's and finds the kid sleeping on a cot. She picks up the kid and sneaks her past the sleeping Servando.

Aimee and Renato go back home. Renato wants to know what the ladies were talking about upstairs. Aimee claims they talked about the party. Renato thinks Eloisa's going to drive Fully to the poor house.

Federico comes to Fully's house to pay him back for the loan. He had a good night at the casino and wanted to pay him back. Fully congratulates him and tells him not to waste the leftover money. Times are still hard and guns aren't selling. Fed has found out that the market in the North is good and he suggests to Fully they sell to insurgents there.

Juan goes back to the Love Cave. He gets a fire going and thinks about his nights with Aimee. He can't manage to rip her out of his heart, his skin.

Jimena carries the sleeping kid into the town and leaves her on a bench by someone's front door. She knocks on the door and hides out of sight. A man and a woman, maybe the parents, come out of the house and fuss over the kid.

Juan notices some rocks in the cave that weren't there before. Curly comes looking for him. Juan tells him to get out. Curly wants Juan to give him something to do. Juan tells Curly to keep surveillance on the cave. Curly swears Juan can trust him.

Gabe is giddy that he'll get a letter from Estrella tomorrow, as promised by Jimena…who always keeps her promises.

Jimena gets Frenchie to help her write the letter to Gabe from Estrella. "Gabriel…no, no, no, no, no…Dear Gabriel! I've received your letters and it makes me really happy that you still remember me. I remember you with the same affection. I hope to be better soon to be by your side." Gabe is thrilled when he reads it and kisses Jimena's hands in thanks.

Servando wakes up, excited at the prospect of a sale, and finds the kid missing. He overturns a table in disgust. He goes to wake up Grizelda and tells her the bad news. They're assuming the kid woke up and left, unless…Servando suspects Jimena of having taken her home. Grizzy scoffs that Jimena didn't even know what they were doing, plus she's been busy with Gabe. Grizzy doesn't know what could have happened.

Gabriel tells Jimena she reminds him a lot of Estrella. She ignores him and gets on a bench to grab a tangerine out of a tree. She kinda-sorta falls off and her lips fall on his. Well, at first anyway, but it goes on way too long to be accidental.

Clemencia and Rosenda are in the square, shopping. Clemencia complains about how slow Rosenda is. She goes on ahead and literally bumps into Marlene, who remembers her name. Clem is sure they've met before, but she can't remember where…then she remembers, "You're Magda, the wife of Celestino, the coachman, you're Rosenda's mother!" Magda/Marlene looks over at Rosenda who is busy sniffing flowers.

Juan rides into town looking for Renato and finds him walking along the shore with his wife.

Come on, we were promised revenge…where's the revenge? Tomorrow: Jimena and Gabriel keep being stupid; Juan gets off his horse and approaches Renato and Aimee.

Labels: salvaje

If you are a lurker, you might consider leaving a comment to encourage the troops. At the moment it seems there are more recappers than readers of this novela!

• Yammering every since yesterday, VVV is still hiccuping and sobbing, stupefying all in the vicinity.
  
  
• In the face of the irritated Refri couples - wondering where their lobsters had gotten to - I would have been annoyed if I were Rafa, because Ale gave him up immediately, using the catch-phrase from one of the actor's real-life hit songs - "yo no fui." (It wasn't me.)
  
  Soon all are laughing about it, though, over some other (chicken) dinner. "We couldn't possibly eat Lupita and Masiosarita..."
  
  It's a lovely dinner but it's time to go. Wait, a problem, the yacht isn't there.
  
  
• Marco is steaming and with Chavez looking on, he tries to call Ale, but the reception is poor and she doesn't hear. Chavez says, "You must be worried, the two of them down there where it's warm, romantic, the beach... those lovely little legs..." "Shut up! She is faithful, she loves me 24 hours a day."
  
  
• Up in their beach bedroom, Ale won't let Rafa choose his own clothes (his silly yellow shirt for instance) - "Wear some of the clothes I bought you." He does look very nice in them.
  
  He heads towards the bathroom, but comes back stammering - "It's all ending, my relationship with Auto Siglo and with you - I want to say thank you, at least, and sorry for all the trouble. I learned a lot... I went on a plane, a yacht... I saw the ocean..." Ale sighs as he continues, "The saddest thing is, I don't even have a picture to remember you by..."
  
  He leaves the room. She sniffs his silly yellow shirt and cries a little.
  
  They go to their hosts and make their goodbyes. However, turns out niece Monica and her chums have the yacht out late bringing back a great band for a beach party later and by the time they get back, Rafa and Ale have missed their flight. Uh-oh!
  
  Rafa and Ale go back to their room and worry about the phone calls ahead of them. Ale changes into an amazing apricot-colored dress.
  
  Turns out there is only one spot in the house that gets good cellphone reception and it's within hailing distance of the crowd in the living room, so Rafa makes noisy diversion while Ale call Marco and gets shouted at.
  
  
• Chavez scolds Marco for yelling at Ale. "Until you're married, you are her chauffeur, her peon... wait and fight later! you can get your vengeance then. Until then, don't let her out of your hands. you're about to be crowned!"
  
  
• Since Marco refused to call Susana for her, Ale calls and tells Susana the pre-agreement is signed, but that they need another later flight.
  
  The team listens in and is shocked to hear (1) Rafa nailed the Auto Siglo deal and <2) he and the jefa are spending another night at the beach.
  
  Gossip flies. Marino intends to get them fired for disobeying company rules against personal relationships among employees - he says they have been intentionally misleading, but "Who got Rafa his job? Who called him before dawn? Who worked with him late and on weekends? And who among us has ever gotten to go to the beach with her?"
  
  
• Now Ale makes noisy diversions while Rafa calls Vicki Vicki Vicki. He had wondered whether he should call at all, since last time VVV said he should just stay at the beach and that could be taken to mean they had split up. But he makes the call.
  
  VVV yells, "Get home tonight or the wedding is off." Rafa says, "OK, I respect your decision." VVV is horrified. She expects him, though, to come back and beg on his knees for forgivenness.
  
  
• Marco shows up at Siglo to get a photo of Ale, which Susana doesn't have. On the way out Claudia snags him and they make plans to get together later and "join their solitudes." They make a pact - not to scold each other for mutually betraying Ale.
  
  
• Rafa tells Ale VVV just broke up with him and perhaps it's for the best, because they are so different and have had problems for so long and fight all the time. Ale listens intently and chimes in with a hearty, "Boy do I know exactly what you're talking about." Rafa probes gently to see if this means she can be pried loose from Marco and says, "If I were your boyfriend, I would forgive you for anything." She likes the sound of that.
  
  
• All that stress and bossing people around and shouting and being contradictory has worn Ale out, she goes to nap in the hammock. Rafa watches her tenderly for a while and then is drawn into the beach party and ends up spinning sweet tales about his marriage to his boss. Well, it's not ALL sweet - he likens her to Hitler - and her nap is over, so she is eavesdropping - but she smiles at his stories of getting home and folding her in his arms and kissing tenderly - "she gets exhausted from managing us, managing ME, she doesn't realize I love her every second..."
  
  The other ladies are jealous and wish their husbands would be so romantic. One of the husbands comments - "They look so in love, they don't even seem married."
  
  
• Ale hauls Rafa away from the interrogation, saying all these questions are dangerous, and scolds him, "We are not really spouses, and you are showing a lack of respect towards me."
  
  The scolding continues until that young bonbon Monica shows up to lure Rafa back to the party. He is very happy to be lured. Ale tries ordering him not to go, but when that doesn't work she decides to head down with him to protect her interests.
  
  Hilariously the assembled multitude, as before, marvels at what a good dancer Rafa is. Ale orders him to stay with her - "while we are spouses, you dance only with me" - and when that doesn't work she ends up BEGGING him not to dance with her sworn enemy, Monica.
  
  Ale starts chugging tequilas which loosens up her dancing style, as it did last time.
  
  In honor of this affectionate couple, the band is asked to play a slow dance, which makes our protagonists nervous. Ale says, "Closer! Embrace me! That's an order!" but Rafa points out she's just been yelling at him for touching her!
  
  The cry rings out - BESO BESO BESO! Rafa gives her a nervous peck. OTRO OTRO OTRO! Rafa - "The customers are asking..." Ale - "The customer is always right..." He holds her in his arms... their lips come closer and closer...

Labels: dinero

....And Lorenza's still missing a screw (or two)

Alternate title: ONE DOWN, ONE TO GO

Lots of action today with little filler. Monita's illusions about her mother are beginning to crumble. Constanza has lost the support of her father and her lover--only her hated half-sister believes she's not a killer (and brings her a sandwich in case she's hungry.) Estrella and Aldo have been tenderly reunited and Jeronimo is paying for his sins by having his oxygen playfully cut off by Ximena and getting electroshocks to make his heart race. (Kids, don't try this at home.) And in keeping with the lighthearted tone of this novela, while Oscar is killed, we don't have a gory closeup of his corpse (thank you, director).

Now, if you're pressed for time, you can stop right here. But if you're finishing a cup of coffee, read on.

The new stuff starts with Beto arriving at the police station to sicken everyone in range with his alcoholic effluvia. Gabriela even fans her eyes as if the fumes are burning them. He's in a sentimental mood alas, and insists on hugging and re-hugging Mauricio and Gabriela, (and groping her hips) in spite of protestations. Finally he persuades a leery Christian to take him to see Constanza....Don't bother showing me the way, Beto adds, this place is like a second home to me. After Beto rounds the corner, Gabriela wonders where Estrella is. Mauricio looks clueless...something he does with great aplomb.

Beto's meeting with Constanza doesn't go well. Instead of being supportive, he grouses that he was in a bar all night trying to forget he'd ever met her. She's a killer. She protests her innocence and swears that Oscar was blackmailing her. Now her father has turned his back on her, the woman she has hated most in life turns out to be her sister ,and she's accused of murder. Beto is unforgiving. Even if Constanza didn't kill Salvador, she saw him go down from a heart attack and did nothing and said nothing. Yes, she made a lot of mistakes, Connie admits, and I wish I could turn back time and do things differently. All I did was destroy myself. And you destroyed me as well, sighs Beto. Satisfied? Look at me because this is the last time you'll ever see me. I love you a lot (un chorro) but this I can't forgive. While Connie screams his name and begs him to stay, Beto turns and leaves. Yikes! and here I thought Beto was going to be supportive. Well, hangovers never bring out the best in one.

Now a shot of the vecindad and Monita hesitating and looking thoughtful. Suddenly she begins to walk briskly. Yes, a decision has been made. But which one? She arrives at the station and gets a do-you-love-me hug from Beto like all the rest. And a request to slap him around to make him forget the pains of love. Better yet, let's have a sandwich hug with Mauricio! There's some funny grappling and groping with Monita getting squoze in the middle. (Jarocha, "squoze" is not really a legitimate word in English.) Paula and Christian arrive. There's some mild recrimination about Constanza messing up their wedding night but I suspect Paula loved every dramatic minute of it. And Duty comes first, as Christian intones.

Brief scene at the hospital. Tender moment as Estrella and Aldo see each other, exchange deep longing looks and then fall into each other's arms. Salvador arrives and then Estrella falls, period. In a dead faint.

Back to the jail. Connie is lying on her cot, eyes closed in despair, when she senses Monita's presence. Her thoughtful sister has brought her a sandwich. Constanza can't believe it. Surely she's come to jeer and gloat. That's what Connie would be doing if their positions were reversed. But things are finally making sense now. Constanza understands why her father was always defending Monita....yesssss...it was because she was his daughter with Isabel. They talk about the circumstances of Salvador's death and Monita does believe Constanza is incapable of killing. But why was Salvador so angry, what brought on the heart attack? Ask your mother, Monita. She can answer that question, suggests Constanza. This brings on the usual barrage of don't-mess-with-my-mom that we've heard a gazillion times before. But we sense some doubt for the first time.

Now to Marcos' dark side as he pays a visit to Hissy. He's clearly enjoying tormenting Isabel and while understandable, it's still a little sick-making. He gloats about how fast she's going downhill, and how quickly the illness is progressing. But there's still time. He's heard of a great treatment center in Switzerland and would be glad to pay for her care there. Nuthin' doin'. Isabel won't let him get near Valentina while she still can draw a breath. Oh well. In that case, what color would you like your coffin to be? Gray is a classy color...but no, come to think of it, black would be more appropriate for you, my dear. Rest In Peace, he quotes in Latin (the closed captions don't even attempt this) while Isabel mutters her hate for him. The scene closes with a look in the mirror of her future...a ghastly sight indeed.

Back to our two sisters. Connie is still explaining the circumstances of Sal's death. She had come to the office seeking proof that Mauricio was the Furia Enmascadora and found Isabel and Oscar there with Salvador. Monita thinks this is just another "connyism" to hurt her. Sadly, she was hoping that once Constanza knew they were sisters, she would stop this cruelty. Yes, I'm tired of hating you Monita, our Connie admits, but my hate for you is nothing compared to the hatred your mother has for you. Take off your blinders! Too much for Monita. Another painful exit, this time with Connie calling out despairingly for Valentina. Almost Biblical in that three times people who intended to be supportive turned and left Constanza alone and bereft. What can I say? These are morality plays.

Out in the lobby Beto is still in the full throes of his hangover. Bitching about the hot, bitter coffee someone has brought him. And ordering Paula to go out and buy him a cold beer instead. No way! You can't bully me and order me around when we're outside the office, she snaps. Right, chimes in Christian. I'm the only one who can bully her all the time. This gets him a slap and a promise of separate sleeping quarters. Short honeymoon.

The consensus is that Beto needs to sleep off this hangover and Mauricio offers to drive him home. Excellent idea. An air-conditioned ride is just what he needs. Naturally, Monita refuses this offer and insists that Beto walk home with her in the heat. But wait! now Oscar, looking bloody and disheveled, arrives in the hands of the arresting officers. Gabriela gives him a stony look. He replies with a mischievous grin. No repentance there, methinks.

And we zip back to the hospital where Estrella has recovered. A plainclothesman arrives to let them know that Oscar was found , tied hand and foot to a chair, back at the cabaña and has been arrested. No sign of Lorenza which worries Sal. She's crazy...well schizophrenic, and is a danger to herself and others. Foreshadowing? You betcha.

And next we see Lorenza angrily pounding on Gabriela's door and demanding that she open up. When no one answers, she attacks the plant in the hallway and discovers the hidden door key. "Te tengo, maldita" (I've got you, bitch) she mutters. Big uh oh moment.

More uh oh moments at the police station. Oscar is cool and defiant. Demands to see a lawyer, and admits to nothing. Oh a little swindling maybe, kiting a check or two. But no admitting to murder and no going to jail, folks. Monita jumps in and reminds him that he tried to shoot her when her mother was there. Ah, laughs Oscar, you should hear what I have to tell you about HER. Instead of listening, Monita punches him. A melee ensues with Oscar coming up with a policeman's gun and grabbing Valentina and threatening to shoot her if the police don't let him go. Naturally out little monkey keeps bleating and he shuts her up while Mauricio attempts to negotiate. Negativo, sez Christian. We don't negotiate with criminals. Clear the room of civilians. Oh my.

The scene switches to outside the police station where Nieves is arriving in search of her criatura. A cool Isabel arrives in her fine car right behind her. We assume Nieves came by "shank's mare" as my mama used to say. The usual insults are exchanged, culminating in Nieves calling her a "porqueria de madre". Well said.

Back to the standoff. Oscar is warned that he'll never escape. He replies that he'll die before going to prison. And if he dies, you all die. Suddenly Monita elbows Oscar in the gut. Mauricio rushes in, hits him and grabs for the gun. Oscar holds on and flattens him with the pistol, then rushes out, followed by the police. Monita cradles Mauricio protectively while everyone else cringes and listens to the gunshots. Silence. Christian walks back in. One death. None wounded. Oscar is done for. Now Isabel inches forward and pretends to be concerned about Monita.

When next we see them, they're back at Monita's room and Isabel is trying to quiz her daughter about seeing Constanza and what was said. Again, we see doubt flicker across Monita's face. I'm tired, mom, I want to rest, she says evasively. Pause. Another flicker of doubt. But why did Oscar point you out in that way? No...forget it. I just want to sleep. That's fine, coos Isabel, wrapping her claw around Monita's ankle. Close your eyes and rest, darling, I'll watch over your sleep.

A lethal lady indeed. But our playful Ximena is almost as dangerous. She's been entertaining herself watching Jeronimo turn purple when she turns off the button to his oxygen supply. And there's even more fun using the electroshock paddles to make his heart race faster and bounce him right off the bed! A bemused Gabriela finally puts an end to this game but not without encouraging a second shock just for the heck of it. Then she shares with Ximena that Sal can finally rest in peace. Oscar tried to escape from the police and was shot dead. And there are police in the corridor, of course, waiting for Jeronimo to come to so he can also be escorted to prison. No matter. At least Salvador doesn't have to wander in this world seeking justice anymore, muses Xime. At last he can go to the Light. Gaby notes that she'll light a candle for him tonight just in case.

Of course Sal is alive and more or less well, talking with Estrella and Aldo and anxious to see Gabriela after he and Aldo have made a declaration at the police station. Estrella notes that nobody will miss Oscar but Salvador needs to be careful and not shock Gaby with his appearance the way he did with her. No worries. And in a quiet moment, Sal congratulates Estrella on her pregnancy and assures her she'll be a great mother. Ojala.

Family time back at Nieves' place. Mauricio and Beto are at the table but Beto's not hungry, not even for a milanesa. He needs to sleep and pronto. Off he goes, after a blessing by Nieves and a reminder to take his pants off and hang on to them. For some reason this cracks Mauricio up. Our hot mama returns to the table to thank Mau for all his help. Not only are you gorgeous, (sexy chuckle and mischievous wink) but you're a dear (eres un sol). Now if only Monita would pay attention to Oscar's quip about Isabel. That wretched woman acted like such a martyr when she stepped in the way of Oscar's bullet. Hmmm. Our two lovable, somewhat dim bulbs look at each other and they get it. The shooting was a charade cooked up by Isabel and Oscar. But how to convince Monita?

And there we end.

Previews:

Gabriela enters her apartment and then hears Salvador's voice behind her.
Mauricio opens the door and finds Aldo and Estrella there. Tender looks.
Not so tender Isabel watches Monita sleep and plots a way to get Monita away from the people who love and protect her before it's too late.

Vocabulary:
dar la estocada final = (used before) give the final thrust, the killer blow
demacrada = haggard (Marcos talking to Isabel)
la piel de chinita = goosebumps, Estrella learning about Salvador
van a caer los chones al suelo = her undies will fall to the floor (Estrella talking about Gaby's surprise when she finds out Sal is alive)
rendirse = to surrender, something Oscar will never do
¿para qué tentamos al diablo? = why tempt fate? (lit. why tempt the devil?)
es un decir = it's just an expression, it's just a saying
¿en qué cabeza cabe? = what were you thinking?
solventar todos los gastos = pay all the costs (Marcos trying to get Isabel to go to Switzerland)
desencajado = shaken (lit. out of place)
no manches = no kidding
chamuscando en el infierno =roasting in hell (Oscar. hooray)

Dicho of the Day

Arbol que crece torcido.....
We've used this expression before but Nieves used it tonight, speaking about Connie and Beto's hopeless love for her. The complete expression is "Arbol que crece torcido, nunca su rama endereza. Once a crook, always a crook. Once a baddie, always a baddie.
We shall see. Carlos is rooting for Constanza. Shall we join him?

Labels: gancho

OK gang, this is the episode that we have longed for ever since this show began when we were all still young. Well, OK, I know it's certainly what I've been patiently waiting for for what seems like eons. So pour yourself a drink, sit back in a comfy chair, and let's observe this embryonic stage in the emergence of a new and improved Constanza. Still some rough times loom in her future (payback... well you know) but at least she is taking some hesitant first baby steps down the path of righteousness.

Paula and Cristian have elected to spend their honeymoon fighting crime. Thus we join them as together they explore a remote crime scene where the body of Federico Arauco, the lawyer hired so long ago by Salvador to investigate the various shady ventures of Oscar and Jerónimo, in particular their purchase and their planned disposition of the vecindad in which dwell the naco contingent of our cast of characters. As you will recall, he was murdered by Oscar in the parking garage of Groupo Sermeño and buried somewhere in the countryside. Paula is kneeling done and poking around the the open grave as Cristia asks her to join him in examining evidence recovered from the scene. From a cardboard box he has extracted a plastic bag containing bloody womens clothing, a cell phone, and a note. He reads the note out loud, "To whom it may concern, Constanza Lerdo de Tejada killed this man and Salvador Ulloa." Gee, how convenient is that? Might as well have been tied up with a bright red bow.

Back at the arena the boxers have returned to the ring. At ringside Nieves is worried to the point of chest pain. Estre reassures her that Moni will win the fight and recover the neighborhood from Coni's clutches. Xime meanwhile approaches Coni's corner, "May I tell you three things?" Coni's in no mood for Ximy's wisdom, "Go to Hell, Ximena!" Undaunted, Ximy proceeds with her three things which Hombre so ably translated for us Friday, " Una, having a sister like La Monu must be maraviguau. Dos, I wouldn’t want to be in your place, because your sister’s gonna blot you out (opacar, to make opaque) totally, and Tres, although she’s prettier than you, and better in every way, do your best (échale ganas), because you don’t have a chance (she looks at Beto, holds her nose), train her well, Robi, please." Over in Moni's corner, Mao takes advantage of the lull in the action to tell Moni, who insists that she doesn't want to hear it, that the only reason he rescued Lobo was for her, and that he still loves her. Thanks for that Mauricio. Yawn.

At the crime scene the two newlywed sleuths are still examining the contents of the plastic bag interred with the body. What they discover next is even more shocking that the corpse itself. "Salvador!" Immediately they recognize pictures of a deceased Salvador. Wow! Things are really starting to move.

Oh my, having returned to his grim, garish rat's nest, Oscar has elected to become a gangster movie cliché. Disheveled, battered, and bloody, yet strangely dapper in his all black ensemble, he stumbles and lurches into the drawing room. "I need a drink (un trago)." Well, I guess so you poor baby. Sylvia said you'd be thirsty. Nothing like being beat to a bloody pulp for whetting one's thirst. I'm guessing Scotch, although there's no label on the cut glass decanter he chooses. If it were brandy, it's unlikely that he would pour it over ice. Could be Bourbon or Canadian whiskey, but Oscar strikes me as a single-malt man. He mutters to himself that he needs to get out of there as soon as possible. Then, as he tilts his glass for a well deserved slug, Loriloca scurries up wielding a syringe tipped with an imposing hypodermic needle. Gasps of gleeful horror escape from delighted viewers all across Gancholandia as she plunges that needle to the hilt into his bare neck. Not very professionally done, yet effective. Well done, you lovable lunatic. He swats at his neck. As he staggers about and asks what she ha done, she explains that she has just injected him with the same stuff that he's been injecting Sal with these past weeks. She scolds him for having deceived her.

His right eye now patched, looks like Lobo's wounds have been tended. He is visiting a now incarcerated Jairo who is being kept company in his cell by his two toadies. Lobo gloats a bit. Jairo speculates that Lobo will soon join him behind bars, "Bet?"

Back at the arena a patient crowd awaits a resumption of the action. The fighters are back in their corners. Cesar pleads with Monita to suspend the fight, "You're sisters!" Moni firmly refuses. Across the ring, similarly Beto is pleading with Coni to stop the fight. He does not understand how she can continue with the fight knowing that Moni is her sister. Coni is also firm in her refusal.

Stretchers containing Aldo and Sal are wheeled into an emergency room. The ambulance attendant informs the Dr. on call that they were found at the scene of an accident along side the road, neither had any identification. The Dr. waves them in.

Meintras tanto, Beto is still trying to convince Coni of the senselessness of this fight and of the damage her hatred of Moni has already caused. She had the advantage of growing up with wealth as well as both parents while on the other hand, life for Moni wasn't so easy. "Her mother didn't want her. She lost her best friend and no longer has Mauricio. You've already won. Do you want her dead?" Coni is starting to tear up and she focuses on Moni's water bottle. Suddenly with an urgency she tells Beto to get rid of Moni's water bottle. Beto looks at the bottle and then at Coni and suddenly understands. Yes!Aldo comes to in the ER asking about Salvador who is unconcious on the adjacent gurney. Assured that Sal is alive, he wants to contact his papá, "Mauricio Sermeño."

The referee asks Cesar if his boxer is prepared to continue the fight. She is. She stands. An attentive mamá offers her a drink. She takes it. Across the ring, Coni also is ready as an efficient Beto empties the tainted water bottle into Coni's spit bucket. A sister saved... a sister redeemed. Beto gives her his blessing followed by a sincere kiss, "Te amo." "Te amo," Coni answers as she determinedly returns to battle. The fight resumes at the same pace as round one, the fighters gracefully circling with nary a punch, when suddenly their delicate ballet is interrupted by a uniformed Cristian and another police officer who have entered the ring and each take hold of Coni's arms. Moni protests,"what's going on?" Cristian gravely intones, "Constanza Lerdo de Tajeda, alias la Momia, you're under arrest, accused of homicide in the first degree in the deaths of Federico Arauco and Salvador Ulloa. Coni is genuinely distressed as we break for commercials.

"!Suelteme!" Coni is not taking her arrest gracefully. She struggles with the officers. Beto objects. Cristian tells him there is proof. Marcos objects. Moni holds Beto back as Nieves from outside the ring urges him to stand back as Coni implores Beto to do something. Ximena thinks it's just like a chapter of Mujeres Asesinas, Truculent Coni. Ximena seems to be enjoying this just a little too much.

At the ER, Aldo is restless. The Dr. assures him that he will call his dad. The nurse reassures him that though they are both seriously injured, they are in good hands.

In Moni's dressing room, Beto is wanting to go to Coni's side. He is impeded by a determined Moni and an adamant Nieves. Neither of them want him implicated in Coni's crimes. Nieves hugs him cradling his head on her shoulder. He is still insistent that he must go to Coni's aid (I must say, I am in full agreement with Beto on this). Monita is a little less gentle. As he tries to push past her she delivers a punch to the solar plexus. Beto doubles over. Tough love I guess.

In the ring Coni is still protesting her apprehension and pleads with Marcos to help. Marcos demands to know what proof they have. Cristian tells him of the photos and clothing accompanying the deceased lawyer, from outside the ring, Paula reminds Cristian that the clothes were soaked in blood. Thanks for that Paula. Coni protests that Oscar planted that evidence. Marcos stands directly before her and asks her to tell him that she had nothing to do with Sal's death. Coni admits that she was present when Sal died, of an infarction, and that she wanted to call an ambulance but that Oscar prevented her from doing so. Now Mao steps up and wants to know why she didn't call for help, why they hid the body, and why they made him believe tht Sal had perished in a plane crash, "Salvador was like a father to me."A livid Gabriela, eyes blazing, moves Mao aside and approaches Coni taking her face firmly in her hand and glaring directly into her eyes, "Maldita infeliz, you killed my Salvador." Coni is now hysterical as Cristian and the other policemen drag her out of the ring and off to jail. I would have wished for Coni to be a little more stoic about this, but at this moment it looks to her that everyone has abandoned her as her world comes crashing down around her.

Her protestations continue as she is placed in the cell across from Jairo who observes, "What a small world." She calms a bit and asks what he is doing here. "No, what are you doing here? shouldn't you be boxing right now?" She tells him that he fight was cancelled. She was arrested for murder. He asks if she killed Moni. She tells him that it was for the murder of a man. Coni is now more composed and tells Jairo that since the fight was cancelled, she expects to get the money back that she gave him to bet on the fight for her with. Nope, he has no intention of returning her money. Actually, she should get her money back since the fight was cancelled without a winner, but I guess when one deals with criminals... She tells him that she sold her house and boutique, that was all the money she had. Jairo is unsympathetic, "That's not my problem." Their conversation is cut short. Jairo's ride has arrived to take him to the Big House. Cristian unlocks the cell. Now both he and Coni look dejected.

A crescent moon is followed by a brilliant sun, it's morning. Mao has been with Marcos all night, waiting at the jailhouse for Marcos to have a chance to visit with Coni. He has borrowed Marcos' cell phone, you remember he lost his at Jairo's place, to check with Teri about the girls and inform her of what has transpired. Marcos complains that he has been there all night and has still not gotten permission to see his daughter. Mao reminds him that Coni has been charged with serious crimes. Marcos is appreciative that Mao has stayed with him. Irish setters may be dumb, but they're loyal. Cristian informs Marcos that he may visit with Coni now. "It's about time," he mutters.

At Gabi's place she thanks Estrella for staying with her. She can't quit thinking about Sal dying of a heart attack with Coni standing by and not lifting a finger to help him. She always doubted the story of the trip to Venezuela and the plane crash. Sal never called her. He was already dead. Estrella tries to get her to relax and think of something else. Of course Gabi can't. She still has things that she would like to say to Coni's face. "I'll go with you," Estre offers. The phone rings. It's the perky ER nurse. She is calling on behalf of Salvador Ulloa. Gabi is outraged, "Salvador is dead!" Perky nurse is frustrated, "She hung up on me and Mauricio Sermeño doesn't answer his phone."

Looking very tiny and very sad in her cell, Coni looks up as her dad approaches. She pleads with him for help and for him to believe her, but he has hardened his heart. He knew she needed a lesson but not this way. She tells him again that she is innocent, but he is outraged by what she has done. She will have to pay for her crimes. He tells her that now she is dead to him. I'm really not liking this one little bit. Bad dad, at least at this moment.

A distraught Beto is with Moni in the cantina. He is throwing back shots of Tequila as he drunkenly whines to Moni. He's upset about what Coni has done, but he can't help but still love her. He notes that Moni warned him but deep down he can't see that she is bad. Moni is trying to slow down his drinking and tells him that her situation is similar. She's managed to get involved with two brutes. She encourages him to be strong. Beto continues to drink.

Coni pleads with her dad to help her. He tells her he's hired a good lawyer but she must pay for her crimes. Once more she protests her innocence. "You'll have to prove it." Must not be like in our good old USA where one is innocent until proven guilty. Coni then throws a low but well-aimed punch. She notes that once she was his favorite daughter, but now that Monita is here, he is tossing her aside like an old doll. She says that she shouldn't be surprised that he is abandoning her. He did the same to Valentina when she was a child. He tells her that he will always love her. She coldly replies, "If you won't help me... get out." Not very pretty.
More Moni and Beto. He's tossing back Tequila shots. She is trying to stop him. Drunken talk.She's been there all night looking out for him. He wishes that all his feelings for Coni would be ripped from inside him. She wants the same for her feelings for Mauricio. Thank goodness the food has arrived. She urges him to eat his menudito.

A downcast Marcos rejoins Mao and tells him how he told Coni that he couldn't help her and that she must pay for what she's done. Mao asks how she responded. "She said that if I wouldn't help her, I should get out."
Coni's lawyer arrives. Mao excuses himself to go check on Beto who must be taking this hard. The lawyer tells Marcos that the case against Coni is very strong. The judge has denied bail and that she'll probably be tansferred to the prison until all the proof against her has been determined. Marcos tells him that his main concern is for Coni to pay for her crimes. Say what? What a dad. I had more faith in you than that you old buzzard. Too bad they're not in Texas. With Racehorse Haynes as her lawyer, not only would Coni already be out on bail, even if she were guilty she'd get off scot free and the jurors would be clamoring to have their pictures made with her.

Gabi and Estrella arrive as Marcos and the lawyer exit for Marcos to sign some papers. Gabi tell Cristian that she wants to talk with Coni. Cris sees no problem with this. "Take a seat and I'll come get you."

At the ER a police detective tells Sal and Aldo that a patrol car has been dispatched to the cabaña. Sal thinks that Oscar has likely escaped already. he advises them to come to the station when they are released in order to make their statements. Sal asks the nurse about the call to Gabriela Celorio and is informed that she must be very angry with him, she hung up on her. Sal shrugs his shoulders. Aldo asks about his papá and is informed that he didn't answer but that she left messages. He asks if he may make a call. "Sure," She takes him by the arm. Hey, pull up your pants, kid.

Beto and Moni are still in the cantina. She wants him to finish his menudo and drink some coffee.He balks. She says that they both need to go get some rest. He asks if she loves him. "Of course." "Then take me to see Constancia." I can't believe that I'm saying this. Thank goodness here is Mauricio. Beto is glad to see him as well, "Do you love me? Take me to see Constancia." He hugs Mao. Moni wants to go home, she's sure her mom is worried. You have no idea, my dear. Mao offers to look after Beto and see him home. He encourages Moni to go on.

Once more , perhaps for the last time, we return to Oscar's Happy Hoodlum Hideaway where he is securely tied to a chair and Loriloca is snacking on some fruit. She offers him some. He wants to know why she tied him up. "It was tie you or inject you and I need you awake." She wonders where Sal is and seizing upon opportunity, Oscar speculates that he is with Gabi. Lorenza is sure that he's right. He offers to take her to him if she will untie him. She eagerly agrees and is busy setting him free when we hear sirens. The cavalry has arrived. She is spooked and scurries off not wanting to return to the nut farm. He vainly pleads with her to finish untying him. Too late. Police with pistols drawn rush in and train their guns on the suddenly luckless Oscar.

Gabi confronts Coni in her cell. She insists that Coni look her in the eye, "Why did you kill Salvador?" Coni tells her again that Sal died from an infarction. "Was that before or after your clothes were stained with his blood?" Coni tells her... the truth. Oscar and Sal stole her clothes and stained them in order to frame her, planting the evidence. Gabi says that even suppose that she didn't shoot are stab him, but she stood by and watched him die without offering to help and that is a form of murder.

Estre's cell phone rings. "Estrella Falcón, actriz." It's Aldo, "Hola, Estrella." "¡Cochorro! Where are you?" He tells her that he's at the hospital but that he's OK. He tells her which one. "I'll take a taxi." She tries to say more but to her chagrin, he hangs up.

Coni tells Gabi that she tried to call for help but Oscar kept her from doing so." Gabi gives a sardonic laugh, "Do you think that I believe you? Not only did you kill Salvador, but slowly she has been killing me as well by taking away the one thing that I loved." Gabi won't listen to any more explanations, she just want to know where the body was hidden so she can give Sal a Chrisian burial and say a proper goodbye.

Aldo is telling Sal that he got ahold of Estre and that she is coming. Aldo asks if he can walk. "Of course." He asks if he is OK. "I feel more alive than ever." He then asks Aldo to help him walk out. This is a very moving scene and as they walk to the door, I'm reminded of the last scene from Casablanca.

Coni tells Gabi that Oscar did it all. The fake trip, plane crash, everything. He sent her out and she has no idea what he did with the body."You may not believe me but I swear I'm telling you the truth." "You're right, I don't believe you." She asks Gabi for forgiveness. "I? No Constanza, may God forgive you... I can't."
Carlos

Labels: gancho

Sorry I have not been able to watch the show since last week and have not had a chance to catch up yet. Feel free to correct or add to my recap.

Regina is helping Dr. Pedro and Remigio tend to the sick. Dr. Pedro tells Regina that she can leave to rest, but she refuses. Remigio tries to convince her to leave. It's getting late and he doesn't want her to get home after dark. Regina finally agrees.

Aimee is taking a luxurious bath. Renato comes in and stares at her. Aimee turns on the charm and asks him to wash her back. It would be my pleasure he replies. He walks over picks up a rose and tears the leaves off and throws them in the tub. They then go at it like drunken monkeys.

Noel tells the sheriff that his client (Juan) acted in self defense therefore he should be set free. Sheriff informs Noel and Gabe that the guy was found dead this morning. Gabe gets pissy and asks him why were they not informed? Because they have just informed me replies sheriff. (What is his name?) Noel smells something fishy and asks to see the dead body. No can do replies the sheriff. Our policy is to bury them as soon as they expire to avoid any diseases. (I work for a long term care pharmacy. Some nursing homes instead of saying the patient is deceased will say they expired. I always found that odd) Anyway the sheriff says that Noel's client (Juan) cannot be set free. Noel promises that this will not be the final say and leaves.

Orca is getting drunk. He swears venganza against the Montes de Oca.

Gabe tells the fisherman about the injustice being done against Juan. They decide to fight for Juan and get him to be set free.

Orca asks Maria del Rosario if she wants to be set free. She nods. Come with me replies Orca.

The fisherman have marched to the jailhouse demanding Juan be set free. One of the guards run in scared and informs the policeman of the angry crowd outside. Policeman doesn't like what's going on and says to release Juan.

Orca gently leads Maria del Rosario into the house and tells her to go find her sister. Maria is scared.

Mob outside yelling to free Juan. Juan comes out. They let me go because I am innocent says Juan. He thanks the crowd for coming then turns to the guards and tells them it's not over.

Rod complains to Leonarda about Noel defending Juan. Does he not care about the honor of the Montes de Oca? Leonarda is in total agreement. She is tired of Noel. The lights go out and Leonarda goes frantic. Suddenly Maria del Rosario comes in yelling out Leonarda's name. Leonarda is freaking out and Rod looks like he's having another attack. Maria del Rosario tells Leonarda that she came for her. Come with me! Leonarda yells out to Maria del Rosario to go back to where she came from. Rod looks totally freaked out.

The guard asks the sheriff what are they now going to do about Juan. Nothing replies policeman. If Rodrigo Montes de Oca wants venganza against Juan then he will have to do it himself.

Leonarda lights the candles again. Rod asks if she saw what he saw. He starts talking about what he saw. Leonarda tells him to calm down. He is still nervous and says that this was not the first time he saw her. What do you mean asks Leonarda? I saw her before, but didn’t want to say anything. I thought it was all in my head.

Orca throws Maria del Rosario back into her cell and asks if she saw/talked to her sister. She says that Leoanrda told her to go away. She doesn’t care about me. Orca tells her that Leonarda never did.

Rod thinks that Maria del Rosario’s soul haunts the house. He can’t believe how Leonarda reacted in seeing her. Have you seen her before? Yes, replies Leonarda. I never told anyone else either. I didn’t want them to make fun of me or think I’m crazy. Maria del Rosario has never abandoned this house.

Orca yells to Maria del Rosario that her sister won’t be long in coming to see her.

Rod asks if Noel or Renato has ever seen her? No replies Leonarda. But I suspect that your daughters have experienced strange things. Especially Regina. She found a bouquet of gardenias in Maria del Rosario’s room. Why didn’t you tell me ask Rod? Because I didn’t want you to be anguished. You know I think of you first. Rod wants to know if they should share this information with the others. Leonarda says it’s best not to say anything. It’s best for everyone. Rod agrees.

Juan tells Gabe that the same cell he was locked up in was the same one that his father was in all those years ago. Juan has a lot to think about, but one thing is for sure. He is staying to confront his enemies.

Leonarda tells Rod that she will pray for Maria del Rosario’s soul to rest. Rod praises her. Leonarda tells him not to worry about anything. While he is close to her she will watch out for him. Thank you says Rod and kisses her hand. (you know she will not be washing that hand) Leonarda is angry at Orca and runs down to talk to him. She comes upon him and slaps him. How dare you allow Maria del Rosario to enter the house? Because of you Rod suffered a bad moment. Oh too bad replies Orca. Hopefully he goes crazy and leaves this house forever. Leonarda keeps hitting him. What do you want?! Orca says I want my old job back and you. It has been days since you last have visited me. You either do what I say or I will release the crazy one again. Leonarda locks the door and starts undressing. EEWWWWW!!!!

Noel comes to talk to Rod. Rod tells him it’s not the right time to discuss anything. Noel asks Rod if something is wrong. He notices that Rod is acting nervous and strange. Many things are on my mind replies Rod. You say I am imprisoned with my anger and hurt. But you have forgotten what I really feel. You have no idea how I felt with the rejection of Maria del Rosario. I really loved her. But it’s also her fault. For provoking this pain that I feel. She will never let me be. No yells Noel. You were the one who separated her from the man she loved. You are the one that destroyed them. You are the one that provoked this pain your feeling. You couldn’t get her love or her forgiveness. You are the one who sought this tragedy.

Gabe thinks about Estrella. Scenes of their first encounter and kiss.

Juan bathing in a tub thinking about Aimee. He wonders if she feels the same passion she felt for him in the arms of another.

Aimee and Renato in the tub enjoying each other. Aimee thinks about Juan.

Regina crying. Thinking about Aimee tearing off Renato’s clothes and making out with him on the ground. Regina says she needs to quit thinking about him. Then thinks about Juan and how much she despises him. He is her worst enemy.

Juan looks at his father’s picture and asks what does he need to do?

Phillipe introduces the new show to the gentlemen. It’s Fifi? showing off her legs and doing a strip tease. The men applaud.

Juan and Gabe on horseback running down the beach. Nice.

Servando and Griselda talk about Jimena and how she thinks that she is daughter of her dead sister. But she never even had a brother. Laughs from them both. Jimena walks in and wonders what’s up? Nothing replies Griselda. We have some new ideas. How is that guy doing? He seems really taken with you. Don’t let him slip away. I’m not the one he’s interested in replies Jimena. It’s another.

Fishermen welcome Juan back. Juan tells them all that he is not leaving and that all their problems are now his. They will find justice for all the fishermen. FF>>

Regina tells Clemencia about her day yesterday helping out the sick. Clemencia says thank god Leonarda didn’t tell your dad. He would not have liked you to have dressed up as a man. I will confront that if the time comes. What’s more important was helping the sick. It reminded me of how fortunate I am. And also I was so near death. That is why I am going to visit my mother’s grave today. Clemencia says your mother was such a nice and sweet woman. Although really fragile. Leonarda comes in and says hopefully you will not take after her. Otherwise you will die young. Clemencia says how can you say such a thing? It’s the truth replies Leonarda. She suffered from nerves just like you did. I took care of her like she was my own sister, but she would sometimes give me funny looks. Like I would hurt her. Anyway I want you to know that what you did yesterday was not good. And the only reason I will not tell your father is because I don’t want another episode. But don’t you ever do that again. Understood?! Leonarda leaves and thinks about Constanza and the special teas she made her. She says out load that no one will ever know that she killed her.

Clemencia tells Regina that it’s true that her mother was very fragile. She shows the key again that Constanza gave her for the trunk that had a letter for her daughters in it. Clemencia recalls her last night with Constanza. She knew the end was near.

Gabe tells Jimena that Juan was freed last night and thanks her for helping him falsify documents. He brought her a gift. It’s a blue lace shawl. In case she ever wants to go to church. Its beautiful replies Jimena. I have never been to church. I don’t even know how to pray. He offers to take her. Gabe puts the shawl on her head and takes a good look at her. He gets a funny look in his eyes.

Regina and Juan meet up at the tomb where their mothers are laid. You’re out replies Regina. He tells her he got out last night. I never thought I would see you here. I came to visit my mother’s tomb replies Juan. So did I replies Regina. Now that I am here I am also going to pray for my aunt that I never got to know. But I have a great respect for her. She died for love. Her name was Maria del Rosario. For me she represents pure and eternal love.

Manana: Jimena brings Gabe a letter from Estrella, but ends up getting a kiss from him.

Labels: salvaje

Is it Friday already?! Only in my dreams. Pata and I are trading off Mondays until we find a permanent recapper. I hope everyone had a great weekend. Here's the dish for today...

Ale and Rafa share a bittersweet moment after signing the preliminary agreement with Refri Transportation.

All the Siglo employees are on the phone with friends or family members to complain about their selling woes. Isabel thinks they’re pathetic; there’s no way any of them are going to beat Rafa and win the car. Refri wouldn’t invite business associates to the beach just to say no deal.

Marino is suspicious; he thinks Ale and Rafa have something going on. Ismael is irate that Marino would insinuate such a thing about their soon-to-be-married boss. Isabel adds that if it were true, they would be violating company rules.

Ale and Rafa make their way outside and come across a backyard volleyball court. Rafa is tying to convince Ale to let him play when a stray volleyball hits Ale in the back of the head. Monica, Ledemza’s niece, runs over to apologize. She invites Rafa to join their game. He is all too eager to jump in but Ale stops him; she wants to play too. Rafa thinks Ale shouldn’t play because of her recently healed leg. Monica agrees; volleyball would be too rigorous for Ale.

Ale mocks Monica and claims to be so experienced that she could teach Monica a thing or two. “Oh, but volleyball has changed a lot since your time. This is ‘beach volley’.” Ale makes fun of Monica’s English. “I think ‘bitch’ means something quite different.” (LOL) She challenges Monica and her group to a game; Monica agrees and rallies everyone to play “veterans vs. young things”.

Ale is incredibly offended over being called old and strips off her cover up to reveal one hot black bathing suit. She throws her cover up over Rafa’s head and trots off to the court. Rafa is so captivated that he nearly loses his balance.

The game begins with Rafa, Ale, and the Refri Reps on one side against Monica and her friends on the other. Rafa is hilariously awkward but for what he lacks in coordination, he makes up for in enthusiasm. The “veteran” team scores the first point.

Beltran is anxious that Ale and Rafa haven’t called to update him on the business deal. Susana tries to calm him but he would rather take hits of oxygen than listen to reason.

The game continues and the competition is fierce; the “vets” are going down 1:9. Rafa tries to hit the ball but ends up facedown in the sand. Ale takes over as captain of the team and Rafa puts her on notice for being too snappy. “We aren’t at Autos Siglo. Stop yelling orders at everyone.” Ale is too fired up to settle down; she wants to see Monica bite the dust (morder el polvo). Game on!

Beltran storms onto the sales floor and reads everyone the riot act for their meager sales. He threatens to take away the car as a prize. The employees beg him to reconsider; he offers them three more days to get their acts together or they can forget about the car.

Vicky storms into Rafa’s house, in tears as usual, and sobs to Leonor that Rafa hasn’t called. Leonor hasn’t heard from him either but it’s no big deal. Everything is a big deal to Vicky. Leonor says that men don’t like to be smothered but Vicky is sure that if women don’t keep tabs on their men, then the men have opportunity to step out on her with another woman.

Monica’s team scores their fourteenth point to tie the game. Ale is determined to score. “Over my dead body will esa muchacha win.” Sure enough, Rafa serves the ball and scores the winning point for the team! Vets win the game! A couple guys try to lift Rafa over their heads but it doesn’t work out very well. Ale gives Rafa a big hug and he thoughtbubbles, “Licencida, what a woman. How I admire her.”

Chavez had both good and bad news for Marco. The good news? He removed the embargo on the hacienda. Marco does not think it’s good news; Chavez was supposed to talk to his contacts about delaying the removal. Chavez isn’t worried. The cows produce a lot of milk and all there debts will be squared away. The bad news is that Chavez lifted the embargo and Marco still hasn’t married Ale yet. Marco has to think of a way to keep Ale, Rosario, and Jorge from finding out about the embargo until after they get married. Everything has to be ready for when Ale returns.

Rafa, Ale, and the Refri Reps have retired to the living room for drinks and chitchat. Monica bounds in and is depressed to hear Rafa and Ale are leaving later in the night. She slinks over to Rafa and asks if there’s any way he could stay. Ale does her best sweet voice to keep his attention on her. Monica kisses Rafa’s cheek before heading off; Ale rubs it off his face and threatens to hang him from a palm tree if he keeps it up.

Ledezma says it’s getting close to dinnertime and, in their house, only the hosts and the guests cook. Rafa is thrilled; he loves to cook and goes on about how to cook various “comida tipica” foods that make Ale stick out her tongue in disgust. Ledezma tells them he has fresh lobster ready. Rafa isn’t one for seafood but can’t complain.

Rafa loses interest in dinner and wants to go out to the ocean. Ale tells him not to go. (Considering his fish-swallowing disaster, she's right to be worried). When the group asks why he can’t, Ale flutters her eyelashes and says she doesn’t want him to go without her to protect him. He agrees to stay put and, after some peer pressure, asks Ale for a kiss. She gets out of it by blowing him a kiss before going into the kitchen.

Ismael sits down with Ramiro and asks why he seems so stressed lately. Ramiro blurts out he’s been seeing a sex therapist.

Ale helps fix salads in the kitchen with “The Real Wives of Refri Transportes”. Ledezma’s wife (Patricia?) admires how caring Rafa is and wishes Francisco could be more like him. She’s sure Federico has had his eye on other women. Ale flashes back to Ledezma’s groping phase at the restaurant and gulps.

Patricia is suspicious because Francisco is supposedly doing business with an associate named Humberto Quiroga nearly everyday. Ale listens with a keen ear and pays little attention to the disaster of a salad she’s making in the process. Francisco’s meetings with Quiroga sounds a lot like Marco’s meetings with Urdiales. Ale puts an entire ocean’s worth of salt on the salad before she snaps out of it.

The Refri Reps congregate. Ledezma is worried Ale might tell his wife about his behavior when they met. His partner tells him not to worry; if she does tell, they’ll have his body shipped back to Mexico. (Ha!) Rafa serves the guys some drinks and a servant brings in a large cooler of live lobsters. Rafa is shocked they’re alive and is horrified to hear they’ll be boiled for dinner.

Rafa brings the ladies some cocktails and saves one made especially for Ale. She’s hesitantly takes a sip and pretends to like it even though its way too strong. The cooler of lobsters is nearby and Rafa takes another peak inside. Rafa tells Ale about how badly he feels that lobsters are going to be killed so violently. Ale says he’s being ridiculous. Rafa runs outside to get Ale’s shoes and sunscreen and the wives swoon at how considerate he is. A servant takes the cooler of lobsters outside.

Vicky is still weeping all over Leonor’s couch. Julieta gets home and Leonor drags her into the kitchen for a welcome break from Vicky.

Rafa, alone with the cooler, talks to the lobsters, picks them up, and starts naming them (Rosita, Petrita, Casimira, etc). He promises to save them.

Leonor is fed up after listening to Vicky whimper and wail for two hours and sends Julieta out to get rid of her. She has just as little luck in getting Vicky to leave.

Ramiro explains to Ismael he needed professional help because of the lackluster relationship he has with his wife. The problem is: he’s fallen in love with his doctor.

Rafa serves tequila to the Refi Reps and they head outside. Rafa brings cocktail refills to the ladies, along with Ale’s shoes and sunscreen. The housekeeper rushes in and tells Patricia the lobsters have gone missing. She and the wives are off to search for the crate but Ale stays behind with Rafa.

Ale gives him a look and Rafa admits he hid the lobsters. Ale wants to go get them but Rafa won’t let her. He knows it’s ridiculous but he can’t let the lobsters be killed; he’s going to set them free in the ocean. He kicks off his shoes and runs outside.

Ale and Rafa carry the crate out to the ocean and name all the lobsters as they toss them to freedom in the ocean. (Several of the lobsters are named after Siglo employees: Susana, Claudia, Generala, etc.)

Vicky is still crying to Julieta when Jaime stops by for a visit. Julieta sticks him with comforting Vicky while she joins her madre in the kitchen.

Ale and Rafa drag the empty crate back into the house and are caught red-handed by the entire household. “Can you explain what it is you’re doing?” Ale and Rafa look at each other helplessly.

Avances: Vicky shrieks into her phone to Rafa that he better be home that night or they won't be getting married; Rafa says he'll respect her decision and she screams at him.

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Jade realizes that now she is pregnant, she can't get a divorce, return to Miami and study. She is destrozada and cries, "I've lost everything!" Zoraida tells her it's haraam to be upset that you are pregnant.

At the restaurant, Ali continues to sabotage Said's marriage prospects. He says that one has dentures, another had a sister who was sent back. Ali tells Said that it is a good thing that they ran into one another - making the right choice of a wife is difficult.

Daniel is angry with his mother. The kid can sure hold a grudge. Dora writes to her friends that Daniel blames her for taking him away from his real father. The kid likes his grandma but not his mama. She says Albieri stole her son's heart from her.

Zoraida calls Latifa's house to share the good news about Jade. She gets Nariza who is stuck babysitting while Latifa and Mohamed go out. Nariza can only think about Osvaldo, though. She hasn't seen him since he went out of town. Zoraida gives Nariza the news about Jade. "That means they won't get divorced," says Nariza, disappointed.

After she hangs up, she asks Allah not to let Said change his mind. Latifa and Mohamed return. Nariza passes on the news. Latifa is upset that Said will take the baby from Jade when it is born.

Jade is still inconsolable. She says that she only wanted to have Lucas' babies.

Marisa puts on her sexy underwear and tries to get Lucas to make another baby for her.

Lucas refuses. He says that they are fine with just Natalia. Marisa says that she thinks that another child would bring them together. Lucas replies that a kid isn't the solution to marital problems. If they haven't succeeded with one child, two will be worse. Frustrated, Marisa reverts to her natural state of nastiness. She says that but for Natalia, she wouldn't be married to someone as insignificant and mediocre as he.

Said comes home and asks why the doctor had been there. Jade tells him that she is pregnant. Said is impactado and then ecstatic in thanking Allah that he is blessed.

Zoraida returns to a scolding from Ali but when she tells him the good news, he says that she has brought happiness to his house.

It appears that Albieri has put detectives on Dora's trail. One of them has come to Dora's workplace and now she tells Estela that they have to move immediately.

Albieri hears from the detective that he has lost track of Dora. Once again, Albieri says that he cannot understand why Dora took the child away. Luisa suggests that maybe Dora felt uncomfortable with Albieri taking over Daniel's life. "But she ruined his future out of selfishness," says Albieri, "I had so many plans for Diego." Luisa reminds him that the kid is named Daniel. "For me," replies Albieri, "Diego and Daniel are the same person."

Osvaldo is back at the dance club. He told Nariza a story about going to Chicago. He tells the bartender that these Arab women want to get married before you can check out the merchandise. He has given up his dreams of oil money. The bartender suggests that Osvaldo is still carrying a torch for Dora. Osvaldo says that she hasn't even called him. He swears on 'los clavos de Cristo" 'the nails (as in nailed to the Cross- fingernails are uñas) of Christ' that Dora is out of his life forever. So, of course, we know that they will get together eventually.

Said celebrates the news of Jade's pregnancy by doing the handing out food to the poor ritual and there is a party at Ali's. Jade is glum. Said says that he will wait until the baby is born to decide what do with Jade. He thanks Ali for keeping him from marrying one of the women at the restaurant.

Jade slips out of the party followed by Zoraida. She tells Jade that being blessed with a baby is the best thing that can happen to a woman. Zoraida goes on to quote the prophet that, "if we raise our children in the customs and the religion, that child becomes our shield (escudo) accompanying us in old age and defending us from the fires of hell." Jade is unimpressed with this wisdom especially since if Said takes the child, it won't be around to defend her when she gets old.

Nine months pass quickly. A short montage and Jade is great with child and in the ruins. Back in Miami, Lucas appears to get a psychic transmission but he turns to the picture of his child and a tear runs down his cheek.

Latifa gives birth to a boy. Mohamed gives thanks to Allah. The baby is named Mohamed Amine and will be called Amine, the name of Said's, Mohamed's and Nariza's father, so has not to get confused with his father Mohamed.

Zoraida gives Jade the news about Latifa's baby. Said brings Jade a whole box of gold jewelry and says that even though they are separating after the baby is born, he wants her to keep the gold as a token of his appreciation. She takes the box but doesn't show any appreciation.

Mohamed brings Latifa one gold necklace for making him the happiest man in the world.

Lucas finds Natalia reading a book about the desert. He says that one day he will take her to the desert and tells that long ago he wanted to live in the desert. He says that if he had lived in the desert, she would be riding a camel and would be the daughter of a beautiful odalisque.

Jade goes into labor. The news goes to Miami. Mohamed tells Nariza that when the baby is born, she has to go back to Morocco to take care of it. Nariza doesn't want to leave Miami or take care of her brother's children at least until she hears from Osvaldo. Latifa is upset that they are planning to take Jade's baby away from her. She doesn't think that it is fair that Jade's baby will be taken away. Mohamed reminds her that the baby belongs to Said's family, not to Jade's.

Jade must be the only woman in labor who is trying not to deliver. She says that she doesn't want the baby out of her.

Lucas tells Natalia the story of him and Jade as a fairy tale. A traveler went to a far away kingdom in the desert and saw a beautiful princess and fell totally in love with her. She was locked away in a tower but she would escape occasionally and see the traveler. They planned to have lots of kids together and get married. Natalia asks if they got married. Lucas says, no. Another princess named Natalia appeared and the ending was changed.

Finally, however, Jade's baby girl is born. Said names her Hadiyah (the name of the prophet's first wife.) Said tells Jade that after the mandatory 40 days of rest, he will come back for the baby and she will be raised by Nariza. Said says that Jade can keep everything that he gave her during the marriage. Jade is destrozada.

Ali tells Said that the arrival of the baby means that he can withdraw his two divorce declarations. Said replies that he isn't changing his mind. If Jade doesn't care about him, he doesn't care about her. [And knowing what would happen after the baby was born, has Jade done anything to make Said believe that she cares about him? Apparently not.]

Uncle Abdul has another matrimonial candidate for Said.

Ali tells Jade that he did all he could but Said will not revoke his divorce declaration. Jade says that it isn't right that she should lose her baby. "La suerte le da la espalda a quién no piensa en las consequencias, (Luck turns its back on those who don't think about the consequences of their actions)" says Ali. He says that Jade can go to the US and study. Jade replies that everything is changed now. Nothing is more important to her than her baby. Ali gives Jade some more, 'I told you so' advice. Jade says that no one will take her baby away from her. Ali replies that Allah will give her resignation.

Said likes Uncle Abdul's wife selection although he only sees her eyes. Ali's servant who was at Said's house to get Jade's stuff is watching and reports to Zoraida who tells Jade. Jade says that she won't let a stranger raise her daughter. Jade has a plan. She gets Jade to invite the girl to her house.

Said buys a gold necklace as an engagement present.

The new wife candidate comes to Ali's house. Jade tells Zoraida that her life is in Zoraida's hands. She must translate exactly what Jade says. Jade (who got her figure back immediately) welcomes the woman. Jade flashes back to a conversation with Said where he said that he had a superstition that if a woman looked at him and right away intentionally dropped her veil, that would mean that all their life together will fall like the woman's scarf. So, of course, Jade instructs the woman to do exactly that. She does and the marriage is off. Jade is happy but Ali warns her that Said will just find another woman. Jade didn't nourish the love Said felt so strongly (a borbotones) for her. "¿Qué culpa tiene la lámpara que se apaga cuando su aceite se agota? (Is it the lamp's fault that it goes out for lack of oil?)" says Ali.

Albieri is still hiring detectives to find Dora.

The club appears to be a big success for Cristina but apparently Leo hasn't been back. In walks Jade's necklace on a woman who was given it by her ex. Cristina offers to buy it from her.

The 40 days are up. Jade takes her baby and makes a run for it. Since she hasn't learned any Arabic and doesn't know anyone, Ali's servants find her in the ruins immediately. Now she throws herself at Said's feet and begs to be taken back. She swears that she won't 'trastornar.' 'mess up' his life again. She says that if he doesn't want her as his wife, then keep her as the nursemaid.

The credits roll.

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