Caray, Caray!

Review: Gabe and Joel are with the Villareal's and everyone is thrilled that "Angela" is back. Gabe hugs Salma and tells her he doesn't believe a word she is saying, he knows she is an imposter and he is going to unmask her. Juan is still talking to the ring, holding it up that it looks like a star, saying she will accept it. Regi is waiting in her room, hoping he will come and give it to her. We go back and forth a couple of times, Juan, Regi, Juan, Regi.

At the puerto Noel and Gabe are strolling along. Noel says it was so happy at the de Marin household, but he noticed that Gabe looked concerned and looked at Salma in a special way, that he doubts her. (ya think?) Gabe says, yes I do doubt her, I am certain she is lying. Noel says it is a delicate matter have to go carefully. I thought she wasn't tell the truth, too, but where did she get the dress, then? Gabe says he doesn't know, but he doesn't believe her. I know Griselda and she doesn't care about anything except for money. Noel looks like, Ohhhh, I see. If your suspicions are correct, what are you going to do? Investigate, of course. Noel says he will give Gabe his support and help to continue to investigate so they can find out if Salma is lying. They shake on it and walk off arm in arm.

At the de Marin house, Salma is continuing to be smothered in the motherly embrace of Mariella while she remembers Gabe telling her he knows she is lying. She asks Mariella if she can go to the gypsy camp to say goodbye to Griselda and thank you. Mariella says no way, you aren't going there tonight, I just found you. Salma tries again, whining, I will be seen as an ingrate! Mari says, no, we will go early in the morning, and you can say good byes give thanks, whatever, but right now, no, you can't leave me, as she clutches Salma to her bosom some more.

Beautiful red morning sky and we are at the casino. Phillipe and the girls decide they have to go right now and talk to Rod to find out what happened to Brigitte. (Everyone sure gets up and dressed early). They demand that Rod tell them where she is. Rod looks puzzled and pretends not to know who Brigitte is and tells them they are mistaken. They persist and say she said she was coming to see you and we don't believe you. He denies that she ever was there and gets the maids to back him up. They say the only visitor they saw was Leonarda. He says Leo left late and she will confirm it as well. So go look for your friend somewhere else, she is not here, get out of my house and have a nice day.

Leo is sobbing on her bed, "he has never loved me, never" boo hoo hoo. Clemencia enters and Leo sobs, don't bug me. But what is wrong Senora, why are you crying? Rodrigo has been abusing me, he has always abused the great love I have for him. Clem looks disgusted, so now you finally get it. I told you over and over that it was a bad, impossible love that was only going to bring you sadness and pain. (I could have told Clem that was not the thing to say.) Leo changes the subject and says that Clem is guilty, guilty! Because she knew about Aimee and Juan and Regina being in love with Renato and she kept silent. Clem says, yes I knew, but what could I have done? I may be guilty of this, but how come you didn't know about any of it? Leo looks taken aback, I'll tell you why, because of your own immoral love, you did everything for Rodrigo. Leo tries again to blame Clem. Clem asks Leo how she can criticize Aimee when Leo and Aimee are exactly the same. Both married without love and both cheated on their husbands. Leo is incensed, shut up, shut up!! And you know what, says Clem, I think you are both going to end up very much ALONE. Get out of here says Leo, get out of here right now! Clem leaves with her nose in the air. Ha ha Leo. Leo then starts to crumple up again - Alone, ALONE, SOLA!!!

We go to the other cheating beatch who is as usual admiring herself in her mirror. It has dawned on her that if she is going to convince people she is pregnant she'd better start looking like it. She takes some cloths out of the wardrobe and experiments with different ones to see how they look under her dress, choosing a fluffy round one that looks like a toilet seat cover, ah this one, this one. She tells herself all is not lost, as we hear the creepy non-existent baby laughing in the background and she has a crazed look in her eyes.

Eloisa, Fed and Fulgencio are hanging out, and she is asking if Griselda is going to be working with them. Weirdly, Fully says she's great with the cards and I could really use her to help me make business decisions. Que? Eloisa thinks to herself, that's not bad, maybe she can be my ally, especially if Servando doesn't want to be. Suddenly she is sickly sweet - gushing that's great, you always know best my dearest husband. Fully looks a little suspicious. Eloisa says she has an appointment with the dressmaker (rolls eyes) and kisses Fully as she smugly flounces out the door. After she leaves, Fulgencio tells Fed he does think Grizzy is good with the cards but she better not betray him. Fed says, really dude? (He believes it as much as I do.) He tells Federico that Grizzy told him what a great guy Fed is and because of that he is going to give Fed the key to a special cupboard which has important things in it as proof that he trusts him. This is just a small stash and he has another big one. Fed says I've earned your trust and I won't fail you, they shake on it and Fulgencio threatens him, if you ever betray me..... Fed does his best to look brave and sincere.

Back at the Finca, Clem is looking at the portrait of Rodrigo and shaking her head thinking about Leo sobbing over him not loving her. She says to herself, that b***tch is getting what she deserves. On the other hand, my girl MdR had real love until her death. She flashes on her collision in the marketplace with MdR, thinks Jacinta sure was acting strange. I don't know the woman with her but she reminds me of someone, hmmm.

At the fisherman hut, Jacinta is making the bed and Jimena comes waltzing in repeating MdR's refrain, the sea took him away and the sea will bring him back. She talks about how happy MdR is outside expecting her son to return. (I'm worried Arcadio is suddenly going to come out of nowhere). Jacinta says she doesn't know anything about Jimena, just that she is a gypsy and has suffered a lot. Jimena tells her about her life, her mother dying, Griselda being so mean to her and selling her to the tavern guy. Then she goes into Gabriel, how she misses him. Jacinta tells her love is the great consolation, it helps us to endure.

Griselda is spying on Gabe and Branco talking on the beach. Gabe tells Branco about Salma saying she is Mariellas daughter. Branco knows she must be lying and that it is a trick of Griselda's just to get money. Gabe tells him about the dress and the memories, but Branco still agrees that it is a lie. He tells Gabe he can count on him to help uncover the deception. The two musketeers shake on it.

At the police station Phillipe, Fifi and Lulu are trying to file a missing person's report. The chief is not going to waste his guards on a mujerzuela. Lulu is shocked, and Fifi stands up for the rights of the poor and dispossessed and tells him he's obligated to help them just as much as anyone else! Aguacil laughs and still won't go along until Phillipe threatens to go to his superiors and create a scandal. Aguacil sighs like, okay, okay and calls four of the goofy guards and tells them to go look for the Senorita. Ya'll happy now? Fifi tells him he's not going to get rid of them easily, they are going to make sure he does his job. He tells them to get the hell out and leave him in peace.

At the gypsy camp, Grizzy is telling Servi about working for don Fulgencio. Servi warns her not to cross him, he will kill her for real. Just then they turn around to see the happy Villareal family strolling up. Putting on their best faces, Grizzy asks Salma how life is with her new family? Servando is wondering what the heck is going on. Salma says she is so happy, she never thought she would find her real mother, and these are my dear grandparents. Abuelo says, I don't want to offend you, but here is a little something for taking care of her all these years. Grizzy pretends not to want it, that she just loved Angela so much. The look on Servando's face is priceless. She finally reluctantly accepts the money. Salma asks if she can be alone with Grizzy for a few minutes and Mariella says okay. They go into the nearby tent as the Villareals look happy and at the same time awkward being in the camp. Servando follows them into the tent and tells them he knows it is a lie and he knows who the real daughter of Mariella is. He threatens to tell them the truth unless Grizzy shares the money with him. She does, but tells him it's not because she is afraid it is because she always shares and he doesn't. Salma then tells them about Gabe being there and telling her he doesn't believe her. Grizzy says, not only that, I saw him talking to Branco and they are together in this. Servi says don't worry I'll take care of that pair of idiots. Salma, says no, no, don't do anything to Branco, I'm hoping he'll love me some day. Grizzy looks like, get a load of this! Servi tells Salma she's such an idiot, now that she is passing herself off as a blanca Branco won't have anything to do with her. Well, Duh, she didn't think of that. Oh no! Grizzy says, you shoulda thought about that before you did it, too late now.

The two musketeers are still hanging out on the beach when the tavern owner comes up looking for Jimena. He insults Branco by saying to Gabe what is he doing with that class of people! Gypsies are nothing but robbers. Branco lunges at him saying that no one insults his people and his blood! Gabe pulls him off, but Branco tells tavern guy that he'd better be ready to defend himself next time. He then says, there may be some honorable gypsies, but I'm looking for a ladrona. She was sold to me and then ran away. Gabe looks disturbed and asks for her name. Jimena, her name was Jimena. Gabe and Branco muy impactados.

On the Luzbel the pescadores are talking about going into town and Regi wants to go but Juan doesn't feel well, so she decides to stay. He tells them all to go have fun, and they walk happily off. As Juan and Regi are talking about how happy the fishermen are we suddenly hear Flipper in the background! They turn around to see two dolphins leaping out of the water. Juan stumbles over his words talking about dolphins and trying to tell Regi how he feels and finally kisses her instead, under her hat. Then they are coming down the stairs into the cabin and Juan is saying something about there being so much moonlight, and Regi says don't you mean it is sunny? Juan says he's been working too hard. I'm confused here too as whether it is day or night as Juan then starts closing the sheets off, looking unsteady on his feet, but says for her call him if she needs anything. He suddenly then peeks again around the sheets and says, excuse me but I must tell you something important. She says I'm listening. He sits down on the bed and tells her I want to tell you I love you. You love me? Juan, I love you, too, like I have never loved anyone. But isn't this how you feel about Renato? No, no Juan, that is just a memory now. And...what about Aimee? I asked you please don't talk about that, I am in love with you. He kisses her again, but she can feel how hot he is and says Juan, you have a fever! He says Juan del Diablo is never sick!! He is unsteady stumbling, trying to tell her he has something to give her, but he is collapsing in the process with fever.

Meanwhile, Lulu is telling Noel about how Brigitte is missing, that she went to visit Rodrigo, but when they asked him, he said only Leonarda had been there. Lulu felt badly having to say that to Noel. He looks thoughtful. Gabe and Branco are on the beach discussing what that bruja Griselda did to Jimena but if they confront her she will lie about it. They are going to find Jimena.

Back to the Luzbel and Regi is trying to cope with a very sick and feverish Juan who keeps trying to get up in spite of being unable to. She gets water and something Doc Miranda prescribed and gets a cloth on his head. He is still trying to tell her how he feels, he is starting to be so feverish he is incoherent. She keeps trying to tell him to relax, while he is afraid she will leave but she keeps telling him she won't she is there.
At the Notario office, Lulu is apologizing if she said anything to upset Noel. He says no, the worst thing is to love but not be loved in return. She says you can always talk to me when you feel alone, I am your friend. He says if he were capable of being unfaithful he would have looked for a woman like her, a good and noble woman. She says, but I am not a good woman. Yes, you are, you have more nobility in your heart than these decent women at the port. But, this is getting too painful, back to the subject of Brigitte. Noel promises to help, to get on Aguacil's case about finding her. Phillipe and Fifi try the Doc's place to see if she could be there. He asks them why here? They say because she could have been assaulted and could be hurt. I didn't catch what he said.

On the Luzbel, Juan is raving about his padre and padre don't leave me. Regina keeps reassuring him, telling him she is there. He says something about being betrayed by Renato or Renato betraying him. We go to Renato being frustrated with the ship's captain because they haven't found Juan yet. The Captain is insulted and tells Ren they know what they are doing and they will find him. Ren says if he doesn't find the woman he loves soon someone is going to get hurt. Back to Juan who is becoming more frenzied and raving, saying he can't love Regi because she is a Montes de Oca! He is crying, sobbing, you are an MDO, you will betray me!! She continues to try to calm him down. He raves about Aimee and her betrayal and how he is afraid, she can tell his fever is getting worse and worse, and she is alone trying to help him. He says it is getting very dark, calls her Santa Regina, says she is his protector, he needs her!! She says I'm here, I won't leave you, I love you. He says they are all going to pay for the death of his mother! Regina says Dios mio! I am all alone, if only my kisses could help him, could cure him of his hatred.

At the beach Gabe is thinking and running sand through his hands. While not too far away at the fishermen's huts Jimena and Jacinta are preparing food. We see Servando sneak up behind Gabe, grab him around the neck and stab him in the chest. At the same time Jimena feels the pain in her chest and feels that something terrible is happening to Gabe. She runs out of the hut saying I have to find Gabriel, he needs me! Servando lets Gabe fall and runs away, Gabriel's eyes are open, he appears to be dying or possibly dead.

Recap by IVY.

Labels: salvaje

Episode 96

Just a discussion thread, if I can get this through, until the recap can be posted. Here is a list of events from the episode:

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Gabriel and Noel discuss Gabriel's misgivings about Salma's story; Noel points out that Gabriel must find evidence against her and Griselda, and Noel offers to help him.

Salma remembers Gabriel's threats and tries to get Mariela to agree to let her leave, ostensibly to thank and bid farewell to the gypsy camp; but in reality it is to warn Griselda about Gabriel. Mariela agrees to let Salma go the next morning.

Phillip and the girlz visit Rodrigo, very upset about Brigitte's disappearance; but Rodrigo denies she was ever there and gets the servants to back him up. Phillip objects strenuously, but Rodrigo curtly dismisses them.

Leonarda cries piteously in her bed over Rodrigo's betrayal and complains to Clemencia about it -- who has no sympathy, calling Leonarda's love for Rodrigo a bad one. She compares Aimee's treatment of Renato to Leonarda's treatment of Noel and says they will both wind up alone, infuriating Leonarda.

Aimee stuffs her dress with linens to further her pregnancy lie; for sound effects, they have a baby crying, which was a little off-kilter, like Aimee is becoming.

When Fulgencio tells Eloísa that Griselda will be working there, she thinks privately it's a good idea and that Griselda will be her ally.

Fulgencio foolishly believes Griselda's lie that Federico is trustworthy and reveals some secrets, including his safe and secrets accounts. Fulgencio threatens if Federico even thinks of betraying him, he will be shark bait.

Clemencia notes that Leonarda is getting what she deserves, but in contrast María del Rosario was loved until the day she died. Then she strangely remembers seeing Jacinta with the woman in the plaza who reminds Clemencia of someone.

Jimena tells Jacinta about thinking Griselda never loved her and selling her down the river; that she escaped and doesn't want to go back, that she misses Gabriel terribly.

Gabriel meets Branko on the beach and they discuss their misgivings about Griselda, Salma and their lies about being Mariela's abducted daughter. They make a pact to uncover and reveal them.

Phillip and the girlz visit the sheriff to get him to look for Brigitte, and all they get for their trouble is insults; undeterred, the three persist, and finally the sheriff very reluctantly sends the guards to search for her.

Salma and the Villareals visit the gypsy camp, where Servando gets an eyeful of what's going on. Griselda feigns no interest in payment but accepts Mariela's money in gratitude for raising her "daughter."

Salma gets Griselda and Servando alone and explains Gabriel's no confidence and threat to expose them. Servando offers to kill Gabriel and Branko, but Salma doesn't want that and is worried to think she'll never get Branko.

The saloon keeper encounters Branko and Gabriel on the beach and insults gypsies because of what Griselda and Jimena did to him, and so they both learn what happened to Jimena. They want to put pressure on Griselda now, but are afraid Jimena might be hurt if they are obvious.

Shipboard all the boyz go ashore, leaving Regina and Juan alone. Down below in the captain's cabin, they both declare their love for each other, putting all others behind them.

They have a chance to spend time together, but Juan develops the same fever Regina had earlier and literally falls ill; so Regina must care for him, as he did her. She uses the same medicines Dr. Pablo sent for herself. Juan hallucinates terrifying moments from his childhood.

Lulu visits Noel at his office and tearfully explains her anxiety over the disappearance of Brigitte. When she embarrassedly brings up Leonarda's interest in Rodrigo, Noel frankly explains the tragedy of loving without being loved.

This reintroduces the sweet intimacy that is always present between these two, and they confirm their mutual respect and affection.

Noel even tells her that were he to rekindle a relationship with someone else, it might be with someone noble and good like her, who has more nobility in her heart than a lot of women on the street going about as if they were the height of morality.

Lulu says that he is an honest and just man. Back to the original topic, Noel vows to pressure the authorities about Brigitte. Phillip and Fifi visit Dr. Pablo and inform him of Brigitte's disappearance; but he hasn't seen her.

While Juan hallucinates aboard Luzbel about Renato and harming his own blood kin, Renato on the coast guard cutter is not happy with the way the coast guard is handling the hunt for Juan and Regina and gets in the commander's face about it.

Juan's fevered brain leads him to beg her not to leave him and tell her that she is his salvation. Regina is very worried about them being alone on the ship and calls out for Remigio or anyone.

Servando finds Gabriel alone on the beach and stabs him in the chest; not far away in the beach shack, Jimena staggers under the weight of a premonition and is sure something terrible must be happening to Gabriel.

Labels: salvaje

Hello friends! I'm sorry to report that our blog host is having some sort of problem (I googled it and there are plenty of others in this boat) and comments appear to post but disappear instead. Sorry for the frustration.

Labels: announcements

The mystery kisser in blue crashes the party and the Naz redeems herself-

It's the big night! The opening of Salamandra, Sein's club. Malicia is checking invites at the door. She clearly doesn't enjoy working at such a menial task while Cristina hobnobs with the guests.

Inside the decor is so Tutanhkamen via Las Vegas! Hieroglyphs on the walls and the waitresses with those pharaoh hats (why didn't they have Malicia wear one of those?)

Said and Rania are just getting ready to leave for the party. The Naz is happy to stay with Jadiya. [You would think the Naz would be dying to go to a party like that.] Jade shows up outside the house crying and begging to see Jade. Said is unmoved. He tells the guards not to let Jade in and he and Rania leave.

At the party Said runs into Marisa,
'¿Te gusta mi collar?' Do you like my necklace? asks Marisa, 'Me lo regaló un marroquí, guapísimo,' A super handsome Moroccan guy gave it to me.

Pablo urges Alej to go to the opening and try and get his job back but Alej doesn't think it is worth it.

Just what we needed. A new skank, cousin to Karla and Hilda, shows up fresh from committing insurance fraud by making false accident claims.

Roberto jokes with Enrique and says that he had better not have the drinks that are being served or he will see Diego at the party. Marisa says that she hopes Diego shows up. She would marry him. That marriage would work.

The Naz is not hard-hearted enough to be able to ignore Jade's pleas.

She lets Jade in the house and lets her see Jadiya.

Leo and Amalia arrive. Cristina greets them and then makes out ostentatiously with Pablo.

Dora is watching a program where a woman describes symptoms similar [I guess] to Dora's. The woman says that she never imagined that it was a fatal condition... Dora turns off the program when Daniel comes in dressed á la Arabe to go to the bar opening.

The Naz hustles Jade out of the house when Jadiya falls asleep.

The host (anfitrión) of the party and the owner of the bar, Sein is presented. [It's Tiberio Cruz, who played Pajarote on Doña Bárbara and Hércules in La Traición.]

Nati and Alej meet at Gloria's. Alej flashes back to when he gave Nati her bracelet (pulsera).
'Tú me hacías tan feliz,' You made me so happy, says Nati. Alej protests her use of the past (imperfect) tense. Nati says that nothing is the same (nada es igual). Alej agrees that everything has changed, 'porque yo te quiero más, mucho más,' because I love you more, much more. Gloria spoils the mood by making threats against Nati's family if any further harm comes to Alej.

Fernando is still ruing the loss of the car. He tells Clara that his father deceived him.

Malicia tells the Chump that Cristina didn't go a good job at the opening and she is sure that she will replace Cristina very soon. The Chump tells her that the papers putting her name on the apartment will be signed in 15 days.

Daniel shows up in his weird Bedouin costume with his face covered like he was in a sandstorm. We recall that way back at the beginning of the novela, Diego or Lucas wore something like this. Where did Daniel get it? He locks eyes with Cristina. This is history repeating itself, folks.

Jade has nowhere to go (she has the key Lucas gave her but maybe she doesn't have the address). She goes to Mohamed's house and Latifa lets her stay. Zamira tells Jade that she doesn't want her husband chosen for her. 'Sólo te puedo consejar que luches por lo que quieres hacer ahora, porque después puede ser más tarde,' I can only advise you to fight for what you want to have now because later it could be too late, Jade tells Zamira.

Daniel and Cristina kiss.

He has to pull down his face covering to kiss Cristina and she has to close her eyes so as not to recognize Daniel as Lucas. It's rather awkward. What is this supposed to mean? That a clone of Lucas remembers something that Diego did?

The next morning Cristina tells Vicki that with all the stress of the opening and seeing Leo with Amelia, she lost her head. 'Lo besé sin conocerlo,' I kissed him without knowing who it was, she says. Cristina goes on to say that the whole situation reminded her of what happened in Morocco when she lost her chance to marry Leo.

At Said's house, Jadiya wakes up and asks where her mother is. Said is suspicious but the Naz insists that Jadiya dreamed the whole thing.

Mohamed is angry that Latifa let Jade stay with them. He, of course, wants to tell Said right away. Jade comes in and says that Mohamed is right, 'Yo escogí mi suerte,' I chose my fate (literally, luck), says Jade. There is a knock on the door. It's Ali back from his trip. Jade asks him if it is true that Said can prevent her from seeing her child.

Back in Fez, Zoraida tells Abdul that Ali has returned to Miami and she has to go take care of him. Amina says that she wants to go back, too to see Rania.

Said keeps flashing back to Jade begging to see Jadiya. Rania tells the Naz that Said still suffers for Jade. 'No es cierto. Se acostumbró al maltrato que es muy diferente. Hasta le gusta,' That's not true. He got used to being mistreated and ended up liking it, says the Naz.

What is Marisa doing at Leo's house? She asks if Nati would like to study abroad. Nati says no. She is happy here. Nati asks Marisa if she is seeing anyone. Marisa asks what Andrea told her. Nati replies that Andrea didn't tell her anything, '¿Acaso ella sabe algo?' Does she know something? This, of course, confirms the fact for Nati.

At school, Andrea tells Nati that she saw Marisa and a man kissing. When Nati identifies Marisa's lover, Nati correctly concludes that it was Marisa who got Alej fired from his job.

Marisa calls Said and says she wants to see him. When they are in bed together, she tells him, 'Ellos nos vencieron,' they defeated us. She says that all she and Said ever talk about and think about are Jade and Lucas. She says that they are never alone, 'siempre somos los cuatro,' there are always the four of us. Said asks who Marisa wants to get vengeance on more, Lucas or Jade. Marisa says it would be Jade because had Jade not existed, her relationship with Lucas would have been different. She says that Lucas liked to fall in love with the impossible and she made herself too available.

Ali leaves a message for Lucas to go at once to an address.

The credits roll.

Labels: clon

*sobriquet thanks to Melinama

Now somehow I goofed and the title published but no recap. (Problem solved. Hooray!) But I'm working in 92 degree heat which may explain this goof. But hey, let's talk about the goofs that our protagonists are making. Plenty of those tonight.

We start with Alejandra's weak apologies and "perdonames" for siccing Vicky and her mad dog brothers on Rafa. Possibly blowing the deal with Marian Celeste and for sure putting Rafa and his family in jeopardy. "Perdoname" hardly seems adequate but whatever. After Rafa leaves, she places a frantic phone call to her amiga cum therapist Susana and orders a double tequila.

Elsewhere, Jaime is wandering down the street when he suddenly spots Rafa's old car, La Pantera. All excited, he gets the driver's phone number, sure Rafa will want to get in touch with this guy.

More interesting by far is the scene at the witch doctor's place. Marcos is indeed bare-chested and he's not bad. Not chiseled and ripped like some of our galans but nice broad shoulders and looks rather comfy. He's getting mildly whipped with some kind of feather duster, having cigar smoke blown in his face and forced to drink some noxious concoction while the shaman bellows Arise, Arise! Marcos is holding his drink cup down by the area in question so we have no idea if the therapy is working. Let's hope so for his sake.

And now for Rafa. He's placing a frantic phone call to Marian and getting a pretty cool reception. She's busy. And yes, the money's in the bank because she needs it to pay a lot of her outstanding bills. Surely you're not asking for it back! Gulp, no. Fine, the trucks will arrive tomorrow. Rafa clutches his head and wonders what he'll do about Vicky's family.

Vicky arrives home screaming to beat the band. Can we skip this part? No? Okay. Big bro' tells her she's confined to her room until new orders arrive. Meanwhile the menfolk in the family will decide on the next move. I HAVE A RIGHT TO EXPRESS MY OPINION. I'M NOT GOING TO BE A WIDOW BEFORE I'M A BRIDE!!!! NO SEÑOR! Pancho escapes out the door; Vicky grabs her phone and in her little bitty voice whispers "Papito?". Pretty sure she'll wrap Dad around her finger but who knows? That's it for Vicky tonight.

Marian and her secretary do a little chatting about Rafa while Marcos is staggering out of the witch doctor's place, looking like he's spent 12 hours on a bucking bronco. This does not bode well for amore.

And speaking of...Marian and Chepis (secretary) are reminiscing about Marian's last great love, some Italian who was very guapo and very rico. She admits that now she's quite taken with Rafa even though he's not really her type. But wait! she forgot. She and Rafa are slated to go to a convention in Monterrey tomorrow. Maybe in that beautiful, romantic city she'll have one last shot (quemar el ultimo cartucho) with Rafita. Quick telephone call to remind him of their date. And no! they're not going by truck. By plane, silly.

Meanwhile, our fantasy-prone Chavez is girding Marcos for battle and insisting on hearing all the juicy details once the deed is done.

The scene now moves to Carmela's office. Jaime is skulking in the hallway, having been dispatched to find out what's up at the juzgado. He's not sure which of the three women is "the one", though he should be. Carmela is the only one whose boobs are hanging halfway out of her camisole. In fact her assets are getting in the way of the papers spread out on the desk. Quite a picture.

Marcos arrives. Carmela throws back her jacket, thrusts out her chest a little further, sends the two women on their way, slaps Marcos' bum and off they go to the motel. This is not a woman prone to dither.

Back at the restaurant, Ale and Susana are having a little Come to Jesus talk. Susana gently informs her that she really went too far this time (te pasaste de la raya) and clearly she and Rafa need to sit down and have a heart to heart talk (hablar más a fondo) and work things out. Ale decides she needs Rafa's address and plans to visit his house.

Oh who cares? Let's find out what's going to happen with Marcos and Carmela. As it turns out, not much. But you knew that, didn't you. Carmela gets the key (evidently she's a well-known client) and once inside, knocks down both her whiskey and Marcos'. And then Marcos himself. He's tossed on the bed, stripped of his shirt, devoured with kisses and there we draw a veil. But evidently we didn't miss much. When next we see our seductress, she's storming out, threatening not only jail but putting him in the section with the rapists, and won't relent unless he pays her the promised sum....tomorrow at the latest.

Looks like both Marcos and Rafa have serious money problems now. And all because of women. Is there a hidden message here?

Random cop scene. They're trying to brace the guy who's installing undercover video cameras and microphones for the Queen to better supervise her employees. Trapito saves him but only to be harangued by the Queen herself who wanted the microphones installed like yesterday. Now he'll have to do it overnight. Y punto! After dealing with the technician, she then dispatches her computer-lugging toady to go play hide n seek with her dogs. Clearly the pups are the only ones who get any love from the Queen.

Ale is now driving around Rafa's barrio completely lost. I can relate. Rafa, meanwhile, is in the bar waiting for schizzy nervous little Jaime. When the latter arrives, he bumps into the eternal drunk, almost lands in a lady's lap and finally staggers to Rafa's table, grabbing Rafita's tequila and slugging it down himself. After that, Jaime orders a bottle and a pack of cigarettes and mutters something about having to stop these bad habits before the baby arrives. QUE? Some fast tap dancing about how... well... one day he hopes to have children and you know me, always thinking about the future. Clearly our Jaime is guilt-ridden, especially since Rafa is gushing about how he trusts him with his sister and golly gee, Jaime is also best friends with Rafa's novia and so forth. More chit chat about Rafa's precarious situation, financial-wise and life-wise, now that Vicky's family is on the warpath. More frantic dithering by Jaime. We've seen it all before.

Finally Jaime steers the conversation around to the Pantera sighting and Rafa brightens. Clearly he loves his old car. Heck, he adores it. Jaime counsels him not to show too much enthusiasm or the new owner will want to raise the price. Play it cool is his advice.

Okay, back to Ale who's as lost in the barrio as Rosaura would be. She finally stops a guy on the street to ask for directions and gets a "two streets down, then to the left, then a couple of stoplights, right past the bakery, then to the right"...well, you know the drill. At last she throws out Rafa's name and it turns out everyone in "la colonia" knows Rafita and this fellow grew up with him. Another resident comes up and says she thinks Rafa is in the Bar Pascual at the moment. We'll see where this is going.

Our episode ends actually with Carmela storming away from the motel, Marcos staggering out afterwards telling Chavez they're going to be prisoners for sure (not quite the fantasy Chavez had in mind) and Zetina, hiding behind a rain barrel and his necktie.

Jeez. Did anything really happen? You tell me. I'm heading in to the air-conditioned part of the house.

Previews:
Marcos worries about prison. Vicky vows to make Rafa pay. A butcher knife( guess who?) is held at our hero's throat. Carmela seethes and smolders (but not in a good way)

Vocabulary:
me rindo, me rindo = I give up (Ale driving around the barrio, lost)
vaya hacia la orilla = pull over (cops trying to arrest the camera installer)
bastante robusta, bastanta grandota = rather robust, large....(Zetina describing Carmela)
pagar con creces = pay dearly, pay big-time
quemar mi ultimo cartucho = take my last shot, play my last card
te pasaste de la raya = you went too far, you went overboard
hablar a fondo = have a heart to heart talk, really talk, get to the bottom of things

Dicho of the Day

Salir de Guatemala para entrar a Guatepeor = a pun, to jump out of the frying pan into the fire
Could be said about Marcos, but also about Rafa. You decide.

Labels: dinero

Welcome Ganchodores. Come on in, have a cool drink, and take a moment to enjoy the quiet, then tell us about your Summer.

As I mentioned, my TV conked out, icemaker died, and at the moment, the yard is a swamp. Tomorrow a guy is coming to check the TV (fingers crossed), the new ice machine is to be installed, and the rain has stopped, though more is due Wed. I've worked out a deal with the Lovely Linda for TV sharing (bless her heart)... for now at least. Bonnie Belle and Jack are thriving. Things are looking up.


Monita


Nieves and Costeño anyone imagine Benita flirting like this?


Coni & Beto She simply can't resist his charm


Cinnabar our Sylvia's boat... good luck to Tom, Tom, Rich, Bruce, Michael, Synthia, and Sylvia

our Sylvia looking good before setting sail... who could resist that million dollar smile?


Nieves y Marcos enjoying a Happy Meal


So, what's going on with you guys? Sounds like Vivi had one of those perfect July 4ths. And in Washington DC no less. Wow!

This week's featured drink is Pimm's Cup. A light refreshing drink, chock full of fruit, popular in Britain.

May I get you one?

Carlos

Labels: gancho

Renato is reading Regina’s diary. He smells the handkerchief. He reads that for her love of Renato she will return to the convent. Renato believes he can save her.

The guys are sitting around on the ship teasing Regina about a surprise Juan has for her. He went to buy her a ring. Well, it’s not a surprise now is it? Remi comes up and spoils the fun.

Leo walks in on Rod and Brigette and is pretty darn upset. Rod tells her to calm down. She’s blaming it on Brigette because she told her to leave him alone. She gives her a resounding smack. Leo holds her down on the bed continuing to scream at her. Rod keeps telling Leo to calm down which actually has the opposite effect. She tells him he’s such a liar. He knows that he is not supposed to have any other woman in his life. If she only knew! You’re such a bastard. Brigette is hurridly getting dressed in the background. Leo tells Rod to shut up and she is finished, finished. She gives him a good smack also. She goes postal and grabs a pistol out of the nightstand and aims it at Rod. Rod says to be careful with that thing as he approaches. She says don’t come any closer.

Back on the ship they are talking about a flower girl. Regina looks confused. I know I am.

Juan and Colibri are walking along the beach. Juan is admiring a diamond ring. He shows it to Colibri and asks him what he thinks. Colibri thinks it is very beautiful. Juan says it shines like a star. He can’t wait to give it to her.

Regina is emotional. She can’t believe he is buying her a ring.

Leo is pointing the gun at Rod--or is it Brigette? He tries to take the gun from her and she gets more agitated. She can’t believe he is doing this to her. She brings up Constanza and MdR and Rosenda. Rod pushes her too far and she shoots. Was it Rod? Or was it Brigette? Fortunately we are spared the suspense as Brigette looks down at the blood flowing from the wound. She falls to the floor dead. That sucks. Break.

Branco and Gabe are walking on the beach not trying to kill each other. Gabe asks about his family. Servando is like a parent to me. He is very dangerous. I have a hard time understanding Branco so if someone wants to fill that in go ahead.

Gris is talking to Salma. They are hatching a plan to substitute Salma as the daughter of Mariella. Salma says don’t worry. The most important thing is she has to show up with the clothing that Angela was wearing when she was snatched. They laugh. I believe there is a special place in hell waiting for those two.

Branco is still explaining his life. He says he cares for Jimena a lot. FF>>

Jimena is talking to MdR. Jimena asks her what her son’s name is. He’s named after his father Juan de Dios. It still doesn’t ring a bell.

Colibri thinks they need a flower girl. Juan wants to go look for more stuff. Colibri thinks Regina likes being on the ship. Tell me something Colibri. Do you remember the letter she gave yo?. Do you remember who it was for? It went to her house. Do you know who it was for? Colibri wants to know why he wants to know. They decide it is because he is curious.

Jimena is reading MdR’s palm. She sees a woman that MdR loves. MdR remembers being with JDD and looking at the moon. Their love will be everlasting. Jimena wants to know what she is thinking of. She’s thinking of her time with JDD.

Salma is at the house looking for Mariella. The maid won’t let her roam around. She goes to get Mariella. What did you want to see me for? Do you have news of Jimena? No. I heard that you were looking for your daughter who was taken when she was a child. My daughter Angela. What do you have to do with this? I know this girl. Dun, dun, dun.

Jimena tucks MdR into bed. She thinks MdR has suffered a lot. She thinks of her mom. To lose a child is awful.

Mariella is begging her to tell her who it is. Salma says she was called Angela. She is Angela. I am your daughter. Mariella looks like she doesn’t belive her. She looks stunned. Salma is trying not to laugh. She brings out the clothes. Mariella freaks out when she sees the dress. How cruel is that? I think she needs to have Gris read her palm so she’ll know how soon that pie cart is going to hit her. At times I have dreams of Angela. She hears her mother calling. Mariella still looks doubtful but they embrace.

Jimena is crying for her mom. She wishes she had known her.

Mariella is looking at Fake Angela. She is overjoyed. Too bad they don’t know about DNA testing. Her parents walk in on the strange scene. Why are you crying? Who is this girl? The Virgin heard my prayers. At last I have found my daughter. Abuelo looks doubtful.

Branco and Gabe are talking about the time that Angela was taken.

Everyone hugs Fake Angela. Raul’s eye starts twitching but he welcomes her to the house. He asks her if she remembers who took her. She doesn’t remember much. She gets upset. She tells them that the gypsies found her and took her in. For this I am thankful. She says she was raised by Griselda. Ruh Roh! Everyone knows her. She says she considered her a mother. A mother that lost a child.

Jimena is still crying. Everyone is crying on this episode.

Mariella thinks it is strange because Gris treated Jimena terrible. Jimena is lost. Salma tells them that Jimena got into trouble and had to disappear and never come back. Break out the waders it’s getting deep in here.

Filipe and the remaining girls are getting worried. Where can Brigette be? They know she went to see Don Rod. Meanwhile, Rod and Leo are getting rid of the body over a cliff. However, they did not see the shoe they dropped that will be the nail in their coffin (hopefully.) Leo looks like she is going to be sick. Leo and Rod is watching Leo trying to clean the blood off the floor. He tells her to chill. She smacks him again and says that it is his fault. Now I’m a killer. Oh just now you realize that? He tells her they need to be on the same page. It is very important. She swears that she will get vengence. She’s still blaming him for the whole thing. You’re a traitor. He’s worried that Noel will figure it out.

Jacinta arrives home and asks how MdR is. She is fine. Jimena tells her that MdR has suffered a lot. She says that she believes that MdR’s son is alive and is on a boat with fishermen. But he is in great danger. Jacinta fills her in on knowing a Juan del Diablo. Jimena looks surprised. I think she finally sees the connection.

Back at the Fake Angela party. Noel and Gabe show up to tell them they have their doubts. Don Alberto is so excited to tell them the news. Angela has come back. They look surprised. Gabe turns around and sees Salma. You, you are Angela? I think that pie cart is gaining speed. I am Angela. I am the daughter of Sra Mariella.

Jimena says Juan Del Diablo is the son of MdR? What are we going to do? Nothing he is on his ship. Juan married Regina. He says she read it in her palm. She told her that Regina would be married soon. Now they are whispering. Ack. She tells her that Santos is her fiance. She can’t wait until he gets back.

Pedro is teasing Santos because he is thinking about Jacinta. Now Remi is thinking about Malu. Colibri is back. He is giving them advice. Pedro likes being single. Amen to that!

Everyone is toasting back at the house. Don Alberto says they don’t need to continue the search. Gabe wants to know what makes her think this is her daughter. She shows him the clothing. She has no doubt. They toast some more. This can only end bad. Gabe gives her a hug and lets her know he’s got her number.

Back on the ship Juan is talking to the new ring. He holds it up to the stars and it shines. Regina is in her cabin praying. The suspense is killing me. The ring is brilliant like a star. He holds it on his heart. (It’s mine. My own. My Precious). End. Damn, now we have to wait until Monday.

Labels: salvaje

Lucas walks in the door of the Casa Ferrer like a yuppy Ward Cleaver, to be greeted not by June, but by Mama Rosa. (Why didn’t Said send his goons after Lucas in Morocco? Did Jade talk to Lucas after she found out Jadiya was sick? We’ll never know…)
Rosa tells him how worried she is about Natalia. She’s up all night, she sleeps during the day..
Está tan triste, anda demacrada…hasta ha perdido peso.
She’s so sad, she looks so haggard... she’s even lost weight. (demacrado is hard to translate – it means you don’t look well, you look thin – and they don’t mean it as a compliment).
Lucas assures Rosa that everything will be fine now that he is back:
Voy a tomar las riendas de esta casa!
I’m going to take the reins (take charge) of this house. (If you are reassured by this declaration, please raise your hand.)

Natalia is in her room doing things with her nose that make us think of very bad drugs, ignoring a ringing phone.

In Fez, Jade has waited until Abdul is asleep. Then she slips out of the house and heads for the airport and her early morning flight to Miami.

In Miami, Latifa is trying to convince Mohamed that Jade should be allowed to see Jadiya. When Amin comes in, they tell him that Abdul called; he signed the prayer you asked for and he’s sending it to you. ¿Cuál oración? (what prayer?) asks Amin.
Uh oh.

Mohamed must have called Abdul for clarification (although really, would you do this? Wouldn’t you just say ‘thank you so much, Uncle A’ and leave it at that?) and now Abdul is all riled up, demanding Jade be brought to him so she can explain why she would make up a story like that. He lets loose his usual stream of florid invective, goes out to look for her himself, and when he’s told she was seen with a suitcase, sends his men to the airport to look for her.

She is there all right, but they pass right by her. She is unrecognizable to them in her blouse and miniskirt, wig and dark shades, and she heads off to board the plane to Miami. (She has learned a thing or two about sneaking out of the country since her sad encounter with Careless Bathroom Woman and her irate husband)

And in Ali’s house, Abdul continues ranting, threatening to accuse Zoraida of conspiracy if they are unable to find Jade.

At the Casa Ferrer, Natalia rejects Lucas’s offer to talk to Alej, to give him a second chance. As Nati leaves the house, Marisa’s newest employee greets her, tells her he is a sus órdenes (at your disposal, at your command). She ignores him.

At school, Andrea informs her that because she didn’t show up and had no excuse, she got a failing grade in math. (reprobaste: you failed, referring to a school subject). Nati’s too depressed to care. She doesn’t believe Andrea when she says Alej still loves her.

Carolina and Enrique seem to be having the usual conversation about his addiction – a mixture of confrontation, encouragement and self-pity.

Dora comes to see Albi in the clinic. Daniel is very sad, she tells him. He thinks you’re hiding him from everyone. In particular,
El no entiende por qué lo está escondiendo de Doña Luisa.
He doesn’t understand why you’re hiding him from Mrs. Luisa.
At this point, Luisa herself comes in and tells Dora how much she would love to see Daniel. That’d be nice, says Albi, but Daniel is in New York for a few days. (Liar, liar, pants on fire!)

Escobar is on the phone arguing with Fernando. That baby is not my brother, insists Fer, because it’s not my mother’s child. Julio can’t help but overhear. Let Clara keep the car, he urges, and get another one for Alicia. I can’t afford more debt right now, says the Chump. Anyhow, Malicia and the baby are my number one priority.

I’ve never been a priority to him, says the somewhat more perceptive Clara to Roberto, as they are finishing up the marital property agreement. Do me a favor, she says, give him the car keys and papers:
No lo quiero ni ver.
I don’t even want to see him.
Fernando looks on sadly.

At their hotel, Escobar gives the car keys to Malicia. And I'm putting it in your name, he promises. They embrace and she rolls her eyes.

In Fez, the men tell Abdul they can’t find Jade. He rants about punishing whoever let her board a plane without his authorization. Then the old neurons start to fire. He remembers signing the prayer for Amin. Was it an authorization? he thunders at Zoraida.
Yo no sé nada, soy inocente, no podía saberlo. ¡Yo no se leer!
I don’t know anything, I’m innocent, I couldn’t know. I can’t read! (That’s a whole lot of denial, but then there was a whole lot of accusation)

A disturbed Mohamed gives Latifa the news: Tu prima huyó! (Your cousin fled/ran away). He’s worried about giving the news to Said. He vows that the next time they are in Morocco, they will arrange marriages for Amin and Samira. (Even Mo agrees they are too young to get married, but he wants the arrangements in place). A horrified Samira overhears the conversation.

A few moments later, Samira tells Latifa that she’s going to her friend’s party.

Said is at home playfully nibbling on Jadiya’s arm. Considering where Said’s mouth has been lately, it’s just as well that Jadiya is still taking antibiotics. Enter the Naz with Zoraida’s special tea. Did you talk to my mommy yet? Jadiya wants to know.

The boys go off to talk. Mo tells Said that Jade escaped.
Arroja esa odalisca al viento antes de que te arrastre por el suelo…
Cast that odalisca to the winds before she drags you through the mud (literally, ground)/drags you down with her. (I don’t really understand what else Said can do. He’s divorcing Jade and vowed to take her daughter away.)
Whatever it is Mo wants him to do, Said says (as Rania eavesdrops) he can’t because he still loves Jade.

Rania is hurt by what she has heard but thinks she will win Said’s love when she gives him a child.

Quiero que te pongas muy bonita, (I want you to make yourself look beautiful) Said says to Rania. We’re going to the opening of the new bar tonight.

Alej finally catches us with Nati, she relents, and they end up in one another’s arms as Marisa’s new spy watches and shakes his head.

At Casa Ferrer, the spy tells Marisa that Nati and Alej went off together.

Lucia and Marisa chat about the bar opening. Lucia marvels that Marisa doesn’t care that Said has two wives. Marisa marvels that Lucia has had only one man in her life, her husband:
El me encanta, me basta y me sobra.
I adore him, he is more than enough for me (literally, for me he is enough and for me he is more than enough) Lucia tells her.
Actually Lucia gets dangerously close to calling Marisa a woman of ill repute here, but doesn’t quite spit it out.

Lucia makes one of her compulsive Roberto calls. He tells her, from the club, that he’s on the way to the office. The sKanK is lying in wait but is arrested in midpounce by Andrea calling “Daddy!” Foiled again!

Samira is picked up for the party leaving behind an extremely nervous Latifa and a nosy Amin. If Mohamed finds out I let her go to this party, he’ll send me back! she frets.

Samira is at the party and she is asked to dance by a nice enough looking kid named Carlos.

Daniel is walking in the street and a poster catches his eye:
Hoy en la noche -- Gran inauguración -- Salamandra
Tonight -- Grand Opening -- Salamandra
[Muchas gracias, Luke, for the text of the poster]

Nati and Alej talk about his plans as a fighter. Nati thinks her mother can’t hurt Alej any more, but he knows better.

Marisa and Nati have one of their mercifully rare encounters at home. Marisa, off to get ready for the bar opening tonight, takes the time to give the “Everything I do is for your own good” speech. This is nicely parried with a “Everything you do is so that you will get your own way” (salir con la suya) retort.

Amalia urges Leo to come to the bar opening with her. (They are really teasing us with this bar opening thing!)

Samira makes it home before the coach turns back into a pumpkin, much to Latifa’s relief.

And Jade arrives in Miami.
¡Lo logré! Que Allah me proteja!
I did it! May Allah protect me!

Previews: we get a glimpse of the mysterious Other Arab.

Labels: clon

Before we get to the show, I have to say muchisimas gracias to Private 057 and to everyone else for filling in the details for last week’s episode. I had an excellent break and I’m ready to jump into another week of recapping.

Ale overhears Jimenez, Nelson, and Pepeto panting over the mamacita Rafa is meeting at El Gran Canyon restaurant. Nelson literally hits the ceiling in surprise when Ale interrupts to ask what they’ve been talking about. The guys are terrible liars and claim they were talking about an amiga of Pepeto’s. They awkwardly offer no answers when Ale asks where Rafa is. She thanks them for nothing and flounces off to her office, Susana hot on her heels.

Ale paces around the office and kicks herself for “seeing something that isn’t there”. She tells Susana that Rafa is at some restaurant having the time of his life with a beautiful, rich woman. Susana is skeptical: couldn’t that be Marian they were talking about? Ale has been completely consumed by the green-eyed monster. “There is no way they meant Marian. Rafa has an appointment with her tomorrow to close the deal! No, he left with the money in his pocket to go out with some skank!”

Rafa scampers into the restaurant with a death grip on the briefcase full of dinero. Marian is pleased to see him, as she was anxious about Rafa carrying around so much cash. Rafa’s cell phone rings but he refuses to answer it so they can talk business. Marian hands Rafa several contracts to go over but his cell phone just keeps ringing. Marian is visibly annoyed by the interruption and Rafa dutifully ignores it.

Ale admits she has no right to meddle in Rafa’s private life but that doesn’t stop her from developing an evil plan after Vicky calls for Rafa. Susana tells Vicky she doesn't know where Rafa is and Vicky seethes as usual. Ale is even more sure Rafa is a two-timing loser since he is out with a woman who is not his novia. “Why don’t you tell her where Rafa is?” Susana is flat out against it. VVV is dangerous and crazy; Rafa would kill her for letting Vicky interfere. Susana wonders how they can find out who Rafa’s mystery woman is but Ale’s jealousy has reached the “I don’t care” stage.

Rafa peruses the contracts and finds he needs to give Marian a postdated check (cheque posfechado). Marian assures Rafa that she trusts him to pay her; it’s just a business formality. Rafa is happy to do it but less enthused when he finds out the check is for 100,000 pesos.

Ale is still incensed; she believed Rafa when he said he wanted her to stay at the Siglo but instead he is gallivanting around town with some slut. “Rafa has betrayed me again. He is a cynical womanizer who plays with everyone’s feelings!” (Oh, if only Ale weren’t so insecure. She jumps to conclusions so quickly based on zero evidence.)

Vicky calls the Siglo back to chew Susana out for hanging up on her. “If you work for my novio, then you work for ME!” Ale takes the phone and pushes all the right buttons. “You want to know where your novio is? He is at El Gran Canyon restaurant with one of his floozies.”

VVV loses what little is left of her mind. Her pajarito is out with another woman!! She screams at Felipe at the top of her lungs when he stops her from storming out of the house. Felipse promises to get Pancho so the three of them can go find/dismember Rafa.

Susana is upset Ale would have the nerve to rat Rafa out so carelessly. Ale has no regrets since Rafa has already been equally ruthless. “He deserves it! Rafa went out to get drunk with his future and mine in his hands.” Beltran rudely wanders into the office without knocking. Ale tells him she has decided to stay at the Siglo, which greatly pleases him. When Beltran asks about Rafa, Ale wastes no time in trying to cause more misery for Rafa. “He left, did not say where he was going, and has not called.”

Beltran is confused why Ale wouldn’t know where Rafa went; after all, Rafa told him personally about meeting Marian at a restaurant to discuss a serious business deal for the Siglo. Ale’s eyes widen in surprise. She thought they weren’t meeting until the next day. Beltran explains Marian proposed to meet Rafa at the restaurant to ensure the cash would stay safe. Ale and Susana fake an important phone call to get Beltran out of the office.

Once the coast is clear, Ale panics. Vicky is going to murder Rafa when she finds him! Ale begs Susana to call Vicky and give her any excuse to keep her away from that restaurant. Meanwhile, Ale desperately tears through the office for her cell phone.

Vicky is still wailing like a two year old when Pancho honks the car horn outside. The cavalry has arrived! She and Felipe rush out the door, just missing Susana’s phone call by seconds.

Susana won’t give up and tries to call Marian, despite Ale’s misgivings. They can’t get through to Marian or Rafa. Susana says Rafa is going to kill Ale when he finds out what she did, and for good reason. Since there’s no other way, Ale leaves to find the restaurant and warn Rafa.

Zetina calls to speak to Rafa but, of course, he isn’t available. Our spy is slinking around the gates of a secluded location where Marco and Chavez are seeking the advice of "El Gran Brujo Mololongo". Marco is thoroughly creeped out but Chavez assures him El Brujo has the solution to his little problem with satisfying Carmela.

The Siglo employees all stew about Doña Arcadia calling a meeting. She orders them to stand in a line and scolds them like a drill sergeant. Their sales have been abysmal, they have to do better, etc. Nothing new there.

It’s Marco’s turn to see the Great Oz…er, El Gran Brujo. Marco cautiously walks into a strange room full of candles and is yelled at by a man in a headdress. El Brujo asks Marco’s problem and he explains in a roundabout way. El Brujo chants and says there are many storms in Marco’s brain; they need to get them out to cure him. He tells Marco to take a seat.

Rafa and Marian both sign the contract and toast to their success. Marian snaps her fingers and three sharp-dressed men appear. She orders them to take the briefcase full of money and, por el amor de Dios, be careful with it. Rafa very, very reluctantly hands over the dinero. Now that the business is done, Marian can turn on the charm. She asks how things have been going between Rafa and Ale. “This is the first time you’ve been left alone to attend to your own work!”

Marian spoke too soon! Ale zooms over to their table and says they have to get out of there! Rafa is all too confused until Ale whistles at him, clearly meaning there's a VVV problem. Marian is fed up with Ale and puts her foot down. “You can’t let Rafa go anywhere alone! When are you going to stop harassing him?” Ale swears she only showed up to warn Rafa his girlfriend is on her way.

Marian is shocked. “What girlfriend? What is she talking about?” Ale had no idea Marian didn’t know about Vicky and clamps a hand over her own mouth for spilling the beans. Rafa swears to Marian he will explain but maybe it would be best if she left. “Of course I’m leaving! You are both crazy. I can’t even decide who is crazier than the other! I am out of here!”

(Forgive the translation from here on out because everyone starts talking over each other at a thousand miles a minute.)

Rafa demands to know what’s going on; he met Marian because she called and urgently needed the cash. Now suddenly he has to run away because of Vicky! Ale is truly sorry now and wants to explain but she is cut off by a piercing scream. Ale shields Rafa behind her while Vicky screeches. “I called Susana and someone told me you would be here with another woman and here I find you with Licenciada Alvarez del Castillo!!”

Ale says it was she who said that to Vicky. VVV doesn’t believe Ale, of course, and shrieks at her. Ale shrinks back at Vicky’s wrath but warns her to calm down. VVV is not to be dissuaded from her rage and throws a drink in Ale’s face. Ale counters by swiftly slapping Vicky in the face. Vicky swings at Ale but Ale ducks just in time for Vicky to accidentally hit Rafa.

Complete chaos erupts with people tussling and wrestling everywhere. Felipe jumps on Rafa’s back and Ale jumps on Felipe to pull him off. Pancho holds Vicky back while several waiters jump into the fray in an attempt to stop it. Plates and people are strewn all over the place. Ale yells for everyone to calm down and Vicky calls her a zorra (bitch/slut/other colorfully insulting meanings).

The cops show up but that hasn’t stopped Vicky from screaming insults at Ale. Vicky’s brothers threaten Rafa; he had better repay every cent he owes them because Rafa’s family will pay the price if he doesn’t. The police drag Vicky and her hermanos out of the restaurant.

Ale, with Rafa’s arms still wrapped around her, apologizes for causing such trouble. Once she realizes Rafa is still holding her, Ale yelps and shoves him away. Rafa asks Ale why she would sic Vicky on him. She apologizes again and says she thought Rafa was out drinking with their money. After Ale gets Rafa to sit down and cool off, she admits to thinking Rafa was out with another woman and explains the whole debacle.

Rafa is furious. “I know you have reasons to distrust me. But this is not playing fair! I may have lost the deal with Marian! My house and my family are in jeopardy! I have to fix this right now. Next time, have a little more faith in me.” Rafa speeds out of the restaurant, leaving Ale perplexed and humbled.

Avances: Marco and Carmela get down to business, Marian still has her eye on Rafa, Ale wants to make up for the restaurant mishap, and VVV is on the warpath.

Lots to look forward to. Until then have a great fourth of July, everyone!

Labels: dinero

Hi, this will just be a discussion thread until the recap gets posted.

Labels: salvaje

We start where we left yesterday. Rafa is chatting with Jaime, as they go over the documents Marco prepared. He’s wondering if it wouldn’t be better to NOT pay off the debt now, since it doesn’t resolve the risk of his mom being thrown in jail AND it would mean that he won’t get to see Ale anymore. He needs more time (just like Scotty in Star Trek). Jaime needs a paper bag to hyperventilate in.

Susana’s also questioning Ale’s logic. She’s leaving without a letter of recommendation. Without job prospects. Without a plan for the money she’s getting. With no experience working on a hacienda. And with no plan. Susana is sure Ale’s fleeing Autos Siglo is more about pride (orgullo and soberbia), and this isn’t the time for pride. Plus, the planets aren’t exactly aligned in her favor at the moment. “Los astros no estan conmigo?” (The stars aren’t with me?) Susana offers to give her a tarot card reading- using a website (even psychics are high tech these days).

As she and Ale eagerly look at the results of Ale’s reading on her computer, Susanna sees that Pluto is in the cards for Ale. Pluto is the planet of DEATH. “You mean I’m going to die?!” Susana explains that it’s just a symbol of bad things to come, if she goes to the hacienda. But, if she stays at Autos Siglo, her life will be better. Ale starts to wonder if the con artist here is really Rafa or is it Susana. “You’re just trying to keep me here.” Susana gives one of her impish smiles and can’t deny she wants Ale to stay, but the cards also don’t lie. “Should I stay here, in torment?” Ale begins to cry, thinking about how hard it is to be so near the man she loves each day, knowing (erroneously) that his love for her was all a lie.

Marco’s also in torment. Although the whiskey he’s downing at the bar with Chavez should be enough to dull the pain. He’s got to find a way to put a stop to Ale going to the hacienda and thinks Rosario is his last hope. He catches Chavez up on the latest gossip about Rosario marrying that rat Quintana. He’s not too worried about that though, since he thinks they’ll go live in a land far, far away. He calls Rosario and cons her once again. Of course the only reason he doesn’t want Ale to go to the hacienda is because he’s worried about her. Of course Rosario is too. And of course she will take on her auntly duties to stop Ale from doing such a crazy thing. (This is the only victory Marco will have tonight.)

Rafa on the other hand, has a few small victories tonight. Marian calls him just as he arrives at Siglo. Well, it is now “tomorrow”, the day he promised to have a buyer for all of Marian’s old trucks- for sale for the low, low price of 4.6 million pesos. Rafa tells her he will have an answer for her in 5 minutes (really???). He comes into Ale’s office and catches her crying. She claims she has a cold and wants to sign the documents, claim the cash, and be on her way. Rafa begins to sign, but then stops to ask if she’s got someone to go to the bank with her. Of course, but she’s not going to deposit it all today. She’s got to pay off some debt on her father’s house. She’s sure that Rafa’s eager to pay off all his debt to her so that he doesn’t have to see her again. Rafa disagrees. In fact, he thinks they should become partners (socios).

“Socios de que?!” Ale wants to know. And this is when Rafa explains his crazy but brilliant plan. They will buy Marian’s trucks together with the debt money. Once they sell the trucks, there will be enough to not only pay off the debt, but also to make them both a profit (ganancias). Ale’s obviously intrigued, but she accuses Rafa of just trying to get out of paying her. Rafa points out that if they go their separate ways, they both lose out. Plus, he doesn’t want her to leave. He needs her. (Awwww!) Ale’s about to melt into a big gooey mess and is saved by the bell. Rafa leaves her to answer the phone and to think about his proposal. On the other end of the phone Tia Rosario encounters a very malleable Ale. “Stop this crazy plan of going to the hacienda!” “Ok. Sure.” (Rosario should be suspicious of how easy that was.) Ale informs her that not only is she not going to the hacienda, she’s also not leaving Siglo. Oh, and Rafa didn’t pay her back. But, he’ll continue with his monthly payments. “What are you up to Ale?” “Don’t worry about it Tia.” (click)

Ale puts the sack full of money back in Rafa’s bag, does the sign of the cross over herself and the bag, and heads out to find Rafa. He’s been praying earnestly in the meeting room, and knows his prayers have been answered when he sees Ale approaching him with the bag of money. She tells him that she doesn’t know why she’s trusting him again. He gives her his word, and promises that he will not tell anyone that she’s his partner in the deal. Marco and her family would kill her if they knew. She will leave it all in his hands. “Are you staying at Autos Siglo?” “Yes”. Ale says with a sweet smile we have not seen for a while, and leaves. Rafa is so happy he is grinning from ear to ear, sending up thanks to the big guy upstairs, and doing a mini version of his happy Rafa pose. (Goal!!!!!!)

Ale meanwhile is updating Susana. Susana frets a bit about the money safely making it to Marian (Join the club. All of Caray Caray is worried about that money.). Ale points out that is was her planets that led her down this path. Susana assures her the planets are not wrong and that with Rafa, she’s not in danger. “Ale, are you happy?” Another smiley yes from Ale.

Roario calls Marco back to report the good news (she’s not going to the hacienda), and the bad news (she’s staying at Siglo, with Medina). After he hangs up, Chavez questions why the change in Ale’s plans for the hacienda and Rafa’s plans for the debt repayment. Poor Marco is in shock and can only say, “No se. No se.” (I don’t know.)

He calls Ale and berates her for staying at Siglo with that criminal. Is she crazy? (Crazy in love? Yep.) Ale puts him in his place. He has no right to speak to her this way. Plus, wasn’t he the one who wanted her to listen to that woman Carmela and not go to the hacienda? “Leave me to do things my way.” With his tail between his legs, Marco says he won’t bug her anymore and hangs up. He then whines to Chavez that he’s going to lose her again (La voy a perder.). But then he becomes determined that Rafa is not going to take Ale away from him again. (Too late Marco.)

We next have a series of phone calls (this would be a very different novela if everyone didn’t have a cell phone):

Rafa calls Marian. The deal is on. I have 4.5 million in cash and I’ll find the other 100,000. I’ll deposit it all in my bank account and give you a certified check. (Click)

Marco calls Rafa. I have your mother in my hands. Oh yeah? Well, I have the licenciada (Ale) in my hands. Are you threatening me?! Well, are YOU threatening me?! (Click)

Carmela calls Marco. Time to pay up bonbon. Meet me today, at 3pm, at the motel. Or, you and your buddy Chavez will rot in jail for 20 years. (Click) Chavez has a plan to help Marco out with his performance anxiety. No, it doesn’t involve pills, but it does involve some sort of sessions.

Rafa calls Zepina. Uh…I mean Zetina. He’s followed Marco all day. The only two spots Marco’s been are his apartment, and then the bar (where he headed at 9 am). He’s been with that strange looking guy all day. Oh! Here they are now, leaving the bar and getting into a cab. (Click) Follow that cab!

Rafa calls Jaime. Jaime’s dressed as his best impression of a real lawyer and is waiting for the bus that will take him to Carmela’s office. Rafa updates him on the latest with the money and that he’s now the proud owner of a boatload of used trucks. “Que!!!” And Ale’s my partner and she’s not leaving Siglo. “Que!!!” The bus is here. Gotta go. (Click)

Marian calls Rafa. She’s changed her mind. She’ll accept the money in cash. If she waits for the check, it will just take more time (not sure if she’s eager to seal the deal, or eager to see Rafa again). Rafa must meet her tonight to close the deal at the El Gran Canyon Restaurant. (Click)

Beltran is happy when Rafa tells him the deal is sealed (money, money, money). Since this isn’t Siglo's usual business, he wants Rafa to draw up a contract between himself and Siglo. Rafa lets him know that his silent partner is just the best ever. The only thing he’s worried about is walking around with all that cash. Beltran offers to send along some protection with Rafa to the restaurant.

Dandy and Pepeto are so impressed that Rafa’s meeting with the gorgeous Marian Celeste that they have begun to speak in unison. “Uyy, hermano! Que delicia de mujer!” He begs them to stop such talk. There’s nothing going on between him and Marian. Plus that kind of talk only drives Ale crazy with jealousy. He begs them not to mention anything about Marian to Ale, ‘cause he doesn’t want any trouble. As for Vicky, he’s planning on getting that bank loan so that he can pay her family back as soon as possible.

At Casa Jorge, Asucena has answered the door to a messenger. There’s a letter from the secretariat regarding the house for Jorge. Asucena is sure it’s more bad news (no!), so she decides not to give it to Jorge and will wait to give it to Ale instead. (How many bets on Marco getting his hands on it first?)

Back at Siglo, the boys club is meeting without its leader (Rafa). Pepeto, Dandy and Jimenez are enjoying some guy talk about the mamacita Rafa is meeting at the restaurant. Just then Ale, who is looking for Rafa, has heard this last tidbit. She is impactada and seething with jealousy.

Tomorrow: Ale decides to get a little revenge on that womanizing Rafa by telling Vicky where he is and that he’s with a woman. She heads to the restaurant herself and becomes part of the brawl that ensues with Rafa, Marian, Vicky and the Brothers Grimm. Sounds like a good time to me!

Labels: dinero

A phantom that is real, a pregnancy that is phantom; two daughters in distress; and once again, Jade risks it all.

As night falls in Fez:
Jade and Lucas snuggle in the ruins as a single candle burns. Fifteen more days…
Zoraida brushes away the dust in the street and crouches down to rest there for the night.

In Miami, Roberto advises Clara to accept Escobar’s offer: she gets full ownership of the house, but he gets both cars. And Malicia is pregnant!

It is morning in the Medina and a smiling Jade picks up Zoraida from her refuge in the streets. Zoraida fills her in on the hospital story. Indeed, Abdul (who seems tonight more like a dotty, affectionate old man than the hater we have known in the past) asks after Jade’s health when she returns.

At the Empresa Ferrer in Miami, Amalia is telling Leo how fascinating she finds Enrique’s story of an encounter with Diego; perhaps it would make a good chapter in my book about you, Leo?

At Casa Ferrer, Rosa and Enrique are looking at a photo of Diego. Enrique confides that he is in treatment because Diego me pidió que me cuidara. (he told me to take care of myself.)

And in her apartment, Dora’s fretting about her belly pain is interrupted by Daniel asking if she remembers him having a childhood friend named Natalia.
Soñe con ella…que estaba en peligro…gritó mi nombre.
I dreamed of her...that she was in danger...she cried out my name. (In Spanish, you dream with – not of – something)

Idiot Karla confides to Hilda, as they pass Mohamed’s store, that she thinks Mo is smitten with her, what with all the gifts Prince Amin is sending to her in his father’s name. The actual Mohamed seems disappointingly indifferent to her, however.

Escobar comes up to Luisa and Anita at the clinic.
Felicítenme! Voy a ser papá!
Congratulate me! I’m going to be a dad!

At Said’s house, Jadiya is burning with fever. Said calls for a doctor. What his daughter wants is her mommy, even though a surprisingly tender Rania tells her that: Estoy aquí para cuidarte. I’m here to take care of you.

Nati and Alej are smooching. Then he tells her it would be good to put their relationship on hold for a while, just until things cool down. She assumes he’s breaking up with her for good. He knows she is hurt but reflects that she would feel even worse if she knew what her mother had actually said and done. She leaves angrily.

As Nati drives up to the Casa Ferrer, Alej calls her on her cell. She ignores the call. She tells Mama Rosa she doesn’t want to see anyone, especially Alej. Rosa follows her up to her room where she finds her in tears.
Mi mamá echó todo a perder!
My mother ruined everything, she wails.

Alej is calling Nati’s friends, trying to reach her or get news of her.

Andrea, at home with Lucia, asks her mother if Marisa’s boyfriend is the same Arab who was at their house... Maybe the same one who owns the bar that fired Alej. Once again, Andrea invites her to examine her conscience: is she, in shielding Marisa, committing an injustice? And once again, Lucia fudges, denies she’s lying to defend Marisa.

Pablo, at the gym with Alej, advises his friend to look out for himself, that Nati has plenty of people looking out for her. Alej keeps trying to contact Nati.

In Said’s house, the doctor has prescribed medicine for Jadiya, but the only medicine she’s interested in is her mommy. The Naz suggests he call Zoraida and get her curative tea recipes.

And while in Miami Jadiya is burning with fever and Natalia is heartsick and spiraling down into depression and drugs, in Fez, Lucas and Jade are embracing:
En 14 días, vamos a estar juntos para siempre.
In 14 days, we’ll be together forever.

Back at Ali’s house, Zoraida tells Jade that Jadiya is sick. On hearing this, Jade starts to pack, vowing that she’ll get to the US, even if she has to swim there. But you need the authorization of a man in the family, Zoraida reminds her.

Dora opens the door to her apartment and is greeted by a giant, talking surfboard. Oh, there’s little Albi, behind it, doing the talking. Aw, you’re the best dad, enthuses Daniel as an exasperated Dora looks on.

At work, Roberto jokingly asks Enrique about his ghost and Enrique stalks out. It's not a subject he's willing to be kidded about. He bumps into Carolina who finds a plastic bag filled with powder in his jacket. It’s not mine…er that is… I just need to have it, not use it….

The Public Service Announcement is continued at the Casa Ferrer, where Nati is on the phone looking for more drugs from Fernando. No, I didn’t use it all, she says; I just feel more secure having it.

Marisa is greeted by a worried Mama Rosa. Nati’s behavior has changed: she’s not eating, her sleep is messed up… Marisa brushes off these concerns as an adolescent crisis, an attention-getting ploy. More importantly, she came to pick up some shoes.

Cris, Vicki and Malicia are reviewing some PR clips that Cris has done. I’m so proud of my work, I’m tempted to send some of these clips to Leoncito, confides Cris. Malicia’s bat ears prick up. (Maybe now we’ll find out what her mysterious connection to Leo actually is).

At Empresa Ferrer, Enrique brings Leo a contract and mentions in passing that Cris has invited him to a new bar. Leo appears uninterested.

Malicia tells Vicki and Cris she has to go, she feels un poco indispuesta (a little out of sorts). Cris immediately guesses she’s pregnant. Malicia denies this firmly, saying the last thing she needs right now is to bring a child into the world. (and the last thing the world needs!)

Clara, however, is breaking the news of this phantom child to Fernando. Not only that, but he’s taking our car for Alicia! Fernando is Not Happy. (It’s the car that really gets to Fernando, isn’t it? Up to now, he’s been willing to play along with Escobar…)

Escobar, it seems, is Very Happy as he tells Anita and Luisa about his anticipated bundle of joy; he’s puzzled by Luisa’s apparent frialdad (coldness) especially when she has been so generous to Malicia, giving her all that money for her new wardrobe and all.

In Fez, Jade continues packing and Zoraida fretting about the punishment that surely awaits both of them.

Anyone who has ever been a patient in a hospital has had a nurse like the Naz, one who in a burst of noisy cheerfulness, wakes the patient from a sound sleep. Poor Jadiya, still feverish, accepts the bracelet her well-meaning Tía offers, but the only thing on her mind is seeing her mommy. Did you call her? she asks Said. No, aún no. Mañana. (no, not yet. Tomorrow). When they leave Jadiya’s room, Said admits that Jade has called several times but he won’t permit any contact. I have to go, he says. This triggers a rant, of course. (This novela depends heavily on the Self Serving Rant -- or SSR, doesn’t it? Personally I think they insert them by number.)

Jade has summoned up her Lucy persona once again. In Fez, she gets Abdul to sign a prayer (a prayer???!!!) to send to Amin. He wants to read it first, but somehow he can’t find his glasses. While Zoraida is dispatched to look for them, Jade charms him into signing the document by telling him that she will read it to him: No hay divinidad más que Allah… (There is no God but Allah…)

Fernando has an angry encounter with his father in the hotel, rejects his lame explanation for his behavior. Escobar stuns Fernando by slapping him, demanding that he show Malicia respect. Don’t ever come to me asking for anything ever again spits out Fernando.

In Fez, Jade tells Zoraida:
Lo conseguí! Voy a jugar mi vida con tal de estar con Jadiya.
I got it! I’m going to risk my life to be with Jadiya.

Labels: clon