Caray, Caray!

Todays' show is a real winner if you are a Ximena fan. Please try to watch this one if you are.

Two great things from last night...Gabi finally found out that Salvador is alive and Monita gave her daddy a royal telling off. She really lit into him, how could he abandon Coni? Who gives a cumin what the "proof" looked like? Yes, La Momia has hurt her a lot, but Monita looked into Coni's eyes and believed her, she was set up by Oscar. How could Marcos not believe his own daughter? For shame!

Jero has summoned Hissy to his hospital bedside. She stands there smiling smugly while he throws some feeble threats her way. He knows she got poison from Oscar to kill her daughter, her life is in his hands. (Horizontal dude definitely doesn't know our viper.) He tells her to stop looking at him with lust, he has a weakness for women with strong characters, especially older ones. "Shut up stupid" she warns. She tells him he presents no danger to her and Oscar is dead so he'd better figure out some other way to threaten her.

Jero is stricken, his friend, his teacher, he with the deep voice, dead! A moment of silence please. Hissy sez go to hell, she's off to tell the cops that Jero is awake and ready for jail. Jero tells her he'll keep his big mouth shut about her questionable activities if she helps him get out of the hospital.

OK, I think we are going to have Jarocha's favorite Ximena scene tonight. And who gets to recap it? Yopis!! Xime and Lalu are at the club drinking pink girlie drinks. Lalu accuses her of not wanting to go home as evidenced by the fact she's already had ten Daquiris. (Yikes!!) She staggers a bit then says something weird is going on between Arni and Rolu, they are serious all the time. Oh but she's going to play a trick on them and Estre has been giving her acting lessons. She performs for Lalu. Standing, she flings her hair over her shoulders, assumes a wide stance and scolds her absent husband: "It's simply not done, Rolando, No! A fragile, tender and lovely woman like me, well I have to have a heart of stone so that it will not break. Watch me laugh, hahaha, at your misdeeds Rolando. I LAUGH AT YOUR MISDEEDS!" Gathering a few stares she ends with a mighty "Bwahahaha!" She's fantastic and Lalu claps. Oh how I wish that tonight of all nights I knew how to post a snapshot!

Hissy sighs and tells Jero the Airhead fine, he can count on her. She has contacts and ways to help him. He mentions to her that Aldo knows about the dirty trick she played on Mau and the yummy Estrella. He found out the truth because he overheard her at the Cabaña of Crazy. And be careful because Aldo and Sal can turn into her worst nightmare. Hissy says she'll take care of everything, and when she says everything she means...everything. She stares cooly and ominously at Jero. He has been warned dear readers, but alas he's too silly to know it.

Lalu gives Xime the skinny, that the reason Arni and Rolu are mad all the time is because Arni's in love with Xime. She poo-poohs it away and tells him to stop going out of focus. Lalu keeps pressing, is she really in love with her husband? Actually he calls Rolu her "mareado" (which means nauseous or seasick) instead of her marido, funny stuff. And doesn't she like Arni just a little? She holds up two fingers and sez she's gonna tell him three things. One, Rolu is her greatest love, savage, sexy and dangerous. Two, Arnie is adorable, cute, sweet, she kisses her fingers to prove it. Three, if only they were one single man they would be her absolute ideal! Ruh roh.

The Kranky brothers Klunder are kvetching back at the pad. Apparently Rolu thinks Xime's visiting her brother, oh if he only knew. Arni goes upstairs to make a call with the cordless, but wait, brother Rolu picks up the phone downstairs! Lalu tells Arni that Xime's wasted, can Arni come and get her? Rolu rushes out to get a head start on retrieving HIS woman.

Estre, Aldo and Mau are over at the vecindad waiting for Monita and trying to figure out where she could be. Aldo is anxious that Moni learn the truth about her puppet master mother. Mau calls home, talks to Marcos, and instructs him to detain Monita.

Mientras tanto over at Mau's place the doorbell rings; it's Sal and Gabi! Tere thinks she's seing a ghost. Moni's thrilled. Marcos, very happy that Sal is alive, pays off the cab so I guess they escaped from La Loca. Gabi happily tells the story about thinking Sal was a ghost and Moni nearly knocks him over with a hug. "She hasn't changed much" Sal comments.

Moni tells Sal what Coni said about Isa being present when Sal died. La Momia was wrong, right? No, Isa was there and they had strong words. Moni wants to know everything.

Back at the vecindad Hissy arrives home and phones her daughter. She weeps, "where are you daughter, I feel really bad and I'm afraid I'm dying"; she pushes over a chair so Moni will hear the crash. Friggin' drama queen. Moni dashes out, sprints down the drive and hails a taxi seconds before Mau arrives home.
Things are moving quickly now. Gabi is complimenting Salvador on his cute buns, she could just squeeze them! And Marcos wants to know what brand trousers he wears. Mau comes in hoping to see Monita but is even happier to see Sal. Gabi interrupts the happy reunion to tell Mau that Moni left before they could tell her about Isa. Sal thinks Mau should head right out and intercept Moni because Isa's lies are on the verge of collapse. Mau wisely drags Aldo along for backup.

Gabi compliments Sal's hot buns yet again. Sal, you need to get that girl to a room pronto! And Marcos still wants to know where to get a pair of those bun-hugging pants.

Let's head back over to the club. Xime is doing the shimmy in her seat and enjoying her pink drinks. Lalu says her name and she thinks he's telling her to groan (gime) so she does her best Meg Ryan impression. She gets all amped up, orders a mango margarita, grabs the karaoke menu from the waiter and leaps for the stage, tripping only once on the way up. The lights magically turn on and she says she dedicates this song to auch, el amor.

The music starts and she sings, quite nicely I might add. We hear another beautiful voice, male, and Xime clears her thoat once or twice. What happened to her voice? Suddenly she's joined by Rolu who's got a great set of pipes. Rolu entrances her with his sexy rendition of Dejame and she falls off the stage!..but is caught by a waiter. Dang, I would fall over too if some guy serenaded me like that. Honestly, this scene was very hot. Did I say I hated Rolu? I might change my mind on this one.

Poor Arni pushes his way in but is too late. He looks around, sees that his beloved has eyes only for his brother and he knows he's lost. Lalu notes he's eaten up by jealousy. Arni crushes his glasses and orders a Mango Margarita (Same thing that Xime ordered! Lalu thinks this is a sign.) while his sweet Ximena sways to the dulcet tones of her husband. Poor Arni is stricken.

More racing around, this time it's Moni into the vecindad where she is stopped by Estre, Moni has to listen to her cachorro. Isa stumbles out of the house and begs Moni to take her to the doctor.

Sal reassures Marcos that Coni had nothing to do with his heart attack. Marcos is relieved but ashamed. However Gabi's not so forgiving. She insists that Coni's still "a real gem" (said sarcastically) who kills with her words. Yikes, remind me not to get on Gabi's bad side. Sal says Coni wanted to help him but Oscar stopped her. Still, Gabi says, Coni does horrible things and shouldn't be forgiven so easily. She goes on and on until Sal shushes her and tells Marcos that Coni shouldn't be in jail. Tomorrow morning they'll get her out. (What, they can't get her out tonight?)

Moni and Isa are stopped by Nieves, Beto, and then Mau and Aldo. Mau tells Moni it's very important that she know what Isa did to him and Estrella. Isa faints while Moni flutters. Nieves decides to rain on Isa's parade, grabs a bucket of water and dumps it over the witch. Are we going to take bets on whether she melts or not? What a world, what a world.

Isa jumps up, sodden and bedraggled. I think it's going to be a free for all here folks. Estrella calls her a witch, Mau joins in, Aldo stands in front of them tells Moni she has the right to hear the truth about her ma. When he was trapped at the cabaña he heard Isa tell Oscar herself that she put Mau and Estre nude in Estre's bed as a trap.

Isa tries to cry but they all jump in, "open your eyes, listen to us, see the truth". Moni looks around like a trapped animal and focuses on her ma. How could she do it? Estrella was her best friend and Mau was the love of her life. Isa says if she prefers to believe all these people rather than her own mother then she'll go to the hospital by herself; and if she dies then God forgive Moni for treating her mother like this.

Stares all around and Moni runs after her mother. Moni says she wants to help but Isa pushes her away. Nieves tells Isa not to play the martyr. Lies all lies insists Isa as she drives off. Moni is frantic and the eternally faithful Mau volunteers to drive in pursuit. Those who remain behind gripe about Isa and hope that Mau and Monita will finally get back togehter. Nieves predicts that one by one Isabel's lies will fall out, they'll see.

Over at the club Rolu has finished his song and Xime collapses in his arms, more drunk than swoony I'll wager. They kiss passionately and Arni orders another Mango margarita. However Lalu insists that Rolu doesn't deserve her. (Cut to Xime and Rolu kissing passionately). He says if Darleenk loves her he should fight for her! Lalu pushes Arnie up on stage so he can sing a song. Oh dear.

Xime introduces him and Rolu says he's ridiculous and can't sing. "Oh yeah" challenges Arni?

"Why Mau, Why" our poor little monkey weeps. Mau says Isa knew exactly what she was doing. Moni thought bubbles back to when Isa was persistently indignant that Mau and Estre had betrayed Moni. Moni starts gasping and orders Mau to pull over. She gets out and staggers onto the sidewalk. Mau follows her and for once gives her space, unsure how to handle her grief, and with that she falls into his arms.

It's Arni's turn to sing; alas he's not as good as Rolu but Xime simply loves it. In fact, she exclaims that she can't believe that Arni is as good as Rolu!.. (She points at Lalu who redirects her.) ..."As you Rolu!" she says. Lalu pipes up "better in fact". The former scaredy cat certainly gives it all he's got, I'll give him that. Xime takes off her glasses and looks at him with a new eye, sighs, nay swoons, and gives him a standing ovation. Folks, our Ximena has had a hell of a night.

Moni and Mau are at the hospital and she can't believe her ma's been lying to her all this time. "My mom doesn't love me, why?" More blubbering which Mau eases with a big hug. He may be a dummy but the guy gives good hugs.

Speaking of dummies, Jero, amusing himself by counting his heartbeats, is joined by Isa. She says she'll help him but he's got to do something for her too.

And with that I pass the baton to the Man of Mystery.


Mañana: El Gran Final will be Lunes 3, and promises emociones, intrigas, secretos, gasps!


Vocab:
A punto de venirse abajo = on the point of collapse (Isa's lies)
Dar la espalda = to turn one's back on someone (what Marcos did to Coni)
Gime = groans (what Xime thought Lalu was telling her to do)
Marca = brand, trademark (Marcos wants to copy Sal)
Mareado/a = nauseous, seasick, dizzy
Pompis = buns, as in buttocks (Marcos is jealous of Sal's)
Que pena! = How sad! For shame! (what Moni said to Marcos)
Sabrosa/o = yummy, tasty (how Jero described Estrella)
Ser una perita en dulce = a real gem, meant sarcastically, Gabi has called Coni this before (Lit. to be a pear in syrup)

Dicho:
Encontrar la horma de su zapato- To meet one's match (Lit. to find the form of your shoe) Has Isa finally met hers in her daughter? We'll see...

Grammar fun:
I noticed in this episode there was a lot of "finding out" going on, and they used the verb "saber" which typically means "to know (a fact)". However when used in its preterite tense then "I know" becomes "I found out". In other words, the meaning of the verb changes when used in a different tense. So how do you say "I knew"? Easy, you just use the other past tense, the imperfect, if you want to say "I knew". Here's how it goes...
Present:
Yo sé que mi madre es una vibora. = I know that my mother is a viper.
Preterite:
Supe que mi madre es una vibora. = I found out that my mother is a viper.
Imperfect :
Sabía que mi madre es una vibora. = I knew that my mother is a viper.

There are other verbs that also change meaning when used in their past tense. Maybe we will come across some of these later.

Labels: gancho

Marco tells Chavez "I'll behave like a prince (when Ale comes back). Meanwhile he is committing, uh, "artistry" as he calls it with Claudia in bed. She arouses his suspicions reciting all the reasons the folks at Siglo are suspecting Ale and Rafe of ... something.

Rafe enters the bedroom with a wonderful non-greasy breakfast he's created especially for Ale, with fruit and whole-wheat toast! He is happy until she gives the usual, "This Never Happened" speech and tells him to forget it all. He says he refuses to forget the happiest night of his life. She says "Marco didn't deserve this," and Rafa, remembering the night he saw Marco making some babe in a bar, bites his tongue.

He goes outside and revisits the scene of his happiness. Beautiful moody music plays as he sifts through the ashes of the fire and the sand falls through his fingers. He is so sad. Ale watches through the window.

`At Siglo Susana cheerfully shakes every hand and doesn't seem to mind that neither Dandy nor Claudia are in attendance. Claudia rushes in late and Marino mocks her for being in the same clothes as yesterday: "What business were you closing - or rather opening?" "I spent the night with a girlfriend." "A rich one with a moustache?" he guesses... they all ask if Ale and Rafe closed the deal, Susana says, ask them when they get back.

Rafa calls Jaime, who is in church talking to God asking what to do about the fact he kissed VVV, Rafa's girlfriend. Come to realize VVV broke up with Rafa, he is overjoyed. He tells what happened with Ale, that they slept in the same bed but nothing happened. He would like to tell her about Marco, but Jaime says that would be a mistake - she wouldn't believe him, and there were no witnesses.

Maria posted the rest of the recap. Thank you. You did a fantastic job! Maria writes:
Since I’m one of those people who speak English with an accent, this might not be standard everyone is used to on this website, but hope it helps those who missed the episode.

The team is coming back from the sales meeting. Rosaura asks if anyone noticed that Susana was strange today, but in a good way. The team decides, someone accomplished the mission. At the same time Dandy walks in and is welcomed with smiles. He starts telling the team about his victory. He can’t finish because Susana comes from behind and she is serious and all business. She asks why he missed the sales meeting. He gives her some excuses that students went out on the streets and the streets were closed to traffic. They exchange some coy smiles and Susana tells him to bring her the report. As she leaves he starts his trophy dance in front of the team.

Susana is on the phone with Marco. He wants to know when Ale is going to be at the airport. She tells him that the flight had been confirmed, but Ale not.

Everyone is at the Villa of fun. Rafa and Ale are thanking the Refri men and their wives for the unforgettable moments. Ledezma (?) doesn’t think the party has to end and says they could meet tomorrow in Mexico City to celebrate the closing of the sale. Ale cuts in and tells them she and Rafa had to stay prudent so that nobody suspects there is something going on between the two of them. The Refri people insist some more and Ale promises they will get together some time as friends in any place they like. The yacht just arrived and Ale and Rafa say their good byes. Rafa gets an extra long hug from the playful niece, and Ale jumps right in between them. They board the yacht. The ride back is rather somber and the two try to stay out of each other’s way. They arrive in Puerto Vallarta.

Back at the Siglo the “Ay, Dios mio” approaches Dandy and then the rest of the team and all want to know what exactly happened with Susana. Dandy says he is quite impressed with the sexual abilities of Susana (mentions the Kama sutra) but now back to business, everyone owns him one car. Marino wants proofs otherwise no cars. Dandy wants some time and even though he doesn’t have a video he will deliver a good proof. Marino wants know what he found out about Ale and Rafa. Marino tells them, nothing, he was just doing his (other) job.

At the Airport Marco is waiting with big bunch of red roses. Ale comes out. At first she doesn’t notice Marco. Once they start talking she is very uncomfortable. She takes the roses. Shortly after that Medina comes out. When Ale sees him, she throws the roses back to Marco. Rafa looks sad and serious and asks Ale if he should go to the office. She tells him to go home and report tomorrow to take care of the last details. Rafa leaves. “How was this degenerate, by the way,” asks Marco. With dreamy eyes Ale answers, “Oh really great” but she corrects herself right away saying, “More or less, like always, you know.” Then she drops her wallet. And then says she wants to be alone to make a phone call and gives him back the roses. Marco looks more and more disoriented and leaves her to call Susana.

Ale tells Susana she needs to talk to her and they make a date for tonight. Dandy is waiting with his report at Susana’s desk. He now knows Ale is back in Mexico City. He goes back to the sales room and tells Marino, Rosaura and Ramirez to follow him into Ale’s office in a few minutes to see the proof of accomplishing the mission. He grabs Susana, and in Ale’s office he demands a kiss because he can’t focus on work. Susana does not comply – they are at work. Meanwhile the three are looking through a gap in the door. Dandy kisses Susana almost with force and shows a thumb up Marino, Ramirez and Rosaura.

Marco drives Ale home. When they stop he asks her what really happened in Playa Bonita. Ale gets uneasy and Marco clarifies that he wants to know how the business went. He is happy to hear the topic Medina will be closed soon. She is very frazzled.

In the house Jorche and Tia are discussing the guest list as Ale walks in. Tia announces that all is ready for the wedding. She just needs some details about how to decorate the club. Ale says she is too tired for that now.

Back at the Siglo Marino and Bebe are in the middle of the moral dispute about business and feelings. No need to recap Marino’s arguments. He just warns Bebe, that if he opens his mouth nobody is going to support or believe him. And if all of them end up on the street he will too, and with his small sales numbers he will never be able get another job and support his wife.

Jamie drops by at Rafa’s. Mom asks him, how was Vicky’s company. Talk about the devil – VVV walks in. Jamie feels very uneasy. Vicky is pressing him to talk about what happened between them the other day. And then she plants another kiss on him. And then we have some more of the insanity, threatening about telling Rafa, another kiss. Oy vey.

Tomorrow: Marco finds Rafa’s yellow shirt in Ale’s luggage.

Labels: dinero

Episode 44,

Thanks again to Jeri who is filling in for vacationing Cheryl

Starting with the new scenes, on the beachwalk Juan greets Renato and
Aimee to apologize for busting up their wedding, and Renato is
gracious. He understands there's a woman Juan was looking for, and
Juan agrees. A woman who toyed with his affections; but they can be
sure he will forget her just as assiduously as he cared about her,
Juan says in front of Aimee.

Renato forgives Juan, shakes on it, and as an afterthought introduces
his wife. Juan mentions they met shipboard, but don't worry -- it was
no big deal. And who knew she would turn out to be your wife? Renato
explains while nuzzling Aimee that they weren't engaged until she
returned, and Juan remarks what a beauty she is.

Shopping in town, continuing with Marlene's fright at being recognized
by Clemencia, Marlene begs her not to say anything in front of
Rosenda. As Rosenda approaches, Clemencia feigns they were conversing
about colliding on the sidewalk. Rosenda berates Clemencia for even
talking to this trashy woman, whereupon Marlene's three constant
companions set upon Rosenda for insulting their benefactress. Rosenda
continues unabated, insulting the girls themselves for good measure.

Marlene bids the girls back off and not make a scene in the street;
the girls relent but warn Rosenda she'd better not try it again. The
girls take their leave, and Marlene asks her daughter why she treats
them like that, when she doesn't even know them. Rosenda claims that
her mother was no good, but she never stooped to being a madame.
Rosenda would die if anybody knew Marlene was her mother, she says.

At the park, Gabriel is mortified at catching himself kissing Jimena
and apologizes profusely. Jimena loved it, but is also horrified
Gabriel will think ill of her. She rushes to explain it must be
because of the lovely romantic setting and conversation about love
that overcame them. Gabriel latches onto to that excuse eagerly; he
thanks her again for bringing the letter from "Estrella." Right; he's
so convinced that upon taking his leave, he rushes back and holds
Jimena's face in his hands and plants a very tender, lingering kiss
goodbye on it.

Back at the beachwalk, Juan repeats his congratulations and commends
Renato for picking the right woman -- unlike other dopes who can't
pick a good one, he says. Renato beams and declares he and his wife
were born for each other, which prompts Juan to laugh out loud. Oh,
everybody can see that, he says, glancing around. Renato expresses
how happy he is that Juan is freed from jail, and Juan declares it was
Renato's father's doing, who believed in his innocence. Renato agrees
that his father is a great warrior for justice; and Juan says Noel
saved his life, and he hopes he'll have the chance soon to repay him.
Juan is a man who doesn't enjoy being indebted, he says.

Again at the shops, Clemencia attempts to quell Rosenda's disgust of
her mother, but Marlene admits Rosenda has every right and begs
Rosenda most abjectly to please forgive her. Rosenda practically
spits on Marlene and won't listen, stalking away. Clemencia tries to
assuage Marlene's pain, but regrettably has to admit Rosenda seems to
be worsening -- and what's more becoming way too ambitious. Marlene
understands all too well, as she was the same.

It's what ruined herself; she couldn't take the misery and chose the
easy way out, forging a chain of mistakes that brought her down to
where she is now. Marlene is beside herself and weeping woefully.
She's so sorry she abandoned her daughter; it's why she came back --
to try to make it up and earn Rosenda's forgiveness and love.
Clemencia promises to come see Marlene at the casino and talk, which
brightens Marlene. Clemencia knows life throws lots of curve balls
and isn't there to judge people, she says.

Juan is leaving Renato and Aimee at the beach walk, and Renato
declares Juan should call on him should he need anything. Juan thanks
Renato graciously, so those two are all good now. After Juan departs,
Renato tells Aimee there's something so familiar about that guy. Juan
doesn't get far along the walk again before being stopped by
Fulgencio, who is walking with Eloísa.

Fulgencio takes the chance meeting to express his sincere admiration
for the kind of daring, entrepid fellow Juan is. Juan has to
chuckle. Not only that, Fulgencio also offers Juan a job, if he ever
needs one; one never knows. Fulgencio wants Juan to see him as a
friend and confidant. Eloísa is frankly nonplussed and insists they
continue with their stroll now. At their retreat, Juan marvels a bit
at this exchange.

Further on, Eloísa takes Fulgencio aside and berates him for talking
to this jerk -- and offering to be his friend! Has he gone nuts?
Fulgencio has his reasons, he says. Business reasons. Who else
should appear then, of course, than Federico -- who also begins shop
talk. Eloísa is fed up with shop talk; she's in a bad mood over
Renato and Aimee acting decent to the guy who ruined their wedding.
She can't understand it; Renato must have atole running in his veins,
she says. I have no idea what she intends, except that atole is a
comfort food. Maybe she thinks he's a namby pamby.

At the farm in the kitchen, Clemencia berates Rosenda for insulting
Marlene and the three girls; she can't know what might have made them
that way, she insists. Rosenda is mystified why Clemencia defends
them -- and asks if Clemencia already knows them. Clemencia says
pointedly that one mistake can ruin a life -- and she's looking at
you, kid. That's twice Clemencia has given a warning about something
bad happening to Rosenda, so I'm anticipating what it might be.
Meanwhile, Marlene weeps piteously at the feet of the Virgin de
Guadalupe figure in church, begging forgiveness and help to get her
daughter back.

Juan pays a sudden visit to Noel's office, startling him. He thanks
Noel for his help; but -- reminiscent of Spock's father, Sarek,
declaring "One does not thank logic" -- Noel says not to thank him;
he would help anyone who needed him. Justice doesn't distinguish.
Juan then mystifies Noel, insisting it's not the first time Nnoel has
helped him; but doesn't clarify. Juan merely exits the office on the
verge of tears, informing Noel that he doesn't forget his debts. And
that he's in debt to Noel forever.

At Juan's house, Gabriel reads Estrella's letter and rhapsodizes, then
immediately berates himself for kissing Jimena. He can't stop himself
thinking of her and wondering why he did that. Juan enters and
notices Gabriel's discomfort, whereaupon Gabriel admits what he did.
Juan coaxes, rather tongue in cheek, that Gabriel should pay attention
to what his heart is telling him. Gabriel must care about Jimena,
Juan says; but Gabriel insists he can't. She's a gypsy! They're
different! He can't be in love with her. He loves Estrella. No, no,
no. Juan insists no one commands the heart; take it from him. He
loves Aimee and wants to forget her; but he can't so far.

Meanwhile at their apartments in the townhouse, Aimee berates Renato
for offering to help Juan. If Juan came to work at the farm, her
father would go ballistic. Does Renato want to divide the family?
And then there's Regina, she says; but when Renato evinces doubt that
Regina is the woman Juan sought, Aimee insists she has to be. Who else?

In her own room, Regina talks to God. She made good on her promise to
see Aimee married to Renato. Now, when they have their first child,
she's going to try again to go back to the convent. Please, God,
don't abandon her, she prays. Meanwhile at the clinic, Ignacio waxes
effusive about Regina, who saved his life; and Dr. Pablo can only
agree what a good and beautiful soul she is.

Pablo thinks to himself, though, that it's a soul that suffers, and he
wants to make it better. He wishes he were the one to do so, but
Regina has someone else in her heart; and he wonders who it is. Again
at the townhouse, alone now Renato reviews the conversation with Aimee
and wonders -- what if the woman Juan sought indeed was Regina? Then
what? He quaffs his brandy and mulls it over.

Jimena also goes to church -- for the first time ever, and she thinks
it's beautiful. She watches another parishioner and makes the same
motions. Across town, Griselda and Servando discuss Jimena. They
reminisce how they abducted the little girl from a very rich family in
Puebla. Segue to a bedroom in Puebla, where a woman, Mariela, prays
wretchedly over having lost her daughter.

She wishes only to see her again before she dies. Another woman
enters who bids her own daughter take heart -- they might hear
something from the investigator her husband has hired to find news of
"Angela." So, apparently Jimena has at least a mother and two
grandparents in Puebla. I wonder who the father is. Back at the
church, Jimena prays about her mother and begins to tell the Virgin
all about her love for Gabriel.

At the club, the girls are outraged that Marlene wouldn't let them
pound that rude woman in the street. Who is she, they ask? At the
farm, Rosenda is helping Leonarda dress -- and she notes Leonarda is
strangely radiant lately. What's up with that, she wonders. Leonarda
will be off on an errand by herself and won't tell Rosenda where (but
we know it must be to ask Griselda to read more Rodrigo in the
cards). In passing, Rosenda rats out Clemencia for talking to that
bordello owner in the street, which enrages Leonarda -- who will just
see about that right away!

First, Rosenda heads to the catacombs to tattle to Arcadio how
Leonarda is glowing, how very long Leonarda is spending primping to go
out somewhere and how mysterious she was about it. She thinks Arcadio
should be more grateful for her tattling, but he's glum. Relenting,
he says if Leonarda doesn't return his foreman's job to him, then
he'll divulge the family secrets to Rosenda. When Rosenda doesn't
leave promptly at his order, Arcadio draws up a fist to convince her;
and she scurries away.

Down in the kichen, Leonarda tries to rake Clemencia over the coals
for consorting with trash, but Clemencia quotes the Biblical, "...Let
he who is without sin cast the first stone..." at Leonarda. Meanwhile
at the club, Marlene agonizes about her punishment and declares that
Clemencia is the only hope she has left. Back in the kitchen,
Leonarda complains bitterly that Clemencia always defends everybody
else and judges Leonarda instead. She'd better watch out, or she'll
be in the street one day, Leonarda warns. Clemencia is not impressed.

The Associates sit together at a table in the port cafe, discussing
Noel defending Juan. Noel pronounces the complete name: "Juan San
Roman," which gives Rodrigo a start, in recognition. Noel claims it's
a coincidence. Rodrigo doesn't want to hear about that guy anymore
and is going to stay away from him. Raúl mentions he intends to do as
Noel said and sell all his lumber interests.

When Rodrigo objects, Raúl says Noel's not the only person advising
that; someone else did, too. (Juan did yesterday, as Raúl was leaving
the blackmailing meeting. A handy crumb Juan tossed his way.) Raúl
will not be dissuaded, though, and Rodrigo declares ok, whatever Raúl
sells, he'll buy up. Nobody knows more about business than he does,
Rodrigo says. Famous last words. Over in his office, Juan notes that
all the news from Europe shows lumber prices down; if they plunge in
America, Rodrigo Montes de Oca will be ruined. Isn't that nice.
We'll find out tomorrow or sometime: same bat time, same bat channel.

Labels: salvaje

“Since the invention of the kiss, there have been five kisses rated the most passionate, the most pure. This one left them all behind.” This is one of my favorite quotes from one of my favorite movies, THE PRINCESS BRIDE. It is the description of the final kiss between Buttercup and Westley. That is exactly how I would describe our first real kiss between Rafa and Ale. It was tender and very sweet. It was passionate and yearning. If I am not careful my entire recap could be nothing more than describing this kiss.

But we have another 43 minutes ahead of us. And it was quite the episode. We had songs, more kisses, passion, infidelity, a little head standing yoga and a very bittersweet ending. So lets get started.

We start out with Rafa and Ale being encouraged to kiss. We get a silly little peck to start out with. That was not going to satisfy the Refri crowd. (Nor me) They chant for another. Then the moment all of us Dineronites have been waiting for, the Kiss. Definatly worth the wait.

Sadly we are interrupted with a little Marco whining. He is telling his sad tales to Jorge and Tia. Tia reassures Marco that Ale adores him. Marco tells her it doesn’t look that way to him. After all she has been gone practically the entire weekend just days before their wedding. Jorge assures him not to worry, after all they all know how obsessive Ale is about work. He tells Marco he is about to marry an executive, not some submissive housewife.

Marco playing the poor ignored fiancé tells Jorge that is not the issue. He feels Ale has been acting very strangely. This sets Jorge off. He wants to know if Marco is doubting Ale. Tia wants to know if Marco is suggesting that Ale might be up to something with someone else. Tia says she is offended by his doubts about Ale. Jorge agrees with this. Marco sadly tells them he does not doubt Ale. She is incapable of betraying him like that. ( Oh, they do not know our Ale).

We are now at Siglo with the crew reminding Dandy what is at stake. Dandy assures everyone that he will not loose their bet. We are briefly interrupted by Susana telling everyone good night. Dandy turns to the crew and tells them to start preparing themselves psychologically to pay him all their commissions.

Marino chides him, telling him he knows he is not going to get anywhere with the little vegetarian but at least try and get the scoop on Rafa and Ale. Our beloved defender of the universe (Bebe) tells them all they repulse him and leaves. Ramiro hopes that Bebe just doesn’t open his mouth and say anything. And Dandy is off.

Our passionate kiss has ended to applause. Ale is breathless. Rafa tries to tell her something and Ale gently touching his face tells him he doesn’t have to say anything. She doesn’t want to have to think about anything and their gaze melts into one as they begin to kiss again. They are left alone in each others arms smiling very contently.

Not so contently we see Vicki decked out on the couch as if her world has ended. The door bell rings and in walks Jaimie. He is hurled into the house by Vicky. He wants to know what the urgency to get there was. Vicky ushers him into the living room. We hear the Brothers Grimm in the background wanting to know what’s going on. They enter the room with butcher knives in hand and are relieved to find it is only Jaimie. A very nervous Jaimie tries to explain to them he knew it wasn’t a good idea to come over at such late hours. The BGs smile and tell Jaimie not to worry and leave him alone with Vicky. (oh Jaimie you better be worried now).

Vicky tells Jaimie they all adore him. She drags him over to the chair and pushes him down. Jaimie wants to know what she wants to talk about. She needs to talk about Rafa. Jaimie doesn’t understand this as they have been talking about Rafa all afternoon. Vicky tells him there are still things that she doesn’t understand and only Jaimie can help her out. Jaimie reluctantly agrees but tells her to make it quick because he has a class early in the morning. Vicky whines on that she wants to be able to make it fast but there is just so much spinning around in that silly little head of hers. She wants to know what love is. Jaimie looks very stressed.

Ale and Rafa are slow dancing, and Ale tells Rafa she hasn’t danced in a long time. Rafa says me too and Ale calls him a liar and reminds him about the little tryst back at the fleabag motel. Rafa smiles and gives his cute little ira ira ira and tells her she is beautiful when she is jealous. Ale throws a little ira ira ira right back at him and wants to know who said she was jealous. Then Rafa has the perfect comeback. “You are more beautiful when you smile.” Ale smiles so sweetly and tells him thank you. Still dancing very closely they begin kissing once again.

We see a candle being lit at Susanas’ apartment. Susana asks Dandy if he wants something to drink. Dandy wants to know if she has any thing really strong. Susana tells him she doesn’t drink, but does have some ginger extract. That’s just dandy with our Dandy, and Susana is off to collect the drinks. Dandy pulls a face as she walks off.

Susana wants to know what has him all bothered. Dandy wants to know if she really wants him to be honest with her. Well of course she does as she returns with the ginger and Dandy has resigned himself to sitting on the floor as he chokes down his drink. He confesses he has strong feelings for her. He tells her he can’t stop thinking about her. He can’t concentrate on work. He can’t sleep and when he does, she appears. (Oh he is smooth). He tells her it is like they have things pending from past lives. Susana doesn’t understand, what past lives.

Dandy must have been doing his homework because he weaves an incredible little tale about past lives. Susana is quite surprised as Dandy is creeping ever (but awkwardly ) closer to her on the floor. Susana tells him he has never appeared to her in her past lives. (This whole conversation had me a little confused). About the only thing I really understood was he finally told her they were obliged to be together in this life. Susana seems a little skeptic. Dandy wants to know if she doesn’t feel anything for him. Susana tells him he is just a work mate and she does care about him but not like that. Not in this life or any past lives.

We are back with crazy Vicky and a petrified Jaimie. Vicky wants to know what Rafa is thinking now. Jaimie doesn’t have a clue. He has told her this a million times and this question is going to give him nightmares. Vicky is offended and tells him he doesn’t have to talk to her like that. After all he is Rafas’ best friend and knows him better than anyone. She whines she knew she couldn’t count on him.

Vicky has now lost it and poor Jaimie stands to try and quiet her. He glances back to make sure the BGs are not coming back. She cries her life is being destroyed and accuses Jaimie of yelling at her. She tells him he sees her abandoned, humiliated and alone with her heart broken in a thousand pieces and her voice gets louder and her demeanor more crazed as she grabs poor Jaimie by the neck of his shirt Screaming “the only thing you are concerned about is the one question I have asked you.” Poor Jaimie more than a little concerned about her brothers returning keeps looking over his shoulder.

Jaimie tries to calm her down and asks her to forgive him. She screams you don’t care about comforting me. Jaimie goes to give her a comforting hug and pats her on the back. Vicky suddenly goes in for a kiss. (As much as we all complain about our crazy Vicky she is so funny to watch in action).

The kiss ends and Jaimie looks like he is about to be sick. Vicky goes in for another kiss. I am not sure what is going on in poor Jaimies brain but he goes to touch Vickys’ shoulders to console her and she suddenly pushes him away. She screams at him and asks him why he did that. Jaimie doesn’t have a clue what is going on. And Vicky goes in for another lip lock, only to push him away again. This, what can only be called lip-lock abuse, goes on for awhile until an insane Vicky finally pushes away a terrified Jaimie one final time.

Now insane Vicky tells terrified Jaimie that it is best if they never tell Rafa about this. He might misinterpret this and that would only end badly and make poor Vicky cry more ending up in the hospital at the point of death. And what about the brothers. They can’t find out because they would certainly murder Jaimie. Poor Jaimie. Finally Vicky thanks him for listening and tells him they can never kiss again and goes in for one final assault, I mean kiss. She finishes, pushes him away and tells him he can leave. Jaimie runs for the door and Vicky is left with a big smile on her face. Still running for his life Jaimie stops to take a breath, wondering what he is going to do about Rafa.

Susana accuses Dandy of being a professional womanizer. He tells her she is wrong. It is just a disguise he uses to combat his loneliness, his inability to have the woman he truly needs. He asks her if she has sexual feelings. He puts her hand on his chest and asks her to listen and tell him what she feels. Susana tells him she feels his heart beating very fast and he needs to go to the doctor. Dandy tells her if she doesn’t want to get to know him better they should just end this.

Susana tells him there is one sure way to find out if they are compatible. Dandy is all eager about this. Especially if it involves taking his clothes off. Susana smiles and tells him no. She wants to know when his birthday is. He hesitates a little but tells her. She goes to her lap top telling him he is younger than her. She wants to know what hour he was born. Susana has pulled up a compatibility chart.

Marco is assuring Jorge and Tia that he has never doubted Ales’ fidelity. He could certainly accuse her of working to much and being obsessive about her things but never of being unfaithful. She is as faithful as he is. Marcos’ phone rings and he tells them it is Urdiales. Marco talking into the phone says Urdiales I will be there shortly and hangs up. We see a confused Claudia on the other end of the phone. Jorge is upset with the call and tells Marco to tell Urdiales to go to the devil. Marco tells them work calls. Tia tells him to calm down and have faith in Ale. He tells them he believes in Ale, feigns sadness as he leaves

We have night stars and a low hanging moon and a large heart shape in the sand encircling large letters A and R. Then we are treated to very lovely Rafa song. (Can this episode get any better? Oh I bet it can) Rafa gently and sweetly serenades Ale against the gentle waves of the ocean. “Amarte la Antigua.” ( I am not certain of the translation but I think it means I will love you forever. Any other ideas? ) This was a very lovely and enchanting scene.

We now have a distraught Susana telling Dandy they are not compatible. Things would turn out very badly if they were together. Dandy can‘t quite wrap his head around any of this mumble jumble and reaches for the lap top. He wants to know how a computer program could know how things would turn out between them. I apologize I didn‘t understand too much of what Susana was telling Dandy about the astrological charts or such but it was a cute scene.

Susana assures Dandy that there might be some things they are compatible at. She takes the lap top away from him in search of these things. As she explains things to him he starts putting the moves on her. He starts nuzzling her neck. You can be sure this is having an effect on our sweet innocent Susana. There is a problem with the Scorpion house and again I was totally lost. I am sure Dandy didn‘t have a clue what she was talking about either but he continued with his seductive moves.

Susana attempts to continue, she tells Dandy he isn‘t very stable but she is. Susana tells them they don’t have a chance at a future together. She is sure they could never have a family together. Susana is weakening to Dandys’ moves. There is talk about their sun and moon straying. Dandy calls her his sun and he will be her moon and before we know it Susana has lost all control and fallen victim to the wiles of a dandy.


Marco and Claudia have arrived at Marcos apartment. We have another little cat and mouse seduction scene. Those two were meant for each other. Slime (Marco) and conniving (Claudia) . Claudia feigns discomfort at betraying Ale. She is afraid Ale might find out. Marco goes to the bedroom pretending to find papers that Claudia is looking for. Well we know all know where this is going and they end up in bed together.



Rafa and Ale continue to dance with each other oblivious to their surroundings when they are interrupted by their host offering them another tequila. They both decline stating they are tired. They say their good nights and walk closely together arms wrapped around one another. They arrive to their room and Rafa gently helps Ale to the bed. He takes her shoes off and Ale is in a soft drifty sleep while Rafa stands and prays to god wanting to know if this is real and that he doesn’t want to wake up yet.

Ale wakens and Rafa asks her if she is okay. She tells Rafa to come close. He sits down on the bed with her and they snuggle very closely. She tells him she wants to be in his arms. Ale wants to know what time it is. Rafa tells her he is not sure but that the night is almost over. Ale is gently kissing him and tells him she does not want morning to come. Rafa says another little prayer for the night to not end and Ale sweetly laughs at him.

She says his name and he answers yes? She tells him he sings beautifully all the while gazing into his eyes. She tells him he sang to her and it was so romantic. Rafa has died and gone to heaven. Ale continue to caress his face and tells him this was the best night of her life. She asks him to sing to her again. She starts sweetly singing the song and he continues, then tells her he can’t remember anymore, he tells her it is like he can’t see and that he has forgotten everything.

They smile at one another. Ale tells Rafa she is very tired but very happy. She tells him to ask the night not to leave. Rafa tells the night not to leave. Rafa confesses to Ale this was the happiest night of his life. We have another sweet kiss. Now Rafa seems a little concerned as he tells Ale they have a little problem. There is no place for him to sleep. Ale sits up slightly and tells him “here” . Rafa questions this and she says yes here. We have our theme music and a very sweet lovely scene of Ale and Rafa side by side on the bed
.

THE MORNING AFTER

ACT I

Claudia and Marco are in bed together. Marco is snuggling a sleeping Claudia. She wakes and wants to know where she is. Claudia feigns innocence and assures Marco this isn’t how she really is. Marco slyly smiles and says me neither. And there night of wild passion is not over.


ACT II

We see a sleeping Dandy on a futon on the floor. He is snoring loudly, then we pan across the room to a
Humming Susana practicing her yoga while standing on her head. Dandy awakens slightly confused and greets Susana who shushes him. Then she asks him how he slept. Dandy wants to know how long she has been up. Long enough as she list all the things she has already accomplished.

She tells him she made him some juice and has cereal with soy milk. Dandy pretends to be pleased with this. Susana is all business and energy at this point and is off to work. Dandy attempts to get out of bed and has some kind of spasm. He complains about the positions she had him in last night. Somehow I think she got his ankle behind his head. (I don’t need to hear any more. ) Susana is off and Dandy asks for a kiss before she leaves. Susana gives a very sweet peck on the lips and gently taps him, telling him to hurry. Dandy has a goofy smile on his face. He can barely get out of bed without spasms of pain.

ACT III

Rafa and Ale are lying next to each other wrapped in each others arms peacefully asleep. Still fully clothed. Ale awakens, seemingly aghast at what transpired. She goes into the bathroom and touches her engagement ring and wonders how she could ever do this to Marco. We see a flashback of a supposedly happier time when Ale was going to buy the apartment for Marco. Ale starts crying, walks to the shower turns it on; sits on the floor and begins to cry.

Rafa has awoken, and starts hugging the pillow, still half asleep thinking it is Ale. He fully wakens. remembering the night and smiles saying it all wasn’t a dream. Ale really cares for him. We see scenes from the night. Then we have the most bittersweet split screen scene I have ever seen. Ale crying inconsolably on the bathroom floor and Rafa with the sweetest smile lying on the bed thinking about his beloved Ale.

Labels: dinero

What can I say.....I will have to post later, but feel free to chat among yourselves until then. And HUGE thanks to Hombre who filled in for me last week when I got in a bind. I thought I would get to it tonight, but alas....I have a new old refrigerator instead.... :0)

Labels: gancho

We continue to have more and more new characters but the clone is still AWOL. Usually when this happens in a novela, it's because the producers are desperately trying to get more viewers but apparently we are still following the script of the (to me) inexplicably popular original version of the novela. I was not inspired to grab pictures of all new characters. I took a few shots of Jadiyah and one of Zamira.

Dora comes to visit Albieri and Luisa. She tells them that she hasn't seen Daniel for months. She says that she finally understands that Daniel will only find peace with Albieri even if it leaves her destroyed.

Marisa wants Lucas to go to a party with her but he says that he is not interested in parties, fashion shows (desfile) or red carpet (alfombra roja) events. Marisa acknowledges that it is better to go alone than in bad company.

Lucas must be hard up for confidants if he is telling his matrimonial troubles to Leo. He says that Marisa is very frivolous (frívola) and he can't stand her. He doesn't know why he didn't separate from her when they signed the divorce papers but everything fell apart when Natalia had psychological problems. Now he and Marisa are locked in a cage without an exit ('encerrado en una jaula sin salida'.) [Why can't they get divorced now?] Leo says that as time goes on the love diminishes in a marriage. Lucas flashes back to watching Jade dance for him and tells Leo that he doesn't agree with him.

Nariza tells Said and Jade that Jadiya is at Ali's helping him to find his fourth wife. Jadiya tells Ali that she can find him a wife. Ali asks her to describe the woman he should marry. Jadiya descbribes Nariza, pretty [maybe in the eyes of a 10-year old]; black hair, dances well and not too young. Ali agrees to let her find him a wife. He warns her not to pull a fast one on him ('no me puedes pasar gato por liebre,' literally, 'you can't pass a cat off as a hare on me').

Natalia's friend, Andrea, forces her to go to South Beach to see a boy that she likes. Before they go, Marisa makes nasty comments about Natalia's appearance.

Dora is at the dance club. She asks about Osvaldo but Vicki hasn't seen him. Miguel shows up and says that Osvaldo is running after a model.

Osvaldo tells Karla [who is dancing to the same song that they played in the club at least 10 years ago] that he is a talent agent. She is all excited [They all say that honey. You should Google him.] Alejandro shows up and is jealous. His fight with the 'killer' isn't on yet. His manager Pablo is setting it up but meanwhile Pablo has an idea to have two women fight in a cage. He doesn't want professionals but rather two babes who will pull each others hair (se jalan las greñas) and attract a crowd with money.

Amine blackmails his sister and cousin into giving him their chocolate. Zamira complains that the worst thing that happened to her was to have a brother. Everything in the house is for him.

Back in Morocco, Said tell Jadiya that he wouldn't trade her for 10 boy children. Said tells Jade that he is expanding his hotel business into Miami. He is going there to inaugurate the project and wants Jade to go with him.


Of course, Leo's company is involved in Said's project. Enrique asks if Leo has heard from Cristina. Leo hasn't. Enrique tells him that the bar he bought for her is a big success.

Natalia is too shy to talk to Fernando, the guy she likes. She abandons her friend and drives home. [According to the internet, you can drive at 16 in Florida so Natalia must be at least 16.]

Marisa and Lucia come back from their party. Lucia complains again about the problem of being married to a handsome man. She calls him all the time. She has good reason to be suspicious. Her husband, Roberto, is having a massage but he tells his wife that he is in a business meeting. He works for Leo.

Hilda, a pretty newcomer to the neighborhood (played by Luly Bossa, from Zorro) visits Mohamed's store. Latifa is jealous.

Dora tells Vicki that Daniel has made contact with her mother and Dora believes that he is in Miami.

Luisa suggests to Albieri that they have Dora over for dinner. He gets all weird and leaves the room. We also see yet another new character, Escobar, an assistant in the lab.

Leo has a new secretary, Clara, played by the actress who was the long-suffering Lina Maria in Victorinos. Leo finds out that the head investor in the hotel project is named Said but that doesn't ring a bell for Leo.

Jade tells Zoraida that she doesn't want to go the States with Said. There are too many bad memories and losing Lucas still hurts a lot.

Lucas must be hard up for confidants if he is telling Rosa that losing Jade still hurts him a lot. He says that he has never felt such intensity of emotion since. "Ah, adolescent love," replies Rosa.

It appears that Leo's new secretary, Clara, is the mother of Fernando, the guy Natalia likes. She is also married to Escobar, Albieri's assistant. Fernando calls Natalia to get the address of Leo's office. Fernando calls his mother to ask for $500to buy a surfboard (tabla) but she says that she just started a new job and doesn't have any money. She tells him to stop bothering her at work or she will cut off his allowance (mesada).

Enrique tells Leo and Roberto that Said is coming to Miami. They work out their strategy to close the deal.

Said tells Jade that he has been contacted by a food exporting company that wants to meet with them in Miami. When Jade finds out this is Leo Ferrer's company, she lies and says that she has never heard of them and immediately has a headache and has to go lie down. Jadiyah is watching. As they say, little pitchers have big ears.

Karla wants to be one of the women cage fighters but Alejandro doesn't want to see his future wife half naked in a cage while 100 guys drool over her.

More sibling inequality at Mohamed's. Amine is on his bike all day but Zamira doesn't even have a bike. She and Latifa plead with Mohamed to get her one and finally he agrees.


Mohamed tells Latifa that he is concerned about raising his children so far from their customs. Latifa thinks that they should cut the kids some slack, so that they aren't different from all other children. Mohamed considers returning to Morocco for that reason. He is afraid that Zamira will turn out like Jade. Latifa reminds Mohamed that Jade has made his brother happy. She says that Zamira won't make them suffer the way Jade made Uncle Ali suffer.

Jadiya asks Ali what he admires most in a woman. Ali says that she should be quiet, religious, submissive, lowering her eyes when she approaches a man and that she is quiet when her husband speaks. [Sounds a lot like Nariza, right?] Jadiya says that in that case she knows just the person for him and he knows her too. She goes to get this paragon. Zoraida wonders how a little girl can be so devious. Ali says that Allah made men stronger but women smarter so that they can overcome a man's strength.

Jade, Said and Nariza come over to Ali's house. Jadiyah tells Nariza that she has to be very submissive (soumisa). Nariza's reaction:

Jadiyah's reaction:


In a very funny scene, Nariza pretends to be submissive and religious in front of her astonished family. They keep asking if she is feeling ok. She says that she is so overcome with emotion about Ali's wonderful nieces and nephews that will carry on her family name that she has to go and pray. Zoraida hopes that this change to Nariza is permanent.


Said tells Ali that the chief investor in his project is Leo Ferrer. Ali pretends that he doesn't know the name. Jade leaves the room followed by Zoraida and Jadiyah. She tells Zoraida she can't take any more. Jadiyah wants to know who this Leo Ferrer is. She says that whenever he is mentioned, Jade gets all nervous. Jade protests that she doesn't know him. Jade tells Zoraida that she has a bad feeling about going to the States.

Leo has no sympathy for Lucas' desire not to be involved in the Moroccan project. Leo says that his firm can't miss an opportunity to invest in the Middle East because of Lucas' adolescent love. Lucas asks what is the problem with Enrique handling the the transaction and keeping Lucas informed (mantener al tanto). Leo says the problem is that he doesn't trust someone who can't control himself. "And you can?" asks Lucas sarcastically.

Karla convinces Alejandro to let her do the cage fight. Meanwhile Pablo is setting up a grudge match. He gets Alejandro's former girlfriend, Diana, to do the fight and lies tells her that Al doesn't have a new girlfriend.

For some reason Rosa gets a business call for Leo. The only thing she can remember about the call is that it was from someone named Said. Lucas is impactado.

The credits roll.

Labels: clon

Test

Labels: recapper-intro

Said looks from his crying baby daughter to his crying baby wife, and he lets her stay in the house. In what status? They never say. Does she try to get along with him? Does she just coexist in the house without ever talking to Said? It’s hard to tell.

Ali is heard quoting something in the background. Allah created time, the creator and destroyer of all things, the giver and taker of life. But time is a mystery. We are taken to a time about 10 years later.

Little Jadiyah dances for the party, and Jade dances with her. Jadiyah has eyes only for her daddy, and daddy has eyes only for Jade. While Nariza, in full clown makeup, is making eyes at Ali. And Ali would rather gouge his eyes out than look at her.

Across the sea, Natalia, who looks about 14, is getting an award for being a star student. Lucas and Pop agree she’ll go far. But she’s terribly shy speaking in front of the crowd. (A 14-year-old girl who is awkward in social situations outside her age group? No puede serrrr!) Everyone is glowing except Marisa, crabby as ever. Backstage Natalia talks to her Cristina-in-training friend. Doesn’t Natalia know that to be friends, you have to dress exactly the same as everyone in your clique? Her friend cares nothing for studies, only boys. Lucas, Leo, and Rosa tell Natalia how proud they are. Marisa criticizes her clothing, her shoes, and her lack of make-up. You can tell this is telenovelaland. A real 13-14 year old girl would scream at her mother, “You hate me! You’ve always hated me! You want to ruin my life! Nobody understands me! I never want to see you again as long as I live! And can you take me and Cristy to the mall?”

Jadiyah has her mind on boys too. Only about 10, she wants to know if anyone has asked for her (hand) yet. Papa says she’s too young. Mama says she needs education and a profession first. Tio Abdul says that a women with an education puts her family in danger. Jade tells her daughter, “I’ve always told you, ignore what Tio Abdul says.” But Jadiyah doesn’t care about an education, only a husband, lots of kids, and lots of gold.

Marisa and Natalia continue their argument at home. Marisa says Natalia doesn’t pay enough attention to her appearance. I say she’s wrong. A person can’t find a shirt THAT ugly without looking hard for it. Naty tells Pop and Grandpop that none of her friends care who gets an academic medal.

At Casa Mohamed, Gloria and the Wild Ones move in across the street. She’s opening a bar, and her shirtless son and his two buddies are helping. The son has a round tattoo in the same place as Lucas’ mole. Not sure why. Gloria hollers across the street and invites them to her new bar. Latifa is scandalized. You’d think that after living in Miami for 15 years, she wouldn’t have seizures every time she sees a bare-chested man. Mohamed and Latifa hustle into the house. Gloria is offended by the snub. Doesn’t Islam value hospitality?

Little Amin goes snooping on the new neighbors. Ramon, the one with the shirt, catches him. He explains that Gloria’s son, Alejandro, is a cage fighter, and there’s a fight tomorrow night. Does Amin want to come? Gee, that’s a good way to lose your liquor license on the first day of business!

Said brings Jade a gold bracelet and says he remembers the first day he saw her. He thought, “I want to make that woman happy for the rest of her life.” I guess he never heard the song. He wants to know if he succeeded. Jade only answers that she couldn’t have a better husband. Later she tells Zoraida that Said is always bringing her presents. Z asks if she’s happy. Not happy, but tranquiliza - she has accepted this life.

Ali is fighting with one of his wives, and he declares that he’s going to get a fourth wife because the others don’t make him happy. Jadiyah overhears this and runs to tell Tia Nariza. Nariza sees her big chance, and she gets Jadiyah to agree to help her rope in Ali.

Latifa, wearing clown make-up and a very low-cut V-neck smock, asks Samira where her brother is. They can’t find him. Mohamed asks the neighbor (the one he snubbed yesterday) whether she’s seen him. She says no. Amin is actually inside watching the cage fighting. Okay, just a few oddities.
A. The business has café tables outside, and a general café environment, while inside it‘s crowded with rowdy people watching cage fighting.
B. It opened yesterday and already they have a big event with lots of patrons.
C. It‘s a bar, but nobody is holding any drinks, not even a bottle of beer.
D. This is Gloria‘s bar, and this is her big event, but she is outside sweeping the sidewalk.
E. Nobody has a problem with a 10 year old boy in the bar.
Time for a new beanie.

Latifa wants to call the police, and Mohamed urges calm. Amin comes home after the fight, and he tells his parents that he fell asleep in the mosque, because he was so tired from studying all last night. Latifa and Mohamed are uber-proud of their son. Amin and Samira pass glances, expressing how stupid they think their parents are for believing such a tale.

Dora shows up at Vicky’s door. She says she hasn’t heard anything from Daniel in five months. The problems started when they moved to NY. (No, Sister, they started long before that.) He never forgave her for taking him away from Albieri. She lost her house and would like to stay with them for awhile. Vicky says that Cristina met some gringo and is traveling with him. Vicky and another guy are running the bar. Dora’s ready to start a new life. Vicky says Osvaldo has been showing up at the bar. Dora muses that she would like to be with Osvaldo again. (New life? Isn’t that her old life?)

Meanwhile Ozzie is watching dancing bimbos. He fancies that one of them has an eye on him, but she walks right past him to her young, buff boyfriend, Alejandro who just won $2,000 in the cage fighting.

At la casa grande, Leo is in a mood (no puede serrrr!). Enrique says it’s because Cristina left with that gringo. She has some sort of hold on him. It’s as if Leo has lost the will to live. Leo goes to Diego’s old bedroom, still left in shrine condition. He thinks about the loss of Diego.

Odd scene. By the pool, Lucas and Marisa meet up with the parents of Natalia’s friend. The men go off to the gym. The wife complains how hard it is to be married to such a handsome husband because all the bimbos are drawn to him like flies.

The bare boys of the neighborhood decide to visit Mohamed’s store. Latifa is scandalized by their bare chests and starts screaming. They just look at her, perplexed. Mohamed comes and kicks them out. They offer to put on shirts to make him happy, but he just wants them to leave. Back at the bar/café, Alejandro tells Gloria that he only needs to win two more fights to go to Nationals, with TV coverage and lots of money. His buddy says that he needs to do something to get some publicity. Like fight the hulk at the local gym. Victor “The Murderer” Guzman. He’s never lost a fight. They go down to the gym and watch him pulverize somebody.

At the mall, Marisa tells the other lady that her marriage is important to her, but Lucas is a hopeless case. The woman asks if that woman in Morocco is still a problem. Marisa says no way, she’s been out of his life for a long time. Meanwhile Lucas finds and old picture of Jade in some old books.

At the clinic, Luisa reads Albi an article about the ethics of parents choosing the gender of their offspring. Albi says that if that is accepted, maybe soon the public will accept human cloning. Luisa is surprised that he would even consider such a thing, given all the ethical issues. Albi says maybe a human clone already exists. At home, Albi decides that if Daniel appeared in his life, it would be a scandal; “it would be the end of me.” Just then the doorbell rings. It‘s Dora..

Labels: clon

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