Caray, Caray!

From last night (See NovelaMaven's fabulous recap from yesterday for full deets):

• Vic gets strong (gets strong gets strong)
• Max is dismissed (is dismissed is dismissed)
• The sound crew has fun with their echo machine (echo machine echo machine)

Labels: triunfo

This recap is brought to us by the AMAZING FRANCES! Welcome and a huge thanks to her for volunteering to fill as needed until we get a solid recap schedule.


We open with Teresa & Mariano sharing a kiss. She assure him she’s never stopped loving him. He tells her she’s in his every waking moment. When she complains that he gave Aurora his business card, he assures her she should never be jealous of anyone. “I only have eyes for you.” Juana witnesses this and returns to the fiesta and announces that Teresa and Mariano are novios again. Everyone is overjoyed (and I do mean over-overjoyed) and applauds as Teresa & Mariano come back in.

Armando and Teresa have a daddy/daughter heart to heart -- don't trust anyone. Armando to Teresa, “If you ever feel uncomfortable, don't feel obligated to licenciado de la Barrera.” Armando swears he would sell his soul to the devil if need be in order to help her. Teresa thanks dad for his kind words and promises she will work hard to make him proud. Now that he doesn't have to pay for her education, now he can put some money towards Rosa's quinceanera.

Nachita comes by and asks Mariano to review Pablito's chart. Mariano notes that the Dr has the same surname as the doctor who cared for his mother: Ledesma Macias -- could they be brothers? Nachita shares that he is a co-worker of Esperanza. Mariano agrees the tests need to be completed and he and his father offer her money to cover the costs.

Rosa tries to rush past Refugio so she won't have to go to the doctor but Refugio's too smart and too quick and catches her in time to get going to the doctor. Later, the nurse at the medical center tells Rosa and Refugio that the results from the tests won't be available until Monday. Rosa is ecstatic, thinking now she can compete in the meet.

Teresa tells Juana that when she saw how Mariano is attractive to other women, she realized why
she fell in love with him in the first place. Mariano comes by at that moment with a single rose and gives her a keychain with two hearts so she can remember that his heart is always close to hers. awwww smoochies.

Esperanza meets Ruben at the park. She gives him the receipt for the Doctor's bill and gives him his change. He tells her not to bother and starts to give her more money to pay for upcoming medical tests. She’s embarrassed to take more money from him and lets it slip that Mariano offered to help them. Ruben gets really upset and jealous and reminds her that she belongs to him and that she doesn't need help from any other man. Clear? Crazy clear.

At the university campus, Teresa tells Aurora that Arturo de la Barrera is helping her but she doesn't want it get out to avoid idle gossip. Aida and Paulo walk by and she says, "let me guess, Aurora hired you as a companion so that you can be everywhere you don't belong" Teresa replies "no, no, no, in the role of paid companions, you’re the expert -- only if and when Paulo needs you." Teresa then breaks the news that she's there to enroll for classes. Aida asks if Aurora is paying her way since they don't offer scholarships at this university. Paulo chimes in that not in her wildest dreams could she ever have enough money to enroll in that school. Teresa replies: “No one believed I could be at the same prep school as you, yet I was, now you're saying I couldn't possibly be in this university, yet I am. You also don't believe I will get my revenge, but I will.”

Aurora and Teresa continue their discussion and Teresa explains her agreement with Arturo to completely immerse herself in her studies, work hard and give up all extracurricular activities, including novios. Speaking of novios, Aida asks again if Teresa is really not interested in Mariano. Teresa assures her she is not. Aida is really happy because all she does is think of him and even thought about calling for a taxi ride that morning but lost her nerve. Not sure what Teresa's game is.

Meanwhile Rosa pleads with her parents to let her compete in the gym meet even though they don't have the results from her physical exam. They give in, of course.

Teresa runs into Arturo's sister Luisa at the university and apologizes for Mariano's behavior the other night. She offers friendship. Luisa's nice and says they can be civil and politely says Teresa's business is with Arturo and she's not much for having friends and walks away, leaving Teresa looking like ."QTH"?

More apologies: Rosa pleads Johnny for forgiveness for her behavior towards him last night.
He tells her he just wants the best for her. Rosa convinces him to come to the meet. All is forgiven -- besitos

Teresa/Mariano sharing tacos and sodas. He surprises her by telling her he's enrolled again in medical school. He is inspired by Teresa's ambition. She tells him she's so happy for him and also that she loves him and doesn't want to be without him. Besitos.

Aida and Paulo -- Aida wants them to be novios. Paolo reminds her she knew the way things were and how he felt about her. He wants things to remain "free" between them. Aida comments on how Teresa keeps talking about revenge. Paolo’s convinced it’s all talk.

Teresa and Mariano -- Teresa says she admires a man who is always seeking to better himself and his station in life. Mariano has always admired her motivation to improve herself but is dismayed at the way she disparages their way of life. Teresa laments she doesn’t understand why she was born into poverty, so much sacrifice and problems. Mariano points out that everyone has problems, the challenge is to overcome those problems. Teresa states they will overcome those problems and achieve everything they’ve ever dreamed of. Mariano agrees but says their goal shouldn't be to leave the vecindad, but to stay and return the support they've always received. He points out that his dad has been killing himself to support him and has even now taking on more routes to help him go back to school. Teresa says, yeah, yeah, and he's very happy - cuz that's what parents do -- they enjoy sacrificing themselves for their children. And we may as well begin preparing ourselves to do the same for our children.

Esperanza convinces mom to take Pablito to another medical center for his tests so they don't have to be indebted to Mariano. She doesn't want to borrow more money from Mariano and tells her she will be taking on additional work to pay for Pablito's medical bills. Mom agrees and tells Esperanza she is so grateful to have such a wonderful daughter. Esperanza says, well, maybe not too wonderful (if she only knew).

Mom tells Aida to play a little more hard-to-get with Paolo. She shouldn't be so willing to give him anything he asks for. Aida: “Mom, times are different.” Mom: “Even in marriage is hard work and see how dad adores me? (hehe)

Mariano and Teresa spend the day at a fair in Chapultepec where he first declared his love for her.

Luisa talks to Arturo about Teresa. Something about her doesn't feel right and she wants him to keep her at a distance. Arturo says he will continue to have her at the house and in fact wants Luisa to invite her to the release of his book.

Teresa visits Arturo and he offers her a list of books she should read before she begins her studies. He also invites her to the cocktail party celebrating the release of his book. The who's who of the legal world will be there and he feels it is muy importante that she be there. Party is tomorrow at 4pm -- same time as Rosa's meet -- uh-oh!

Esperanza gives Mariano back his money, claiming that the medical center agreed to do the work for free (and the lies keep piling up) She's worried about Pablito. Mariano tells her she can count on him for anything she needs.

Mariano and Teresa are discussing the conflict of the cocktail party the Rosa’s meet. Teresa is sure she can make it to the meet in time to cheer her on -- maybe a little late, but she'll be there.

The following day, she breaks the news to Rosa. Teresa compares her hard work with that of Rosa's hard work and dreams and that's why she has to go to the cocktail party. Promises she'll make it to the meet. Gives her a pep talk to always keep her eye on the prize and do what is necessary to achieve your dreams.

Teresa arrives at Arturo's in time to help Luisa with the cocktail party preparations. Later, she comes face to face with Ruben -- hmmm where have I seen you before?

At the meet -- everyone is worried that Teresa hasn't arrived. Back at the party, Arturo begins to sign a book to Teresa. She stops him by putting her hand over his and says very provocatively: “Hold on, let me read it first, then we can review it together.” wow, she's good.

FRANCES

Labels: Teresa

Capitulo 283.
Read Julie’s original recap, then come back here to discuss it.

1. Aurora and Fern both refuse to kiss. Fern assures Lety’s picture that it’s only acting, and he has to do it to pay the debt. Lety doesn’t want to betray Aldo, but the company needs it.

2. Fern moves toward Aurora and whispers, “Forgive me, Lety.” The kiss has six distinct stages:
A. He starts with a granny-kiss because he doesn’t want to betray his love for Lety.
B. He smells/tastes/feels that it’s Lety, so he kisses her intensely.
C. She responds to his intense kiss; she gets involved.
D. This drives him into ecstasy (remember he can feel her love with every kiss), he ratchets up.
E. This pushes all Lety’s buttons, she kisses more intensely. She grabs his shoulders and pulls him in tighter. I think this is the first time Lety has actively steered any kiss, rather than being just a receiver.
F. Then they stop and gaze a moment, stunned, before springing apart.


3. Fernando can’t shake the impression that he kissed Lety. He can’t contain himself and babbles to Omar. Aurora was in front of him, but when they kissed, he felt she was Lety. Lety says, in wonder, “He kissed me. Don Fernando kissed me,” just like their first kiss at the antro. She admits that it moved her, but she worries that Aldo saw HOW Fern kissed her. Aldo thinks Fern put the kiss in the script on purpose. Luigi corrects him: Fern didn’t write the kiss part.

4. Omar sees Caro and gets tongue-tied. After she leaves he thinks of all the things he should’ve said, “I want to be with you again. I want to be with you forever.” Caro tells herself she was a fool for believing that Omar would declare his love.

5. See the recap for Lety and Fern’s conversation in her dressing room.

6. Luigi tells Fern he deserves a bonus for giving Fern a chance to kiss Aurora. He finds Aurora’s note, “I can’t kiss you anymore because I would be betraying the man I love.” Fern says, “I remember when Lety loved me like that.”

7. Fern tells Lety that he had to kiss Aurora in the shoot, but he felt like he was kissing Lety, like they were the same person. Probably because he misses Lety so much. Maybe he’s falling in love with Aurora. Lety says that would be a very bad idea. He stoops in his flirting spot and says it was hard to flirt with Aurora because she doesn’t like him much. He leaves and she tries hard to convince herself that the kiss didn’t mean anything to her, but she can’t stop herself from saying, “Don Fernando, tan divino.”

8. There is annoying Ali / Tomy stuff all through the next several caps. I’m not going to summarize it and you can’t make me!

9. Omar doesn’t understand why Caro is indifferent after they shared a marvelous night. Fern says he should ask her, but Omar’s not willing to open himself after Aurora’s rejection. Caro mopes. Omar wonders what he can give Caro to show how he feels.

---

Capitulo 284.
Read 5ft Latina’s original recap, then come back here to discuss it.

1. Lety talks to Aldo in her grown-up voice and gives him a passionate kiss, but that’s only because she’s thinking of Fernando’s kiss.

2. The cuartel says Fernando has won Aurora. Aldo thinks it’s great if they get together (6 times), and it’s wonderful that Fern is trying to fall in love again. The cuartel gushes about the kiss.

3. Lety tells Tom she’s going to kill Aurora. Fern is falling in love with Aurora, and she doesn’t want him to suffer any more (it never bothered her before!). She’s scared that if Aldo finds out, he’ll dump her.

4. The cuartel takes Marta to a compulsive eaters meeting.

5. Lety tells Aldo she can’t have dinner with him because of the press conference. Aldo whines but agrees to go, and he invites the Padillas. Lety tells Caro that Aurora will never appear again (7 times).

6. Jax (Jacques) tells PhG the press conference is a dud. They need something exciting. PhG says to create a scandal with Aurora’s absence. He broadcasts that Aurora disappeared and they fear for her life. Lety is relieved because now Aurora can die.

7. Omar buys Caro a necklace. In the studio, he stammers that he wants to go to her house tonight. She concludes he only wants a bedwarmer. He says he wants to be with her, and Caro pulls away. Omar says she must think he’s the same old Don Juan, and he leaves. She says to herself, “You can’t tell me you love me because you don’t feel it.”

8. Omar asks Marcia for advice about Caro. She says the same as Fern: he needs to tell Caro how he feels. Fernando sees the front page story – Aurora has disappeared and is presumed dead.

9. Carmina tells Aldo that her dad has a yacht in Puerto Vallarta and Aldo can use it.

Labels: fea-2010

Hello friends,

Have you been reading our blog and thinking "I could do that!" ??

Our 8 pm show, Eva Luna, is ending April 11 (this coming Monday) and we don't know what's following it.. We need possibly FOUR bloggers for this show!! It's rumored to be quite good.
UPDATE: Some are of the opinion that in fact Eva Luna is NOT ending!??

Our 7 pm show, Llena de Amor, is ending April 18. and "Cuando Me Enamore" is starting on Tuesday, April 19. We need two or three bloggers for the show, which is rumored to be a comedy (I hope so!)

Our 9 pm show, Teresa, has just begun and has no regular recaps at all, because the recappers all went with "Triunfo" when it was put in the 10 pm slot.
UPDATE! Frances is going to blog Teresa tonight! Let's give her a hand!
UDPATE! Samantha is going to give it a try tomorrow night! Good luck Samantha!

We will go on with whoever we have on board, but understand: there is no "THEM" here to badger. If you are thinking, WHERE ARE MY RECAPS? consider being a recapper your very own self. Email me at caray@mappamundi.com if you're interested.

Respectfully submitted,
Your blog mom Melinama (Chapel Hill Fiddler)

Labels: eva, llena, mundo, recappers-needed

Labels: eva

Capitulo 186 Axel Gets the Axe

Brandon and Mari are talking on the street when they spot the Lirio getting on his motorcycle, in broad daylight no less. Brandon wants to shoot (just his tires, I hope) but Mari shoves Brandon onto his Jeep seat and squashes him. Who knew foam was so heavy?

In the garden of the Casa de Mucho Dinero, Gladiola, who says she knows Ilitia had an affair with Brandon, is being very friendly to rude and doubting Ilitia. Gladiola explains that back in the day she was a make-up person for TV and she’d love to help Ilitia out with hair and makeup since she’s on rest now. I wonder if she’s up to date on how to make those little segments of hair stick together at the ends – I’ve been riveted by that. Ilitia, who obviously can’t believe Gladiola ever had any kind of life, says she knows poor people like Gladiola like to figure out ways to weasel money from rich folks like her.

Gladiola says it’s all for free – and she could help with her pregnancy. Ilitia, who doesn’t believe anybody ever does anything without expecting something in return, wonders what Gladiola knows. Gladiola plays dumb. Ilitia dismisses her.

Consuelo, at the Pension de Poco Dinero with pasty-faced Javier, is gushing over the money the Lirio left for his surgery when in come Brandon and Mari. When Brandon hears where the money came from, he snatches it away, saying he can’t let her use dirty money, he has to hand it over to the police. Mari appeals to him, and though he’s torn, he’s the Representative of The Law. You’d think The Law would pick somebody along the lines of young, snarling Arnold Schwarzenegger, maybe bristling with heavy artillery, as a rep, but our petite Brandon is feisty and muscled, and we know his heart is pure, and that’s what matters. Consuela implores that it’s Javier’s chance to live.

Kristel is seductively lounging on a couch, purring to Lorenzo that she feels like the hottest woman in the world, a queen. He snaps out of it, and – poof! - it’s actually Fedra filling out the exact same dress with some flesh to spare, mainly in front. He thoughtbubbles that he has to get Kristel out of his mind. Fedra can tell something’s on his mind, so he lies that he’s worried about Emil. Fedra tells him to relax, Bernardo’s planning a nice accident.

Netty’s eyes pop – she can’t believe all the zeros in Emil’s account, and she thinks that if he wants to protect all that money, he ought to put it in his kids’ names. He knows Fedra and her tricks, and Netty and her honesty, and he knows his money is safe with Netty, that she can be trusted to give it back to his kids.

Meantime, Lorenzo is all worried about what he’s going to do for money, while Fedra luxuriates in the thought that she’s about to be a very rich widow. Lo doesn’t like that she’s using Bernardo to help her again. Bernardo’s in love with her!

So what? says Fedra. Lo reminds her that Bernardo has saved Jose Maria’s life more than once. She thinks Bernardo is loyal to both her and JM, but there’s one critical detail about him – he got the judge’s cell which recorded her murdering him, and Lo’s voice is very clear on the recording, so she’s got to keep Bernardo happy, and Lo’s just got to live with it.

The doorbell rings. It’s Axel who snidely remarks on Lorenzo’s love den, with his “respectable” mother in it.

Here’s how it stands at the pension: Consuelo, Gladiola and Mari for keeping the money, Brandon worried that it will make them all accessories to the crime.

Netty doesn’t like Emil talking about her giving the money to his kids – she wants him to live a long time. He figures he’s still got lots of miles on him, and he wants to travel them with her. He whips out a wedding ring and Netty’s eyes get huge.

Eman and Benigno high-five over how excited Javier was to see his hero, and how wonderful it is that he’ll get his operation. The talk turns to Vicky, who Eman feels he’ll be spending the rest of his days with. On the other hand, he still loves Mari, so his heart is divided exactly at 50/50. I wouldn’t want to be in your shoes, say Benigno. (No me gustaría estar en sus zapatos. I know that’s not new vocab or even a dicho, but I’m a sucker for these nifty little phrases.) Still, he thinks Vicky is la mujer de su vida. Anyway, Mari’s married and Vicky wants to start up with Brandon. Benigno thinks she’s really interested in the Lirio.

Poor Brandon, near tears, assailed by the ladies (and the sight of a sick little boy) on one side and his principles on the other. Mari snatches the briefcase of money away, but Javier returns it to him, saying Brandon’s right, then, wouldn’t you know, on right cue clutches his head and passes out. Weeping and wailing, and Brandon picks him up and leaves with everyone but Gladiola for the hospital. Gladiola hugs the briefcase and proclaims that if the Lirio left it for the operation, then that’s what it’s going to be for.

Back to Lorenzo’s love nest, where things are much more fun. Axel tells them that Kristel gave him the address and he wanted to pop in and see the place with his own eyes. He tells Fedra that she said Delicia was a slut, but maybe she ought to look in the mirror to see one. Lorenzo tries to shut him up, but Axel hopes his mother was telling the truth that none of them were Lorenzo’s spawn. Oh yeah? says Lorenzo, well I wouldn’t want to have a big nothing like for a son either.

So there. Anyway, when Axel tells Fedra she cost him what he loved most in the world, Fedra just pours herself a nice stiff one and tells him no big deal, she was just a servant. He holds up her bottle then drops it. It’s in shards, like his heart, and he grabs her by the shoulders. He knows everything! She protests that she did it to save him from marrying a servant. Lorenzo sides with Fedra. Axel tells his mother it’s his life and she should just butt out.

Netty is overcome by Emil’s proposal, protests and flops in a chair and fans herself. Emil is all sweet charm, and she accepts. Get her a pen and she’ll sign the papers! The papers can wait, Emil tells her, slipping the ring on her finger. Closeup of the ring – whooeee! It’s a honker. They kiss.

Fedra haughtily sniffs to Axel that he was about to marry a savage, somebody without culture or education. You’re describing yourself, zings Axel. Delicia is dignified, decent, yes, very poor, but honest, with a heart that’s worth all the gold in the world.

Lorenzo opines that Axel needs to get out in the world, you know, sample some women, some wine, get some experience. Axel sneers, and asks Lorenzo to do everybody a favor and take his lover here and get her out of their lives. Off Axek goes.

Fedra throws back the last of her hooch and trots out after him.

At the hospital, the doctor rushes little Javier off while Consuelo wails then passes out in Brandon’s arms.

Netty has signed all the papers, and Pacheco graciously but ruefully congratulates her. He leaves, and Emil remarks that she’s leaving a lot of broken hearts: Pacheco, the doctor, Jose Maria. She says that she has always been head over heels in love with Emil, and they kiss again.

Consuelo has come to, and wails about her son being about to die and how Brandon doesn’t care. Brandon protests that he would give his life for Javier. Mari understands Brandon’s dilemma, but she tells him it’ll be on his conscience for the rest of his life. She leaves. Enough already! We know how it’ll come out anyway.

Presto change-o, Doris has morphed Mari back into Vicky, who fusses about switching back and forth all he time, and now Ilitia wants to talk to both Mari and Vicky together. But, actually moving on from the all-engrossing topic of herself – why does Doris look so down? It’s Andre – she’s in love with him, says Doris, and she understands him, but he’s hurting her, he’s not for her. Pity me that the heart that is slow to learn what the swift mind beholds at every turn, she says. Well, actually Edna St. Vincent Millay said that, but not in Spanish, which saves me a bit of translation.

Mari gets some roses she figures are from Eman, and she and Doris decide to forget guys and go to a movie. Then Mari reads the card: I need you more than ever (signed) El Lirio de Plata. Awesome! She hugs the roses.

Fedra has followed Axel home, right into his bedroom. She tells him she had the right to interfere because she’s his mama. She didn’t want him to throw his life in the dumpster, to dishonor the family’s good name. He tells her she’s the one dishonoring it by being Lorenzo’s lover.

Water off a duck’s back to Fedra. She agrees with Lorenzo, Axel needs more experience with women. He’ll thank her later.

Delicia walks in with Pacheco. She wants her divorce now.

Vicky sits on her bed and exults over her roses. The card further tells her to take the piece of cloth from the roses and to cover her eyes with it. We’re going to be alone just you and I.

She makes herself a blindfold with the swatch of cloth and sure enough, the Lirio is suddenly in the room, thoughtbubbling that he’s not going to lose her, even if he has to hide his face. It’s just you and me, he says to thrilled Vicky, and he pulls the mask up a little and gets right to kissing her. I know this is supposed to be a romantic scene, but it’s a hoot watching blindfolded Vicky and Leatherman kiss through a small space in his mask. He sweeps her up in his arms and carries her to the window.

Doris comes down the hall, goes into Vicky’s room and finds her gone, but the roses and a silver lirio remain on the bed. Doris thinks it’s all terribly exciting.

Pacheco announces that he’s helping Delicia for free because she’s Vicky and Mari’s friend. Fedra calls him a barrio lawyer and spits that Delicia isn’t going to get a single peso. Delicia says she didn’t marry for money, but for love. Now she wants out of this nightmare. Fedra keeps on, and Axel tells her to butt out, then tells Delicia he’s not signing any divorce papers.

Oliver and Gretel show up at the hospital where weepy waily Consuelo tells them there’s no money for the operation. The Lirio boo hoo but Brandon boo hoo. Oliver kinda understands him.

A doctor comes out and says they have to operate now and Consuelo weepily wails about no money. But here comes Gladiola, saying everything is paid and look! There’s still some left over. She gives the mostly empty briefcase to Brandon. The doctor, satisfied that he’s going to be paid, announces that there’s no time to lose.

Consuelo tells Brandon to go ahead and handcuff her. He struggles saying that he believes in the law, in justice. Finally he cracks and hands over the briefcase, telling them he never saw the money. He takes off.

Emil, with a spring in his step, comes home and finds gloomy Axel on the steps. Axel explains how Fedra set Delicia up. Emil is sympathetic, but notes that everyone believed Delicia was innocent, except Axel. Axel doesn’t want to lose her. Emil sadly tells him that he lost her the moment he quit believing in her.

Axel begs his father to help him convince Delicia. Emil just shakes his head and tells him he’s a man now and he has to take responsibility for his actions and accept the consequences. Behind Emil I see ghostly legions of viewers, arms folded, glaring at Axel, but maybe that’s just my imagination.

Jose Maria is out of his hospital bed and has put on his street clothes. In comes Netty, and he admires how she’s glowing. She exults over how happy she is, and he takes it to be because of his improvement. He says she’s never known anyone who fills him with life like she does. She tries to tell him she wasn’t referring to his health, but he interrupts, taking her hands (somehow not noticing the ring) and tells her Destiny planted her right in front of him.

Destiny, he says, is like a dark cloudy day at sea, and suddenly the sun appears. Bit of a mixed metaphor if you look at what he just said, but hey, I don’t write this stuff. She is his sunlight, and he wants her to be his wife.

Delicia has signed some papers, and Pacheco tells her that it’s not all over that fast. Axel comes in and begs her to give him a chance and don’t do this to him (to him??? Grrrrr.). She tells him she loved him, she faced his family for him, but he threw it all away. Pacheco warns them that is just the first step, and it’ll take a while, particularly if the marriage was consummated, which it was, right? It was, says Delicia, in a nightmare I’ll never forget.

She hands Axel the papers and asks him, if he has even a little respect for her, to sign them. Reluctantly, he does, telling her he hopes she doesn’t regret it tomorrow, because no other man will ever love her as much as he does. Off he goes.

It’s nighttime and Brandon has come to see Ilitia who demands to know what he’s doing there. He in turn demands to know about what she told Consuelo, that he’d gotten somebody pregnant.

El Lirio has brought blindfolded Vicky to a cabin in the woods lit by burning candles. He removes her blindfold and she admires the room. He tells her they’re at a cabin in the woods where he comes when he wants to be alone, a refuge. He puts the blindfold back on and says from now on, he wants her kisses to be his refuge.

He removes his mask, so we see his face, and he kisses her.

Capitulo 187 Love is Blind (rated R)

Netty apparently hasn’t told Jose Maria that she’s engaged, because they’ve arrived back at the pension where he pays her some courtly compliments, and she says she doesn’t want to hurt him. She figured she’d be single all her life, and then wouldn’t you know it, today…

Emil walks in, because maybe actually there is no front door to even lock, and finishes Netty’s sentence for her – Today he asked her to marry him, and she said yes.

Vicky is having a candlelight dinner with El Lirio, and you’d think the romantic atmosphere would be lost on her, since she’s still blindfolded, but no, she says she tastes everything so much more intensely. He, unmasked still, pops another tasty morsel into her mouth.

In his low rumbly Lirio voice, Eman talks sensually of the wine, then kisses her. More nuzzling and slow kissing on his part, while he seductively murmurs that time doesn’t exist for them.

Brandon is grilling Ilitia about who this woman could be that she says is carrying his bairn. She laughs that they way he slept around, who knows. He tells her no way – if a woman was expecting his child, it would be the most important thing in his life, and he’d never leave her. Really? says Ilitia, brightening. They used protection, so he’s sure the her baby isn’t his – or is it? She just looks at him.

Back to the kissing – Vicky is breathless, afraid she’ll do something foolish, they ought to stop. Go for, it says El Lirio, kissing her some more. She wants to take the blindfold off. In a little bit, he says, more kissing, more flickering candles, swelling music. El Lirio turns and puts his mask back on, then slowly removes her blindfold. She turns to look at him, then says she wants to see who he is before it goes further.

You really don’t know who I am? Look into my eyes, he says. She doesn’t need to tell him his name, just who he is. You are the love of my life, she states. He partially lifts his mask and kisses her. The musicians are really working up a sweat. They sit on the bed, still kissing. The Lirio and Vicky, I mean.

Ilitia tells Brandon that the kid is Eman’s. He thinks she really deep down wishes it was his. She snorts. She admits that she started the rumor, but she did it to bug Consuelo. Brandon is sad, and wonders if she actually wished it were his. She snorts again. He wishes it were, and he wipes his eyes. He strokes her cheek and she softens.

Enter Fedra, coming down the stairs, and that’s the end of our sweet little scene.

Netty tells Emil off for dropping a bomb like that on poor Jose Maria, who could catch another heart attack right there in her living room. She was going to break the news slowly.

JM points out that Emil isn’t divorced, and Fedra’s not going down without one helluva fight. Why, it could takes months… years! Why take something on backorder, when JM is right on the shelf, assembled, and ready to take home? Emil is furious, but JM, wagging a finger in front of him, says he’s not going to steal his life again. Off he goes.

What does that mean? Emil wonders. Netty sympathizes that he doesn’t have long to live and he ought to have a little happiness before he goes. With somebody else! storms Emil. First he’s cozying up to Eman, and now he’s dropping to one knee for Netty. Netty swears he’s a good man. Emil’s cell rings and it’s Gretel, telling him about Javier.

Fedra just knows something’s going on between Brandon and Ilitia. She flies at them. Brandon stops her, reminding her of Ilitia’s delicate state. He leaves, and as soon as he’s out of sight, Fedra grabs Ilitia by the hair, warning her that he’s off limits, and if she doesn’t obey, Fedra will be glad to murder them both.

Things have progressed in the candle-lit getaway. Vicky and the masked Lirio are now horizontal and she swears he’s el hombre de su vida. He calls her his woman, his love, his friend, his lover. He doesn’t want to rush her, though. She tells him to put her blindfold back on and have at it. He warns that he won’t be able to hold back.

Wow, my TV is fogging over. He puts the blindfold back on her, then takes off his mask and starts kissing her, saying hot seductive lines. Steamy stuff! Candles, theme song, and the next thing we know, they’re both nekkid, except for her blindfold and he’s on top of her. Fadeout.

Fedra asks Ilitia if she knows where her husband is. Ilitia asks if she knows where hers is. Fedra tells her that she’s pathetic, taking up with that policeman, just to feel loved. Angry, Ilitia wants to go to her room, but Fedra orders her to stay, then says she’s been wondering how it is that a fellow would prefer sleeping with a disgusting fatty over caressing someone like Ilitia, huh?

Ask my father, says Ilitia, a tear running down her cheek, after all, he slept with you. Good one! says Fedra. I like you better this way, unsheathing your claws.

Jorge wanders in and says there was a meeting at the agency, and Eman and Mari didn’t show up all day. He plops himself on the couch by Ilitia, who is upset to hear that Mari wasn’t with him. Fedra figures that Ilitia’s husband and Jorge’s wife are probably cheating on them at this very moment. Jorge and Ilitia go looking for them.

Bernardo is the next to wander in. He tells Fedra he just found out that none of the money or the agency shares are in Emil’s name.. they’re all in Netty’s. Fedra does some deep breathing.

Jorge calls Doris on her cell to see if Mari’s at the pension, but he gets her at the hospital. He was unaware that Javier was in surgery there, or in fact who Javier is. Anyway, he wants her to put Mari on. Doris says she doesn’t know where she is, but she does know that she’s fine, better than ever in fact. She can’t say who Mari is with, but he’s making her very happy, and she deserves that, she’s sure he will agree. She’s gotta run.

Jorge snaps his phone shut. Both he and Ilitia Suspect.

It’s getting even hotter in the hideaway, many kisses, much lovetalk. Isn’t this private? Should we actually be seeing this stuff? I hope y’all locked up the kiddies, because this isn’t for their innocent eyes.

The Jorge/Ilitia alliance is unraveling. They are both steamed about Mari and Eman. Ilitia says it’s probably her fault – she told Mari that Jorge and Vicki were lovers, which makes Jorge even more steamed. Ilitia tells him that Mari was crying, and if he were man enough, neither Mari nor Vicky would be chasing after Eman. Zing! Ilitia thinks he should beg Mari’s forgiveness. Zing! Jorge tells her Eman thinks she’s pregnant with someone else’s child and he’s definitely going to leave her no matter what. Zing zing! You’re on your own, says Jorge. She slams out.

More kissing in the love nest. Kissing is actually an understatement, but Edna St. V. Millay isn’t helping me this time. Eman thoughtbubbles that he’s sorry, but it was the only way to love (read: make love to) her. To himself, he remembers the first time. Out loud, she marvels that it’s like they were together before.

Fedra absorbs the news about Netty and Emil’s fortune like a body blow. Bernardo reckons Eva must be doing somersaults in her grave. Fedra is amazed that Netty is smarter than she thought – she wasn’t happy with just Emil, she had her eyes all over Chema too. Looks like Netty wins, says Bernardo, smiling wryly. It’s all Bernardo’s fault! None of this would have happened if he had just killed her like she ordered. And now she has her hands on Fedra’s machos and her money too. Bernardo helpfully points out that Netty has Fedra’s children too, because they respect her much more than they do Fedra.

Fedra swears she’s going to take her limb from limb because nobody – nobody! – takes what’s hers. Bernardo just shakes his head.

Netty and Emil show up at the hospital waiting room where Consuelo is – surprise! - weepy and waily and fills them in. Oliver explains that the Lirio paid for the operation. Whadda guy, says Emil.

Ilitia gets a call and thinks it’s her baby, but it’s Mauricio wanting to talk to her. Frightened, she tells him to leave her alone.

The doctor comes out from the operating room and tells them it went great, referring I guess to the operation, not the deposit to his account. Jubilation! Gretel thinks Brandon should stop chasing the Lirio, and Emil mentions his noble mission. Doris says she’s sure el Lirio is happy right now, and there are some wondering looks.

It’s post-amooor time at the hideaway, and Vicky’s is lying tenderly on Eman’s chest. She guesses she’ll find out some other time who he is. He apologies, but said it was the only way for them to be together. More lovetalk, more kisses, more swelling…music.

In Brandon’s office he and Oliver are having a big laugh. Oliver tells Tejeda that he made up with the Love of His Life. Manolo comes in and plants a big one on him. Tejeda congratulates them and tells them that a same-sex marriage will set a great example for everyone, in fact, he wants to be padrino. Some joking about Manolo living as a girl that I didn’t catch, and Tejada thinks he’s going to have an operation. More laughs, and everyone leaves Tejeda confused.

Javier is in his hospital bed, unconscious still, and Consuelo, Netty and Gladiola are overjoyed that the Lirio helped. The two ladies suspect that Netty actually knows him, but fortunately the doctor comes in just then.

Tejeda wonders how money for Javier’s surgery appeared magically. Brandon fumbles around and says he thinks some family member sent it. Tejeda thinks he’s hiding something.

Brandon changes the subject to El Lirio. Tejeda thinks Brandon should watch Vicky, since he has an inside track with her, but Brandon thinks Jose Maria is of more interest.

Javier opens his eyes to see the Lirio, who apparently has made his way from the hospital parking lot, through the lobby, up the elevator and down the halls full of staff. Or maybe he climbed in the window. Or maybe he just changed in the bathroom. Anyway, I’m as amazed as Javier, and I’m not even coming off heavy drugs.

El Lirio tells Javier to go to school, have fun, and be a good fellow. Javier promises, and says he wants to grow up to be like the Lirio. Because El Lirio didn’t think to lock the door, in comes Mari who is stunned to see him. El Lirio! She thoughtbubbles. Mi Gordita Hermosa, he thoughtbubbles.

Nereida brings Ilitia and some coffee and gossips about something, though I couldn’t make it out, maybe something about Jorge being cheated on. Ilitia suddenly has an appetite and orders up a big breakfast. She gives herself a pep talk about needing to keep her fabulous figure. Behind her, Mauricio is approaching. He kisses her cheek, scaring her. He has come to inquire after the paternity of the little tadpole in her abdomen (which, if it has been listening through the walls of the womb all this time, must’ve decided it’s going to cling for all it’s worth to some handy organ and not be squeezed out into a world full of lunatics).

Javier, though fresh off surgery, has more sense than most of the adults in the novela, because he thinks Mari should lock the door. She stares at El Lirio while Javier tells her that his head hurts, but he’s going to be strong because El Lirio is with him. El Lirio pretends not to know who Mari is. Javier introduces them and she smiles and says she’s heard so much about him. Gosh, there are actually 5 people here when you think about it. Javier of course, then there’s Mari and Vicky and Eman and El Lirio. He gallantly kisses her hand.

Delicia is struggling comically with a test in school, and we see lots of cute guys in the room. We can always hope. The teacher gathers up the tests.

Mari thanks El Lirio for all he does, and when Javier tells him how Mari convinced Brandon to let them use the money, El Lirio thanks her. Javier thanks them both, and Mari says it was all the Lirio. She plants a kiss right on his leather mask, and doesn’t stop. This girl is really into leather, I’m telling you. She wraps an arm around his neck.

Avances: Emil tells Jose Maria that if he can win Netty’s love, Emil will back off. But if Emil wins, JM has to disappear. They shake on it. Mauricio gets rough with Ilitia and says they have to talk about how they’re going to raise their child. He covers her mouth and drags her out.

Some different avances on TV, which may be for the last weeks. Kristel sees Mau attacking Ilitia, and pulls a gun on him. The doctor tells Mari she’s pregnant. Etc.

Gran Final: Monday, April 18th.

Labels: llena

A Bloodless Coup

The camera pans upward from trousers to matching suit jacket, and sideswept chignon. Tailored beige silk replaces the standup ruffled collars, the ecclesiastical purple and funereal black. In lieu of the heavy crucifix and rosary, we see a white pearl necklace and matching earrings. “Buenos días” says Doña Demente with smug triumph.

The executives of Casa Victoria gape in horror. Because for all the cosmetic changes – and even Demente’s mouth is different, no longer the color of venous blood, but rather a soft pink, much kinder to the aging complexion -- they know they are staring at the face of Evil. Bernarda in Beige is no less appalling than Bernarda in Black.

The gentlemen rise with reflex courtesy. Demente swaggers to the head of the table where Victoria is seated:
Yo soy la dueña de 51% de las acciones de esta empresa; por lo tanto creo que ese es mi lugar.
(I own 51% of the shares in this company; so I believe that is my seat.)

Victoria yields her place without argument and all take their seats again.


And You Thought She Traveled by Broom…

Ximena is driving in the city when her car’s engine makes a sickening whine. She pulls over, gulps down a handful of pills, and pounds on the steering wheel. Engine still not turning over? Xi can’t understand it -- The old Stop, Gulp and Pound method always works on Max! Then she gets out of the car and props up the hood.

Her attention span is limited, poor thing, and her mind begins to wander -- now that Os knows that Gui is a lying slimeball, she has to get her murder kit back right away, the black wig, the gloves and shades …


If You Knew Bernie Like I Know Bernie…

Fabián doesn’t get it. Bernarda is the mother of a priest. How bad could she be? Max explains that mother and son couldn’t be more different – they’re like water and oil, he says. And Bernarda hates his mother more than anyone in the world. They should never have sold her the shares! They should have looked for another option! Fabián remains maddeningly reasonable. (No wonder Fer – and Nathy! – find him so resistible. The guy is the Neville Chamberlain of the Casa de Modas!) There were no other options, he tells Max.

Max rages on with impotent fury: And then on top of everything -- to think of losing María Desamparada forever, to think of her with another man….


We Gotta Get Outa’ This Place

In their hovel in the vecindad, María and Nathy discuss Osvaldo’s visit. Realizing that Max will soon know about her pregnancy and convinced that Ximena will never leave her alone, María feels the best option is to leave the city and start a new life somewhere else. Nathy won’t let her go alone! The friends hug. Enough tears, says Nathy.

Nathy steps out to talk to Juanjo about little Israel’s baptism tomorrow. Left alone, María cradles her belly and says to her baby within: I would have liked you to grow up with a family, your father at your side, but it wasn’t possible.


El Mundo es un Pañuelo

(Small world! The world is a handkerchief.)

Ximena is standing outside her stalled car trying to call someone on her cell when who should walk up but Alonso del Angel – Angelboy, the hunky photographer guy. Problems again? he asks. It seems life has put us in each other’s path once more – asesina! (murderer!)

I never expected to see you again, says Xi to Angelboy. What are you doing in México? I’m a photographer, he reminds her: I travel all over the world, wherever I feel like going. [Maybe, Angelboy. But your paisley/plaid scarf combo looks like it came straight out of Nathy’s pre-fire closet.]

He feigns surprise that she even remembers him -- the father of her baby, or rather, the father of the baby she killed! Xi persuades him to go somewhere they can talk – she deserves a chance to be heard -- although he warns her that nothing she has to say will change his opinion or make him forgive her for what she did.


At Casa Victoria: The New General Reviews her Troops

Roxana, nose turning browner by the second, happily obliges Demente by removing Victoria’s photos from the wall. Then she marches behind her new leader while Oscar, Pip, Toni and Luci bring up the rear.

In her office, Victoria remarks to Max with ironic resignation:
¿Quién iba a creer que la gran diseñadora Victoria Sandoval se iba a caer de su pedestal para obedecer las ordenes de Bernarda de Iturbide?
(Who would have believed that the great designer, Victoria Sandoval, was going to fall from her pedestal to obey Bernarde de Iturbide’s orders?)

Meanwhile Dementa gets a feel for the runway.


And the Deposed Leader Reassesses her Priorities

Max understands perfectly how his mother feels. He offers to resign – they can all leave and start a new firm. If she started an empire from scratch once, she can do it again! But Victoria has other priorities:
Ojala que fuera tan fácil. Yo ya estoy cansada de lidiar con los problemas. Tengo que aceptar que perdí esta batalla. Ahora, lo que menos me importa es la empresa.
(I wish it were that easy. I’m tired of struggling against problems/fighting. I have to accept that I lost this battle. And right now, the company is the least important thing in my life.)

The fundamental thing is Fer. She needs the best medical care, the best surgical treatment. And that costs a lot of money:
Así que para salvar a Fer, no me importa aceptar los desplantes de Bernarda. Porque mi hija -- mi hija -- va a volver a caminar – al precio que sea!
(So to save Fer, it doesn’t matter if I have to accept Bernarda’s rude behavior – because my daughter – my daughter – is going to walk again, no matter what the cost!)
She continues: For your sister’s sake, I’ll do whatever I have to, even allow Bernarda to humilliate me.


Let’s Call it: “Styles by Savonarola”

The Demente Parade reaches the design studio where Bernarda announces her intention to change the company name. Pipino, at her behest, shows her his most important designs.


Cruz Climbs the Walls

Cruz is pacing outside la Casa Sandoval. He is climbing the walls. No, literally, up he goes, slippery, pointy-toed cowboy boots and all. And he tumbles clumsily and painfully over the windowsill into Fer’s room.
¿Qué quieres, Cruz? asks the thorny little flower, stonily.
¿No te dije que no te quería volver a ver?
(Didn’t I tell you I didn’t want to see you again?
But he finally manages to coax a small smile out of her and gets her to listen to his song:
♫Florecita de mi vida
Eres dueña de mi amor…


Don Napo Defends His Honor

Cut to another singing galán, this one in the vecindad. Don Napo is doing his laundry when Poly and Triny, the coquettish Jarochas (ladies from Veracruz) from the vecindad come by to flirt.
The ladies cross the line when they try to mess with Napo’s undies:
¡No se metan con mis prendas íntimas!
He grabs his drawers and runs.


Rewarded with a Smile

♫Yo no voy a resignarme
Este amor sabrá esperarte
Mientras me de vida Dios!

A tear rolls down Fer’s cheek. Cruz leans in as if to kiss her and then pulls back playfully, eliciting a laugh and an equally playful slap on her part. Baboso! For a moment, her lovely smile eclipses the bruises on her face.


The Bonfire of the Vanities

Pipino isn’t smiling though. Demente doesn’t like his designs or his fabric choices. As Rox smirks in the background, Demente announces:
Esta empresa va a cambiar radicalmente sus diseños.
(This company is going to make radical changes in its designs!)
Demente is scandalized by what she sees: this one is too low-cut in front (escotado); this one shows too much leg; this one has the model’s bellybutton (el ombligo) on display; this one is cut too low in back!

Toni’s attempt to explain that their designs are innovative – indeed, award-winning! -- falls on deaf ears. Demente will decide what is acceptable and what is not; if Pipino doesn’t like it, she’ll find another designer. Me, me, pick me! volunteers Rox eagerly. We’ll see, says Demente. Meanwhile, she’ll bring her own people to supervise, including an immediate supervisor (un jefe inmediato) for Victoria.


El Hábito no Hace al Monje

(The habit doesn’t make the monk. Don’t judge by appearances.)

Osvaldo comes to visit Juan Pablo in his cell-like room in the vecindad. Is it true you’re no longer a priest? he asks. JP explains about the temporary leave.

Os is there looking for the truth. Doña Bernarda said some terrible things about Victoria, he tells JP. Now tell me once and for all:
Is Rodolfo Padilla the father of the child Victoria abandoned in the streets so she wouldn’t get in her way of her ambition? Is it true, father? Who is the father of Victoria’s first daughter?


There Comes a Knock at the Door

Guillermo’s bookish repose is interrupted by an insistent knocking. He makes his painful way to the door, leaning on a cane. It’s the cops! Relax Gui! No corpse-sniffing dogs! No forensic accountants! Just a couple of middle-aged public servants doing their duty.

They seize his unregistered gun (but it’s not mine, he protests – I’m just holding it for a friend, and, you know, in case I need to shoot somebody), hand him a citation (he still has some official explaining to do, they tell him), and warn him not to leave the city.


Ximena, Angelboy and the Politics of Abortion

Xi is the spokesdemon for choice. In a coffee shop in the city, she tells Angelboy that he has no right to reproach her for what she did: It’s her body! And besides -- their relationship wasn’t serious.

The Angel doesn’t see it that way. She had no right to get rid of his child. He would have done anything for that baby. He would have married Ximena and they could have made a home, a family together. (Angel, honey, you might want to ask Max how that’s working out for him.)

Xi thinks he is being ridiculous – why does he keep rehashing something that’s over and done with? Besides, she tells him, what’s the big deal? She’s pregnant again right now.

The Angelboy is impactado. She insisted on talking to him, she hasn’t shown any remorse at all, and now she tells him she’s having a child! Apparently not even another pregnancy has sensitized her or awakened a sense of conscience.
No hay nada más importante en la vida para ti – que primero tú y luego tú y al final tú.
(In your life, there is nothing more important than first you, then you, and finally you.)
I never want to see you again, he says, throwing down money on the table. Ximena rolls her eyes.


Beige Bernarda in the Pink Throne

¡No hay nada como ser dueña y jefa! ¿No lo crees, Victoria?
(There’s nothing like being the owner and the boss! Don’t you agree, Vic?)
With these words, the beige Bernarda sweeps into what was Victoria’s office, assumes the pink throne, and tells Vic to remove all her personal belongings from the desk. Vic humbly obeys. As she is going about picking up her things, Bernarda repeats: Victoria will have a boss that she will answer to directly.

When she is gone, Demente holds up a white porcelain angel and vows:
Ahora sí, ya nadie podrá detenerme. Voy a terminar con Victoria!
(Now no one will be able to stop me. I’m going to finish off Victoria!)


Lies My Mother Told You

Osvaldo’s question is still hanging in the air. Finally Juan Pablo replies. Victoria would never have abandoned her daughter; she was a victim of an accident – she was run over and that’s how she was separated from her child:
Todo lo que te haya contado mi madre -- con un gran dolor, te pido que no le creas porque mi madre odia a Victoria desde hace muchos años.
(Whatever my mother may have told you – and it pains me to say this – I beg you not to believe her because my mother has hated Victoria for many years.)

And, continues Juan Pablo, Rodolfo Padilla is a liar – he is NOT the father of her child. Please, don’t believe the lies they tell you about Victoria. She is a wonderful woman – you didn’t appreciate her. (Y tú no la supiste apreciar.)


The Big Guy’s Humility Evokes Naco Nobility

On his way out of the vecindad, Osvaldo meets up with Juanjo and Milagros. Juanjo asks him rather nastily if he’s come to offer him more money for saving his daughter. You know it’s not like that, Os begins. Milagros interjects: I’m sorry, Mr. Sandoval, but you couldn’t undo all the suffering you caused me and my son – not with all the money in the world.

You’re right, says Osvaldo, and I’m paying in spades (con creces)for all the harm I’ve done to others. I’ve lost my wife’s love and respect. And I have to live with the sad truth that my daughter is an invalid – the accident left her paralyzed.

Your daughter???…This news takes Juanjo and Milagros by surprise and their anger changes to empathy; they express their sorrow and offer their prayers. Os is grateful because:
Entiendo que ni tu lástima me merezco.
(I understand that I don’t even deserve your pity.)

As he walks on, Millie follows him. She assures him that, as a mother, she understands his pain. She’s not a person to hold a grudge. Let’s forget our differences, she says. She’ll pray for his family. A tear rolls down Osvaldo’s cheek as he listens to her words.


Capturing Joy

Alonso del Angel is photographing María and telling her how lovely she looks. You’re such a gentleman, she says. No, he corrects her, he’s being selfish (Lo que soy es todo un egoista):
Estoy tomando toda, toda la alegría de tu maternidad y no la pienso compartir con nadie!
(I’m taking/capturing all the joy of your motherhood – all of it -- and I have no intention of sharing it with anyone!)

Oswaldo puts an arm around Millie’s shoulder: He thanks her. He knows he doesn’t deserve her forgiveness. And Juanjo chimes in:
Mira, señor Sandoval, conmigo tampoco no hay bronca.
(Look, Mr. Sandoval, I’m not mad anymore either, lit: there’s no quarrel with me either.)
They end up shaking hands and wishing each other well.


¡Ay Cruz!

– jardinero, bombero, cantante, guapetón - and now fisioterapeuta! (gardener, firefighter, singer, hunk, physical therapist.)

He and Fer are in the pool and he is exercising her legs – flexing them and extending them in the water as she holds on to the edge. She tires quickly and asks him to get her robe. When he turns his back, she loses her grasp on the pool’s edge, her head goes under and she starts flailing desperately in the water. Cruz jumps in and takes her in his arms. She is frantic -- discouraged and frustrated with herself for being an ‘inútil’ (useless). Cruz won’t hear it: There’s a reason God spared your life!


Blond on Blonde

Max, who is looking noticeably blonder this evening – he positively glows tonight -- lays down the law to Doña Demente, who also seems to be walking on the blonde side after an encounter with the hightlight fairy. He recognizes that she is the majority shareholder but he demands respect for his mother; he won’t let anyone humilliate her.

She has no intention humilliating anyone, she says. She is just trying to figure out when the business started to go south. Well Max can tell her that – it was when Victoria was struggling with family problems. You mean when your father took a lover? says Demente. That’s personal and no one outside the family has any right to talk about it, he tells her.

You’re wrong, replies Demente, since it was because of your father’s sin that sales began to go down. And if your mother had taken refuge in her work instead of locking herself in her room and crying – well, things would have been very different. But here’s the result of her weakness and self-indulgence. She lost her business!

Max is very sure that she will recover it promptly.

Really? How? Demente doesn’t like people who waste time, she tells him. She dismisses him with instructions not to come back unless she sends for him. It’s been a pleasure talking with you, he smiles bitterly, and leaves.

No más lágrimas, Victoria tells herself. No más lágrimas. (No more tears.) And she’s not selling baby shampoo, folks.
Si Bernarda quiere guerra, por mi hija juro que guerra tendrá!
(If Bernarda wants war, then she’ll have it! I swear to it, by my daughter!)

Cue the kayak.

Labels: triunfo

Caray still needs recappers for this telenovela; if you're interested, email Melinama at caray@mappamundi.com

Many thanks to Vivi for this recap!

-At the university Teresa does her best to lower Aurora’s assessment of Mariano by pointing out that he is NOT a student at the university, that he is poor, and that he’s taxi driver and flighty jack of all trades. None of this seems to matter to Aurora, she keeps staring at him with stars in her eyes. Mariano returns the starry gaze, while alternating staring daggers at Teresa. Teresa needles Aurora by bringing up her mother’s death, even though Aurora doesn’t like to talk about it (another things she and Mariano have in common). Mariano is super excited to hear Aurora is studying medicine, as it is noble work helping others. But he does not mention this is what he was studying, or that he used to be a college student at all. He gives her his taxi service card and tells her she can call him any time for anything. When he leaves, Teresa tries to twist the knife a bit more by telling Aurora that Mariano is in love with her (Teresa). So in addition to the fact that he’s a poor guy her father will never accept, he has no interest in Aurora. Teresa come out of devious mode, and is genuinely proud of her friend, when Aurora says Mariano’s enthusiasm for medicine convinced her that she must tell her father today that becoming a doctor is not for her.

-Rosita and Johnny decide to become officially (secret) novios and seal it with a kiss. Rosita has one of her fainting spells in the middle of the kiss. Johnny insists in taking her to the doctor. She refuses, not wanting anything to get in the way of her competing in the gymnastics tournament. She makes Johnny promise not to tell anyone. When her father comes upon them and becomes suspicious about them looking so cozy, Johnny spills the beans about Rosita’s fainting spells. Now Armando is determined for Rosita to go to the doctor and to cool it with the gymnastics. Rosita is ticked off at Johnny.

-Mariano interrupts Teresa’s studying at home (but she makes sure her boobs are pushed up and she is in “sexy studying” pose) to reproach Teresa for trying to make him look bad in front of Aurora. He accuses her of being jealous and points out that, unlike her, he’s proud of his humble roots.

-Ruben is determined that Esperanza remain his mistress on call. He does not want her to work, and reminds her how difficult it was for them to see each other when she used to work. Between her job, her family and her sick brother, there would be no time for him. Booh, frickin hoo! Instead he gives her more money and the name of a doctor for her brother. Esperanza convinces the nice doctor to not only do a house visit, but to also not dispel her family’s belief that he’s a friend of hers from the hospital where she supposedly works. He gives her brother a shot and says it will alleviate some of the symptoms for now, but he really should be brought in for more tests. Esperanza’s mom is happy that her daughter’s “friend” would do this “favor.” While she is out of site, Esperanza pays the doctor his fee of 600 pesos for the visit. Mariano sees this exchange.

-We find out that the favor Teresa asked Arturo was to come to her house, speak to her parents, and convince them to accept the offer. Mariano sees him and gives him a hard time. He’s shocked to hear Teresa already accepted his “offer” (these people really need to get their minds out of the gutter). Refugio is so pissed, she nearly strikes Teresa. Armando is more open to hear what the professor has to say. The professor convinces Armando, and Armando makes him swear that he doesn’t have any other intentions with his daughter. Armando accepts the deal, as silent and sullen Refugio looks on. Armando prays to the family altar for Teresa’s success. Refugio prays that Teresa continues to know her place. Teresa says she does indeed know her place—THE BEST. (You go girl!)

-Aurora goes to her father’s(Hector) office to tell him about her change in major. She manages to say she is scared of blood. He brushes that off as normal. He was the same. Time and experience will take care of that. In fact, he’ll arrange soon for her to see an actual surgery in action. Oh goody! Aurora is bowled over by his enthusiasm and chickens out of telling him. Later that evening at home, Hector sees that Aurora is pensive and asks what’s up. She explains that she likes a boy, who likes someone else. Hector sees no problem with this. The other girl has no interest in him. He’s single and Aurora is single. She should go for it! Aurora clutches Mariano’s card and looks like she’s taking dad’s advice to heart.

-The vecinidad throws an impromptu party to celebrate Teresa going to the good university. Mariano has to be practically dragged to the party by his father (Ramon). It is clear that Ramon, Juana, and just about everyone else in the vecinidad want Mariano and Teresa to get back together. Later, a very pleased with herself Teresa gets Mariano to admit he was jealous of the professor. He gets her to admit that she was jealous of Aurora. They both admit that they still love each other. And then we finally get a long, lingering, scorching KISS.

One more thing I forgot, that might be important later-- Ruben gives Esperanza a cell phone (having a cell phone is a big deal for poor people) so that she can really be his "call girl." Esperanza tells Teresa how Ruben doesn't want her to work, and about his paying for the doc to see her brother. Teresa still thinks that Esperanza needs to be able to support herself, and should work. She suggests that Esperanza get a part time job-- being a home care nurse for an old or sick person (very good idea). Esperanza likes the idea and thinks she could do it on the weekends, since that's the time Ruben spends with his family and she never sees him then.

Labels: Teresa

Capitulo 281.
Read k-Fuego’s original recap, then come back here to discuss it.

1. Fernando finds Lety’s house is unlocked. He remembers her birthday party and explores her bedroom. He wishes he could touch her dreams.

2. We see Omar and Caro, both pensive afterwards.

3. Alicia gets a big plasma TV. She refuses to go to Lety’s and he threatens to leave her for good. The thought of being homeless again convinces her to go with him.

4. The cuartel waits for TBLMOE at the restaurant. Irma calls Fernando because she’s worried for him. He’s at Plaza Garibaldi, but he says he’s going to move far away. She leaves the dinner to go be with him. Juana decides to join her. Paula says, “Don Fernando needs us.” The others follow.

5. Aldo, Aldad, and Lety arrive at her house for the engagement dinner. MamaJ serves Chiles en Nogada, a Puebla specialty. They talk a lot of nothing.

6. Fernando sings “Ella” with the mariachis. He serves them tequila but doesn’t drink any himself. The cuartel arrives and he thanks them for their support. He says Lety is getting married, and this is his first night of an eternity of suffering. He wants to take a serenade to show Lety he loves her more than Aldo. They get there but the cuartel convinces him to send the mariachis home, and they leave too.


7. Fern writes Lety a message on the sidewalk. He knows it’s wrong, but he just has to tell her how he feels. He gets home and is surprised to see Teresita there. He doesn’t want to tell the details of the show, nor is he in the mood to entertain, so he goes to bed.

8. Omar reluctantly leaves Caro’s house. He actually forgot about Aurora. Caro wonders if she’ll just be like all his other women.



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9. Aldo and Lety find Fern’s message outside, “Lety, I desire for you to be happy.” Aldo throws a full scale tantrum, accusing Fern of blackmailing her. Lety sees nothing wrong with what Fern did, which only makes Aldo madder. Lety thinks Aldo is being petty, getting so angry at such a little thing. Lety even stands and talks like a grown woman, but only for a moment.
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10. A “Just Married” car drives by and wipes out Fernando’s message, and Julieta catches the symbolism. Baby Lety returns, GSNAK.

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Capitulo 282.
Read Alma’s original recap, then come back here to discuss it.

1. What a funny scene! Omar sings and dances around. Fern thinks Omar scored with Aurora. Omar does not confirm nor deny, and the men dance and sing together.





2. In her dream, Aurora tells Fern that Aurora has to disappear. She’s afraid Aldo will think that she plays Aurora so she can be with Fern. He turns and it’s actually Aldo who asks, “Isn’t that the case?” Fern confirms, “Lety dresses as Aurora to seduce me.” Lety insists she loves Aldo. Fern solves the problem – Aldo can have Lety and he’ll take Aurora. Lety wails, “No! Lety and Aurora are the same!” She wakes up and asks God, “Who am I?” I’m guessing she’s not Jean Valjean.

3. Omar passes Aurora in the lobby without noticing her. The elevator door closes in Aurora’s face. Omar looks for an excuse to go back to Caro’s house.

4. Inocencio has a huge nose and yellow crooked teeth. He says his only charge is a kiss. Aurora takes offense – doesn’t he recognize her class? Yes, she has no heart. He removes the nose and teeth and then she wants a kiss, but no. He departs from the script and says his mission is to find where love is. He tells Aurora to remove her mask too.


5. Luigi tells Aurora to portray a burning desire to kiss Inocencio. They have to lock in a passionate gaze. Lety aces that assignment! So well, that she scares herself and runs away.

6. Fern tells Omar that Lety should teach Aurora how to flirt because she’s the master. Auroralety tells Tom and Caro that she can’t act that way in front of Fernando.

7. The cuartel disputes whether to tell Aldo that Fern brought Lety a serenade. Sara thinks it will make Aldo leave, and then Fern can win Lety. Paula says Lety loves Aldo. Irma says no, Lety’s confused.

8. Aldo arranges a yacht to hold the wedding on. Heaven forbid he should let Lety decide anything.

9. Omar says he finally understands what Fern meant when he said how special it was, making love to Lety. Fern confirms, she gave herself with love, and he felt her love in every kiss and every caress. Omar says he experienced the same thing with Carolina. Caro tells Lety that it was something special with Omar. Lety says Omar didn’t even notice Aurora that morning. Caro is afraid to get her hopes up.

10. Sara tells Aldo about the serenade. Marta says, “Don’t you think Lety should end up with Fernando?” Aldo replies, “I promise that Lety will end up with the man she deserves. I promise.”

11. Luigi tells the actors, “Great! I just need one more thing. A kiss on the lips.” Both are stunned.

Preview for Tuesday

Labels: fea-2010